This Month
- Analysis
- US Votes 2024
The lessons in Trump’s victory for Albanese
Despite many indicators pointing to a period of economic strength, America’s working class did not feel well served by the Democrats and voted for change.
‘I apologise’: McKenzie reveals 16 free flight upgrades
With the media focused on the US presidential election late on Wednesday, Coalition transport spokeswoman Bridget McKenzie updated her register of interests.
- Updated
- Exclusive
- Scandal
McKenzie failed to declare more than a dozen free flight upgrades
Pressure has been mounting on Senator Bridget McKenzie since it was revealed last week she had written to Qantas, Virgin and Regional Express for more details.
- Exclusive
- Online gambling
V’landys slams gambling probe, claims NRL betting is least damaging
Peter V’landys doubled down on past claims racing and sports betting are less harmful than lotteries and slammed all 31 recommendations of the parliamentary inquiry.
- Exclusive
- Mergers & acquisitions outlook
ACCC boss implores Coalition, Greens to back merger laws
Gina Cass-Gottlieb calls it the “most critical law change they are going to have to make a decision on in the life of this parliament”.
- Exclusive
- Political lobbying
Rex donated thousands of dollars in free flights to political parties
The regional airline, which is now under administration, flew party officials for no cost during the last two election campaigns, disclosures show.
October
- Analysis
- Scandal
Inside Qantas’ revolving door with Parliament House
The flight upgrade saga engulfing politics this week has shone a light on the grey areas in which political staffers, lobbyists and government regulations executives operate.
Dutton admits soliciting free ride on Rinehart’s jet, backs McKenzie
The opposition leader says his office asked to use the mining magnate’s private jet and supports the changing tunes of his transport spokeswoman.
- Exclusive
- Scandal
Bridget McKenzie launches flight upgrade inquiry – into herself
Senator McKenzie said she had only received one Qantas upgrade but is now reviewing her travel history after the AFR asked about specific flights.
Albanese says he never called Qantas boss for flight upgrades
The leadership of the newly established National Anti-Corruption Commission, including Commissioner Paul Brereton, have been given access to Qantas’ invite-only Chairman’s Lounge.
- Updated
Albanese faces calls for probe into flight upgrades
David Pocock and Peter Dutton have both called for a probe into whether Anthony Albanese breached the ministerial code of conduct while he was transport minister.
- Exclusive
- Federal election
Albanese did not declare Qantas flight upgrades given to his ex-wife
The prime minister did not declare upgrades gifted to his former wife on flights they took for personal travel to Europe, Los Angeles and Honolulu.
Chalmers flags crackdown on tax refunds for pokie makers
ASX-listed poker machine giant Aristocrat had a research and development budget of $22.1 million in 2021-22, according to the ATO data released earlier this month.
- Exclusive
- Mergers & acquisitions
ACCC to target liquor, pathology, cancer clinics in merger crackdown
The bulk of private equity transactions in Australia will also receive greater scrutiny due to ACCC worries serial acquisitions and roll-ups are flying under the radar.
- Exclusive
- Government grants
Coalition, Labor both promised $50m to this business. No one knows why
During the last election the major parties pledged funds to a run-down Hobart zinc smelter without proper advice. This is why it matters.
Why investors still have ‘great opportunity’ on the net zero path
Despite higher interest rates, foreign currency fluctuations and commodity price volatility, investors still see Australia as set for “a rapid amount of growth”.
Bank ban on gas at odds with net zero transition: energy CEOs
Rob Wheals, CEO of the Andrew Forrest owned Squadron Energy, says debanking gas projects is “a problem” given how important it is to underpinning renewables.
- Exclusive
- Online gambling
NRL, AFL personally lobbied Anthony Albanese against gambling ad ban
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and NRL chairman Peter V’landys have been singing from the same songbook when it comes to gambling advertising. New details suggest why.
- Exclusive
- Legal industry
Let us pay barristers more, ASIC–ACCC chiefs urge Labor
Junior silks can command up to $9500 a day from commercial clients, but only about $2730 from the government, a situation two watchdogs want to change.
Labor to amp up household battery plan with low-interest loans
Clean energy advocates believe Labor is preparing to offer taxpayer-backed loans at the next election, in a plan designed to drive household electrification.