Archived News for Finance Sector Professionals - November, 2013
State governments will be eligible for massive incentives to sell-off their assets, under a new scheme announced by Federal Treasurer Joe Hockey this week.
Female execs bring price drops, the more the better
Companies save money on acquisitions for each female board member doing the buying, a new study says.
Hockey says he won't sell the farm for now
Federal Treasurer Joe hockey has announced he will prohibit the foreign acquisition of 100 per cent of major Australian agricultural company GrainCorp.
Leak pokes holes in NBN cost and capability
A leaked internal report by NBN Co says the Liberal government’s plan will make less money and cost more, reports say.
Schools await resurrection as Gonski goes underground
At the end of a tumultuous week for Australia’s education system it is clear that the ‘Gonski’ funding model is gone, but unclear as to what will replace it.
Stats show poor state down south
Tasmania has recorded a period of negative growth, with the latest figures showing the ailing state may be in a recession.
Boom enters calmer phase, some look for new fields
A key government authority has said for the first time that the resources boom is winding down, at the same time as a new study says most Australians did not benefit from it.
Greens push to button-down back door
A member of the New South Wales Legislative Council says a loophole exists allowing unlimited amounts of money to be donated to candidates in local government elections, asking the Government to close “the backdoor”.
Online tax call falls to states
The verdict is down to state governments to decide whether more GST should be collected from online purchases, and minds should be made up by March.
CEFC points to high cost of collapse, no returns
The Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) has defended its own existence, as the Federal Government continues its plan to shut-down the renewable-energy investor.
Unions look for careful planning in visa reform
The Australian Council of Trade Unions has proposed a re-assessment of certain visa rules, in an effort to help the very youngest members of the workforce.
Double-barrel build to link Abbot with Galilee
With partial approval recently given to Queensland’s Abbot Point coal port terminal expansions, GVK Hancock and Aurizon have announced a plan to start building the rail infrastructure that will move millions of tonnes from the Galilee Basin to coastal ports.
Console launch moves a million
Microsoft has launched its latest video-gaming console, the X-Box One, and managed to sell over one million units in the first 24 hours.
Paid parental change hands the bag to Centrelink
Legislation has been put before the House of Representatives which is intended to make it easier for business to work within the paid parental leave scheme.
Eels deal re-think for Uni disunion
The University of New England may reconsider its sponsorship deal with the Parramatta Eels NRL team, after the club sign a deal with another sponsor that the University does not abide.
Greater powers granted to fill holes in NSW
The New South Wales Government now has the ability to revoke certain mining licences, after plumping up its powers to cancel corrupt approvals.
RBA mulls stepping in, taking talk war to next level
The Reserve Bank’s verbal assault on the Australian dollar continues, with RBA governor Glenn Stevens last night indicating the bank might be forced to intercede to drive the dollar down.
WA Opposition says school cuts are clear
The Western Australian Opposition says recent Government figures are evidence that it plans to cut over $100 million from the state’s education budget this year.
Miners say they pay the bills, even without MRRT boosts
As the Minerals Resource Rent Tax (MRRT) is collapsed by the Government’s repeal bill, the Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) has launched a report claiming it contributes billions to local communities regardless of the tax.
Packing up taxes empties desks back at the Office
The Australian Tax Office says it will have to shed up to 900 jobs due to the federal Government’s moves to repeal carbon and mining taxes.
Watchdog wants new tag, bigger teeth
Tasmania's Integrity Commission wants to take on certain police powers to enhance its corruption investigations.