Here is a look at what is making news around the country today.
Today’s national news includes Australia’s $100 million donation to Vietnam’s climate change program criticized, Australia is now in a ‘retail recession’ as inflation and rate hikes hit consumer spending. Also in the news are Ukraine receiving fresh military supplies from Australia, the new CDU campus leaving its mark on Darwin’s skyline, and The Amazing Race Australia to air its Celebrity Edition.
Politics
Australia’s $100 million donation to Vietnam criticized
Concerns have been raised about the impact of the cost of living crisis on Australians after the Prime Minister pledged over $100 million to Vietnam to help tackle climate change, Sky News has reported. “Families and businesses are being brought to their knees by the increased taxes that are being used to pay off debt,” said Victorian Independent MP Moira Deeming. “These are safe Labor seats, and they just keep on being taken for granted by this Labor government.”
Economy
Australia in ‘retail recession’ as inflation and rate hikes hit spending
The Guardian has reported that Australia is in the midst of a “retail recession” as inflation and higher interest rates erode the buying power of consumers, a report by Deloitte Access Economics showed. Retail turnover, once inflation is stripped out, sank 0.6 per cent in the March quarter, or twice the pace of the retreat in the final three months of 2022. The June quarter is also likely to post a drop in retail sales, making it three consecutive quarters of decline. “Consumers are also expected to pull back on services, which could result in a broader-based ‘consumer recession’ later this year.”
Defence
New military supplies sent to Ukraine
Fresh military supplies have arrived in Ukraine from Australia, Anadolu Ajansi has reported. Australian Defense Department has not shared specifics, but it is believed that the Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle was on board the cargo transport flight. Australia has so far provided about $655 million in assistance to Ukraine, which includes military support and 90 Bushmasters. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is expected to announce new military assistance for Ukraine next month.
Regions
New CDU campus leaves its mark on Darwin’s skyline
Structural works for Charles Darwin University’s (CDU) new $250 million Education and Community Precinct are now complete. To date, over 10,000 cubic metres of concrete have been poured for the 8-story structure, with more than 230,000 on-site man-hours undertaken to construct the facility from its foundations up to level eight. Darwin-based construction company, Halikos will now continue work on the precinct’s external façade and internal fit-out, as well as the commencement of the surrounding landscaping works. Construction of the precinct is expected to be complete by mid-2024, the NT Ministry of Infrastructure said.
Entertainment
The Amazing Race Australia Celebrity Edition
From Bec Judd to Jana Pittman, Grant and Chezzi Denyer to George Mladenov, these famous faces are taking on the biggest race around the world. This time around, our loveable host Beau Ryan will be taking 11 teams of celebs and their loved ones on a race across the globe, battling not just for the glory of the win but also for $100,000 for their chosen charity. The 11 celebrity teams include Alli Simpson and mum Angie Simpson, Bec Judd and sister Kate Twigley, Dane Simpson and dad Bow Simpson, Darren McMullen and nephew Tristan Dougan, Emma Watkins and sister Hayley Watkins, among others, 10 Play has reported.
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