Tony Burke, an Australian politician, recently gave MPs an early mark for Easter, allowing them to leave parliament early. When questioned about this decision, Burke mentioned that regional opposition members had requested the day off as getting home could be a lengthy and exhausting process. Despite this, Burke stated that he would be happy to be in parliament full-time, unlike many other politicians. He pointed out that his three-hour drive to the capital was relatively easy compared to the lengthy commutes faced by other MPs, such as those based in Alice Springs or the Nationals’ party room.
In another development, ASX listed financial services firm Sequoia has been experiencing some turbulent times following a $5.1 million acquisition in 2022. The firm is taking ShareCafe’s former chief executive Tim McGowen to court for $3.5 million, alleging breaches of the share purchase deed. McGowen’s successor, Garry Crole, recently survived an attempt to remove him from his position after concerns were raised by a major investor. Despite these challenges, Crole is remaining in his role, with many financial advisers at Sequoia likely to leave if he were to be replaced. McGowen chose not to comment on the matter.
Sydney Catholic Schools boss Tony Farley, known for hosting lavish Christmas parties, has announced that he will not seek another five-year term in his current position. While Farley’s supporters highlight his accomplishments in school infrastructure, there have been some controversies surrounding his leadership. In 2021, Farley’s call for the scrapping of HSC exams in favor of in-school assessments was met with criticism from then education minister Sarah Mitchell. Farley’s decision not to seek a second term has raised some eyebrows, as he is the first SCS boss to opt out of a second term.
In a humorous turn of events, both the House and Senate recently passed motions to cancel sittings unanimously, signaling a rare moment of agreement among politicians. While the demanding nature of politics can be grueling, the unanimous decision to cancel sittings came as a surprise. For some MPs, like Alice Springs-based Senator Jacinta Price and others facing complicated commutes, the cancellation of sittings may provide a brief respite from the challenges of balancing work and travel. Despite the perception of politicians as ‘bludgers’, it is clear that the decision to cancel sittings was a moment of unity among parliamentarians.
Overall, the recent developments in Australian politics and the financial services sector reflect a mix of challenges and changes. From Tony Burke’s decision to give MPs an early mark for Easter to Sequoia’s legal battles and leadership struggles, it is evident that the landscape of business and politics is ever-evolving. Additionally, Tony Farley’s departure from Sydney Catholic Schools marks the end of an era, with his decision not to seek another term raising questions about the future direction of the organization. As these events unfold, the Australian public watches on, eager to see how these changes will impact the country’s political and economic landscape.
