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What is involved in a gastric sleeve surgery and who it is suitable for

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What is involved in a gastric sleeve surgery and who it is suitable for

A gastric sleeve surgery is a medical procedure which involves cutting away and removing a portion of the stomach in order to lessen the amount of food required to keep it full. This can help significantly in lowering the hunger levels, causing the individual to eat much less as a result. This is particularly helpful for those who are considered obese, and who are struggling to lose weight.

By cutting away the stomach, the amount of area that is needed to be filled in order to lessen feelings of hunger are reduced, and this way the amount of food consumed is much less. As a result, the amount of calories consumed is also reduced, and thereby weight loss occurs. Furthermore, a reduction in stomach size means that the hormone ghrelin is produced less too, and this hormone is responsible for feelings of hunger, which also contributes to weight loss. Gastric sleeve surgery has become increasingly popular in the past recent years, due to a variety of factors. One of these factors is that more and more people are becoming overweight and gradually obese. Obesity in adults and children have been documented as increasing in many western countries. While many of the population have taken a more serious and considered approach to health and fitness, too many are still overweight.

Who is eligible for a gastric sleeve surgery?

Gastric sleeve surgery should be reserved for those who are considerably obese to the point where it poses serious health concerns, rather than just those who are overweight and can lose weight with discipline, fitness and a diet. Some checkpoints to see if you are eligible for a gastric sleeve surgery are if your Body Mass Index (BMI) has a score of 40 or more, or if it is 35 or more and you have conditions such as high blood pressure or Diabetes type 2, you are actually committed to losing weight through lifestyle and diet changes and if you are fit enough for general anaesthetic and gastric sleeve surgery. Moreover, you should have tried to lose weight through exercise and diet for 6 months and this has not changed a lot.

What actually happens during a gastric sleeve surgery?A doctor with a needle and gloves on is preparing for gastric sleeve surgery

Prior to the gastric sleeve surgery, you will be given a general anaesthetic which will put you to sleep for the remainder of the medical procedure.

The gastric sleeve surgery takes around an hour to an hour and a half to complete, and is performed using keyhole surgery. The surgeon will then make some small cuts in the stomach, and will use a laparoscope, as well as other surgical instruments, to cut away a portion of the stomach which is then sealed using staples.

Aftercare and recovery

You will need to stay in the hospital for a further 2-3 days to heal from the gastric sleeve procedure. It is more than likely you will need some form of painkillers or pain relief, and over the counter medicine is available for this. During the first day after surgery, you will be unable to eat solid foods and can only consume clear liquids. For the next several weeks, your diet will remain mostly liquid and then eventually soft foods, while your stomach and wound heals. It is important to speak with your weight loss dietician, as you will need to follow a strict diet in order to not stretch the gastric sleeve and to lose considerable weight. Small portions will likely fill you up very quickly. After surgery, rest is important, and you need to make sure you do not strain the wound. It is a good idea to have someone with you to help you with everyday activities. Generally after 2-4 weeks, you can return to living normally and return to work, as well as exercising according to what your weight loss dietician says.

Side effects

There are some side effects that can come with gastric sleeve surgery.

Some of these include pain, bruising and swelling around the area of the wound. If you eat more than what your stomach can hold, you will likely vomit or feel sick. It is important to eat smaller portions and chew them well so that your stomach can hold it, as well as adhering to your gastric sleeve diet plan.

There are some complications that may occur as a result of the gastric sleeve surgery, including blood clots, bleeding, pain and wound infection. You may also have an inflamed stomach lining, ulcers, heartburn; stomach scarring that can result in bowel blockage, injury to organs surrounding the stomach or even staple line leakage and serious infection. These should all be taken into consideration before going ahead with the gastric sleeve surgery, and whether or not you want to take these risks.

Myths about gastric sleeve surgeryTwo surgeons with masks on performing gastric sleeve surgery

You will lose all of your extra weight after the surgery

There is a far spreading assumption that after the gastric sleeve surgery, you will be able to drop to a healthy and normal weight again. While this is sometimes the case with those with BMI ranges of 40, those above this will likely lose around 60-65% of their excess weight and then stabilise. This is still a considerable result; however it is not all of the weight for those who are considerably obese.

