Australia moves towards a US-style health system - is that a good thing?
If you live in a capital Australian city and need to see a dentist or optometrist, there is a good chance you will end up in a clinic owned by your private health insurer. The same could be true for hospitals in the near future.
Health funds such as Medibank Private, HCF, NIB and Bupa are investing hundreds of millions of dollars into primary care and telehealth. The move marks a significant shift in the healthcare model. Insurers have traditionally funded healthcare, but now they want to provide it as well.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
9 News
an hour ago
- 9 News
First medicine for sleep apnoea approved for use by the TGA
Your web browser is no longer supported. To improve your experience update it here The Therapeutic Goods Administration has approved the first medicine to treat sleep apnoea. Mounjaro, which has the active ingredient tirzepatide, is widely used to treat type 2 diabetes. However, the TGA has today expanded the drug's usage to include obstructive sleep apnoea for adults living with obesity. A medicine used to treat type 2 diabetes has now been approved for use in adults with obstructive sleep apnoea and obesity. (iStock) This makes Mounjaro the first and only medicine for obstructive sleep apnoea in Australia. The drug has not been listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and will only be available through private prescription. Mounjaro can now be used to treat moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnoea in adults living with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more. Mounjaro has been approved to treat sleep apnoea in adults living with obesity. (CNN) Mounjaro cannot be used to treat type 1 diabetes, or by children and teenagers under 18 years old. Side effects associated with Mounjaro can include an upset stomach, injection site-related side effects, and low blood sugar. Obstructive sleep apnoea is the most common of all sleeping disorders and is thought to affect around 780,000 Australian adults. It occurs when a person's upper airway becomes blocked, causing breathing to be repeatedly interrupted during sleep. Professor Brendon Yee is a respiratory and sleep physician at the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research who was involved in a clinical trial of Mounjaro for obstructive sleep apnoea. Yee said the TGA decision was a "long-awaited development" in the field of sleep medicine. "For the first time, people with weight-related obstructive sleep apnoea can be treated with a medicine that addresses the underlying cause of their condition," Yee said. "This marks a significant milestone in the treatment of this debilitating sleep disorder. "Obstructive sleep apnoea can affect anyone, and obesity is the single greatest cause of the condition. "At least 70 per cent of people living with obstructive sleep apnoea also live with obesity." health national medical medicine Sleep obesity CONTACT US
The Advertiser
an hour ago
- The Advertiser
World Environment Day asks us to help turn the tide on plastic in the ocean
Every minute, more than 250 kilograms of plastic enter the Australian environment, that's about 145,000 tonnes each year. The Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) is the voice for Australia's oceans. Their plastics campaign manager, Cip Hamilton, said plastic pollution is causing unnecessary devastation to our marine life. "Every marine species has encountered plastic pollution, and none of the impacts are positive. It's entangling turtles, suffocating corals and starving seagulls," she said. "We recently saw a 90-day-old seabird chick over on Lord Howe Island with over 400 pieces of plastic in its stomach - the researchers could feel the crunch of plastic beneath their fingers as they handled the birds. This is not normal. This is not okay. We urgently need more action." The AMCS is calling for more to be done to stop plastic pollution at the source. "Corporations must be financially accountable for the packaging they place on our shelves and, importantly, we need government regulation to decrease the tidal wave of plastics that is inundating our beaches and oceans," Cip said. "We have a petition running calling for the Australian government to finalise a strong global plastics treaty, and we're also running a survey asking customers to compare the price of loose and packaged produce at the supermarkets. Last year, we found that 70 per cent of the time, it was more expensive to buy loose items than pre-packaged, so we're calling on customers to help us uncover these practices, and we'll use these results in our 2025 audit." If you want to add your voice to help reduce plastic pollution, you can sign the Strong Global Plastics Treaty petition available on You can also take part in the 2025 shopper survey by signing up on the Plastic Investigation Unit page. Plastic Free July is a global movement that empowers millions to be part of the solution to plastic pollution. If you want to take the challenge, you can find ideas at World Environment Day is the United Nations' biggest global platform for environmental awareness and action, celebrated every year on June 5. This year, the focus is on ending plastic pollution, with communities around the world encouraged to implement and advocate for lasting solutions to #BeatPlasticPollution. The global celebrations will be hosted by the Republic of Korea. Over the past 28 years, the country has made remarkable progress in improving water and air quality, managing chemicals safely, and protecting and restoring