Archived News for Finance Sector Professionals - February, 2019
Progressive activist group GetUp has been declared independent of political parties.
Major Manus contract questioned
The Department of Home Affairs says “urgent” circumstances led it to award a $400 million contract in a closed tender, but denies it was “desperate”.
Call to change 'sneaky' fees
The Federal Government says it is cracking down on “sneaky” late power payment fees.
Decryption laws lead some offshore
Some big names in Australian tech have called for urgent changes to controversial anti-encryption laws.
'Big stick' hanging back
The Prime Minister Scott Morrison says the government is committed to its “big stick” energy policy, despite choosing not to bring it on for a vote in parliament.
Ex-ATO figure found not guilty
A former ATO deputy commissioner has been found not guilty of misusing his position to benefit his son.
Closed doors on Manus deal
The Federal Government did not run an open tender process for $423 million worth of contracts for security Manus Island.
Corruption alleged in NT water deal
There are calls for an inquiry into a $10 million taxpayer-funded investment in a Northern Territory bottled water company.
R&D incentive plan probed
An inquiry has found the Federal Government should delay its plan to restrict R&D incentives.
Minerals Council wants green reform
The peak mining lobby says Australia’s resources sector is becoming too over-regulated to invest in.
Regional migrant road shortened
A new Federal Government plan will see migrants fast-tracked to regional areas.
WorkPac faces casual case
Mining labour firm WorkPac has been hit with an estimated $84 million class action.
Insider aids big sub deal
Reports say a close ally of PM Scott Morrison helped finalise Australia $50 billion submarine deal.
Optus hit with $10m fine
Optus has been fined $10 million for misleading customers over digital purchases.
Guilty plea in AMP grift
A former AMP contractor has pleaded guilty to illegally access of personal details of customers.
Bank report leaks alleged
Federal Labor wants an inquiry into potential leaks of the banking royal commission report.
CSIRO questions carbon stats
CSIRO has raised concerns that Australia is overstating its emissions reductions.
Liberal link in tax attacks
There are calls for Liberal MP Tim Wilson to be sacked following alleged conflicts of interest over an inquiry into a Labor policy.
'Fame tax' faces hurdles
The Federal Government is looking to tax celebrities, sportspeople and entrepreneurs on money earned through their “fame or image”, but could face some challenges.