Andrew is the leader of Azzet's Australian editorial team. He has worked in major newsrooms including The Sunday Telegraph, news.com.au, Mumbrella and Stockhead in a career spanning more than 30 years.

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Incredibly, the average Australian university vice chancellor reportedly earns almost twice as much as the Prime Minister. Furthermore, they earn substantially more than their respective state premiers.

According to the latest data, vice chancellors' salaries in 2023 averaged $1.049 million. The University of Canberra's outgoing Vice Chancellor Paddy Nixon received a $1.785 million package prior to his sudden departure. This is in circumstances not fully explained by management.

In contrast, the Prime Minister earns $587,000, less than half of the top paid vice chancellors.

The National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) released its November 2024 report, highlighting several critical issues within Australian universities.

The report calls for an urgent federal parliamentary inquiry into university governance and workforce planning. It cites a "deep governance crisis" that threatens higher education institutions' stability and quality. The NTEU points out that universities have spent hundreds of millions on corporate consultants, leading to a "boom-bust" hiring cycle and a lack of workforce planning.

The report also criticises university executives' overpayment, noting that 306 executives earn more than their respectiv

Universities should be given 3rd degree on VC pay: NTEU

Many restaurants in California offer exceptional dining experiences thanks to its diverse food scene. In spite of this, some establishments are famous for their high prices, because they use the best ingredients, create a unique ambiance, and present the food exquisitely.



There is one restaurant in the state that stands out among them as the most expensive dining destination. According to LoveFood, Atelier Crenn in San Francisco is the most expensive restaurant in California.



Chef Dominique Crenn's prestigious restaurant offers multi-course tasting menus that cost over $400 per person. Michelin-starred eateries such as The French Laundry, where similar experiences cost $350, narrowly lose out to Atelier Crenn.

Dining at Atelier Crenn is expensive because Crenn's inventive and poetic approach to cooking is a major factor.



Bringing the beauty of nature and art into her dishes, she provides her guests with an unforgettable culinary journey combining exceptional flavors and stunning presentation. In the quest for an unforgettable dining experience, the price tag is well deserved.

A high price at the Atelier Crenn is also reflective of the general dining experience, which encompasses not just the food, but th

California's Atelier Crenn 'Most Expensive Place to Dine'

India's capital city's air quality remains "hazardous" as toxic smog blankets the city.

A haze blanketed New Delhi on Monday (Tuesday AEDT), triggering the highest smog level this year. Authorities closed schools and urged people to stay indoors.

Delhi and the surrounding metropolis - home to 55 million people - experienced severe pollution as some areas reached the highest Air Quality Index score of 484.

The AQI scale ranges from 0 to 500, with 50 representing acceptable air quality and 300 representing dangerous air quality.

According to Swiss group IQAir, Delhi has the highest concentration of PM 2.5 of any city in the world, which is 138.4 times higher than the WHO's recommended level.

“All of North India has been plunged into a medical emergency,” Delhi Chief Minister Atishi Marlena Singh said in a press conference. She added that many cities were “reeling under severe levels of pollution.”

Singh said farm fires, where stubble left after harvesting rice is burned to clear fields, cause extreme pollution levels.

The primary sources of toxic smog include vehicle emissions, industrial pollution, and crop residue burning in neighbouring states. Additionally, construction dust and waste burning contribute sign

India's capital New Delhi covered in toxic smog, haze

Russell Mineral Equipment (RME), a Queensland-based mining equipment company, is the first recipient of the National Reconstruction Fund (NRF).

The $40 million investment aims to support RME's domestic manufacturing capabilities and ensure Australian ownership.

RME plans to invest in cutting-edge technology and machinery to increase efficiency and output. RME also aims to create more jobs and support local suppliers by sourcing materials from within the region.

In an effort to diversify and transform the country's economy and industry, the Australian Government established the NRF, a $15 billion initiative. Seven priority areas will be supported by the fund: agriculture, forestry and fisheries, renewables, medical science, defence capability, and enabling capabilities.

Supporting Australian ownership is significant because it helps retain economic wealth within the country, fostering national growth and stability. By ensuring that key industries remain under Australian control, the government can better safeguard local jobs and protect sensitive sectors from foreign influence. This approach also encourages innovation and competition by investing in homegrown companies, which can further strengthen the nation's global e

Australian mining tech MRE gets first NRF investment

There are some fascinating poll results over at The Guardian Australia site this morning.

According to the latest Guardian Essential poll, almost half of Australian voters would like to see Aukus reviewed following the election of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.

In a survey of 1,206 voters, the publication found that Australians were concerned about the effects of the Trump administration on the economy, peace, and climate change.

Voters (48%) favour a review of the Aukus program and the acquisition of nuclear submarines by the Australian government.

This indicates a potential shift in U.S.-Australia relations, as Australians may reassess their strategic partnerships and alignments. The desire for a review suggests growing scepticism about the alliance's stability and reliability under the new U.S. leadership. Such sentiments could lead to increased diplomatic efforts by Australian leaders to ensure their national interests are safeguarded in any future agreements.

More poll respondents said the Trump administration will hurt the global economy (42% voted negative, 38% positive), "resolving global conflicts and promoting peace" (41% to 37%), and American influence on international affairs (44% to 37%).

As a re

Almost half of Australians want Aukus reviewed: poll

A team of four - including three senior Canaccord Genuity staff members - has launched a wealth management firm in Western Australia.



