🇦🇺 Australia

New South Wales Overhauls Rental Laws: No-Grounds Evictions Banned
May 22 @ 7:14am ET  
New rental laws in New South Wales ban no-grounds evictions, offering tenants greater security. Pet ownership rules are also eased, allowing pets unless valid refusal grounds are provided by landlords.
RBA Slashes Cash Rate to 3.85 Percent Amid Inflation Drop
May 21 @ 4:04am ET  
The Reserve Bank of Australia has cut the cash rate to 3.85 percent as inflation drops significantly from its 2022 peak. This move aims to stimulate economic growth while balancing inflationary risks.
Victoria's Budget Surplus Marred by $25 Million Daily Debt Costs
May 20 @ 4:00pm ET  
Victoria, Australia, records its first budget surplus since COVID-19, offering hope for economic recovery. Yet, a $25 million daily debt servicing cost burdens Victorians, raising concerns about long-term fiscal health.
Australian Billionaire Commits $7 Billion to Environmental Causes
May 20 @ 6:07am ET  
Australian billionaire Cameron Adams and partner Lisa Miller have pledged $7 billion to environmental causes. This historic commitment aims to protect ecosystems and combat climate change globally.
Chinese Scammers Face Jail and Deportation in New Zealand for 'Blessing' Fraud
May 19 @ 8:12am ET  
Three Chinese nationals face imprisonment and deportation from New Zealand for a 'blessing' scam targeting elderly Chinese women. They amassed over $100,000 in three weeks by exploiting cultural beliefs.
New Zealand Pours $577 Million into Film Subsidies to Revive 'Wellywood'
May 17 @ 8:00pm ET  
New Zealand's Finance Minister Nicola Willis has committed $577 million to the film subsidy fund to attract Hollywood back to 'Wellywood.' This investment aims to boost the economy through job creation and tourism while competing globally for major film projects.
Australian Housing Boom: 1 in 3 Homes Valued Over $1 Million
May 16 @ 5:58am ET  
One in three Australian homes is now worth over $1 million, with cities like Sydney and Melbourne among the world's least affordable. This housing boom is reshaping urban life and pricing many out of the market.
New Zealand Unveils $190 Million Social Investment Fund in Budget Preview
May 15 @ 2:35pm ET  
New Zealand's Finance Minister Nicola Willis announced a $190 million social investment fund in a budget preview. This initiative aims to tackle social issues with measurable outcomes for vulnerable communities.
Australia's Biggest Bank Probes Customers on Cash Withdrawals
May 15 @ 8:10am ET  
Australia's largest bank, Commonwealth Bank, is now questioning customers on cash withdrawals to comply with anti-money laundering laws. This has sparked privacy concerns among clients amid efforts to prevent financial crime.
‘Extremely Dangerous’: Australians Warned Not to Travel to Ukraine
May 14 @ 11:05am ET  
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has warned Australians against traveling to Ukraine following the death of a young Australian volunteer, Nick Parsons, near Izyum. 'The situation is extremely dangerous,' Albanese stated, urging citizens to avoid the conflict zone.
New Zealand Faces Measles Outbreak Risk Amid Low Vaccination Rates
May 13 @ 10:35am ET  
New Zealand faces a serious risk of a measles outbreak due to vaccination rates around 80 percent, well below the needed threshold. Doctors warn of a 'nightmare' scenario if the disease spreads among unvaccinated communities.
New Zealand Deputy Police Commissioner Steps Down Over Scandal
May 13 @ 8:35am ET  
New Zealand Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming resigned after inappropriate content was found on his work computer. Police Minister Mark Mitchell confirmed initiating removal proceedings amid concerns over professional conduct.
Australia Plans to Recruit Papua New Guineans for Defence Force Roles
May 12 @ 12:35pm ET  
Australia is set to recruit Papua New Guineans into its Defence Force to strengthen regional security ties. This move has sparked debate over cultural integration and sovereignty concerns.
Woolworths Slashes Prices on 400 Products Through 2026
May 12 @ 8:10am ET  
Woolworths, a major Australian supermarket, is cutting prices on 400 products until at least 2026. This move aims to ease the burden of rising costs for shoppers and strengthen the company's market position.