| Australia's Marine Industry Surges to $229 Billion Economic Output Fri, 05 Dec: Australia's marine industry has demonstrated remarkable resilience and growth, achieving an economic output of $229 billion in 2023. This represents a 19% increase compared to two years prior, as reported by the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS). The sector now supports 712,000 full-time equivalent jobs, marking a 52% rise in employment. - read more
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| Australia and Vanuatu Strengthen Ties with $325 Million Nakamal Agreement Fri, 05 Dec: In a significant move to bolster regional partnerships, Australia and Vanuatu have signed the Nakamal Agreement, a $325 million bilateral treaty aimed at enhancing economic, security, and cultural cooperation. Named after Vanuatu's traditional communal meeting place, the 'nakamal,' this agreement underscores the deepening ties between the two nations. - read more
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| Austal Limited Boosts U.S. Shipbuilding with $100 Million EFA Loan Fri, 05 Dec: Austal Limited, a prominent Australian shipbuilder, has secured a $100 million loan from Export Finance Australia (EFA) to enhance its shipbuilding operations in Mobile, Alabama. This strategic funding is earmarked for the development of the Final Assembly 2 (FA2) project, a significant initiative aimed at increasing Austal's capacity to construct vessels for the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard. - read more
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| RBA's Interest Rate Reduction: A Boon for Australian SMEs Fri, 05 Dec: The Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) recent decision to reduce the official cash rate by 25 basis points to 3.60% presents a significant opportunity for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the nation. This adjustment, aimed at addressing moderating inflation and a tight labour market, is set to lower borrowing costs, thereby facilitating business growth and expansion. - read more
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| Australian SMEs Embrace Non-Bank Lenders for Flexible Financing Fri, 05 Dec: In a significant shift within Australia's financial landscape, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly opting for non-bank lenders to meet their financing needs. Recent data indicates that demand for non-bank lending among SMEs has reached 55% in 2025, marking a substantial increase from previous years. - read more
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| Australian SMEs Benefit from Confirmed $20,000 Instant Asset Write-Off Fri, 05 Dec: Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have received positive news with the confirmation of the $20,000 Instant Asset Write-Off for the 2025-26 financial year. This measure allows eligible businesses to claim immediate tax deductions on asset purchases up to $20,000, providing a significant incentive for investment in business growth. - read more
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| Queensland Strata Owners: Act Now to Lower Your Insurance Premiums Fri, 05 Dec: Strata property owners in North and Central Queensland are being urged to take advantage of new federal and state initiatives designed to reduce insurance premiums and enhance cyclone resilience. These programs provide financial incentives for property upgrades that can lead to significant savings on insurance costs. - read more
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| Strata Living in Australia: A $1.4 Trillion Market and Growing Fri, 05 Dec: The insured value of strata properties in Australia has reached an estimated $1.4 trillion, underscoring the growing significance of strata living in the nation's housing landscape. This substantial valuation reflects the increasing number of Australians choosing strata-titled properties as their preferred mode of residence. - read more
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| CHU's 2025 Report: Strata Insurance Premiums Remain Stable Amidst Industry Shifts Fri, 05 Dec: CHU, Australia's largest strata insurance underwriting agency, has released its 2025 State of the Strata Market report, providing a comprehensive analysis of the current state of the industry. The report offers valuable insights into premium movements, the impact of weather events, regulatory developments, and emerging risks affecting strata insurance. - read more
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| ANZ's Nuno Matos Takes Helm at Australian Banking Association Thu, 04 Dec: In a significant development for Australia's banking sector, Nuno Matos, Chief Executive Officer of ANZ Group, has been appointed as the new chair of the Australian Banking Association (ABA) council. This appointment marks a pivotal moment for the industry, as Matos brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the role. - read more
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| APRA Implements Cap on High Debt-to-Income Home Loans Thu, 04 Dec: In a proactive move to address potential risks in the housing market, the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced the implementation of a cap on high debt-to-income (DTI) home loans, effective from February 2026. This measure is designed to curb the issuance of loans that could pose systemic risks to the financial system. - read more
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| Australian Home Prices Expected to Climb by 7% in 2026 Thu, 04 Dec: Recent analyses indicate that Australian home prices are set to rise by approximately 6.9% in 2026, marking a significant upward revision from previous forecasts. This anticipated growth is attributed to constrained housing supply and a resurgence in buyer demand, following interest rate cuts by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) in 2025. - read more
