Major step towards cutting maximum medicine cost to $25
It will be the second cap on medicines on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) introduced by the Albanese government in three years, after it cut the maximum price of PBS prescriptions from $42.50 to $30.
"The size of your bank balance shouldn't determine the quality of your health care," Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.
"My government will continue to deliver cost-of-living relief for all Australians."
PBS medicines would be capped at $7.70 for pensioners and credit card holders until 2030.
The bill's introduction is largely a formality, with its passage through the lower house all but assured thanks to Labor's massive 94-seat majority in the 150-seat House of Representatives.
The election promise is the Albanese government's next priority after it introduced childcare safety and HECS debt reduction legislation.
Federal Labor has been talking up plans to strengthen the PBS amid concerns the scheme will be targeted as a bargaining chip in US trade negotiations to ward off threatened pharmaceutical tariffs.
Mr Albanese has repeatedly said the scheme was not up for negotiation.
Australia eased its biosecurity restrictions on US beef imports last week, but the prime minister has denied the move was linked to US trade talks, noting it followed a 10-year review of Australian biosecurity rules.
Beyond new legislation, conflict in the Middle East will likely prompt fierce debate on the parliamentary floor after Mr Albanese said Israel had breached international law by blocking the flow of food aid into Gaza.
"Quite clearly, it is a breach of international law to stop food being delivered, which was a decision that Israel made in March," Mr Albanese said on ABC's Insiders program on Sunday.
He stopped short of saying Australia would join France in recognising a Palestinian state, but said his government would decide at "an appropriate time".
"Hamas can have no role in a future state," he said.
"Hamas are a terrorist organisation who I find, their actions are abhorrent."
Opposition foreign affairs spokeswoman Michaelia Cash said Mr Albanese failed to adequately condemn the role of the group in the ongoing conflict.
The government is also likely to come under pressure regarding transparency when parliament resumes, after a Centre for Public Integrity probe revealed only a quarter of freedom of information request responses returned by the government in 2023-24 were un-redacted.
By comparison, the Morrison government returned almost half of its FOI requests as complete documents in 2021-22.
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News.com.au
42 minutes ago
- News.com.au
‘Dangerous': World reacts to huge Gaza move
Nations around the world on have reacted to Israel's plan to take complete control of Gaza. For US President Donald Trump, it's up to Israel to decide what to do next in the region — meaning Washington is offering quiet support for its ally's plans to expand the offensive in the war-wracked Palestinian territory. While numerous European and Arab capitals urged Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday to reconsider his decision to 'take control' of Gaza City, President Trump this week has effectively given the Israeli prime minister free rein — even if it means pushback from the international community. After nearly two years of devastating conflict, Israel's security cabinet approved Netanyahu's plan to 'defeat' Hamas, which triggered the war with its October 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel. Before Israel's announcement, when asked if he could support such a plan, President Trump told reporters at the White House on Tuesday that he was focused on securing an increase in the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza to help starving Palestinians. 'As far as the rest of it, I really, I really can't say — that's going to be pretty much up to Israel,' President Trump said. Then on Thursday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed that position, telling Catholic TV network EWTN, 'Ultimately, what Israel needs to do for Israel's security will be determined by Israel.' President Trump and Mr Rubio's comments speak volumes about the US strategy: since Israel-Hamas talks on a ceasefire in Gaza fell apart, Washington has broadly embraced Israel's views following US envoy Steve Witkoff's visit last week. Details of Mr Witkoff's meeting with Mr Netanyahu have not been made public, but it is hard to imagine that President Trump's emissary was not briefed on Israel's plans. While Washington has amped up the pressure on Israel to allow more aid into the Gaza Strip, it has also insisted that all Israeli hostages — dead or alive — be freed from Hamas captivity and the complete annihilation of the militant group. 'Our goals are very clear,' US Vice President JD Vance said Friday during talks with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy. 'We want to make it so that Hamas cannot attack innocent Israeli civilians ever again, and we think that has to come through the eradication of Hamas.' Since returning to the White House in January, President Trump has offered Israel iron-clad support, even while pushing for better humanitarian support. He seemed to throw in the towel on securing a ceasefire following repeated failed efforts at mediation, especially after talks crumbled late last month in Doha when Hamas refused a deal to free the hostages. Hamas still has 49 Israeli hostages abducted during the October 2023 attack, 27 of whom are presumed dead. The US ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee — who is prone to making eyebrow-raising statements — slammed all criticism of Israel's plans for Gaza. 