News

Labor's fate in the upcoming election hinges on the Reserve Bank's interest rate decision, as rising interest rates and mortgage stress threaten its traditionally safe seats, particularly in outer-suburban Melbourne and Perth. The party is focusing resources on propping up vulnerable candidates and addressing financial concerns to secure re-election.

Western Australia's recent election was plagued by problems, including understaffed polling booths, missing ballot papers, and concerns about the legitimacy of the results. The WA Electoral Commission's decision to outsource staffing to a private company without informing the government is under scrutiny, and investigations are underway to determine what went wrong and how to prevent similar issues in the future.

US President Donald Trump has imposed tariffs on all steel and aluminium imports, prompting retaliation from some of America's closest allies, including Australia, the European Union, and Canada. These retaliatory tariffs are a sign of the growing tensions between the US and its allies over trade policy.

Bushfire safety concerns are mounting in popular single-road access tourist towns in southwest Western Australia, with experts urging the government to consider building second access roads despite opposition from some locals. The debate intensifies as planned developments in Gnarabup and Smiths Beach raise concerns about increased population and fire risk.

Shannon Pincombe's year-long battle with Australian Super for disability payments exposes challenges faced by Australians seeking insurance payouts from their super funds. The case adds to concerns over super fund delays, as ASIC sues Australian Super for failing to handle death benefit claims promptly.