Indonesian lawyer accuses Arnold Bloch Leibler of tax advice fail
A wealthy Indonesian man has accused Arnold Bloch Leibler of providing poor legal advice resulting in the filing of incorrect tax returns and ultimately an audit into his affairs by Australian tax officials.
Benny Tabalujan alleges that he would have relocated to Singapore if Arnold Bloch Leibler had provided proper advice on the tax implications of a trust set up in Indonesia to disperse the estate of his late father.
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West Australian
22 minutes ago
- West Australian
'Virtually no oversight' of suburban poker machine dens
A scathing report has found regulators of Australia's biggest poker machine network have failed harm minimisation efforts. In what gambling reform advocates label "the worst kept secret", the NSW auditor-general found regulators were not reviewing licensing conditions once granted and did little to force venues to take meaningful actions when problem gambling was noticed. Some 21 venues in NSW have more than 400 machines, but just two have had their licensing conditions reviewed since July 2019 - when applying for operations changes. Four of the five most-profitable gaming venues were in high-risk gambling harm areas but have not had their risk or harm minimisation measures reviewed in at least a decade, the report said. Premier Chris Minns campaigned on gambling reform at the 2023 election, but the number of poker machines has increased in NSW to 87,749. Profits meanwhile hit all-time highs of $8.4 billion in the 2023/24 financial year. That delivered $2.3 billion in tax revenue, a figure tipped to increase to $2.9 billion by 2027/28. Alliance for Gambling Reform CEO Martin Thomas said the government was not concerned about reducing gambling harm, shown by the regulator "failing to do its job". "NSW already has more poker machines than any other jurisdiction, more than almost any other part of the world," Mr Thomas told AAP. "So it is appalling that the numbers of machines is still increasing despite the rhetoric about reducing the number of machines." NSW had half of all Australian pokies in 2022/23 - with three times as many machines per capita than Victoria. Defending Labor's record, Gaming Minister David Harris pointed to measures including reducing cash input limits, banning external gaming-related signage and introducing responsible gambling officers for venues with more than 20 pokies. But the report found some of the measures, including gradually reducing the number of machines based on forfeiture rates, had not worked. Greens MP Cate Faehrmann said the report, combined with the forecast growth in taxes from pokies losses, showed NSW was "addicted to poker machine revenue". "Gambling harm reduction advocates have been warning for a long time that the gambling industry has been allowed to operate with virtually no government oversight," she said. "And the report confirms this." Venues in western Sydney, including in the Canterbury-Bankstown, Fairfield and Cumberland council areas, had the highest pokies losses, with those three combining to lose $1.9 billion in the year to June 2024. That is almost a quarter (22 per cent) of the state's total losses, despite containing 10 per cent of the NSW population. "In western Sydney, entire salaries are disappearing into poker machines," Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said. An independent panel last year recommended statewide account-based systems by 2028 to prevent money laundering and reduce problem gambling. The recommendation echoed a 2022 crime commission report that lifted the lid on the billions of dollars of dirty money being funnelled through pokies. The former coalition government went to the 2023 state election promising mandatory cashless gaming.
