Month: August 2022

Categories
Technology

Google Meet and Google Duo begin confusing merger

Google Meet and Google Duo begin confusing merger

Google has begun the next phase of merging its Duo and Meet video chat apps into one service.

The brand sent out an update on Wednesday, which will change the Google Duo icon to Google Meet. The update is largely aesthetic but is set to roll out for Android and iOS devices over the coming weeks. You can expect to receive a home screen notification explaining how Google Duo has been merged into Google Meet.

Google services (YouTube, Gmail, Chrome, Duo, Meet, Google Podcasts) icons app on smartphone screen.
Koshiro K/Shutterstock

The brand detailed in June that it has plans to meld the two chat services into a more professional video meeting system, which will be branded under a single name, Google Meet. The transition quickly began in July with Google Google started making changes to the system, moving several Meet features onto Duo, including:

  • Custom virtual backgrounds for video communication
  • meeting scheduling
  • In meeting chat rooms
  • In-call live-share of content
  • Real-time closed captions
  • Video call limit increased from 32 to 100 participants
  • Google tools integration with Gmail, Google Calendar, Assistant, Messages, and more.
  • The brand also sent out an update, changing the app icon to “Google Meet (original).”

TechCrunch noted that many frequent Google Meet users likely wouldn’t have noticed the icon shift as a major change. However, once the August update hits devices, they will be forced to notice the transition. The publication also added as the merge continues, you’ll need a Google account to access the unique Meet features. Previously, Duo as a call app only required a phone number.

As the merge culminates around September, everyone will see the new Google Meet icon and app name, and those who want to install Google video messaging service for the first time will have to assess the new Google Meet app, which will be available at the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

The Google Meet (original) app will be available for some time, but it will eventually be retired, with its users receiving a recommendation to update to the new application.

Google is also updating its Google Meet branding on its Duo on the Web services as of Wednesday; however, transitioning that platform completely to the new system is planned over the next several months, the brand said.

The fate of Google Duo being merged into Google Meet seems to simply be a numbers game, as opposed to scrapping the app altogether. 9to5Google noted in June that Google Duo has 5 billion Android downloads, in comparison to Google Meet, which has over 100 million downloads.

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Categories
Sports

NRL 2022: Canberra Raiders still filthy with ‘arrogant’ Penrith Panthers, spiteful rivalry

Canberra are planning an ambush on premiers Penrith in the ACT on Saturday night, fueled by simmering bad blood between the two clubs.

The Raiders don’t like the Panthers as a result of incidents on and off the field over the past two seasons.

Both last year and this year, the Penrith home crowd has mocked the iconic Raiders ‘Viking Clap’, in which fans slowly clap their hands above their heads as the team takes the field.

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The Raiders also haven’t forgotten an incident in which the Panthers scored a try and Panthers center Stephen Crichton attempted to include Raiders prop Joe Tapine in the celebrations, prompting an ugly push and shove between more than half the players on the field.

“We don’t like their attitude – plain and simple,” a senior Raiders officials told me.

“We have been waiting for this game and are planning an ambush.

“They are arrogant and we aim to bring them down a few pegs.”

Missing star halves Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai, the premiers are vulnerable against a Raiders team desperate for a win to keep their final hopes alive.

Canberra currently sit ninth on the table, behind the Roosters for that coveted finals spot due to an inferior for and against.

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Uniform controversies that have rocked sport around the world

Categories
Australia

Catholic Church to rely on ‘Ellis defence’ in civil damages claim involving Cardinal George Pell

A man wearing a black robe holds his fingers to his temple as he speaks.

The Catholic Church is using a controversial legal tactic in a bid to be excused from a civil damages claim lodged in the Victorian Supreme Court involving Cardinal George Pell.

A man is suing the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne and Cardinal Pell for damages, claiming he suffered nervous shock after learning of allegations Cardinal Pell sexually assaulted his son when he was a choirboy at St Patrick’s Cathedral in East Melbourne in 1996.

In 2018, Cardinal Pell was found guilty of the assault, but the High Court unanimously quashed the conviction in 2020.

The Cardinal has always maintained his innocence.

Church calls upon ‘Ellis defence’

In a preliminary hearing in the Victorian Supreme Court today, the Archdiocese indicated it wanted to rely on what is known as the ‘Ellis defence’ to be excused from the case.

