If your summer holiday already feels like a distant memory, you’re not alone. Burnout – a state of emotional, physical and mental exhaustion following prolonged stress – has been described in workplaces since a 5th century monastery in Egypt.
So what’s the difference between burnout and depression?
Depression is marked by helplessness and burnout by hopelessness. They can have different causes and should also be managed differently.
What is burnout?
The World Health Organization defines burnout as an “occupational phenomenon” resulting from excessively demanding workload pressures. While it is typically associated with the workplace, carers of children or elderly parents with demanding needs are also at risk.
Our research created a set of burnout symptoms we captured in the Sydney Burnout Measure to assist self-diagnosis and clinicians undertaking assessments. They include:
exhaustion as the primary symptom
brain fog (poor concentration and memory)
difficulty finding pleasure in anything
social withdrawal
an unsettled mood (feeling anxious and irritable)
impaired work performance (this may be result of other symptoms such as fatigue).
People can develop a “burning out” phase after intense work demands over only a week or two. A “burnout” stage usually follows years of unrelenting work pressure.
What is depression?
A depressive episode involves a drop in self-worth, increase in self-criticism and feelings of wanting to give up. Not everyone with these symptoms will have clinical depression, which requires a diagnosis and has an additional set of symptoms.
Clinically diagnosed depression can vary by mood, how long it lasts and whether it comes back. There are two types of clinical depression:
melancholic depression has genetic causes, with episodes largely coming “out of the blue”
non-melancholic depression is caused by environmental factors, often triggered by significant life events which cause a drop in self-worth.
Burnout shares some features with melancholic depression, but they tend to be general symptoms, such as feeling a loss of pleasure, energy and concentration skills.
We found there were more similarities between burnout and non-melancholic (environmental) depression. This included a lack of motivation and difficulties sleeping or being cheered up, perhaps reflecting the fact both have environmental causes.
Looking for the root cause
The differences between burnout and depression become clearer when we look at why they happen.
Personality comes into play. Our work suggests a trait like perfectionism puts people at a much higher risk of burnout. But they may be less likely to become depressed as they tend to avoid stressful events and keep things under control.
Those with burnout generally feel overwhelmed by demands or deadlines they can’t meet, creating a sense of helplessness.
On the other hand, those with depression report lowered self-esteem. So rather than helpless they feel that they and their future is hopeless.
However it is not uncommon for someone to experience both burnout and depression at once. For example, a boss may place excessive work demands on an employee, putting them at risk of burnout. At the same time, the employer may also humiliate that employee and contribute to an episode of non-melancholic depression.
What can you do?
A principal strategy in managing burnout is identifying the contributing stressors. For many people, this is the workplace. Taking a break, even a short one, or scheduling some time off can help.
Australians now have the right to disconnect, meaning they don’t have to answer work phone calls or emails after hours. Setting boundaries can help separate home and work life.
Burnout can be also be caused by compromised work roles, work insecurity or inequity. More broadly, a dictatorial organisational structure can make employees feel devalued. In the workplace, environmental factors, such as excessive noise, can be a contributor. Addressing these factors can help prevent burnout.
For non-melancholic depression, clinicians will help address and manage triggers that are the root cause. Others will benefit from antidepressants or formal psychotherapy.
While misdiagnosis between depression and burnout can occur, burnout can mimic other medical conditions such as anemia or hypothyroidism.
For the right diagnosis, it’s best to speak to your doctor or clinician who should seek to obtain a sense of “the whole picture”. Only then, once a burnout diagnsois has been affirmed and other possible causes ruled out, should effective support strategies be put in place.
If this article has raised issues for you, or if you’re concerned about someone you know, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Gordon Parker receives funding from the University of of NSW.
Source: United States Senator for Texas Ted Cruz
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and U.S. Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas-21) reintroduced the bicameralReciprocity Ensures Streamlined Use of Lifesaving Treatments (RESULT) Act. The legislation increases access to drugs, devices, and other medical therapies already approved in other trusted countries, facilitating access to life-saving treatments for Americans.
Upon introduction, Sen. Cruz said, “Washington bureaucracy and regulations far too often interfere with the healthcare decisions of patients and their doctors. The RESULT Act will facilitate access to life-saving drugs, devices, and medical treatments that are already proven safe and effective in other trusted countries, empowering patients to access the medications they need to improve their health. I’m proud to be advancing it, and I call upon my colleagues to expeditiously take it up and pass it.”
Sen. Lee said, “Americans should have access to the very best medicines and treatments in the world, without government bureaucrats standing in the way. This legislation will strengthen medical freedom, increase healthcare options for patients, and allow the most brilliant innovations from our trusted allies across the globe to help countless families in the United States.”
Rep. Roy said, “Waiting for a pencil-pusher in Washington to green-light medications that are already approved in other trusted countries is the epitome of the bureaucratic nightmare that has plagued our healthcare system. This bill would cut through a wall of red tape that separates Americans from getting the care that they need, which means prioritizing their healthcare freedom.”
This legislation was also cosponsored by Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah).
Companion legislation was introduced in the House by Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas-21).
Read the bill text here.
BACKGROUND
The RESULT Act amends the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act to allow for reciprocal approval of drugs, devices and biologics approved in certain trusted countries, including the UK, EU member countries, Israel, Australia, Canada, and Japan. Sen. Cruz previously introduced the bill in 2023 and 2021.
Headline: Shannon Durrant appointed to Harness Racing NSW Board
Published: 27 February 2025
Released by: Minister for Gaming and Racing
Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris has announced the appointment of Shannon Durrant to the Harness Racing NSW (HRNSW) Board.
Ms Durrant brings extensive expertise in compliance, audit and risk management, with senior leadership experience in the financial services sector. She is currently the Group Chief Risk Officer at Grimsey Wealth and has previously held key roles at Colonial First State and AMP.
Alongside her corporate background, Ms Durrant is deeply engaged in equine sports. She serves as a Director and Company Secretary of Riding for the Disabled Association Australia and is a former Director of Pony Club Australia.
Ms Durrant has been appointed for a four-year term, until February 2029, following a merit-based selection process.
Her appointment replaces Peter Nugent, who is voluntarily departing the board after serving two four-year tenures.
HRNSW is the independent body responsible for the governance, regulation and development of harness racing in NSW. Ms Durrant’s appointment reflects the NSW Government’s commitment to strong leadership and strategic oversight in the industry.
“Harness racing plays an important role in communities across NSW, supporting jobs, entertainment and our regional economy. This is particularly highlighted with the Carnival of Cups series currently showcasing the sport across our state.
“Shannon Durrant is highly respected in her field, and her expertise in risk management and compliance, combined with her passion for equine sports, makes her an outstanding addition to the Harness Racing NSW Board.
“Her leadership will help strengthen governance, assist growth and ensure the ongoing integrity of the industry.
“I would like to acknowledge the contributions of outgoing Board member Peter Nugent over the past eight years and thank him for his dedicated service to the industry.”
The Albanese Labor Government is delivering on its commitment to support First Nations boarding students from remote and very remote communities to finish their schooling.
More than 50 boarding providers across Australia have been selected to share a $44.2 million investment to support approximately 2,500 First Nations students to attend school and achieve their learning potential.
The investment will enable culturally appropriate care and support for students to promote wellbeing and academic success.
It will support cultural connection, upgrades to boarding facilities and provide support to students transitioning into boarding so they can stay in school and thrive.
The funding from 2025 to 2026 will also be used to employ First Nations teachers and wellbeing officers, or counsellors trained in trauma-informed practices.
At Blackheath & Thornburgh College in Charters Towers, Queensland, a culture hub and First Nations wellbeing and community officer will foster cultural connection and engagement by providing a place for First Nations students and families to come together.
At Cape York Girl Academy in Wangatti Beach near Cairns, young women will learn cross-cultural and leadership development skills through the Independent Living Skills Program, while the Deep Driving Partnerships program at Djarragun College in Gordonvale, near Cairns will improve understanding between the school and Indigenous communities.
At Laynhapuy Homelands School in Yirrkala in the Northern Territory, 30 Yolŋgu students will benefit from better school learning resources and an improved boarding environment, with new laptops and kitchen upgrades.
Karalundi College in the mid-west region of Western Australia will increase capacity to welcome 20 more students, while Catholic Education Western Australia’s Transition Support Unit will continue to provide culturally informed assistance with boarding and school transition areas.
In Victoria, Melbourne Indigenous Transition School will support more than 85 boarding students from regional Victoria and remote areas in the top end of the Northern Territory, by providing wraparound holistic support to attend their partner schools in Melbourne.
Boarding plays an important role for many First Nations students from rural and remote communities and this investment is one of the ways the Albanese Labor Government is helping to close the gap in education outcomes.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Jason Clare:
“Investing in boarding facilities helps First Nations students access quality education and finish school.
“The Government understands the importance of choice for families in supporting their children through their education and options to study on-Country, or nearby where possible.
“Boarding continues to be an important education pathway for First Nations students, particularly for families in remote areas.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy:
“Education is key to Closing the Gap and the Albanese Labor Government is determined to support First Nations students to succeed at school and reach their full potential in life.
“Moving to a boarding school can be a big change in a young person’s life, and they need appropriate supports. That’s why we’re funding programs that encourage students to grow their sense of wellbeing, learning, and cultural identity.
“This funding will help more than 2,500 students receive an education while staying connected to their community and receiving the support they need to succeed.”
Man charged with trafficking after police seize drugs during Spirit of Tasmania terminal search
Thursday, 27 February 2025 – 1:44 pm.
A 43 year old Blackmans Bay man has been charged with trafficking following a search at the Spirit of Tasmania terminal last night. Members of Western Taskforce Scelus and the Dog Handlers Unit seized approximately 50 grams of methylamphetamine – with a potential for 500 street deals – from the man who was a foot passenger arriving in Tasmania on Wednesday 26 February. The man was arrested and charged with trafficking in a controlled substance along with other minor drug offences. He was bailed to appear in Devonport Magistrates Court on June 10. Anyone with information about illicit substances in the community should contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au.
Wrangling head lice, and the children they infest, must be up there with the most challenging duties a parent or carer has to face.
And the job is getting harder. Commonly used chemical products aren’t working as well as they once did, meaning head lice are harder to kill.
You can still rid your children of lice – but it’s likely to take some patience and persistence.
Remind me, what are head lice? And nits?
Head lice are tiny six-legged insects that are only found in the hair on a human’s head – most commonly in the hair of primary school-aged children.
Head lice have been a constant companion for humans throughout their millions of years of evolution.
Lice love living in our hair. But they scoot down to our scalp up to a half dozen times a day to drink our blood.
Their claws are perfectly designed to scuttle up and down shafts of hair. But while they’re nimble on our hair, once they’re off, they don’t last long –they’re clumsy, uncoordinated and die quickly.
The term “nits” actually describes the eggs of head lice. They’re often the first sign of an infestation. And with one louse laying more than 100 in their month-long lifespan, there can be a lot of them.
No. Head lice are annoying and their bites may cause skin reactions. But Australian health authorities don’t consider lice a health risk. There is no evidence that head lice can spread pathogens that cause disease.
From child care through to primary school, it’s likely your child has had a head lice infestation at least once. One Australian study found the infestation rate in Australian classrooms ranged from no cases to 72% of children affected.
Girls are more likely to be carry head lice than boys. Long hair means it’s easier for the head lice to hitch a ride.
One study found that in some classrooms, almost three in four children had head lice. CDC/Unsplash
Head lice don’t jump or fly, they move from head to head via direct contact.
Head lice come home with your children because they spend time in close contact with other children, hugging, playing or crowding around books or screens. Any head-to-head contact is a pathway of infections.
Rules differ slightly between states but in New South Wales and Queensland, children don’t need to be kept home from school because of head lice.
How can I keep my home free of head lice?
Keeping the house clean and tidy won’t keep head lice away. They don’t care how clean your bed sheets and towels are, or how frequently you vacuum carpets and rugs.
There may be a risk of head lice transfer on shared pillows, but even that risk is low.
There’s no need to change the child’s or other family member’s bedding when you find lice in a child’s hair. Research-based recommendations from NSW Health are that “bed linen, hats, clothing and furniture do not harbour or transmit lice or nits and that there is no benefit in washing them as a treatment option”.
I’ve used nit solution. Why isn’t it working?
A wide range of products are available at your local pharmacy to treat head lice. Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration assesses products to ensure that they are both safe and effective.
The problem is that most of these products are insecticides that kill the lice on contact but may not kill the eggs.
Also, if treatments aren’t completed as directed on product labels, some head lice won’t be killed.
Head lice also seem to be fighting back against the chemicals we’ve been using against them and it’s getting harder to clear children of infestations.
Don’t expect any miracle cures but health authorities in Australia generally recommend the “conditioner and comb” or “wet comb” method. This means you physically remove the lice without the need for chemical applications.
There are three key steps:
immobilise the lice by applying hair conditioner to the child’s damp hair and leaving it there for around 20 minutes
systematically comb through the hair using a fine toothed “lice comb”. The conditioner and lice can be wiped off on paper towels or tissues. Only adult lice will be collected but don’t worry, we’ll deal with the eggs later
repeat the process twice, about a week apart, to break the life cycle of the head lice.
Repeating the process after a week allows the remaining eggs to hatch. It sounds counter-intuitive but by letting them hatch, the young lice are easier to remove than the eggs. You just need to remove them before they start laying a fresh batch of eggs and the infestation continues.
While children are much more likely to have head lice, the reality is that everyone in the household is just as likely to host a head louse or two. You don’t necessarily need everyone to have a treatment but “grown ups” should be on the lookout for lice too.
Cameron Webb and the Department of Medical Entomology, NSW Health Pathology and University of Sydney, have been engaged by a wide range of insect repellent and insecticide manufacturers to provide testing of products and provide expert advice on medically important arthropods. Cameron has also received funding from local, state and federal agencies to undertake research into various aspects of management of various medically important arthropods.
PETER FEGAN: Now, you’ll remember last year we reported it here on 4BC and it made headlines nationally, the states were officially put on notice by the Federal Government. The states were saying, show me the money and the Federal Government was simply saying, well, prove what it’s worth. Federal Transport Minister Catherine King told state premiers if they wanted cash, they needed good business cases. It’s pretty smart politics, really. The good news is we’ve passed the test here in Brisbane. Today, we’ll be handed a cheque for $200 million, and it includes funding for one of Brisbane’s oldest icons. The Federal Transport Minister, Catherine King, joins me on the line. Minister, great to have your company this morning.
CATHERINE KING: So lovely to be with you, Peter. It’s a beautiful day here in Brisbane.
PETER FEGAN: Now, one of our landmarks, our most famous landmarks, will be getting some cash. Can you reveal it on the program please?
