Dominic Cansdale
US tariffs and supply issues are creating uncertainty for an already strained coffee market, and roasters say it's only a matter of time before Australians will pay more for their brew. 2h ago 2 hours ago Sun 8 Jun 2025 at 8:34pm
The unseasonal rain has washed out sporting games and put a dampener on major events, but the weather bureau says clear skies are around the corner. Thu 15 May Thu 15 May Thu 15 May 2025 at 9:55pm
The director of the popular business pleaded guilty to dozens of offences after health inspectors made numerous stomach-churning discoveries. Wed 14 May Wed 14 May Wed 14 May 2025 at 8:22am
Shock waves have been sent through the domestic film industry after US President Donald Trump announced his intention to slap a 100 per cent tariff on films "produced in foreign lands". Tue 6 May Tue 6 May Tue 6 May 2025 at 5:25am
Candidates for the historically safe conservative seat of McPherson say housing is a key issue for voters as a high-profile independent attempts a political upset. Fri 2 May Fri 2 May Fri 2 May 2025 at 12:37am
A track extension promises to bring millions of passengers through Mermaid Beach every year but some business owners wonder if their stores will survive long enough to see the benefits. Fri 18 Apr Fri 18 Apr Fri 18 Apr 2025 at 10:45pm
Tom Tate indicates he was only half serious about sending rough sleepers into northern NSW as experts note that the underlying causes of homelessness need to be addressed. Tue 15 Apr Tue 15 Apr Tue 15 Apr 2025 at 7:42am
More than 92 million people have used the Gold Coast's light rail service, but the multi-billion-dollar project's final stage is causing division between the Gold Coast mayor and the Crisafulli government. Fri 4 Apr Fri 4 Apr Fri 4 Apr 2025 at 2:51am
A lifeguard tower at Surfers Paradise has toppled over, and others have been damaged, as king tides and powerful surf batter the Gold Coast. Wed 2 Apr Wed 2 Apr Wed 2 Apr 2025 at 1:24am
The Department of the Environment says it is likely that a small freshwater crocodile found on a suburban Gold Coast street is an escaped pet or has been taken illegally from the wild. Tue 1 Apr Tue 1 Apr Tue 1 Apr 2025 at 2:17am
Police are searching for a man who allegedly stabbed a father and shot his son at a Surfers Paradise unit complex. Mon 31 Mar Mon 31 Mar Mon 31 Mar 2025 at 3:24am
A plan to convert a defunct motocross site into an e-motorbike track is a step closer thanks to a new Gold Coast council lease, but opponents say it will "reward" poor behaviour. Fri 21 Mar Fri 21 Mar Fri 21 Mar 2025 at 9:57pm
A peak waste management group has warned that "policy paralysis" is intensifying the Gold Coast's rubbish problem. Thu 20 Feb Thu 20 Feb Thu 20 Feb 2025 at 12:37am
As momentum grows to expand Youth Foyer programs across Queensland, there are some limits to what it can achieve. Tue 18 Feb Tue 18 Feb Tue 18 Feb 2025 at 7:04pm
Brooke Patterson will be required to publicly apologise for her behaviour after an independent investigation found she was "aggressive" towards senior council staff on multiple occasions. Tue 18 Feb Tue 18 Feb Tue 18 Feb 2025 at 9:44am
As north Queensland waits to assess the damage of intensive flooding, people are finding solace in their communities — whether it's helping a mate fix a generator, sharing supplies or offering a place to stay. Tue 4 Feb Tue 4 Feb Tue 4 Feb 2025 at 5:19am
The weather bureau is predicting a reprieve from heatwave conditions in parts of Queensland, but temperatures will still be brutal in some areas. Fri 24 Jan Fri 24 Jan Fri 24 Jan 2025 at 11:49pm
A man has faced court following an alleged assault near the entrance of Dreamworld on the Gold Coast. Tue 14 Jan Tue 14 Jan Tue 14 Jan 2025 at 5:24am
A 33-year-old woman is fighting for her life after being shot in the back while sitting in the passenger seat of a car on the Gold Coast. Wed 8 Jan Wed 8 Jan Wed 8 Jan 2025 at 6:02am
With just weeks until Christmas, Reuben O'Carroll was put on life support after being bitten by a paralysis tick in the Gold Coast hinterland. Sun 22 Dec Sun 22 Dec Sun 22 Dec 2024 at 3:23am
The City of Gold Coast has purchased the luxurious Eaglemont Estate for more than $10 million, as part of plan to develop nature-based tourism in the hinterland. But mayor Tom Tate says it could also feed into another major yet controversial tourism project. Tue 17 Dec Tue 17 Dec Tue 17 Dec 2024 at 6:05am
Men have consistently made up the majority of drownings in Australia but as summer holidays get underway, there's a growing focus on reducing these avoidable deaths. Thu 12 Dec Thu 12 Dec Thu 12 Dec 2024 at 10:29pm
A Gold Coast man who accepted thousands of dollars for wedding videos he never provided is fined, leaving couples wondering how the years-long saga could have been avoided. Wed 11 Dec Wed 11 Dec Wed 11 Dec 2024 at 1:40am
A longstanding proposal to go ahead with a major tourism project in the World Heritage-listed Gold Coast hinterland has edged forward despite a renewed push for an alternative. Tue 3 Dec Tue 3 Dec Tue 3 Dec 2024 at 11:40pm
In 1966 a salt-of-the-earth banana farmer saw something he couldn't explain that left behind a circular mark in some reeds which he called a "saucer nest". That moment became the inspiration for an international alien hoax and exposed him to the chaotic debate about UFOs.
