This Month
Tech visa lobby foots bill for Andrew Bragg’s Christmas bash
It’s less glamorous than the Hemmes-sponsored party of 2023, but at least anyone interested in skilled migration or international student caps was happy.
- Hannah Wootton
January
Prudential watchdog must release secret Cbus review: advice
New advice from the clerk of the Senate argues APRA has no grounds to keep the critical review secret from parliament.
- Lucas Baird
December 2024
Cbus says $387,000 birthday party was in members’ interests
The industry fund used money earmarked for staff professional development to host a 40th birthday bash for more than 750 guests
- Hannah Wootton
Barrenjoey stokes political debate over APRA’s home-lending policy
The investment bank says a Coalition-led Senate committee report last month – challenging the prudential regulator on first home buyers – “appears logical”.
- James Eyers
November 2024
Crumlin had ‘extensive experience’ in super before getting Cbus job
Construction industry super fund chairman Wayne Swan has defended CFMEU-appointee Paddy Crumlin’s suitability to help oversee its $94 billion in retirement savings.
- Hannah Wootton
Coalition wants to dilute lending laws to pump up first home buyers
An opposition inquiry will call for an overhaul of how banks and the prudential regulator treat prospective first homebuyers.
- Michael Read
Coalition attacks Treasury’s failure to produce crypto protection laws
More than a year has elapsed since Financial Services Minister Stephen Jones promised crypto regulation, leaving gaping holes as more Australians pile into bitcoin and digital coins.
- James Eyers
Senate demands answers from Wayne Swan on Cbus scandal
It comes as Cbus faces a reckoning over its customer service and governance and after the fund tried to dodge earlier requests to appear before the Senate.
- Hannah Wootton
Big Super’s reckoning has arrived
After 32 years of guaranteed inflows from workers and scant scrutiny, the $3.9 trillion industry faces customer fury over service, unclear investment practices and questionable governance.
- Hannah Wootton
- Exclusive
- Superannuation
AustralianSuper pays members back $4.2m over claims handling delays
The industry super giant is voluntarily compensating the loved ones of deceased members after an overhaul of its claims handling processes imposed tough new timelines.
- Hannah Wootton
Wayne Swan’s Cbus dodging Senate’s invitations
Even a month isn’t enough notice for the $94 billion superannuation fund, which is admittedly busy dealing with several headaches.
- Hannah Wootton
October 2024
- Opinion
- The AFR View
Supply is the only fix for housing affordability
The fuss over the prime minister’s house purchase has highlighted the housing crisis in ways the government would not have wanted.
- The AFR View
WiseTech’s Richard White slips into witness protection
The tech billionaire had a secret wedding amid his legal stoush with an alleged former lover.
- Mark Di Stefano
NAB no longer hosting Richard White
No man is an island – not even a billionaire. All have some vulnerability to the headlines, even when seemingly determined to ride them out.
- Myriam Robin
WiseTech’s Richard White not hiding from the headlines
White’s oration will surely be like this year’s Business Council speeches, only if delivered by a man presently trying to bankrupt his alleged ex-lover.
- Myriam Robin
September 2024
- Exclusive
- Home loans
Own home becoming ‘just for rich’: Coalition weighs lending overhaul
Housing has become a key battleground for the major parties, as record prices and high interest rates combine to significantly reduce affordability.
- Michael Read
- Opinion
- Perth
Why Albanese is talking big in WA
The Albanese cabinet is trying to prop up its electoral standing in Western Australia with the promise of new jobs and economic opportunities. The resources sector is highly sceptical of Labor’s agenda.
- Jennifer Hewett
August 2024
Push to ban Cbus from housing affordability scheme because of CFMEU links
Senator Andrew Bragg says the move is needed to protect taxpayer funds from the lawbreaking union until it is out of administration.
- Hannah Wootton
‘Political roadkill’: why Labor can’t get credit for its $32b housing plan
Newly appointed Housing Minister Clare O’Neil says the causes of the supply crisis facing Australian families are more complicated than legislation in parliament. She has a plan to break the deadlock.
- Tom McIlroy
- Opinion
- White collar crime
The case for splitting ASIC
Australia needs a dedicated financial industry conduct regulator, rather than a securities regulator that regulates everything.
- Andy Schmulow