Australia’s Population Boom Continues, We’re Now at 22.5 Million

AUSTRALIAN Bureau of Statistics show the nation’s population surged 1.4 per cent last year to 22.5 million.

Victoria led the population surge recruiting 75,000 new residents in the way of immigration, more babies and a net increase from other states. The state now has 5.6 million people.

Mining states Western Australia (which gained 67,400 residents) and Queensland (66,500) were the next fastest growing states.

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Home Buyers, Housing Market Hurting Enough

‘The decision today to leave interest rates unchanged provides some relief to home buyers, struggling to cope with a blowing out of their mortgage repayments as a result of successive official interest rate rises, as well as the additional interest rate increases imposed by many lenders in recent months,’ says Noel Dyett, REIA President.

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Lend Lease Delivers Strong Half Year Profit Result Amid Tough Market Conditions

Lend Lease delivers strong half year profit result amid tough market conditions    

* Statutory Profit After Tax up 49% to A$259.6m
* EPS on Operating Profit up 60% to 65.5 cents
* Net Operating Profit After Tax up 61% to A$262.8m  Interim dividend up 23% to 43 cents a share

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Bruce Mathieson to Retain Brighton Mansion

Pokie king Bruce Mathieson has withdrawn his Brighton mansion from the market. The five-bedroom property in Sandown Street on Brighton’s Golden Mile was mysteriously whisked off industry websites last month, sparking speculation that the house – on the market for more than $9 million 12 months ago and later reduced to $7.5 million – had actually been sold.

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