The Ellis defense emerged out of a 2007 NSW Court of Appeal judgment that prevented an abuse survivor suing the Church because it was not a legal entity.

Survivors have long complained about the Church using the Ellis defence, and in 2018 the Victorian Parliament passed legislation that required unincorporated associations like the Church to nominate an entity that is capable of being sued.

But lawyers for the Archdiocese argued that legislation did not apply in this case because the father of the choirboy was not the primary victim of the alleged abuse.

The facade of St Patrick's Cathedral reaches into a cloudy sky.
The civil damages claim relates to allegations of abuse at St Patrick’s Cathedral in 1996.(ABC News: Danielle Bonica)

The father’s barrister, Julian Burnside QC, disagreed, arguing the 2018 legislation applied to both primary victims and their families.

“What our learned friends’ submission amounts to is this: if the victim of child abuse dies then the family has no remedy, they have no-one they can sue,” Mr Burnside said.

“Now that’s plainly wrong in our submission.”

Justice Michael McDonald has reserved his decision on whether to excuse the Archdiocese.

Archdiocese pledges to pay any potential damages

If the Archdiocese is excused, Cardinal Pell would remain a defendant.

In a letter to the court, solicitors for the Archdiocese indicated that even if the Church avoided liability it would still pay any damages, should the judge find against Cardinal Pell.

“If the plaintiff is awarded damages against the second defendant [George Pell] the Archdiocese will ensure that the award is paid by indemnifying the second defendant in respect of the award,” the letter said.

The father of the choirboy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, launched his case last month.

His son died of a drug overdose in 2014 and the father only learned of the allegations against Cardinal Pell the following year.

The father is claiming general damages, special damages and seeking compensation for past loss of earning capacity and past and future medical expenses.

His solicitor Lisa Flynn said the High Court’s decision to quash Cardinal Pell’s conviction would not affect the civil proceedings.

“The High Court made some decisions in relation to the criminal prosecution against [George] Pell, our case is a civil case against George Pell and the Catholic Archdiocese,” she said.

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Categories
US

In S. Korea, Pelosi avoids public comments on Taiwan, China

In S. Korea, Pelosi avoids public comments on Taiwan, China

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — After infuriating China over her trip to Taiwan, US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi met South Korean political leaders in Seoul on Thursday but avoided making direct public comments on cross-Strait relations that could have further increased regional tensions.

Pelosi, the first incumbent House speaker to visit Taiwan in 25 years, said Wednesday in Taipei that the American commitment to democracy on the self-governing island and elsewhere “remains ironclad.” In response, China announced it would launch its largest military maneuvers aimed at Taiwan in more than a quarter of a century.

After visiting Taiwan, Pelosi and other members of Congress flew to South Korea — a key US ally where about 28,500 American troops are deployed — on Wednesday evening, as part of an Asian tour that included stops in Singapore and Malaysia.

She met South Korean National Assembly Speaker Kim Jin Pyo and other senior members of Parliament on Thursday. After that hour-long meeting, Pelosi spoke about the bilateral alliance, forged in blood during the 1950-53 Korean War, and legislative efforts to support a push to boost ties but did n’t directly mention her Taiwan visit de ella or the Chinese protests.

“We also come to say to you that a friendship, a relationship that began from urgency and security, many years ago, has become the warmest of friendships,” Pelosi said in a joint news conference with Kim. “We want to advance security, economy and governance in the inter-parliamentary way.”

Neither Pelosi nor Kim took questions from journalists.

Kim said he and Pelosi shared concerns about North Korea’s increasing nuclear threats. He said the two agreed to support their governments’ push to establish denuclearization and peace on the Korean Peninsula based on both strong deterrence against North Korea and diplomacy.

Later in the day, Pelosi planned to visit an inter-Korean border area that is jointly controlled by the American-led UN Command and North Korea, a South Korean official said requesting anonymity because he wasn’t authorized to speak to media on the matter .

If that visit occurs, Pelosi would be the highest-level American to go to the Joint Security Area since then-President Donald Trump went there in 2019 for a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Sitting inside the 4-kilometer (2.5-mile)-wide Demilitarized Zone, a buffer created at the end of the Korean War, the JSA is the site of past bloodshed and a venue for numerous talks. US presidents and other top officials have often traveled to the JSA and other border areas to reaffirm their security commitment to South Korea.