ecosystems. While plastic pollution is a major concern, it's also one we can solve. You can find more information by visiting Every minute, more than 250 kilograms of plastic enter the Australian environment, that's about 145,000 tonnes each year. The Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) is the voice for Australia's oceans. Their plastics campaign manager, Cip Hamilton, said plastic pollution is causing unnecessary devastation to our marine life. "Every marine species has encountered plastic pollution, and none of the impacts are positive. It's entangling turtles, suffocating corals and starving seagulls," she said. "We recently saw a 90-day-old seabird chick over on Lord Howe Island with over 400 pieces of plastic in its stomach - the researchers could feel the crunch of plastic beneath their fingers as they handled the birds. This is not normal. This is not okay. We urgently need more action." The AMCS is calling for more to be done to stop plastic pollution at the source. "Corporations must be financially accountable for the packaging they place on our shelves and, importantly, we need government regulation to decrease the tidal wave of plastics that is inundating our beaches and oceans," Cip said. "We have a petition running calling for the Australian government to finalise a strong global plastics treaty, and we're also running a survey asking customers to compare the price of loose and packaged produce at the supermarkets. Last year, we found that 70 per cent of the time, it was more expensive to buy loose items than pre-packaged, so we're calling on customers to help us uncover these practices, and we'll use these results in our 2025 audit." If you want to add your voice to help reduce plastic pollution, you can sign the Strong Global Plastics Treaty petition available on You can also take part in the 2025 shopper survey by signing up on the Plastic Investigation Unit page. Plastic Free July is a global movement that empowers millions to be part of the solution to plastic pollution. If you want to take the challenge, you can find ideas at World Environment Day is the United Nations' biggest global platform for environmental awareness and action, celebrated every year on June 5. This year, the focus is on ending plastic pollution, with communities around the world encouraged to implement and advocate for lasting solutions to #BeatPlasticPollution. The global celebrations will be hosted by the Republic of Korea. Over the past 28 years, the country has made remarkable progress in improving water and air quality, managing chemicals safely, and protecting and restoring ecosystems. While plastic pollution is a major concern, it's also one we can solve. You can find more information by visiting Every minute, more than 250 kilograms of plastic enter the Australian environment, that's about 145,000 tonnes each year. The Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) is the voice for Australia's oceans. Their plastics campaign manager, Cip Hamilton, said plastic pollution is causing unnecessary devastation to our marine life. "Every marine species has encountered plastic pollution, and none of the impacts are positive. It's entangling turtles, suffocating corals and starving seagulls," she said. "We recently saw a 90-day-old seabird chick over on Lord Howe Island with over 400 pieces of plastic in its stomach - the researchers could feel the crunch of plastic beneath their fingers as they handled the birds. This is not normal. This is not okay. We urgently need more action." The AMCS is calling for more to be done to stop plastic pollution at the source. "Corporations must be financially accountable for the packaging they place on our shelves and, importantly, we need government regulation to decrease the tidal wave of plastics that is inundating our beaches and oceans," Cip said. "We have a petition running calling for the Australian government to finalise a strong global plastics treaty, and we're also running a survey asking customers to compare the price of loose and packaged produce at the supermarkets. Last year, we found that 70 per cent of the time, it was more expensive to buy loose items than pre-packaged, so we're calling on customers to help us uncover these practices, and we'll use these results in our 2025 audit." If you want to add your voice to help reduce plastic pollution, you can sign the Strong Global Plastics Treaty petition available on You can also take part in the 2025 shopper survey by signing up on the Plastic Investigation Unit page. Plastic Free July is a global movement that empowers millions to be part of the solution to plastic pollution. If you want to take the challenge, you can find ideas at World Environment Day is the United Nations' biggest global platform for environmental awareness and action, celebrated every year on June 5. This year, the focus is on ending plastic pollution, with communities around the world encouraged to implement and advocate for lasting solutions to #BeatPlasticPollution. The global celebrations will be hosted by the Republic of Korea. Over the past 28 years, the country has made remarkable progress in improving water and air quality, managing chemicals safely, and protecting and restoring ecosystems. While plastic pollution is a major concern, it's also one we can solve. You can find more information by visiting Every minute, more than 250 kilograms of plastic enter the Australian environment, that's about 145,000 tonnes each year. The Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) is the voice for Australia's oceans. Their plastics campaign manager, Cip