| ASIC's Review Highlights Concerns in Car Finance Practices Tue, 13 Jan: The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has recently conducted a comprehensive review of the nation's motor vehicle finance sector, uncovering significant issues that raise concerns about consumer protection and lending practices. - read more
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| Australian Used Hybrid Car Sales Experience Significant Growth Tue, 13 Jan: The Australian used car market is witnessing a notable surge in hybrid vehicle sales, reflecting a growing consumer inclination towards sustainable and practical transportation options. - read more
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| Commonwealth Bank's AI Assistant Revolutionizes Car Market Price Discovery Tue, 13 Jan: The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) has unveiled a pioneering artificial intelligence (AI) assistant designed to enhance price discovery and transparency in the Australian car market. This innovative tool aims to empower consumers by providing detailed insights into vehicle pricing, a resource previously accessible primarily to car dealers. - read more
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| AUSactive and Health Partners Collaborate to Enhance Fitness Service Accessibility Tue, 13 Jan: AUSactive, Australia's peak body for the exercise and active health sector, has announced a significant partnership with Health Partners, a not-for-profit health fund with over 85 years of service to South Australians. This collaboration recognises eligible AUSactive Personal Trainers and fitness businesses as approved providers, allowing Health Partners members to claim benefits for personal training sessions, classes, and gym memberships under their Extras policy when part of a medically necessary health management plan. - read more
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| AIA Australia Teams Up with Peloton and Specialized to Encourage Active Lifestyles Tue, 13 Jan: AIA Australia, a leading life, health, and wellbeing insurer, has announced partnerships with global fitness company Peloton and premium cycling brand Specialized. These collaborations aim to provide AIA Vitality members with significant discounts and incentives to promote cycling, both at home and outdoors. - read more
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| Australian Insurers Achieve Record Profits Amid Rising Premiums Tue, 13 Jan: In 2024, Australia's insurance sector reported an after-tax profit of $6.1 billion, a significant increase from the five-year average of $2 billion. This surge is primarily attributed to substantial premium hikes and a relatively calm year concerning natural disasters. - read more
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| Government Consultancy Contracts Near $1 Billion Amid Outsourcing Reduction Efforts Tue, 13 Jan: Recent research indicates that the Australian federal government signed contracts worth nearly $1 billion with consultancy firms in the last financial year, marking a 48% increase from the previous year. This development comes despite the government's commitment to reduce reliance on external consultants. - read more
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| Construction Cost Surge and Labour Shortages Reshape Australian Insurance Claims Tue, 13 Jan: The Australian insurance industry is currently navigating a challenging landscape shaped by escalating construction costs and persistent labour shortages. These factors are significantly influencing the nature and volume of insurance claims, particularly within the construction sector. - read more
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| NSW Court Decision Heightens Builders' Liability for Defects Tue, 13 Jan: In a landmark decision, the New South Wales Court of Appeal has significantly altered the landscape of construction liability, particularly concerning builders' responsibilities for defects. The case, known as Pafburn, has removed the previously relied-upon proportionate liability defence, thereby increasing the accountability of builders and developers for construction defects. - read more
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| Understanding APRA's New Cap on High Debt-to-Income Loans Mon, 12 Jan: The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced a significant policy change aimed at mitigating financial risks associated with high debt-to-income (DTI) loans. Effective from 1 February 2026, APRA will implement a 20% cap on new loans where the borrower's debt exceeds six times their income. This measure applies to both owner-occupied and investor loans, reflecting a proactive approach to maintaining financial stability in the housing market. - read more
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| Housing Costs Continue to Top Financial Concerns for Australians in 2026 Mon, 12 Jan: According to Canstar's latest Consumer Pulse Report, the cost of housing remains the foremost financial concern for Australians as they head into 2026. Despite three cash rate cuts in the past year, 21% of Australians identify housing expenses, including mortgages and rents, as their primary financial worry. This marks the fourth consecutive year that housing costs have topped the list of financial concerns, with the percentage more than doubling over the past five years. - read more
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| The Rise of Digital Lenders in Australia's Personal Loan Market Mon, 12 Jan: The Australian personal loan market is undergoing a significant transformation, with digital lenders now accounting for over 40% of new loan originations. This shift is driven by the rapid digitalisation of loan processes, offering borrowers faster approvals and broader eligibility criteria. - read more
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| Coalition's Plan to Ease Home Loan Approval Criteria Mon, 12 Jan: The Coalition has announced a proposal to relax home lending rules, aiming to make it easier for first-time buyers to enter the housing market. This initiative focuses on adjusting the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority's (APRA) serviceability buffer, which currently requires banks to assess borrowers' ability to repay loans at an interest rate 3% higher than the actual loan rate. - read more