CATHERINE KING: Yeah. So we’re working with the Brisbane City Council to start to investigate what the cost of and scope of work that are needed to restore and to future maintenance of what is obviously the most iconic bridge, one of the most iconic bridges in the country, apart from the Sydney Harbour Bridge, of course. But it’s- you know, it’s a landmark. And so we’re putting in alongside Brisbane City Council together, $5 million to really get that work done, to see what is it that we’re going to need to do. It’s going to need more cash into the future. But this is really starting the process of working with the council to look at what do we need to make sure this bridge stays there into the future and is as strong as it possibly can be, and we keep it there for many, many generations to enjoy.
PETER FEGAN: Now, there was also $1 million that’s been put aside to investigate a bridge from West End to Toowong. Well, Minister, I’m going to do you a favour here this morning. I’m going to save you that $1 million, and I’m going to say this, just build it because we’ve wanted it for so long.
CATHERINE KING: [Laughs]Well, unfortunately we have to work out the cost of these things first. And part of what you do with the business case and the planning is you do the geotech work. You have a look at what services need to be moved so that you can then- the city council can come to me and say, well, look, we need this amount of money to actually build it. So that’s really just the start of the process. And I was at the opening, obviously, of Kangaroo Point Bridge. I’ve seen hundreds and hundreds of people have been using that. We want to see people being able to access all parts of the city. And so this is again, just working with the Brisbane City Council, doing that planning work, finding out how much- you know, we really need to understand how much it costs and then sort of getting on with it once we’ve got that understanding.
PETER FEGAN: Minister, no more footbridges. We need cars to go across. We drive here in Brisbane. We don’t get transport, unfortunately.
CATHERINE KING: Well, we do lots of things. I think people catch buses.
PETER FEGAN: [Laughs]
CATHERINE KING: So obviously, there’s the Brisbane Metro [indistinct], there’s people do that. People will cycle. I’ve seen people everywhere doing that. I’ve seen people walking across footbridges and then I’ve obviously seen- in terms of lots of cars as well. Everyone does all of those things. But cars are obviously pretty important here in Queensland.
PETER FEGAN: Minister, I found this one very interesting, being somebody that grew up in the western suburbs of Brisbane, plenty of people listening to me from the west this morning, they’ll find this interesting. $78.5 million towards cost pressures on the Moggill Road Corridor upgrade project, replacing Indooroopilly roundabout with an overpass over Moggill Road. Now that’s great, but what about the Moggill Road corridor in particular? And then that’s further out towards Moggill. And I’m talking about land that had been put aside. Government land, Crown land that’s been put aside since Malcolm Fraser’s days. And yet people that live out in those western suburbs are still struggling to get to work, because we haven’t used that parcel of land. Can you give a guarantee that one day we may use it?
CATHERINE KING: What again, we do is work in partnership with councils. So obviously Brisbane City Council is in a really unique position across the country that it has such a substantial road and obviously public transport network that it has to fund and build itself. So we work closely with Brisbane City Council and also state governments. They bring projects forward to us in budget and we make considerations of those. We’ve got to do the planning work first, make sure we understand it, but know if the council or the state government want to bring that forward. I, of course, will give it due consideration in the budget process.
PETER FEGAN: $7.2 billion upgrade to fix the Bruce Highway. I think this is the most contentious topic here in Queensland. And I got to say, Minister, when it comes to the election, this will be one of the most divisive topics and I think you’ll either win or lose votes here. $7.2 billion upgrade to fix the Bruce, right? That’s one hell of an obligation to Queenslanders in particular. But I’ve got to say this, Minister, we are reluctant to believe either government, particularly this Labor Government at the moment, because it was this government that had turned its back on the Bruce and had switched the funding arrangement around. $7.2 billion sounds fantastic. I’ve got to say, on behalf of all Queensland, Minister, we just need to get on with it. We need this highway to be safe.
CATHERINE KING: Absolutely. And that’s why, you know, the earliest possible opportunity we did, we’ve made the announcement at that $7.2 billion. Money will flow this year and every subsequent year. We’ve said we’ll get it done in eight years. We’ve asked the Queensland Government to deliver that …
PETER FEGAN: [Talks over] But it’s been 50.
CATHERINE KING: … then obviously [indistinct].
PETER FEGAN: 50 or 60 years, Minister. It’s 50 or 60 years and not one government can fix it.
CATHERINE KING: Well, this Government has made the single biggest contribution to the Bruce Highway ever. And this is a Labor Government that has done that. And if you look back when we were last in office, prior to that, it was the then infrastructure minister, now Prime Minister, who then made the single biggest commitment to this.
This is a Labor legacy, and we are absolutely committed to making the Bruce Highway safer. We’ve been in government obviously two and a half years. And I do want to make it really clear, no money has ever been cut from the Bruce Highway. What we have said is-
PETER FEGAN: But the funding agreement- the funding- hang on, Minister, the funding agreement, that’s not true. The funding agreement was an 80/20 split…
CATHERINE KING: [Talks over] That’s true…
PETER FEGAN: … and you- but you changed that. So that’s funding cutting. Hang on, Minister, you changed that. It was an 80/20 split, but you say no funding has ever been cut. If you change- if you go from 80/20 to 50/50, that to me- I’m not a mathematician, but that’s a 30 per cent cut in funding.
CATHERINE KING: So no, it isn’t. And so I want to make that really clear. I think there’s some confusion about that and been a bit of mischief about that. So first thing is not a single dollar has been cut from the Bruce Highway. In fact, the commitment that we’ve got, there’s $10 billion that has already been spent on the Bruce Highway. That has remained, and then we’ve put in an additional 7.2 billion. We’ve recognised on the Bruce Highway, in particular because of the safety concerns, 41 deaths just last year alone, that we will continue to fund that on an 80/20 basis.
But what we did announce is that because the Commonwealth is now increasingly funding suburban roads, public transport and has stepped into the space of the state governments, largely, we’re now on other roads, particularly across the country, now requiring the state to also step up its commitment. We’re not dropping any of our funding. There’s still $125 billion worth of Commonwealth funding going to states and territories. We’re not dropping that. We’re just asking the states to step up with their contribution as well. So it’s not a cut to our funding. We’re asking the states to step in in the same way we’re stepping in on suburban roads now, but generally were 100 per cent of the state to fund.
PETER FEGAN: It’s bang on quarter after eight. My guest this morning is the Federal Transport Minister, Catherine King. $200 million being announced today in funding for our roads here in Brisbane and in the South East. Minister, I’ve got to say this. It’s smart politics to ask the states to present you a case study because money is really, really tight, particularly on a federal level. So I like it. I think it’s good politics, and I think that that’s what the states should have to do. The reason I’m asking you about this, though, is because we need a really nice, new shiny stadium here in Queensland and particularly in Brisbane. We’ve got the Olympics coming. Now, if there was a case study put forward by David Crisafulli for a brand-new stadium, you’d be on board, wouldn’t you?
CATHERINE KING: Well, the thing that we have put money towards, so there’s $3.5 billion capped from the Commonwealth going into the Olympics. We have said the Commonwealth’s contribution will go towards the Brisbane Arena. $2.5 billion is going towards that, we think, will leave a really significant legacy for an entertainment venue here in the heart of Brisbane – really necessary. We’ve also said we will 50/50 share the minor venues. Obviously, the Queensland Government is undertaking a review of those venues at the moment, but the Commonwealth has done- we’ve done the work, we’ve done the business case, the work is ready to go on the Brisbane Arena and that remains- you know, remains there on the table to build that arena for Brisbane. We think it’s needed and it will leave a great legacy for the community.
PETER FEGAN: Let’s hope they’re listening, because it’s next month that we announce whether we’re going to get a new stadium or not. Before I let you go, Minister, what did you make of today’s announcements? I want to get your thoughts on this because your government has approved a deal between Virgin and Qatar Airways. Now, this is a deal that would see Qatar be able to invest in Virgin. It means there’s going to be more Qatar flights. It means we can spread our wings a little bit. Should hopefully cheapen flight prices here in Australia. But I’ve got to think back, if my memory serves me correctly, it was you that clipped Qatar’s wings in the first place.
CATHERINE KING: So what we’ve had announced today is that the Treasurer has approved the Foreign Investment Review Board’s decision that Qatar Airways, the Qatari government, can invest in Virgin, and that obviously allows Virgin to do a number of things in terms of it going forward. Obviously, Bain Capital is wanting to withdraw and have Qatar now come in as the major investor. What it’s allowed us also to do is ensure that there are some Australians on the board of Virgin to make sure that we’ve got that in place and that they’re in fact opportunities to train Australian pilots, as again, Qatar has been granted through Virgin some wet leases to increase its flights, its international flights and create that competition. And I think that’s a good thing.
PETER FEGAN: Before I let you go, we’ve got some breaking news. The election, 12 April. Is that right?
CATHERINE KING: [Laughs] Very nice try there. What a sneaky way to do it, you cheeky thing.
PETER FEGAN: [Laughs] I should have just – I shouldn’t have laughed.
CATHERINE KING: You should have just- I know, I nearly believed you then. You just got me. I’ve got three brothers who do that to me all the time.
PETER FEGAN: What would you have said, though?
CATHERINE KING: I don’t know, I have absolutely no idea. [Indistinct] to the Prime Minister, but very cheeky. You nearly got me.
PETER FEGAN: Good on you, Minister. We’ll chat again very soon.
CATHERINE KING: Lovely to talk to you, Peter.
PETER FEGAN: There she is. That’s the Federal Transport Minister, Catherine King.
RAFAEL EPSTEIN: I mentioned that extra money from the Federal Government for airport rail. Does that mean we will actually get airport rail? Catherine King is the Infrastructure Minister. She is the MP in Ballarat as well. Morning, Minister.
CATHERINE KING: Good morning. It’s great that you’re out at St Albans. It’s a beautiful part of the world.
RAFAEL EPSTEIN: I haven’t yet sampled all the food. I’ve been to the market, I’m impressed. I’m going to go back there. An extra $2 billion from your government. Does this mean airport rail actually will happen?
CATHERINE KING: Yes, it does. What this money does, if you remember a year ago, we got a mediator to come in and say, what are the things we can do now to unlock airport rail? And there were three things that were recommended. The first was that the airport, if it wanted to have the station underground, it needed to do the work. That meant the station then said, suddenly said, we don’t want it to go underground, we’re going to go overground. So that’s good. That’s been settled. He then said that we needed to redo the modelling for the Tullamarine Freeway-that’s about to start. And it then said we need to invest and build the Sunshine Precinct, which really is making Sunshine Station, pretty much the Southern Cross of the west. So a really big transport hub that is the centre of rail coming in. And then you build the SRL line out to the airport. So what we’re doing is unlocking the 5 billion that’s already on the table. And then we’ve put 2 billion in to get that Sunshine Precinct started. The Victorians are on board with us. You’ve seen Melbourne Airport yesterday, working constructively with us. We’ve got a little way to go just in terms of settling some of the stuff with the airport. But I am very confident that this will now happen.
RAFAEL EPSTEIN: Okay. I think the devil in the detail might be a little way to go with the airport. Is the airport the problem?
CATHERINE KING: I think that we’ve still got to work through issues about- obviously, the airport leases its land from the Commonwealth. It’s got a lease that allows it to have quiet an enjoyment of its leasehold. And so it will come to us and obviously seek an understanding of what the impact is going to be …
RAFAEL EPSTEIN: [Talks over] They want money, don’t they?
CATHERINE KING: … But- they may well do. But again, that is, I understand that they are now talking very closely with the Victorian Government. We’ll also come to the, come in and talk with them as well and let you know. My view is we’re all on the same page to try and get this settled. Obviously there’s, as I said, a little way to go just in terms of the detail of that, but everyone is on the same page of saying, we want to get this done. We’re keen to get it done. Let’s try and break the deadlock as best we can. I know my department secretary and the Victorian department new transport secretary, Jeroen, have been talking over the last couple of days. I think they’re both pretty determined people. And we want to get this done. It’s time for Melbourne to have an airport rail.
RAFAEL EPSTEIN: Yes. It was described as the train line to the jetport in the Victorian Parliament in 1965. So that’s six years before I was born. But you just- you’re the minister federally responsible for this. You used the word deadlock. Are you sure the deadlock is going to be unlocked?
CATHERINE KING: We’re going to do everything we can. I know the airport wants that to happen. Victorian government does, as does the Federal Government. So when you’ve got will and I think we’ve got a moment in time to get this done now, given that we’ve got all three parties very keen to get this done, we’ve got a, moment in time and that’s going to be up to all of us to do the work, because I think Victorians are a bit sick of the wait, the long wait. I’m a little bit older than you, so I also know how long this has been on Victoria’s books, and we’ve got a moment in time to really get this done. And I’m very determined that we should do it.
RAFAEL EPSTEIN: Brimbank Council, and that’s St Albans council. They want the rail line to come before the third runway. So that’s been approved, the third runway. Do you think we will get a rail line before the third runway is built?
CATHERINE KING: Well, the first thing is I’ve just got to be a bit careful here because I have approved as the minister for planning for the airport, the third runway. And Brimbank has now taken that to the- to appeal. So I just have to be a bit careful here. The airport is wanting to build the third runway. I have approved that. It now has to go through the appeal process. They’ll be responsible for building that. My view is we are responsible as transport ministers-Victorian government, Federal government in terms of getting airport rail done. And we are starting the work to make sure that we’ve got everyone on the same page in terms of where it’s going to finish at the airport. And we’ll have timelines when we’ve got all of that agreed, and we’ll make those public when we can.
RAFAEL EPSTEIN: It’s about 18 minutes to 9 on 774. Catherine King is part of Anthony Albanese’s Labor government. I do want to know what you want from your politicians. You can text or call. If you’re texting in, by the way, text your say, we’ll send you a link. There’s a whole lot of stuff going on the ABC webpage about the impending federal election. Catherine King, as a minister in and part of a Labor Party that’s vying for re-election, there was two and a bit billion for the airport. There was more than a billion for roads. I think there was another 300 million for rail work around Melton. Would that money have come if there hadn’t been a big protest vote against state Labor in Werribee?
CATHERINE KING: No, it was in planning for quite some time. Danny Pearson, the previous minister and I had been talking about, as we do every budget cycle… what are the investments that are needed? And these have been talked about for a while. So I think it …
RAFAEL EPSTEIN: [Talks over] It does look a bit reactive.
CATHERINE KING: Well, it- that’s your call, to say that. But I can absolutely guarantee, what I do when I look at budgets, when I look at the investments that are needed, I work closely with state governments about where they want to see investment. And this has been in discussion literally since the middle of last year. So that happens every budget cycle. The Victorian and every other government in the country all come to me with their wish list. It’s often, billions of dollars over what we can fund because they all want money. And then we make a decision about what we’re going to invest in. So really, this- these decisions are actually made last year that we’re announcing now as part of our budget, our lead up into the budget cycle. And they’re important investments for the state. But what you’ve also seen us do is unlock over in the east, the $2.2 billion for the Suburban Rail Loop.
