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“Sickening” – Qantas charged over major COVID safety failure

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Australia’s national carrier has been charged with workplace breaches after a cleaner raised concerns with aircraft coming from China during the early months of the pandemic

COVID-19 Qantas

Qantas has been charged with breaches of the New South Wales Work Health and Safety Act after standing down an employee who raised concerns about the exposure of workers to COVID-19 during the early months of the pandemic, back in 2020.

SafeWork New South Wales confirmed on Tuesday that it filed the charges in the District Court of NSW against Qantas Ground Services on October 6, 2021.

“The charges relate to QGS standing down a worker who raised concerns about potential exposure of workers to COVID-19 while cleaning aircraft in early 2020.”

The Australian Transport Workers’ Union (TWU) confirmed the worker involved is Theo Seremetidis, a health and safety representative who allegedly advised colleagues to stop cleaning planes arriving from China in early 2020 due to the risk of COVID-19 exposure.

It is understood that Mr Seremetidis was directed by Qantas not to return to work on February 7, 2020, and was stood down on March 30 in line with the 20,000-plus other employees as a result of the pandemic and border closures. 

Reports state Qantas has reiterated a previously released statement, claiming that Mr Seremetidis was stood down for telling colleagues to take part in stop-work action without a reasonable basis to do so.”

Mr Seremetidis was directed not to come to work while he was investigated for failing to comply with our Standards of Conduct policy including allegations of attempting to incite unprotected industrial action,” a spokesperson for Qantas said.

“It’s worth noting that there was not a single positive COVID case carried on our flights back from China.”

Qantas said.

Transport Workers Union NSW State Secretary Richard Olsen says that the regulator’s decision to prosecute the Australian airline was a landmark moment for work health and safety across Australia.

Each charge – the exact number of which is not known – carries a maximum penalty of $594,021 if found guilty.

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Money

RBA cuts cash rate, easing pressure on homeowners

RBA cuts cash rate from 4.35% to 4.10%, marking first reduction since November 2020, benefiting struggling homeowners.

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RBA cuts cash rate from 4.35% to 4.10%, marking first reduction since November 2020, benefiting struggling homeowners.

In Short

The Reserve Bank of Australia has reduced the official cash rate from 4.35% to 4.10%, marking its first cut since November 2020 due to declining inflation. Homeowners are set to benefit, but experts warn the effects may take time to be felt.

Homeowners have awaited this decision more than a year, hoping for financial relief. The RBA stated that declining inflation justified this cut, indicating that it is beginning its rate-cutting cycle.

Due to falling inflation metrics, the Board expressed confidence that inflation rates are moving towards the target range of 2-3%. They noted that underlying inflation was recorded at 3.2% in the December quarter, suggesting pressures are easing faster than anticipated.

However, the Board also cautioned about potential upside risks, especially with recent strong labour market data, leading to uncertainties in economic activity and inflation outlooks.

Further cuts

Despite the rate reduction, the Board remains cautious about further cuts. They highlighted the need for careful assessment of inflation data, consumption growth, and global economic conditions before making new policy decisions.

Mortgage holders will benefit from the cut, with potential savings estimated at over $1,000 annually.

Market expectations indicated a high likelihood of this reduction, with forecasts suggesting more cuts in 2025 and early 2026.

Economic experts warn that it typically takes time for the impacts of rate cuts to fully materialise in the economy, suggesting homeowners may experience delayed benefits.

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Interest rates impact investments, housing, and economy

Interest Rate Cuts: Implications for Borrowing, Housing Prices, and Australia’s Economy Post-COVID

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“Interest Rate Cuts: Implications for Borrowing, Housing Prices, and Australia’s Economy Post-COVID”

In Short

Interest rates in the US and Australia are under scrutiny as the impact of COVID-19 fades, raising concerns about investments and borrowing capacity. Experts are debating the long-term effects of Australia’s recent rate cut on housing prices and the cost of living crisis.

This development raises questions about its implications for investments, repayments, and savings.

To discuss these issues, we have Andrew Woodward from the Investor’s Way.

The rate cut has raised concerns about its impact on Australians’ borrowing capacity and the potential for rising housing prices.

There is also speculation about how this rate cut could affect the ongoing cost of living crisis in Australia. Experts are considering the possible long-term consequences of this reduction on Australia’s economy.

Many are asking whether this signals the start of a series of rate cuts by the Reserve Bank of Australia.

It’s important to examine how this shift in Australia’s monetary policy aligns with broader global economic trends.

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Money

Hainan’s hidden paradise is transforming the global economy

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Once a quiet island, now a booming gateway—how Hainan is becoming a powerhouse of trade, innovation, and opportunity

The Big Picture unveils the incredible story behind China’s newest economic powerhouse. Host Mark Llewellyn explores a tropical island that has been transformed into a thriving hub for Australian and international businesses. As part of the Fortune Bay economic zone, this region is poised to drive China’s economy—and global growth—over the next decade. With ambitious plans in place, the opportunities for innovative and successful Australian businesses could be immense.

In this episode, discover China’s best-kept secret, where the rapidly evolving, visa-free, and largely tax-free island of Hainan is unveiled to the world for the first time. With its booming economy and vast untapped potential, Hainan presents a golden opportunity for Australian businesses looking to break into the world’s largest market. Journey through breathtaking landscapes, meet visionary leaders, and explore bold innovations shaping this emerging economic powerhouse—one poised to drive global growth for the next decade.

 

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