'So Israel is expected to surrender to Hamas & feed them even though Israeli hostages are being starved?' Mr Huckabee wrote on social media. 'Did UK surrender to Nazis and drop food to them?' he said in response to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who called Netanyahu's approach 'wrong.' In his interview with EWTN, Rubio said 'as long as Hamas exists, particularly exists as an armed organisation, there will never be peace in Gaza.' Mr Rubio said he understood why the famine facing Palestinians in the territory was getting 'almost all the media coverage' but lamented what he called a lack of attention to the plight of the remaining Israeli hostages. In recent weeks, Washington has sharply criticised international initiatives to formally recognise a Palestinian state, led notably by French President Emmanuel Macron, warning that it emboldens Hamas not to give up. World reacts to Israel's huge Gaza move Nations around the world on Friday condemned Israel's plan to wrest control of Gaza City, saying it would only worsen the conflict and lead to more bloodshed. Here is a roundup of global reactions: UN: 'dangerous escalation' United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Israel's plan was a 'dangerous escalation' that risked worsening conditions for ordinary Palestinians. UN human rights chief Volker Turk said the plan must be 'immediately halted'. Israel should instead allow 'the full, unfettered flow of humanitarian aid' and Palestinian armed groups must unconditionally release hostages, he added. Diplomatic sources told AFP several countries had requested an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council over the Israeli plans. EU: 'consequences' for Israel ties 'The Israeli government's decision to further extend its military operation in Gaza must be reconsidered,' European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said on X. She called for a ceasefire, the release of all hostages and 'immediate and unhindered access' for humanitarian aid in Gaza. European Council president Antonio Costa warned that 'such a decision must have consequences' for EU-Israel ties. 'The situation in Gaza remains dramatic, and the decision by the Israeli government will only further worsen it,' he posted on X. Hamas: 'War crime' Hamas denounced the Israeli government's plan as 'a new war crime that the occupation army intends to commit against' Gaza and warned that the operation would 'cost it dearly'. Iran: 'Genocide' In Hamas's backer Iran, foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said Israel's plan was 'another clear sign of the Zionist regime's specific intention to ethnically cleanse Gaza and commit genocide against the Palestinians'. China: Gaza for Palestinians 'Gaza belongs to the Palestinian people and is an inseparable part of Palestinian territory,' a foreign ministry spokesperson told AFP. 'The correct way to ease the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and to secure the release of hostages is an immediate ceasefire.' Germany: arms exports cut Chancellor Friedrich Merz said it was 'increasingly difficult to understand' how the Israeli military plan would help achieve legitimate aims. 'Under these circumstances, the German government will not authorise any exports of military equipment that could be used in the Gaza Strip until further notice,' he added. UK: 'More bloodshed' 'This action will do nothing to bring an end to this conflict or to help secure the release of the hostages,' Prime Minister Keir Starmer said, adding that it would 'only bring more bloodshed'. France: 'Dead end' 'Such actions would constitute further serious violations of international law and lead to a complete dead end,' France's foreign ministry said in a statement posted to social media. 'They would undermine the legitimate aspirations of Palestinians to live in peace within a viable, sovereign and contiguous state, and pose a threat to regional stability.' Turkey: International pressure Turkey urged global pressure to halt the plan. 'We call on the international community to fulfil its responsibilities to prevent the implementation of this decision, which aims to forcibly displace Palestinians from their own land,' said a foreign ministry statement. Spain: 'Destruction and suffering' 'We firmly condemn the decision of the Israeli government to escalate the military occupation of Gaza,' said Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares. 'It will only cause more destruction and suffering.' He added that 'a permanent ceasefire, the immediate and massive entry of humanitarian aid, and the release of all hostages are urgently needed'. Saudi Arabia: 'Ethnic cleansing' The foreign ministry wrote on X that Riyadh 'categorically condemns its persistence in committing crimes of starvation, brutal practices, and ethnic cleansing against the brotherly Palestinian people'. Jordan: Palestinians' rights A statement issued by the Royal Court said King Abdullah condemned a move 'which undermines the two-state solution and the rights of the Palestinian people'.