RAFAEL EPSTEIN: I’m glad you mentioned it, minister, because I was going to ask you about that. Can I just- can I let everyone know the seat I’m in is a safe Labor seat – the seat of Fraser. There are- I know there are people who share your party room, Catherine King, who are nervous about Labor’s vote in a suburb like St Albans, all the way out to places like Melton. Is there a little part of you- is there a little part of you that dies every time they talk about the Suburban Rail Loop because it’s money in the east, not the west?
CATHERINE KING: What I see is a state in Victoria who basically… were pretty much abandoned for the last decade, who’ve had to go it alone on building these really big infrastructure projects. I live in the west, I live in Ballarat, and I have to drive- you know every single day I go to- when I go to Melbourne, I’m going through that incredible work that’s been done on the West Gate Tunnel. That is game changing for us over in the west. That will be huge for people like myself who live in Ballarat. I see the North East Link. I’ve stood on that side as well. Both of those projects, not a single federal dollar has gone into either of those. The state has had to 100 per cent fund those. We’ve stepped in other- sorry, other than a small amount in the North East Link, we’ve had- we’ve stepped in and put some more money into the North East Link to bring that, recognising that Victorian taxpayers on their own are paying for these big projects that will be game changing for the way in which we move around the state. Suburban Rail will be a similar sort of project. It’s a big scale project I’ve seen over in the west of the- Western Australia. What these big scale rail projects can do in terms of really opening up new housing opportunities, new business opportunities, new ways in which people actually move around cities. And so that’s really what the Victorian government has been doing, is doing those investments pretty much on its own. And it’s time that the Commonwealth actually helped out a bit with those.
RAFAEL EPSTEIN: Well, we’ll see what everybody makes of that both the people here in St Albans and on the phone. Just- Peter Dutton, it’s been revealed how much money he’s made buying and selling properties. Doesn’t that mean he actually really understands the property market and maybe he’ll know how to fix it?
CATHERINE KING: Well, I think the issue- it’s not so much- I don’t begrudge anyone being able to do that, but I think it’s being upfront about it. I think that we saw him, not necessarily make disclosures about that and money in trusts and the like. So I think really he just needs to be open about that. And, it’s aspirational. But it’s really- it’s up to him to sort of explain why these weren’t properly disclosed to people …
RAFAEL EPSTEIN: [Interrupts] But do you reckon he understands the property market?
CATHERINE KING: Well, as someone who doesn’t understand the property market, particularly myself, I don’t know. That’s a matter for him. But I think that again, really, it’s up to him to make sure he’s disclosing all of those things appropriately.
RAFAEL EPSTEIN: Thank you for your time.
CATHERINE KING: Really good to be with you. Lovely to- hopefully you get a good chance to have a chat to the people of St Albans. My brother in law doesn’t live far from there. It is a fantastic multicultural part of the world.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested five males in relation to multiple property offences across the Greater Darwin Region area overnight.
Around 8:50pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre (JESCC) received a report that a group of males were allegedly attempting to start a white Toyota Landcruiser located in the staff car park at the Darwin Airport.
A short time later, the JESCC received further reports of the same vehicle being used to ram the gates of the long-term carpark at the airport.
Around 10:40pm, police received reports of a group allegedly attempting to steal a car from an address in Jingili, significantly damaging the vehicle in the process. The owner of the vehicle confronted the group who fled the scene in a white Toyota Landcruiser.
The JESCC subsequently received two reports of stolen vehicles, one of which identified as a Toyota Landcruiser from a carpark at a shopping centre on Roystonea Avenue and the other from an address on Casuarina Drive.
Strike Force Trident sighted the Land Cruiser stolen from the airport on Vanderlin Drive and attempted to apprehend the vehicle. The Landcruiser failed to stop, and a pursuit was initiated throughout the Northern Suburbs.
A tyre deflation device was successfully deployed on Vanderlin Drive, Karama before the occupants drove into nearby bushland where they abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot.
The Dog Operations Unit (DOU) deployed and located four males aged 13, 15, 18 and 20.
The males were arrested and remain in police custody.
A short time later, police received intelligence that two of the stolen vehicles were located in a community in Johnston.
SF Trident, DOU and Palmerston general duties attended the location and recovered the two Landcruiser’s and arrested a 13-year-old male who was inside one of the vehicles.
Six remaining offenders fled the area before police arrival.
At around 5:20am, the JESCC received a report that a Toyota Hilux Utility had been stolen from a unit complex in Coolalinga. The Hilux was then observed travelling south on the Stuart Highway with a group of males in the tray.
During the search for the Hilux, a DOU vehicle was rammed by the stolen vehicle before it again fled the scene. Four other Police vehicles were damaged when occupants of the stolen Hilux threw projectiles at police.
The officers inside the vehicle were not injured during the incident.
Investigations are ongoing.
Detective Senior Sergeant Dale Motter-Barnard said, “The actions of these individuals are despicable.
“The officers in the vehicle that was rammed were thankfully unharmed, but the outcome could have been very different.
“Not only are these offenders damaging and stealing from hard working people, but they are also driving erratically throughout Darwin, risking themselves and other road users.
“We will continue to work tirelessly to bring the offenders before the courts.”
Bridgetown Research is building the first AI agents focussed on research and analysis using primary and secondary data for verticals including private equity, consulting and strategy
Seattle, Washington – February 26, 2025: Strategic business decisions have traditionally been expensive and slow for a fundamental reason: they don’t happen enough. This means companies lack both historical data to learn from and experts who have seen enough similar cases. Bridgetown Research is changing that. Today, the AI decision science startup announced $19 million in Series A funding led by Lightspeed and Accel, with participation from a leading research university.
Bridgetown Research has developed AI agents that autonomously execute research. Most notable amongst these agents are voice bots trained to recruit and interview industry experts, gathering primary data that can be analyzed alongside alternative data sourced from their partners.
Founded by Harsh Sahai, who previously led machine learning teams at Amazon before leading strategy engagements at McKinsey & Co., Bridgetown Research was born from a simple observation: the majority of business analyses are a permutation of a small number of automatable tasks. The founding team, comprising former professionals from McKinsey, Bain, Amazon, and leading tech startups, brings together extensive experience across strategy consulting and technology.
“We are excited to be a catalyst for change. We are working with multiple private equity firms, management consulting firms, and corporate teams to help make strategic decisions better and faster. This in turn is driving up demand for advisory and information services downstream. We enable $10+ of advisory and information services revenue for every $1 we make. Together with leading institutions, we’re building something bigger than ourselves—an ecosystem where everyone thrives,” commented Harsh Sahai, CEO & founder of Bridgetown Research.
While many AI solutions focus on searching and summarizing information using LLMs, real world business decisions require much more than synthesising the open web. They need proprietary data such as primary data from experts and customer surveys, along with frameworks to understand markets, what Harsh Sahai calls “ontologies”. Moreover, outputs need to be repeatable and auditable for a business to use them to make decisions with tens of millions of dollars at stake. Bridgetown Research is the only player using agents to gather primary data and systematically find patterns in it to generate original insights. “AI is causing widespread disruptions across many enterprise functions, and Bridgetown Research is riding that wave by assisting executives in making important strategic decisions. We are pleased to see Bridgetown serving several marquee customers, with users likening its platform to having a team of top-tier consultants at their fingertips. We are excited to partner with Harsh, who, with his background as an ace AI research scientist turned management consultant, blends a unique combination of skills and insight needed to imagine this whole new category of applied AI,” said Anagh Prasad, Investor at Accel.
Bridgetown Research started with a focus on private equity deal screening diligence. Multiple top-tier PE & VC firms already use Bridgetown Research for deal screening and deeper commercial diligence. They’re able to screen their pipeline much faster with initial analysis taking 24 hours instead of weeks without Bridgetown enabling teams to focus on actual decision making instead of research and analysis. For other customers Bridgetown has enabled voice of customer conversations that cover hundreds of respondents in parallel, and within days.
Ishaan Preet Singh, Investor at Lightspeed added “Companies are built on the quality of strategic decisions, and the research and analysis behind it. Bridgetown Research enables the smartest executives and investors to make these decisions with an order of magnitude more information, and at a pace that was earlier impossible. Harsh and Bridgetown are already creating immense value for their customers, but are still just scratching the surface of the leverage that AI can create.”
As global markets become increasingly complex, the demand for efficient and effective decision-making tools continues to rise. With this funding round, Bridgetown Research plans to invest further in training its AI agents to perform a broader set of analyses across a broader range of domains, and deepening industry partnerships to enhance access to domain-specific intelligence.
About Bridgetown Research Bridgetown Research builds AI agents for decision research. Its voice agents and web crawlers find and clean data, while its analyses agents produce repeatable, auditable, and reliable analyses. The team consists of computer scientists, econometricians, software engineers, investors and business consultants, working across geographies. For more information please visit https://www.bridgetownresearch.com/
About Accel Accel is a global venture capital firm that aims to be the first partner to exceptional teams everywhere (Facebook, Flipkart, etc.), from inception through all phases of private company growth. Accel has been operating in India since 2008, and its investments include companies like BookMyShow, Browserstack, Flipkart, Freshworks, FalconX, Infra.Market, Chargebee, Clevertap, Cure Fit, Musigma, Moneyview, Mensa Brands, Myntra, Moglix, Ninjacart, Swiggy, Stanza Living, Urban Company, Zetwerk, and Zenoti, among many others. We help ambitious entrepreneurs build iconic global businesses. For more, visit: www.accel.com
About Lightspeed Lightspeed is a global multi-stage venture capital firm focused on accelerating disruptive innovations and trends in the Enterprise, Consumer, Health, and Fintech sectors. Over the past two decades, the Lightspeed team has backed hundreds of entrepreneurs and helped build more than 500 companies globally including Affirm, Acceldata, Carta, Cato Networks, Darwinbox, Epic Games, Faire, Innovaccer, Guardant Health, Mulesoft, Navan, Netskope, Nutanix, Physics Wallah, Razorpay, Rubrik, Sharechat, Snap, OYO Rooms, Ultima Genomics, Zepto and more. Lightspeed and its global team currently manage $25B in AUM across the Lightspeed platform, with investment professionals and advisors in the U.S., Europe, India, Israel, and Southeast Asia. www.lsip.com
According to new research by the cybersecurity company NordVPN, over 83 million malware incidents have been recorded in 2024 in New Zealand, emphasizing the growing cybersecurity threats.
Internet users should be extra careful when clicking links seemingly sent by Big Tech companies – there’s quite a big chance it might be a deliberately misspelled phishing link. Data shows that Google, Facebook, and Microsoft are the top three brands most likely to be impersonated for credential harvesting.
“In fact, the majority of all phishing attacks use around 300 brand names for deception. The brands themselves are not at fault – such fakes hurt their reputation as well, forcing companies to actively hunt them down. However, high brand awareness can lull victims into a false sense of security and get them to lower their guard,” says Adrianus Warmenhoven, a cybersecurity advisor at NordVPN.
According to the same research, last year there were almost 85,000 fake URLs that impersonate Google websites and services. With more than 6,000 fake URLs online, Facebook takes second place as the scammers’ favorite. Microsoft is in third place, with almost 5,000 fake URLs. Fake AT&T, Yahoo!, and Netflix links should be evaluated more carefully as well. In each of those cases there were around 4,000 fake URLs online.
New Zealand experienced more than 83 million malware incidents in 2024 – the second number in Oceania, with Australia leading the region with more than 351 million incidents per year.
An array of security threats
Data analysed by NordVPN suggest you should also stay away from free video hosting sites (yes, that includes anime hosting websites) and a few other categories. Throughout 2024, NordVPN’s Threat Protection Pro feature blocked more than 1.5 billion malware infection attempts on video hosting sites. Other domain categories with the most malware are: entertainment (almost 1 billion malware blocked) and sports (124 million). Just a little behind are adult content sites (109 million malware blocked) and file sharing and storage websites (almost 74 million).
“The above mentioned categories, free video hosting sites in particular, tend to contain a variety of security and privacy threats. Not only malware, but intrusive ads and trackers as well. Over the past year, Threat Protection Pro blocked almost 7 billion ads and more than 119 billion trackers on video hosting sites alone. This accounts for 25% off all blocked trackers by Threat Protection Pro in 2024,” says Adrianus Warmenhoven.
Know your enemy
Web trackers are a broad category of privacy-invading tools that collect information on user activity. Trackers typically take the form of special scripts, browser cookies, or tracking pixels. Businesses use trackers to paint an accurate picture of you for targeted advertising – but if they suffer a data breach, the stored tracker data could end up falling into the hands of cybercriminals.
Warmenhoven adds that websites often share or sell data collected by trackers to third parties. Those who want to protect their privacy can use several tools to become less trackable, such as tracker blockers, which prevent websites and advertisers from collecting data about your online activity.
Malware refers to any kind of programming that was deliberately designed to harm you or your device. This includes malicious software like viruses, trojans, ransomware, and spyware. Malware can steal sensitive data, encrypt important files, or even take over the machine, putting the criminal in complete control.
“It is important to know that malware must be actively brought onto your device, such as by downloading an infected file. One of the most common ways to get infected with malware is through phishing attacks. Scammers use deceptive misspellings of popular brands (such as spelling “Amazon” as “Arnazon”) to trick victims into clicking phishing links and downloading infected files. So you should always check the spelling before clicking,” notes Warmenhoven.
Intrusive advertising refers to ads that actively interfere with your online experience. Intrusive ads aren’t content to just stay on the sidelines – they may distract you by popping up randomly while you’re scrolling, open additional browser tabs, hog bandwidth with lengthy videos, or even hijack the page you’re on. Even worse, some intrusive ads may try to infect your device or redirect you to malicious websites.
Cybersecurity expert advice on how to protect yourself
To protect yourself from common cybersecurity threats like malware, trackers, and intrusive ads, Adrianus Warmenhoven advises to take these precautions:
Avoid a “free lunch.” Certain web domain categories are much more likely to host malware that could compromise your device than others. One of the most prominent categories is free video hosting sites.
Be wary of unsolicited emails and messages. Phishing scams are one of the main methods used by criminals to steal personal and financial data. Emails promising too-good-to-be-true promotions, invitations, or gifts, are probably not true. Messages asking you to update your data or just click on a link may also be versions of phishing.
Don’t get scared and check the links. Cybercriminals prey on confusion and ignorance. They try to scare people, hoping that victims will act on emotion. Don’t do that. Try not to click on links that try to scare you or promise you riches – check the spelling first.
