Final stage of super review now underway

The federal government is briefly shifting its attention from Australia’s banking systems to its superannuation providers, commencing the final stages of a review into the efficiency and competitiveness of the superannuation system.

Statements heard at competition inquiry

The initial stages of the Productivity Commission inquiry into competition in Australia’s financial system are now underway, with regulatory and industry bodies making statements to a roundtable hearing held in Melbourne yesterday.

Are eight RBA cash rate rises really likely?

Industry confident but cautious around online super forms

Starting a new job often means a tour of your new workplace, some awkward co-worker introductions, and digging out your superannuation details to fill out a complex set of paper forms. Upcoming changes to payroll requirements from the Australian Tax Office (ATO) could help to digitally streamline the superannuation selection process, though some industry bodies are concerned that important consumer protections could be overlooked.

Investors finding affordable suburbs in South West WA

Faced with challenging rental markets in Perth, Western Australian property investors may find more opportunities in the state’s South West region, according to the Real Estate Institute of Western Australia (REIWA).

Older Aussies face housing crisis

If you thought Australia’s housing affordability crisis was mainly a millennial problem, think again – many older Australians, pensioners and retirees are also experiencing housing stress, according to an Australian seniors advocate.

SA budget bounds onto bank-bashing bandwagon

The South Australian government has come under fire from the banking industry for adding a major bank levy to its state budget that closely mirrors the controversial Major Bank Levy that recently passed in federal parliament.

Housing boom cools, WA stabilising

New home building is forecast to slow over the remainder of the year, according to the latest housing industry reports from Housing Industry Association (HIA).

Vacancy rates fall despite increasing housing supply

Australia's new housing supply is still yet to catch up with demand in many capital cities, according to new figures from SQM Research.

Banks take one-two punch

Australia’s leading banks have been hit with a double-whammy, with the Senate passing the Major Bank Levy, and Moody’s downgrading their credit ratings.