Oz Politics Writ Large
The Actuaries Institute has released a discussion paper setting out a vision for tax reform which advocates a uniform 10% tax rate, allowing retirement benefits to remain tax exempt, and treating all contributions into super the same once made.
The suggestions also include a higher tax on benefits higher than those reasonably needed for retirement.
See commentary at michaelwest.com.au.
The GenCost 2024-25 draft report released by the CSIRO for consultation warns that developing a nuclear energy generation capacity would require a longer time frame and is a less cost-effective option compared to large-scale solar and battery storage.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s recent decision to join TikTok signifies a shift: moving from criticism of the platform to actively engaging with it despite prior security concerns.
The trend among politicians globally underscores TikTok’s role as a tool for political communication and engagement.
From sbs.com.au: Syrian rebels declared the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad after capturing Damascus, following over 13 years of civil war.
The rebels’ victory not only ended Assad’s family’s long rule but also diminished the influence of Russia and Iran in Syria, as Assad reportedly fled to Russia for asylum.
The ABC reports that Syrian rebels have claimed full control of the central city of Homs, marking a significant blow to President Assad’s regime and boosting the insurgents’ momentum in the ongoing conflict.
The fall of Homs gives the rebels strategic advantages and raises concerns about the stability of Assad’s rule, particularly if they advance towards the capital, Damascus.
Woolworths distribution centres are set to reopen after a 17-day strike by warehouse workers ended with a deal between the supermarket and the United Workers Union.- reported at michaelwest.com.au
The deal included wage increases and changes to performance monitoring practices.
Defence minister, Richard Marles, affirmed the country’s support for Israel while also advocating for a two-state solution in the Middle East, after criticism from Benjamin Netyanyau and the Coalition opposition regarding a recent UN motion favoring Palestinian statehood. – reported at www.theguardian.com
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defended the government’s stance as consistent with previous administrations and allied nations.
A recent report from the Five Eyes intelligence community highlights the alarming trend of youth radicalisation, particularly through online platforms, with a focus on minors involved in counter-terrorism cases in Australia and other member nations. – reported at theconversation.com
The report emphasizes the urgent need for parents and educators to recognize early warning signs of radicalisation, as many investigations have already led to serious legal consequences for young individuals.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the firebombing of a Melbourne synagogue while linking it to Australia’s recent UN vote regarding Israel’s presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. – reported at www.abc.net.au
Australian leaders, including Cabinet minister Murray Watt, have pushed back against Netanyahu’s assertions, emphasizing their government’s commitment to combating anti-Semitism.
Reported at Pearls & Irritations: ‘High profile Senator Fatima Payman and former Labor Senator Margaret Reynolds discuss courage in public office, Australia’s recognition of Palestine, Australia’s Voice, and the difficulties of standing up for one’s principles within a party political system. ‘
From: michaelwest.com.au: ‘Spam is endemic to everyone’s email inbox. Some of Australia’s biggest companies have been caught and fined, yet they keep doing it.’
These companies need to be taught the hard way that they must respect our data and privacy and uphold the law.’
From Pearls and Irritations: ‘Can Australia and Indonesia provide leadership on climate change?’
‘Australia and Indonesia are unlikely partners, to be sure, but that’s part of their potential appeal. Culturally and historically different, they might not give as much offence as an Anglosphere club like AUKUS. ‘
From: reneweconomy.com.au: ‘South Australia has the most wind and solar and no baseload: So why is it the only state not fretting about a vulnerable grid?’
‘System strength is an important part of grid security, and – according to AEMO – describes the ability of the power system to maintain and control the voltage waveform at a given location, when the grid is running normally and particularly when it has to deal with a major disturbance.’
‘Victoria Police say they will do everything they can to bring the people behind the suspected synagogue arson before the courts.’ – reported at www.abc.net.au
From michaelwest.com.au: ‘Australian families are spending nearly half of their incomes paying their home loan as housing affordability drops to its worst point in almost three decades.” ‘
‘Housing affordability has reached a historic low, and the Real Estate Institute of Australia’s 2024 September quarter report has recorded the “most challenging conditions” since it began monitoring the landscape in 1996.” ‘
From the ABC: ‘Australia has agreed to ramp up policing and security assistance to Solomon Islands as the federal government prepares to unveil a slew of Pacific initiatives designed bolster its strategic position in the face of fierce competition from China.’
‘Earlier this year, the Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele declared that he wanted Australia’s help to double the size of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) to about 3,000 officers.’
The Guardian reports that Adelaide city councillor Henry Davis is challenging the frontrunner, Leah Blyth, for Simon Birmingham’s Senate seat, amid concerns over the dominance of the hard-right faction led by senator Alex Antic within the Liberal party.
Davis, who recently dressed in drag to parody the lord mayor, acknowledges he faces an uphill battle against the established faction but positions himself as a centrist candidate.
From Pearls & Irritations: ‘their own self-interest has seen the ALP and LNP disagree on the proposed Electoral Legislation Amendment (Electoral Reform) Bill 2024.’
‘The proposed changes to electoral laws, as were being discussed by the government and opposition, would have increased transparency in the electoral process.’
‘The House of Representatives has 12 independents. There could be more after the next election.’ – reported at www.thenewdaily.com.au
‘Come the election, the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition will unite in warning voters against the perils of a hung parliament.
It is a message at least a third of Australia’s voters will ignore. An increasing number of people like the idea of a hung parliament.’
‘The defence minister has appointed former senior defence and security bureaucrat Dennis Richardson to conduct an urgent top-to-bottom review of the Australian Submarine Agency amid serious concerns about how it is managing Australia’s $368bn Aukus submarine contract.’ – reported at www.theguardian.com