Verify downloads. Malware executables may be disguised as or hidden in legitimate files. Always verify the website you want to download from, and always use anti-malware tools like Threat Protection Pro to inspect the files you download.
Limit data exposure. Information such as location, full name, and other personal details can be used by criminals for scams and cyberattacks. Adjust your privacy settings and avoid sharing sensitive data publicly, such as on social networks.
Keep your devices updated. Outdated software is an easy target for cyberattacks. Make sure to keep your operating system, applications, and antivirus software up to date to fix vulnerabilities and ensure greater protection.
Methodology: The statistics mentioned above were acquired by analyzing aggregated data gathered by NordVPN’s Threat Protection Pro service from January 1, 2024 to January 1, 2025. NordVPN is not endorsed by, maintained, sponsored by, affiliated, or in any way associated with the owners of the mentioned brands. Brands are indicated solely for the purpose of accurately reporting information related to brands that were most likely to be impersonated for spreading malware.
ABOUT NORDVPN
NordVPN is the world’s most advanced VPN service provider, used by millions of internet users worldwide. NordVPN provides double VPN encryption and Onion Over VPN and guarantees privacy with zero tracking. One of the key features of the product is Threat Protection , which blocks malicious websites, malware during downloads, trackers, and ads. The latest service by the Nord Security team is Saily — a new global eSIM. NordVPN is very user friendly, offers one of the best prices on the market, and has over 6,200 servers covering 111 countries worldwide. For more information: https://nordvpn.com.
Airwallex launches in New Zealand, appointing Lowry Gladwell as Associate Director and first local employee.
Commitment to local growth, with plans to expand the team to 10 employees on ground by the end of 2025.
New product rollouts, including corporate cards, online payments and expanded Airwallex for Startups offerings, to support Kiwi businesses.
Partnering with top NZ brands, already working with Rodd & Gunn, Tracksuit and Auror.
Auckland, New Zealand, 26 February, 2025 – Global fintech leader Airwallex has officially launched in Aotearoa, marking a significant milestone in its mission to provide businesses with faster, cost-effective, and more innovative financial solutions.
With a firm commitment to supporting New Zealand’s thriving business ecosystem, Airwallex has appointed Lowry Gladwell as its Associate Director of New Zealand, the company’s first local employee, to lead its ambitious expansion plans. Gladwell will be joined by Matt Sek, a key regional leader, as Airwallex aims to grow its New Zealand team to 10 employees by the end of 2025.
“With New Zealand businesses increasingly looking for agile, cost-effective financial solutions, Airwallex is here to challenge the status quo,” said Gladwell. “Our entry into this market represents more than just expansion — it’s about providing Kiwi businesses with the tools they need to grow globally without the friction and high costs of traditional banking.”
A New Era of Financial Solutions for New Zealand Businesses
As part of its expansion, Airwallex is rolling out several new product offerings tailored to the needs of New Zealand businesses. The company’s corporate cards offering will be bolstered with a physical card version to complement the existing virtual option. These solutions will empower Kiwi companies to manage expenses more efficiently, reducing high transaction fees and improving financial control. In addition, online payments will sit alongside existing FX, global accounts and company and employee cards.
“Managing business spending shouldn’t be a hassle,” said Matt Sek, VP SME & Growth, ANZ. “Our new corporate card solution makes it easier for teams to handle expenses while ensuring greater transparency and efficiency, while payment acceptance allows businesses to accept payments from customers around the globe with fast, flexible settlements and a seamless checkout experience. This is just the beginning of our commitment to providing smarter, more intuitive financial tools for New Zealand businesses.”
A Tailored Approach for New Zealand’s Unique Market
New Zealand’s business environment, while dynamic, has long been dominated by a concentrated banking sector, leading to high fees and sluggish international transactions. Airwallex is set to disrupt the market by offering lower costs, competitive FX rates, and faster payments — critical advantages for businesses operating globally, particularly in New Zealand’s high-growth SaaS and export sectors.
With the country’s economic recovery underway following a challenging period, Airwallex’s presence comes at a crucial time. The company’s solutions will provide much-needed financial agility for businesses looking to scale, particularly as New Zealand strives to double its export growth over the next decade.
Empowering New Zealand Startups and “Soonicorns”
Airwallex has already demonstrated strong support for startups in New Zealand, with significant sign-ups under its Airwallex for Startups initiative. By offering streamlined international payments, global accounts, and competitive FX rates, Airwallex is positioning itself as a vital partner for the country’s burgeoning startup ecosystem.
“We see huge potential in New Zealand’s startup space,” added Gladwell. “We want to support the next wave of ‘soonicorns’ by providing them with the financial infrastructure needed to scale globally.”
Industry Expertise and Established Partnerships
“We understand that the key industries of growth in New Zealand include Tourism, eCommerce, and Tech,” said Gladwell. “Airwallex is already working with some of the country’s most innovative and well-established brands, including Rodd & Gunn, Tracksuit and Auror. Our deep knowledge of these industries allows us to tailor our solutions to meet the unique needs of Kiwi businesses, helping them navigate global expansion with ease.”
Looking Ahead
Airwallex’s entry into New Zealand marks a long-term investment in the country’s business landscape. As the company continues to grow its local team and expand its offerings, it remains committed to helping Kiwi businesses navigate the evolving financial landscape with confidence.
“Our goal is simple,” concluded Gladwell. “We’re here to provide New Zealand businesses with better experiences, lower fees, and faster payments in a market that’s crying out for competition. We’re excited for what’s ahead.”
About Airwallex
Airwallex is a leading global financial platform for modern businesses, offering trusted solutions to manage everything from payments, treasury, and spend management to embedded finance. With our proprietary infrastructure, Airwallex takes the friction out of global payments and financial operations, empowering businesses of all sizes to unlock new opportunities and grow beyond borders. Proudly founded in Melbourne, Airwallex supports over 150,000 businesses globally and is trusted by brands such as AS Colour, Rodd & Gun, Tracksuit and many more. For more information, visit http://www.airwallex.com
Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development
RAFAEL EPSTEIN: I mentioned that extra money from the Federal Government for airport rail. Does that mean we will actually get airport rail? Catherine King is the Infrastructure Minister. She is the MP in Ballarat as well. Morning, Minister.
CATHERINE KING: Good morning. It’s great that you’re out at St Albans. It’s a beautiful part of the world.
RAFAEL EPSTEIN: I haven’t yet sampled all the food. I’ve been to the market, I’m impressed. I’m going to go back there. An extra $2 billion from your government. Does this mean airport rail actually will happen?
CATHERINE KING: Yes, it does. What this money does, if you remember a year ago, we got a mediator to come in and say, what are the things we can do now to unlock airport rail? And there were three things that were recommended. The first was that the airport, if it wanted to have the station underground, it needed to do the work. That meant the station then said, suddenly said, we don’t want it to go underground, we’re going to go overground. So that’s good. That’s been settled. He then said that we needed to redo the modelling for the Tullamarine Freeway-that’s about to start. And it then said we need to invest and build the Sunshine Precinct, which really is making Sunshine Station, pretty much the Southern Cross of the west. So a really big transport hub that is the centre of rail coming in. And then you build the SRL line out to the airport. So what we’re doing is unlocking the 5 billion that’s already on the table. And then we’ve put 2 billion in to get that Sunshine Precinct started. The Victorians are on board with us. You’ve seen Melbourne Airport yesterday, working constructively with us. We’ve got a little way to go just in terms of settling some of the stuff with the airport. But I am very confident that this will now happen.
RAFAEL EPSTEIN: Okay. I think the devil in the detail might be a little way to go with the airport. Is the airport the problem?
CATHERINE KING: I think that we’ve still got to work through issues about- obviously, the airport leases its land from the Commonwealth. It’s got a lease that allows it to have quiet an enjoyment of its leasehold. And so it will come to us and obviously seek an understanding of what the impact is going to be …
RAFAEL EPSTEIN: [Talks over] They want money, don’t they?
CATHERINE KING: … But- they may well do. But again, that is, I understand that they are now talking very closely with the Victorian Government. We’ll also come to the, come in and talk with them as well and let you know. My view is we’re all on the same page to try and get this settled. Obviously there’s, as I said, a little way to go just in terms of the detail of that, but everyone is on the same page of saying, we want to get this done. We’re keen to get it done. Let’s try and break the deadlock as best we can. I know my department secretary and the Victorian department new transport secretary, Jeroen, have been talking over the last couple of days. I think they’re both pretty determined people. And we want to get this done. It’s time for Melbourne to have an airport rail.
RAFAEL EPSTEIN: Yes. It was described as the train line to the jetport in the Victorian Parliament in 1965. So that’s six years before I was born. But you just- you’re the minister federally responsible for this. You used the word deadlock. Are you sure the deadlock is going to be unlocked?
CATHERINE KING: We’re going to do everything we can. I know the airport wants that to happen. Victorian government does, as does the Federal Government. So when you’ve got will and I think we’ve got a moment in time to get this done now, given that we’ve got all three parties very keen to get this done, we’ve got a, moment in time and that’s going to be up to all of us to do the work, because I think Victorians are a bit sick of the wait, the long wait. I’m a little bit older than you, so I also know how long this has been on Victoria’s books, and we’ve got a moment in time to really get this done. And I’m very determined that we should do it.
RAFAEL EPSTEIN: Brimbank Council, and that’s St Albans council. They want the rail line to come before the third runway. So that’s been approved, the third runway. Do you think we will get a rail line before the third runway is built?
CATHERINE KING: Well, the first thing is I’ve just got to be a bit careful here because I have approved as the minister for planning for the airport, the third runway. And Brimbank has now taken that to the- to appeal. So I just have to be a bit careful here. The airport is wanting to build the third runway. I have approved that. It now has to go through the appeal process. They’ll be responsible for building that. My view is we are responsible as transport ministers-Victorian government, Federal government in terms of getting airport rail done. And we are starting the work to make sure that we’ve got everyone on the same page in terms of where it’s going to finish at the airport. And we’ll have timelines when we’ve got all of that agreed, and we’ll make those public when we can.
RAFAEL EPSTEIN: It’s about 18 minutes to 9 on 774. Catherine King is part of Anthony Albanese’s Labor government. I do want to know what you want from your politicians. You can text or call. If you’re texting in, by the way, text your say, we’ll send you a link. There’s a whole lot of stuff going on the ABC webpage about the impending federal election. Catherine King, as a minister in and part of a Labor Party that’s vying for re-election, there was two and a bit billion for the airport. There was more than a billion for roads. I think there was another 300 million for rail work around Melton. Would that money have come if there hadn’t been a big protest vote against state Labor in Werribee?
CATHERINE KING: No, it was in planning for quite some time. Danny Pearson, the previous minister and I had been talking about, as we do every budget cycle… what are the investments that are needed? And these have been talked about for a while. So I think it …
RAFAEL EPSTEIN: [Talks over] It does look a bit reactive.
CATHERINE KING: Well, it- that’s your call, to say that. But I can absolutely guarantee, what I do when I look at budgets, when I look at the investments that are needed, I work closely with state governments about where they want to see investment. And this has been in discussion literally since the middle of last year. So that happens every budget cycle. The Victorian and every other government in the country all come to me with their wish list. It’s often, billions of dollars over what we can fund because they all want money. And then we make a decision about what we’re going to invest in. So really, this- these decisions are actually made last year that we’re announcing now as part of our budget, our lead up into the budget cycle. And they’re important investments for the state. But what you’ve also seen us do is unlock over in the east, the $2.2 billion for the Suburban Rail Loop.
RAFAEL EPSTEIN: I’m glad you mentioned it, minister, because I was going to ask you about that. Can I just- can I let everyone know the seat I’m in is a safe Labor seat – the seat of Fraser. There are- I know there are people who share your party room, Catherine King, who are nervous about Labor’s vote in a suburb like St Albans, all the way out to places like Melton. Is there a little part of you- is there a little part of you that dies every time they talk about the Suburban Rail Loop because it’s money in the east, not the west?
CATHERINE KING: What I see is a state in Victoria who basically… were pretty much abandoned for the last decade, who’ve had to go it alone on building these really big infrastructure projects. I live in the west, I live in Ballarat, and I have to drive- you know every single day I go to- when I go to Melbourne, I’m going through that incredible work that’s been done on the West Gate Tunnel. That is game changing for us over in the west. That will be huge for people like myself who live in Ballarat. I see the North East Link. I’ve stood on that side as well. Both of those projects, not a single federal dollar has gone into either of those. The state has had to 100 per cent fund those. We’ve stepped in other- sorry, other than a small amount in the North East Link, we’ve had- we’ve stepped in and put some more money into the North East Link to bring that, recognising that Victorian taxpayers on their own are paying for these big projects that will be game changing for the way in which we move around the state. Suburban Rail will be a similar sort of project. It’s a big scale project I’ve seen over in the west of the- Western Australia. What these big scale rail projects can do in terms of really opening up new housing opportunities, new business opportunities, new ways in which people actually move around cities. And so that’s really what the Victorian government has been doing, is doing those investments pretty much on its own. And it’s time that the Commonwealth actually helped out a bit with those.
RAFAEL EPSTEIN: Well, we’ll see what everybody makes of that both the people here in St Albans and on the phone. Just- Peter Dutton, it’s been revealed how much money he’s made buying and selling properties. Doesn’t that mean he actually really understands the property market and maybe he’ll know how to fix it?
CATHERINE KING: Well, I think the issue- it’s not so much- I don’t begrudge anyone being able to do that, but I think it’s being upfront about it. I think that we saw him, not necessarily make disclosures about that and money in trusts and the like. So I think really he just needs to be open about that. And, it’s aspirational. But it’s really- it’s up to him to sort of explain why these weren’t properly disclosed to people …
RAFAEL EPSTEIN: [Interrupts] But do you reckon he understands the property market?
CATHERINE KING: Well, as someone who doesn’t understand the property market, particularly myself, I don’t know. That’s a matter for him. But I think that again, really, it’s up to him to make sure he’s disclosing all of those things appropriately.
RAFAEL EPSTEIN: Thank you for your time.
CATHERINE KING: Really good to be with you. Lovely to- hopefully you get a good chance to have a chat to the people of St Albans. My brother in law doesn’t live far from there. It is a fantastic multicultural part of the world.
Large parts of western and central Victoria, as well as south and west Gippsland, are facing an increased risk of fire in early autumn, according to the Australian Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Autumn, released today.
A lack of rain over the past 12-24 months has led to increased fuel in forests and heathlands. This has already resulted in large, fast-running fires in the Grampians and the Little Desert over summer.
With average rainfall expected in Autumn, the availability of fuels in forests, woodlands and heathlands is expected to remain high. Forecast warmer than average maximum temperatures may also further increase fuel availability in western and central Victoria. This will make it easier for fires to start and spread.
