News

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and his former chief of staff, Jo Tarnawsky, have reached a confidential settlement in their legal dispute, ending months of controversy surrounding allegations of bullying and a safe workplace. Tarnawsky, who will now leave the public service, expressed relief at the resolution but emphasized the importance of employees feeling safe to raise concerns without fear of reprisal.

Labor has pledged to make nine out of ten GP visits free for patients by 2030, by expanding the bulk-billing incentive to all Australians and investing $8.5 billion over four years. This plan aims to increase the national bulk-billing rate from 77.5% to 90% by 2030, resulting in an additional 18 million bulk-billed appointments per year.

Australia's upcoming election presents a crucial choice for its foreign policy direction, with both Labor and Coalition leaders outlining contrasting visions for navigating the complex global landscape and the looming shadow of Donald Trump. Key areas of divergence include defense spending, the Middle East, and foreign aid, leaving voters to decide whether to continue on the current path or embrace the changes proposed by the opposition.

America's pharmaceutical giants have been lobbying the US government to impose trade sanctions on Australia in an attempt to dismantle the country's Pharmaceuticals Benefits Scheme (PBS), which provides affordable medicines to its citizens. The industry claims that the PBS is "egregious and discriminatory" and "undermines American competitiveness, jobs, and exports," but these claims are largely unfounded.

E-scooters have temporarily disappeared from the streets of Yarra after major operators Lime and Neuron withdrew due to a significant fee increase by the council. Despite the inconvenience, the council remains confident that a new e-scooter provider will be secured through a tender process in September.