PRACTICAL GUIDE TO FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE
- Key steps to plan for early retirement and achieve a more flexible lifestyle – practical guidance to help individuals clarify lifestyle goals and chart a path towards flexible, self-directed work.
- Self-Managed Superannuation Funds (SMSFs) – what they are, how they work, and how they can be used to take greater control of retirement assets.
- Passive income from investment portfolios – foundational principles of generating cash flow through diversified assets rather than relying solely on wages.
- Effective tax and estate planning – strategies that help protect wealth, minimise liabilities, and ensure financial goals are realised across generations.
- Hot suburbs to watch in 2026 – expert insights powered by data to identify the hottest areas to watch in 2026
Featured
CLUB MARCONI OFFICIAL BANNED
PRESCRIPTION COSTS ARE OUT OF CONTROL
NEW research shows millions of Australians are skipping or rationing medicines due to cost-of-living pressures, with nearly four million unable to afford prescriptions in the past three years. The Pharmacy Guild says cutting the PBS co-payment to $25 from 1 January 2026 will ease access and reduce hospitalisations caused by delayed treatment. Support is strong, with 84% backing lower co-payments, particularly for non-concession patients most affected by rising costs.
BIG ENERGY COMPANY FINED $450,000
A MAJOR Australian energy company, GE Grid Australia, has been fined $450,000 after failing to report imports of equipment containing the potent greenhouse gas sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) over eight reporting periods from 2018–2022. The Federal Court found repeated, serious breaches of environmental law under the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989. Authorities said the case reinforces that companies must meet reporting obligations, as SF6 has extremely high global warming potential.
PRIMARY INDUSTRIES REPORT PRIORITIES
THE NSW Government has released the NSW Primary Industries Workforce Strategy 2025–2030 to support profitable, sustainable and innovative agriculture, forestry and fishing through a skilled, diverse, future-ready workforce. Developed with industry and community consultation, it sets three priorities: boosting business adaptability and innovation, fostering a diverse and accessible workforce, and building careers and capabilities. With primary industries delivering record value, the strategy outlines initiatives to address workforce challenges and drive regional growth and sustainability over the next decade.
NOW IS THE TIME TO SECURE WORKSITES
SAFEWORK NSW is urging construction businesses to properly secure worksites over the Christmas–New Year shutdown to prevent injuries, deaths, theft and vandalism. Inspectors will visit sites before and during the break to promote preparedness and ensure legal obligations are met. Sites must be fenced, locked, powered down, cleared of debris, and hazardous areas secured. Unsecured sites risk improvement or prohibition notices and fines. Managers are encouraged to use SafeWork NSW’s site security checklist.
EXAM CONCERN ABOUT FOREIGN DENTISTS
A PROPOSED plan to fast-track overseas-trained dentists into Australia by bypassing Australian Dental Council exams has raised safety concerns, says the Australian Dental Association. The ADA fears weakened standards could endanger patients and undermine confidence. It argues shortages reflect maldistribution, not undersupply, with far fewer dentists in regional areas. Instead of fast-tracking, it urges incentives, rural funding, and pay. The ADA is calling for the proposal’s reconsideration to protect standards.
