Lifting unemployment benefit found to slow job hunting
23 January
Lifting unemployment benefits increases the average time job seekers spend out of work, research reveals, challenging assertions COVID-era support payments did not discourage people from looking for jobs. The $550-a-fortnight JobSeeker Coronavirus...[Read More]
‘Net zero hero’ myth risks overburdening individuals
22 January
It’s not unusual to see individuals championed as heroes of climate action, with their efforts to install rooftop solar and buy electric cars promoted as pivotal in the fight to save the planet. Hero figures can motivate others to follow suit but...[Read More]
Lifetime pensions urged to make super system easier
23 January
Retirees should be offered a lifetime pension from the federal government, drawn from their savings, in order to make the superannuation system simpler, a report has urged. The Grattan Institute report on superannuation has recommended retirees use...[Read More]
Trump won’t curb Australia’s climate crusade: Albanese
22 January
Australia has an enormous opportunity to speed up investment in clean energy after newly-minted president Donald Trump ended the United States’ embrace of renewables, the prime minister says. Within hours of becoming president, Mr Trump has...[Read More]
Tax changes ruled out as treasurer launches food fight
23 January
The treasurer has poured cold water on any new taxes, saying Labor is focused on targeted cost of living relief. Asked whether Labor would bring any new taxes to the upcoming federal election, Jim Chalmers said, “no, our focus is on the tax...[Read More]
Cultural change needed with gender equality law reform
22 January
Cultural change will be just as important as measurable targets when it comes to improving workplace gender equality, a parliamentary committee has been told. Proposed law reforms would introduce a new requirement for businesses with 500 or more...[Read More]
Skills crisis, slowing starts hammer big housing target
22 January
A deepening skills shortage and plunging housing starts threaten the nation’s ambitious target of 1.2 million new homes by 2029. Housing construction data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics on Wednesday is expected to reflect the worst year...[Read More]
Strong jobs growth data deflates February rate cut hope
23 January
Australia’s jobs market continues to show “remarkable” resilience with stronger than expected employment growth tempering hopes of a February rate cut. About 56,000 jobs were added to the economy in December, the Australian Bureau of...[Read More]
Oliver’s insights – What’s driven the fall in the $A? – Does it threaten inflation and RBA easing?
23 January
Key points The $A has been hit since September by the return of Trump, a hawkish pivot by the Fed versus the RBA and concerns about the outlook for iron ore prices. We doubt the fall is significant enough to boost inflation much and...[Read More]
Estate planning: living your best life without regrets
16 January
As you approach the golden years, it’s essential to not only enjoy the life you’ve built but also to plan wisely for the legacy you leave behind. Estate planning is not merely about drafting a will or dividing assets; it’s about ensuring...[Read More]
Debating AI ethics: enhancing human connections while ensuring efficiency
16 January
As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes an integral part of our daily lives, a critical ethical question emerges: how can AI enhance human interactions and relationships without replacing the fundamental value of person-to-person connections? This...[Read More]
Property investing: comparing residential with commercial real estate
16 January
In the realm of property investment, prospective investors often grapple with comparing residential vs commercial real estate. Both offer viable investment opportunities, but they also come with their own unique advantages and drawbacks. Hence, the...[Read More]
Life insurance is a tool for protecting yourself, your family, and your business
16 January
Life insurance is an essential financial tool that provides a safety net for individuals, their families, and their businesses. It offers protection and peace of mind by ensuring financial stability in the face of unexpected circumstances. Whether...[Read More]
Oliver’s insights – More volatile and constrained – the macro investment outlook for 2025
16 January
Key points 2024 was another strong year for investors with shares up strongly on the back of better than feared growth & profits and global central banks cutting rates. Volatility was low and balanced growth super funds returned around 11%. 2025...[Read More]
Consumer spending plunge brightens hopes of rate cut
16 January
Australians pulled back sharply on purchasing household goods after bringing forward spending during Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. Consumer spending fell 1.8 per cent in December after a rise in November, with financially stretched households...[Read More]