Hamilton, said plastic pollution is causing unnecessary devastation to our marine life. "Every marine species has encountered plastic pollution, and none of the impacts are positive. It's entangling turtles, suffocating corals and starving seagulls," she said. "We recently saw a 90-day-old seabird chick over on Lord Howe Island with over 400 pieces of plastic in its stomach - the researchers could feel the crunch of plastic beneath their fingers as they handled the birds. This is not normal. This is not okay. We urgently need more action." The AMCS is calling for more to be done to stop plastic pollution at the source. "Corporations must be financially accountable for the packaging they place on our shelves and, importantly, we need government regulation to decrease the tidal wave of plastics that is inundating our beaches and oceans," Cip said. "We have a petition running calling for the Australian government to finalise a strong global plastics treaty, and we're also running a survey asking customers to compare the price of loose and packaged produce at the supermarkets. Last year, we found that 70 per cent of the time, it was more expensive to buy loose items than pre-packaged, so we're calling on customers to help us uncover these practices, and we'll use these results in our 2025 audit." If you want to add your voice to help reduce plastic pollution, you can sign the Strong Global Plastics Treaty petition available on You can also take part in the 2025 shopper survey by signing up on the Plastic Investigation Unit page. Plastic Free July is a global movement that empowers millions to be part of the solution to plastic pollution. If you want to take the challenge, you can find ideas at World Environment Day is the United Nations' biggest global platform for environmental awareness and action, celebrated every year on June 5. This year, the focus is on ending plastic pollution, with communities around the world encouraged to implement and advocate for lasting solutions to #BeatPlasticPollution. The global celebrations will be hosted by the Republic of Korea. Over the past 28 years, the country has made remarkable progress in improving water and air quality, managing chemicals safely, and protecting and restoring ecosystems. While plastic pollution is a major concern, it's also one we can solve. You can find more information by visiting
The Advertiser
an hour ago
- The Advertiser
Why I'm worried for the 'digital nomads' camping on our city's streets
IN the past year, there have been scores of mobile homes parked on the Stockton ballast, car parks and foreshores. They comprise caravans, trailer homes, campervans, buses, and tents. Speaking to several, they described themselves as "digital working nomads". They work remotely from home. The COVID pandemic made this feasible. A glimpse of the interior of one home revealed a workstation resplendent with a computer, printer and wifi. Another camper offers his motor and handyman services. Most have been impacted by the housing crisis. Their journeys are often dictated by the seasons. They tell me they camp near beaches, creeks and roadsides, and often at country showgrounds where there is protection, facilities and contact with like-minded travellers. Isn't this situation evocative of the 1930s or the Great Depression, when the economy took a downward turn? The building and manufacturing industries were in the doldrums, unemployment benefits were cut, and people were forced to seek work and became dependent on the goodwill of the community. In history and folklore, they became the swaggies and hawkers. The digital working nomad is apparently one of Australia's fastest-growing working groups and part of a worldwide trend. The average age seems to be about 40. This includes both males and females. As indistinguishable from the 1930s, they are also dependent on the generosity, tolerance and the kindness of strangers. I WAS discharged today from Scott Ward at Lake Macquarie Private Hospital, and I would like to convey my gratitude for the care of my procedure on Tuesday, when my prostate urolift was performed by Dr Peter Chong. Dr Chong's skills and professional care are really appreciated, and the attendance to my anaesthesia by Dr Jason Denmeade is also remembered as a comforting experience during and post-op. I needed to stay overnight, and the nursing staff were outstanding. Particular mention to Sue during the day, who was always caring and, during the night shift, a senior nurse, Amanda, was professional in every way and helped make my stay as comfortable as possible. I just want to make the point that Lake Mac Private and all involved in hospital care deserve to be recognised for the clean and thorough medical services they provide. I've been watching The Piano on ABC TV. It is hosted by Amanda Keller and showcases non-professional pianists from around the country. An upright piano is put on a small stage in a public place, such as Central Station in Sydney or Preston Fresh Produce Market in Melbourne. People are invited to tell their story, then play their chosen piece of music. There are two judges who are hidden from the participants. One judge is Harry Connick Jr, and the other is Australian concert pianist Andrea Lam. All participants are asked to return in the afternoon and be introduced to the judges. One of the participants is selected to perform at a concert at the City Recital Hall in Sydney on the final day. So far, it has been a heart-warming experience with children as young as 12, teenagers of 17 and 18, and adults (one was 103). I look forward to watching the final two episodes on