News

NB.1.8.1 Variant Spreads Rapidly in Australia as Winter Sets In

A newly identified COVID variant, NB.1.8.1, is contributing to increased infections in Australia as colder months approach. This strain shows unique mutations that may affect its spread and interaction with…

NB.1.8.1 variant spreading

PFAS Chemicals Detected in Nearly 98% of Queenslanders’ Blood, New Data Reveals

New findings reveal that PFAS, known as “forever chemicals,” are present in the blood of almost every Queensland resident. These synthetic substances persist in the environment and accumulate in the…

Australia PFAS study

ATO’s $500 Mistake? Why Millions of Aussies Could Be Missing Out

Millions of Australians may be losing over $500 at tax time without realizing it. A small oversight in how returns are lodged could be quietly draining your refund — and…

ATO

Bad News for Homeowners: Why the RBA Might Not Cut Rates Anytime Soon

Mortgage stress is back in focus as the RBA rethinks its next move. A fresh inflation twist could delay rate cuts longer than most borrowers anticipated.

The RBA

Up to $10,000 Waiting in Medicare Refunds—But Time Might Be Running Out

Nearly one million Australians could be missing out on a surprise Medicare payout. A quick online check might be all it takes to unlock hundreds—or even thousands—in unclaimed cash.

Medicare

Milk Shortage Warning: Aussie Farmers Hit by Disaster After Disaster

Floods, drought, and cyclone damage are piling pressure on Aussie dairy farms, triggering urgent warnings from industry leaders. A national milk shortage could be just weeks away.

Milk Shortage

Australia Energy Bills to Surge up to 9.7% as Regulators Lock In New Default Rates

From July, thousands of Australian households will see a significant spike in their power bills following a new regulatory ruling. With one state bearing the brunt, the changes reflect deeper…

Australia energy bills rise

HECS Debt Spike Incoming—$882 Added for Millions

Millions with HECS debt are about to see their balances rise, even as a promised cut remains in limbo. A key date is fast approaching.

HECS

NSW Floods Leave 10,000 Homes Damaged as Clean-Up Begins in Isolated Regions

Thousands remain displaced across NSW as emergency crews shift from rescue operations to damage assessments, marking the start of a long recovery process.

Floods in Australia

Cash Comeback? Australia Moves to Protect Your Right to Use Notes and Coins

With cash use declining and digital payments on the rise, Australia may soon enshrine the right to pay with physical money.

Cash

School Upgrade Delays Push Victorian Projects Past Election Deadline

Despite early pledges to modernise nearly 100 public schools across Victoria, the timeline has shifted again. Only a fraction of the projects are complete, while others remain mired in planning…

Victorian public schools upgrades delay

Low-Cost Airlines Quietly Explore Standing Room Only Seating for 2026

Padded “perch seats” may soon replace traditional seating on budget flights under two hours, allowing more passengers onboard for a fraction of the cost.

In the cabin of the low-cost airline.

NAB Just Boosted Borrowing Power by $30,000—Here’s Who Benefits

NAB has changed how it calculates apartment-related fees in mortgage applications—and it could mean up to $30,000 more in borrowing power.

NAB

Uncertainty Grows Over COVID-19 Vaccine Access in Australia Amid Us Regulatory Shift

Experts in Australia are questioning whether global shifts in vaccine policy, particularly from the US, could eventually affect how and when Australians receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Coronavirus Vaccine, COVID-19 Vaccine

Coles Under Fire for Contradictory Plastic Messages Amid Rising Pollution Concerns

Critics argue that Coles promotes sustainability while continuing to rely heavily on plastic packaging, pointing to a gap between public messaging and in-store practices.

A Coles supermarket.

Sydney to Host New Endometriosis Research Institute Backed by Record $50 Million Donation

A historic $50 million donation is set to create Australia’s first dedicated endometriosis research institute in Sydney. This major initiative aims to accelerate diagnosis and develop targeted treatments for millions…

Australia endometriosis research

Victorian Budget 2025: Jaclyn Symes Delivers $600M Surplus and Cost Relief

Victoria’s first budget since the pandemic sees Treasurer Jaclyn Symes navigate tight margins and growing household pressures. A mix of cost-saving measures and major infrastructure commitments shapes the financial blueprint.…

Victorian Budget 2025

NSW Drivers Face Longer Wait Times and Higher Costs for EV and Hybrid Repairs Under New Laws

In NSW, upcoming regulations will impose new training requirements on mechanics servicing electric and hybrid vehicles. This shift aims to enhance safety but may result in longer wait times and…

NSW EV repair cost hike

When Aussies Can Expect Their Latest Power Bill Relief to Arrive

Australians are set to receive new relief on their power bills just in time for the election. A major $18 billion plan promises to ease energy costs and tackle inflation.…

Aussie power bill

No ID, No Problem: How Scammers Opened Bank Accounts with Just a Medicare Number

Criminals are opening bank accounts in Australia without showing any ID—some using nothing more than a stolen Medicare number. The result? A surge in scam-linked accounts moving millions undetected.

