Bank watchdog confirms banks have No Lawful Grounds to reject firearms industry

The banking watchdog has confirmed banks have no lawful grounds to discriminate against licenced firearm traders. Nationals Senate Leader Bridget McKenzie questioned the banking regulator Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) through senate estimates following cases where banks have denied loans to licenced and law-abiding firearm businesses. “There have been a number of discriminatory lending practices…

Local solutions key to North East bushfire recovery

A $448.5 million Regional Bushfire Recovery and Development Program will provide North East Victorian communities with additional funding and expertise to revive the economy following the devastating 2019-20 bushfire season.The program is being funded as part of a broader $650 million package for impacted communities announced by the Government today. The package is included under…