the next two Sunday nights. LABOR has approved the extension of the North West Shelf gas plant in Western Australia. Royalties, taxes and jobs will be the reward for the nation from this approval, albeit the gas is primarily for export where it will be used to increase CO2 emissions and keep power bills affordable. I wonder if this explosion of common sense will occur again, with Labor forcing NSW and Victoria governments to open new gas fields on the eastern seaboard for domestic use? That would create more jobs, taxes and royalties and lower power bills. I wonder how the ABC and Greenies will handle this recent explosion of gas, common sense and reason. JUNE 1 marked the beginning of World Haemochromatosis Week. This is a reminder that sometimes our bodies can get too much of a good thing. Haemochromatosis is the most common genetic disorder in Australia, causing the body to absorb too much iron from food. Left untreated, this iron overload can damage organs and lead to serious illness or premature death. It's easy to test for, simple to treat, but too often missed. Early symptoms like fatigue or aching joints are common to many conditions, meaning diagnosis is frequently delayed. The good news? If caught early, haemochromatosis is manageable and poses no barrier to a full and healthy life. Treatment is often as simple as giving blood. During World Haemochromatosis Week, I urge readers to ask their doctor about iron studies and haemochromatosis or visit A simple test could save a life. I plead guilty ("Lord mayor queried over 'help' sessions', Newcastle Herald, 31/5). I attended an Our Newcastle meeting and helped some people work out how their submissions fitted into the themes and IT requirements of the Davidson portal. I thought I was just being civic-minded. In any case, I didn't hear these community voices in the final report. WITH the approval of the extension on the North-West Shelf gas plant to 2070, I wonder how many people will push over the $3 million superannuation tax bracket? WHILE economists constantly bleat about productivity, a day after the feds approve Woodside's North-West Shelf climate bomb, Victoria approves a gas import terminal. Now we can give away huge amounts of our gas overseas only to buy it back to supply the eastern states. Instead of cracking down on this market-driven farce, Labor and the Coalition bow down while we and our productivity suffer. Brilliant. JENNA Price ("Fuss over tax anything but super", Opinion 30/5): If you think that it is not such a bad tax plan and will affect only the uber-rich, why consider an out clause for politicians? When my grandchildren retire from working hard and saving for their retirement, they will fall within the $3 million umbrella, and, as it is not indexed, what will the government waste that tax on? ANOTHER rort to be aware of: when buying a motor vehicle with slimline number plates, these are already fitted to the vehicle and obviously paid for by the previous owner. Yet when changing rego into your name, as is law, you will incur a $40 fee on top of the regular transfer fee and stamp duty charge. Just another hidden rort cost. IN the past year, there have been scores of mobile homes parked on the Stockton ballast, car parks and foreshores. They comprise caravans, trailer homes, campervans, buses, and tents. Speaking to several, they described themselves as "digital working nomads". They work remotely from home. The COVID pandemic made this feasible. A glimpse of the interior of one home revealed a workstation resplendent with a computer, printer and wifi. Another camper offers his motor and handyman services. Most have been impacted by the housing crisis. Their journeys are often dictated by the seasons. They tell me they camp near beaches, creeks and roadsides, and often at country showgrounds where there is protection, facilities and contact with like-minded travellers. Isn't this situation evocative of the 1930s or the Great Depression, when the economy took a downward turn? The building and manufacturing industries were in the doldrums, unemployment benefits were cut, and people were forced to seek work and became dependent on the goodwill of the community. In history and folklore, they became the swaggies and hawkers. The digital working nomad is apparently one of Australia's fastest-growing working groups and part of a worldwide trend. The average age seems to be about 40. This includes both males and females. As indistinguishable from the 1930s, they are also dependent on the generosity, tolerance and the kindness of strangers. I WAS discharged today from Scott Ward at Lake Macquarie Private Hospital, and I would like to convey my gratitude for the care of my procedure on Tuesday, when my prostate urolift was performed by Dr Peter Chong. Dr Chong's skills and professional care are really appreciated, and the attendance to my anaesthesia by Dr Jason Denmeade is also remembered as a comforting experience during and post-op. I needed to stay overnight, and the nursing staff were outstanding. Particular mention to Sue during the day, who was always caring and, during the night shift, a senior nurse, Amanda, was professional in every way and helped make my stay as comfortable as possible. I just want to make the point that Lake Mac Private and all involved in hospital care deserve to be recognised for the clean and thorough medical services they provide. I've been watching The Piano on ABC TV. It is hosted by Amanda Keller and showcases non-professional pianists from around the country. An upright piano is put on a small stage in a public place, such as Central Station