Large numbers of people and households would not be prepared or adequately supported in the event of a financial shock, finds a new report from Kristy Muir and Axelle Marjolin.
The US economy looks to be improving but Richard Holden warns that Australia is on shaky ground with low interest rates, high household debt and the Aussie dollar on the rise again.
Australia’s economic growth is unsurprisingly paltry, the RBA leaves the cash rate on hold, and Australians continue to eat away at their savings, writes Richard Holden.
Investor loans continue to rise, unemployment ticks down, wages growth remains distressingly low and consumers are unconvinced the budget will improve their financial situation, writes Richard Holden.
Given the lack of competition in the sector, it won’t be the banks’ shareholders who pay for the new $6 billion levy. It will be mortgage holders and other customers, writes Richard Holden.
The Australian construction industry employs over 1.1 million people, but it needs a clear strategy to become a global competitor in the construction race, writes Martin Loosemoore.
