ABC AU
Economists warn fuel price cut likely to come with 'sting in the tail'
A temporary fuel excise cut will save Australians 26.3 cents per litre at the pump for three months, offering short-term relief amid surging cost-of-living pressures. But economists are sounding the alarm that the measure could backfire, potentially leaving consumers in a worse financial position once the relief expires. The policy raises questions about whether short-term political wins are being prioritised over sustainable economic solutions.
Read article →Guardian AU
Victorian Liberals to hold another preselection after candidate who defeated Moira Deeming withdraws
The Victorian Liberals are back to square one in their upper house preselection after Dinesh Gourisetty withdrew following revelations he had written a character reference for a friend convicted of child sexual assault. Gourisetty had previously defeated controversial MP Moira Deeming for the ticket position, making his exit a significant setback for the party's candidate selection process. The Liberals must now convene another preselection convention to fill the spot.
Read article →Guardian AU
Dezi Freeman shooting live updates: Victorian premier says ‘an evil man is dead and it’s over’ after Australian fugitive killed by police
After more than two months as one of Australia's most wanted fugitives, Dezi Freeman has been shot dead by police in the Victorian alpine region. The 56-year-old had been on the run since allegedly killing two police officers in August, triggering a massive manhunt. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan confirmed the outcome, stating simply: "An evil man is dead and it's over."
Read article →Guardian AU
Distancing himself from Trump and a badly waged war in Iran might be the smartest move Albanese can make
Australia's prime minister is quietly distancing himself from Washington's military campaign in Iran, signaling that continued escalation no longer serves Australian interests. With global energy markets reeling from what analysts are calling the most severe supply crisis in history, Albanese faces mounting domestic pressure to prioritize economic stability over alliance optics. The calculus is straightforward: backing a war that drives up fuel and electricity costs for Australian households is a political liability few leaders can afford.
Read article →
Sydney Morning Herald
Fuel price cut for Easter as fears grow nation will be in recession by Christmas
Australia's fuel excise will be cut over the Easter period as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese moves to ease pressure on household budgets amid escalating global energy uncertainty. The intervention comes as economists warn that the Iran conflict could compel the Reserve Bank to lift rates three more times by August. With recession fears mounting ahead of Christmas, the government is under pressure to do more than short-term relief measures.
Read article →Get this delivered every morning
Join thousands of readers who get the world's most important stories, curated daily.
Start reading free →