This Month
Singapore contract manufacturer lands at PE-backed Aussie medtech
Singapore-based contract manufacturer Meiban Group has taken a 20 per cent stake in Planet Innovation.
‘Bailouts don’t cut it’: Coalition wants metals processing inquiry
Costly taxpayer-funded bailouts for smelters aren’t good enough, with action needed to tackle the underlying challenges, Coalition MPs say.
APA warns AEMO on relying on lowball LNG import terminal costs
An LNG import terminal is likely to cost over $1 billion in total, not $250 million, the pipeline owner has told the energy market operator.
Victoria’s gas giants fight over access to key pipeline into Melbourne
Viva Energy needs the infrastructure to import LNG into the state, but existing producers and storage businesses say there is no room for any new entrants.
AFR readers divided on Nyrstar smelter bailout
The poll showed mixed views on whether the government should bail out embattled smelting business Nyrstar, while most readers were eager to see trade top the agenda.
Bootmaker to the Australian Defence Force goes for growth, hires bank
Family-owned Redback Boots has appointed Rothschild & Co to find it a capital partner with all options on the table.
Inside the airport-linked project shifting Sydney’s centre of gravity
The new Western Sydney International Airport is not the only drawcard for the aerotropolis. Bradfield city also contains a cradle of manufacturing innovation.
Nyrstar CEO ‘encouraged’ by PM’s smelter lifeline
Anthony Albanese has indicated a taxpayer-funded bailout for two ailing metal smelters in Tasmania and South Australia is being finalised.
AWU calls for smelter strategy amid growing crises
National secretary Paul Farrow says the union would welcome intervention under Labor’s Future Made in Australia policy with equity or long-term loans on the table.
New projects revive hopes for east coast hydrogen exports
Two projects at Newcastle, worth about $2 billion, are out to prove that Australia’s clean hydrogen vision isn’t dead – it will just require a more pragmatic approach.
Don’t get held to ‘ransom’ with urgent bailouts, Labor warned
Jim Chalmers has been urged to develop a strategy before propping up under-pressure manufacturers as the Tomago smelter seeks billions of dollars in support.
Treasury must vet Nyrstar bailout to avoid picking a loser
Jim Chalmers has the power to ask his department whether companies seeking assistance today are good bets for future growth.
Nyrstar warns of ‘urgent, serious’ risk of smelter closure
The metal processor says it is weeks away from closing plants in South Australia and Tasmania if it does not secure support from federal and state governments.
June
Fenner Dunlop makes millions riding conveyor belt boom
A decision to invest in an Australian factory has paid dividends, as big miners drive strong demand growth.
Trash, treasure and trauma: inside the Manhari juggernaut
Manhari’s scrap metal empire has made millions and bankrolled major sports. But it has a long compliance rap sheet and former staff are speaking out.
Billionaire Geminder mulls asset sales at struggling Pro-Pac business
Flagstaff Partners is part-way through a strategic review at ASX-listed Pro-Pac Packaging, which has shed $300m in market value.
Billions of dollars and plenty of jobs at stake in Labor’s gas plans
Long-suffering east coast gas users justifiably want access to more affordable supplies, but putting domestic needs ahead of exports would come at a big cost.
Hanwha says it has the green light to buy all of Austal, if it wants
But the ASX-listed shipbuilder said the approval from US foreign investment officials claimed by the Korean conglomerate was “different to that claimed”.
SA rules out taking equity stake in Whyalla steelworks
Treasurer Stephen Mullighan has made a $384 million provision in the budget because the sale process for the business is taking longer than expected.
May
Australia’s top 10 richest people revealed
Gina Rinehart has topped the Financial Review Rich List for the sixth consecutive year, despite her fortune falling by $2 billion.