Last Top Stories: 'Big, bright' meteor seen over Launceston amid perfect conditions for sightings

'Big, bright' meteor seen over Launceston amid perfect conditions for sightings

A meteor sighting over Launceston this morning has prompted a reminder that cold, clear winter conditions provide a perfect platform for sightings. As northern Tasmania shivers through sub-zero overnight temperatures, the clear skies helped the region ... >> view original

Police appeal for information on missing Launceston man

Police are appealing again for any information about 20-year-old man Ben Plowright who disappeared on Saturday night. Mr Plowright was last seen in the northern Tasmania town of Perth which is about 20 kilometres south of his hometown of Launceston. >> view original

Tax cut seekers must find savings: PM

Drop top tax rate, business tells reviewCourier Mail >> view original

Medibank Private shares come back to earth

SEVEN months after investors scrambled for a piece of Medibank Private, the health insurer's share price has come back to earth as concern grows about its outlook. HAVING hit a high of $2.59 in February, Medibank shares have been in retreat for the past ... >> view original

ASIC backs accountants' push to challenge banks on financial planning

The subsidiary of accounting body CPA Australia will pitch itself as the "trusted and independent" alternative to bank-owned financial advice. Photo: Karl Hilzinger. The corporate watchdog has thrown its support behind a move from the accounting profession ... >> view original

More iron ore job losses ahead

Australia's iron ore miners have been boosted by higher prices in recent days, but analysts predict further job losses in the industry in the year ahead. Shares in local producers were on the rise on today as the price of the steel making commodity trades ... >> view original

Performance of construction index posts mystifying fall

In the face of the biggest residential construction boom recorded, a private survey of builders finds the sector is contracting. The Australian Industry Group - Housing Industry Association's Performance of Construction Index fell slightly to 47.8 in May, below the ... >> view original

Five last-minute tips for maximising your tax refund

Bear in mind that tax deductions aren't a dollar-for-dollar refund. You'll get back well under half. See also. Related Story: How to avoid online tax fraud and scams Florin Vasile 5 Aug 2014. Comment. Hear that? It's the sound of the 2015 financial year ending. >> view original

Alan Bond dead at 77 after heart surgery

Alan Bond, the one-time business giant, America's Cup hero and convicted fraudster, has died in a Perth hospital three days after surgery to replace a heart valve and repair two others. The 77-year-old had been in a critical condition at Fiona Stanley Hospital ... >> view original

CSIRO and NICTA merger could cost 200 jobs

Merger: CSIRO chief executive Dr Larry Marshall said even more people would lose their jobs if the merger did not go ahead. A merger of the CSIRO and NICTA may result in as many as 200 job losses as the two departments move closer to signing a formal ... >> view original