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<a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/leadership/management/42915-aldi-founder-karl-albrecht-dies-five-things-you-didn-t-know-about-this-supermarket-king">German supermarket chain Aldi</a> is increasing its stake in Australia’s grocery market, posing a long-term threat to the country’s traditional supermarket duopoly, according to research released last week.
The report by credit rating agency Moody’s shows an increasing acceptance of Aldi by Australian consumers and says the low-cost supermarket’s aggressive expansion will put pressure on Woolworths and Coles over time, whereas its growth had previously been at the expense of Metcash’s IGA supermarkets and other independent retailers.
Moody’s estimates Aldi holds 8% of the local market, whereas Woolworths has 37% and Coles has 26%. Metcash is estimated to have 11% of the market, with another 18% made up of “other” retailers.
“Aldi will definitely increase its market share in Australia because it is opening stores at a faster rate,” Ian Chitterer, Moody’s Investors Service vice president and senior analyst, told SmartCompany.
Aldi recently announced a $700 million expansion into South Australia and Western Australia, which will see it add a further 120 to130 new stores to its 300-store strong network over the next five years. An Australian spokesperson for the supermarket confirmed Aldi plans to open up to 25 stores per year on the Eastern Australian seaboard.
<div>"Aldi Australia is focused on growing the business sustainably and responsibly in line with consumer demand for quality products at permanently low prices," said thespokesperson.
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"As a discount retailer, Aldi offers a very different proposition to the major supermarket chains and does not position the business in direct competition to the duopoly."
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But Chitterer says Aldi’s increasing market share is still most likely to come from Metcash and the independents over the next two years, as Coles and Woolworths continue to miss an opportunity to take a further stake from the smaller players.
“The market share they’ve gained, that is market share Coles or Woolworths could have taken,” he says.
The report comes as price-cutting continues to heat up in the Australian grocery market, with Woolworths signalling it will keep pushing forward with its plans to lower prices at the checkout to shift perceptions that it is the more expensive option of the two major supermarkets.
"We want to make sure that we remain the market-leading food offer in Australia and to do that we've got to have the best prices, we've got have the best in-store service and we've got to have the best stores," Woolworths chief executive Grant O'Brien <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/business/retail/woolworths-flags-price-cuts-20150227-13qv66#ixzz3TqA987u0">previously told Fairfax</a>.
Chitterer says Aldi will likely be closely watching the pricing competition between the two major players.
“I would expect Aldi is watching the pricing from the two companies and will respond accordingly,” he says.
Peter Strong, executive director of the Council of Small Business of Australia, welcomed the potential for Aldi to take some market share away from Coles and Woolworths, but says he still has concerns about the lengths the supermarket giants will go to protect their profit margins.
“The fear is Coles and Woolies will take profit from their suppliers,” Strong says.
Strong says Coles and Woolworths are “two of the most profitable supermarkets in the world” and there is little doubt their profit margins will begin to drop as competition in the space heats up.
But he says if suppliers are squeezed further in the retailers’ bids to maintain profit, the recently introduced voluntary <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/growth/45900-fast-lane-food-and-grocery-code-of-conduct-falls-short">Food and Grocery Code of Conduct</a> will “need to become mandatory”.
In <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/business/retail/accc-chairman-rod-sims-says-woolworths-has-fat-margins-as-suppliers-fear-profits-shrinkage-20150308-13xekz#ixzz3TqDABjuo">an interview with Fairfax,</a> Australian Competition and Consumer Commission chairman Rod Sims said this week he believes Woolworths has one of the highest profit margins of any large supermarket chain in the world.
SmartCompany contacted Woolworths but did not receive a response prior to publication. 
This article first appeared on <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/" target="_blank">SmartCompany</a>.
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Supermarket wars: Aldi takes on market share as Woolworths drops prices

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An incredibly strong auction weekend set the scene for a remarkable auction in Sydney’s north at the weekend, when a house in the suburb of North Epping, 19 kilometres from Sydney’s CBD, sold for nearly $200,000 above reserve.
A combination of the <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/growth/economy/45528-what-does-the-rba-interest-rate-cut-mean-for-your-business" target="_blank">interest rate cut</a> and a greater volume of properties on offer saw the national clearance rate hit a high not seen since October 2009, according to RP Data Victorian housing market specialist Robert Larocca.
Twelve registered bidders pushed the price for the five-bedroom home at 9 Narelle Street, North Epping, to $1,616,000 – a whopping $191,000 above the reserve price, <a href="https://news.domain.com.au/domain/real-estate-news/epic-epping-auction-nets-seller-almost-200000-above-reserve-20150221-13l158">according to Domain</a>.  
A local couple made the winning bid after going head-to-head with a Chinese investor, according to the reports, who jumped the price by $1,000 increments over the phone.
Larocca said lower interest rates clearly had a connection to such outstanding results.
“That was the point [of lowering rates], in many respects. The Reserve Bank wanted people to open their wallets, or their bank loans, just a bit more,” says Larocca.
Larocca says if the market continues with such strength, we will likely see more exceptional results.
“But I think what’s more interesting is the overall national clearance. That speaks more about the market than those people who do get hundreds over their reserve,” he says.
The national clearance rate reached 77.7%, according to RP Data preliminary data, and Larocca says even if that is adjusted down, the result points to a very strong weekend.
“It was a remarkable outcome really,” says Larocca.
Sydney was again the country’s star performer, scoring an 87.8% clearance off 839 auctions.
It’s the third week in a row the Sydney market has delivered a result above 80%, but Larocca says this is not against the trend at this time last year.
Melbourne did not disappoint despite the higher volumes, logging a clearance rate of 74.9% off 1,049 homes sold under the hammer.
Even Brisbane delivered a stellar result of 68.9% off 113 auctions.
Larocca says the coming weekend will be “interesting” to watch, as the weekend before a long weekend brings even more properties on the market.
“It will be interesting now the momentum has built significantly. Seeing as it was admittedly a slow start to the year,” he says.
“Buyers are clearly back out,” Larocca adds.
This article first appeared on <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/" target="_blank">SmartCompany</a>.
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North Sydney home sells for nearly $200,000 above reserve as interest rates push auctions to “remarkable” high

