'Rule of the mob': Inquiry chief slams police over CFMEU blockade

Commissioner Stuart Wood slammed Queensland police for failing to act during a CFMEU blockade at the Centenary Bridge project on March 13, 2024. Officers directed a truck to leave instead of removing protesters. Wood said, "The role of the police is to keep the peace, which means enforce the law."

Dexus discards $700m Brisbane office block, its fourth sale this week

Dexus sold a Brisbane office tower for $700 million to US fund manager Barings. This deal marks the company’s fourth sale this week, pushing total divestments past $1.4 billion. Dexus said it sold the 32-level building at a 4 per cent discount to bolster its real estate investment business operations.

Capital Guard collapse involves fake bonds, regulatory questions and $17 million gone missing

Tammy Lindrum lost $750,000 after investing in fake bonds through Capital Guard. She met the firm’s finance head, Vassos Dimitriou, in September and January. In late June, ASIC cancelled the company’s licence for dishonest conduct. Ms Lindrum said the experience "still doesn't feel real" as many investors lost their money.

Gianni Infantino sets September deadline for controversial FIFA investment scheme

FIFA President Gianni Infantino set a September 19 deadline for 211 member federations to accept $US20 million offers. This move is part of a $US20 billion project to sell World Cup stakes to private investors. UEFA officials said, "there is significant and growing opposition to FIFA's scheme" regarding this deal.

Farmers seek solution to mounting plastic waste problem left out of recycling strategy

Farmers in Queensland are struggling with mounting plastic waste as recycling options remain scarce. Jodi Brown said, "We've had a lot of issues with trying to get rid of plastic, a lot of farms have got big piles." Many growers now face high landfill costs or must store the waste.

ACMA to sue Optus in Federal Court over 2025 network outage

The Australian Communications and Media Authority is suing Optus in Federal Court over a major network outage that occurred last September. The regulator alleges Optus breached legal obligations over 1,000 times. ACMA Chair Nerida O'Loughlin said, "Giving access to the emergency call service is not optional, it is a fundamental obligation."

Ex-Goldman executive awarded $2.8m after paternity leave 'stigma'

A London tribunal awarded former Goldman Sachs executive Jon Reeves $2.8 million after he faced sex discrimination. Reeves lost his job in 2022 when he returned from six months of paternity leave. The case showed how many firms still struggle to support fathers, highlighting a deep stigma around parental leave.

Ratings agencies warn Carroll over rail loop, election spending

Global ratings agency S&P warned Victorian Premier Ben Carroll against a big election spending spree. They also cautioned him about the $125 billion-plus Suburban Rail Loop. Economists said he should start a mini budget to audit infrastructure costs and tax plans. This move could help the state manage its finances better.

What today's students want to see in tomorrow's housing

Thirty students from the University of NSW joined a real-world challenge this week to design affordable housing for the Joinery project in Annandale. Philip Oldfield said, "People spend 70 per cent of their lives in the home." Students used their skills to create better communal spaces and greener living areas.

Ampol rakes it in on refining, trebling first half profits

Ampol tripled its first-half profits as refining margins soared. The company said trading conditions were "unique" after its Lytton plant margins hit $US30 a barrel in the June quarter. Global fuel market chaos helped the refiner, as many drivers saw prices rise while the firm got a massive earnings boost.