News

Queensland has become the final state to sign onto the landmark Better and Fairer Schools Agreement, marking a historic day for public education in Australia. This agreement represents the largest investment in schools in the nation's history, with an additional $2.8 billion from the Commonwealth over the next decade.

The ACT government has paused the expansion of the portable long service leave scheme for the hospitality, food, hairdressing, and beauty industries due to concerns from local businesses facing financial difficulties. While some industry groups support the pause, others view it as an opportunity to suggest changes that address business concerns and ensure a smoother implementation in the future.

Australia's upcoming election will see both major parties vying for votes with gas reservation plans, aiming to secure domestic energy supplies and drive down prices. This move could potentially unsettle major export partners like Japan, while also raising concerns about potential subsidies and project definition ambiguities.

The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) is a government program that helps Australians access essential medications at an affordable price. Both major political parties have recently announced plans to further reduce the cost of PBS-listed medications, making them even more accessible for Australians.

Australia's grocery market is dominated by two giants, Woolworths and Coles, who hold a combined market share of nearly 80%. Despite concerns about price gouging and lack of competition, investigations have found no evidence of collusion and limited incentive for the companies to compete due to their market dominance.