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The City of Greater Geraldton has refused to contribute to Telstra's mobile coverage project at Flat Rocks Beach, arguing that it is the federal government's responsibility to address regional black spots. This decision highlights the growing pressure on local governments to intervene in areas traditionally handled by higher levels of government, such as telecommunications and housing.

The Reserve Bank of Australia is considering a February interest rate cut, with the December quarter inflation figures and the strength of the jobs market being key factors in their decision. The government is hoping for rate relief before the May election, but the RBA is also closely watching household spending and the global economic outlook.

President Trump's trade war with China, Canada, and Mexico has led to widespread uncertainty and fears of recession, causing American stocks to tank and consumers to face higher prices. Despite these negative impacts, Trump remains unfazed, arguing that his tariffs will ultimately benefit the US economy.

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.