The party president, Anthony Bull, urged members who were unhappy with the new logo to refocus on defending the rights of Australians instead. He highlighted that the rebranding process had been highly consultative, unlike previous logo changes that were not voted on by members. The party stands by the new branding and the research behind it, stating that the assets are still being developed and will be rolled out shortly. Once the logo situation is resolved, the party can return to discussing bigger ideological issues such as Australia’s involvement in global affairs like AUKUS and the war in Ukraine.
The restaurant industry saw the emergence of a new lobby group, the Australian Restaurant and Cafe Association, led by celebrity chefs Neil Perry and Luke Mangan. However, the ARCA faced criticism for seeking unpaid “Association Volunteers”, especially in an industry marred by wage theft issues. The group is headed by Wes Lambert, a former boss of the rival Restaurant and Catering Association, which is struggling with staff shortages and significant debt incurred during Lambert’s tenure. Lambert, now steering the ARCA, aims to revitalize the industry under his leadership.
Fast fashion jewellery retailer Lovisa faced upheaval as CEO Victor Herrero stepped down following investor dissent over his exorbitant $30 million pay deal. His replacement, John Cheston, CEO of Smiggle, will earn significantly less at $2.35 million a year, with potential additional bonuses and incentives. Though observers noted the talent-poaching move, with Cheston likely earning a fraction of Herrero’s pay, some investors were displeased, leading to Lovisa’s shares plummeting nearly 10% upon the announcement. Despite the leadership change and pay adjustment, Chairman Brett Blundy expressed satisfaction with the new arrangements.
The Libertarian Party in New South Wales emphasized the importance of members refocusing on defending Australian rights, urging those dissatisfied with the logo to prioritize larger ideological issues. President Ross Cameron underscored the need for discussions on significant philosophical questions like Australia’s role in global conflicts such as AUKUS and the war in Ukraine. The party president highlighted the consultative nature of the rebranding process and expressed confidence in the new branding and assets being developed. The party aims to address the logo concerns swiftly and return to addressing critical national and international issues.
The Australian Restaurant and Cafe Association, a new lobby group in the restaurant industry, was established with the backing of celebrity chefs like Neil Perry and Luke Mangan. However, the ARCA faced criticism for seeking unpaid “Association Volunteers”, sparking concerns in an industry already plagued by wage theft issues. Led by Wes Lambert, a former executive of the struggling Restaurant and Catering Association, the new group aims to revitalize the industry under his leadership. Lambert’s previous association faced financial challenges, including staff shortages and substantial debt incurred during his tenure.
Lovisa, a fast fashion jewellery retailer led by CEO Victor Herrero, faced investor dissent over his lavish $30 million pay deal, prompting his resignation. The chain announced John Cheston, CEO of Smiggle, as Herrero’s successor, with a significantly lower annual salary. Cheston’s remuneration package includes potential bonuses and incentives, though substantially less than his predecessor’s earnings. Despite Chairman Brett Blundy’s approval of the new arrangements, investors reacted negatively, resulting in Lovisa’s shares dropping nearly 10%. The leadership change and pay adjustment mark a significant shift for the retailer under new leadership and reduced executive compensation.
