BRIEFS

Wickenby pickings exceed $1 billion

Operation Wickenby had raised more than $1 billion from rich tax cheats, the Tax Office said yesterday. The Tax Office Commissioner, Michael D'Ascenzo, said $240 million of the $1 billion had been collected and the amount "will continue to rise as liabilities are finalised". He said: "In addition, Wickenby has changed people's behaviour."

INFRASTRUCTURE

Oakajee extension

The West Australian Premier, Colin Barnett, said a Chinese investor might still jump aboard the Oakajee port and rail project after he granted the founding partners, Mitsubishi and Murchison Metals, a nine-month extension to complete key project implementation agreements.

FINANCE

Groth steps down

The Wilson HTM Investment Group chief executive, David Groth, has stepped down and the company has announced a reshuffle of its executive and board. Mr Groth said family reasons were behind his decision. He will move to Brisbane to take up the post of director of corporate finance. Steven Wilson has been appointed group managing director.

ENGINEERING

Perth rail tender

John Holland has won a tender to deliver Perth's $360 million city link rail project, which includes sinking the city's rail line. The project, which will link the Northbridge area with the central business district, is being funded by the City of Perth, the West Australian government and the federal government.

AVIATION

More fly Qantas

Qantas said its January passenger numbers rose 9.5 per cent but its revenue seat factor of 80.9 per cent was 0.3 per cent less than 12 months earlier. Revenue per passenger kilometres increased 8.5 per cent and available seat kilometres rose 8.9 per cent.

PROPERTY

New home sales up

The number of new homes sold across Australia has risen for the first time in three months, amid signs of growing confidence in NSW. The latest HIA-JELD-WEN new home sales report shows the number of new homes sold increased by 2.5 per cent in January.