Australia's New Pathway to Boost Economic Growth

3

In line with these developments, the Financial Services Council (FSC) has acknowledged the introduction of a consolidated point of entry designated for substantial investors. This gateway simplifies access, driving a more unified and effective investment experience. The corresponding commitment marked towards consultation on facilitating investments is seen as a catalyst for both current and prospective economic opportunities.

Further boosting investor confidence, the administration plans to inject new capital into a labelling regime for investment products, issue green bonds conducive to environmentally-focused projects, and align regulatory frameworks with global standards, according to FSC’s enthusiastic endorsement.

FSC’s Chief Executive, Blake Briggs, highlighted the interconnection between Australia's investment community and the onward march toward a low-carbon future. "The integration of an aligned regulatory system, furnished with a transparent investment labelling scheme, stands central to the Federal Budget," he outlined, signaling the imperative role of financial services within this context.

Furthermore, Briggs applauded the Government's decision to forge ahead with vital reforms to superannuation, particularly improving the economic robustness and security for Australian women. By extending superannuation benefits to recipients of the governmental Paid Parental Leave (PPL) scheme from mid-2025, the anticipated disparity in retirement funds experienced by Australian women relative to their male counterparts could be addressed.

Tackling the intricacies of foreign investment, the FSC has backed initiatives to revise the pertinent legislative scaffolding, purporting to diminish red tape for internationally trusted investors. Akin to these proposals is the Treasurer’s ambition to expedite procedures and waive certain fees for pre-established investors with a credible history, which the FSC predicts will lead to reduced expenses for Australian investors.

However, while praising the addressed policy changes, the FSC encourages further endeavors to leverage the upward momentum of the national financial services industry. Briggs asserts that Australia harbors untapped potential to develop into a notable global finance hub. Achieving this status calls for a suite of strategic reforms aimed at enhancing international investment appeal and the country’s overall investment competitiveness.

Published:Thursday, 16th May 2024
Source: Paige Estritori

Share this news item:

Finance News

Clear

ASIC Releases Updated Legislation for Financial Advice

16 Sep 2025: Paige Estritori

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has introduced a new, consolidated legislative instrument that relates to financial advice. This update follows through on ASIC's May announcement regarding the remake of three existing advice-related instruments. - read more

Commonwealth Bank Challenges RBA's Card Fee Reform

12 Sep 2025: Paige Estritori

Australia’s leading financial institution, the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, has openly criticised the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) for its calculations related to a proposed reduction in debit and credit card transaction fees. The RBA suggested that the reform would save Australian businesses $1.2 billion annually and benefit the majority of companies, a claim that the Commonwealth Bank strongly disputes. - read more

Ongoing Consumer Spending Surge Threatens Future Interest Rate Cuts

11 Sep 2025: Paige Estritori

Amid a period of robust consumer spending, Australia's mortgage holders may face limited future interest-rate cuts. The Commonwealth Bank has observed Australians increasing their spending over the last six months, spurred by rising incomes, a robust job market, and previously lowered interest rates. - read more

CSLR Funding Concerns as Special Levy Decision Remains Pending

11 Sep 2025: Paige Estritori

The Compensation Scheme of Last Resort (CSLR) recently highlighted potential delays in compensation payments due to insufficient special levy funds. In July, the CSLR's proposed FY2025–26 levy plan allocated $67.29 million for financial advisers, surpassing the $20 million limit set for the subsector. This shortfall of $47.29 million prompted the Treasury to initiate a consultation in August to determine funding solutions for the excess levy. - read more

Retiree Surge to Drive Demand for Financial Advisers in Australia

10 Sep 2025: Paige Estritori

A recent study by Adviser Ratings, as outlined in the 2025 Australian Financial Advice Landscape Report, indicates that the number of financial advisers in Australia will need to increase significantly. From the present count of 15,500 advisers, the industry is expected to require more than 50,000 over the next thirty years to cater to a growing retiree population. - read more

FAAA Advocates Balance in Non-Compete Reform for the Financial Sector

10 Sep 2025: Paige Estritori

The Australian government is examining potential reforms to non-compete clauses in employment contracts, driven by concerns that current laws may impede workers from advancing their careers and, in turn, hinder economic growth. In this context, the Financial Advice Association Australia (FAAA) has raised concerns about these reforms, urging that the proposed changes should balance the interests of both employees and employers. - read more

Aussie Incomes Lag in OECD Amid Productivity Concerns

09 Sep 2025: Paige Estritori

Australia has recorded a sluggish rise in real per capita household disposable income over the past decade, making it the slowest growth among major English-speaking countries. According to OECD data, from Q1 2015 to Q1 2025, Australian incomes only increased by 3.5%, starkly contrasted with Canada's 8.9%, the United States' 20.6%, and the United Kingdom's 8%. The OECD average during this period was 18.7%, further highlighting Australia's economic challenges. - read more

Mayfair 101 Director Restricted from Financial Promotions for 15 More Years

09 Sep 2025: Paige Estritori

James Mawhinney, a key figure at Mayfair 101 Group, has been issued a 15-year extension on his restraint from engaging in financial promotions or fund-raising, after the Federal Court finalised orders against him. This decision blocks Mawhinney from soliciting or receiving funds, as well as marketing any financial product, following the court's findings of his 'reckless' behaviour in the financial sector. - read more

Surge in Auction Success Drives Housing Market Upswing

08 Sep 2025: Paige Estritori

The Australian housing market is showing significant signs of recovery with a noticeable upswing in auction clearance rates. The national monthly average final auction clearance rate for August climbed to 69%, marking the strongest result since February 2024. Recent figures from Cotality reveal that auction success continues, with 75% of auctions holding nationwide leading to successful sales, sustaining a four-week streak of strong clearance rates at or above this benchmark. - read more

Click for more Finance News