The former Magellan chief executive was ostensibly the silent partner of a rock star management duo. He had the title, but executive chairman Hamish Douglass had most of the power and all the stage.

It has been a bleak year for investors but a string of good news out of the US and China has injected some major optimism into the brittle financial markets. Whether it is premature remains to be seen.

In a move that significantly changed Victorian Government policy on planning and development, the Planning Minister, Mr Rob Maclellan, approved shopping centre developments worth about $500 million across Melbourne.

The PM’s national cabinet housing agreement should boost supply. Now it’s over to the premiers to make it work.

Programs to help refugees skill up in IT or work in retail are helping both employers and potential employees.