Stitching the lining of the staples will help to prevent leaks

A certain device is used in order to cut away the stomach and seal it into the gastric sleeve. It does this using three different rows of small titanium staples. Some surgeons will stitch up the staple lining as well in order to further prevent leaks; however it has not been proven or shown to actually work.

In summary, a gastric sleeve surgery is not for everyone.

It is not recommended if you are only overweight, and can lose the excess weight through diet and fitness. A gastric sleeve surgery is reserved for those who are very obese or morbidly obese, resulting in serious health complications and risk of early death. Normally, through diet and fitness, a normal individual can lose weight over time ‘naturally’, and significantly lower their risk of any health complications related to being overweight and obese.

However, for those who are severely affected, it can be very difficult to do so, and the use of a gastric sleeve will help to kick-start their weight loss and encourage further weight loss afterwards. It can often be a lifesaving surgery, as many who do not make any changes will die an early death due to their eating and lifestyle choices. It is better in general to prevent getting to the level of weight where a gastric sleeve surgery is necessary. Health, fitness and diet is something that should be looked at seriously, and taken into consideration when making everyday lifestyle choices. By simply exercising 30 minutes to 1 hour a day, making healthier eating choices and looking after your body consistently, you can easily prevent becoming overweight and exposing yourself to significant health risks. A gastric sleeve surgery is one of the last resorts, and it is best not to have to look at it at all.

The benefits of using a tax agent in Perth, and how to find a good one

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The benefits of using a tax agent in Perth, and how to find a good one

If the most current statistics are to be believed, then the takeaway is that a large majority of Western Australian residents are choosing to lodge their returns with a tax agent in Perth. There are plenty of clear reasons why people are taking this route, namely that they get the benefit of more accurate work, reduced stress, and the best possible refund amount.

People who are not tax agents in Perth will often find that this element of finance is difficult to wrap their head around. Rather than risk making a mistake that costs them money or causes them to inadvertently break the law, people choose to put their faith in hired experts that have a long history of experience in lodging returns on behalf of non-experts.

Many people are unaware of the number of refunds and deductions they are actually entitled to and end up paying more than they need to. The money that can be saved by getting the right deductions can be very impactful in someone’s life, and more than covers the cost of hiring a professional tax agent in Perth.

These professionals exist to help everyday people identify the best possible return and help them lodge it – all in a timely manner that is stress-free. As a bonus, the fee for using any tax agent around Perth is going to pay for itself because it is deductible.

The following will take a closer look at the distinct benefits people get when they work with a professional tax agent in Perth.

The benefits of using a tax agent in PerthTax agent in Perth smiling and shaking hands with a client

The shortest time for the best result

In the age of the internet, there are a lot of do-it-yourself return lodging services online that allow you to fill in some basic information and send it away. However, this is not as convenient as actually sitting down with a professional and getting everything done expertly on the spot.

Trying to do things yourself online might appear to be the quickest method to get the job done, but you need to think about whether or not that will be a ‘good’ job. Sitting down with a professional tax agent from Perth means that you will get everything done in around an hour and be assured that you are getting the maximum possible deduction.

It’s a good idea to make sure that you come fully prepared for the appointment with the accountant so that no time is wasted once you sit down together. Make sure you check that you have all the relevant documents like payslips and receipts you need to make occupation-related deductions etc.

The most stress-free process

Since most people find dealing with finance and lodging returns a hassle, they often find it to be stressful when it comes to that time of year. The fact that a tax agent in Perth can deliver a quick and stress-free result is a big attractive feature that people are drawn to.

People don’t want to have the responsibility of making sure that every detail is accurate and worry about if what they have lodged is incorrect. Even minor mistakes can incur the wrath of the ATO and cause them to audit your finances which will incur fees and penalties.

People like to use a tax agent in Perth because using this professional will give them peace of mind. They will ensure that your return is fully compliant and that there will be no nagging issue for you to worry about.

Once you leave your appointment, you can hold your head high and know that everything has been taken care of. This allows you to put the issue to rest for another year and move on with the rest of your life.

