Conditions coalesce for Australian government-sector issuers

The annual roundtable for Australia’s leading government-sector borrowers, hosted by KangaNews and Westpac Institutional Bank in July, found the issuers in buoyant mood. They have been able to shake off market volatility and economic uncertainty to deliver positive funding outcomes – while the semi-government sector in particular may have hit a new level of liquidity and global relevance.

Domestic high-grade issuers stay ahead of the GSS curve

Australia’s three largest state government bond issuers have all been active in the green, social and sustainability market for at least half a decade, while another peer joined their ranks in 2023 and the sovereign is preparing for a green-bond debut in calendar 2024. Frameworks, programmes and issuance approaches have not been static, however, as issuers seek to meet evolving investor needs and expectations.

Bumper book drives WATC’s debut green-bond pricing tighter

Western Australian Treasury Corporation reports a more than three-times oversubscribed book for its debut green-bond transaction, following what the issuer describes as an unprecedented positive response to an extensive global roadshow. Scarcity value likely buoyed demand but the state treasury corporation also credits extensive work done to deliver a wide-ranging and credible sustainable-finance framework.

WATC prints A$1.9 billion 10-year green bond

WATC launches 10-year benchmark green bond