Recent revelations have uncovered that ANZ and Westpac, two leading Australian banks, are under scrutiny for financing new fossil fuel projects, despite their publicly stated climate commitments. This move undermines their previous pledges to support sustainable energy initiatives, sparking widespread criticism and raising questions regarding their genuine dedication to combating climate change. The investments in these projects not only contradict global environmental goals but also put the banks at odds with growing public and shareholder expectations for responsible environmental stewardship. As climate commitments crumble, this issue highlights the ongoing challenge of aligning financial activities with climate responsibilities in the banking sector. The report suggests that these actions may erode trust and potentially hurt the banks’ reputations unless immediate corrective measures are undertaken. Environmental advocacy groups are urging for more stringent regulations and transparency to prevent further misalignments in climate policy adherence.
Independent AustraliaNew data shows return policies are deterring shoppers at checkout
February 17, 2026
A recent report highlights a growing ‘Returns Revolt’ among online shoppers, where restrictive return policies are significantly impacting e-commerce sales. According to the study, released