Brexit Deal ‘Down to Political Will’ From UK, Says Irish PM
The prime minister of Ireland—where the impact of a Brexit deal will be felt most keenly within the European Union—says he hopes the outline of a free-trade deal between the UK and the EU will emerge by the end of the week. The fate of the deal rests on UK political will, he said. Talks started up again on Monday, albeit online, with the EU’s chief negotiator saying that “fundamental divergences remain.” In just six weeks the UK will sever ties with the trading bloc, regardless of whether a deal has been struck or not. Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin said he had received a sense of progress from both negotiating teams. “I would be hopeful that, by the end of this week, that we could see the outlines of a…
Retailer Harvey Norman has experienced a revenue boost since the start of the new financial year, putting it on course for a strong rise in pre-tax profit.
But the electronics, home appliances and furnishings seller remains cautious about the outlook due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has caused, and continues to cause, great uncertainty about the future economy,” it said on Wednesday in a statement to the stock exchange.
Harvey Norman boosted its Australian sales revenue by 30.4 percent in the past 20 weeks, compared to the same period in 2019.
Total comparable sales revenue, taking in all the Australia, New Zealand and other overseas operations, grew by 27.5 percent in Australia dollar terms.
Harvey Norman said this equated to an unaudited consolidated pre-tax profit of $341.1 million for the four months ending October, up 160 per cent on the same period last year.
Harvey Norman has company-operated stores in New Zealand, Slovenia, Croatia, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Singapore and Malaysia.
The group’s results also include independent Harvey Norman, Domayne and Joyce Mayne branded stores.
The company will hold its annual general meeting for shareholders later in the day.
Sydney
Focus News: Retailer Harvey Norman Pre-Tax Profit up Significantly Since July
Kirkup to Step up as the Youngest Leader of WA Liberals
The 33-year-old Member of Parliament Zak Kirkup will become the youngest West Australian Liberal leader in 20 years as his rival pulled out shortly before the party room meeting. Kirkup’s opponent, former cabinet minister Dean Nalder, announced his withdrawal in a statement released on Tuesday, saying it was clear that the numbers were not on his side, according to the Sydney Morning Herald. “It has become apparent that I don’t have the majority support of my parliamentary colleagues and therefore will clear a path for the new leader,” Nalder told AAP. “I have been humbled at the level of support from my electorate and the wider community.” Kirkup’s victory means the Liberal party would welcome its youngest leader since Matt Birney’s short-lived reign in the mid-2000s. “I think anyone should judge a…
