| Government Implements 20% Reduction in Student Loans to Alleviate Living Costs Mon, 17 Nov: In a significant move to address the rising cost of living and intergenerational inequality, the Australian government has enacted legislation reducing student loans by 20%. This policy change, effective from June 1, 2025, results in over A$16 billion in debt relief for approximately 3 million Australians. For graduates with an average loan balance of A$27,600, this equates to a reduction of A$5,520. - read more
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| Westpac's RAMS Financial Group Penalized A$20 Million for Home Loan Misconduct Mon, 17 Nov: In a landmark ruling, Australia's Federal Court has imposed a A$20 million fine on RAMS Financial Group, a subsidiary of Westpac, for serious misconduct in its home loan practices. Between June 2019 and April 2023, RAMS engaged in activities such as using falsified payslips to approve loans, dealing with unlicensed mortgage referrers, and failing to maintain proper oversight. - read more
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| ANZ Group Reports Positive Growth in Deposits and Loans for Q3 2025 Mon, 17 Nov: In its third-quarter update for 2025, ANZ Group, Australia's fourth-largest bank by market value, reported a significant rise in customer deposits and net loans and advances. Customer deposits increased by A$19 billion, while net loans and advances saw a 2% uptick. This growth is attributed to the expansion of the bank's home lending business within the domestic retail division. - read more
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| Housing Australia Broadens Lender Access to 5% Deposit Scheme Mon, 17 Nov: In a significant move to bolster the Australian housing market, Housing Australia has announced the expansion of its lender panel for the government's 5% Deposit Scheme. This initiative is set to increase competition among lenders and provide prospective homebuyers with a broader range of options. - read more
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| AFIA Unveils Landmark Finance Industry Code of Practice Mon, 17 Nov: The Australian Finance Industry Association (AFIA) has introduced the Finance Industry Code of Practice, marking a significant milestone for Australia's non-bank lending and specialist banking sectors. This inaugural code establishes new standards for integrity, transparency, and fairness within the industry. - read more
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| Australia Announces Ambitious 2035 Climate Target Mon, 17 Nov: The Australian government has unveiled its 2035 climate target, committing to a 62-70% reduction in emissions as part of its broader net zero plan. This ambitious goal signifies Australia's dedication to addressing climate change and aligns with global efforts to mitigate environmental impact. - read more
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| Snowy River Caravans Tops Q3 2025 RV Market with Dual Category Leadership Mon, 17 Nov: In a remarkable development for Australia's recreational vehicle (RV) industry, Snowy River Caravans has secured the top position in both the Imported and RVMAP categories for the third quarter of 2025. This achievement signifies a notable shift in consumer preferences and market dynamics within the sector. - read more
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| Jayco Continues to Lead Australia's RV Market in Q2 2025 Mon, 17 Nov: Jayco, a prominent name in Australia's recreational vehicle (RV) industry, has successfully maintained its leading position in the market during the second quarter of 2025. Despite experiencing a slight decline, the brand continues to hold a substantial share, reflecting its enduring appeal among Australian consumers. - read more
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| Rising Caravan Imports and Declining Local Production: Implications for Australia's RV Industry Mon, 17 Nov: The Australian recreational vehicle (RV) industry is experiencing a significant shift, marked by an increase in caravan imports coupled with a decline in local production. This trend raises important considerations for domestic manufacturers and consumers alike. - read more
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| March 2025: Australian New Car Sales Experience Slight Decline Mon, 17 Nov: In March 2025, Australia's automotive market recorded a slight downturn, with new car sales totaling 108,606 units—a 0.9% decrease compared to the same month in the previous year. This marginal decline reflects the ongoing economic pressures affecting consumer spending habits. - read more
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| Green Loans Drive Down Personal Loan Averages in Australia Mon, 17 Nov: In recent developments within Australia's financial sector, the increasing availability of green loans has begun to influence the average rates of personal loans. Green loans, designed to finance environmentally friendly initiatives such as the purchase of electric or hybrid vehicles and sustainable home upgrades, are typically offered at lower interest rates compared to standard personal loans. - read more
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| RBA Rate Cuts Provide Mortgage Relief, Personal Loan Rates Unchanged Mon, 17 Nov: In 2025, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) implemented a series of rate cuts, reducing the cash rate from 4.35% to 3.60%. This move was aimed at alleviating financial pressures on borrowers, particularly mortgage holders. Consequently, most lenders, including the major banks, promptly mirrored these reductions, leading to lower mortgage rates and providing relief to homeowners. - read more
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| Major Australian Banks Reduce Dependence on Mortgage Brokers Mon, 17 Nov: Australia's leading banks—Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), Westpac, National Australia Bank (NAB), and ANZ—are strategically reducing their reliance on mortgage brokers to improve profit margins in a competitive market. This move comes as banks face pressures from lower interest rates, rising operational costs, and intense competition. - read more
