Huawei pleads with the federal government to lift 5G ban; Communications Minister Paul Fletcher says "no"

Chinese telco giant Huawei has pleaded the federal government to urgently reconsider its ban on the company providing equipment to Australia's 5G mobile network.

In a submission to a parliamentary inquiry into 5G, Huawei says it's committed to "a robust framework of safeguards, checks and balances"  to ensure its broadband technology can only be used in Australia's national interest and economic well-being.

However, Communications Minister Paul Fletcher told the ABC's AM program that the federal government stands by its decision to ban Huawei from the 5G network.

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Financial complaints watchdog recovers $185m for ripped off consumers, banks and insurers dominate gripes

The Australian Financial Complaints Authority has clawed back $185 million over the past year for consumers ripped off by banks, credit card companies and insurance companies.

Since last November at the height of the banking royal commission, the watchdog has seen consumer gripes surge by 40 percent to more than 73,272. 

While out of the regulator's scope, chief executive David Locke tells ABC's Peter Ryan he's dismayed at the worker underpayment scandal at Woolworths as the government considers criminal sanctions for companies that rip off staff.

Woolworths underpayment scandal - other companies urged to audit payroll systems

Fair Work Ombudsman Sandra Parker urges all companies to audit their payroll systems after Woolworths admitted underpaying 5,700 workers as much as $300 million over the past decade. 

Shop Distributive & Allied Employees Association national secretary Gerard Dwyer warns underpayments are systemic beyond the case of Woolworths. 

ABC's Peter Ryan with the latest fallout on the Woolworths scandal.

Woolworths faces massive fines for worker ripoff as calls grow for criminal sanctions - I speak with Fair Work Ombudsman Sandra Parker

Fair Work Ombudsman Sandra Parker tells AM she is considering enforcement action against Woolworths after the retail giant admitted to underpaying 5,700 workers as much as $300 million over the past decade. 

Ms Parker says the government is currently taking submissions on potential criminal charges for worker ripoffs. 

Ms Parker tells ABC's Peter Ryan that lower union membership could be a factor but not specifically in the case of Woolworths.  

"No excuses" - Woolworths boss Brad Banducci rejects wage theft claims

Woolworths chief executive Brad Banducci rejects claims that the underpayment of the retailers staff was deliberate. 

Mr Banducci says the buck stops with him but confirmed he had no plans to resign. 

However, Mr Banducci said he had taken plans to the Woolworths board for cuts to executive bonuses.

Brad Banducci speaks with ABC's Peter Ryan

"swallow some medicine" - audit's professional body warns firms warned on independence, conflict of interest problems as parliamentary inquiry heats up

Auditing firms which escaped scrutiny at last year's financial services Royal Commission are being urged by their own professional body to confront concerns about independence and conflicts of interest that are damaging public confidence in the sector. 

In a submission to the parliamentary inquiry into the auditing profession, Charter Accountants Australia and NZ wants to "clarify and strengthen" bans on audit firms providing often lucrative consulting services to companies they audit. 

CAANZ assurance leader Amir Ghandar speaks with ABC's Peter Ryan.