in Sydney or Preston Fresh Produce Market in Melbourne. People are invited to tell their story, then play their chosen piece of music. There are two judges who are hidden from the participants. One judge is Harry Connick Jr, and the other is Australian concert pianist Andrea Lam. All participants are asked to return in the afternoon and be introduced to the judges. One of the participants is selected to perform at a concert at the City Recital Hall in Sydney on the final day. So far, it has been a heart-warming experience with children as young as 12, teenagers of 17 and 18, and adults (one was 103). I look forward to watching the final two episodes on the next two Sunday nights. LABOR has approved the extension of the North West Shelf gas plant in Western Australia. Royalties, taxes and jobs will be the reward for the nation from this approval, albeit the gas is primarily for export where it will be used to increase CO2 emissions and keep power bills affordable. I wonder if this explosion of common sense will occur again, with Labor forcing NSW and Victoria governments to open new gas fields on the eastern seaboard for domestic use? That would create more jobs, taxes and royalties and lower power bills. I wonder how the ABC and Greenies will handle this recent explosion of gas, common sense and reason. JUNE 1 marked the beginning of World Haemochromatosis Week. This is a reminder that sometimes our bodies can get too much of a good thing. Haemochromatosis is the most common genetic disorder in Australia, causing the body to absorb too much iron from food. Left untreated, this iron overload can damage organs and lead to serious illness or premature death. It's easy to test for, simple to treat, but too often missed. Early symptoms like fatigue or aching joints are common to many conditions, meaning diagnosis is frequently delayed. The good news? If caught early, haemochromatosis is manageable and poses no barrier to a full and healthy life. Treatment is often as simple as giving blood. During World Haemochromatosis Week, I urge readers to ask their doctor about iron studies and haemochromatosis or visit A simple test could save a life. I plead guilty ("Lord mayor queried over 'help' sessions', Newcastle Herald, 31/5). I attended an Our Newcastle meeting and helped some people work out how their submissions fitted into the themes and IT requirements of the Davidson portal. I thought I was just being civic-minded. In any case, I didn't hear these community voices in the final report. WITH the approval of the extension on the North-West Shelf gas plant to 2070, I wonder how many people will push over the $3 million superannuation tax bracket? WHILE economists constantly bleat about productivity, a day after the feds approve Woodside's North-West Shelf climate bomb, Victoria approves a gas import terminal. Now we can give away huge amounts of our gas overseas only to buy it back to supply the eastern states. Instead of cracking down on this market-driven farce, Labor and the Coalition bow down while we and our productivity suffer. Brilliant. JENNA Price ("Fuss over tax anything but super", Opinion 30/5): If you think that it is not such a bad tax plan and will affect only the uber-rich, why consider an out clause for politicians? When my grandchildren retire from working hard and saving for their retirement, they will fall within the $3 million umbrella, and, as it is not indexed, what will the government waste that tax on? ANOTHER rort to be aware of: when buying a motor vehicle with slimline number plates, these are already fitted to the vehicle and obviously paid for by the previous owner. Yet when changing rego into your name, as is law, you will incur a $40 fee on top of the regular transfer fee and stamp duty charge. Just another hidden rort cost. IN the past year, there have been scores of mobile homes parked on the Stockton ballast, car parks and foreshores. They comprise caravans, trailer homes, campervans, buses, and tents. Speaking to several, they described themselves as "digital working nomads". They work remotely from home. The COVID pandemic made this feasible. A glimpse of the interior of one home revealed a workstation resplendent with a computer, printer and wifi. Another camper offers his motor and handyman services. Most have been impacted by the housing crisis. Their journeys are often dictated by the seasons. They tell me they camp near beaches, creeks and roadsides, and often at country showgrounds where there is protection, facilities and contact with like-minded travellers. Isn't this situation evocative of the 1930s or the Great Depression, when the economy took a downward turn? The building and manufacturing industries were in the doldrums, unemployment benefits were cut, and people were forced to seek work and became dependent on the goodwill of the community. In history and folklore, they became the swaggies and hawkers. The digital working nomad is apparently one of Australia's fastest-growing working groups and part of a worldwide trend. The average age seems to be about 40. This includes both males and females. As indistinguishable from the 1930s, they are also dependent on the generosity, tolerance and the kindness of strangers. I WAS discharged today from Scott Ward at Lake Macquarie Private Hospital, and I would like to convey my gratitude for the care of my procedure on Tuesday, when my prostate urolift was performed by Dr Peter Chong. Dr Chong's skills and professional care are really appreciated, and the attendance to my anaesthesia by Dr Jason Denmeade is also remembered as a comforting experience during and