Inflation up to 3.8% as price pressures rise and hopes for Reserve Bank interest rate cuts fall pred 9 urami in 31 minutami Treasurer Jim Chalmers says government deciding on energy rebate extension in ‘next few weeks’ as cost of living continues to biteFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastInflation has climbed to 3.8% in the year to October, from 3.6% the month before, as Jim Chalmers flagged he could announce further energy bill subsidies for households in the upcoming midyear budget.Electricity prices were 37% higher in the year to October, which the Australian Bureau of Statistics said mostly reflected the end of state government power bill rebates. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Public sector told to find significant savings but Jim Chalmers denies ‘big job cuts’ pred 9 urami in 34 minutami Coalition accuses government of breaking its promise not to cut the public sector as treasurer confirms reductionsFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastLabor could cut some public service budgets by as much as 5% as it looks for major savings in next year’s federal budget, but Jim Chalmers denied it would mean “big jobs cuts” for the sector.The treasurer, Jim Chalmers, and the finance and public service minister, Katy Gallagher, have confirmed reports in the Australian Financial Review this week that cabinet ministers and department and agency bosses have been asked to find significant budget savings. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
£14,000 handouts to 18,000 families: Rachel Reeves's Budget will raise taxes to fund benefits windfall - costing the average earner £2,000
Famous author known for Indigenous stories distraught to learn he does NOT have Native heritage
Fresh blow for Optus as thousands of furious customers are unable to make triple-zero calls AGAIN
Sturgeon's unprecedented Covid lockdowns linked to developmental issues in youngsters
Chilling moment anonymous caller reported dead body in woods during live radio station.. with police finding it shortly afterwards
Child 'decoys' and 'dangerous customers': The fear and helplessness of staff on the front line of the Christmas shoplifting epidemic