Labor's first election promise is to outlaw supermarket price gouging, aiming to tackle the rising cost of living by creating a new law that defines and penalizes unfair pricing practices. However, the details of the proposal remain vague, with the key challenge being the definition of price gouging and the gathering of evidence to support such claims.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has unveiled a plan to tackle rising energy costs by forcing gas companies to reserve a portion of their supply for domestic use and investing in new gas infrastructure. He also pledged to build seven nuclear power plants by 2050 and invest in youth mental health services.
A NSW government inquiry into the live sheep export ban has been criticized by farming groups for its lack of action, with concerns that the ban will significantly impact sheep prices and the Australian sheep market. The inquiry delivered just one recommendation, to monitor the impact of the ban on sheep prices.
Queensland's melioidosis outbreak continues to claim lives, with five more deaths reported in the past week, bringing the total death toll for the year to 25. Public health authorities urge vulnerable individuals to avoid flood clean-up activities and keep wounds clean to minimize the risk of contracting the disease.
Mungindi, a town split between New South Wales and Queensland, faces numerous challenges due to its unique location, including differing regulations, limited access to resources, and a divided law enforcement system. The community, however, is united in its vision for a "borderless" Mungindi, where state boundaries no longer hinder their daily lives.