Scam

Qantas Resumes International Flights From Adelaide With New Seasonal Route to Auckland

Premier international route in over a decade, Qantas' new Adelaide–Auckland service signals a cautious return to global operations, with limited details on future plans.

Qantas Boeing 747-400 Flying

Australians Push Back as Cafes Struggle With $6 Coffee Prices

Australia’s thriving cafe culture is under pressure as rising prices and cost-of-living challenges force many consumers to rethink their coffee habits. With over 27,000 cafes nationwide, competition is fierce, but…

Australia cafe pushback

Australia’s Largest Urban Renewal Project Takes Shape in Inner-City Melbourne

Fishermans Bend is set to become Melbourne’s most ambitious urban renewal project, bringing advanced manufacturing, new homes, and green spaces to the city’s doorstep. With key developments already underway, the…

Fishermans Bend in Melbourne

Proposal to Fine Parents for Online Defamation of Teachers Sparks Debate in Victoria

Frank Handy warns that rising parental anxiety is fueling online abuse against educators, calling for financial penalties to protect teachers from reputational harm.

Teacher teaching students

Abortion Medication to Become More Available in NSW After Controversial Bill Passes

Abortion access in New South Wales is about to change significantly after a new bill passed through Parliament. While the legislation faced stiff opposition, particularly from conservative figures, it targets…

NSW abortion pill reform

Trump’s Medicine Pricing Plan Raises Concerns for Australia and US Manufacturing

Donald Trump’s push to match U.S. drug prices with the world’s lowest has reignited global debate on pharmaceutical equity. Experts caution the plan may shift financial pressure onto other countries…

Prescription medications, pharmaceutical industry concept

Coles and Woolworths Go Head-to-Head: Major Grocery Price Cuts Announced

The price war between Coles and Woolworths has heated up, with both supermarket giants cutting prices on everyday items. From bread and rice to frozen foods, both chains are offering…

Coles and Woolworths price war

Jetstar Turns 21 With Major Fare Sale Starting From $33

Jetstar celebrates its 21st anniversary with a major sale, offering over 225,000 discounted fares starting from just $33.

Jetstar All Day, Every Day, Low Fares.

Flu Cases Soar Above 60,000 in Australia: What’s Behind the Alarming Rise?

Flu cases in Australia have surged past 60,000, a troubling sign as experts warn that this could be a record-breaking season. With vaccination rates dropping, the country faces a growing…

Australia flu cases rise

How the Coalition’s Immigration Plan Derailed Its Election Strategy

The Coalition entered the campaign with a bold promise to curb migration, citing housing and economic strain. But as the votes came in, results in multicultural electorates told another story.…

Coalition immigration stance

Australia’s Big Bank Predicts Historic Rate Cuts After Labor’s Victory

Australia’s National Australia Bank has predicted substantial interest rate cuts following the Labor Party’s historic election victory. According to NAB’s latest economic update, the Reserve Bank may reduce rates by…

australia NAB

Coalition Unveils New Plan to Move Public Servants to Regional Areas in Final Workforce Reform Tweak

With the federal election on the horizon, the Coalition has made a significant change to its plan for slashing the public service. Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor revealed that the government…

Australia coalition angus taylor

New Aussie Driving Laws Hit Hard: Massive Fines Coming This July

Australia is about to roll out one of its biggest shake-ups in road rules, with tougher penalties and new enforcement tech coming into effect this July.

An Intersection with Multiple Clear Signs including "One Way", "No Entry", "No Left Turn" Credit: tktktk - stock.adobe.com

Albanese Wins Big: Landmark Election Victory Reshapes Australia’s Political Landscape

Australia has delivered a decisive verdict in the 2025 federal election, handing Anthony Albanese a second term and leaving the opposition reeling after a historic loss.

