News

Australia's high tobacco taxes have inadvertently fueled a thriving black market for cheap, untaxed cigarettes, robbing taxpayers of billions of dollars and undermining efforts to reduce smoking rates. Experts call for a multi-pronged approach that includes stronger enforcement and addressing the root causes of smoking.

The US government plans to end financial support for Gavi, an organization that helps buy vaccines for children in developing countries, and scale back efforts to combat malaria, a highly dangerous infection spread by mosquito bites. This decision could have a significant impact on global efforts to combat preventable diseases in developing countries.

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 officials urge vulnerable individuals to avoid flood clean-up activities and keep wounds clean to minimize their risk of contracting the disease.

President Donald Trump has imposed a 25% tariff on all automotive imports to the United States, aiming to boost domestic manufacturing but potentially straining global supply chains. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has condemned the move as an attack on Canadian workers and is considering retaliatory measures.

A central Queensland coal mine's expansion is facing a hurdle over its greenhouse gas emissions. The Land Court has recommended that the mine's lease not be renewed unless it can demonstrate a plan to cut emissions, a decision that could have implications for future mine expansions across Australia.