More breathing room

People don’t just use tax agents in Perth because they save time, but because they also give them more time as well. When you engage this kind of professional to handle the return, the October 31st deadline will no longer apply to you. Returns can be lodged as late as May in the following year when using a tax agent in Perth (usually).

Making following returns quicker and easier

One of the benefits of using a tax agent in Perth is that you will end up forming an ongoing relationship with them. If you keep using them year after year, they will develop a robust understanding of your financial situation and lodging returns will be almost instantaneous because they are so familiar with your account.

Finding a good tax agent in Perth

Perth tax agent holding his notes and explaining taxes to clientsOf course, you want to know that the person you are hiring to act as your tax agent in Perth is a reliable professional who has a good reputation. You can’t just go the first advertised accountant you see and expect to get the best result – they will vary in quality, and you want to do some research to ensure the person you are working with is the right one.

Make sure that you ask the people you know about the tax agents in Perth that they have worked with in the past and see what people think. Getting a reference from someone you know, and trust is one of the best ways to identify a reputable accountant for you to work with.

You want to be assured that the person you engage to help you lodge your return has that capability to actually get the job done as well as not charge you too much. It can be a good idea to check out their online reviews to see what others are saying, as well as examine the quality of their website.

It’s important that you make sure the tax agent in Perth you engage is going to do the right thing by you and follow all of the relevant codes in ensuring your return is compliant with the ATO. You can’t afford to take any chances with this, since you are ultimately going to be liable for the accuracy of your return.

Be cautious of any accountant who makes grand promises about getting you so many deductions it’s like you pay nothing. These are normally too good to be true and can cause complications for you down the line if and when the ATO comes to investigate.

Conclusion

Ultimately, there are clearly a lot of worthwhile benefits when it comes to engaging a tax agent in Perth. This area of financial law is notoriously complex and carries significant consequences when handled imperfectly, so it’s no surprise that many people choose to rely on professional tax agents in Perth to help them out when it comes to that time of year.

Anyone who is seeking to engage this kind of service needs to be diligent in finding someone reliable that they can form a long-term relationship with. By doing this, you can ensure that you don’t need to worry about this element of your finances ever again since you will have a trusted ally on your side who can handle all of it for you year after year.

Hopefully this article has given you more insight into the nuances of using a tax agent in Perth.

Top 3 best Australian inventions of the last century

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Top 3 best Australian inventions of the last century

Australia has produced some of the scientific world’s best thinkers, researchers and inventors. Some of the following items on the list will likely surprise you, especially given Australia’s current place in the scientific world.

inventions

The Hills Hoist

Arguably one of the nation’s most famed inventions is the Hills Hoist. An adjustable, rotary clothesline was invented by Lance Hill, and have been manufactured since 1945. They have become a staple of Australian suburbia, often featuring in artistic works depicting Australia during the 1950s and 60s. Such is its cultural significance; the device is named a National Treasure by the National Library of Australia.

The first feature film

This one will shock a lot of readers, but it turns out Australia was the first country to produce a feature-length narrative film (over 60 minutes). “The Story of the Kelly Gang” traced the exploits of the 19th-century bushranger, Ned Kelly, and his gang out outlaws. The original cut of the film was more than 1200m, and it premiered in Australia in December 1906 and the United Kingdom in January 1908. As of 2020, only 17 minutes of the film have survived.

Boxed wine

Also known as “cask wine” or colloquially known as “goon”, boxed wine is a cheaper alternative to premium bottled wine. The process of packaging was invented by South Australian winemaker, Thomas Angove, who patented the design in April 1965. His design required users to cut the corner off the bladder, pour the wine and then reseal the bag with a particular peg.

Two years later, Penfolds Wines and Charles Malpas designed plastic, air-tight tap that could be welded to the bag, allowing for easy distribution and more effective storage. These days, boxed wine bladders use plastic taps for distribution. It remains a household favourite for young people because of its low price and widespread availability.

Career advice from Bill Gates on building success

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Bill Gates

If there’s any businessperson in the world to accept career advice from, it is undoubtedly Bill Gates. The founder of Microsoft and one of the best minds in the tech field, Gates’ story echoes many vital lessons for young business owners and entrepreneurs. If you want to manage your career well and give yourself the best chance of long-term success, then you need an effective employment mandate. This philosophy should guide your decisions on how you approach your career, in terms of new opportunities, threats and potential risks. Here are some of the key takeaways from Bill Gates’ story.

