⏱️This edition of the National Account’s newsletter is a five-minute read.
👋 G’day everyone, Archie here.
In today’s newsletter, we’re looking at a potentially unsolved murder, marginal electorates and how a property developer went broke during a housing crisis.
First: The Pyjama Girl Mystery: did police correctly identify the body of a a woman who was dumped in a culvert in Albury NSW in 1934?
Then: How living in a marginal electorate can see government splash the cash on you.
Finally: The demise of Bathla Group. How can a property developer go broke?
Let’s dive into it 🗞️
The general opinion is now held that those who know the girl and can identify her are 'holding out' and are thus enabling the most fearful slayer of this generation to escape justice.
🗣️ Why did it say that?
On the 31st of August 1934, a woman's body was found burning in a culvert near Albury, dressed in silk pyjamas.
Nobody knew who she was.
In the hope that someone would eventually be able to identify her, the body was embalmed and kept at Sydney University for years while police tried to work out who killed her.
A decade later, a waiter confessed to the killing. He was convicted of manslaughter, served three years and was deported to Italy.
But there are serious doubts about whether he was actually responsible, and whether the right person was ever charged.
For my full rundown check out today’s video:
I smell bacon 🥓
In Australian politics, pork barrelling isn’t anything new, but this week it's Labor's turn in the spotlight, with $6 million heading to the Marrickville Golf Club in Anthony Albanese's seat of Grayndler.
Meanwhile, in Victoria, a local council in a marginal Gippsland seat is banking on an election promise to fund a $47 million pool it doesn't have the money for.
Watch my rundown below:
🏚️ How a housing shortage can bankrupt the companies building houses
Bathla Group has gone into voluntary administration $3.4 billion in debt - during a housing shortage.
How can something like this happen? It comes down to how Australia's construction industry works.
One urban planning expert has asked: is it time for the government to build more homes itself?
Thanks for catching up with me. I hope you enjoyed this issue, and I’d love to hear your thoughts. Just reply to this email and I’ll be on the other side 👋
I’ll be back on Friday.
Cheers, Archie