Australia
News –
Visas to address skill shortage on cards for roundtable
State and territory ministers will be brought together in a bid to address critical skills shortages as part of an overhaul of Australia’s migration system. Federal Immigration Minister Andrew Giles …
News –
Baby born after uterus transplant in Australian first
Henry Bryant is only a few days old but he has already entered the history books. The 2.9kg infant was the first baby born in Australia from a transplanted uterus, …
News –
Consumer confidence rallies as 2023 wraps up
Consumers are feeling a little more upbeat heading into the end of the year as home prices lift and the interest rate hiking cycle draws to a close. Confidence levels …
News –
Smart homes to save energy costs in virtual power plant
Energy costs could be slashed by plugging in two million smart meters linked to more than 140,000 household devices to create a virtual power plant bigger than a solar farm. …
News –
Greek Australian Charis Mullen appointed multicultural affairs minister in Qld. Miles government
Steve Miles was sworn in as the new premier of Queensland on December 15 and has sought to stamp his imprint on the government through a reshuffle. Miles was elected …
News –
Australian passport fees soar to $400: Double increase spells hefty burden for travellers
The cost of issuing a passport is taking off at $400. The fees for Australian passport issuance will increase twice in 2024, remaining among the world’s most powerful alongside the …
News –
A-League bucket man wins appeal to overturn jail term
The man who threw a bucket of sand at an A-League goalkeeper during a violent pitch invasion has won his appeal to have his jail term overturned. Alex Agelopoulos, 24, …
News –
Australia pledges $265m to support refugees overseas
The federal government has pledged $265 million to support refugees and sustain humanitarian efforts overseas. About $235 million will go towards supporting displaced Rohingya and communities in need in Myanmar …
News –
Savers miss out as banks exploit ‘consumer inertia’
Switching bank accounts and updating payment details is an inconvenience the consumer watchdog wants streamlined to stoke competition in the retail deposit market. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission says …
News –
Vic debt up $6 billion in 6 months, heading to $177.8b
Victoria’s net debt prediction has jumped by more than $6 billion in six months and is now expected to reach $177.8b by 2027. The state government attributes that to infrastructure …