For once, the budget won't be a dull one. Jim Chalmers's tax reforms will create a stir and some question whether they will close the generation gap, but the treasurer is projecting a relaxed figure.
A Queensland business was fined approximately $1,200 for transporting fire ant-infested bricks to a mine site, leading to the ants spreading to four other mines and necessitating a $1 million helicopter baiting program. The National Fire Ant Eradication Program is implementing stricter biosecurity measures.
A widespread Telstra outage has caused significant disruptions to train services across NSW, including the Hunter region and the Sydney-Canberra line. Emergency call services may also be affected, with authorities advising the use of non-Telstra devices. Airport operations and other services report varying degrees of impact.
South Australian police have reported two boys, aged 14 and 17, for fighting in a public place after amateur "fight club" videos were posted online. Authorities are considering new laws to deter the organization of such events.
NT Education Minister Jo Hersey is claiming a $450 nightly travel allowance while staying at her own apartment in Darwin City. This follows criticism of Labor politician Manuel Brown for similar claims. While within parliamentary rules, the practice is being questioned by colleagues and the public.
Despite Egypt's 3-2 loss to Argentina in the World Cup, New York's 'Little Egypt' in Queens erupted into a street party. Fans celebrated the team's historic progression and the community spirit, with some also expressing support for Palestine.
Thousands of Telstra mobile customers experienced a major outage on Wednesday morning due to an issue with a time-keeping server. Services were largely restored by mid-morning, but the disruption affected train services in Victoria and NSW, Eftpos payments, and raised concerns about emergency calls.