Bill Gates

 

Know what you’re good at

When applying for a job or talking about yourself in an interview, you must know what you’re good at and what you value. Gates argues that what you’re good at is the thing you were obsessed with during your teenage years. It could be reading, writing, coding, gaming, sports, etc. It doesn’t necessarily have to be the career you delve into straight away, but it should be something you pursue at some point in your career.

Big problems shouldn’t scare you

Big, complex problems shouldn’t scare you. In fact, you should view them as a positive challenge – something that can help show your worth. If you’ve just started a new job, don’t be perturbed if you are thrown in the deep end – embrace it, make mistakes and learn from them.

Don’t overestimate how far intelligence will get you

Intelligence will only get you so far, according to Bill Gates. Moreover, being smart isn’t even the most critical part of developing a stable career. If you want to enhance your management capabilities, then being smart is useful, but not the entire picture. Work on your interpersonal skills and be mindful of other people’s talents – they’ll come in handy at some point.

Top 4 Australian media outlets based on popularity and viewership

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Australian media outlets based on popularity and viewership

Australia’s media sector is saturated with a variety of outlets. It is one of the last remaining countries with a devoted national broadcaster, in the form of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). Australia’s mass media industry is competitive and diverse, spanning both traditional and digital formats; however, there has been a noticeable increase in digital products. Historically, criticism has been directed at Rupert Murdoch and his perceived control over the industry.

If you’re interested in learning about Australia’s news circulation, here are Australia’s top 4 newspapers, based on distribution.

#1 The Herald Sun (News Corp)

Rupert Murdoch
Rupert Murdoch

The Herald Sun is based in Melbourne and is Australia’s largest newspaper based on circulation (more than 500 000 units). The Herald Sun is owned by News Corp, which was founded by Rupert Murdoch back in the 1980s.

#2 The Daily Telegraph (News Corp)

Daily Telegraph

Coming in at number 2 on the list is The Daily Telegraph – also owned by Murdoch’s News Corp. Published in Sydney, The Daily Telegraph was founded in 1879, before merging with The Daily Mirror in 1990. For six years, the paper was known as The Daily Telegraph-Mirror, before reverting to its original name – The Daily Telegraph.

#3 The Courier Mail (News Corp)

The Courier Mail (News Corp)

The Courier Mail is published daily from Monday to Saturday in Brisbane. Its offices are in Bowen Hills, and its origins can be traced back to the creation of The Moreton Bay Courier in June 1846. Like the previous two entries, The Courier Mail is owned by News Corp, again echoing Murdoch’s perceived monopoly over mainstream Australian news.

#4 The Sydney Morning Herald (Nine Entertainment)

The Sydney Morning Herald

The Sydney Morning Herald is Australia’s oldest continuous newspaper, having been in circulation since 1831. The Sydney Morning Herald is owned by Nine Entertainment and views itself as a centrist newspaper. In the most recent Australian election in 2019, the Sydney Morning Herald endorsed Bill Shorten and the Australian Labor Party.

4 facts about Australia’s largest bank, the Commonwealth Bank of Australia

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Commonwealth Bank of Australia

The Commonwealth Bank of Australia is Australia’s largest commercial bank based on assets, market capitalisation and deposits. It has been in operation for over a century (since 1911) and is headquartered in Sydney. The bank offers a comprehensive range of services across both Australia and New Zealand, with over 1100 branches. Here are some obvious and more obscure facts about Australia’s most well-known banking enterprise.

Fact 1: They use a lot of celebrities for marketing

Glenn McGrath
Glenn McGrath

In 2014, the Commonwealth Bank of Australia hired M&C Saatchi and Ikon Communications to develop a comprehensive campaign celebrating their school banking history. The advertising campaign used a range of well-known Australian celebrities, including one of Australia’s most adored sporting icons, Glenn McGrath.