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An ageing population, distrust in the super system and a dependency on foreign debt will put significant strain on Australia’s retirement income system over the next 40 years and will potentially leave Aussies without enough super to retire on, according to a panel of industry experts that included David Murray, the head of the <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/finance/42840-what-the-murray-financial-industry-report-means-for-your-business" target="_blank">Financial System Inquiry</a> (FSI).
Murray told a breakfast in Melbourne the superannuation system needed clearer objectives in the coming years.
"We need to make sure the objective of the system is clear. If it’s not, and we don’t make some improvement, we will increasingly have to ask the question: Would we have been better off without this system?” said Murray.
“It’s not clear that we’ve made an overwhelming strong start in the superannuation system. There are a lot of people that start at 3% that won’t have adequate outcomes in retirement.”
The panel, which was hosted by the Self Managed Super Fund Association, also included former Keating government advisor Don Russell, economist and former Reserve Bank board member Warwick McKibbin, and SMSF Association chief Andrea Slattery.
Ageing population
McKibbin, an economic modeller, argued while <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/finance/superannuation/31367-smsf-experts-say-ageing-population-a-concern-for-industry" target="_blank">Australia’s ageing population</a> was not facing as much pressure as some countries, such as Japan and certain areas in Europe, we are still at the mercy of an increasing rate of old age dependency.
“Demographics is always destiny,” said McKibbin, who pointed to research showing while world economies would continue to grow, work participation rates will conversely decline.   
“Just from demographics alone, we can see there will be a fundamental slowdown in the world economy,” he says.
“The people who are working can’t support the number of old age people.”
Superannuant apathy
Russell, who was one of the architects of compulsory superannuation system, argued the public is becoming increasingly apathetic about super, and the superannuation industry was guilty of not having done enough to convince people to lock away their money for 40 years.
“Unless we can continue to convince people it’s a good deal to have their money locked, people will start saying, ‘I’ll have my money now’,” said Russell.
He said the failure of the industry to speak with one voice had discredited it in the eyes of many people and had strengthened criticism of compulsory super.
Foreign reliance
Murray, the former chief of the Commonwealth Bank, used the analogy of Australia as a bank customer to illustrate our reliance on foreign debt, saying the country could be classed as “a prolific borrower”.
He said while the country is generally “a style of borrower that does prefer to pay their debts”, it was now at risk of <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/growth/economy/42017-australia-s-aaa-credit-rating-at-risk-we-ask-three-economists-does-it-matter">the consequences of irresponsible budgetary management</a>.
“Well, what [does Australia] do when things are crook? Generally they have managed the budget fairly responsibly. Well we’ve reached a point where we don’t anymore,” said Murray.
Russell agreed Australia was too reliant upon other economies and was at risk of “being run over” if it slowed down reform to the super system.
“The US is of such a size, if it sits in the middle of the road, everyone goes round it. If Australia stops in the middle of the road, it gets run over. It’s not an option for us to be stopping,” he said.
SMSF sector
Meanwhile, the two-day conference also canvassed the condition of the self-managed super fund sector, with Slattery saying a growing number of people were “taking responsibility” for their super in the face of the challenges on the system.
In her keynote address, Slattery said recent reports, including the FSI, had given the SMSF sector “a clean bill of health”.
“We all know the figures. Of $1.85 trillion invested in superannuation at 30 June 2014, $560 billion is in SMSFs,” said Slattery.
“That’s 31% of all superannuation funds, with SMSFs now representing the majority of those that are self-sufficient in their retirement with 93% of members drawing income streams in the retirement phase.”
Slattery also pointed to “sobering” statistics that show approximately 84% of Australians are currently retiring on $21,000 or less a year through APRA-regulated funds.
SMSF investors making growth a priority
While concerns remain clear for the superannuation system as a whole, the conference also drew attention to research showing “green shoots” for SMSF investments.
The SMSF Investor Product Needs Report released on Tuesday shows trustees are now swinging away from cautious investments and are beginning to make growth a priority.
“For the past few years, the pendulum has been on the fear side; it was moving back towards optimism, but a lot of caution has emerged in 2014,” said the report.
The survey of 2681 investors with an SMSF, which examines investment trends in the six-year period from 2009 to 2014, says SMSF investors are in a period of “cautious optimism”, and while maximizing income remains important, trustees are focusing more on growth.
Slattery said in a statement the study “put to bed” the myths that SMSF investors don’t like making decisions, are apathetic, and basically sit on large cash reserves.
“As the report says, SMSF investors tend to lead the general investor population in investing behaviour and, as such, it’s critical to watch what they are doing,” she said.
This article first appeared on <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/" target="_blank">SmartCompany</a>.
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The future of the super system and how your SMSF will fare

