April
- Investigation
- Shares
Broking bad: ASIC ‘threat’ fears about Morgans revealed
The corporate cop dealt with problems brewing at leading stockbroker Morgans for three years before a public crackdown. New documents detail the scale of its concern.
- Liam Walsh
Building materials supplier Lutum goes into administration
The move by directors to try and salvage the Boral spinoff shows casualties in Australia’s precarious home-building sector have spread well beyond builders.
- Michael Bleby and Simon Evans
Housing developer Scape keeping builders afloat
Higher financing and construction costs are forcing builders’ clients to take on more cost risk, whether in student accommodation or office fit-outs.
- Updated
- Michael Bleby and Campbell Kwan
February
Gurner-Roberts merger decision likely by month’s end
The Rich List developer and builder could decide to push ahead – or not – with combining their two companies in the next two weeks.
- Michael Bleby and Larry Schlesinger
January
‘Unmanageable’ cost risks threaten renewables projects
In a country where supply chain and labour costs are more volatile, greater collaboration and risk-sharing is crucial for infrastructure and construction.
- Michael Bleby
December 2023
- Exclusive
- Construction
Meet the builder aiming for a 5pc profit margin
The global average EBIDTA margin for builders is 1.8pc, but Hickory boss Michael Argyrou says it’s time for developers to take on more risk.
- Michael Bleby
November 2023
Lingering risks turn subcontractors off residential work: Altus
The question of who carries what risks in a long and disparate construction supply chain could stop the development of much-needed new housing.
- Michael Bleby
Kelly Bayer Rosmarin, from lauded executive to public enemy
The Optus boss was earmarked for success from an early age. After a quick rise up the corporate ladder, will a second major incident in two years end that?
- Jemima Whyte
October 2023
Big builders argue against new federal payment rules
The Australian Constructors Association says the industry is no worse than any other at paying its bills, but the author of a key 2017 report disagrees.
- Michael Bleby
September 2023
Fortescue still bullish on Gabon iron ore dream in wake of coup
Fortescue executive Julie Shuttleworth will meet Gabonese coup leaders “imminently” as the miner tries to keep its African iron ore project on track.
- Peter Ker
August 2023
Queens Wharf consortium stops paying Multiplex bills
The Destination Brisbane Consortium claims delay payments of $123 million against the builder and is offsetting those against progress claim payments.
- Michael Bleby
Multiplex sues Star for $420 million over Queen’s Wharf delays
The builder’s statement of claim also details a dispute over the day of mourning for Queen Elizabeth’s death, saying the client was “not reasonable”.
- Michael Bleby
NAB reports $1.9b quarterly profit and a surprise buyback
NAB’s $1.5 billion share buyback reflects the bank’s strength, analysts said, defying concerns about deteriorating credit quality and margin pressures.
- Updated
- James Eyers
Commercial builders coming out stronger – if they survived the chaos
Contractors that have survived pressures brought on by the pandemic say clients are taking on more risk – and they want to keep it that way.
- Michael Bleby
What Cameron Clyne is doing now (it involves AI and bad bank culture)
The former NAB boss is advising a start-up selling compliance software to banks, so they can monitor staff communications and report to regulators.
- James Eyers
July 2023
Give Reserve Bank power over Google and Apple payments, CBA urges
Under current rules, the central bank cannot demand data from technology firms, subject them to price regulation, or impose rules relating to smartphones access.
- James Eyers
Slowdown fears as home building sector emerges from inflation frenzy
New data show the heat is coming out of Australia’s white-hot home-building sector but there are already concerns about a coming slump in activity.
- Michael Bleby
Sydney, Melbourne outer suburbs have double the rate of loan arrears
The data from S&P Global Ratings will be used by banks as they determine lending policies such as requiring higher deposits amid rising interest rates.
- Updated
- James Eyers
Thai cave rescuer takes on new risks
Dr Richard Harris says we all need to walk a bit more on the wild side if we are to enjoy life to the fullest and truly know ourselves.
- Simon Evans
May 2023
- Opinion
- Chanticleer
BoQ’s embarrassing back-to-the-future risk failure
Bank of Queensland CEO Patrick Allaway has serious questions to answer as to how risk management shortcomings were allowed to fester for years.
- James Thomson