Call for tighter credit safeguards to protect vulnerable borrowers

According to a study by the Brotherhood of St Laurence and Griffith University, Governments should reduce reliance on disclosure of credit-contract terms as a means of protecting consumers who borrow from banks and other lenders because contracts are too long and obscurely written for borrowers to understand them.

The study released yesterday, titled Coming to grips with credit contracts: Steps to protect vulnerable borrowers, finds that disclosure does not enable borrowers to make an informed choice, and is not adequate to protect vulnerable consumers, who would have to resort to legal action – out of reach for many – to vary an unfair contract. Read more

SA plastic bag ban begins on January 1

On 1 January 2009 South Australia begins phasing in its ban on plastic bags. Plastic bags can still be provided in SA, but all retailers must provide alternatives and display signs informing customers of the upcoming changes.

From May 4th 2009, shops will no longer be allowed to sell or give away lightweight, ‘checkout style’ polyethylene plastic shopping bags. Any retailers doing so can receive on the spot fines of $315 or a maximum penalty of $5,000.

Bags exempt from the ban include reusable ‘Green Bags’, paper bags, “bags on a roll” used for vegetables and fruit, heavier boutique style plastic bags and compostable bags that meet Australian standard AS 4736-2006. Read more

Victorian Electricity Prices to Increase on Average by 9% on January 1

Victorian households will start paying an average of 9.3 per cent more for their electricity from Thursday, January 1 – the day electricity pricing deregulation is introduced to the state.

The result will be an annual increase in the average household electricity bill of around $109, according to Mr Shaun Johnson, CEO of the independent energy price comparison service, Switchwise.com.au.

Mr Johnson says the new year will see the introduction of full pricing deregulation in Victoria, making it the first state in Australia to allow energy retailers to set their own prices. Read more

Qantas to Remove Domestic Fuel Surcharges

Qantas announced yesterday it would remove its domestic fuel surcharges for tickets issued on or after Thursday 1 January 2009.

Executive General Manager, Mr John Borghetti, said the airline had reduced domestic and international twice in recent months.

“When we reduced surcharges last week, we said we would closely monitor the situation,” Mr Borghetti said.

“We are responding today, with the removal of the $18 per sector fuel surcharge that applied to all Qantas domestic and QantasLink bookings.” Read more

2009 the Year of Renovation

The financial turmoil of 2009 will see more Australians stay put and spend more money on renovating their homes to improve their financial position by adding value to their major asset – the family home, says Archicentre, the building advisory service of the Australian Institute of Architects.

Archicentre Managing Director, Robert Caulfield said Archicentre has recently experienced an increase in the number of people seeking renovation advice as home owners shy away from selling and buying or ordering new homes. Read more

Make it a Happy New Year’s Eve Sydney

Sydneysiders, visitors and tourists heading to Sydney New Year’s Eve celebrations are being encouraged to enjoy themselves, but also take care of their friends throughout the night.

“This year’s theme is ‘Creation’ which is that universal, beautiful and magical thing that binds us all together for this wonderful night of celebration and togetherness,” said Sydney New Year’s Eve Creative Director Rhoda Roberts.

“Sydney New Year’s Eve is a free community event and we want everyone to enjoy the celebrations safely, look after each other on the night and have a safe and memorable start to 2009.”

The City of Sydney’s official nominated charity for 2008 Sydney New Year’s Eve is Planet Ark. Read more

Set realistic health goals for 2009

Whether it is a exercise, diet, alcohol, or cigarettes, health professionals all agree that setting realistic goals will give you the best chance of keeping that New Year’s resolution in 2009.

New Year’s Eve is always filled with fleeting good intentions for the year ahead, but the secret to successful health resolutions this New Year is to be realistic and honest about your goals.

The Australian Medical Association (AMA) is urging people to be honest with themselves when setting their health goals for 2009 and to plan achievable health outcomes they can stick to.

AMA President, Dr Rosanna Capolingua, said the reason many people let their health resolutions slide off after New Year’s Eve is they aren’t realistic about what they need or what they can achieve. Read more

Don’t Dump it on The Salvos These Holidays

Each year The Salvation Army spends in excess of $5.5 million nationally disposing of goods and rubbish dumped outside Salvos Stores.

General Manager of Salvos Stores, Neville Barrett said, “During the Christmas and New Year holiday period, there is a substantial increase in the dumping of unusable goods outside our stores. With more than 20 million kilograms of unwanted goods dumped annually, Salvos Stores take the equivalent of 4,000 truckloads to the tip.” Read more

Federation Square Set for Big Night on New Year’s Eve

Federation Square in Melbourne is set for a big New Year’s Eve with a myriad of FREE events featuring children’s entertainment and musical performances by international stars.

The party starts at 8.00pm, with the smooth sounds of The Moovin’ and Groovin’ Orchestra. Put on your
dancing shoes and head down to the Square for a funky mix of swing, jazz and popular tunes ideal for the
whole family. Read more

Dubai’s Highest Sky Lounge Opens at The Address

The Address, Downtown Burj Dubai, the flagship property of The Address Hotels and Resorts and the newest hotel brand in the international luxury hospitality scene, has opened Neos, the highest lounge in Dubai city.

Located on the 63rd floor, Neos offers panoramic 360 degree views across the city. The name is derived from Greek ‘neo’ meaning new and ‘neos’ meaning dawn, bringing a fresh venue to Dubai’s social scene.

The hotel’s interior designers WA International have taken an inspirational trip into the past and created a space that has roots in Art Deco with a contemporary twist. Guests are immediately drawn to the floor-to-ceiling windows opening to Burj Dubai – the world’s tallest tower and spectacular sights of Dubai.

Tasteful touches inside Neos include the black granite infused with reflective quartz, giving a twinkling starlight effect. Crystal chandeliers enhance the starburst effect while a fibre optic light curtain surrounds the high gloss black lacquer lift case, adding to the dramatic shimmering ‘feel’. Read more

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