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Rich Lister Paul Little will become Australia’s newest billionaire, following Japan Post’s <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/growth/economy/45743-toll-board-backs-6-5-billion-takeover-bid-by-japan-post-investors-wipe-600-million-off-seek-share-price-despite-64-jump-in-profit-midday-roundup" target="_blank">proposed $6.5 billion acqu</a>i<a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/growth/economy/45743-toll-board-backs-6-5-billion-takeover-bid-by-japan-post-investors-wipe-600-million-off-seek-share-price-despite-64-jump-in-profit-midday-roundup" target="_blank">sition of Toll Holdings</a>.
Little, who led Toll Holdings for 26 years, currently holds a 5% stake in Toll Holdings. <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/growth/economy/45743-toll-board-backs-6-5-billion-takeover-bid-by-japan-post-investors-wipe-600-million-off-seek-share-price-despite-64-jump-in-profit-midday-roundup" target="_blank">The sale will mean</a> the Melburnian can expect a payday of at least $300 million.
While Little only found out about the takeover bid from Japan Post on Tuesday evening, <a href="https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/toll-holdings-takeover-paul-littles-300m-windfall/story-e6frg8zx-1227223862198">he told The Australian</a> the sale is an “emotional” one for him, but he is pleased to see a new home secured for Toll employees.
“It’s quite an emotional sale for me and my thoughts are with the staff. Their future is assured,” Little said.
Little is already one of Australia’s richest businesspeople, with <a href="https://www.forbes.com/profile/paul-little/">Forbes estimating</a> the 67-year-old’s wealth to be in the vicinity of $820 million as of January this year.
The sale will add another feather to the bow of Little’s career, who nowadays is continuing to make waves with his property business, Little Property Group, and his aviation business, Little Aviation, and as chairman of Essendon Football Club.
Here are a list of highlights from the entrepreneur’s career:
1. Building Toll
Little retired as managing director of Toll in December 2011 after 26 years at the helm. He is credited with leading the management buyout of the company in 1986 and listing Toll on the Australian Securities Exchange in 1993.
But Little’s time at Toll also gave him a reputation as a consummate dealmaker, executing around 100 acquisitions during his time at Toll and building the company’s transport logistics network to 55 countries.
Little <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/leadership/38606-big-plans-exit-toll-holdings-chief-paul-little-rebuilds">previously said</a> companies should make sure an acquisition will make a business “bigger, better, smarter and more efficient” before signing the dotted line.
“An acquisition has to increase activity that lowers operating costs, or it needs to enhance customer service levels,” Little said.
“An acquisition has to do one of those two, or in some cases it needs to do both.”
2. Moving into property
Little founded his property business Little Property Group in 2005 and today the property development arm of the company alone <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/leadership/profiles/42242-big-dreams-how-michael-fox-helped-build-little-projects-into-one-of-melbourne-s-largest-property-developers">turns over more than $300 million in sales</a>.
Michael Fox, managing director of Little Projects, previously said the seeds of the Little Property Group were sown while he was working with Little at Toll.
“Our company really started by accident,” Fox said, recalling his time as head of property at Toll.
“I came across a [development] spot in Richmond that I thought I could do something with and I spoke to Paul about it. So it was a combination of my expertise and his bank account.”
Fox said Little Projects is now Melbourne’s largest property developer, selling 800 apartments in 2013. The company focuses on inner-city development sites in prime spots in Melbourne – including St Kilda, Port Melbourne, South Yarra and East Brunswick – and combines development with its own property management business for investors.
3. Becoming a property tycoon
Little has also used his deal-making skills at Little Property Group, <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/finance/investment/35548-rich-lister-paul-little-snaps-up-real-estate-corp-for-60-million">snapping up rental listing company Real Estate Corp</a> for $60.7 million in February 2014.
At the time, Little Group managed around 3000 rental properties across Australia and Little Residential chief executive Phil Meggs said the acquisition would add around 15,000 additional properties to the network.
Little said at the time he was committed to offering high-quality, well-rounded services in the real estate market.
“As we started to break down some of the barriers and offer not just the opportunity for someone to buy one of our apartments, but then for us to rent it for them, and then one day sell it for them, we’ve found a huge interest in embracing this integrated or seamless approach to real estate,” Little told The Australian.
4. A love of football
Little is a passionate AFL fan and joined the board of the Essendon Football Club in 2011. He has served as chairman of the board since July 2013.
While Little has led the club’s fundraising working group for its new training and administration centre at Tullamarine, his focus has no doubt been on managing the fallout of the performance drug scandal that has plagued the club for the past two years.
5. Investing in digital
Little also owns shares in $100 million online conveyancing company Property Exchange Australia.
PEXA is aiming to disrupt the conveyancing market by offering lower cost property transactions and shorter settlement times.
Originally established in 2010, PEXA began offering full digital property services in New South Wales last November and expanded to Victoria this month. Moves into Queensland and Western Australia are slated for May, <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/business/online-property-transaction-system-pexa-tipped-to-cut-conveyancing-costs-20150217-13grh0">according to Fairfax</a>.
SmartCompany attempted to contact Paul Little this morning but did not receive a response prior to publication.
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Paul Little to join billionaire club: The property tycoon and entrepreneur’s five greatest hits