Any critical statement from North Korea by Pelosi is certain to draw a furious response from Pyongyang. On Wednesday, the North’s Foreign Ministry slammed the United States over her Taiwan trip, saying that “the current situation clearly shows that the impudent interference of the US in internal affairs of other countries.”

Pelosi will speak by phone Thursday afternoon with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, who is on a vacation this week, according to Yoon’s office. No face-to-face meeting has been arranged between them. Yoon, a conservative, took office in May with a vow to boost South Korea’s military alliance with the United States and take a tougher line on North Korean provocations.

Pelosi’s Taiwan visit has angered China, which views the island nation as a breakaway province to be annexed by force if necessary. China views visits to Taiwan by foreign officials as recognizing its sovereignty.

“Today the world faces a choice between democracy and autocracy,” Pelosi said in a short speech during a meeting with Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen on Wednesday. “America’s determination to preserve democracy, here in Taiwan and around the world, remains ironclad.”

The Biden administration and Pelosi have said the United States remains committed to the so-called one-China policy, which recognizes Beijing but allows informal relations and defense ties with Taipei. The administration discouraged but did not prevent Pelosi from visiting.

The military exercises that China launched in response to Pelosi’s Taiwan visit started Thursday, the Chinese military said. They were expected to be the biggest aimed at Taiwan since 1995, when China fired missiles in a large-scale exercise to show its displeasure over a visit by then-Taiwanese President Lee Teng-hui to the US

China also already flew fighter jets and other war planes toward Taiwan, and blocked imports of citrus and fish from Taiwan.

Tsai pushed back firmly against Beijing’s military exercises, parts of which will enter Taiwanese waters.

“Facing deliberately heightened military threats, Taiwan will not back down,” Tsai said at her meeting with Pelosi. “We will firmly uphold our nation’s sovereignty and continue to hold the line of defense for democracy.”

Taiwan’s Defense Ministry on Thursday called the Chinese drills “unreasonable actions in an attempt to change the status quo, destroy the peace and stability of the region.”

“Our national military will continue to strengthen its alertness level, and every squadron will conduct normally their daily training in their usual places of operation,” it added.

In Washington, National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby sought to tamp down fears. He told ABC’s “Good Morning America” on Wednesday that US officials “don’t believe we’re at the brink now, and there’s certainly no reason for anybody to be talking about being at the brink going forward.”

Addressing Beijing’s threats, Pelosi said she hopes it’s clear that while China has prevented Taiwan from attending certain international meetings, “that they understand they will not stand in the way of people coming to Taiwan as a show of friendship and of support.”

Pelosi noted that congressional support for Taiwan is bipartisan, and she praised the island’s democracy. She stopped short of saying that the US would defend Taiwan militarily and emphasized that Congress is “committed to the security of Taiwan, in order to have Taiwan be able to most effectively defend themselves.”

On Thursday, the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations called for calm in the Taiwan Strait, urging against any “provocative action.” ASEAN foreign ministers meeting in Phnom Penh, Cambodia for a regional forum said they were concerned the situation could “destabilize the region and eventually could lead to miscalculation, serious confrontation, open conflicts and unpredictable consequences among major powers.”

Pelosi’s focus has always been the same, she said, going back to her 1991 visit to Beijing’s Tiananmen Square, when she and other lawmakers unfurled a small banner supporting democracy two years after a bloody military crackdown on protesters at the square. That visit was also about human rights and what she called dangerous technology transfers to “rogue countries.”

Pelosi’s trip heightened US-China tensions more than visits by other members of Congress because of her position as leader of the House of Representatives. The last House speaker to visit Taiwan was Newt Gingrich in 1997.

China and Taiwan, which split in 1949 after a civil war, have no official relations but multibillion-dollar business ties.

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Wu reported from Taipei Taiwan.

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Associated Press writer David Rising in Phnom Penh, Cambodia contributed to this report.

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Categories
Business

Westpac, Commonwealth Bank and NAB close 37 branches

Dozens of bank branches will be closed over the coming months, after more than 550 sites were shut since 2020

Dozens of branches from the major banks are set to close – including Westpac, Commonwealth Bank and NAB

  • At least 37 branches are to be axed with the loss of 182 jobs across the nation
  • Westpac are closing 24 more branches, NAB axing 8 and Commonwealth shut 5
  • Bank bosses say it’s in response to consumers switching to online banking
  • Finance union bosses warn it’s leaving rural communities without banks

By Kevin Airs For Daily Mail Australia

Published: | Updated:

Dozens of bank branches will be closed over the coming months, after more than 550 sites were shut since 2020.