Across the rest of the state, Victorians can expect normal fire potential. However, fast running fires are possible on dry and windy days in areas with dry or cured vegetation.
Conditions may delay planned burning in some parts of the state, but may also increase opportunities to target areas not typically available for burning in autumn.
Emergency services will continue to monitor conditions to identify key risk areas leading into the autumn period.
Victoria remains well prepared for the potential of fires, with a mix of water bombing aircraft, air supervision and air intelligence gathering aircraft positioned across the state to support our dedicated volunteer and career firefighters on the ground.
The Outlook for Autumn is developed by the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council and supported by the Bureau of Meteorology along with state and territory fire and land managers.
It’s important for communities to understand their local risks. Keep up to date with the Fire Danger Ratings on the VicEmergency app and VicEmergency website.
Quotes attributable to Country Fire Authority Chief Officer, Jason Heffernan
‘While conditions remain dry with little rain forecast in certain parts of the state over coming weeks, the fire risk will continue but our crews are ready and will adapt to changes as they develop through autumn.
‘Victorians should continue to maintain their properties and stay informed of their local risks so they can take action to protect their families in the event of a fire’
Enterprises embrace providers with GenAI tools to improve enterprise cloud migrations, optimize Oracle investments, ISG Provider Lens report says.
A growing number of enterprises in Asia Pacific are seeking Oracle ecosystem services to help them carry out digital transformations to remain competitive in rapidly changing markets, according to a new research report published today by Information Services Group (ISG) (Nasdaq: III), a global AI-centered technology research and advisory firm.
The 2024 ISG Provider Lens Oracle Cloud and Technology Ecosystem report for Asia Pacific finds many large Oracle customers are modernizing legacy systems, navigating cloud migrations and evaluating hyperscale cloud options. Service providers are helping clients optimize their Oracle investments, often with the use of AI tools, while Oracle is increasingly investing in talent development and collaboration in the region, including partnerships with governments in Singapore, Australia and India for large-scale training programs.
“Companies in Asia Pacific need digital transformation to stay relevant,” said Michael Gale, partner and regional leader, ISG Asia Pacific. “Oracle and its partners are rising to the challenge by strengthening their expertise and developing talent in the region.”
Large organizations in manufacturing, retail, financial services, consumer packaged goods and the public sector are increasing their use of Oracle services, the report says. In addition to modernization planning and execution, many seek help addressing regional nuances such as data sovereignty and compliance requirements, especially in India, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia and New Zealand.
Outdated legacy systems are holding back many organizations in the region, leading to rising demand for both consulting and advisory services to plan modernization initiatives, ISG says. To reach strategic goals and maximize Oracle investments, enterprises seek providers that demonstrate domain expertise and the ability to innovate. Carrying out transitions with minimal disruption and consistent data integrity is a key requirement.
Companies seeking to maintain Oracle performance and uptime amid cost, compliance and complexity challenges are driving up demand for managed services in Asia Pacific, the report says. Comprehensive services allow clients to optimize resource management, enhance productivity and focus on strategy.
More enterprises in the region are adopting Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), often leveraging local data centers and integrating advanced tools, ISG says. A key requirement is the availability of generative AI for process automation and management of multicloud environments. Companies give priority to service providers that offer comprehensive support for Oracle and non-Oracle environments and enhance integration across cloud platforms.
“Enterprises in Asia Pacific are choosing leading OCI providers with a strong local presence,” said Jan Erik Aase, partner and global leader, ISG Provider Lens Research. “Along with competitive pricing and proven track records in Oracle migrations, this fosters trust.”
The report also examines other trends affecting Oracle users in Asia Pacific, including enterprises consolidating providers of comprehensive application management services and the impact of OCI’s recently introduced interoperability across AWS, Azure and Google Cloud.
For more insights into the challenges faced by enterprises using Oracle in Asia Pacific, see the ISG Provider Lens Focal Points briefing here.
The 2024 ISG Provider Lens Oracle Cloud and Technology Ecosystem report for Asia Pacific evaluates the capabilities of 28 providers across four quadrants: Consulting and Advisory Services, Implementation and Integration Services, Managed Services and OCI Solutions and Capabilities.
The report names Accenture, Cognizant, Deloitte, HCLTech, Infosys, LTIMindtree, TCS, Tech Mahindra and Wipro as Leaders in all four quadrants. It names PwC as a Leader in three quadrants and KPMG as a Leader in two quadrants. Capgemini is named as a Leader in one quadrant.
In addition, Capgemini, DXC Technology and Kyndryl are named as Rising Stars — companies with a “promising portfolio” and “high future potential” by ISG’s definition — in one quadrant each.
In the area of customer experience, Capgemini is named the global ISG CX Star Performer for 2024 among Oracle Cloud and Technology Ecosystem providers. Capgemini earned the highest customer satisfaction scores in ISG’s Voice of the Customer survey, part of the ISG Star of Excellence program, the premier quality recognition for the technology and business services industry.
The 2024 ISG Provider Lens Oracle Cloud and Technology Ecosystem report for Asia Pacific is available to subscribers or for one-time purchase on this webpage.
About ISG Provider Lens Research
The ISG Provider Lens Quadrant research series is the only service provider evaluation of its kind to combine empirical, data-driven research and market analysis with the real-world experience and observations of ISG’s global advisory team. Enterprises will find a wealth of detailed data and market analysis to help guide their selection of appropriate sourcing partners, while ISG advisors use the reports to validate their own market knowledge and make recommendations to ISG’s enterprise clients. The research currently covers providers offering their services globally, across Europe, as well as in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Brazil, the U.K., France, Benelux, Germany, Switzerland, the Nordics, Australia and Singapore/Malaysia, with additional markets to be added in the future. For more information about ISG Provider Lens research, please visit this webpage.
About ISG
ISG (Nasdaq: III) is a global AI-centered technology research and advisory firm. A trusted partner to more than 900 clients, including 75 of the world’s top 100 enterprises, ISG is a long-time leader in technology and business services that is now at the forefront of leveraging AI to help organizations achieve operational excellence and faster growth. The firm, founded in 2006, is known for its proprietary market data, in-depth knowledge of provider ecosystems, and the expertise of its 1,600 professionals worldwide working together to help clients maximize the value of their technology investments.
Covering period of Thursday 27th February – Monday 3rd March – Summer is ending on a sunny note.
South Island to expect rain this weekend and cooler temperatures next week. Three tropical cyclone systems named in the Southwest Pacific this week. MetService are monitoring Tropical Cyclone Alfred that remains an active system in the Coral Sea.
Summer started off poorly with a long streak of cooler than usual weather for some, and little to no seasonal rain for others and is, making way to a cold start to Autumn. While the weekend will be dry in most places, wet weather is on the cards for the upper North Island and the lower South Island. After a slow start to the tropical cyclone season, this week saw a burst of activity in the tropics, and MetService is closely monitoring the situation.
MetService Meteorologist Surprise Mhlongo said, “In contrast to how the year started, this season is coming to an end with sunny skies and warm temperatures, making it a suitable weekend to all the activities across the country.”
The eastern areas of the country are expected to be the warmest, with maximum temperatures reaching upper 20s to low 30s. Despite the warm temperatures and mostly sunny skies, showers may be part of the weekend in the upper North Island.
The dry weekend is going to be cut short for the lower South Island, with two successive fronts making their way from Saturday around midday.
“The second, and likely most rain-bearing front is expected to arrive on Sunday afternoon, moving up the Island in the beginning of next week. This will introduce a gradual drop in temperatures, with Alexandra dropping from a maximum of 30C on Sunday to 17C on Tuesday”, added Mhlongo.
While it had been settled weather in New Zealand, three tropical cyclone systems have been named in the Southwest Pacific this week. Two of these systems, Tropical Cyclone Seru and Former Cyclone Rae, have now moved away from the larger island groups. However, Tropical Cyclone Alfred remains an active system in the Coral Sea.
“Where Alfred heads next is the big question for us in New Zealand. For the next few days, Alfred is expected to slowly sink southwards through the Coral Sea. Next week, there is considerable variation in the potential path that Alfred could take”, said Mhlongo.
The large area of high pressure that has been a feature of our weather recently has been helping to keep the most active weather systems away from us and will be a key player in how close Alfred gets to our shores next week.
Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development
PETER FEGAN: Now, you’ll remember last year we reported it here on 4BC and it made headlines nationally, the states were officially put on notice by the Federal Government. The states were saying, show me the money and the Federal Government was simply saying, well, prove what it’s worth. Federal Transport Minister Catherine King told state premiers if they wanted cash, they needed good business cases. It’s pretty smart politics, really. The good news is we’ve passed the test here in Brisbane. Today, we’ll be handed a cheque for $200 million, and it includes funding for one of Brisbane’s oldest icons. The Federal Transport Minister, Catherine King, joins me on the line. Minister, great to have your company this morning.
CATHERINE KING: So lovely to be with you, Peter. It’s a beautiful day here in Brisbane.
PETER FEGAN: Now, one of our landmarks, our most famous landmarks, will be getting some cash. Can you reveal it on the program please?
CATHERINE KING: Yeah. So we’re working with the Brisbane City Council to start to investigate what the cost of and scope of work that are needed to restore and to future maintenance of what is obviously the most iconic bridge, one of the most iconic bridges in the country, apart from the Sydney Harbour Bridge, of course. But it’s- you know, it’s a landmark. And so we’re putting in alongside Brisbane City Council together, $5 million to really get that work done, to see what is it that we’re going to need to do. It’s going to need more cash into the future. But this is really starting the process of working with the council to look at what do we need to make sure this bridge stays there into the future and is as strong as it possibly can be, and we keep it there for many, many generations to enjoy.
PETER FEGAN: Now, there was also $1 million that’s been put aside to investigate a bridge from West End to Toowong. Well, Minister, I’m going to do you a favour here this morning. I’m going to save you that $1 million, and I’m going to say this, just build it because we’ve wanted it for so long.
CATHERINE KING: [Laughs]Well, unfortunately we have to work out the cost of these things first. And part of what you do with the business case and the planning is you do the geotech work. You have a look at what services need to be moved so that you can then- the city council can come to me and say, well, look, we need this amount of money to actually build it. So that’s really just the start of the process. And I was at the opening, obviously, of Kangaroo Point Bridge. I’ve seen hundreds and hundreds of people have been using that. We want to see people being able to access all parts of the city. And so this is again, just working with the Brisbane City Council, doing that planning work, finding out how much- you know, we really need to understand how much it costs and then sort of getting on with it once we’ve got that understanding.
PETER FEGAN: Minister, no more footbridges. We need cars to go across. We drive here in Brisbane. We don’t get transport, unfortunately.
CATHERINE KING: Well, we do lots of things. I think people catch buses.
PETER FEGAN: [Laughs]
CATHERINE KING: So obviously, there’s the Brisbane Metro [indistinct], there’s people do that. People will cycle. I’ve seen people everywhere doing that. I’ve seen people walking across footbridges and then I’ve obviously seen- in terms of lots of cars as well. Everyone does all of those things. But cars are obviously pretty important here in Queensland.
PETER FEGAN: Minister, I found this one very interesting, being somebody that grew up in the western suburbs of Brisbane, plenty of people listening to me from the west this morning, they’ll find this interesting. $78.5 million towards cost pressures on the Moggill Road Corridor upgrade project, replacing Indooroopilly roundabout with an overpass over Moggill Road. Now that’s great, but what about the Moggill Road corridor in particular? And then that’s further out towards Moggill. And I’m talking about land that had been put aside. Government land, Crown land that’s been put aside since Malcolm Fraser’s days. And yet people that live out in those western suburbs are still struggling to get to work, because we haven’t used that parcel of land. Can you give a guarantee that one day we may use it?
CATHERINE KING: What again, we do is work in partnership with councils. So obviously Brisbane City Council is in a really unique position across the country that it has such a substantial road and obviously public transport network that it has to fund and build itself. So we work closely with Brisbane City Council and also state governments. They bring projects forward to us in budget and we make considerations of those. We’ve got to do the planning work first, make sure we understand it, but know if the council or the state government want to bring that forward. I, of course, will give it due consideration in the budget process.
PETER FEGAN: $7.2 billion upgrade to fix the Bruce Highway. I think this is the most contentious topic here in Queensland. And I got to say, Minister, when it comes to the election, this will be one of the most divisive topics and I think you’ll either win or lose votes here. $7.2 billion upgrade to fix the Bruce, right? That’s one hell of an obligation to Queenslanders in particular. But I’ve got to say this, Minister, we are reluctant to believe either government, particularly this Labor Government at the moment, because it was this government that had turned its back on the Bruce and had switched the funding arrangement around. $7.2 billion sounds fantastic. I’ve got to say, on behalf of all Queensland, Minister, we just need to get on with it. We need this highway to be safe.
CATHERINE KING: Absolutely. And that’s why, you know, the earliest possible opportunity we did, we’ve made the announcement at that $7.2 billion. Money will flow this year and every subsequent year. We’ve said we’ll get it done in eight years. We’ve asked the Queensland Government to deliver that …
PETER FEGAN: [Talks over] But it’s been 50.
CATHERINE KING: … then obviously [indistinct].
PETER FEGAN: 50 or 60 years, Minister. It’s 50 or 60 years and not one government can fix it.
CATHERINE KING: Well, this Government has made the single biggest contribution to the Bruce Highway ever. And this is a Labor Government that has done that. And if you look back when we were last in office, prior to that, it was the then infrastructure minister, now Prime Minister, who then made the single biggest commitment to this.
This is a Labor legacy, and we are absolutely committed to making the Bruce Highway safer. We’ve been in government obviously two and a half years. And I do want to make it really clear, no money has ever been cut from the Bruce Highway. What we have said is-
PETER FEGAN: But the funding agreement- the funding- hang on, Minister, the funding agreement, that’s not true. The funding agreement was an 80/20 split…
CATHERINE KING: [Talks over] That’s true…
PETER FEGAN: … and you- but you changed that. So that’s funding cutting. Hang on, Minister, you changed that. It was an 80/20 split, but you say no funding has ever been cut. If you change- if you go from 80/20 to 50/50, that to me- I’m not a mathematician, but that’s a 30 per cent cut in funding.
CATHERINE KING: So no, it isn’t. And so I want to make that really clear. I think there’s some confusion about that and been a bit of mischief about that. So first thing is not a single dollar has been cut from the Bruce Highway. In fact, the commitment that we’ve got, there’s $10 billion that has already been spent on the Bruce Highway. That has remained, and then we’ve put in an additional 7.2 billion. We’ve recognised on the Bruce Highway, in particular because of the safety concerns, 41 deaths just last year alone, that we will continue to fund that on an 80/20 basis.