Sun 24 Nov Sun 24 Nov Sun 24 Nov 2024 at 12:37am
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News.com.au
27 minutes ago
- News.com.au
Global Rights Index report shows working standards, wealth dropping at ‘alarming pace'
If you're a multi-millionaire in 2025, things are going great. If you're anyone else, particularly someone who works for a living, the picture isn't so peachy. That's the main takeaway from the International Trade Union Confederation's latest Global Rights Index report, which aims to deliver an annual, broad-strokes analysis on the current issues facing millions of workers across the globe. The report includes 151 countries and declares workers' rights are in 'freefall' across every continent, with Europe and the Americas clocking their worst scores in the index's 11-year history. 'The five richest people in the world more than doubled their wealth over the last five years, while 60 per cent of the population of the world got poorer,' ITUC General Secretary Luc Triangle said. 'We are investing nearly US$3 trillion as a world into arms and into weapons and there is unfair taxation.' The Index calls out what it describes as a global trend, where elected leaders (and their backers) are turning on the democratic systems that got them into office. In its crosshairs are names like Elon Musk, Argentine leader Javier Milei, and America's favourite TV star-turned-commander-in-chief Donald Trump. Milei and Trump built strong populist followings as part of the global pushback against the left wing establishment. Their appeal largely came from a rejection of political correctness, an issue both classical left-wingers and rusted-on conservatives were both fed-up by. By effectively capturing the centre at the polls, the 'new right' has solidified its influence on the global stage, promising regular people a prosperous future free from overreach and wasteful bureaucracy. Early reports from the US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) painted a picture of endemic corruption to the tune of billions. But there are fears the modern right wing's pursuit to cull back government bloat has tipped the scales against those who voted for them. In the United States, the Trump administration has been accused of dismantling federal labour protections, stripping union rights from 47,000 TSA workers, revoking civil service protections, firing a member of the National Labor Relations Board, and gutting the staff of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service. Triangle says the damage has only accelerated since March 2025, which was the cut-off point for the data for the latest Global Rights Index report. 'In more and more countries, we have elected leaders that once they are elected democratically, they are taking action against democratic values,' Triangle warned. 'The first target of those leaders in many countries is they attack trade human rights and workers' rights.' While the modern right rallies against authoritarianism in terms of state control, Triangle views their response as its own form of authoritarianism, perpetuated by a cabal of 'unelected billionaire backers'. 'Whether it's Donald Trump and Elon Musk in the US or Javier Milei and Eduardo Eurnekian in Argentina, we see the same playbook of unfairness and authoritarianism in action around the world.' In the ITUC seven of the 151 countries studied earned a top-tier ranking for workers' rights. Three of five global regions saw conditions deteriorate, and 87 per cent of nations violated the right to strike. Access to justice was restricted in 72 per cent of countries surveyed. The ten worst countries for workers were listed as Bangladesh, Belarus, Ecuador, Egypt, Eswatini, Myanmar, Nigeria, the Philippines, Tunisia and Turkey. Australia in rare territory despite struggles Only three countries improved their scores: Australia, Mexico, and Oman. While plagued by rampant cost of living pressures and wage stagnation and an impossible housing market for people just beginning their careers, Australia has some standout policies embedded into our system that guarantee rights that less developed nations can only dream about. Data collated by YCharts shows just how far the average Aussie's disposable income has dropped since the pandemic. But while we haven't got as much cash to throw around, at least we can tell our boss to stick it if they text us on the weekend. The Fair Work Act 2009 established the National Employment Standards (NES), which include 11 minimum entitlements such as maximum weekly hours, annual leave, and parental leave. These standards provide a solid foundation for employee rights in Australia. Australia has also ratified all 10 fundamental International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions, becoming the first country in the Asia-Pacific region to do so. And just last year, we introduced the 'right to disconnect', allowing employees to refuse work-related communications outside of normal working hours, provided their refusal is not unreasonable. It's not all doom and gloom The report paints a grim picture of the state of work, but it's not entirely one-sided. The ITUC Index leans heavily on data from more developed and industrialised economies where workers' protections have historically been stronger. In countries with atrocious human rights records, the narrative if shifting, albeit slowly. According to a 2023 World Bank report, global poverty has continued to decline over the past decade, especially in lower-income nations. Living standards have risen in many parts of Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, largely thanks to targeted development, aid programs and general advancement of technology across the board.