At least 37 branches will be closed across the country at the cost of almost 200 jobs.

Westpac is making the biggest cuts, with 24 branches about to be shut down across its Westpac, St George, Bank SA and Bank of Melbourne brands.

Meanwhile the NAB is closing eight branches across three states and the Commonwealth Bank will be closing five branches.

Dozens of bank branches will be closed over the coming months, after more than 550 sites were shut since 2020

Dozens of bank branches will be closed over the coming months, after more than 550 sites were shut since 2020

Westpac bosses insisted consumers switching to online banking had sealed the fate of many of their branches, with five million now banking digitally

Westpac bosses insisted consumers switching to online banking had sealed the fate of many of their branches, with five million now banking digitally

The cull has sparked a call for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to step in to guarantee banking services for Australians, especially in remote communities.

‘We must act to stop the banks walking away from communities in our suburbs and towns,’ Finance Sector Union national secretary Julia Angrisano said.

‘Communities depend on the banks to deliver financial services but if we don’t stop the current trend, there will be no branches left.’

BRANCHES SET FOR CLOSURE

The branches earmarked for the axe, with the loss of 182 jobs, are:

NSW: Lakemba Westpac, Engadine Westpac, Corrimal Westpac, Kingcliff Westpac, Five Dock St. George, Lavington NAB, Narrandera NAB, Corrimal NAB, Figtree NAB, Cronulla NAB, Maroubra NAB, Annandale CBA, Toongabbie CBA, Lindfield CBA.

QLD: Ashmore Westpac, Nerang Westpac, Rockhampton Westpac, Wynnum NAB

VIC: Braeside Westpac, Whittlesea Westpac, Werribee Westpac, Lilydale Westpac, Croydon Bank of Melb, Coburg Bank of Melbourne, Fitzroy Bank of Melbourne, Sunbury Bank of Melbourne, Footscray Bank of Melbourne, 114 William St, Melbourne Bank of Melbourne, Mornington Bank of Melbourne, North Melbourne NAB, Drysdale CBA, Woodend CBA

SA: Munno Parra Bank SA, St Peters Bank SA

NT: Berrimah WestpacWA: Mandurah Westpac, South Perth Westpac

Westpac had previously announced the closure of another 24 branches last month with the loss of 76 jobs.

‘Shutting down branches means Westpac will continue to put profits before people,’ added Ms Angrisano.

‘The bank quite plainly doesn’t care about forcing inconvenience on customers and throwing affected staff onto unemployment queues.

‘This race to shut branches has to stop and it’s time the Federal Government imposed a minimum service standard on the banks to make sure customers are protected.’

At least 37 branches will be closed across the country at the cost of almost 200 jobs

At least 37 branches will be closed across the country at the cost of almost 200 jobs

Westpac bosses insisted consumers switching to online banking had sealed the fate of many of their branches, with five million now banking digitally.

‘Declining customer use of branches means that in some instances, we may take a difficult decision to leave a branch location,’ a bank spokesman told Daily Mail Australia.

‘We take steps to ensure customers are notified in advance about the changes and are directly connected with the services they need to continue to do their banking.

‘For those who are new to digital banking, or may require more assistance with the changes, we provide dedicated support and education to make the transition easier.

‘As we continue to adapt to our changing customer needs, this will result in new opportunities for our employees within the Westpac Group as we grow our phone, digital and virtual offerings.

‘We have a robust process in place to assist employees to find new opportunities within Westpac Group, meaning the majority of employees affected secure a new role and continue their career in the group.’

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Categories
Technology

Pet Health Australia Is The New Print Magazine Especially For Your Pets

Pet Health Australia Is The New Print Magazine Especially For Your Pets

Pet Health Australia has debuted as a brand-new magazine filled with tips, tricks and articles to get the most out of a pet’s life, allowing them to become as healthy as you.

The magazine, produced by The Royals for Australian-made natural pet food company Real Pet Food’s Ivory Coat brand, builds on the agency’s strategy of showing the benefits of diet for pets in a way pet owners can relate to. It follows on from Ivory Coat’s integrated campaign, “For pets as healthy as you”, launched in May.

