Guardian AU
Democracy ‘under assault’ from significant third parties at 2025 federal election, parliamentary inquiry finds
Australia's democratic process faced unprecedented interference at the 2025 federal election, with groups including the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church and right-wing lobby group Advance among the third parties accused of undermining electoral integrity at polling booths. A parliamentary inquiry has responded by recommending new legislation to govern campaigner conduct at voting sites. The proposed code of conduct marks a significant push to reassert boundaries around electoral participation ahead of future elections.
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Many Australians can get three free hours of power from today. Here’s how
Australians in Queensland, New South Wales, and South Australia with smart meters can now access the Solar Sharer scheme, which offers three free hours of electricity per day starting July 1. The government-regulated program redistributes excess solar energy from the grid to participating households. While nearly half of surveyed Australians have expressed interest, experts caution the plan won't suit every household's usage patterns.
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1 July changes: minimum wage rises, Centrelink indexation, payday super, parental leave and everything else coming for the 2026–27 financial year
Australia's new financial year kicks off with a wave of reforms affecting workers, parents, and welfare recipients. Minimum wage will rise, superannuation shifts to a payday model requiring employers to contribute with each pay cycle, and eligible parents gain additional paid leave entitlements. Centrelink recipients will also see indexation adjustments, while a personal income tax cut and stronger anti-price-gouging measures round out a package of changes designed to ease cost-of-living pressure.
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Sydney Morning Herald
Three free hours of power begins now – if you ask for it
Electricity customers across the country can now access three free hours of power daily, but only if they actively opt in to the new scheme. The program is open to both homeowners and renters, with potential savings reaching into the hundreds of dollars. Those who fail to sign up will miss out entirely, making registration the critical first step.
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Sydney Morning Herald
Coalition, Greens team up to delay Labor’s ‘half-arsed’ gambling bill
A surprise alliance between the Coalition and the Greens has moved to stall Labor's gambling reform legislation, with Liberal MPs pushing for a tougher stance rather than rubber-stamping what critics are calling a watered-down bill. The internal pressure reflects growing frustration within the opposition that Labor's measures don't go far enough on meaningful reform. The delay sets up a political fight that could force the government back to the drawing board.
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