Herald Sun
2 hours ago
- Herald Sun
Revealed: Where to find Victoria's best lifestyle suburbs
Victoria's best lifestyle suburbs have been revealed, from beachside bargains to up-and-coming Melbourne pockets. And with some of the best areas for families to get the right mix of transport, schools, childcare and beach or park access currently below their price peak, there's a rare chance to bag a bargain in an idyllic spot. Areas such as Armstrong Creek in Greater Geelong and Winchelsea on the Surf Coast topped the list. RELATED: Downsizers flock to beach suburbs as Baby Boomers gain access to superannuation Newport: AFL dynasty's renovated family home seeks $2m+ Revealed: Australia's 50 supercharged suburbs for price growth With median house prices in the low-to-mid $600,000s, the Geelong suburb and town with a population of 2400-plus are cheaper today compared to a few years ago. Newtown, also in Geelong, as well as nearby Barwon Heads and Torquay also made the list — but come with seven-figure median house prices. In Melbourne, south eastern suburbs were highly-ranked alongside inner city Port Melbourne and Williamstown, as well as Newport in the west, all with typical house values above $1m. The research was commissioned by MCG Quantity Surveyors using data from real estate analytics company SuburbTrends. MCG Quantity Surveyors director Mike Mortlock said the report aimed to uncover Australian suburbs with the best long-term growth potential and lifestyle offerings, based on factors such as access to amenities such as childcare, schools, beaches and open space,and 10-year median price growth. 'They're attributes that help markets outperform over the long haul – we know buyers will pay a premium to have them,' Mr Mortlock said. According to PropTrack, Armstrong Creek is now tens of thousands of dollars cheaper than when its median house price hit $728,000 in 2022. And Winchelsea's typical house price hit a five-year peak of $720,000 just 12 months ago. Despite the chance for a bargain, Melbourne-based buyers' advocate and Property Investment Professionals of Australia board member, Cate Bakos, cautioned buyers thinking of relocating and commuting to Melbourne would add hours of travel time to their week. But places like Newtown and Geelong West could be ideal for people wanting to work from home while enjoying lifestyle benefits and proximity to a train station, Ms Bakos noted. 'Geelong as a city, it's diverse – it's got a good economy, and there's lots going on there, it's food and wine scene and its weekender appeal is growing,' she added. Armstrong Real Estate director Megan Rovers, who also co-hosts the property industry podcast Built For This, said working from home allowed many buyers in the region 'to have the best of both worlds' while commuting to Melbourne for part of the week. 'They can have the house with the backyard to enjoy and the lifestyle to enjoy on the weekend,' she said. Ms Rovers said a wide range of buyers were attracted to Armstrong Creek for its schools, shopping centres and access the beach, nearby train stations to travel to Geelong or Melbourne and the Geelong Ring Road. 'What we find is first-time buyers are buying because it's affordable, downsizers are coming and following families,' Ms Rovers said. 'So if there's a family that are choosing because of the schools or the lifestyle that it offers, then the grandparents or parents will come and try and live close by.' Closer to Melbourne, Newport has a $1.205m median house price and Williamstown $1.52m. Real Estate Institute of Victoria director and Compton Green Inner West director Adrian Butera said Newport featured the 33ha Newport Lakes Reserve and two train lines running through its station. He said while Newport was not as highly-regarded as some of Melbourne's other inner western suburbs, plenty of buyers were now starting to cotton on. 'If you pull out a calculator and pull out the per square metre rate of Newport versus, say, Yarraville or Williamstown, Newport is so beautifully positioned yet is reasonably affordable,' Mr Butera said. 'In perspective, you get more bang for your buck in Newport than you do most other suburbs in the inner west.' White Fox associate director Cheyne Fox said Port Melbourne's parks, schools, shops, restaurants, friendly community and nearness to Melbourne's CBD meant many locals looked to upsize or downsize within the suburb. Ms Fox said the 'slightly softer' market was now allowing buyers to purchase homes in the suburb they might not have been able to afford three to four years ago. 'So whereas something might have been sitting on $3m or just above a few years ago, it's now dipping down to $2.6m, $2.7m and it's making it more achievable for those people,' she said. 'And I'm seeing some savvy purchases who are aware of that fact snapping up some really good properties at very reasonable prices given what they were a few years back.' Port Melbourne's median house price is $1.55m, according to PropTrack. VICTORIA'S TOP LIFESTYLE AREAS Armstrong Creek, Barwon Heads: median house prices from $653,250 to $1.49m Winchelsea: median house price $600,000 Newtown: median house price $1.085m Cheltenham, Highett: median house prices from $1.19m to $1.425m Mentone: median house price $1.325m Newport: median house price $1.205m Port Melbourne: median house price $1.55m Beaumaris: median house price $2.05m Torquay: median house price $1.175m Williamstown: median house price $1.52m Areas listed are regional statistical area level 3s, as defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. They are home to between 30,000 to 130,000 residents each. Source: MCG Top Suburb Lifestyle Index July 2025, MCG Quantity Surveyors, SuburbTrends, and PropTrack. Additional reporting by Aidan Devine Sign up to the Herald Sun Weekly Real Estate Update. Click here to get the latest Victorian property market news delivered direct to your inbox. MORE: Expert reveals blast risk for new 15,000-home Melbourne suburb Melbourne tipped to lead 2026 property boom | KPMG Young Melb family's clever move pays off
