As the Federal election draws closer, we see a panicked Albanese Federal Government releasing draft legislation in an attempt to address multiple crises of their own making, which include aged care, housing, immigration, national security, skills shortage, social media, and the Misinformation Bill.
The latest monthly inflation data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics confirms inflation is still homegrown, with the Reserve Bank Governor sending a clear message that there will be no interest rate cuts in the near term, leaving Australians balancing the payment of their mortgages with the price of basic necessities such as groceries, housing, rent, health and insurance.
As the housing crisis continues to be felt across the country, the Labor Government has finally announced the first grants under the $10 billion Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF). This legislation, which was rushed through Parliament, will not even scratch the surface to address social and affordable housing in Australia and is far from a solution to getting more Australians into a home.
Both the Prime Minister and Treasurer have previously denied that negative gearing is on the table for consideration but last week we had a confusing response from the Prime Minister about whether or not changes were being considered. Modelling undertaken by Deloitte Access Economics for the Property Council, shows that a change in negative gearing rules will not deliver the outcomes sought by the Federal Government.
The Labor Federal Government has proposed to significantly reduce Australia’s foreign student intake which major stakeholders say will affectively apply a handbrake to one of the country's biggest industries. And this change will not only apply to universities but also to vocational education providers at a time when Australia is experiencing critical skills shortages.
Jobs and Skills Australia warned that all construction trades were in shortage, and this is having a direct impact on the capacity of Australia to build houses. Skills processing for people with experience in construction work needs to be prioritised.
In response to the aged care crisis, the Opposition has provided an offer to work with the Government on sensible aged care policies. At the moment, we have a decline in aged care places and delays in Home Care plans and I'm sure you will agree that older Australians deserve a system that is strong and sustainable to support them. The changes proposed are extensive and while there would be a greater at-home-support, new entrants to residential care would make larger means-tested contributions. It is important that you have your say, either on-line or by emailing me directly.
The ACCC has commenced separate proceedings in the Federal Court against Woolworths and Coles for allegedly breaching the Australian Consumer Law by misleading consumers through discount pricing claims on hundreds of common supermarket products.
The Labor Federal Government has prioritised the introduction into Parliament of a new Misinformation Bill. Whilst the Misinformation Bill is intended to reduce the spread of harmful misinformation and disinformation on digital communications platforms, I remain concerned that the Bill will stifle free speech. Under the proposed Bill it appears that something can be "misinformation" even if it's an honestly held opinion of an Australian.
After initially opposing the Coalition's legislation last November, calling for a trial on age verification for access to social media, the Albanese Federal Government is now moving on this issue, with hopes that the trial could commence in October this year.
At a time when the unrest in the Middle East is escalating, I’m reminded of how lucky we are to call Australia home. Every month, I am privileged to welcome new Australians at citizenship ceremonies. To them Australia presents a great opportunity for a better life, and each has a heart-warming story about what becoming an Australian means to them.
In closing, a friendly reminder to submit your entries for my Christmas Card and Community Calendar Photography competitions!
As always, please feel free to send me an email and provide me with your feedback: [email protected] I'm happy to hear from you at any time!
Until next month,
