Guardian AU
Can Labor’s ‘tough decisions’ save the NDIS? – Back to Back Barries podcast
The Albanese government is taking aim at NDIS costs, with Health Minister Mark Butler announcing plans to transition thousands of participants off the scheme in a bid to rein in spiralling expenditure. The move is politically risky, forcing Labor to balance fiscal responsibility against its core constituency's expectations on disability support. Meanwhile, byelections in Victoria and New South Wales and the rising threat of One Nation are adding fresh pressure to an already crowded political agenda.
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Back to Back Barries: Can Labor’s 'tough decisions' save the NDIS?
Health Minister Mark Butler has announced Labor plans to move thousands of participants off the NDIS in a bid to rein in the scheme's ballooning costs — a move the government is framing as a necessary fiscal correction. The decision raises urgent questions about what happens to those who lose access to support, and whether savings can be achieved without gutting the program's original intent. Tony Barry and Barrie Cassidy also weigh in on the broader economy, taxing gas giants, and the latest from Donald Trump.
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News live: Andrew Hastie says US alliance weakened Australia; Sri Lanka hackers steal millions owed to Australia
Australia's gas export debate is heating up, with independent MP Allegra Spender pushing for a 25% tax on gas exports to ensure the country benefits more from its own resources. Meanwhile, Liberal frontbencher Andrew Hastie has raised alarm that the US alliance has eroded Australia's sovereign capabilities rather than strengthening them. Adding to the day's pressures, Sri Lankan hackers have stolen millions in funds owed to Australia.
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Australia news live: US approves first major Aukus submarine contract; Harvey Norman facing class action for alleged ‘misleading’ ads
The US has approved its first major AUKUS submarine contract, marking a significant milestone in the trilateral security partnership between the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. Meanwhile, independent MP Allegra Spender is pushing for a 25% tax on gas exports, arguing Australia's current taxation framework allows a valuable domestic resource to be shipped overseas with little financial return to the country. Harvey Norman is also under pressure, facing a class action lawsuit over advertisements alleged to be misleading to consumers.
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Australia news live: resources minister defends gas companies as push for new tax falters; Asic issues warnings to four ‘finfluencers’
Australia's resources minister has moved to defend gas companies as a proposed 25% export tax loses political momentum, with independent MP Allegra Spender arguing current arrangements allow a lucrative national resource to be shipped abroad with minimal financial return to Australians. The debate underscores long-running tensions over whether the existing petroleum resource rent tax adequately captures profits from one of the country's most valuable export industries. Separately, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission has issued warnings to four financial influencers, signaling tighter regulatory scrutiny of social media figures offering investment advice.
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