Connie MacLulich, brand manager at Real Pet Food Company, said: “Pet Health is the perfect encapsulation of Ivory Coat’s mission to deliver better nutrition and a healthier lifestyle for Australia’s pets. The Royals have done a phenomenal job of creating an entire magazine from scratch in what is a bold new phase for the Ivory Coat brand. We couldn’t be more pleased with the end result.”

All content for the 64-page pet lifestyle magazine was written, produced, photographed and designed by The Royals content engineering studio, the independent agency’s content arm, in partnership with the Pet Care experts at Real Pet Food.

With a print run of 10,000 and articles including the golden rules of pet exercise, what to ask your vet, and entering the pet tech world with the latest technology from the Petaverse, Pet Health magazine is being distributed through selected specialty retailers and this month’s Dog LoversShow.

Pet Health is also available for digital download on Ivory Coat’s website – making it easier than ever to ensure your pet is as healthy as you.

While more editions will go to print in coming months, the first issue zeroes in on how to keep your pet healthy and fit with an in-depth analysis of the diets and nutrients needed and the prime exercises to lead an active life with a specialized Fur Intensity Training program.

The Royals executive creative director Sebastian Vizor said: “Ivory Coat has gone to unusual lengths to ensure its food is naturally nutritious with all the ingredients to fuel health and wellbeing. But we found that people didn’t appreciate what that actually means. With humans, many sources of information support men’s and women’s health. Yet, surprisingly none specifically expressed the benefits of our furry friends leading a healthy, active lifestyle, and so the first wellbeing publication for pets was born.”

CREDITS

Client: Real Pet Food Company

Brand: Ivory Coat

Brand Manager, Real Pet Food Company: Connie MacLulich

Agency: The Royals

Printer: Special T

Photographer: Chloe Lambert

Categories
Sports

What Sam Walsh, Patrick Cripps, Harry McKay and Jacob Weitering must do to take their game to the next level

What Sam Walsh, Patrick Cripps, Harry McKay and Jacob Weitering must do to take their game to the next level

Of course, it’s not just about Patty.

The Blues have committed their future to a number of young stars in recent years, including Jacob Weitering, Walsh and Harry McKay – who come out of contract again next year. This should be the core of the club’s next premiership. However, like Cripps, they are all facing an important moment in their young careers.

Walsh has had another outstanding season, and at just 22 is still developing. Though he already has a best and fairest and All-Australian to his name from him, and a good head on his shoulders, I do not think he’s immune from feedback.

Sam Walsh needs to take the ball inside 50 more often.

Sam Walsh needs to take the ball inside 50 more often.Credit:AFL Pictures

Like Cripps, I have amassed 40 disposals last week against the Crows. It doesn’t happen every week, but I think sometimes he’s more focused on accumulating than being damaging with every disposal. The same was said about Trent Cotchin before he transformed himself into an inside bull and reaped the rewards with those flags at Richmond.

Walsh clearly has great running capacity, but that doesn’t mean he needs to accumulate around the back or look for the extra handball in a one-two – often that can mean an option down the field has evaporated. What I want to see from Walsh is delivering that last kick inside 50 more often. Right now, he ranks second in the AFL for disposals (behind Clayton Oliver), but 17th for inside 50s (Christian Petracca has 131 inside-50s for the season, Walsh 87).

Harry McKay's body language needs work.

Harry McKay’s body language needs work.Credit:AFL Pictures

Even better, he could kick more goals himself. Until this year, he’d been trending up in that department, going from six goals in 2019 to eight in 2020 and 12 last year. So far this season he has five. It’s not a criticism of his effort or desire for him, but a change he can make to make his team better.

Carlton’s bookends Weitering and McKay are also worth focusing on. Since returning from injury, Weitering has been solid, although I think it has another level. Those AC joint/shoulder injuries can linger. But sometimes when you push through adversity you can surprise yourself in terms of what you are able to produce. That must also be the mantra for McKay.

From the outside you can never truly know what a player is dealing with from an injury perspective. Regardless, Harry’s body language needs work. He looks like he’s playing hurt every week. I think that can impact both your opponents and your teammates.

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Opponents think you’re gettable, while, on the flip side, if he can manage that better, teammates will only feed off his positivity – ‘oh, Harry’s on today’.

