Australia
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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 …
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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. …
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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 …
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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 …
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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, …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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Christmas appeal as Aussies struggle to make ends meet
Millions of Australians are cutting back expenses and many will go without entirely as Christmas places pressure on already stretched household budgets. More than 5.3 million people will not be …
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River Nile Learning Centre awarded for multicultural efforts and helping disadvantaged women
The River Nile Learning Centre (RNLC) is being recognised for its commitment to empowering disadvantaged women through education and multicultural efforts. On Tuesday December 19, the Melbourne-based organisation will be …