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ACOSS urges all parties and candidates to commit to delivering more direct support rather than rely on the Reserve Bank to address financial hardship following today’s rate cut. “This rate cut is long overdue but will not be nearly enough to help people who are really struggling,” said ACOSS CEO Dr Cassandra Goldie. … Continued
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On 18 February 2025, the Defence Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will conduct its first public hearing into the Department of Defence Annual Report 2023–24. The Subcommittee will hear evidence from the Department of Defence, government departments, non-government organisations and the Australian public across the inquiry’s focus items: Sovereign Defence Industrial Priorities … Continued
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Children are using AI-driven chatbots for hours daily, giving them interactive access to unrestricted themes from sex to drug-taking, self-harm, suicide and serious illnesses, such as eating disorders. The first of eSafety’s new Online Safety Advisory series warns chatbots are exposing children to unmoderated conversations which may encourage or reinforce harmful thoughts and behaviours. … Continued
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If private insurers refuse to cover nuclear reactors the financial risks will be shifted onto Australian taxpayers, meaning we are still unclear how much taxpayers will have to cover of the nuclear bill. Australians for Affordable Energy has expressed deep concern over the revelation the private sector may not be able to insure nuclear reactors, … Continued
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Catholic Health Australia (CHA) is calling for stronger, long-term reforms to ensure the sustainability of private hospital services across the country, especially in our regions, as they grapple with mounting financial pressures. “The government’s reforms announced last year will provide much-needed short-term relief, but we must take bold steps to guarantee the long-term viability of … Continued
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17 February 2025 Peak building and construction industry association Master Builders Australia applauds the Productivity Commission for their comprehensive assessment of productivity issues in the residential construction sector. The review Housing construction productivity: Can we fix it? confirms what builders and the broader industry have long called for: we aren’t going to build the … Continued
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ACOSS is demanding an overhaul of the income support compliance system following shocking revelations that at least 10 people have died after being wrongfully cut off from vital payments. “We have known for years that payment suspensions and cancellation have extremely harmful impacts on people, including homelessness, relationship breakdown and destitution,” said ACOSS CEO … Continued
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A federal parliamentary committee inquiry has undertaken extensive consultation with stakeholders including local governments, councils and shires. The inquiry received over 280 submissions and held 16 public hearings in regional areas. The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Regional Development, Infrastructure and Transport has today presented its interim report for the inquiry into local government sustainability. The … Continued
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14 February 2025 (Autism Awareness Australia CEO Nicole Rogerson is available for interview) Autism Awareness Australia (AAA) has released its first national survey in 10 years, seeking feedback from parents and carers of children and young adults on the autism spectrum. The peak body is encouraging parents and carers to complete the survey and provide … Continued
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The House Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs has today released the report of its inquiry into family violence orders (FVOs). The report makes 11 recommendations, supported by all members of the Committee. Chair of the Committee, Ms Susan Templeman MP, said ‘Violence and abusive behaviour can escalate during family law proceedings, particularly in cases involving coercive … Continued
