| APRA's New Lending Limits: What Borrowers Need to Know Fri, 13 Feb: The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced a significant policy change aimed at curbing high-risk lending practices within the housing market. Effective from 1 February 2026, APRA will implement a cap limiting banks to issuing no more than 20% of new home loans with debt-to-income (DTI) ratios of six times or higher. This measure applies to both owner-occupier and investor loans, excluding new housing developments. - read more
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| Westpac's Financial Milestones: Profit Surge and Strategic Sale Fri, 13 Feb: Westpac Banking Corporation has reported a robust full-year profit of $7 billion, underscoring its strong financial performance in the current economic climate. In a strategic move, the bank has also announced the sale of its RAMS mortgage business for $21.4 billion, a decision that aligns with its focus on streamlining operations and enhancing shareholder value. - read more
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| Introducing the Kia Tasman: Kia's Entry into the Australian Ute Segment Fri, 13 Feb: The Australian ute market is poised to welcome a new entrant with the upcoming launch of the Kia Tasman. Scheduled to arrive in mid-2025, the Tasman marks Kia's inaugural foray into the competitive utility vehicle segment, traditionally dominated by models like the Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux, and Isuzu D-Max. - read more
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| Lightspeed Motor Company: Bringing Car Manufacturing Back to Australia Fri, 13 Feb: In a bold move to revitalise Australia's automotive manufacturing sector, Melbourne-based Lightspeed Motor Company has announced plans to locally produce the Ariel Atom sports car and the Ariel Nomad off-roader. This initiative aims to address lengthy wait times and high costs associated with importing these vehicles from the UK. - read more
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| Volkswagen and Jayco Unveil the Crafter Kampervan: A New Era for Australian Motorhomes Fri, 13 Feb: Volkswagen Australia has joined forces with renowned caravan specialist Jayco to introduce the Crafter Kampervan, a fully-equipped motorhome tailored for the Australian market. This collaboration combines Volkswagen's automotive expertise with Jayco's experience in recreational vehicles, resulting in a product designed to meet the needs of Australian travellers. - read more
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| New Partnership Aims to Reduce Electric Vehicle Costs for Australians Fri, 13 Feb: In a significant move towards promoting sustainable transportation, the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) has committed up to $60 million in partnership with Hyundai Capital Australia (HCAU) to make electric vehicles (EVs) more affordable for Australian consumers. - read more
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| Australians Embrace Hybrid Vehicles Amid Rising Environmental Awareness Fri, 13 Feb: The Australian automotive market is witnessing a significant shift as consumers increasingly opt for hybrid vehicles, balancing practicality with environmental consciousness. Recent data from the Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA) and AutoGrab reveals that used hybrid car sales have more than doubled over the past two years, escalating from 6,868 units in October 2023 to 14,784 in October 2025. - read more
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| AADA Reports Stabilisation in Australian Used Car Market for 2025 Fri, 13 Feb: The Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA), in collaboration with AutoGrab, has released the Annual 2025 Automotive Insights Report, providing a comprehensive overview of the nation's used car market over the past year. The report indicates a stabilisation in the market, with total used car sales reaching 2.32 million vehicles in 2025, a slight decrease of 0.37% compared to 2024. - read more
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| CEFC and Hyundai Capital Australia Collaborate to Lower EV Loan Rates Fri, 13 Feb: The Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) has announced a significant partnership with Hyundai Capital Australia (HCAU), committing up to $60 million to reduce the upfront costs associated with electric vehicle (EV) ownership. This initiative is designed to make EVs more accessible to Australian households and small businesses by offering discounted finance rates on eligible Hyundai and Kia electric models. - read more
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| Significant Decline in Energy Prices Across New South Wales and Queensland Fri, 13 Feb: Recent developments in the energy sector have seen wholesale prices in New South Wales (NSW) and Queensland (QLD) drop to their lowest levels in 12 months. This decline presents a crucial opportunity for energy consumers, including those in the marine industry, to reassess and potentially reduce their energy expenditures. - read more
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| Pelagic Risk Services Strengthens Partnership with Marina Industries Association Fri, 13 Feb: Pelagic Risk Services, a specialist marine insurance broker, has recently elevated its support for the Australian marina sector by upgrading its sponsorship of the Marina Industries Association (MIA) from Silver to Gold. This move underscores the company's dedication to the growth and sustainability of marinas across the nation. - read more
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| Bhagwan Marine's Strategic Acquisition of Riverside Marine Holdings Fri, 13 Feb: In a significant move within the Australian marine industry, Bhagwan Marine has announced its acquisition of Riverside Marine Holdings, a Brisbane-based company with a rich history dating back to 1926. This strategic acquisition is set to be finalised by 31 March 2026 and marks a pivotal step in Bhagwan Marine's growth strategy. - read more