When you’re a big man like McKay, never underestimate the influence you can have on those around you. With just three goals in the past three weeks there’s no doubt he’s lacking a bit of form, so the focus for him must be on getting back to basics.

Whenever I struggled a bit my No.1 focus was workrate. If I got to, say, 20 contests one week, the next week I’d aim for 40. Next, it’s resetting your mindset when it comes to marking contests. Sometimes it’s as simple as telling yourself “I will NOT be outmarked”.

Then his focus must be on pressure. How can I impact once the ball hits the ground? They are simple one-percenters that often go unnoticed when a forward is playing well. While they might not immediately result in goals, if nothing else those steps will create more opportunities for those around you. If he can show a bit of fight, a bit of aggression, those goals will return.

Overall, it’s certainly been a positive season for Carlton, but right now, the game against the Lions is the biggest of their football lives. With a razor-sharp focus firstly on Brisbane, there’s no reason why the Blues can’t win their remaining three games of the home and away season.

And imagine the momentum they would have built by September if they can pull that off.

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Categories
Australia

Rental crisis: employer’s shock at real estate agent’s questions

Rental crisis: employer's shock at real estate agent's questions

Support has piled on for an employer who called out real estate agents who asked “invasive” questions about one of his employees, prompting other Aussies to share their own horror stories and distrust for the industry.

Taking to Twitter, Victorian Trades Hall Council secretary Luke Hilakari shared his dismay at being asked questions about his employee that he said had no relevance to applying for a rental property.

“I was a reference for an employee & the agent asked q’s like: Total salary, do they come to work on time, are they hard working,” he shared.

“These q’s are none of the agents business & no boss should have the power to spike where u live.”

Now, others on Twitter are sharing their own experiences, and backing up Mr Hilakari’s stance.

“Have you had many girlfriends? Would you trust him with your kids? Does he like to go out late?” answer one. “True questions recently asked to my reference when applying for a rental. Get in the bin.”

“I’ve done one of these too, but even worse,” replied another employer. “It’s stupid. Even if the employee is seconds away from being fired, there is no incentive and a lot of risk for a manager to write anything remotely meaningful. I cannot discuss an employee’s performance with a real estate agent.”

Another was quick to speculate it was likely the real estate agent had taken it upon themselves to ask the questions, and questioned if landlords even knew this was happening: “This is total power tripping and I bet the landlord has no idea it’s even happening and isn’t given that info.”

“That’s 100% correct. Real estate agents think that they are a law unto themselves. They are the root of the housing crisis, as well as developers riding roughshod over homebuyers and governments,” agreed another.

Although most were firmly against the apparently not uncommon line of questioning, not everyone supported renters, with one Twitter user replying that these were fair questions to ask.

“Of course they’re relevant questions. If they don’t make enough money then they may not be able to afford the rent. If they don’t come to work on time then they might not pay their rent on time. If they are not hard working then they may not look after the rental property,” they said.

“Sorry to burst the bubble but these kind of things add up to someone who is probably responsible and would probably reliably pay their rent on time,” said another.

While some argued that seeking to find out what type of person an agent might be allowing to rent a property is fair, others pointed out that those looking to buy weren’t held to the same standard.

“I recently got a mortgage and they didn’t call my employer,” a Twitter user commented. “Pay slips/bank statements were enough. Renters are being scrutinized to a greater degree for a much shorter term/less beneficial to them financial commitment.”

We all know that the process of applying for an overpriced rental is competitive, invasive and absolutely stacked in the landlord’s favor — just look at the reaction one potential tenant got when he asked for something as simple as a reference for the landlord.

Now, Mr Hilakari says changes to the Victoria’s Residential Tenancies Act are needed to regulate the types of questions real estates can ask.

Speaking to news.com.au, Mr Hilakari further explained that he was concerned with invasive questions like this were not only getting worse, but unfairly gave an employer too much power of their employees’ life.

“We’ve received reference checks for rentals before for and the questions being asked are getting much more invasive,” he said.

“As the rental market has tightened, it seems real estate agents think they have the unfettered right to ask whatever they want.

“Employers are put in the terrible situation of either having to give personal information or risk their employee missing out on a house to live in.

“I’ve had both employers and renters reach out and say they have universally had a gut full. Renters feel completely put over a barrel and feel they have no choice but to share their personal data.