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Business outlook on profitability has hit a 23-year low for the December quarter, but Small Business Minister Bruce Billson says there are plenty of positive “green shoots” to give the small business community confidence in 2015.
The latest Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Survey of Investor Confidence shows businesses had a <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/growth/economy/44757-aussies-tipped-to-spend-30-billion-in-december-but-it-s-not-all-holiday-cheer-the-three-biggest-problems-facing-retailers-this-christmas" target="_blank">tough Christmas period</a> and have a gloomy outlook for the year ahead.
The survey’s 641 respondents, mainly from the construction and manufacturing industries, said conditions in their own businesses had fallen further into negative territory, from 49.5 to 48.6 over the December quarter. Sales and profits indicators also dipped for the quarter.
Outlook on profitability hit its lowest level in 23 years, drastically falling from 44.4 to 41.7 in the December quarter.  The profitability index has remained in negative territory since the global financial crisis, but has tumbled steeply over the last two quarters.
Businesses’ expectations for their own prospects are also on a downward slide, with respondents saying they are pessimistic about the prospects for broader economic growth and the general investment climate.
ACCI chief executive Kate Carnell used the results to call on the federal government to act.
"We need the government, and the Parliament to act to restore business confidence by fixing the budget and undertaking productivity-enhancing structural reforms,” Carnell said in a statement.
Billson said this morning Carnell’s comments point to the need for Parliament to be more constructive and collaborative around budget repair.
“I think you’ll find the political climate quite unsettled for the business community,” says Billson.
And Billson blames Labor’s “negativity” for the downturn in confidence.
“Labor has returned to type as a party of protest. Bill Shorten has proved he is a purveyor of pessimism. They are creating uncertainty and undermining the surefootedness that the business community needs,” Billson says.
“This [survey] is a wake-up call to the Labor opposition. There is too much at stake to be playing short-term populism.”
Billson urges the small business community to look at several economic “green shoots”, including rising job numbers, <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/growth/economy/45291-australia-japan-fta-comes-into-effect-today-what-it-will-mean-for-your-business" target="_blank">recent trade agreements</a> and retail trade figures for Christmas.
“The survey also highlights that many businesses are faring better than anticipated,” says Billson.
“Focusing exclusively on the negative suffocates news that, I certainly feel, adds to optimism about the new year,” he says.
This article first appeared on <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/" target="_blank">SmartCompany</a>.
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Business confidence lowest in 23 years

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Upmarket British department store Marks and Spencer is the latest international retailer to be rumoured to be landing Down Under, with speculation the company is on the search for an Australian ad agency.
The rumours follow a report released by Deloitte this week that forecast the flood of <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/growth/45250-global-retail-invasion-set-to-continue-in-2015-five-major-retail-trends-to-shape-the-year" target="_blank">international retailers coming to Australia</a> will continue in 2015.
<a href="https://www.adnews.com.au/news/british-retailer-mands-rumoured-to-be-landing-on-aussie-shores" target="_blank">AdNews reports </a>Marks and Spencer is shopping around for a local ad agency to make its move into the Australian market, with a senior agency executive telling the publication: “As far as I can tell, M&amp;S hasn’t decided on which agency to appoint and in terms of opening, well, no-one knows the exact date but it will definitely happen soon.”
Brian Walker, chief executive of the Retail Doctor Group, said the iconic British retailer has been <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/growth/economy/35362-marks-spencer-edges-closer-to-oz-turkey-increases-rates-to-halt-currency-downturn-midday-roundup" target="_blank">rumoured to be looking at Australia</a> for some time.
“Marks and Spencer are absolutely coming to Australia, that’s a given,” says Walker.
The upmarket department store was founded in 1884 and already operates in more than 50 territories worldwide, employing almost 86,000 people.
Offering everything from fashion to fine food across a mix of designer labels and its own brands, Marks and Spencer’s online channel has shipped products to Australia for several years.
“They know the market here, they know through their online sales and online intelligence that this a good market for them,” Walker says.
Walker says the arrival will pose the biggest threat to Myer and David Jones.
“I have to say, the duopoly of the department store scene is really under threat. It was clear there wasn’t ample space for more than two, but now with online department stores and online retailing, there is a real threat to big footprint department store models, like David Jones and Myer,” he says.
Built pre-internet, Walker says these models were founded on physical domination, big branding and lots of of stock in plenty of space.
“Online has changed that so dramatically. Businesses like Marks and Spencer can open anywhere around the world now and they have already built an understanding of their brand through their online presence,” he says.  
Walker says there will be a significant ex-pat population that will likely flock to the brand, as well as many Australians who will be familiar with Marks and Spencer from travelling.
“It’s another part of the core supply of the department store duopoly being eaten away,” he says.
Marks and Spencer bricks-and-mortar stores are also well known for upmarket grocery departments, a feature which Walker says has been largely neglected by Australian department stores, relative to that of overseas players.
“The food offering has largely been left alone by department stores, relative to Marks and Spencer and Harrods. I can only assume they’ll bring that element, which has been missing from the Australian market,” he says.
Walker believes Marks and Spencer is likely to follow the path of international retailers before it, such as H&amp;M, TopShop and <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/marketing/41574-four-lessons-from-japanese-fashion-icon-uniqlo-s-australian-launch" target="_blank">Uniqlo</a>, first opening in Sydney or Melbourne, before moving to Brisbane and eventually the west coast. 
“I don’t think there will be a plethora of Marks and Spencer stores. They’ll first see how the Sydney and Melbourne goes and boost their online presence,” he says.
SmartCompany contacted Marks and Spencer but did not receive a response prior to publication.
This article first appeared on <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/" target="_blank">SmartCompany</a>.
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British retailer Marks and Spencer rumoured to be heading to Australia

