AU POLITICS

The Prince and Princess of Wales return to Windsor as Prince George begins his first term at Eton College, marking a significant transition for the royal family.

Australia's emergency alert test has sparked online debate after citizens noticed unusual details in weather graphics, highlighting public sensitivity to disaster messaging amid preparations for a nationwide alert system trial.

A NSW tribunal awarded nearly $1 million to an injured worker, factoring in AI's potential impact on job market uncertainty, marking a first in Australian legal history.

Australia's 2026 workplace law changes include increased minimum wages, the right to disconnect, and new pathways for casual workers. Employers and employees must adapt to ensure compliance and understand their rights.

Australia and Japan are enhancing their defence and diplomatic ties to counter China's growing influence in the Pacific, focusing on military investments and strategic partnerships.

The ASX 200 fell 0.43% on Monday, driven by a bank selloff despite gains in mining and healthcare. Westpac's earnings update disappointed, while Element Fleet Management bid for FleetPartners.

Australian motorists face rising fuel costs as federal excise reductions end and Middle East tensions impact oil prices. A new refinery feasibility study aims to address long-term fuel security.

Rebel Wilson successfully defends against a defamation lawsuit by lead actress Charlotte MacInnes, with the court ruling the Instagram posts in question were not defamatory. Legal battles around 'The Deb' continue.

Petrol prices in Australia's capital cities have surged due to reduced fuel excise discounts and Middle East conflict. Consumers can save by timing fill-ups and using loyalty discounts.

Congo Brands Australia, behind Prime drinks, enters administration due to financial woes, with debts of $7.92 million and only $85,000 in cash. Legal actions and declining sales compound challenges.

South Australian drivers are encouraged to use real-time fuel price apps to save money, following a compliance blitz that fined petrol stations nearly $20,000 for inaccurate pricing.

Netwealth Group's shares rose 7.27% amid strong financial performance and positive analyst sentiment, despite regulatory challenges. The company reported record inflows and increased earnings, highlighting its growth potential.

Australia's fuel crisis, triggered by U.S.-Iran tensions, stabilises after government interventions. The crisis exposed vulnerabilities in Australia's fuel supply chain, prompting calls for increased domestic refining capacity.

AI-native platforms are transforming CRM in Australia, enabling businesses to process customer data in real-time, enhancing personalisation and operational efficiency across various sectors.

Japan will increase visa fees from July 1, affecting specific categories. Most Australian tourists remain unaffected, but working holiday-makers and long-term residents face higher costs.

WiseTech Global's shares dropped 18.44% following reports of an investigation into founder Richard White over serious allegations, raising concerns about governance and impacting investor confidence.

Victorian teachers have rejected a 28% pay rise offer, demanding better terms and threatening strikes. The decision adds pressure on the Allan government ahead of the state election.

The Reserve Bank of Australia has kept its cash rate at 4.35%, citing persistent inflation and global uncertainties, while assessing previous rate hikes' effects and monitoring Middle East developments.

Prince Harry aims to visit Balmoral with his children to foster family ties, but Meghan Markle's reluctance complicates plans, highlighting ongoing family challenges.

Young Australian investors may lose over $50,000 in potential profits due to proposed changes to capital gains tax, sparking concern among first-home buyers and emerging wealth builders.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia shares rose 1.28% as investors responded positively to its strong performance and potential Reserve Bank of Australia rate cuts, boosting confidence in the financial sector.

The ASX 200 index fell slightly as investors awaited the federal budget, balancing optimism in commodities with concerns over policy changes and global tensions.

The Coalition's proposed motion focused on offering "words of comfort" and "words of recognition" to the victims of the Oct. 7 tragedy, whereas the Albanese government's motion took a broader approach, acknowledging the violence in Gaza and Lebanon.

His new salary package reportedly will exceed AU$1 million, marking a substantial increase from his current earnings of around AU$400,000.

The Productivity Commission's annual report, Closing the Gap, highlighted that only five of the 19 measures monitored were on track, adding that the lack of data on certain issues, such as access to clean drinking water or domestic violence, made it difficult to make accurate assessments.

During a radio interview, Albanese said his recent candidate announcement was just a signal that the Labor Party was preparing for the new round of elections.

Annastacia Palaszczuk said she would wait for the government to reach a decision on the suggested Sunday penalty rates changes.

Following the arrests of nine people suspected of attacking Jakarta on New Year’s Eve, Australia’s Foreign Minister Julie Bishop met Indonesia’s Retno Marsudi for talks on trade and security.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull takes time out of series of meetings about trade and whaling issues with Japan to take a selfie with Asimo.