“The system has to change.”

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Categories
US

California proposes $1.65B film tax credit to draw productions from anti-abortion states

California proposes $1.65B film tax credit to draw productions from anti-abortion states

Check out what’s clicking on FoxBusiness.com.

Gov. Gavin Newsom is leading to Hollywood.

The governor of California supports legislation that will extend the state’s film and television tax program through 2030. Newsom made the announcement on Wednesday in an act to draw filmmakers away from anti-abortion states.

If the bill passes, it will provide $1.65 billion, or $330 million annually, in tax credits to the film and TV industry, as well as other media productions. The initial bill was set to expire in 2025 before Newsom’s proposed extension.

Gavin Newsom

California Gov. Gavin Newsom proposes a $1.65 billion tax credit bill for the film/TV industry to draw production companies away from anti-abortion states. (David McNew/Getty Images)

“As other states roll back people’s rights, California will continue to protect fundamental freedoms for all and welcome businesses that stand up for their employees,” he said in a statement.

NEWSOM COULD WIN IN 2024 DESPITE HAVING ‘DESTROYED’ CALIFORNIA: CAITLYN JENNER

“Extending this program will help ensure California’s world-renowned entertainment industry continues to drive economic growth with good jobs and a diverse, inclusive workforce.”

On Wednesday morning, Newsom sent out a tweet to Hollywood.

“Today, Hollywood will wake up to this ad,” he wrote alongside an open letter. “Time to choose. You can protect your workers, or continue to support anti-abortion states that rule with hatred. We’re here for you. We’re extending tax credits for those that come home to the Golden State. Choose freedom. Choose CA.”

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ON FOX BUSINESS

Throughout the letter, Newsom urged production companies to stop doing business in states that “waged a cruel assault on essential rights.”

“Today more than ever, you have a responsibility to take stock of your values ​​— and those of your employees — when doing business in those states,” Newsom wrote.

Gov. Gavin Newsom

California Gov. Gavin Newsom angrily denounced the Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade during a news conference in Sacramento, California, on June 24, 2022. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli/AP Newsroom)

In 2019, Georgia passed legislation that banned abortions after a heartbeat was detected. Companies such as Netflix, Disney, WarnerMedia, NBCUniversal, AMC, Sony, CBS and Viacom threatened to leave the state if the law followed through.

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After the initial backlash, studies continued to shoot in Georgia and other states that take a stance against abortion rights. About 100,000 people have jobs in the film industry in Georgia alone, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

In June, the Supreme Court ruled to overturn Roe v. Wade, effectively ending recognition of a constitutional right to abortion and giving individual states the power to allow, limit or ban the practice altogether.

Categories
Business

Collapsed building company Willoughby Homes taken to court to be liquidated

Collapsed building company Willoughby Homes taken to court to be liquidated

The stark reality of a building company’s collapse has been laid bare after the firm proposed that trade creditors would receive 10c back for every dollar they were owed.

On Wednesday afternoon, Sydney-based builder Willoughby Homes was brought to court with creditors calling for it to be put into liquidation because the business was “hopelessly insolvent”.

Gyprocking company Regno Trades initiated legal proceedings against Willoughby Homes early last month over an unpaid debt of $184,000.

That means if they followed through on Willoughby Homes’ proposal for receiving 10c in the dollar, Regno Trades would only recover $18,400 – leaving them $166,000 out of pocket.

Two business days before the hearing, Willoughby Homes appointed David Mansfield and Jason Tracy of Deloitte’s turnaround and restructuring department as voluntary administrators, causing creditors to suggest this was an “11th hour” attempt to save the company.

Judicial Registrar Claire Gistham, of the Victorian Supreme Court, granted the administrators of Willoughby Homes an adjournment until the end of the month to come up with an official Deed of Company Arrangement (DOCA), which is essentially a plan for creditors to get their money back.

In the heated court case, representatives of creditors argued that the company had “failed so miserably” and should be wounded up immediately because there was “an overwhelming case for insolvency”.

During the hearing, it was also revealed that Willoughby Homes owed up to $4.4 million to homeowners, trade creditors and the tax office.

Despite that, the construction firm has “minimal assets” and only has $14,000 in liquid cash in its accounts at the moment.

