TRANSCRIPT
- Australians face higher taxes and service cuts unless government addresses debt problem
- US and Arab mediators work to finalise Israel-Hamas agreement to end Gaza conflict;
- Heat begin title defence with dominant win over Stars at the MCG
Australians face higher taxes and service cuts unless the government addresses its chronic debt problem.
The federal budget is forecast to worsen by $21.8 billion over four years, according to the mid-year economic and fiscal outlook.
Rising spending, driven by an ageing population, and falling tax receipts due to slow economic growth mean a surplus is unlikely before 2034/35.
The revised deficit is set to add $49 billion in debt by 2027/28, increasing the burden of interest payments.
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Police will target dangerous driving during the festive season as part of Operation Christmas/New Year 2024, running from 12:01am Friday, 20 December 2024, to 11:59pm Wednesday, 1 January 2025.
Double demerit points will apply for offences including speeding, mobile phone use, seatbelt violations, and motorcycle helmet infractions.
Police Minister Yasmin Catley is urging drivers to prioritise safety.
"Please, please be safe on the roads, and if you are doing the wrong thing, I can assure you now there is going to be a very strong police presence on our roads in New South Wales from top to bottom and from east to west. if you are doing the wrong thing, you can expect to see the flashing lights in your review mirror."
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Anxious residents in two regional areas are waiting for floodwaters to subside after emergency alerts were issued for rising river levels following days of heavy rain.
People in the Western Downs and South Burnett in Queensland have been told to be prepared to evacuate ahead of possible inundation.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology's Miriam Bradbury, the rain is set to continue through the weekend.
"Much of northern and central Queensland can expect that continued wet weather from Friday going into the weekend as well. Now this, of course, may exacerbate our riverine flooding situation as well. We have a number of minor flood warnings current across southern inland Queensland and the south east catchments are quite saturated across much of Queensland at the moment, which means they are likely to respond quickly to further rainfall moving through those systems."
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The United States, with Arab mediators, is working to finalise an agreement between Israel and Hamas to end the 14-month conflict in Gaza.
A Palestinian official said mediators had resolved most differences but noted Hamas rejected new conditions from Israel without elaborating.
Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, says Israel is working to secure a deal by year's end.
"As we speak, negotiations on a hostage deal are ongoing. We hope we can achieve a deal. You know, after many rejections by Hamas, we hope we're going to have some news before the holy days of Hanukkah and Christmas.”
There have been reports all week that a deal could be reached within days, involving a ceasefire and a prisoner exchange: hostages held in Gaza for Palestinian detainees in Israel.
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Victoria's Attorney-General, Jaclyn Symes, is set to become the state’s first female Treasurer following a cabinet reshuffle prompted by Tim Pallas's resignation.
Ms Symes, an upper house MP from Benalla, has served as Attorney-General since 2020 and Emergency Services Minister since 2021.
She is expected to be sworn in today, succeeding Mr Pallas, who held the Treasurer role for a decade.
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Staff and students from minority groups have reported various forms of racism at universities, with many too afraid to speak out.
According to an Australian Human Rights Commission report, Indigenous staff and students face structural and interpersonal racism, with their achievements often dismissed as special treatment.
The interim report, released today, finds that a limited understanding of historical and systemic discrimination hinders equity.
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In cricket, injury-hit Brisbane Heat began their Big Bash League title defence with a commanding eight-wicket win over the Melbourne Stars at the M-C-G.
Chasing 162, the Heat secured victory with 11 balls to spare, thanks to Jimmy Peirson’s unbeaten 72, his highest BBL score.
Peirson and Max Bryant shared a decisive 78-run partnership, while Xavier Bartlett impressed with 3-25.
The Stars struggled in the field, creating few chances and never threatening Brisbane’s control of the chase.
After losing to Perth Scorchers on Sunday, the Stars remain winless from two games.
Despite missing key players, including Colin Munro and Michael Neser, the Heat gave debuts to Daniel Drew and Tom Whitney.