Man of Many
33 minutes ago
- Man of Many
Virgin Australia Just Opened the Door to a New Global Gateway
By Nick Hall - News Published: 12 June 2025 Share Copy Link Readtime: 6 min Every product is carefully selected by our editors and experts. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more. For more information on how we test products, click here. Virgin Australia is returning to international long-haul flying , announcing its first Sydney to Doha flight on 12 June. , announcing its first Sydney to Doha flight on 12 June. The latest travel route comes via the Virgin Australia-Qatar Airways alliance that was formed in November 2024. that was formed in November 2024. The new service connects Australian travellers to more than 170 destinations across Europe, the Middle East and Africa via Qatar Airways' global network. Domestic airline Virgin Australia is officially back in the long-haul game, announcing its first Sydney to Doha flight will take off on 12 June 2025. Created in partnership with Qatar Airways, the new service is set to connect Australian travellers with over 170 global destinations across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Better yet, it grants Aussies access to one of the world's most powerful aviation networks, complete with award-winning business class cabins, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi and a host of other benefits. Your next overseas getaway just copped an upgrade. Virgin Australia Sydney to Doha Flights confirmed | Image: Supplied Virgin Flights to Doha The inaugural Sydney to Doha Virgin Australia flights, announced in Sydney on Thursday, represent the airline's much-anticipated return to long-haul flying. As travel buffs may well remember, the organisation ended its long-haul offering in 2020, when a shift into voluntary administration triggered the forced sale of its wide-body Boeing 777 and Airbus A330 planes. Five years later, and with the aid of the 'World's Best Airline', Virgin Australia is finally back in the game. The inaugural Sydney to Doha flight begins on 12 June 2025, with Brisbane flights commencing on 19 June, Perth on 26 June, and Melbourne services commencing in December 2025. According to Virgin Australia's chief executive officer, Dave Emerson, the inaugural Australia to Doha flights represent a pivotal moment for the airline and Australian travellers. 'Today marks the beginning of a new era for Virgin Australia and for international travel from Australia,' Emerson said in a statement. 'Through our partnership with Qatar Airways, we're not just launching a new route — we're opening the world to millions of Australians, delivering more choice, better value and a seamless global experience. This partnership strengthens Australia's global connectivity while generating jobs, boosting tourism and injecting billions into the national economy.' Despite only kicking the international flights off this week, Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways have already outlined plans to expand the offering. By December 2025, the alliance is expected to grow the capacity of flights from Australia to Doha to 2.65 million seats a year, increasing competitiveness in the international travel market. At present, the Sydney to Doha flights will travel on Qatar Airways' Boeing 777 aircraft, which features: Qsuite Business Class – Named World's Best Business Class in Skytrax's World Airline Awards 2024, offering private suites, lie-flat beds, and the option for couples to create a double bed in the sky. – Named World's Best Business Class in Skytrax's World Airline Awards 2024, offering private suites, lie-flat beds, and the option for couples to create a double bed in the sky. Economy Cabins – Among the widest seats in the industry and renowned for in-flight service. – Among the widest seats in the industry and renowned for in-flight service. Complimentary Wi-Fi – High-speed Starlink Wi-Fi is available onboard for all passengers throughout the entire journey. Virgin Australia Sydney to Doha Flights confirmed | Image: Supplied Virgin Australia-Qatar Airways Alliance The new Virgin Australia international route marks the first official long-haul venture between the airline and partner Qatar Airways, following the announcement of a cooperative arrangement in November 2024. The strategic partnership saw Qatar Airways Group take a minority 25 per cent investment in Virgin Australia, subject to approval by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB), both of which later granted authorisation. Importantly, the Virgin Australia–Qatar Airways alliance is set to deliver more choices to Australian consumers when it comes to international travel. According to the two organisations, the alliance unlocks connectivity to six continents, alongside 'elevated service offerings, exceptional inflight amenities and loyalty benefits'. 'We are delighted to welcome Virgin Australia's inaugural Sydney to Doha service to our award-winning Hamad International Airport as the first of four exciting new routes scheduled for 2025,' Qatar Airways Group chief executive officer Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer said. 