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| APRA's New Cap on High Debt-to-Income Home Loans Mon, 12 Jan: The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced a new policy to limit high-risk lending practices in the housing market. Effective from February 2026, banks will be restricted to issuing no more than 20% of new home loans to borrowers whose debt-to-income (DTI) ratio exceeds six times their annual income. This measure aims to curb the growth of highly leveraged mortgages amid rapidly rising property prices and increasing household debt levels. - read more
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| RBA Reports Significant Growth in Business and Home Lending Mon, 12 Jan: The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has released data indicating a substantial acceleration in both business and home lending as of December 2025. Business credit growth reached 8.9%, marking the highest rate since May 2023, while investor housing credit surged to 5.1%, the highest since December 2022. Owner-occupied mortgage lending also maintained a strong growth rate of 5.7%, reflecting sustained demand in the housing market. - read more
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| Zone RV's Financial Collapse Exposes $40 Million Debt Mon, 12 Jan: The recent collapse of luxury caravan manufacturer Zone RV has sent shockwaves through the Australian caravan industry. Based in Coolum on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, the company entered voluntary administration, revealing debts amounting to approximately $40 million. This development has left around 240 employees unemployed and approximately 180 customers uncertain about the status of their purchases. - read more
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| Multiple Collapses Shake Australian Caravan Manufacturing Industry Mon, 12 Jan: The Australian caravan manufacturing industry is currently facing a series of company collapses, raising concerns about the sector's stability and future. The recent voluntary administration of Zone RV, a luxury caravan manufacturer based in Coolum, Queensland, is the latest in a string of closures that have left customers and employees in uncertain positions. - read more
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| ASIC's Review Highlights Concerns in Car Finance Practices Mon, 12 Jan: The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has recently conducted a comprehensive review of the nation's motor vehicle finance sector, uncovering significant issues that raise concerns about responsible lending practices. The findings indicate that some consumers are being subjected to exorbitant fees and are defaulting on their loans shortly after approval. - read more
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| Allied Credit Strengthens Position with Macquarie Loan Acquisition Mon, 12 Jan: In a significant development within the Australian financial sector, Allied Credit has announced the acquisition of a substantial portion of Macquarie Group's car loan portfolio, valued at $1.5 billion. This strategic move is set to bolster Allied Credit's position in the car finance market and expand its customer base. - read more
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| ASIC's Review Focuses on Car Finance Practices in Regional and First Nations Communities Mon, 12 Jan: The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has initiated a comprehensive review of the motor vehicle finance sector, with a particular focus on practices affecting consumers in regional and remote areas, including First Nations communities. This initiative seeks to enhance consumer protections and ensure fair lending practices across all demographics. - read more
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| Delays in Australia's Strategic Fleet Initiative Raise Maritime Security Concerns Mon, 12 Jan: The Australian government's plan to establish a strategic fleet of Australian-flagged ships has encountered significant delays, missing its initial deadline to announce the first vessels. This fleet is intended to bolster the nation's maritime resilience by providing vessels that can be requisitioned during crises or emergencies. The delay has sparked concerns among industry experts about Australia's growing vulnerabilities in trade and national security. - read more
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| Chinese Naval Exercises in Tasman Sea Spark Regional Security Discussions Mon, 12 Jan: Between 21 February and 9 March 2025, the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) of China conducted live-fire exercises in the Tasman Sea, within Australia's exclusive economic zone. The unannounced drills involved a three-ship task group and disrupted several international flights between Australia and New Zealand, raising significant regional security concerns. - read more
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| Prolonged Algal Bloom in South Australia Devastates Marine Life and Local Industries Mon, 12 Jan: Since March 2025, South Australia has been grappling with a harmful algal bloom (HAB) that has severely impacted marine life and local industries. The bloom, primarily consisting of the dinoflagellate Karenia mikimotoi, has led to mass fish deaths and posed significant challenges to the fishing and tourism sectors. - read more
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| Queensland Integrates Heavy Vehicle Compliance with National Regulator Mon, 12 Jan: In a significant move towards regulatory uniformity, Queensland has transitioned its heavy vehicle compliance responsibilities to the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR). This change, effective from February 19, 2024, positions Queensland alongside New South Wales, South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania, and the Australian Capital Territory in adopting a cohesive approach to heavy vehicle oversight. - read more
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| Elevated Road Risks Amid Holiday Freight and Travel Surge Mon, 12 Jan: As the Australian summer school holidays approach, a convergence of increased holiday travel and peak freight activity is raising concerns among insurers and transport specialists about heightened road risks. This period sees a significant uptick in both passenger vehicles and heavy trucks on the roads, amplifying the potential for accidents and necessitating heightened vigilance among all road users. - read more
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