Fact 2: The Royal Commission hit them hard

The Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry indicated that the Commonwealth Bank of Australia had a negative culture. However, there have been other controversies attached to Australia’s largest bank, including a 2008 financial planning scandal and a 2016 Ponzi scheme controversy.

Fact 3: They were privatised in the 1990s

Between 1991 and 1996, the Commonwealth Bank of Australia was privatised by the Australian Government. The first share offer was valued at $1.292 million, the second in 1993 and the third in 1996. While they are a public company, they are one of the only companies not to have “Limited” at the end.

Fact 4: David Murray is the longest-reigning CEO

David Murray was the CEO of the bank between 1992 and 2005. As the longest-reigning CEO, his role was to oversee the transition of the bank into a privatised enterprise. During his tenure, the bank’s market capitalisation increased massively from $6 billion to $49 billion. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2007 for his efforts.

Everything you need to know about media streaming service – Stan

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Rebel Wilson
Rebel Wilson

With the rise of streaming platforms and decentralised media consumption, it’s easy to see why streaming conglomerates like Netflix and Amazon Prime are doing so well. HBO has recently ventured into the streaming world with HBO Max, while Disney has done the same with Disney+. For the last few years, Australia has had their very own streaming platform, Stan, which has proven successful with Australian audiences. Here’s everything you need to know about Stan and whether it’s worth getting a subscription.

How it started

Stan was officially launched in 2015, after being founded in 2014. The launch exceeded expectations, and the streaming platform had close to 200 000 paying customers by the end of the year, overtaking a close competitor, Presto. Rebel Wilson was one of the brand’s notable ambassadors during its first few months.

Rebel Wilson

Subscription numbers now and revenue

As of 2020, Stan has close to 2 million subscribers, representing a steady annual increase since 2016. In 2017, the company’s yearly revenue was reportedly topping $100 million per year.

What is on the service?

As an Australian streaming service, Stan has a lot of Aussie content. You’ll find TV shows like “Wolf Creek”, “Romper Stomper” and “The Other Guy” on the service, along with a lot of excellent Australian films.

Content partnerships

Stan has retained a content partnership with Sony Pictures, ABC, World Movies and SBS. They also have viable connections with Showtime, BBC Worldwide, Village Roadshow and CBS. Their recent agreement with Viacom Global Networks means that now have access to shows like “South Park”, “Avatar: The Last Airbender” and “SpongeBob SquarePants”.

Is it worth it?

As a monthly fee, Stan is more affordable than other streaming subscriptions, like Netflix. While they might not have the international content you want right now, their library is growing exponentially, even quicker than some of their international counterparts.

Call centre outsourcing Philippines: e-commerce customer care

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PITON-Global

The emergence of e-commerce has created a less personal shopping experience for us all. With that loss of personalisation, shopping has become easier and more immediate. Today’s world is built on instant gratification, and the world of online shopping and e-commerce is no different.

It’s no secret, nor should it be, that at this point, having an online store is more important than having a brick-and-mortar one. The phrase “Google it” is firmly in our lexicon, and almost all our shopping experiences now begin with a quick online search.

For this reason, search engine results pages are now a greater part of our life than the clerks in a physical, real-world store.

“Recurring purchases have never been simpler; they’ve become streamlined and painless. Gone are the days where we had to venture down to the local store to pick up a roll of paper towels or laundry detergent or dishwasher soap. Are you an Amazon Prime member? You can literally sign up to “subscribe and save” and have items like these on a monthly or bi-monthly ordering and two-day delivery cycle,” says Ralf Ellspermann, CEO of PITON-Global, an award-winning call centre in the Philippines.

“It is the definition of set it and forget it,” he adds.

This is all wonderful, and it really has revolutionised the way we shop and buy. But what happens when things go wrong? (And they do.) There is no true utopia after all.

Customer care is one of the most important departments in any business. Companies need a good customer-facing crisis team that can field and handle issues to keep customers happy and loyal.

E-commerce companies, like any retail business, have inventory to thank for a large portion of their overhead costs. To compensate for this, many of these firms look to outsource their customer care and back office services to reduce some of their costs.

This, though, should never be done at the cost of quality.

This dilemma leads many businesses to the Philippines and even more specifically the city of Manila. For the past twenty-plus years, the Southeast Asian nation has established the world’s largest and leading call centre outsourcing industry.