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| Leadership Transition at NTI: Janelle Greene Named New CEO Fri, 13 Feb: National Transport Insurance (NTI), Australia's premier transport and logistics insurance provider, has announced the appointment of Janelle Greene as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective July 1. Greene, who currently serves as NTI's Chief Customer Officer, will succeed Tony Clark, who has led the company for the past 18 years. - read more
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| Decade-Long Battle Ends in TPD Payout for Injured Truck Driver Fri, 13 Feb: In a significant ruling by the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA), a truck driver has been awarded a total and permanent disability (TPD) benefit, concluding a protracted dispute that spanned over a decade. - read more
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| NHVR's Revised Master Code: Broader Safety Guidelines for Heavy Vehicle Users Fri, 13 Feb: The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has recently updated its Master Code of Practice, marking the first revision since its initial release in 2018. This comprehensive update extends its reach beyond traditional road transport businesses to encompass a wider array of industries that utilise heavy vehicles, including manufacturing, construction, mining, retail, and logistics. - read more
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| First Home Buyer Loan Applications Surge Following Government's 5% Deposit Scheme Expansion Thu, 12 Feb: October 2025 marked a significant milestone for first-time homebuyers in Australia, with loan applications surging by 39.2%. This remarkable increase is largely attributed to the federal government's expansion of the 5% Deposit Scheme, which has made homeownership more accessible to a broader segment of the population. - read more
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| Investor Home Loans Surge Amid Record Borrowing in Australian Property Market Thu, 12 Feb: In the third quarter of 2025, Australia's property market witnessed a significant shift as investors accounted for two out of every five home loans. Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) revealed that over 57,000 investors borrowed nearly $40 billion during this period, marking a 17.6% increase from the previous quarter. This surge underscores a growing trend of investor dominance in the housing sector. - read more
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| Sydney Boat Show 2026: Bigger and Better at Sydney Olympic Park Thu, 12 Feb: The Boating Industry Association Ltd (BIA) has officially announced that the 2026 Sydney Boat Show will take place at the Sydney Showgrounds at Sydney Olympic Park from Thursday, 30 July to Sunday, 2 August 2026. This four-day event is set to expand following the success of its debut in 2025 and strong interest from the industry. - read more
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| Australian Superyacht Conference 2026: New Format and Sydney Location Thu, 12 Feb: 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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| d’Albora Marinas Strengthens Southeast Queensland Presence with New Acquisition Thu, 12 Feb: d’Albora Marinas, Australia’s largest premium marina and hospitality network, has expanded its national footprint with the acquisition of Tin Can Bay Marina, strengthening its presence in Southeast Queensland and reinforcing its commitment to investing in standout coastal destinations. - read more
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| AFCA Upholds Policyholder's Income Protection Benefits Against Zurich Thu, 12 Feb: The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has recently ruled against Zurich Insurance, instructing the insurer to maintain the current income protection benefits for a policyholder after an 11-year delay in proposing a reduction. This decision underscores the critical importance of timely and transparent communication between insurers and their clients. - read more
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| Neos Recognized as Leading Income Protection Insurer in 2025 Thu, 12 Feb: In the 2025 Life Insurance Awards presented by Money Magazine, Neos has been honored as the top provider in the Income Protection Insurance category. This accolade reflects Neos's commitment to delivering comprehensive and reliable income protection solutions to Australians. - read more
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| Northern Australian Marinas Struggle with Rising Insurance Costs Thu, 12 Feb: Marina operators in Northern Australia are confronting a significant crisis as insurance premiums escalate dramatically, with some experiencing increases exceeding 300% over recent years. This surge in costs is placing immense financial strain on the industry, prompting urgent calls for government intervention. - read more
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| GT Insurance Provides Flexible Solutions Amid Global Trade Shifts Thu, 12 Feb: As global trade dynamics undergo significant shifts, GT Insurance is reaffirming its commitment to supporting marine clients navigating these challenges. The recent imposition of US tariffs—25% on Australian steel and aluminium, and 10% on other exported goods—has introduced new uncertainties for local exporters, particularly in sectors like beef and bulk freight. These tariffs, effective from April 5, 2025, have prompted concerns about declining export volumes and reduced freight margins. - read more
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| Business NSW Advocates for Urgent Insurance Reforms to Alleviate Rising Premiums Thu, 12 Feb: Business NSW, the leading business advocacy group in New South Wales, has raised alarms over the escalating insurance premiums that are placing significant financial strain on businesses across the state. Recent findings from their Business Conditions Survey reveal that nearly 80% of businesses have encountered double-digit increases in insurance costs over the past year, with one in three reporting hikes of 30% or more. - read more
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