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Liam Walsh

July

n 2020, there was a global rush to secure masks to try to restrict the spread of COVID-19 – some of the results were far from satisfactory.

Importers got rich on COVID masks; the shipment’s still on the dock

When COVID-19 erupted around the world, the race was on to secure masks and gowns. Middlemen were in lucrative taxpayer deals, even one which went awry.

Reinsurance industry stabilising: Suncorp’s Steve Johnston.

Suncorp dumps Warren Buffett insurance-protection deal

The decade-long arrangement had split the risks and rewards of the insurer’s exposure to weather in Queensland, covering 30 per cent of its home policies.

Terri Irwin: At 60, would she retire?

How Terri Irwin defied pundits with debt-free success

The wildlife warrior discusses business strategies that helped Australia Zoo navigate the shock death of her husband – and the zoo’s frontman – Steve.

Zinc from the Century Mine in north Queensland is at the centre of the stoush.

Zinc miner’s $30m deductions claim sinks in royalties stoush

Queensland Supreme Court rejects attempts to claim expenses for managing a transport vessel – before a management agreement started.

June

Corporate Travel Management boss Jamie Pherous.

Corporate Travel boss lends to exec he once gave $13m in shares to

Jamie Pherous had previously transferred stock to the company’s former executive director for no consideration to help with her “health challenges”.

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The market’s focus will turn to deal integration, but Shayne Elliott says the task is one of customer migration.

ANZ boss says Suncorp ‘migration’ can avoid Westpac’s St George pain

Shayne Elliott insists he’s learnt from Westpac’s failure to integrate St George, while Suncorp’s Steve Johnston says he can now focus fully on insurance.

“Pricing relief”: IAG CEO Nick Hawkins

IAG says premium pressure easing as shares soar on profits

Shares in IAG jumped on Friday as the insurance giant announced that earnings were likely to come in at the top of forecasts.

AACo says CEO Dave Harris gave a presentation highlighting an “inclusive” workplace.

AACo admits to sacking whistleblower who sent ‘unsafe’ warning

The beef giant has meanwhile denied running a “No PC” policy that a former manager had alleged raised safety concerns for young staff.

Scott Malcolm, who is in dispute with his insurer about repairs to his home after two years.

Bad repairs and blacked-out costs: when insurance claims turn ugly

Stuff-ups and a rapid acceleration in claims expenses are the hallmarks of boiling customer frustration with insurers, who are also facing higher costs.

Patrick Farrugia.

Gold Coast prequel to Star’s Hard Rock overture

A storm erupted last month about Hard Rock’s ties to a deal for casino operator Star. This was not the first time such perplexity had emerged, it can be revealed.

May

IAG is battling two lawsuits now in a dispute over pricing models and discounts.

IAG hit with discounting class action in latest legal headache

The insurance giant says it will defend the Slater and Gordon lawsuit alleging that customers were duped about discounts.

The consortium claimed Hard Rock International was fully aware of its proposal.

Star Entertainment suitor claims it kept Hard Rock in the loop

Two firms – HDI-BB and Hotel Development International – confirmed on Monday that they approached Star in March with a turnaround strategy.

Mark Swanepoel during his Super Rugby days.

You’re no Afterpay: judge finds payday loans breached law

The findings against the lending scheme, which involved a former Super Rugby player, came despite claims of similarity to buy now, pay later operations.

  • Updated
Taylor Swift performed for packed crowds in Melbourne.

Brutal economics behind city’s Taylor Swift snub

When the Eras Tour was announced last year, some cities were in, and some out. Even a premier was texting about it.

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Zach Galifianakis’ character Alan also had a wild experience starting at Hard Rock.

The Star suitor and the fight over home in exclusive suburb

There hasn’t been confusion like this around casinos since “The Hangover”.

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Hard Rock operates dozens of venues around the world.

Brisbane developer emerges at centre of Star’s Hard Rock mystery

The Florida-based entertainment giant said it had not authorised its name for use, despite Star telling investors it had received a proposal.

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Raj Naran, agreed to relinquish long-term bonus incentives.

ALS CEO gave up $6m bonus after backlash

The former chief executive relinquished up to $6 million in potential bonuses following a shareholder backlash against pay at the Brisbane-based testing giant.

Big bosses from left: NAB CEO  Andrew Irvine, Wesfarmers managing director Rob Scott, CSR CEO Julie Coates, Harvey Norman executive chairman Gerry Harvey.

CEOs to Labor: inflation still needs to be tamed

Measures to lift housing supply are being partly applauded, but a heavier push on curbing inflation seems to be missing in a two-speed economy.

Betting on wagyu sales: AACo CEO David Harris.

Beef giant’s earnings dip but CEO says there’s ‘strong demand’

The beef giant saw a drop in profits as rivals pushed more meat onto the market and costs rose.

  • Updated

Firstmac hack deepens, credit card data stolen

The theft of credit card details has raised concerns about the Brisbane-based lender’s security and encryption standards.

Original URL: https://www.afr.com/by/liam-walsh-h1dpl9