Leeuwin Wealth is a wealth management and capital markets advisory firm based in West Perth. Since launching on July 22, 2024, the company has quickly built a reputation in financial services.

Jane Tandy is managing director, Jason Featherby is head of financial advice, Michael Brindal is head of institutional sales, and Aaron Constantine is corporate finance specialist. Five other staff members complete the team.

Money Management said Featherby's client book is already in place, so the firm handles $500 million and 220 clients. High-net-worth clients with $250,000 for financial planning and W.A.-listed companies for corporate finance are its target demographics.

Among its services are financial advice, superannuation and retirement planning, personal wealth insurance, managed discretionary accounts, equity capital markets, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate advisory. Insight, strategy, and innovation are the keys to Leeuwin Wealth's success.

It is Leeuwin Wealth's goal to foster meaningful engagement and support its clients' financial goals. Its mission is to provide compreh

Canaccord Genuity execs set up wealth management firm

Woolworths executives, including CEO Amanda Bardwell and former CEO Brad Banducci, appeared today before the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) inquiry into the supermarket sector.

Woolworths and Coles dominate the Australian supermarket sector, accounting for 67% of sales nationally, said Naomi Sharp, counsel assisting the ACCC.

The inquiry is investigating allegations of "land banking" — where Woolworths is accused of buying up land and not developing it to block competitors from building new stores.

Land banking involves purchasing parcels of land with the strategic intent of holding onto them without immediate development. This practice can restrict market competition by preventing rival companies from acquiring prime locations for their businesses. By controlling key sites, companies can limit the opportunities for competitors to enter or expand in a given market area.

Woolworths denied these allegations, stating the land was held for "strategic reasons".

Woolworths Group's Director of Property, Ralph Kemmler said about land banking: “There could be a number of strategic reasons for which these properties were held but not developed.”

The ACCC enforces laws that promote competition and pro

Woolies faces ACCC questions about land banking

A rare opportunity to acquire a premium site earmarked for eco-tourism resort development 6km east of the Twelve Apostles has received strong local, interstate and overseas interest.

Listed by Montarosa, the 120-acre (48.56ha) site at 79 Old Coach Road, Princetown, in Victoria, has DA approval for an eco-based tourism development designed by award-winning architects GHD Woodhead. The development includes a 58 key eco-lodges, an eco-activity centre and three food and beverage outlets, seating over 300 patrons.

The project is inspired by the Shipwreck Coast Masterplan 2015. This masterplan aims to balance the desire to improve economic outcomes with the need to protect and enhance the natural environment.

During construction, these works will create 125 jobs and contribute $103 million to the local economy. Once opened, it will create 100 direct full-time equivalent jobs and provide an annual economic uplift of $43 million.

CBRE’s Scott Callow manages the sale via an Expressions of Interest campaign.

“The Great Ocean Road and the Twelve Apostles are Victoria’s most popular destinations for both domestic and international visitors alike. This development would be the first of its kind in the area, offering world-class

Developers eye Great Ocean Road eco-resort site

In an effort to provide Dubai residents with access to tropical paradises, one of Dubai's biggest developers has launched its own airline, DAMAC Air.

In recent weeks, DAMAC Properties has posted teasers on Instagram about the upcoming airline providing information about destinations and a promotional offer to win a free trip.

The website describes the upcoming airline as redefining luxury travel and offering “unparalleled journeys capturing the essence of the world’s most coveted tropical paradises.”

“Experience the serenity of Bali, the azure waters of the Maldives, and the vibrant spirit of Hawaii. Our innovative concept invites you to explore six world-renowned tropical locales: Bali, the Maldives, Hawaii, the Seychelles, Fiji, and Bora Bora.”

As DAMAC Air enters the luxury aviation market, it will compete with Beond, Rotana Jet, and others.

Beond - which bills itself as the world’s first premium leisure airline – launched its inaugural flight from Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) to the Maldives in April 2024.

Emirates Group last week released its best-ever half-year financial results, posting AED10.4 billion (A$4.367 billion) profit before tax for the first half of 2024-25, surpassing last year

Dubai's DAMAC Properties launches new luxury airline

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has announced its enforcement priorities for 2025, capturing the key areas where it will focus its expertise and resources.



ASIC Deputy Chair Sarah Court said, "Our 2025 enforcement priorities reflect the increased risks consumers are facing that are being driven by cost of living pressures. These priorities are about protecting Australians from financial harm and targeting the people who try to take advantage of them.

"We will focus on business models that are designed to avoid consumer credit protections, and we will take action against those engaging in unlawful debt management and collection. We will also target conduct that exploits superannuation savings, with a particular focus on unscrupulous property investment schemes.

"ASIC will continue to fiercely uphold the integrity of Australia’s financial markets, and to support this, we have established a new dedicated team to target insider trading."

In 2025, ASIC’s enforcement priorities will include:
Misconduct exploiting superannuation savings
Unscrupulous property investment schemes
Failures by insurers to deal fairly and in good faith with customers
Strengthening the investigation and prosecutio

ASIC's enforcement priorities given a refresh for 2025

Andrew is the leader of Azzet's Australian editorial team. He has worked in major newsrooms including The Sunday Telegraph, news.com.au, Mumbrella and Stockhead in a career spanning more than 30 years. | Azzet™