Sydney Morning Herald
3 hours ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Albanese can make roundtable work for him, no matter where he sits on it
For those who doubt the effect of these changes, go and ask the populations of our AUKUS partners, Britain and the United States, how their health and retirement systems are going. The motivation behind the Accord was the labour movement's resolve to never repeat the errors that had contributed to the swift downfall of the Whitlam government: chiefly the lack of co-ordination between the unions and the party, and the failure to understand the implications of rampant wage claims made as the economy was suffering a shock from oil prices. In other words, the movement had to learn from its mistakes. In the 80 years since the end of World War II, the Labor Party has been elected to office from opposition only four times. Two of those governments – one headed by Gough Whitlam, the other by Kevin Rudd (twice) and Julia Gillard – went down the chute after just two terms. Both experienced sustained periods of internal chaos and failed to live up to their promise. The Hawke-Keating government is the standout success in the entire history of the ALP. It's still early days for the Albanese government, which is now in what was for the Whitlam and Rudd-Gillard outfits the death zone of a second term, but its early defenestration looks unlikely. A record lower house majority and a slide in the fortunes of the Liberals and the Greens offer the prospect of a sustained incumbency. The Albanese government is writing its own electoral script. The common experience of new governments from the early 1980s was that they were elected with a substantial majority that was reduced at the next election. Under Albanese, it has worked the other way around, with Labor just getting over the line in 2022 and then securing a landslide second time up. Right now, it is governing from an incredibly strong position. How could the government blow it? By not seizing the opportunity it's been given by the 8,553,231 Australians who voted for it. Those voters, who represented 55.2 per cent of the national electorate, want the country's problems fixed by the government. The extent of those problems has been demonstrated by the evolution of the roundtable, which began six months ago as an idea for a forum to find ways to kickstart productivity growth. It was not to be a summit that would produce a binding communique. Instead, it would be looser and smaller, with invitees asked to come with ideas, a spirit of consensus and a sense of shared responsibility. But as the lead-up to the roundtable has proceeded and the ambit proposals from stakeholders have dribbled out, it became more difficult to limit its remit to productivity. Fair enough, too, because the economic challenges are interconnected and go beyond that. Loading Quickly, to the government's discomfort, a focus on tax emerged. In any event, in a period when the care economy – a sector in which productivity is naturally difficult to measure – is big and guaranteed to grow, and artificial intelligence is poised to revolutionise most aspects of work, what will become of the existing concept of productivity? It follows that if a meeting convened by the national government has economic reform in its title, it needs to generate substantial results. The smartest thing the government can do will be to see the roundtable as an opportunity to expand its policy options, regardless of whether the industry groups or any other stakeholders play a spoiler role or not. If it tries to 'manage' the outcome, it will be shooting itself in the foot and letting down the people who gave it power. Chalmers, as a former staffer of Wayne Swan, treasurer in the Rudd and Gillard governments, will recall what happened to the 2010 Henry review of the tax system commissioned by the Rudd government. The review made 138 recommendations, only three of which the government took up. It was a political and policy disaster. And having studied Paul Keating's political career, Chalmers also knows about the ambitious and far-reaching tax changes Keating introduced in the Hawke government's second term. At the 1984 election, Labor pledged to hold a tax summit if re-elected. After the summit in 1985, Keating cut the marginal tax rate from 60 to 49 per cent and introduced a tax on capital gains and fringe benefits, along with a range of other changes to such things as wholesale sales tax and the company tax rate. Several measures, especially the fringe benefits tax, faced serious pushback from vested interests. The government had no direct mandate for those outcomes, but it pushed ahead and got them through. It was rewarded by voters for its courage, winning in 1987, 1990 and 1993. The roundtable could turn out to be a bust, as some critics have predicted, but that shouldn't matter. If it founders on the rock of self-interested pandering or head-in-the-sand behaviour, Albanese should say it was worth a try, thank the participants for coming, and then get on with doing big things anyway. There is an appetite for this in the community, especially among younger voters, who are getting the rough end of the economic pineapple. Loading A report this week found that house prices are 14 times the annual average wage. To let this continue would be unconscionable and a social catastrophe. The prime minister and treasurer are breathing rare air. They will never get a chance like this again. Then again, who's to say they actually share any historically significant, politically risky ideas for the economy? Postscript: What of my massive career-defining national scoop in 1983? Four paragraphs appeared in a late edition on a left-hand page deep inside the paper, with no byline. On the following Monday morning, I got a call from a senior colleague on the chief of staff's desk, a decent bloke: 'Mate, the other papers have got some of the details of this Labor-unions agreement that they're voting on today. Have you seen it?'
