Editors Picks
27 April 2025
CARAVAN GROUP WELCOMES GROWTH
THE Caravan Industry Association of Australia has welcomed the Coalition’s $1B commitment to the revitalised Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program and urges the Albanese Government to match it. The investment is vital for regional infrastructure, supporting the caravan and camping sector’s 16 million trips annually and its $11B contribution to the economy. Improved roads will boost safety, tourism, and regional growth, strengthening Australia's domestic travel and manufacturing sectors.
27 April 2025
FLEXIBILITY THE KEY TO RETURN TO WORK
RETURNING to work can be challenging for parents, especially single parents and those living with disability or caring for a child with disability. Research shows flexible hours, part-time work, and childcare assistance are key to workforce participation. atWork Australia supports over 8,500 parents, helping more than 2,600 find jobs over the past year through training and tailored employment support. Success stories like Kong and Jack highlight the importance of flexibility, upskilling, and ongoing assistance in achieving sustainable employment.
27 April 2025
HEMP PUSHED AS MAINSTREAM CROP
THE NSW Government has released a draft Hemp Industry Development Plan for public comment, aiming to establish hemp as a mainstream, sustainable crop. The plan sets out a vision supported by four strategic objectives to guide industry growth and collaboration. Developed by the NSW Hemp Industry Taskforce, it identifies key opportunities to strengthen the sector. Public feedback is open until 19 May 2025 via the Have Your Say website.
27 April 2025
NEW HOMES BUILD AT LOWEST LEVELS
IN 2024, just 168,050 new homes began construction in Australia, the lowest level in over a decade, according to HIA Chief Economist Tim Reardon. He warned that the loss of skilled workers to other sectors threatens future building capacity. Australia must build over 250,000 homes annually to meet housing targets. Reardon urged immediate government action to reduce taxes and fees, alongside long-term reforms in land supply, infrastructure, planning, and taxation.
27 April 2025
AMBULANCE RAMPING HAS DOUBLED
AMBULANCE ramping in Australia has doubled in five years, with hospitals overwhelmed and patients suffering tragic delays, according to the AMA's latest report. AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen warned that under-resourcing, a lack of beds, and exit block are major issues, urging urgent action and a new National Health Reform Agreement. She called for more transparency in data reporting, highlighting the growing human and financial costs of the crisis.
Featured
19 April 2025
DRIVERS BEWARE DURING PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
Double demerit points in holiday season
NSW Police will be out in force during the Easter break prompting a Sydney lawyer to issue a warning to motorists as double demerit points apply.
12 April 2025
BETTER FEEDBACK FROM BREAST SCREENING
FROM April 2025, BreastScreen NSW will begin informing women of their breast density to help assess breast cancer risk. Dense breast tissue can make cancer harder to detect on mammograms and is a known risk factor. The change won’t affect appointment times, and women with high density are encouraged to speak with their doctor. Mammograms remain the best screen-ing method, especially for women aged 50–74, with earlier screening advised for Aboriginal women.