SBS Australia
an hour ago
- SBS Australia
PM urged to intervene after Australian journalist hit by rubber bullet in LA protests
Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young has urged Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to hold US President Donald Trump accountable, after an Australian journalist was shot by a rubber bullet while covering protests in Los Angeles . Nine's US correspondent Lauren Tomasi said her calf was left with what she described as "a nasty bruise", after a policeman fired the rubber bullet which struck her leg. Footage of the incident appears to show one police officer directing his aim in the direction of Tomasi and a camera operator. "It really did hurt, I'd say they were the size of a golf ball," Tomasi said on Melbourne's 3AW radio. "I guess it comes part and parcel of the job sometimes but it does ... give you a sense of ... the situation here is out of control." Nine later released a statement saying: "Lauren and her camera operator are safe and will continue their essential work covering these events." "This incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers journalists can face while reporting from the frontlines of protests, underscoring the importance of their role in providing vital information," the company said. Hanson-Young said it was "simply shocking and completely unacceptable" that US authorities would shoot at an Australian journalist, and urged Albanese to seek an urgent explanation from Trump. "As Albanese is preparing for his first meeting with President Trump, the first thing he must tell the president is to stop shooting at our journalists," she said. "Freedom of the press is a fundamental pillar of a strong, functioning democracy." Albanese will travel as a guest to the G7 summit in Canada next week, where a meeting with Trump is likely but not locked in. "You can't have the Australian prime minister meeting with the US president within days, and have this issue sidelined," Senator Hanson-Young said. "There is no reason why the prime minister should not be picking up the phone today and asking for an explanation." The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) said in a statement the Australian Consulate-General in Los Angeles was in contact with Tomasi and "stands ready to provide consular assistance if required". "Australia supports media freedom and the protection of journalists. All journalists should be able to do their work safely," a spokesperson added. DFAT added that Australians are being urged to avoid areas where demonstrations and protests were happening. SBS News has contacted the Prime Minister's Office for comment. Speaking to Sky News shortly after the footage aired, deputy prime minister Richard Marles said he was unaware of the incident but glad "that reporter is OK". Coalition senator Matt Canavan said the footage suggested "it looks like there was a targeting there," but was reluctant to jump to conclusions. "What it should be is a detailed investigation of all these matters," he told the ABC. Then-prime minister Scott Morrison asked Australia's embassy in Washington DC to investigate the assault. In 2023, a review by the US Office of the Inspector General found excessive force was used against the two media workers. In recent days, thousands of protesters have marched on the streets of Los Angeles, rallying against an immigration crackdown.
News.com.au
2 hours ago
- News.com.au
ASPI senior defence analyst says Australia needs to be prepared for ‘protracted war'
A senior security expert has warned of the 'very clear threat' of China invading Taiwan, urging Australia to upgrade its defence capabilities and warning that Australia 'needs to be ready for the prospect' of war. Malcolm Davis, a senior defence strategy analyst at conservative think tank the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, urged the government to increase spending to safeguard against China's rising aggression and influence in the Pacific. The comments come as US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth called on Australia to uplift its spending to 3.5 per cent of GDP, with levels currently set to increase to 2.33 per cent by 2033-34. Australia's defence budget is expected to come under further scrutiny with Anthony Albanese expected to have a face-to-face meeting with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of this weekend's G7 Leaders Summit in Canada. Speaking to Sky on Monday, Mr Davis agreed with comments from US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and said there was 'very clear threat that China is going to move on Taiwan within the next to three years'. He said Australia needed to ensure that our military assets were up to the task of responding to a 'protracted war,' flagging the need for improved resilience against 'integrated air and missile defence systems'. '(Defence spending) needs to include sustainability and building sustainability for protracted war that could last months or years in our region, and ensure that we can stay in the fight, a high intensity fight, for that period of time,' he said. 'And it includes preparedness and essentially, the ability to respond to challenges and attacks on our society and our country. 'I think that we do need to be ready for the prospect that if war does happen, Australia will be attacked directly.' Mr Davis said the spending needed to be accelerated 'not in 10 years' but in a 'year or two,' adding that investment needs to also be 'smart and targeted'. The defence expert also said critical infrastructure in Australia's north, like RWF Tindall, ports, oil and energy facilities were all 'essentially undefended'. 'The government talks about building integrated air and missile defence systems, and they have developed the command and control system for that, but they don't have any missiles to shoot with,' he continued. 'They talk about possibly using a naval based missile or an air based missile, but those platforms have to be in the right place at the right time.' Although Defence Minister Richard Marles has left the door open for further discussions with the US, stating that the government was 'clearly willing to have the conversation with America,' he said the outcome will be based on Australia's 'national interest'. 'We will work it through from there and make sure that we do the appropriate defence spending based on meeting the strategic moment,' he told Sky. Mr Albanese has recently clashed with the conservative think tank after it released a report stating a 'generational investment' in defence has been 'put off for another generation'. Report author and former home affairs deputy secretary Mark Ablong said a failure to boost defence 'will make all Australians less secure,' and 'risks a brittle and hollowed defence force' and a 'paper ADF'. However Mr Albanese rubbished the report as 'predictable' and political and stood by the government's plan. 'ASPI regularly produce these sort of reports, you know, run by people who have been in a position to make a difference in the past as part of former governments,' he told ABC radio. 'You know, I think it's predictable, frankly.'