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| ASIC's Investigation Highlights Issues in Car Finance Sector Thu, 04 Dec: 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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| Mid-Year Insights Show Used Car Supply Surging Thu, 04 Dec: The Australian used car market is experiencing a significant shift, with a notable increase in vehicle listings contributing to a more balanced and stable marketplace. According to the Mid-2025 Automotive Insights Report (AIR) released by the Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA) in collaboration with AutoGrab, the first half of 2025 saw 1,589,491 used vehicles listed for sale. This figure represents an over 30% increase compared to the same period in 2024, indicating a substantial surge in supply. - read more
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| Australia to Cap High Debt-to-Income Home Loans from February to Curb Housing Risks Thu, 04 Dec: In a proactive move to address escalating risks in the housing market, the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced the implementation of a cap on high debt-to-income (DTI) home loans. Effective from February 2026, this measure is designed to mitigate potential financial vulnerabilities arising from surging property prices and accelerated credit growth. - read more
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| APRA's New Cap on High Debt-to-Income Home Loans: What Borrowers Need to Know Wed, 03 Dec: The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced a significant policy change aimed at curbing potential risks in the housing market. Effective February 2026, APRA will implement a cap on high debt-to-income (DTI) home loans, limiting such loans to 20% of new home lending portfolios. This move is designed to address concerns over escalating property prices and accelerated credit growth. - read more
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| Commonwealth Bank's Q1 Profit Growth: Balancing Volume and Margin Challenges Wed, 03 Dec: The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), the nation's largest lender by market value, has reported a modest increase in its first-quarter cash profit, reaching approximately A$2.6 billion—a 2% rise from the previous year. This growth is primarily attributed to strong performances in home loans and household deposits, which saw increases of A$9.3 billion and A$17.8 billion, respectively. - read more
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| Australians Tighten Budgets to Enhance Home Loan Eligibility Wed, 03 Dec: In response to stringent lending criteria, a significant number of Australians are actively reducing their spending and personal debt to improve their chances of securing or refinancing home loans. A recent survey conducted by Finder, involving over 1,000 participants, revealed that 18%—approximately 3.9 million people—have taken such measures over the past five years to meet lender requirements. - read more
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| Zone RV's Financial Struggles Lead to Voluntary Administration Wed, 03 Dec: In a significant development within the Australian caravan industry, luxury off-road caravan manufacturer Zone RV has entered voluntary administration. This move has left numerous staff members and customers facing uncertainty regarding their future engagements with the company. - read more
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| Dreamhaven: Crusader Caravans' New Affordable Range Hits the Market Wed, 03 Dec: Crusader Caravans has unveiled its latest venture, Dreamhaven, a new brand designed to offer Australians high-quality, locally manufactured caravans at an accessible price point. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between premium features and affordability, catering to a broader audience of caravan enthusiasts. - read more
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| Join the 18th National Muster in Charleville with the Australian Caravan Club Wed, 03 Dec: The Australian Caravan Club (ACC) has officially announced that its 18th National Muster will take place in the charming town of Charleville, Queensland. Scheduled from October 12 to 19, 2025, this event is set to bring together caravan enthusiasts from across the country for a week of camaraderie, activities, and exploration. - read more
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| APRA's New Cap on High Debt-to-Income Home Loans: What Borrowers Need to Know Wed, 03 Dec: The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced a significant policy change aimed at curbing potential risks in the housing market. Effective February 2026, APRA will implement a cap limiting the proportion of new home loans with high debt-to-income (DTI) ratios. This move is designed to promote responsible lending practices and ensure the stability of the financial system. - read more
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| ASIC's Findings Highlight Urgent Need for Reform in Car Finance Lending Practices Wed, 03 Dec: The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has released preliminary insights from its comprehensive review of the motor vehicle finance sector, uncovering concerning trends that necessitate immediate attention from both lenders and consumers. - read more
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| AADA's Latest Report Signals Cooling Trends in Australia's Used Car Market Wed, 03 Dec: The Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA), in collaboration with AutoGrab, has released the 2024 Year That Was Automotive Insights Report (AIR), providing a comprehensive analysis of the used car market's performance and offering projections for the year ahead. - read more
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| ASIC's Review Highlights Concerns in Car Finance Practices Wed, 03 Dec: 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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