But what we did announce is that because the Commonwealth is now increasingly funding suburban roads, public transport and has stepped into the space of the state governments, largely, we’re now on other roads, particularly across the country, now requiring the state to also step up its commitment. We’re not dropping any of our funding. There’s still $125 billion worth of Commonwealth funding going to states and territories. We’re not dropping that. We’re just asking the states to step up with their contribution as well. So it’s not a cut to our funding. We’re asking the states to step in in the same way we’re stepping in on suburban roads now, but generally were 100 per cent of the state to fund.
PETER FEGAN: It’s bang on quarter after eight. My guest this morning is the Federal Transport Minister, Catherine King. $200 million being announced today in funding for our roads here in Brisbane and in the South East. Minister, I’ve got to say this. It’s smart politics to ask the states to present you a case study because money is really, really tight, particularly on a federal level. So I like it. I think it’s good politics, and I think that that’s what the states should have to do. The reason I’m asking you about this, though, is because we need a really nice, new shiny stadium here in Queensland and particularly in Brisbane. We’ve got the Olympics coming. Now, if there was a case study put forward by David Crisafulli for a brand-new stadium, you’d be on board, wouldn’t you?
CATHERINE KING: Well, the thing that we have put money towards, so there’s $3.5 billion capped from the Commonwealth going into the Olympics. We have said the Commonwealth’s contribution will go towards the Brisbane Arena. $2.5 billion is going towards that, we think, will leave a really significant legacy for an entertainment venue here in the heart of Brisbane – really necessary. We’ve also said we will 50/50 share the minor venues. Obviously, the Queensland Government is undertaking a review of those venues at the moment, but the Commonwealth has done- we’ve done the work, we’ve done the business case, the work is ready to go on the Brisbane Arena and that remains- you know, remains there on the table to build that arena for Brisbane. We think it’s needed and it will leave a great legacy for the community.
PETER FEGAN: Let’s hope they’re listening, because it’s next month that we announce whether we’re going to get a new stadium or not. Before I let you go, Minister, what did you make of today’s announcements? I want to get your thoughts on this because your government has approved a deal between Virgin and Qatar Airways. Now, this is a deal that would see Qatar be able to invest in Virgin. It means there’s going to be more Qatar flights. It means we can spread our wings a little bit. Should hopefully cheapen flight prices here in Australia. But I’ve got to think back, if my memory serves me correctly, it was you that clipped Qatar’s wings in the first place.
CATHERINE KING: So what we’ve had announced today is that the Treasurer has approved the Foreign Investment Review Board’s decision that Qatar Airways, the Qatari government, can invest in Virgin, and that obviously allows Virgin to do a number of things in terms of it going forward. Obviously, Bain Capital is wanting to withdraw and have Qatar now come in as the major investor. What it’s allowed us also to do is ensure that there are some Australians on the board of Virgin to make sure that we’ve got that in place and that they’re in fact opportunities to train Australian pilots, as again, Qatar has been granted through Virgin some wet leases to increase its flights, its international flights and create that competition. And I think that’s a good thing.
PETER FEGAN: Before I let you go, we’ve got some breaking news. The election, 12 April. Is that right?
CATHERINE KING: [Laughs] Very nice try there. What a sneaky way to do it, you cheeky thing.
PETER FEGAN: [Laughs] I should have just – I shouldn’t have laughed.
CATHERINE KING: You should have just- I know, I nearly believed you then. You just got me. I’ve got three brothers who do that to me all the time.
PETER FEGAN: What would you have said, though?
CATHERINE KING: I don’t know, I have absolutely no idea. [Indistinct] to the Prime Minister, but very cheeky. You nearly got me.
PETER FEGAN: Good on you, Minister. We’ll chat again very soon.
CATHERINE KING: Lovely to talk to you, Peter.
PETER FEGAN: There she is. That’s the Federal Transport Minister, Catherine King.
It’s central to any democracy that citizens receive fair treatment under the law. An important part of this is access to legal advice and representation.
But lawyers are expensive. Many people who engage with the justice system can’t afford them.
This is where legal aid comes in. Legal aid is a government-funded service available to some people unable to afford legal assistance. It is tightly targeted and many people are turned away.
Those approved can access professional advice and representation. Many clients are women and children escaping family violence, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, who remain vastly overrepresented in the criminal justice system.
But the first ever national census of legal aid private practitioners reveals widespread underfunding, overwhelming workloads and high financial costs borne by the lawyers providing help.
How does legal aid work?
Vulnerable Australians who need essential services often access them from private providers in mixed markets. This is the case for childcare, aged care and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
It’s also true of legal aid, in which private lawyers play major roles.
Legal Aid Commissions deliver legal aid through a mix of directly employed, in-house practitioners and approved private providers. The mix is heavily weighted toward private providers, although it fluctuates over time and across jurisdictions.
According to National Legal Aid, in 2022–23, 72% of successful legal aid applications were assigned to private practitioners.
To resource this arrangement, private practitioners are funded by grants of aid allocated to approved clients, with amounts regulated through a fixed scale of fees. Legal Aid Commissions in each state and territory usually release grant funds to practitioners in stages, initially to cover advice, investigation and negotiation, with funding extended to cover more work, such as going to trial, if cases progress.
Private practitioners are expected to assist legal aid clients at the same standard of quality they would provide to other, fee-paying clients.
But quality legal representation, especially for highly vulnerable people, is complex and time-consuming.
Our research shows private practitioners feel frustrated that government funding does not cover all activities they need to perform and falls short of meeting community need.
Our research
We surveyed private practitioners who had delivered legal aid in the past two years, or who were listed on legal aid panels or preferred supplier lists.
Among the 1,010 who participated, most were self-employed or working in very small practices. A quarter had delivered legal aid for more than 20 years.
Commitment to legal aid is high, reflected in statements such as “everyone deserves good-quality representation”, and
there is an obligation on professionals to assist in providing access to justice.
Overwhelmingly, private practitioners find legal aid satisfying and meaningful. They also value the way it can build expertise for practitioners early in their legal career.
But despite being enjoyable and enriching work, private practitioners say legal aid is becoming more difficult to deliver.
Bearing the brunt of the cost
Legal aid work can be stressful for practitioners, but their greatest challenge by far is funding.
While there is no illusion that legal aid will be lucrative, private practitioners are frustrated with paltry grants that require significant administration and which undervalue their work.
They feel the funding they receive does not recognise the time required in legal aid cases, nor the growing complexity of cases. As legal aid clients increasingly present with unmet health, social and economic needs, cases are more complex, lengthy and costly.
Announcements of additional funding and better indexation have been welcomed, but aren’t enough to fix the shortfall.
In the census, private practitioners repeatedly told us the funding available does not cover all activities required in legal aid cases or expected by courts. As one practitioner explained:
legal aid matters effectively become pro bono matters near weeks into an initial grant, despite being potentially years-long.
For 85% of private practitioners, “having to perform unremunerated work” is a source of difficulty. More than three-quarters said “trying to do quality work with limited time and resources” makes legal aid cases difficult.
Many private practitioners travel long distances for their legal aid work and feel frustrated when costs are not covered. They also find administration is slow and cumbersome, and feel that Legal Aid Commissions are too understaffed to respond quickly to inquiries.
Although 70% intend to continue to deliver at least some legal aid in the next year, many private practitioners feel undervalued. A third want to reduce their legal aid caseload and one in nine plan to abandon this work altogether.
To continue to deliver legal aid, private practitioners echo scholarly evidence
in calling for better grants, straightforward administration and responsive communication.
Some question why legal aid, as a public good, has come to rest so heavily on the commitment of private practitioners and suggest that in-house staff and the community legal sector play bigger roles.
Ultimately, some private practitioners will find ways to integrate legal aid into their business, or simply wear the cost. But for most, financial costs and risks are too high. Essential services cannot be delivered based on practitioners’ goodwill.
Natasha Cortis conducts commissioned research on social policy and service delivery, for government and non-government organisations. The research this article discusses was commissioned by National Legal Aid.
Megan Blaxland conducts commissioned research on social policy and service delivery for a range of government and non-government organisations. The research this article discusses was commissioned by National Legal Aid.
Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
Trump’s VA announced another round of 1,400 indiscriminate firings late Monday–jeopardizing veterans’ benefits and care
VA’s cancellation of nearly 900 contracts supporting patient safety and veteran privacy, as well as its decision to reduce medical centers’ purchase card limits to $1, will further endanger veterans’ access to benefits and care
Trump and Musk fire veterans across government
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, detailed how President Trump and his billionaire co-president Elon Musk’s hazardous directives and indiscriminate mass firings endanger the benefits and care veterans have earned and deserve–and how the two are thoughtlessly firing thousands of veterans who have served our nation in uniform who fulfill critical roles across the federal government.
In a statement, Senator Murray said:
“Donald Trump and Elon Musk are utterly betraying our veterans–indiscriminately firing men and women who have served our nation in uniform and endangering the care and benefits they deserve and have earned.
“Trump and Musk’s heartless firings will worsen VA’s longstanding staffing shortage and force veterans to wait longer to have their claims handled, have their phone calls picked up, or even see a doctor. That is downright unacceptable.
“Now, Trump and Musk are also paralyzing countless operations at VA hospitals across the country by essentially freezing their purchase cards–preventing them from buying more supplies for hospitals, operating shuttles for patients, covering lodging for veterans, and much more. This is a totally senseless and reckless move that is creating more chaos for VA providers and their patients.
“Trump and Musk have now fired thousands of veterans who–after serving their nation in uniform–have chosen to next serve their country as civilians. Now, these veterans are without jobs, wondering what they’ll do next and how they will provide for themselves and their families.
“Trump and Musk are jeopardizing VA patient safety, and they are going to push out the VA staff that remain with their uninformed and thoughtless mandates and staffing cuts. This shutdown of the VA, bit by bit, must immediately stop.”
INTENSIFYING VA’s STAFF SHORTAGE
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has long suffered severe staffing shortages, including in clinical positions, which have negatively impacted veterans’ ability to get the support, benefits, and care they need.
To address these shortages, VA has sought–and Congress has provided–expanded hiring authorities and increased pay and bonus schedules for certain VA employees, underscoring how serious staffing challenges have been. VA’s Office of Inspector General reported, for instance, 2,959 severe occupational staffing shortages at Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facilities in fiscal year 2024.
Nonetheless, President Trump has not only initiated a federal hiring freeze but has indiscriminately fired thousands of VA staff–without providing information about who has been laid off or why.
Trump and Musk have now fired more than 2,400 staff at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in mass–with VA announcing the firing of 1,000 staff on February 13 and another 1,400 on February 23.
VA has also lost other critical staff through the Trump administration’s “deferred resignation program.”
ENDANGERING VETERANS’ ACCESS TO BENEFITS AND CARE—AND PATIENTS’ SAFETY
Veterans deserve to be able to get the benefits and care they have earned, but Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s heartless firings of VA staff are threatening their ability to do just that.
Firing VA employees will–among much else–likely force veterans to wait longer:
To see health care providers;
To have their disability claims adjudicated;
To have someone to pick up their calls at the Veterans Crisis Line;
To have burial and funeral expense reimbursement requests processed;
And much more.
A number of staff supporting the Veterans Crisis Line–which provides 24/7, confidential crisis support for veterans and their loved ones–were among those fired by Trump and Musk.
In 2022, Congress also passed the PACT Act, the largest expansion of veterans’ benefits in two decades, which requires a significant influx of resources and staff to deliver the benefits and care under the law. Trump and Musk’s firings–and hiring freeze–badly undercut VA’s ability to process claims under the law. The mass firings and the ongoing hiring freeze, which prohibits new disability claims raters from coming on board, will force the backlog of unprocessed claims to grow above 254,000.
Firing long-time VA researchers also puts clinical trials that veterans are enrolled in at risk and jeopardizes research that could yield critical breakthroughs for veterans.
Ongoing VA research is examining treatment options for PTSD and opioid addiction, as well as for cancer that was caused by veterans’ exposure to toxic chemicals, among much else.
According to VA, in fiscal year 2024, there were 102 active research sites nationwide, with 3,685 active principal investigators who led 7,278 active funded research projects involving teams of researchers. In addition, VA investigators authored or coauthored 11,732 published research articles.
VA’s dangerous directives this week, which they have already begun to walk back, cause more harmful chaos and confusion and also have detrimental impacts on the ability of veterans to receive their care and benefits.
VA issued a blanket cancellation on Tuesday of nearly 900 contracts–supporting patient safety efforts like chemical waste disposal and monitoring of hospital air quality, systems providing secure storage of veterans’ private records, clinical recruitment efforts, and more.
VA also implemented a decision to reduce purchase card limits to $1–curbing VA medical centers’ ability to purchase supplies and equipment they need to serve veterans or to provide lodging for transplant patients.
While the Trump administration tries to rehire clinical staff they have already fired and may ultimately walk back the purchase card limits and contract cancellations, it is clear that they are acting before thinking–and the people paying the price are veterans.
BETRAYING VETERANS WITH ZERO JUSTIFICATION
Beyond indiscriminately firing workers who help get veterans the benefits and care they have earned, Trump and Musk have also indiscriminately fired thousands of veterans who have served our country in uniform. In firing probationary and other federal workers across government, Trump and Musk have fired scores of veterans.
Veterans make up 30% of the federal workforce, and the federal government is the largest single employer of veterans in the country.
Trump and Musk have already fired nearly 6,000 veterans, by one recent estimate.
Federal agencies uniquely work to hire and accommodate veterans with service-related disabilities. Longstanding law requires, for example, that veterans who are disabled or who serve on active duty in the Armed Forces in military campaigns are entitled to preference over others in hiring from a list of eligible, competitive applicants. In 2021, there were 337,000 disabled Veterans serving in the federal government, making up 16% of the federal workforce.
As one veteran in Washington state who was laid off by VA through no fault of his own told Senator Murray last week:
“I swore an oath to serve our country—first in the U.S. Army and then at the VA—only to be abruptly terminated by the very institution that promised to care for those who have served. My termination isn’t just a personal tragedy; it’s a stark reminder that our federal government is dismantling essential support systems for veterans and vulnerable communities. When cost-cutting means sacrificing dedicated, disabled service members and committed federal employees, it isn’t about efficiency—it’s about eroding the trust and dignity that our nation owes to those who answer the call to serve.”
The Albanese Government is investing in Australia’s multicultural media, today announcing funding of $11.3 million over three years in recognition of the critical role of the independent multicultural media sector in fostering an inclusive and informed society.
Informed by the Multicultural Framework Review and its three key principles of connection; identity and belonging; and inclusion, the funding will support the sustainability and capacity building of small to medium multicultural media outlets.
This investment includes a competitive grant program of up to $10 million for eligible multicultural media organisations to transition to sustainable new media practices, and operational funding of $1.3 million to the not-for-profit Independent Multicultural Media Australia.
