Archived News for Finance Sector Professionals - February, 2014
West Australian farmers are taking legal action against ANZ, accusing the bank of ‘predatory’ and ‘unethical’ practices.
Global schooling challenge charge taken by ex-PM
A former Australian Prime Minister will lead a program aimed at educating the world's poorest children.
Rio sees results from cuts, will continue while write downs still hurt
Rio Tinto’s cost-cutting measures will continue, but a surge in earnings has been proof they are effective.
Stats become platform for broad calls
The latest unemployment stats have already been used as evidence for a number of political stands, including calls for new budgetary considerations and industrial relations reform.
Dodgy doctors to face fraud charge
Some Queensland doctors may have to front the Crime and Misconduct Commission over allegations of fraud.
Hockey shows off size of his cuts to inspire smaller nations
Federal Treasurer Joe Hockey has let a Wall Street Journal reporter in on the scale of cuts, sales and savings the Government intends to make, which may soon see the nation's power poles in foreign hands.
Small state's economy sees big drop in forecast
Tasmania’s economic situation has darkened in the last year, with the latest reports saying it is leaking money at an increasing rate.
Tax and charities taste first cuts, offers to use the door
Staff members in sections of federal departments have been offered voluntary redundancies, which some say shows the ineffectiveness of ‘natural attrition’.
Probe launched for deep look into unions
The Prime Minister has launched a Royal Commission into union governance and corruption across a range of industries, with terms of reference set to string up dodgy workplace practice nationwide.
Rock scan pays off in spades
A university project using advanced technologies to look for crude oil has sold for $76 million.
Electronic losses lead to sale and sacking
Sony’s failure in the PC market has led to big losses for the electronics giant, which must now cut thousands of jobs to stay alive.
Energy bosses want extra options for new direction
The entire $120 billion energy industry wants its own set of options in the government’s Direct Action policy, asking to be exempt from the bulk of new laws.
Super leaders want help from outside the fold
The heads of some union-backed superannuation funds have made a surprising announcement, saying they would like more independent outsiders on their executive teams.
$70 mil for self-owned schools seen as unhelpful distraction
Seventy million dollars will be spent in an effort to convert 25 per cent of public schools to the Independent Public School model, with Federal Education Minister Christopher Pyne now announcing a special ambassador to help make it happen.
ACCC moves to unnatural funds after numbers fail to fall
Leaders of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission are feeling strapped for cash, admitting that ‘natural attrition’ has not thinned its numbers, and it needs more money for redundancies.
Baby tax change could bring bonus on return
The Tax Institute of Australia says there are a range of benefits that would come from making child care tax deductible.
$6 billion dollar industry at risk from cheap environmental choice
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority has, after “rigorous assessment”, approved the disposal of dredge spoil within the Marine Park, making only minor requests in the granting of the dredge permit.
Big bump for online housing lister
Some insiders are unsure what to make of a big jump in profits for an online real estate advertiser.
Seeds planted for farm bank plan, no word on sprout times
A Federal Government Minister is pushing for billions of dollars to help workers toiling in some of the worst conditions for decades, and it looks like the Prime Minister is keen to help too.
Two hundred cases do not justify charity watchdog
The public sector union says no good will come from the Federal Government decision to scrap the Australian Charities and Not-For-Profits Commission.
Crypto-currency pinned for hard cash transfer
Soon, adopters of the much-touted yet highly-confusing new currency 'Bitcoin', will be able to convert their digital dollars to Australian hard currency from the convenience of an ATM.