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The corporate watchdog has deregistered 440 self-managed super fund auditors who did not undertake or pass the competency exam necessary to be registered.
The move to have stricter controls over the industry comes as the <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/finance/superannuation/31900-smsfs-continue-to-grow-reaching--22-billion">SMSF sector continues to gain popularity </a>in Australia.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission said of the 440 auditors whose registration was cancelled, 373 did not attempt the exam and 67 did not pass the exam.
SMSF auditors, of which there are around 7,000 in Australia, are given up to two attempts to pass the competency exam.
ASIC said 1,421 auditors were required to sit the exam before July 1 this year, but the regulator extended the cut off to August 31, 2014.
Graeme Colley, director of technical and professional standards at the SMSF Professionals' Association of Australia, said the matter had been referred on to ASIC by the Australian Taxation Office after the ATO cross-checked the number of audits each auditor was declaring and undertaking.
Colley says auditors, many of whom would be accountants, had declared they only undertook a handful of audits a year to escape sitting the competency test, but the ATO figures had caught up with them.
“The ATO has crosschecked the actual with the theoretical,” says Colley.
“They’ve realised, wait a minute, these people are telling porkies. They haven’t done the test and they are not meeting the qualification requirements.”
Colley says many small accountants would have tried to avoid the exam out of fear or embarrassment.
“Would you want to go do an exam if you haven’t done one in ten years?” he says.
Colley says the move to cancel the registration is a positive outcome for the SMSF sector because it will make sure auditors adhere to the highest standard of education.
“It means those that are there now to look after self-managed super funds are making sure audits are done properly,” he says.
Deregistered auditors have 12 months to re-apply for registration and pass the competency exam in no more than two attempts.
This article first appeared on <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/" target="_blank">SmartCompany</a>.
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440 SMSF auditors deregistered after failing or not sitting the exam

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A trusted Melbourne lawyer who swindled clients out of more than $12 million received a 12-year jail sentence for his crimes last week.
The Supreme Court of Victoria heard Philip Linacre operated a 12-year-long <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/legal/19226-how-graham-hoy-created-australia-s-worst-ponzi-scheme-and-got-13-years-jail">Ponzi scheme</a>, a fraudulent investment where returns are paid to investors are paid by new investors, rather than from profit earned from the investment itself.
Linacre told clients, including his own family and friends, their investments would be given to a third party as a mortgage loan, promising them between returns of 12% and 24% on the investments. He was instead using their money to pay out the interest on other clients' investments.
Linacre, who said he started the scheme because of his own bad financial position, operated the arrangement from 2000 until 2012, when he turned himself in to police. He pleaded guilty to 21 counts of dishonesty and five counts of having a deficiency in a trust account.
Chief Justice Warren called Linacre’s actions “calculated and complex” and said many of the victims were already in difficult financial circumstances when Linacre convinced them to invest.
“You have committed a number of serious offences in the trusted position of a lawyer,” said Warren in her ruling.
“Importantly, these victims came to you in their time of need. Many sought information about investing their life savings, superannuation or inheritance. They placed complete trust in you. You did not only steal money from your victims, you robbed them of their future.”
Warren also found many of Linacre’s victims suffered ill health because of his criminality.
Linacre will serve a minimum of eight years’ jail.
Brett Warfield chief executive of forensic accounting firm Warfield &amp; Associates, said Ponzi schemes have been around for a long time and there were two major red flags for investors to watch out for.
“The first, and most glaring, is the rate of return you are promised,” says Warfield.
“As soon as you are promised above the market rate, so in this instance the mortgage lending rate, when you get someone offering double, triple or four times that, straight away that should be a sign.”
Warfield says the greater the return on investment, the greater the risk for investors.
“The other thing with Ponzi schemes is asking questions about the actual investment,” he says. “Asking what type of information will be provided about my investments?”
Warfield says investors should expect detailed reports and correspondences on their investment, such as what one might expect from superannuation funds. He says although some people may feel uncomfortable asking for this information, investors have to be proactive to protect themselves.
“You have to be in charge of your money,” he says. “The good thing is vulnerable people who would have invested may see and may think twice.”
This article first appeared on <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/" target="_blank">SmartCompany</a>.
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Melbourne lawyer jailed for 12 years over “calculated and complex” Ponzi mortgage scheme

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As the final round of properties for the year go under the hammer this weekend, RP Data figures show more people have sold more homes at auction this year than in 2013.
While the market has cooled in the latter half of 2014, the capital city clearance rate will exceed last year, currently sitting at 68% with one week to go, compared to 66.2% last year. RP Data shows the clearance rate has risen in each capital city, with the exception of Melbourne and Perth.
It was <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/finance/investment/34971-property-market-forecasts-for-2014">forecast the market would show a little bit of sanity</a> this year compared to the strength of 2013 and it certainly has shown more moderate growth, says RP Data housing market specialist Robert Larocca.
“It has certainly been a good year,” says Larocca. “The high volumes are proof the market is going strongly and there has been a shift in sales method towards auctions.”
Larocca says different auction markets have performed differently throughout the country, with the most notable contrast between Australia’s two biggest auction cities.
“Sydney led the pack and produced the best results with an unprecedented rise in auction volumes,” he says.
“In retrospect, I think 2014 will be the year that Sydney caught up with Melbourne.”
Larocca says the raw numbers show Sydney now lists around the same number of auctions as Melbourne, where it used to list closer to half.
“It will be interesting to see in the next couple of years if there is a fundamental shift, or if the market was just strong this year and auctions were trendy,” he says.
Sydney notched a clearance rate of 71.2% on 1259 auctions at the weekend, compared to 72.2% last year. The overall clearance rate for the year will likely be close to 74.5%, according to Larocca, higher than the 72.7% recorded last year.
Larocca says while the Melbourne market has softened in recent months, that is characteristic for this time of year.
“It’s typical of a market that is performing quite moderately,” he says.
Melbourne logged a 65.9% clearance on 1,535 homes this weekend, compared to 64.9% this time last year. Larocca says the clearance rate for 2014 is likely to be marginally lower at around 68.6%, compared to 69.2% in 2013.
The overall clearance rate for Brisbane in 2014 is likely to be 45.8%, higher than 41.5% last year, while Adelaide will sit at 62%, higher than 56.5% last year.
Perth has dropped to 41.2% for 2014, lower than 46.5 % last year.
Looking forward to 2015, Larocca says much will hinge on overall economic conditions, suck as economic growth, unemployment figures and the Reserve Bank of Australia’s move on interest rates.
“We probably shouldn’t be hoping for more cuts,” he says.
“They may provide a short-term boost and make people feel good, feel as though they are paying less, but it shows the Reserve Bank is saying there are problems with the economy. The property market has performed well with higher rates in the past.”
Larocca forecasts slightly more subdued clearance rates for the start of 2015, expecting major capital cities to drop to the mid-60s.
“I think there will be a reduction in overall auctions numbers too, we won’t see the sustained growth we saw this year, reflecting the strength of the market has toned down as the year goes on,” he says.
“Overall, I think the market will be standing still until we see some stronger, positive economic signs.”
This article first appeared on <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/" target="_blank">SmartCompany</a>.
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Hammer falls on a stronger auction year than last