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| ANZ Bank Announces Cost-Cutting Measures Following Profit Decline Mon, 17 Nov: ANZ Group, Australia's fourth-largest lender by market value, has reported a 14% decline in annual cash earnings, totaling A$5.79 billion for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025. This figure falls short of analyst expectations and marks a decrease from A$6.73 billion in the previous year. The decline is primarily attributed to a A$1.11 billion post-tax impact, which includes A$414 million in redundancy costs associated with the layoff of 3,500 employees and A$264 million in penalties from regulatory lawsuits. - read more
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| Major Banks Rethink Mortgage Broker Partnerships Sun, 16 Nov: Australia's leading banks—Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), Westpac, National Australia Bank (NAB), and ANZ—are adjusting their mortgage strategies to reduce dependence on mortgage brokers. This move comes as profit margins are squeezed by lower interest rates, rising operational costs, and intensified market competition. - read more
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| Westpac Divests RAMS Mortgage Portfolio in Strategic Sale Sun, 16 Nov: On November 3, 2025, Westpac Banking Corporation announced an agreement to sell its RAMS mortgage portfolio, valued at A$21.4 billion, to a consortium comprising Pepper Money, investment firm KKR, and asset manager PIMCO. The sale is at a slight premium to the gross loan value of the portfolio to be transferred at completion. However, Westpac anticipates incurring a loss on the sale after accounting for transaction costs and other financial adjustments. - read more
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| CBA's First-Quarter Profit Edges Up Amidst Mortgage Expansion Sun, 16 Nov: Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), the nation's largest bank by market value, reported a slight increase in first-quarter cash profit, driven by strong growth in home loans and household deposits. The bank achieved an unaudited cash profit of approximately A$2.6 billion, a 1% rise from the previous two-quarter average and 2% higher than the same period last year. - read more
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| BIA Advocates for Enhanced Support in Australia's Marine Manufacturing Sector Sun, 16 Nov: The Boating Industry Association Ltd (BIA) has recently called upon all levels of Australian government to provide strategic support to the nation's marine manufacturing and recreational boating sector. This appeal comes in response to a significant skills shortage that poses a threat to the industry's economic potential. - read more
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| Experience the Sydney International On-Water Boat Show 2025 Sun, 16 Nov: The Sydney International On-Water Boat Show is set to make a grand return from 13 to 16 November 2025 at Darling Harbour. This four-day event promises to be a highlight for boating enthusiasts and industry professionals alike, showcasing Australia's vibrant marine lifestyle. - read more
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| Australian Superyacht Conference 2026: Embracing a New Era Sun, 16 Nov: Superyacht Australia has announced the return of the Australian Superyacht Conference in 2026, introducing a refreshed format and a new location in Sydney. Traditionally held on the Gold Coast in May ahead of the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, the conference will now take place immediately following the inaugural Sydney Charter Show, creating an exciting week of activity for Australia's growing superyacht sector. - read more
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| AFCA Criticises TAL for Unfair Termination of Income Protection Benefits Sun, 16 Nov: The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has recently ruled against TAL, a prominent life insurer, for terminating a policyholder's income protection benefits without prior notice. This decision underscores the critical importance of procedural fairness in the management of insurance claims. - read more
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| Actuaries Institute Highlights Financial Strain of Mental Illness on Insurance Systems Sun, 16 Nov: The Actuaries Institute has issued a call for immediate action to address the escalating financial strain that mental illness is placing on Australia's insurance and compensation systems. This appeal underscores the pressing need to ensure the sustainability of the nation's financial safety net in the face of increasing mental health-related claims. - read more
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| Fitch Ratings Anticipates Continued Premium Increases in Australian Insurance Sector Sun, 16 Nov: Fitch Ratings has projected that Australian insurers will continue to implement premium increases, with gross written premiums expected to grow by mid to high single digits. This forecast is driven by the need to offset rising claims and increased allowances for natural hazards. - read more
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| Surge in Cyber Insurance Adoption Among Australian Businesses Sun, 16 Nov: In the past year, BizCover, a leading small business insurance provider, has reported an almost 50% rise in sales of cyber liability insurance. This significant uptick underscores the escalating awareness and concern among Australian businesses regarding cyber threats. - read more
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| ASIC Unveils 2026 Enforcement Priorities to Combat Financial Misconduct Sat, 15 Nov: The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has announced its enforcement priorities for 2026, emphasizing a robust approach to tackling financial misconduct and enhancing consumer protection. This strategic focus aims to uphold the integrity of Australia's financial markets and safeguard consumers from potential harm. - read more
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