This new funding for multicultural media is in addition to the Government’s commitment to provide $153.5 million over four years to implement the News Media Assistance Program (News MAP), as well as an additional $27 million to back Australia’s vital community broadcasting sector.
The administration of the funding for multicultural media will align with the News MAP, which guides government intervention to support public interest journalism and media diversity in Australia, whilst balancing the need to maintain the independence of the sector.
Work to implement the News MAP is now underway, including to establish an expert advisory panel and design the administration of funding opportunities to support and build the sustainability and capacity of news organisations.
Further information on grant opportunities to support multicultural media will be available in due course.
The Government recognises multicultural media as critical to the health of our democracy, social cohesion and informing communities.
For more information on the Community Broadcasting Program and the Community Broadcasting Sector Sustainability Review, visit Community Broadcasting Program.
Quotes attributable to the Assistant Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, the Hon Julian Hill MP
“Independent multicultural media outlets are the most trusted source of news and information for many Australians.
“It’s absolutely critical that they continue so all Australians have access to quality journalism, and avoid succumbing to rumours and misinformation permeating social media, WhatsApp and other online groups.
“The Labor Government has listened and is acting on the Multicultural Framework Review’s advice which highlighted the need for government support to help multicultural media outlets be sustainable and adapt to digital environments.”
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP
“The Albanese Government is continuing its strong support for the multicultural media sector, with additional funding to support public interest journalism in this vital part of our media landscape.
“This funding will complement the News Media Assistance Program (News MAP), and is in addition to two funding rounds already delivered by the Albanese Labor Government to support local news publishers, including multicultural media.
“An independent and diverse multicultural media sector is at the heart of local communities, is essential to building social cohesion and makes a vital contribution to media diversity in Australia.”
The Government has agreed to introduce legislation that will enable a four-year term of Parliament subject to a referendum, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “As stipulated in the National-Act coalition agreement, the Bill is modelled on the ACT Party’s draft Constitution (Enabling a 4-Year Term) Amendment Bill. “This means a standard term of Parliament will remain at three years, but with the ability to extend the maximum term of Parliament to four years. “The main condition is that membership of certain select committees is calculated in a way that is proportionate to the non-Executive parliamentary party membership of the House. “Given the constitutional significance of the term of Parliament, this change would be subject to the outcome of a binding referendum. “Both the National-Act and National-New Zealand First coalition agreements include supporting a bill to select committee. At this stage, no decisions have been made on whether this Bill will proceed beyond this. “It is possible a referendum could be held alongside the next General Election in 2026. However, any final decisions on timing for a referendum will depend on what comes out of the select committee process. “Future decisions will also need to be made by the Government as to whether the bill proceeds as introduced, or whether it should be amended. “We want to hear what New Zealanders think during the select committee process.”
PERTH, Australia, Feb. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Canyon Resources Limited (ASX: CAY) (‘Canyon’ or the ‘Company’) is pleased to provide an update on key development workstreams at the Company’s flagship Minim Martap Bauxite Project (‘Minim Martap’ or ‘the Project’), located in Cameroon, as the Company continues to make rapid progress toward production.
Minim Martap ranks among the world’s richest bauxite deposits, underpinned by an Ore Reserve of 109Mt at 51.1% total Al2O3 and 2.0% total SiO2 and a JORC Mineral Resource Estimate of 1,027Mt at 45.3% total Al2O3 and 2.7% total SiO2
The Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) remains on schedule for completion in Q3 2025, with a focus on optimising operational efficiencies, ensuring sustainable economics and confirming the preferred pathway to production. The Company remains confident that the DFS will reinforce the viability of Minim Martap as a world-class bauxite project. Concurrently, discussions with select debt providers are progressing positively, as Canyon seeks to secure an optimal funding structure in alignment with strategic objectives and results from the DFS.
As part of the DFS, Canyon is currently evaluating the implementation of a two-stage development strategy, aimed at accelerating production through a phased ramp-up to enable a first bauxite shipment in 2026. This approach would enable earlier revenue generation, strengthen supply chain relationships and strategically position Minim Martap for future growth as rail capacity expands. In addition to this process, Canyon has engaged several internationally recognised consultants to refine and optimise the existing rail infrastructure required for the transport of the bauxite ore. Detailed assessments are now underway to enhance logistical efficiency and explore capacity expansion strategies that will support long-term operational growth.
As part of project execution planning, Canyon is working with leading mining equipment vendors to define procurement schedules and delivery timelines, ensuring timely access to critical mining equipment, which will be essential for meeting targeted production timelines and targets and maintaining operational efficiency. The Company remains focused on aligning equipment availability with its potential staged development strategy to support seamless project execution.
Discussions with potential offtake partners are advancing well, with negotiations reflecting strong market interest in Minim Martap’s high-quality bauxite product and supporting the Company’s efforts to secure long-term sales agreements. Establishing these strategic partnerships is a key step in de-risking the Project, working through the relevant financing discussions and ensuring an efficient pathway towards commencement of operations.
Bauxite market fundamentals and pricing has strengthened over the past 12 months, with the CIF China price for 45% Al203 and 3% total SiO2 ex Guinea reported to be approximately $US 100/DMT in February 2025. The product from Minim Martap with a proved or reserve grade 51.1% total Al203 and total SiO2 should achieve a considerable premium price compared to a 45% Al2O3 and SiO2 bauxite product.
Lastly, Canyon continues to focus on building out its project team and management team to ensure the Company is well-positioned during the next phase of development growth, as Canyon works toward becoming a near-term bauxite producer.
Mr Jean-Sebastien Boutet, Canyon Chief Executive Officer commented:“Progress at our world-class Minim Martap Project continues as planned, reinforcing our confidence in our timeline towards production. Notably, the analysis of a potential two-staged development strategy has been particularly promising, offering the opportunity for fast-tracked production and revenue generation, while strategically positioning the Company to capitalise on expanding rail capacity and the establishment of key supply chain relationships.
“Our team remains committed to transforming the Minim Martap Bauxite Project into a world-class operation that delivers sustainable, long-term value for shareholders and stakeholders alike. We will continue to provide timely updates as we achieve key milestones and advance toward production.”
This announcement has been approved for release by the Canyon Resources’ Board of Directors.
The New Zealand government is refusing to release details of the location a New Zealand bottom trawler hauled up deep sea coral late last year, despite Greenpeace offering to go and survey the damage at the site with deep sea cameras.
But following requests from the scientist in charge of designing the impending deep sea survey, Australia has released these coordinates so that documentation of the impact can go ahead.
Under SPRFMO, the best available information is meant to be provided on the nature of an encounter such as this, and Greenpeace has offered to go and document the site as part of their Seamounts Expedition, due to commence in March 2025.
But requests from Greenpeace for the coordinates of the area were declined by the New Zealand Government due to ‘commercial sensitivity’. The Australian SPRFMO Commissioner has now released these coordinates in response to requests from the expedition’s Lead Researcher.
Greenpeace’s Ellie Hooper is calling the New Zealand government’s refusal to share the coordinates “ludicrous” and “a blatant example of the Luxon led government running interference for the fishing industry.”
Hooper says: “In collaboration with scientists, we’re heading out to the deep ocean to survey vital habitats so we can see what lives there and how that life is being impacted by bottom trawling, including hopefully surveying this impacted site.
“We want to add to our collective understanding of these deep sea ecosystems, about which so little is known, and to shine a light in the dark.”These coordinates have already been shared with all fishing companies and SPRFMO countries, so why is the information being hidden?
“Australia clearly has a more progressive and transparent approach when it comes to deep-sea management, and has provided us with the opportunity to go to this area and attempt to survey it.”
Seamounts and other underwater hills and knolls are ocean lifelines, often home to diverse coral and sponges, and are key breeding grounds for fish and feeding spots for migrating whales.
“The main threat to these ecosystems is bottom trawling,” says Hooper.
It’s estimated that coral brought to the surface by trawlers is only a small fraction of what’s destroyed on the seafloor.1
Next week, Greenpeace Aotearoa will embark on its Seamounts Expedition, where deep sea cameras will be used to collect images and data of these ecosystems, and identify the species living on them.
“To make the most informed decisions on the ocean, we need more observation and science, something that appears to be being blocked by NZ,” says Hooper. “Less than 1% of the world’s seamounts have been surveyed, and most of what we do know about these places is from what’s dragged up dead in bottom trawl nets. That’s a pretty sad reality. “We’re setting out to try and uncover some of the secrets of the deep, it’s challenging work and we don’t know exactly what we ‘ll find – but we’re committed to trying.”
In November 2024 last year it was reported that an NZ bottom trawler, Westfleet’s Tasman Vikingpulled up 37kgof deep sea coral from the Lord Howe Rise area, in the international waters of the South Pacific.
This triggered a suspension of all fishing in the area.
Greenpeace is offering to survey the impact site using deep sea cameras as part of a seamounts survey we’re carrying out in March 2025
But the NZ government has turned down Greenpeace’s request for the information quoting commercial sensitivities, despite all fishing operators, and SPRFMO states already being notified of the location.
The Australian SPRFMO Commissioner [ lead of their delegation to the RFMO] responded to requests from the Lead Researcher on the seamounts expedition, providing the coordinates of the closed area..
Greenpeace says NZ failing to release the data is clearly the government protecting the commercial fishing industry above gathering scientific information about the impact of the encounter.
After a VME encounter such as this in the SPRFMO zone [high seas], states are meant to use the best available scientific information to assess the impact. Documenting the site would inarguably be the best available information, and Greenpeace is offering to provide this with the survey.
The Greenpeace seamounts expedition will commence in March 2025 and is designed to gather deep sea imagery of deep sea habitats both in the waters of Aotearoa and the international waters of the South Pacific.
Greenpeace plans to make the findings available so they can be used to improve our collective knowledge of the deep sea.
Notes: Coral in nets to destroyed on seafloor ratios:1. Geange, S. et al 2017,SC7-DW14, and Stephenson, F. et al 2022,SC10-DW04
Applications are now open for the National Children’s Commissioner role.
The National Children’s Commissioner leads the Commission’s work about the rights of children. This work includes:
– promoting understanding and acceptance of, and compliance with, the Convention on the Rights of the Child – promoting discussion and awareness of issues affecting children – undertaking research and education projects promoting children’s rights – monitoring Commonwealth legislation and policy for compliance with the rights of children – consulting with children, representative organisations, and stakeholders as appropriate.
Applications close on Friday 14 March 2025.
Shortlisting and interviews will begin once advertising is complete. The new Commissioner is expected to start in November 2025.
Entries are now open for the 2025 RAW Arts Awards aimed at young people living, studying, or working primarily in Greater Bendigo who are aged 25 and under.
The awards are offered across four categories: Visual Arts, Literature, Performing Arts and Short Film, with prizes of $1,500 for winners and $500 for highly commended.
Works submitted for the awards will also be featured in an exhibition and showcase.
Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said the RAW Arts Awards first started 28 years ago.
“The awards illustrate the City of Greater Bendigo’s commitment to fostering the talents and artistic pursuits of young people in the region,” Cr Metcalf said.
“RAW is a great platform to encourage and support artmaking so that talented young artists, writers, performers, and film makers can explore and grow their creativity.
“Many past winners are now practising professionals in the creative arts industries.”
Last year’s RAW Awards attracted 88 entries from artists aged from 7 to 25. Over 200 people attended the presentation and showcase at The Capital, and 270 people visited the RAW Arts exhibition at Dudley House.
Entries for the RAW Arts Awards close on Monday May 5, 2025. The awards will be announced and presented on Thursday June 5 at The Capital.
For any queries about the application requirements, please email:
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested an 18-year-old male in relation to an aggravated assault and burglary in Larrakeyah last night.
About 5pm, police received reports of an ongoing disturbance within a unit complex on Mitchell Street. It is alleged that three males unlawfully entered a residence, one armed with a machete, and assaulted two females before fleeing the scene. It is believed the offenders were known to the victims.
Police arrived and conveyed the 13-year-old female who received injuries to her eye to Royal Darwin Hospital for medical assessment and obtained statements from the other two victims.
Later that evening, police arrested an 18-year-old male at a residence in Malak. He is expected to be charged later today and will appear in court at a later date.
Detectives from the Crime Command have carriage of the investigation.
If you have any information in relation to the incident, police are urging you to make contact on 131 444 and reference P25055389.
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Hawkins, Senior Lecturer, Canberra School of Politics, Economics and Society, University of Canberra
Peter Dutton and his Coalition colleagues have dithered for several weeks on their plans for the Commonwealth public sector.
While being upfront that public service jobs would be targeted, they’ve made numerous contradictory statements about the number of public servants who would be sacked if the Coalition wins the coming election.
But Peter Dutton’s most recent comments confirm that he clearly wants to make significant cuts.
And it’s hard to see how the sackings wouldn’t erode important front line services that many Australians depend on for help and support.
36,000 jobs on the line
This week the opposition leader declared the Coalition would achieve A$24 billion in savings by reducing the size of the public service.
He was unequivocal. The money would be clawed back over four years and would more than cover the Coalition’s promised $9 billion injection into Medicare.
Dutton explicitly tied the $24 billion in savings to the 36,000 Commonwealth public servants who have been hired since the last election
Under the Labor Party, there are 36,000 additional public servants, that’s at a cost of $6 billion a year, or $24 billion over the forward estimates. This program totals $9 billion over that period. So, we’ve well and truly identified the savings.
While still not nominating a precise number of job cuts, it’s Peter Dutton’s clearest statement of intent to date. By “truly” identifying the savings, 36,000 jobs are on the line. And it accords with Dutton’s earlier comments that the extra workers are not providing value for money for Australian taxpayers.
(They have) not improved the lives of Australians one iota
While this sounds like he wants to dismiss them all, senior colleagues are more circumspect.
According to Nationals leader David Littleproud, the number of job cuts has not yet been decided. Shadow Public Service Minister Jane Hume further muddied the waters by referring to the cuts being by attrition, and excluding frontline services.
Frontline services
The public service head count has grown to 185,343, as of June 2024. So cutting 36,000 staff, or even a large proportion of that number, would be a very significant reduction.
The agencies that added the most public servants between June 2023 and June 2024 were the National Disability Insurance Agency (up 2,193), Defence (up 1,425), Health and Aged Care (up 1,173) and Services Australia (up 1,149).
Many of these extra staff would be providing invaluable front line services to clients and customer who are accessing essential support.
And some of the new public servants replaced more expensive outsourced workers. Finance Minister Katy Gallagher has claimed the Albanese government has saved $4 billion of taxpayers’ money by reducing spending on consultants and contractors.
Rather than the alleged explosion in the size of the bureaucracy, the growth in public service numbers has closely matched the increase in the population. Last year, they accounted for 1.36% of all employed persons, up by only a minuscule degree on the 1.35% in 2016.