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National auction clearance rates are struggling to find the same heights as earlier in the year, off the back of a huge weekend for the property market.
According to RP Data, a massive 3,692 properties went under the hammer over the weekend, notching up the <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/growth/economy/44845-former-genetic-technologies-chief-jailed-for-market-manipulation-merry-christmas-ahead-for-property-buyers-at-auctions-midday-roundup">same 66.6% national clearance rate as last week</a>, with the two biggest auction cities battling to find the demand for greater supply.
Sydney struggled in the face of greater supply, with only 71.7% of 1,378 homes selling at the auction block – the lowest level in 18 months, <a href="https://www.theaustralian.com.au/subscribe/news/1/index?sourceCode=TAWEB_WRE170_a&amp;mode=premium&amp;dest=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/property/auction-clearances-point-to-cooling-housing-market/story-fniz9vg9-1227147757900&amp;memtype=anonymous">according to The Australian</a>.
On a substantial Super Saturday in Melbourne, which saw 1,823 properties up for auction, Melbourne cleared 67.1%.
Frank Valentic, buyers advocate from Advantage Property Consulting, said the two week drop in clearance rates is “not evidence of a crash” and not something to concern sellers.
“It’s a sign of the large volume we’ve had over the last two months,” says Valentic.
“The market is just catching up with itself. It’s a natural thing when we see greater supply and each week we are seeing a large volumes of auctions.”
Valentic says around 10,000 properties have gone to auction in the last eight weeks, with considerably more Super Saturdays in Melbourne than last year.
“This shows there is confidence in the market and in the auction method,” he says.
“There is confidence that if you put your house on the market, you’ll get a sold sticker on it and a reasonable price.”
While Valentic says there are signs the Melbourne apartment market is softening due to an oversupply in inner suburbs, he says house prices are still “bulletproof”.
But he believes the clearance rate drops are not a sign the market swinging back in favour of buyers, saying there are still opportunities for both sellers and buyers to find excellent results.
“There are always opportunities to buy well and buy badly in any market. Anything with a wow factor will always be in demand,” Valentic says, giving the example of a property in Montague Street Albert Park, which sold for $675,000 above reserve at the weekend.
Valentic says the market is showing solid and sustained growth, unlike the heights and troughs of previous years, such as the boom of 2010.
He believes 2015 will begin with solid clearance rates in the mid-70’s, after the market takes a break for the Christmas period.
This article first appeared on <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/" target="_blank">SmartCompany</a>.
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Property clearance rate drop is “natural” as auction volumes surge, says expert

Roseville is poised for a wave of new apartment development following the NSW Government's rezoning of land around Roseville Station under its Transport Oriented Development program.

The new planning controls have unlocked significant development potential within walking distance of the station, with a number of sites expected to be amalgamated and redeveloped in the coming years as developers seek to take advantage of the increased density allowances.

One of the more restrained developments in the precinct, and set among the first to be delivered having commenced well before the recent changes, is Hyecorp's Juliet. The boutique apartment project is already well under construction and remains on track to welcome residents by the end of the year, offering a markedly different proposition to many of the larger-scale developments now likely to emerge across the suburb.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278194]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/juliet-roseville-64-pacific-highway-roseville-nsw-2069">Juliet</a> will comprise just&nbsp;34 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments opposite Roseville Station. For Hyecorp, which has delivered projects across Sydney's Lower North Shore for more than three decades, Roseville presented a rare opportunity to address a growing gap in the market.

"<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/roseville-nsw-2069">Roseville</a> has long been one of the North Shore's most tightly held and desirable suburbs, offering a unique combination of village charm, established greenery, excellent transport connections, and proximity to some of Sydney's best schools and lifestyle amenities," Hyecorp said.

"We recognised a growing demand from local homeowners seeking to downsize without leaving the community they have built their lives around. The location presented a rare opportunity to create homes that cater specifically to that buyer profile."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278196]

The six-level development has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/pbd-architects">PBD Architects</a> as a collection of residences that feel more like homes than apartments. The brief centred generous floorplans, abundant natural light, quality finishes, and strong connections to outdoor space.

PBD Architects drew inspiration from Roseville's established garden suburb character, creating a building that sits comfortably within its surroundings rather than dominating them. The architecture incorporates natural materials, soft forms, layered landscaping, expansive balconies, and generous setbacks to strengthen the connection between residents and the suburb's leafy environment.

"The focus was on designing spacious, house-like residences for discerning owner-occupiers and downsizers who wanted to remain on the North Shore without compromising on comfort, privacy, or design," PBD said.&nbsp;

"Every apartment was to feel considered, timeless, and highly functional."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278195]

Inside, residences feature engineered timber flooring, stone kitchen benchtops and splashbacks, integrated Fisher &amp; Paykel appliances, ducted air conditioning, and large outdoor entertaining areas designed to take advantage of district and treetop views.

