As the nation digests the federal budget, Australian shares are set for another day of losses, with the SPI futures pointing to 0.1 per cent fall by the ASX 200 after a mixed night on Wall Street. Follow our live markets blog.
The Victorian Coalition has pledged a $5 billion investment over four years to repair and rebuild the state's roads, aiming to fix one million potholes and improve maintenance systems if elected in November. The plan also includes boosting roadside maintenance and reviewing construction standards.
An academic received a six-page antisemitic letter, reporting it to police and the University of Wollongong (UOW). UOW's delayed response and lack of specific reporting mechanisms for antisemitism caused distress. The issue is now before the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion, with universities facing scrutiny over their handling of hate speech and student/staff safety.
As Australian parliament takes a winter break, Prime Minister Albanese reviews his standing after a bold budget and security pacts, while Opposition Leader Taylor targets One Nation, framing them as an economic liability. Both leaders face internal party challenges and external economic pressures.
Australia is expanding its digital traveller declaration system, a replacement for paper incoming passenger cards. Trialled on Qantas flights, it will be available via a webform to all international travellers from next year and integrated into airline apps, aiming to reduce airport congestion.
Labor's proposed 30% minimum tax on trust distributions impacts 210,000 small businesses. Restructuring relief is offered, but clarity on state stamp duty and accounting costs is needed, creating a difficult choice for businesses.
Sydney woman Hodan Abby is accused of enforcing Islamic State ideology in Syria's al-Roj detention camp, allegedly acting as a 'Sharia judge', arranging marriages, and even hitting another woman with a hammer. She is the last known Australian IS-linked woman in Syria and was issued a return permit despite a temporary exclusion order.
