What's Making Headlines – Budget reforms strike serviceability

Changes flowing from the federal budget are already making their way into lending policy, with Macquarie Bank becoming the first lender to remove most negative gearing add-backs from its serviceability calculators for investment loans. The move follows the federal government's decision to restrict negative gearing to new builds, and brokers are now weighing up what it means for investor clients. On this episode of What's Making Headlines, The Adviser's editor Annie Kane, senior journalist Charlie Tchetchenian, and commercial content writer Ben Squires unpack the early fallout from the federal budget and what it signals for the market ahead. They also unpack the latest RBA minutes and what new unemployment data means for the rate outlook, with one major bank already adjusting its near-term forecast. This week, they discuss: A new note to brokers from major lender Westpac. New figures revealing a sharp lift in first home buyer inquiries from younger cohorts. What brokers can expect from New Broker Academy 2026. And much more!