Residents will also have access to a rooftop barbecue and lounge area, alongside practical amenities including parcel lockers, EV charging capability, bicycle storage, a dog wash bay, and a basement car wash facility.

The majority of purchasers so far have been local owner-occupiers from Roseville, Lindfield, Chatswood, Killara, and the broader Upper North Shore, many of whom are transitioning from larger family homes.

"Buyers are looking for spacious, house-like apartments that allow them to downsize without feeling like they are sacrificing comfort or functionality," Hyecorp noted.

"They value large kitchens, generous living areas, ample storage, quality finishes, secure parking, lift access, and low-maintenance living."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278204]

Juliet sits directly opposite Roseville Train Station and within walking distance of Roseville Village, while Chatswood's retail and dining precinct is only minutes away. The development is also surrounded by some of Sydney's most established schools, including Roseville College, Ravenswood, Pymble Ladies' College, and Knox Grammar, as well as nearby parklands and golf courses.

Juliet is currently more than 75 per cent sold ahead of its anticipated completion in late 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=7395]

Joel Robinson

Juliet to sit quietly amid Roseville apartment boom

Sherpa Property Group has unveiled the third instalment of its Flourish series, securing full approval for the two-tower, $500 million Flourish Soleira development in Palm Beach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-1150-1154-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a> will rise from a prominent site in the commercial heart of Palm Beach, the long-time home of Cash Converters and a range of local retailers.

The project will introduce a new retail and dining precinct at ground level, beneath 286 apartments.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370959]

“We’re very committed to not only providing affordable residential offerings that are much needed in Palm Beach, but also delivering a vibrant new commercial heart that complements the extraordinary growth of the southern Gold Coast,” Sherpa Property Group founder Christie Leet said.

The development will sit under Sherpa's Flourish brand, which is aimed at providing a pathway into the beachside suburb for locals, first-home buyers and downsizers. In a move designed to assist first-home buyers entering the market, Sherpa has reserved all one and two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartments exclusively for eligible first-home buyers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370964]

“Our vision through Flourish is to create a vibrant retail and lifestyle focal point within the Palm Beach centre zone, delivering thriving communities underpinned by lifestyle-rich locations,” Leet said.

“So far, Flourish has been an incredible success, and we hope to carry this momentum as we progress the next two Flourish projects in Palm Beach.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=371430]

Located across 1150-1164 Gold Coast Highway and 3 Sixth Avenue, the development will comprise two towers. The northern tower will deliver 154 apartments, while the southern tower will add a further 132 residences, helping address ongoing demand for new apartments in the tightly held coastal suburb.

Flourish Soleira will also feature the most extensive rooftop amenity offering ever delivered in Palm Beach.

The two towers will be connected by a skybridge, with residents gaining access to a rooftop recreation deck featuring a full-width swimming pool, hot and cold plunge pools, wellness spaces, a gymnasium, private dining facilities, massage treatment rooms, barbecue areas, a basketball court, golf simulator, indoor and outdoor dining spaces, sun lounges and extensive landscaping.

LPS Group is expected to start construction later this year.

Sherpa is already well advanced on construction of its debut Flourish project, Flourish Amargo, located just around the corner from Soleira. Meanwhile, Flourish Oasis, positioned opposite Amargo, recently commenced construction and has nearly sold out its collection of 47 apartments.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150017]

Sherpa unveils $500m mixed-use Palm Beach precinct, Flourish Soleira

Are mortgage holders set to get a reprieve from the RBA in 2026?

Big Four bank NAB believes so. They are now expecting the next move from the RBA to be a cut, rather than a hike, which they had pencilled in for August. They are unsure of the timing of the cut however, they note in their latest&nbsp;NAB Economics RBA Watch.

NAB Chief Economist, Dr Sally Auld, said recent data suggests the economy has lost momentum and the outlook for rates has shifted, noting that the broader economic backdrop has changed since earlier in the year.

“The next move in the cash rate is likely to be down, but the timing is uncertain," Dr Auld said.

"In February, growth was above trend, the economy was operating above capacity and there was uncertainty over the restrictiveness of rates. None of these conditions exist today,” she outlined.

Dr Auld said recent data pointed to softer momentum across the economy while acknowledging that at the same time, uncertainty remains a key feature of the outlook.

“Both Q1 GDP data and the NAB business survey suggest momentum in the economy has slowed, meaning that growth has likely peaked for the cycle. That said, we are cognisant there is still considerable uncertainty around the outlook, both with respect to activity and inflation.”

Dr Auld said inflation risks and labour market outcomes would be important to watch.

“On the prices side, we are still forecasting above target core inflation through to mid-2027. Margins will compress and weaker labour market outcomes are a risk.”

She said tighter financial conditions are expected to weigh on housing and activity.

“Tighter financial conditions will be reflected in a slowing in house price growth and housing credit growth. In summary, we have greater conviction that the next move in rates is down, but less conviction on the timing.”

Mortgage relief? NAB forecasts RBA rate cut, not hike, after softer economic conditions

A local downsizer has splashed $6.5 million on a penthouse in Perifa's Alex &amp; Willow development in Crows Nest. 
&nbsp; 
The purchaser sold their long-held family home in the area before embarking on a six-month search for the right apartment. After inspecting a range of options across the Lower North Shore, the buyer returned to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/alex-willow-crows-nest-82-90-alexander-street-crows-nest-nsw-2065">Alex &amp; Willow</a>. 
&nbsp; 
The buyer profile reflects the project’s broader purchaser mix. <a>Alex &amp; Willow</a> has attracted predominantly local downsizers looking to transition from larger homes without compromising on space or quality, alongside a smaller cohort of upsizers and investors drawn to the project’s location and design credentials. 
&nbsp; 
The milestone sale comes as the project, developed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/perifa">Perifa</a>&nbsp;and delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/versatile-made-construction">Versatile Construction</a>, both part of Versatile Group, reaches 60 per cent sold.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6680 project_image_fid=371325] 
&nbsp; 
Eddie Mansour, Managing Partner of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/ray-white-projects">Ray White Projects</a>, said the result demonstrates not only a headline price but also depth of demand. 
&nbsp; 
“This is an exceptional outcome and a clear reflection of sustained buyer demand for premium, well-located downsizer product,” Mansour said.

