Your afternoon Briefing: Westpac’s surprise variable rates hike

Good afternoon, readers. Westpac pulls the trigger on rate rises and Malcolm Turnbull reveals his future political plans in a letter.

Good afternoon, readers. Westpac has pulled the trigger on rate rises and Malcolm Turnbull calls last week’s events “shocking and shameful” in a letter shared today.

30/05/2017: Generic picture of Westpac logo. Hollie Adams/The Australian

Westpac fires gun on rate hikes

Westpac has hit borrowers with an out-of-cycle rise in variable rates that’s expected to be matched by other big banks.

—

Malcolm Turnbull gives a press conference after vacating the Liberal Party leadership, and the party voting for Scott Morrison as their new leader, and new Australian Prime Minister. Picture by Sean Davey.

‘Malevolent week of madness’

Malcolm Turnbull has reflected on his ousting and revealed his future plans in a letter to constituents in Wentworth.

-

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison speaks during a cabinet meeting at Parliament House in Canberra, Tuesday, August 28, 2018. (AAP Image/Lukas Coch) NO ARCHIVING

PM ‘taking advice’ over Dutton

Scott Morrison says he’s been in contact with the Attorney-General on whether Peter Dutton needs to be referred to the High Court, and has issued a swift, stern warning after Julia Banks’ claims of bullying and intimidation.

—

Auction of 23 Rugby St, BelmontMichelle Winckle Auctioneer/Director Hayeswincklepicture: Glenn Ferguson

Homes take five months to sell

Homeowners are waiting nearly five months to sell properties as new listings hit a softening market, new figures show.

—

woman relaxing in hammock at sunset on the beach. istock image

Holidays add years to your life

Need a holiday? People who took less than three weeks off work in a year were 37 per cent more likely to die during the course of a 40-year study.