Yesterday
Labor still lacks real aviation competition policy
The proposal to turn nationalised Rex into TWU Airlines is another sign that Labor remains all too open to political interventions in the aviation sector to suit vested interests.
This Month
Cass-Gottlieb fires warning shot at big telco, energy players
The competition watchdog will keep a sharp eye on the retail sector, but also other essential services such as telecommunications and energy.
Red tape slashed for home loans, markets and insurance under Coalition
Shadow treasurer Angus Taylor unveils the Coalition’s new election policies to wind back rules in the finance sector.
Lucrative telco contracts boost Ventia Services’ profits 16pc
Ventia Services has a “very good relationship” with NBN Co but new competitors can struggle to secure telco maintenance work due to high entry barriers, chief executive Dean Banks said.
Heathrow slot manager beats Qantas and Virgin for Sydney control
UK-based Airport Coordination Limited will manage landing rights at Sydney Airport after wresting control from Australia’s major airlines.
ACCC lacks power to break up blended payment plans
Gaps in the regulatory coverage of surcharging emerged during a parliamentary hearing with the consumer commission on Friday.
China’s US LNG tariffs heat up east coast gas concerns
Worries about impacts from tariffs come as Woodside boss Meg O’Neill warns Trump administration’s moves pile pressure on Australia to lift its competitiveness.
Labor puts Virgin on notice about its next chief executive
Employment Minister Murray Watt’s pointed reference to Jayne Hrdlicka’s likely successor came as the airline awaits approval for a tie-up with Qatar Airways.
Banks and Armaguard revisit life support for cash distributor
Banks expect Armaguard to confirm its banknote distribution operation is on rocky financial footing this week, but the future of the Linfox-owned business is anyone’s guess.
Cass-Gottlieb still gets Qantas VIP treatment
Qantas’ perks system is as hard to quit as the mob, it seems.
January
Senior ACCC officials resign en masse from Qantas’ Chairman’s Lounge
The secretive, invite-only club is reserved for top businesspeople and government officials and it gives the airline enormous influence to support its ambitions.
Cheap Virgin fares and new competitors signal international price war
The Bain Capital-owned carrier is offering discounted fares to Europe as it works on convincing regulators to approve its tie-up with Qatar Airways.
Vic gas squeeze opens up $1b storage opportunity
A gas storage project off Victoria’s coast has grown by 50 per cent amid a flood of demand from customers looking to stave off the risk of winter shortages.
Chemist Warehouse franchisees mull sell-down post $30b merger; banks circle
Chemist Warehouse’s $30 billion merger with Sigma Healthcare could unleash nearly $1 billion of sell-downs as some large franchisees weigh selling their stakes.
Major banks split on surcharge overhaul as complaints surge
There is no consensus over the way forward for Australia’s controversial system of charging extra for card payments.
CBA urges Reserve Bank to scrap all card surcharges
The bank believes a complete ban on debit and credit card imposts is the simplest way to deal with surcharging inequity.
Gas price warning as winter shortages loom for Victoria
ACCC’s warnings that consumers face higher prices as the southern states start to rely on imports have been rejected by the country’s leading LNG importer.
December 2024
More than 80pc of Aussies paying too much for their electricity
Households that have not changed power plans in more than two years are paying $317 more annually than customers on newer offers, according to the ACCC.
Power findings show ‘failure of privatisation’: SA energy minister
Minister Tom Koutsantonis says the behaviour of large power generators reported by the Australian Energy Regulator is “extremely concerning”.
Nothing like an ACCC cartel case to scare the pants off corporate Australia
Cartel cases – even the ones that bomb – are scary. This is questionable, but definitely worth watching.