Month: January 2025 AWST

Reported at www.theguardian.com: Australia’s inflation rate increased to 2.3% in November, slightly up from 2.1% in October, partly due to the timing of government electricity rebates.

The Reserve Bank of Australia’s underlying inflation measure fell to 3.2%, fueling speculation for a potential interest rate cut at the RBA’s meeting in February, which could benefit the Labor government ahead of the federal election.

The treasurer described the inflation figures as an encouraging sign, while critics pointed out concerns over the government’s use of rebates to influence the headline rate.

From johnmenadue.com: Noel Turnbull reflects on 22 significant missed opportunities in Australia’s recent history, highlighting decisions that have led to negative consequences for the nation.

They include the failure to establish a sovereign wealth fund during resource booms, the detrimental impact of housing tax policies, and involvement in foreign wars, among other issues.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has begun an unofficial campaign for the upcoming federal election, visiting Queensland, the Northern Territory, and Western Australia, michaelwest.com.au reports.

He aims to promote the Labor party’s candidates, particularly in the Cairns-based seat of Leichhardt, while focusing on addressing the cost of living as a central election issue.

From the ABC: Queensland Premier David Crisafulli opposes the federal government’s nuclear power policy, arguing that Queensland’s younger coal-fired power stations, along with renewable energy sources, will effectively reduce energy costs.

He emphasizes the importance of a sensible debate on energy during the upcoming federal election and welcomes the Albanese government’s commitment to fund upgrades to the Bruce Highway.

The Tasmanian Electoral Commission has cancelled over 4,000 fines issued for non-voting in two local government by-elections due to an administrative error, reports the ABC.

The error was linked to the incorrect application of unique reference numbers on infringement notices, causing payment difficulties for some residents.

WA Labor has pledged $38.6 million to enhance domestic violence prevention efforts, which includes $27.1 million for 18 new women’s refuge units and changes to family violence restraining orders, making it easier for victims to obtain lifetime orders, the ABC reports.

The Liberal opposition criticized the measures as insufficient and presented their own $100 million approach to tackle domestic violence.

From the ABC: Ken Randall, a veteran journalist and former president of the National Press Club, has passed away peacefully at the age of 88.

His distinguished career, which spanned six decades across print, radio, and television, included roles as the inaugural defense and diplomatic correspondent for the Australian newspaper and as a press secretary in the Whitlam government.

Randall received multiple honors for his contributions to journalism, including the Medal of the Order of Australia and recognition as a Member of the Order.

From www.theguardian.com: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has criticised beachgoers who use portable cabanas to reserve spots on the sand, emphasizing that this practice contradicts the nation’s spirit of equality and shared public space.

The “debate” arose as images surfaced of cabanas being used to claim prime beach locations, and in the clear knowledge that nothing much else is going on.

Sun-baking journalists nation-wide are contemplating whether to come into the office.

Victorian Opposition Leader Brad Battin announced his new shadow cabinet, which notably excludes former leader John Pesutto, who opted not to take a position, the ABC reports.

The appointments include James Newbury as Shadow Treasurer and Bridget Vallance as Shadow Finance Minister.

Federal polling trends indicate a significant decline in Labor’s support in Victoria, showing a 4.6% swing against them, potentially jeopardizing their recent gains in the state, pollbludger.net reports.

Preparations are underway for the Western Australian state election scheduled for March 8 and concurrent by-elections in Victoria on February 8.

The latest Resolve Strategic poll reveals mixed results across states, with Labor facing challenges particularly among women and low-to-middle income earners.

From thenightly.com.au: Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus will travel to Israel to restore the strained relationship between the Albanese and Netanyahu governments amid rising anti-Semitism and recent attacks in Australia.

Dreyfus is expected to meet with Israeli officials, aiming to emphasize the longstanding ties between the two nations.

Australia’s fuel security remains precarious, with the country’s reliance on imported diesel and limited reserves revealed in a recently obtained report from an emergency training exercise, the ABC reports.

The report shows that Australia has only 22 days’ worth of diesel reserves and highlights a scenario where geopolitical tensions lead to severe fuel supply disruptions, exposing the nation’s vulnerabilities.

Reported at www.abc.net.au: Sydney train commuters will face further disruptions starting January 15 due to a new round of protected industrial action by rail unions related to a protracted pay dispute, reports the ABC.

Unions NSW has urged for new negotiators to be brought in to help resolve the ongoing deadlock, which has been exacerbated by canceled meetings and legal challenges.

Queensland researchers claim that the evidence linking social media usage to youth mental health problems is insufficient, coinciding with the Australian government’s plans to impose a ban on children under 16 from using various social media platforms, the ABC reports.

Experts suggest that a more effective approach would focus on empowering families and educating parents about managing the potential harms of social media rather than implementing a blanket ban.

Reported at independentaustralia.net: Updated Treasury forecasts predict a decline in Australia’s net migration, projecting figures of 257,400 for 2025-26, down from an increased estimate of 341,700 for 2024-25.

This anticipated drop is largely attributed to a rise in migration departures, amidst concerns about the accuracy and reliability of Treasury’s previous forecasts, which have frequently missed their targets.

From michaelwest.com.au: Government spending on advertising reached a record $251 million last year, raising concerns about its legitimacy, with some campaigns viewed as self-promoting rather than in the public interest.

The Albanese Government established a “Government Communications Subcommittee” to oversee advertising, which critics argue obscures accountability and fosters potential misuse of taxpayer funds by transferring decision-making from public scrutiny to a secrecy-laden Cabinet level.

In 2025, stronger hiring is anticipated in hospitality and retail sectors as interest rates are expected to decrease, encouraging consumer spending, michaelwest.com.au reports.

The care economy, particularly health and child care jobs, is predicted to maintain its growth momentum due to ongoing demand. There will also be an increased focus on programming, data science roles, and soft skills as the effects of generative AI are felt.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is launching a campaign against the coalition’s nuclear energy plan as he visits key electorates in Queensland, the Northern Territory, and Western Australia ahead of the upcoming federal election, michaelwest.com.au reports.

Labor’s claims the coalition’s plan would result in over $872 billion in lost economic output for Queensland by 2050, labeling it as “economic madness.”

From theconversation.com: Australia’s political history is marked by significant gaffes that have impacted leaders and events, from the “Hopetoun Blunder,” the commissioning of our first prime minister which led to government crisis, to ‘I don’t hold the hose, mate’ from Scott Morrison.

Memorable incidents, such as Herbert Evatt’s incredulous remarks to the Soviet foreign minister and John Hewson’s confused explanation of a proposed Goods and Services Tax, demonstrate the lasting consequences of poorly timed words and actions.

From johnmenadue.com: Associates of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) have reacted negatively to a recent funding review that criticized former director Peter Jennings for partisan commentary and recommended ending government funding for ASPI’s Washington office.

Jennings and other ASPI members describe the review as a targeted attack, alleging it aims to diminish independent policy analysis.