'This milestone moment in the partnership between our two airlines is the culmination of many months of meticulous planning and tireless dedication of our respective teams, as well as a testament to our shared ambition to deliver increased competition, world-class service and value to Australian passengers.' Virgin Australia Sydney to Doha Flights confirmed | Image: Supplied Do You Earn Points on Virgin Australia-Qatar Airways Flights? There is good news for Australian travellers looking to take advantage of the new Virgin Australia international flight routes. Not only will Velocity Frequent Flyer Members receive status credits and points, but the airline has also confirmed limited-time celebration fares to mark the launch. Eligible fares for flights to Doha and selected beyond destinations in Europe have been discounted by up to 15 per cent for selected travel dates between 16 October 2025 and 31 March 2026. Fares on sale from 12:01am AEST 10 June 2025 to 11:59pm AEST 30 June 2025, unless sold out prior. Outside of the launch sale, Velocity Frequent Flyer Members will also receive the following benefits: 50 per cent bonus Status Credits on bookings made between 12 June and 30 June 2025 for travel between 1 October 2025 and 27 May 2026 on an eligible Virgin Australia flight between Australia and Doha (VA1-29). Status Credits earned on the new services (VA1-29) will contribute to the new requirement from October 2025 onwards, to earn at least 50 per cent of Status Credits on Virgin Australia flights to upgrade or maintain Status. Points benefits for Silver, Gold and Platinum members including 50 per cent bonus Points for Silver members, 75 per cent bonus Points for Gold members and 100 per cent for Platinum members on eligible flights. From 1 October 2025, Velocity will be increasing the number of Status Credits that members will earn on the new Virgin Australia services between Australia and Doha (VA1-29) and Qatar Airways-marketed and/or operated flights between Australia and Doha. This ensures that from 1 October 2025, the same Status Credit earn rate applies on all Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways marketed and/or operated services on eligible routes. Virgin Australia Sydney to Doha Flights confirmed | Image: Supplied Economic Impact According to Virgin Australia, the new services are expected to generate more than AUD$3 billion in economic activity within Australia over the next five years. This will reportedly come via an anticipated surge in international visitors and increased tourism spending. Additionally, the increase in routes is expected to generate new jobs in aviation, hospitality, and tourism-related sectors across the country. The airline suggests that it may provide secondment opportunities for Pilots and Cabin Crew to 'broaden their skills and gain international flying experience' within Qatar Airways.
Sky News AU
an hour ago
- Sky News AU
Senior federal politicians questions US presence in Australia after Pentagon launches formal review into AUKUS partnership
The Albanese government has been urged to reconsider the joint US secretive military base Pine Gap and the presence of US troops in Australia as the Trump administration questions the AUKUS pact. Greens senator and defence spokesman David Shoebridge has called on the Albanese government to 'put a stop' to de facto US territories in Australia amid the AUKUS review. The US announced a formal review of the $300 billion AUKUS arrangement after the Albanese government resisted demands to lift defence spending to 3.5 per cent of GDP. Mr Shoebridge told Sky News that Australia should stop 'bankrolling' US defence facilities in Darwin, and the secretive Pine Gap facility. 'Australia has for too long allowed Pine Gap and Defence facilities in Darwin to operate as de facto US territories, it's time we put a stop to that,' he said. 'Labor and the Coalition say having US troops stationed here makes us safer. The Greens say it is a major national security risk. 'Donald Trump is erratic, reckless and careless of America's allies and alliances but he does have one fairly constant trait, he puts US interests first. 'If only Australian decision makers did the same for us.' Mr Shoebridge said the US decision to review AUKUS should be met with Australia's own review. 'It's time for Parliament to launch a full inquiry into this dud deal, and allow critics of AUKUS a seat at the table, not just a nodding bunch of Labor and Coalition members.' Several other federal politicians outside of the major parties have also called into question whether the AUKUS deal served the national interest. Independent Senator David Pocock told Sky News he did not have full confidence in the US administration in relation to the AUKUS agreement. 'I think we should take this as an opportunity to actually do a review ourselves. It's long overdue,' he said on Thursday. Teal MP Monique Ryan also said it was 'not surprising' the Trump administration was considering an end to AUKUS, and suggested Mr Albanese should 'do the same'. 'Nations act in their own best interests. Spending $400 billion on subs which may never arrive might well not be in our best interest,' she said on X. Tasmanian Senator Jacqui Lambie recently called into question the Pine Gap facility and said it should be closed in response to Trump's controversial tariffs. 'We don't owe the United States anything. It's time these leaders stood up … It's about time you started hitting them back where it hurts,' Ms Lambie told the ABC. 'I can tell you, if they do not have access to Pine Gap and the communications there, then they are not gathering any intelligence over this side of the world. 'Tell them they've got seven days to remove their US Marines off Australian soil. That will really hurt .' Ms Lambie said Australia had shown the US 'loyalty and our mateship' in various wars, and it was time to show them 'we mean business'. 'We can no longer trust our US allies … with everything that we've given to them over the years, the loyalty, the mateship, the sacrifice … we don't owe the United States anything,' she said. Mr Shoebridge echoed Ms Lambie's sentiment, saying that despite 'all the mateship talk', Australia was not an equal partner but a 'useful patsy for US power projection'.
