Yesterday
Hrdlicka says Virgin ‘ready’ for float after FIRB approves Qatar deal
But the Bain Capital-owned airline’s chief executive would not provide a timeline for her departure, putting a major roadblock in front of a run at the ASX.
This Month
Foreign home buyers race to beat April ban
The latest figures show buyers from China are the largest group investing in housing. Foreign residents will soon be banned from buying existing homes.
The Australian at the heart of Saudi’s billion-dollar push to dominate global sport
Danny Townsend ran Sydney FC and then the A-League. Now he’s in the box seat to observe Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to dominate world sport. Will his gamble pay off?
Foreign residents barred from buying existing homes for two years
The new policy will mean people living temporarily in Australia, either for work or study, will be banned from purchasing existing houses until at least 2027.
FIRB go-slow on China approvals hindering capital flows
Closer scrutiny of Chinese investment in Australia’s energy transition is also slowing the development of new wind and solar farms, lawyers say.
FIRB delays leave $800m renewable energy sale on the brink of collapse
Lightsource bp said it was “considering all options” after failing to secure approval to sell a major portfolio of assets to a Chinese government-backed firm.
Virgin rules out CEO frontrunner after Labor criticisms
Paul Jones was shaping up as the likely replacement for Jayne Hrdlicka. Not everyone was happy to hear he was heading for the top job.
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.
January
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.
Canberra should help us help the Pacific, for everyone’s gain
The government should not think businesses can be coerced into operating in the region but remove disincentives, writes TechnologyOne chief executive Ed Chung.
December 2024
New year, new rules: all the January 1 changes you need to know
From pricier passports to more fuel-efficient cars, the start of the year will bring changes that will hit your finances, your workplace and even your kitchen.
Japanese giant in mega housing deal with Mirvac
The deal marks the next wave of Japanese investment in Australian property as trading companies seek out opportunities.
PNG PM’s big hopes for delayed LNG project
James Marape reported “good progress” in reducing a 50 per cent cost blowout that delayed the Papua LNG project, but doubts remain on its timing.
‘Darn sensible’ Labor states outcompete Victoria, says top Liberal
Shadow treasurer Brad Rowswell has been in Britain looking at how the state might get in on the AUKUS action, and ruing the salesmanship of rivals NSW and SA.
November 2024
Blackstone, CPPIB close to securing FIRB nod for $24b AirTrunk deal
The Foreign Investment Review Board’s application is understood to be the last remaining item on the buyers’ to-do list, with client and Asian approvals already squared off.
China’s enthusiasm for Australian housing cools
Home buyers from China are being squeezed between a slowing economy and high prices for Australian residential real estate.
Global Lithium delays AGM over foreign influence fears
Minority shareholder Leon Zhu denies his push to join the board is a “Chinese-led conspiracy” as the WA Supreme Court gives the FIRB almost 3 months to probe claims.
When things went wrong for the cafe baron and the Chinese shoe king
The Federal Court has ordered that Faddy Zouky’s assets be frozen until he pays back nearly $9.6 million after a business deal turned sour.
How a year-long wait worsens the housing crisis
A near 12-month wait for a Thai property developer for approvals to buy housing estates could deter other foreign developers, warns adviser Joseph Gersh.
Global Lithium alleges Chinese investor wants to seize control
The Chris Ellison-backed explorer is trying to call off its annual meeting, and has appealed to FIRB. It says a minority shareholder is trying to take over.