Albanese Wins Big Landmark Election Victory Reshapes Australia’s Political Landscape (Image Credit: Alex Ellinghausen)

New South Australia Law Targets Deepfake Abuse with Jail Time

South Australia is poised to pass a new law that criminalises deepfakes, targeting harmful, non-consensual content. The legislation aims to protect victims, particularly women and girls, from explicit digital manipulation.…

Australia deepfakes

Qantas Introduces Free Wi-Fi on Select International Routes to Asia

Qantas is enhancing its in-flight experience by offering free Wi-Fi on select international routes to Asia, closing the gap with global competitors.

A Qantas Boeing 787 taxiing at an airport

Renault 5 Turbo 3E: Australia Reopens Orders for Exclusive Electric Hatchback at a Jaw-Dropping Price

Renault has reopened orders for its exclusive 5 Turbo 3E in Australia, but with a price tag that will surely raise eyebrows. Set to cost over $300,000, this high-performance electric…

Renault 5 Turbo 3E

Telehealth Expansion: Coalition Pledges to Match Labor’s $200 Million Plan

Labor’s ambitious $200 million telehealth expansion promises to provide free after-hours consultations, reducing strain on hospitals. But the Coalition has stepped in, pledging to match the plan while questioning the…

Coalition telehealth service

ATO Issues Urgent Checklist for 9 Million Aussies Claiming $3,000 Expenses

The ATO warns that incorrect work-related expense claims remain one of the most common mistakes during tax season. Accurate records and careful checks are essential to avoid penalties.

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) signage outside a government building

Cashless Shift Reshapes Australian Banking Landscape

Australia’s move towards cashless banking is reshaping everyday transactions. Traditional branches are evolving to meet the growing demand for digital services.

A customer uses a smartphone to complete a cashless banking transaction.

May Rate Cut Nearly Certain, According to Commonwealth Bank Forecasts

Commonwealth Bank forecasts a significant inflation drop, which could lead to a rate cut by the Reserve Bank of Australia. Analysts believe this shift aligns with the broader economic outlook…

a modern office building with the Commonwealth Bank logo

Australians Call for a Nationwide Cash Withdrawal to Defend Physical Currency

A growing movement in Australia is urging people to withdraw cash today in a bid to protect the future of physical currency. With the rise of digital payments and a…

Australia cash withdrawal day

Australia’s Parent Visa Intake Safe Despite Coalition’s Migration Reductions, Says Dutton

Peter Dutton has pledged that the Coalition government will not reduce Australia’s parent visa intake, even as they propose a significant cut to permanent migration numbers. Amid concerns over lengthy…

Australia's Parent Visa Intake

Coalition’s $750M Law Overhaul Targets Gangs, Child Abuse and Online Crime

The Coalition’s proposed $750 million crime strategy signals a significant shift in Australia’s approach to law enforcement, placing strong emphasis on border control, organised crime and community protection. With plans…

Peter dutton new laws

Cost of Living Emerges as the Top Priority for Voters Ahead of the 2025 Australian Federal Election

Cost of living has become the dominant issue for Australian voters, with rising housing and grocery prices at the forefront of concerns. Economic challenges are reshaping the 2025 federal election…

Supermarket Blurred Background

While Australia Closes ATMs, Tuvalu Installs Its Very First

In the heart of the Pacific, Tuvalu has installed its first-ever ATMs, marking a major step toward modern banking. The rollout comes at a time when Australia, one of the…

Australia Tuvalu ATM

Easter Chocolate Prices Remain High Despite Falling Global Cocoa Costs

Easter chocolate prices have surged across Australia, driven by past supply shocks and trade disruptions. Consumers are feeling the squeeze as Easter chocolate prices remain high despite improved global forecasts.

Easter Chocolate

ATO Updates Fixed Rate Method for Remote Work Deductions

Remote workers can now claim more on their tax returns under the ATO’s revised fixed rate method. The update reflects rising household costs linked to working from home.

Australian Taxation Office ( ATO )

Tax on Dining Out: Surcharge Spikes Set to Hit Aussies’ Back Pocket

The rising surcharges are expected to significantly impact dining out costs, with Australians set to spend millions more over the long weekend. Public holidays are driving up prices at cafes,…

Dining Out

Coles Recalls Two Beer Products Due to Chemical Contamination

Coles has issued a recall on certain products due to safety concerns, urging customers to return the affected items for a full refund.

a Coles store with a product recall notice displayed