CFMEU and Hutchinson to pay penalties of $1.35 million for boycott conduct
The Federal Court has today ordered the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) and construction company J Hutchinson Pty Ltd (Hutchinson) to pay penalties of $750,000 and $600,000 respectively for boycott conduct in breach of competition laws, in proceedings brought by the ACCC. This follows the Court’s earlier finding that the CFMEU and […]
CommBank launches Agri Green Loan to support producers’ environmental and climate goals
As part of its commitments to support customers transitioning their business and to invest in environmental projects, Commonwealth Bank today announced the national rollout of its Agri Green Loan. Today’s launch follows a successful pilot, and opens the door for more farmers to access funding — at discounted rates — for eligible purposes that reduce their […]
CBA announces new interest rates in response to the Reserve Bank of Australia’s cash rate decision August 2022
Following the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) cash rate decision, on 02 August 2022, CBA will increase home loan variable interest rates by 0.50% per annum (p.a.) and increase the interest rates on select savings products. Standard Variable rate changes Owner Occupier Principal and Interest Standard Variable Rate home loans will increase by 0.50% p.a. […]
Victorian government stumps up $10 million for Waste to Energy – Bioenergy Fund for eligible organisations with an election looming
The new $10 million Waste to Energy – Bioenergy Fund gives commercial and industrial organisations across a wide range of sectors a big leg up when it comes to helping to save the planet. The fund will support projects that create renewable energy from organic waste, i.e. bioenergy. Energy types created in this way […]
Victoria overtakes Tasmania as best performing state economy according to CommSec State of the States report
The latest quarterly CommSec data shows Victoria is the best performing economy, ending Tasmania’s long run at the top. After nine quarters at the top, Tasmania has slipped to third position in the rankings of the best performing economies, according to the latest quarterly CommSec State of the States report. Victoria leads the economic rankings, […]
Farm safety front and centre with National Farm Safety Week from 18 to 22 July
National Farm Safety Week is underway and acts as a reminder of the many dangers involved in farming and the need to protect our farmers and farm workers the best we can. This year’s Farm Safety Week is based on the theme ‘Recipes for Averting Disaster’. It focuses on the intangible risks and hazards that […]
NHVR and LBRCA say we should share the road this National Farm Safety Week
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) and Livestock, Bulk and Rural Carriers Association (LBRCA) is encouraging all road users to share the road with agricultural vehicles and machinery this National Farm Safety Week (18-24 July 2022). The message targets a reduction of regional road crash fatalities in Australia, as the risk of a person being killed […]
Rising prices and return to work lift consumer spending in June but higher interest rates making an impact
Consumer spending measured by the CommBank HSI Index rose by a modest 0.9 per cent in June to 117.3%, while there was clear evidence of weaker discretionary spending following the recent interest rate hikes. The marginal rise in the index – which combines Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) payments and lending data and Google Trends […]
Nationals Leader and Shadow Minister for Agriculture says Labor must act now on catastrophic FMD threat
The Albanese Labor Government must urgently implement stronger measures to protect Australia against the catastrophic threat of foot and mouth disease (FMD) according to The Nationals Leader and Shadow Minister for Agriculture, the Hon David Littleproud MP. Mr Littleproud accused the Labor Government of being indecisive in its approach to the introduction of critical biosecurity […]
Prepare for borrowing rates cracking through 10% in a new economy being set
It’s a whole new ball game for interest rate charges and while farm loans are still to take their place in this new economy, the interest rate position of banks is clear as CBA announces new interest rates for home loans. CBA has responded today to the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) increasing the cash […]