News in brief
Image: Protestors object to 'banksterism' outside an ANZ branch in the CBD
Socialist Alliance targets ANZ
The ANZ Bank on the corner of Market and York St in Sydney’s CND has been targeted by a small but vocal group protesting the company’s alleged ‘banksterism’. Peter Boyle from the Socialist Alliance party was among several protestors who shouted slogans and waved placards on June 21 lambasting ANZ for shedding 600 jobs on top of the 1,000 jobs slashed last year. “In April, ANZ announced a record half-year profit of $3.18 billion,” said Mr Boyle. “This is 10 per cent up on last year. ANZ is reaping massive profits at the expense of its workers.” Mr Boyle, who called for ANZ and the other big banks to be nationalised, will run in the upcoming federal election against incumbent Member for Sydney Tanya Plibersek.
Police deliver ‘driver report card’
The NSW Police Force says the vast majority of motorists should be commended after a significant reduction in road fatalities. Delivering the force’s half-yearly ‘report card’ to drivers, Assistant Commissioner John Hartley, Commissioner of the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, said: “There have been 164 fatalities this year compared with 189 for the first six months of last year. That means 25 less families have suffered the heartache of losing a loved one in 2013.” But Mr Hartley said all fatalities were tragedies and urged drivers to obey road rules and drive safely.
Ethnic Business Awards
Australia’s 25th annual Ethnic Business Awards will screen nationwide this Saturday, July 6 on SBS-TV, following the Ethnic Business Awards Gala Presentation Dinner at Parliament House, Canberra on June 26. The awards, which recognise the success of business owners from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds, will be shown from 4pm on SBS ONE. SBS Managing Director Michael Ebeid said: “The Ethnic Business Awards shine a light on the stories of challenge, triumph and diversity within Australia’s business community.”
