Aussie stuck in New Caledonia have been told to exercise caution following growing unrest in the region. Riots have broken out in the French territory in the Pacific and a curfew imposed after a controversial reform passed France’s parliament allowing French residents who have lived in the area for more than 10 years to vote … Read more
Addressing cost-of-living pressures was at the forefront leading into the federal budget. Treasurer Jim Chalmers handed down his third budget on Tuesday night, describing it as a budget that helped struggling Australians while investing in the country’s future. Cost-of-living relief and inflation were the hot topics, as the government promised measures to ease pressures while … Read more
When university graduate Nariman Dein started studying, she felt privileged to access Australia’s student loan system. Bright-eyed and eager to jump into university after finishing high school, Dein said the messaging around Australia’s university fee program, HECS-HELP, was it was “basically like free university”. “I was told you don’t have to worry about it because … Read more
Renters under pressure will be given a helping hand, as Australia’s housing woes played a key focus in the federal budget. The government has committed $1.9 billion to increase the maximum rates of Commonwealth Rent Assistance by 10 per cent. Under the supplement, welfare recipients who rent receive up to $250 a fortnight. The increase … Read more
Workers will see their pay packets grow in real terms for at least the next five years, flying in the face of ingrained inflation fears, the federal government predicts. Continuing strength in the Australian labour market is expected to result in a four per cent rise in wages growth in the 2023/24 financial year, outstripping … Read more
Australian households will benefit from a new power bill relief payment unveiled in the federal budget, as the government focuses on helping those struggling under cost-of-living pressure. In the lead-up to the federal budget, Treasurer Jim Chalmers hammered home his commitment to providing “responsible relief” that eased pressure on Australian households while decreasing inflation. This … Read more
Treasurer Jim Chalmers is preparing to hand down his third federal budget on Tuesday, as he promises more cost-of-living relief while managing inflationary pressures. Speaking to 7NEWS on Sunday, the treasurer confirmed it would be a budget for “mums and middle Australia … families and pensioners and students and young people”. “It will be a … Read more
Australians should not expect a revival of the baby bonus any time soon but Treasurer Jim Chalmers does want to make it cheaper to have children. Ahead of his third budget as treasurer, Chalmers said more affordable childcare and expanding paid parental leave are some of the ways the government is making life easier for … Read more
A routine traffic stop has led to two men facing serious charges and five others detained over alleged immigration offences. NSW Police Highway Patrol officers in Dubbo pulled over a white Toyota Hiace on the Newell Hwy in Brocklehurst on Wednesday, after noticing one of the passengers was not wearing a seatbelt. Police said they … Read more
Thousands of student teachers, nurses and social workers will be paid hundreds of dollars each week during mandatory work placements, in an Australian first. As part of their degrees, these students must work hundreds of hours of placement, forcing many to give up part-time jobs for unpaid labour. But from July 2025, about 68,000 at … Read more