Along with their state-of-the-art-facilities and high-tech infrastructure, the Philippines has one of the best workforces in the world. Customer service representatives are paid well locally, but the nation’s economy allows business around the world to save money by outsourcing here. The fact that they are so well compensated highlights that Filipino call centre agents are well educated, hardworking, and experienced.

Filipinos also speak accent-neutral English because the country was once a United States territory. Considering that 20% of the globe’s population speaks English, this a highly desirable skill for your company.

The city of Manila is home to some of the best contact centres in the world, including PITON-Global. When you outsource your call centre to the Philippines, you are outsourcing to the best in the world. Sure, you have other options, but if cost effectiveness and quality are your goals, there is only one choice.

3 Australian scientific research projects that irrevocably changed society

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Australian scientific research projects that irrevocably changed society

Throughout scientific history, Australian researchers have demonstrated their worth to the field. Whether it be the creation of penicillin or the prototype of the bionic ear, Australian scientists can and will continue to have a seminal role in specific scientific circles. While there have been hundreds of ground-breaking advancements and discoveries coordinated by Australian scientists and groups, we have decided to outline the following several as the most significant impactful.

#1 Penicillin

Alexander Fleming is often unfairly credited with discovering penicillin; however, the vital work by Australian scientist Howard Walter Florey ensured that such discoveries could be made. Florey’s efforts were so influential that he was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1945 for his efforts. Florey was also the first scientist to carry out clinical trials, showing how the substance to fight off bacterial infections. It continues to save millions of lives across the world every year.

#2 Ultrasound

During the 1950s, a concerning trend emerged that X-rays were having a pejorative impact on the health of pregnant women and their unborn children. Thankfully, Australian researchers, George Kossoff and David Robinson built the first commercially successful ultrasound scanner in the early 1960s. Indeed, ultrasound technology has irrevocably changed the way physicians can diagnose medical problems and monitor the development of foetuses.

#3 The black box

As the commercial airline industry began to take off during the early 20th century (particularly following World War II), concern arose as to how to identify problems should a plan crash. In 1958, this mystery was solved by Australian chemist and scientist, David Warren, who invented “the black box”, which is a device responsible for recording cockpit conversations and flight data.

Should a plane crash or encounter some malfunction, the black box could subsequently be used to figure out what happened and provide additional preventative measures for future flights. The device is installed on every single commercial plane today.

From riches to rags: worst investment scandals in Australia and abroad

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worst investment scandals in Australia and abroad

A comprehensive history of the financial world would reveal that financial scandals, crashes and booms are simply a part of capitalist free markets. There have been some controversial investment and banking scandals in both Australia and the rest of the world. Here are some of the worst scandals to hit the investment sector.

Australian banking sector (the 2010s)

The Royal Commission between 2017 – 2019 established some of the most public display of systemic fraud and corruption seen in Australian industry. Many of the major Australian banks were caught up in the scandal, including ANZ, NAB, the Commonwealth Bank of Australia and Westpac.

Qintex Ltd.

Qintex Ltd was an Australian financial company. They were founded in 1975 by Christopher Skase and several other partners. The company grew astronomically, expanding into the property market, the retail sector and even purchased a Brisbane-based television station called TVQ-0. However, by October 1989, the firm was starting to display signs of financial weakness. The American subsidiary filed for bankruptcy and the Australian Stock Exchange suspended their stocks soon after.

A month later, the Australian branch went into receivership with over $1.9 billion worth of debt. The CEO, Skase, fled the country to Spain and then Dominica. He resided there for the rest of his life, despite successive attempts from the Australian government to extradite him home.

The Wolf of Wall Street

Jordan Belfort
Jordan Belfort

Jordan Belfort was imprisoned for close to two years for his central role in running a penny-stock scam. His crimes became mainstream when his career was adapted for the screen in the 2013 film “The Wolf of Wall Street”, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Margot Robbie. The film, which was directed by Martin Scorsese, charts his rise and fall in the United States. However, Belfort courted more trouble in Australia when Belfort’s employment company called Career Pathways was exposed as a scam while receiving millions of government funding.