Archived News for Finance Sector Professionals - June, 2014
A prominent Australian banking boss has been awarded an honorary doctorate for her ongoing philanthropic investment in education.
Big bad advice could bring inquiry knocking
A parliamentary inquiry has prompted loud calls for a royal commission into banks and financial planning, but the Finance Minister says it is being covered already.
Chief-swapping leaves top Health spot open
A bit of high-end musical chairs for federal public servants, with moves at the top of the Finance, Treasury and Health departments.
Loan change lets lenders take less
The rules on payday loan are being tightened, because the Federal Government says providers are going over the cap on costs.
Globe-trotting government needs questioned
Outrage is stirring over the amount that Victorian councils spend on overseas travel for councillors.
Power sale red-light reversed to let AGL buy bigger
The Australian Competition Tribunal will allow the sale of New South Wales power assets, overturning an ACCC decision.
Strike foreseen over cuts and 9 minutes' work
An extra nine minutes of work per day could be the final straw for embattled staff at the Australian Tax Office.
Big mining money swap reported, disputed
The mining industry is hugely responsible for economic prosperity in Australia, but a new report says there is a big cost when states choose to dig.
Big billions give GE power in France
One of the world’s best-known companies will buy a power outfit for over $17 billion.
ACCC could revive ATM agreement
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is looking to reauthorise an agreement allowing a network of ATM providers to not charge each other’s cardholders a fee for transactions.
Advice adjustments restore small incentive
The Finance Minister says changes to legislation will mean advisers will be able to receive “incentive payments”, not commission.
Latest leaks show talks toward big offshore banks
A confidential Trade in Services Agreement document has been published by WikiLeaks, showing that Australia, the United States, the European Union and 20 other large and small countries have been discussing unprecedented mutual access to each other’s financial service sectors.
Use down, cost up in latest energy stats
Australian households use four per cent less electricity than they did four years ago, but the value of that electricity has risen, new statistics say.
Corruption checks launched over Transport moves
Victoria's corruption watchdog is looking into claims of dodgy dealing at the Department of Transport.
Independence questioned as funds follow party lines
There are accusations of extreme political pandering being thrown at the Federal Government, after it was revealed that it has so far funded projects in LNP electorates at a rate about three times higher than others.
Local tier's big call to bring back Federal help
A conference this week has brought together many of the people who bring real government to peoples’ everyday lives.
Scam toll shows size of online grift
Australians were scammed out of $89 million last year, with the latest stats showing the digital con-jobs fleecing thousands of people every year.
Jobs rate looks rough, could hit retail twice
Australia's overall jobless rate has stabilised but worrying trends are emerging in youth employment.
Payday lenders ply trade where times are toughest
Payday lenders clearly target cash-strapped residents in poorer suburbs, a new study has shown.
Profit possible in science of decision
Experts will discuss the economic goldmine that is the brain at a talk in Sydney this week.
Gov. goes 'Yes' on power sale, fails expert checks
One expert has slammed the New South Wales Government’s plan for a partial sale of the electricity network.