“We’re seeing a consistent pattern of local homeowners selling family residences and reinvesting into high-quality apartments that allow them to remain within their community. Alex &amp; Willow has resonated strongly with this group because it offers genuine scale, thoughtful design and immediate proximity to the village.” 
&nbsp; 
The sale reflects a broader and consistent trend of local downsizers actively seeking high-quality, low-maintenance residences close to established village centres. Agents report that demand for this product type has remained resilient, particularly where developments offer a rare combination of scale, design quality and walkable amenity. 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
Fabrizio Perilli, Managing Director of Perifa and Versatile Group, said the sale marks a defining moment for the project. 
&nbsp; 
“The penthouse sale is a strong endorsement of the quality we have delivered, alongside our partners, and the clear demand from local downsizers for premium, boutique residences in this location,” Perilli said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
“Most importantly, we’re proud to see the Alex &amp; Willow community beginning to take shape. As we move closer to completion, we’re looking forward to welcoming residents and seeing the project come to life.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6680 project_image_fid=338516] 
&nbsp; 
Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/nettletontribe">Nettleton Tribe</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/richards-stanisich">Richards Stanisich</a>, Alex &amp; Willow is a boutique collection of generously sized two- and three-bedroom residences in the heart of Crows Nest village.&nbsp;

Completion is slated for early 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=6680]

Alex & Willow, Crows Nest penthouse sells off the plan for $6.5 million

Fresh from launching the first stage of its Wollongong precinct, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/keira-place-wollongong-120-122-smith-street-wollongong-nsw-2500">Keira Place</a>, builder-developer Urban Property Group has unveiled plans for the next phase of the masterplanned community.

Now on public exhibition through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority pathway is a State Significant Development Application for a further 657 homes on the prominent gateway site opposite Beaton Park.

The proposal comprises three buildings, including two build-to-sell towers rising 25 and 30 storeys, delivering 391 apartments, alongside a 12-storey co-living building with 266 residences, making it one of the largest co-living proposals currently planned in regional New South Wales.

Of the apartments proposed in the build-to-sell towers, the majority, 310, are two-bedroom dwellings. The balance comprises 44 one-bedroom apartments and 37 three-bedroom residences. Apartment sizes range from around 50 sqm for one-bedroom homes to approximately 90 sqm for three-bedroom apartments.

<img alt="Smith St" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="19347059-1612-41a0-9c74-b86a657237f8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-10%20at%2010.02.18%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sWXnaCcA.cIC6N8YT1dg5pJ2e1V3Z6z7" />

The submission says the proposal has evolved significantly from its original Housing Delivery Authority application following extensive consultation with the State Design Review Panel and Wollongong City Council.

The final scheme has been designed to align with the emerging vision for the Flinders Street Precinct, an area identified by Council as a future high-density mixed-use neighbourhood capable of accommodating substantial housing growth close to transport, employment and community infrastructure.

According to the design report prepared by COX Architecture, the development aims to "deliver a built outcome consistent with the future character of the Wollongong CBD while responding to the site's unique constraints and opportunities."

"Our vision for the next phase of the site evolution in Wollongong is grounded in three design pillars that guide the design response: place, natural environment and celebration," COX said.

"Inspired by its surroundings and grounded in the stories of place on Wodi Wodi Country, the design proposal acknowledges the established character of its setting while creating a unique and timeless identity that sits harmoniously within it.

"The design proposal responds to its specific site conditions, acknowledging the vegetation, climate, wind conditions and solar access of the site."

The architecture responds directly to the site's position between Wollongong's urban core and its natural landscape setting.

COX identified views towards Mount Keira and the Illawarra Escarpment as defining features of the site, while the upper levels of the towers will also capture expansive views across the city and out to the Pacific Ocean.

The design team has positioned the tallest buildings closer to the rail corridor, where overshadowing impacts can be better managed while establishing a landmark built form on the northern approach into the city.

<img alt="Smith St" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="79580d5b-500c-4ebf-9629-797146a4a694" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-10%20at%209.51.59%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=WbTB1EKSG.KDfsfz0F3wp1QVa2oCMGR5" />

Urban Property Group secured the 11,000 sqm Smith Street site in 2022 and has since progressed plans for the broader Keira Place precinct.

Construction recently commenced on the first stage of Keira Place, which will deliver 150 apartments across two residential buildings, including 27 affordable housing apartments and 18 specialist disability accommodation dwellings, alongside activated ground-floor retail and commercial space.

Urban Co-CEO Patrick Elias said the commencement of construction marked a significant milestone for Wollongong and reflected the developer's long-term commitment to regional cities.

"Today's groundbreaking is about turning approvals into homes and moving quickly to deliver much-needed housing in Wollongong's city centre," Elias said.

"Keira Place will provide a diverse mix of homes close to jobs, transport and services, while setting a high benchmark for quality, durability and consumer protection."

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/groundbreaking-marks-start-of-construction-at-keira-place-in-wollongong-cbd">Groundbreaking marks start of construction at Keira Place in Wollongong CBD</a>

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Kirsten Robb

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