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New eSafety advisory hub warns unrestricted chatbots threaten child development

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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

Short-term reforms welcomed, but bold long-term action needed

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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

Productivity Commission backs builders’ long-standing calls for reform

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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

ACOSS demands action after 10 income support recipients died

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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

Evolving role of local governments

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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

Measures to help victim-survivors of family violence safely navigate separation

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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

EXPERT AVAILABLE: Aussie household battery systems grow by almost one-third

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE THURSDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2025   EXPERT AVAILABLE: Aussie household battery systems grow by almost one-third   The interim update of the Climate Council’s Momentum Monitor has found the number of household battery systems have grown 30% since 2023.   Climate Council Fellow and energy expert, Andrew Stock, said: “Batteries are having their … Continued