It comes after an extensive news.com.au investigation over the last month found Willoughby Homes has been non-functional for some time, with debts to creditors going unpaid, build sites stalling for as long as a year, the company’s home building insurance not being reinstated and finally, all its offices being cleared out and phone lines going straight to voicemail.

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Regno Trades acted as the plaintiff while three supporting creditors also joined the case – H & R Interiors owed $73,925, an ex-employee owed $53,000 in unpaid wages and Finese Electrical and Air Conditioning, owed $4531.

Another creditor, Kamaljit Pawar, also joined the case. The Sydney man built a house with Willoughby Homes in 2014, which was left with significant defects and he has been fighting to have them fixed ever since.

There are 44 impacted homeowners, 16 of whom have houses at “varying stages of construction” while the other 28 customers have handed over deposits but no building has commenced.

There are also a number of creditors and employees impacted. It’s understood employees are owed $67,000 in unpaid superannuation and about $600,000 is owed to deposit holders. Over a million is owed to the Australian Taxation Office.

There was debate about how much the company actually owes in total, with administrators putting the figure at $2.3 million but Mr Pawar’s lawyer Rodney Kent said he’d reviewed documents and said it was higher.

“There are substantial defaults” amounting to $4.5 million, he said.

Mr Kent also added that the owner of Willoughby Homes, Steve Willoughby, had four properties and possibly five, which could be sold to pay back debts.

SC Peter Fary, acting for the plaintiff and three supporting creditors, called for Willoughby Homes to be placed into liquidation because it had “failed so miserably”.

“This isn’t the first winding up application, in fact it’s not even the first winding up application this year,” he said.

“One has to ask why the director hasn’t caused the company to address its insolvency at an earlier point in time.”

He said it made no sense for the company to remain in administration because Willoughby Homes was unable to carry out any construction work.

“Is it seriously suggested that a company with no capital will continue building contracts in administration where it failed so miserably before?” I have asked the court.

“These matters go to another issue of commercial morality,” he added, urging the registrar to consider “Whether as a matter of commercial morality it’s appropriate for this company to continue in existence”.

Mr Fary said Willoughby Homes had “minimal assets and significant liabilities”.

In the hearing, it was stated Willoughby Homes only had $14,000 in cash as well as some motor vehicles, property and equipment that it could sell to pay back debts.

Administrators called in at the ’11th hour’

The lawyers representing creditors were also critical of the last minute appointment of administrators, last Friday, when they said it appeared likely that the firm had been trading insolvent for months.

“This is an 11th hour appointment, the appointment of an administrator at the last minute should be treated with skepticism,” Mr Fary said.

“One can’t escape the conclusion of these facts that there is likely to be an insolvent trading claim of a significant magnitude.

“One can readily infer that insolvency was some time ago.”

Mr Kent agreed, adding: “This is so late in the day and so inappropriate… Deposit holders have lost their money in circumstances where signing contracts was totally illegal.”

However, the administrator’s legal team argued that it was far from an 11th hour appointment.

QC Hugh Smith, representing the administrators, argued, “We’ve all been involved in 11 hour appointments, this is not that.”

Administrators were appointed late on Friday, giving them two business days – Monday and Tuesday – to sort out the company’s finances.

“As such this is not an 11th hour appointment,” Mr Smith insisted.

In another twist, the administrators insisted that a category of creditors – the deposit holders – be paid back in full while all the other credits only received 10c in the dollar.

The Deloitte administrators held a meeting for deposit holders only on Monday ahead of the court hearing and claimed a vote was 100 per cent in favor of the resolution to keep the company in administration so that they would receive their promised funds.

However, register Gistham grilled the QC on how many people actually voted, which turned out to be only 15 people.

“The priority here is quite extraordinary, on the one hand you’ve got 100c in the dollar, and the other hand is 10c to the dollar,” Mr Fary said.

“My client is as vulnerable as anybody else, all of their businesses are at risk of going under as well if they’re not paid,” Mr Kent added.

Later on, in a conversation with news.com.au, Mr Kent added: “It’s disappointing that their first meeting only involved certain creditors and not all of the creditors. I’ve never seen this done before. My client didn’t even know that meeting was taking place.”

After opposition, the administrator’s lawyer indicated they would reconsider whether 10c in the dollar was appropriate compared to 100c in the dollar for deposit holders.

The registrar added the case until August 31.

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