Making news this week (ending 21 October)

Falling housing prices ‘not all downside’, says outgoing APRA chair

In his final official speech as APRA chair, Wayne Byres has outlined why lower housing prices and lower debt levels “would be no bad thing”.

Heartland to acquire Challenger Bank

The financial services group is to acquire Challenger Bank, including its $89 million retail lending and $228 million of deposits.

Calls to slash red tape amid housing crisis

The housing industry has put forward urgent recommendations ahead of Thursday’s (20 October) Queensland housing summit as the state faces its “greatest challenges” yet.

RBA makes a case for slowing rate rises 

While the central bank hosed down October’s cash rate hike, global pressures and local climate disasters will weigh on next month’s decision.

‘Stop building in flood plains’: Assistant Treasurer 

Stephen Jones has pledged more funding will become available towards “building resilient” properties amid widespread flooding.