Today's push by the opposition's transport spokeswoman to extend proposed divestiture powers to aviation is another example of the reshaping of the main parties’ stances toward big business.
Qantas Airways
ASX:QAN
With its $120 million settlement with Qantas, Gina Cass-Gottlieb's ACCC has avoided a drawn out lawsuit, secured a payout for consumers and, she says, set a new industry standard for flight cancellations.
Both Qantas and Optus are trying to rebuild their brands and trust with customers after a tough year, and new leadership is a key part of both companies' strategies.
A major expansion of Qantas' frequent flyer program helps put the airline's reputation en route to recovery.
Richard Goyder and Hamish McLennan, members of Australia's cosy directors club, are both facing backlash from their failure to read the room.
The national carrier's board and management team fronted up to an angry retail shareholder base, despite a year of record profits.
The white hot public anger directed at the Qantas board should send a clear message to directors of all companies this AGM season: listen to your shareholders.
A spate of drought-busting IPOs in the US has ignited hopes the market for new listings could reopen in Australia. And the biggest of those is Virgin.
The Transport Minister Catherine King's decision by to reject Qatar Airways' application for more flights to Australia continues to reverberate in Canberra.
