Extra resources are being urgently allocated to clear visa backlogs for skilled migrants, international students and tourists, the immigration minister says. Andrew Giles said while the pandemic affected visa processing, the system needed to be rebuilt after nine years of neglect under the previous government. Any short-term...
An energy market blueprint that would pay old and new generators to guarantee capacity in the electricity grid has been released for public scrutiny. Coal-fired power plants and new renewable assets would be eligible for payments under a proposed “capacity mechanism” put to energy ministers and...
Australia’s Antarctic expeditioners have taken an icy plunge to mark the shortest day of the year, although some will have to wait until the end of the month to see the sun rise. The traditional swim is part of their “Christmas celebrations” on the frozen continent...
Essential Superannuation EOFY Tips This 2022 The week leading up to 30 June is an excellent time to take advantage of any tax benefits that may be available within superannuation. There are certain contributions you can focus on to lower your taxable income or investment earnings taxes. Below...
Terms relating to the applicant Mortgagor: The applicant – the person who pays the mortgage loan. Mortgagee: The lending institution the applicant accesses the loan from – the lender. Mortgage broker: She/he arranges the home loan process between the applicant and the lender. They spend time analysing the applicant’s situation and,...
More than 2.6 million Australians will get a $40 weekly pay rise from July 1 following a decision by the Fair Work Commission. The 5.2 per cent increase for the country’s lowest-paid workers was necessary to deal with rising grocery and fuel prices, with inflation sitting...
Reserve Bank governor Philip Lowe has warned Australians to be prepared for higher interest rates, saying inflation must be brought under control. In his first public appearance since the RBA raised the cash rate by a larger than expected 50 basis points at last week’s board...
Determining the Right Business Structure All successful businesses depend on a solid and dependable structure. While you can always work it out as you go, improvisation in the business world is inefficient, highly risky, and likely to lead to failure. Getting the right systems in place...
Ballooning inflation, rising interest rates and a loss of confidence around the economic outlook, in Australia and abroad, has sent consumer sentiment reeling. The Westpac-Melbourne Institute survey for June showed the consumer sentiment index fell 4.5 per cent to 86.4, and follows last week’s decision by...
Lower tax on your investments can help you reach your financial goals sooner. But don’t choose an investment based on tax benefits alone. How investment income is taxed You need to include investment income in your tax return. This includes what you earn in: interest dividends rent managed funds distributions capital gains...