Oyster Industry, HECS and Gucci

Unilever to spin off Magnum and Ben & Jerry's, Hemp industry's federal grant bid fails, and Commonwealth Games costs taxpayers $589M for minimal benefit.

One Read, All Perspectives

Australian News

  • Concerns over Victoria's $2 billion investment fund lead to calls for its scrapping due to transparency issues and a state debt of $126 billion. LINK

  • Corporate insolvencies hit a decade high, affecting construction, hospitality and retail sectors due to financial pressures. LINK

  • Queensland business chamber seeks faster government payments to small businesses, with $189.6 million in late payments last financial year. LINK

  • Australians lost $2.2 billion to card fraud last year, with an increase in the number of people affected. LINK

  • Public transport accessibility standards have been updated for the first time in 20 years to improve disability access. LINK

  • Oyster industry in crisis due to mass deaths in Pipeclay Lagoon, with calls for additional research funding. LINK

  • Commonwealth Games costs overstated by $2 billion, according to Victoria’s auditor-general, costing taxpayers $589 million for "no discernible benefit". LINK

  • Hemp industry's $200 million federal grant bid fails, despite rising consumer demand and pledged funding. LINK

  • Aviation industry faces skills shortage post-COVID, with calls for an independent body to advocate for workers' rights. LINK

  • Independent MPs push for HECS indexation cut ahead of the May budget, aiming to alleviate student debt burdens. LINK

  • Supermarkets' profits scrutinised amid claims of less than $3 of every $100 spent contributing to profits. LINK

  • AI washing emerges as firms exaggerate AI capabilities, attracting regulatory attention. LINK

  • Housing market data signals caution for RBA regarding rate cuts, as Australians grapple with home buying challenges. LINK

Company News

  • ANZ enters competitive business banking market, with digital-only products aiming at small businesses. LINK

  • Woolworths faces backlash, prompting discussions on the need for company split due to distrust among consumers and political groups. LINK

  • Samsung Electronics' shares jump over 5% after Nvidia shows interest in its high-bandwidth memory chips. LINK

  • JPMorgan Chase launches a new sports-focused investment banking team to tap into the lucrative sports industry. LINK

  • Meta Platforms reduces subscription fees for Facebook and Instagram in Europe to 5.99 euros, amid privacy concerns. LINK

  • Gucci sales expected to decline by 20% in Q1 due to market challenges in Asia, impacting Kering's performance. LINK

  • Unilever plans to spin off its ice cream unit, including Magnum and Ben & Jerry's, cutting 7,500 jobs as part of a cost-saving program. LINK

  • Premier Investments could restructure its fashion empire, with speculation of selling fashion brands to Myer. LINK

  • Pedal Group, owner of 99 Bikes, benefits from the electric bike trend after overcoming post-Covid inventory challenges. LINK

  • Godfreys to close after a century in business, following a failed sales process by administrators. LINK

  • Amazon invests $1.6 billion in Australia, building new operation sites as online shopping saves households money. LINK

  • NAB and Virgin Money win in UK lawsuit over fixed-rate business loans, averting a potentially costly class action. LINK

This Week’s Top News

  • Electricity bills to decrease for most Australian households from July 1, providing some relief in the cost-of-living crisis. LINK

  • 3G mobile network shutdown raises concerns for rural and remote Aussies losing key phone services. LINK

  • Elon Musk defends his ketamine prescription as beneficial for investors, stating it improves his mood and execution capabilities. LINK

  • Workplace drug use is criticised as workaholism, not biohacking, with increasing reports of executives and high-pressure professionals using substances to boost performance or creativity, posing risks of addiction and health issues. LINK

  • Amazon benefits from 'loopholes' in Australian Labor law changes, potentially enhancing its delivery efficiency. LINK

  • Farmers hold $6 billion in tax haven accounts despite a smaller grain harvest and fluctuating cattle prices. LINK

  • Unions target small businesses through women, posing a risk to flexible work arrangements. LINK

  • Smart home device sales rise despite privacy and cost concerns, items vary from internet-connected fridges and washing machines, to smart speakers. LINK

  • Retrenchments are expected to rise among middle managers due to spiralling operating costs. LINK

  • ATO pursues $34 billion in small business debts post-COVID, raising insolvency concerns. LINK

  • MYOB predicts insolvency risk for over 20% of SMEs due to new payday super laws, highlighting challenges of simultaneous superannuation and wage payments. LINK

  • Shortfall in student accommodation as international student numbers rise, with an expected annual gap of 7,000 beds. LINK

  • PwC seeks buyers for its Indigenous Consultancy amidst firm-wide restructuring and scrutiny. LINK

  • Australian Grand Prix to surpass $100 million in revenue, with tickets sold out, partially driven by Netflix's series 'Drive to Survive'. LINK

  • "Oppenheimer" achieves success at the Oscars and box office, but its release in Japan brings controversy over the portrayal of J. Robert Oppenheimer. LINK

In partnership with:

The Aussie Corporate

Your go-to for insights into corporate Australia sourced from our AusCorp community and delivered to you without the red tape and corporate fluff 🔥 Just dropped: Your monthly caffeinated dose of AusCorp.