Canberra bashing
According to Dutton, the 36,000 additional public servants hired under Labor all work in Canberra. It was not a slip of the tongue. The claim is also in the Liberal Party’s pre-election pamphlet.
But only 37% of the public service workforce is located in the national capital. Half are based in state capitals. A full quarter of those involved in service delivery work in regional Australia.
The Liberals clearly think they have nothing to lose among Canberra voters, given they have no members or senators from the Australian Capital Territory.
The coming election will no doubt tell us if Canberra bashing still resonates with voters elsewhere in the country. Dutton has clearly made the political judgement that it does.
Another night of the long knives?
A change of government often precipitates a clean out at the top of the public service.
When the Howard government was elected in 1996, no fewer than six departmental secretaries were sacked on the infamous night of the long knives. Then prime minister Tony Abbott dismissed four departmental chiefs in one fell swoop after taking office in 2013. He didn’t even consult his treasurer before dumping the head of Treasury.
This pattern of culling senior public servants represents a chilling risk to good policy development. Departmental secretaries concerned about losing their jobs may be reluctant to give the “frank and fearless advice” their positions demand.
Voters are entitled to know what the Coalition has planned for the public service before they cast their ballots.
The lack of detail on job losses is matched by a reluctance to outline spending cuts elsewhere. Dutton has ruled out an Abbott-style audit commission. He is prepared to cut “wasteful” spending, but won’t say if it may be necessary to also chop some worthwhile outlays to dampen inflationary pressures.
Dutton is adamant that any spending cuts by a government he leads will be determined after the election, not announced before it. This does nothing for democratic accountability. It does not give the electorate the chance to cast their votes on the basis of an alternative vision from the alternative government.
All Australians, not just public servants, deserve to know before polling day just how deep Dutton and the Coalition are really planning to cut.
John Hawkins is a former public servant and lives in Canberra.
The Department of Health has appointed an Expert Advisory Group to inform the redesign of community-based mental health and wellbeing services in Victoria.
The Mental Health and Wellbeing Community Redesign project aims to improve the way we deliver level 5 community-based services for people of all ages with moderate to severe mental illness who have more intensive treatment, care and support needs.
The Expert Advisory Group includes six peak and industrial body representatives, and eight sector experts appointed via an expression of interest process. The members are:
Nominated roles
Vrinda Edan – Victorian Mental Illness Awareness Council
Joanna Tilkeridis – Tandem Carers
Karen McAlear – Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation
Phillipa Thomas – Mental Health Victoria
Kimberley Gallaher – Health and Community Services Union
Jade Chandler – Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation
Service level roles
Anita Conlon – Wellways
Emer Diviney – Association of Participating Service Users at Self Help Addiction Resource Centre
Lisa Gill – Peninsula Health
Paul Denborough – Alfred Health
Kirsty Barger – Western Health
Anoop Raveendran Nair Lalitha – Ballarat Health
Belinda McCullough – Mind Australia
Nicholas Teo – EACH
The group will provide strategic guidance on service design and planning. It will also offer expert insight into risks and implications for communities, services, and stakeholders.
Four police officers will join the Two Wells Police Station in the coming months in response to the rapidly increasing population of the region.
The increasing population of the Adelaide Plains town and surrounding areas, will also result in an upgrade to the local station to house the additional police in the future.
Commissioner of Police, Grant Stevens said the upgrade to the station will mean it can house up to 20 full time employees – from its current state of three officers.
“Initially there will be four additional positions, including a supervisor with the opportunity to expand in coming years as the housing developments are finalised,” Commissioner Stevens said.
“Currently police travel from other nearby stations to respond to calls for assistance and undertake policing duties. By having more officers based locally we will be able to increase our presence in the community.”
In addition to the Barossa Local Service Area positions, a further six Family and Domestic Violence Investigation Section (FVIS) Sergeant positions will be filled following a successful 12-month trial in the Far North Local Service Area.
“Unfortunately, we know the prevalence of family and domestic violence in our community and these additional resources will be able to support victims and hold offenders to account,” Commissioner Stevens said.
In total there will be 13 reassigned Family and Domestic Violence Investigation Officers and 14 reassigned Volume Crime Team positions and additional three Detective Senior Sergeant positions included in regional areas about 12 months ago.
All positions advertised are part of the additional 71 positions made redirected to frontline policing following additional government funding, and the successful programs such as the introduction of Police Security Officers in custody management areas, the civilianisation of some roles and the rationalisation of some small police stations.
These reassigned positions show SAPOL’s commitment to country policing with more than half of the recommended positions in the Regional Review now allocated.
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rebecca Strating, Director, La Trobe Asia, and Professor of International Relations, La Trobe University
Debating Australia’s role in world politics is not always high on the political agenda. Elections here are more often fought on economic issues than foreign or defence policy. And while the major parties have different views on foreign policy, there tends to be bipartisanship on the central tenets of our strategic policy, including Australia’s alliance with the United States.
In recent years, however, Australia has found itself wedged between two great powers: its security guarantor, the US, and its major trading partner, China. The increasing strategic competition between these two great powers, especially in Asia, has raised new questions about how Australia should manage these relationships and conceive of its role in the world.
For some countries, having a prominent role on the global stage may be more obvious than for others. Wealthy states with large militaries and populations, for example, often play the part of “great powers”. These countries tend to make claims about their unique rights and responsibilities, such as having a greater say in multilateral institutions (like the United Nations) and the “rules” intended to govern international conduct.
However, most of the world’s countries are not great powers. For a middle-sized nation like Australia, its role on the global stage is not necessarily static but determined by how our leaders balance national interests and values.
These, in turn, are shaped by “material factors”, such as geography, population and economy size, natural resources, shared political ideals (for example, our belief in democratic institutions), norms and culture.
In addition, a middle-sized country’s global role can change depending on how leaders perceive contemporary threats and challenges to their security.
Australia as a ‘middle power’
The National Defence Strategy released in 2024 describes Australia as an “influential middle power”. According to the strategy, this is demonstrated by several things:
our enduring democratic values
our history of safeguarding international rules and contributing to regional partnerships
the strong foundations of our economy
the strength of our partnerships in the Indo-Pacific.
Whether Australia should be described as a “middle power”, though, has long been the subject of political debate. Since H.V. “Doc” Evatt, then-attorney general and minister for external affairs, used the term in 1945, it has been most often (but not always) associated with the Labor Party.
Recent Coalition governments have been more reluctant to view Australia as “just” a middle power.
Alexander Downer, the foreign minister in the Howard government, would occasionally use the term “pivotal power”. Pivotal powers, as one political analyst put it, are “destined to shape the contours of geopolitics in key regions of the world” due to their strategic location, economic power and political influence.
Meanwhile, Julie Bishop, foreign minister in the Abbott and Turnbull administrations, preferred the term “top 20 country”, arguing this better reflected Australia’s standing and level of influence on the global stage.
At the core of this historical debate is the extent to which a country like Australia can – and does – have influence in the region and globally.
Middle powers have different characteristics from great or smaller powers. Size, geography and economic wealth affect the extent to which they can shape the world. As a result, middle powers often adopt certain types of actions or behaviours to enhance their influence.
There are a number of ways middle powers do this, such as by:
supporting adherence to international law and rules (because these can help restrain more powerful states from imposing their will on others)
encouraging cooperation through multilateralism (cooperation between multiple states)
finding creative new solutions to global problems, such as climate change
taking the diplomatic lead on specific, but important, issues.
A liberal-democratic middle power, such as Australia, may also seek to promote its values internationally, including the respect for human rights, free and open trade, and the principles of democratic governance and accountability.
Australia’s reliance on ‘great and powerful friends’
In addition, middle powers often choose to align themselves with a bigger power to boost their influence even further.
In Australia’s case, its strategic dependence on the United States developed, in part, by historical anxieties that faraway “great and powerful friends”, as former diplomat Allan Gyngell phrased it, might abandon it in a potentially hostile region.
Prior to the second world war, Australia relied on its former colonial ruler, Britain, for its security. The Fall of Singapore in 1942, in which Japanese forces routed British and Australian troops defending the island, demonstrated the risks of our overdependence on a distant ally.
In the aftermath of the war, Australia forged a new security alliance with a new global superpower, the United States, through the ANZUS Treaty. Yet, replacing one “great and powerful” but distant friend with another did not alleviate Australia’s abandonment anxieties.
Since then, debates about Australia’s international role have largely focused on the extent to which it can – and should be – self-reliant in the context of the US alliance, or if it should pursue a more independent foreign policy.
US domestic politics – particularly during President Donald Trump’s time in office – have also driven uncertainty about Washington’s reliability, as well as its commitment to Asia and the implications for allies like Australia.
Despite such concerns, Australia’s relationship with the US is as strong and deeply entwined as it has ever been. In fact, it only got stronger during Trump’s first term. While Canberra has sought to deepen engagement with regional states it views as “like-minded”, such as Japan, South Korea and India, it has done so firmly in the context of its broader alliance with the United States.
This, of course, is driven by the new anxieties over China’s rise as a major economic and military power in the region. In recent years, Beijing’s assertive and coercive behaviours in the region have made it the key national security threat facing Australia.
This is a break from the past, when Australian leaders – both Labor and Liberal – broadly agreed that a “pragmatic approach” to engaging great powers meant Canberra would not have to “choose sides” between China and the US.
In 2023, the Albanese government sought a détente of sorts with China, attempting to return to this pragmatic approach. But wariness of Beijing remains.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s visit to Beijing in late 2023.
An Indo-Pacific power?
In the context of these new challenges presented by a rising China, Australia has increasingly leaned into becoming an “Indo-Pacific” power in recent years. There are a number of ways in which this shift is observable.
First, Australia has been instrumental in encouraging the global adoption of this phrase, “Indo-Pacific”, as a new way of referring to the region. This is partly driven by the desire to maintain US leadership and presence in Australia’s neighbourhood. The US is a Pacific state, so this concept anchors the US in our region in a way that “Asia” does not.
And when people used the term “Asia-Pacific” to talk about the region in the past, this had a primarily economic connotation. This is due to the importance of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum and the move towards free-trade agreements between Australia and other countries in the region.
As such, the new term “Indo-Pacific” has become more of a security concept centred on the region’s waters. Generally, it is used to incorporate South, Southeast and Northeast Asia, Oceania (Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands) and the United States. By connecting the Indian (“Indo”) and the Pacific Oceans, it has become primarily a maritime strategic concept.
The narratives usually associated with the Indo-Pacific also relate to the need to protect the international rules-based order, and freedom of navigation and overflight for ships and aircraft in the region. This, again, reflects the growing geopolitical anxieties about a rising China, particularly in the disputed South and East China seas and the Taiwan Strait.
Australia does not have territorial or maritime claims in either sea, but we are nonetheless concerned about China’s efforts to undermine the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and what this might mean for the “rules-based order” more generally.
The second way Australia is moving more towards becoming a regional power is in the narrowing of its core defence interests to an “inner ring” focused on the South Pacific and maritime Southeast Asia, and to a lesser extent, an “outer ring” in the broader Indo-Pacific and wider world. These geographical boundaries have consequences for how Australia views its international role.
After nearly two decades of military engagement in the Middle East and Afghanistan, Australia is shifting its focus back on its home region. This reflects not just the limits of our military capabilities, but also new concerns about the changing balance of power in Asia.
Third, Australia is increasingly focusing on a more strategic, narrower form of multilateralism. This, too, has been more centred on our region.
Multilateralism has always been seen as an important part of middle power identity. Australia, for instance, played a key role in setting up institutions like the United Nations.
However, this began to shift under recent Coalition governments. Prime Minister Scott Morrison expressed scepticism about such institutions, criticising them as an “often ill-defined borderless global community” that promoted “negative globalism”.
Under successive Coalition governments, Australia instead became a key player in two smaller groups of nations – the re-branded “Quad” in 2017 (along with Japan, the US and India) and AUKUS in 2021 (with the US and United Kingdom).
Under the Albanese government, global multilateralism was reinstated as an important pillar of foreign policy. But Australia’s investment and involvement in these smaller groups has only deepened.
Both AUKUS and the Quad demonstrate Australia’s changing role as a regional power in the Indo-Pacific. These groups offer Australia an opportunity to shape the regional security agenda by joining forces with other powerful states. They also provide a way of encouraging the US to maintain its presence and leadership in the region and to counterbalance China’s rise.
As part of this, Australia has become a key proponent of what the Biden administration coined “integrated deterrence”.
This is a central pillar of the US’ Indo-Pacific strategy that seeks to mobilise “like-minded” states – especially its regional allies such as Australia, Japan and South Korea – to form a regional coalition against rival states. This strategy reflects a growing awareness the US can’t provide security in Asia alone.
The AUKUS security agreement, including the commitment to develop new nuclear-powered submarines for Australia, is a part of this strategy.
Since the announcement of the submarine plan in 2021, both the procurement plan and the language that American and Australian leaders have been using suggest that Canberra is preparing to play a bigger security role in the region alongside the US.
Time for a new ‘strategic imagination’?
Has Australia’s shift to an Indo-Pacific regional power served it well?
It has allowed the deepening of defence relationships with partners like Japan and India. And through its roles in the Quad and AUKUS, Australia has a seat at the table and is more visible in regional security discussions.
But there are risks to a more assertive regional power stance. Australia could be viewed by its neighbours as too focused on military and not invested enough (or in the right way) in diplomacy or regional development. Australia’s overseas aid contribution, for example, has been declining for three decades.
It is also unclear which other regional states are likely to participate in a US-led coalition if a real conflict with China ever broke out. The Quad and AUKUS groups may be viewed by others as exclusionary or contributing to increasing tensions in the region.
How nuclear-powered submarines will “deter” potential adversaries is also yet to be clearly explained. These submarines could potentially entangle Australia in a regional conflict instead. Being able to clearly articulate and distinguish between Australian and US interests will remain vital for ensuring that future governments don’t “sleepwalk” into war.
Finally, Australia’s advocacy of the “rules-based order” has left it – and the US – exposed to criticisms of hypocrisy and double standards, particularly with Washington’s support for Israel’s war on Gaza.
…one which can develop a coherent security strategy by working with old and new allies and partners to shape the regional order in ways that ensure its security.
The approach emphasises the need for all parts of our government to work in coordination to protect Australians from the range of complex conventional and unconventional challenges it faces (including climate change).
Australia’s security and its international role should not be viewed through the lens of the “China threat” alone. Doing so is counter-productive, as many states in the region do not share the same perception about China.
Instead, as Wallis and I wrote, Australia needs a “more comprehensive, nuanced and contingent understanding of the range of security opportunities and threats” we face.
This is an edited extract from How Australian Democracy Works, a new collection of essays from The Conversation on all aspects of the country’s political landscape.
Rebecca Strating receives funding from Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
