Oz Politics Writ Large
Reported at www.thenewdaily.com.au: A vehicle was set on fire in Woollahra, Sydney, amid a series of antisemitic hate crimes that included vandalism of several properties.
The incidents have sparked police investigations and condemnation from local officials, highlighting growing tensions following recent attacks on Jewish communities.
From the ABC: The Reserve Bank of Australia has kept interest rates on hold at 4.35% for the ninth consecutive meeting, and signalled the possibility of a rate cut as early as February 2025 amidst weak economic growth and low inflation.
Reported by the ABC: A national audit reveals that while internet access is improving in remote Aboriginal communities, with 86% now online, half still lack mobile phone coverage, making it difficult for residents to access essential services.
The Closing the Digital Divide project report highlights ongoing challenges, including reliance on single mobile devices and affordability issues, as well as a significant increase in households without computers.
Paul Fletcher, former minister and federal member for Bradfield since 2009, has announced his decision not to contest his seat at the next election.
Reported at: paulfletcher.com.au and watoday.com.au
Reported by ABC News US : Rupert Murdoch’s attempt to change his family trust to give his eldest son, Lachlan, control of the media empire has been blocked by a Nevada court, which found that both Rupert and Lachlan acted in “bad faith.”
The decision is seen as a victory for Rupert’s other children, James, Elisabeth, and Prudence, who now retain control of the trust following their father’s passing.
From the ABC: A 20-year Queensland study has found that interventions targeting preschoolers and their families can significantly reduce youth crime rates, particularly in disadvantaged communities.
The research demonstrated that children who received communication training were less likely to commit crimes by age 17 compared to those who did not receive such training.
It has been reported at theguardian.com that Anthony Albanese will announce plans to give families earning up to $530,000 a year access to the childcare subsidy for three days a week.
The proposal suggests eliminating the activity test which currently determines the subsidy level.
Further reports at : michaelwest.com.au and theguardian.com and see PM’s media release
Liberal leader Peter Dutton has stated that he will not stand beside the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags at press conferences, asserting that Australians should unite under a single national flag. – reported at www.abc.net.au
This stance has drawn criticism from Indigenous leaders, who view it as an attempt to marginalize Indigenous representation in Australian politics.
From the ABC: The Victorian government has approved environmental plans for two mineral sands mines, the Goschen Rare Earth and Mineral Sands Project and the WIM Resource Avonbank Mineral Sands Project, despite opposition from local farmers concerned about the potential impacts on health and agriculture.
Both mines aim to produce critical minerals used in various industries, but require further government approvals before commencing operations.
From The Guardian: A new Resolve poll has found Labor on a primary vote of 27%, a three-point slide from their last survey, potentially threatening their majority government status.
Other surveys indicate a more stable position, with results closer to their 2022 election performance.
Reported at michaelwest.com.au: A special anti-Semitism taskforce, led by the AFP and ASIO has been announced by the Prime Minister to investigate threats and violence against the Jewish community in Australia, after the firebombing of a synagogue.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called for national unity as he unveiled Special Operation Avalite.
Reported at michaelwest.com.au: Australia has secured a deal with Nauru to guarantee its access to banking services while gaining a veto over the Pacific nation’s security agreements with other countries, effectively limiting China’s influence in the region.
Financial support for Nauru’s budget and security will be provided, and the Commonwealth Bank will start offer banking services in 2025.
The ABC reports that Health Minister Mark Butler has warned private health insurers against using “loophole tactics” like “product phoenixing” to raise prices on new policies while closing older ones, threatening potential legislative action if the practices do not cease.
The Commonwealth Ombudsman will continue to monitor these tactics, as they exploit regulatory gaps and undermine the spirit of existing laws.
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.