post-op. I needed to stay overnight, and the nursing staff were outstanding. Particular mention to Sue during the day, who was always caring and, during the night shift, a senior nurse, Amanda, was professional in every way and helped make my stay as comfortable as possible. I just want to make the point that Lake Mac Private and all involved in hospital care deserve to be recognised for the clean and thorough medical services they provide. I've been watching The Piano on ABC TV. It is hosted by Amanda Keller and showcases non-professional pianists from around the country. An upright piano is put on a small stage in a public place, such as Central Station in Sydney or Preston Fresh Produce Market in Melbourne. People are invited to tell their story, then play their chosen piece of music. There are two judges who are hidden from the participants. One judge is Harry Connick Jr, and the other is Australian concert pianist Andrea Lam. All participants are asked to return in the afternoon and be introduced to the judges. One of the participants is selected to perform at a concert at the City Recital Hall in Sydney on the final day. So far, it has been a heart-warming experience with children as young as 12, teenagers of 17 and 18, and adults (one was 103). I look forward to watching the final two episodes on the next two Sunday nights. LABOR has approved the extension of the North West Shelf gas plant in Western Australia. Royalties, taxes and jobs will be the reward for the nation from this approval, albeit the gas is primarily for export where it will be used to increase CO2 emissions and keep power bills affordable. I wonder if this explosion of common sense will occur again, with Labor forcing NSW and Victoria governments to open new gas fields on the eastern seaboard for domestic use? That would create more jobs, taxes and royalties and lower power bills. I wonder how the ABC and Greenies will handle this recent explosion of gas, common sense and reason. JUNE 1 marked the beginning of World Haemochromatosis Week. This is a reminder that sometimes our bodies can get too much of a good thing. Haemochromatosis is the most common genetic disorder in Australia, causing the body to absorb too much iron from food. Left untreated, this iron overload can damage organs and lead to serious illness or premature death. It's easy to test for, simple to treat, but too often missed. Early symptoms like fatigue or aching joints are common to many conditions, meaning diagnosis is frequently delayed. The good news? If caught early, haemochromatosis is manageable and poses no barrier to a full and healthy life. Treatment is often as simple as giving blood. During World Haemochromatosis Week, I urge readers to ask their doctor about iron studies and haemochromatosis or visit A simple test could save a life. I plead guilty ("Lord mayor queried over 'help' sessions', Newcastle Herald, 31/5). I attended an Our Newcastle meeting and helped some people work out how their submissions fitted into the themes and IT requirements of the Davidson portal. I thought I was just being civic-minded. In any case, I didn't hear these community voices in the final report. WITH the approval of the extension on the North-West Shelf gas plant to 2070, I wonder how many people will push over the $3 million superannuation tax bracket? WHILE economists constantly bleat about productivity, a day after the feds approve Woodside's North-West Shelf climate bomb, Victoria approves a gas import terminal. Now we can give away huge amounts of our gas overseas only to buy it back to supply the eastern states. Instead of cracking down on this market-driven farce, Labor and the Coalition bow down while we and our productivity suffer. Brilliant. JENNA Price ("Fuss over tax anything but super", Opinion 30/5): If you think that it is not such a bad tax plan and will affect only the uber-rich, why consider an out clause for politicians? When my grandchildren retire from working hard and saving for their retirement, they will fall within the $3 million umbrella, and, as it is not indexed, what will the government waste that tax on? ANOTHER rort to be aware of: when buying a motor vehicle with slimline number plates, these are already fitted to the vehicle and obviously paid for by the previous owner. Yet when changing rego into your name, as is law, you will incur a $40 fee on top of the regular transfer fee and stamp duty charge. Just another hidden rort cost. IN the past year, there have been scores of mobile homes parked on the Stockton ballast, car parks and foreshores. They comprise caravans, trailer homes, campervans, buses, and tents. Speaking to several, they described themselves as "digital working nomads". They work remotely from home. The COVID pandemic made this feasible. A glimpse of the interior of one home revealed a workstation resplendent with a computer, printer and wifi. Another camper offers his motor and handyman services. Most have been impacted by the housing crisis. Their journeys are often dictated by the seasons. They tell me they camp near beaches, creeks and roadsides, and often at country showgrounds where there is protection, facilities and contact with like-minded travellers. Isn't this situation evocative of the 1930s or the Great Depression, when the economy took a downward turn? The building and manufacturing industries were in the doldrums, unemployment benefits were cut, and people were forced to seek work and became dependent on the goodwill of the community. In history and folklore, they became the swaggies and hawkers. The digital working nomad is apparently one of Australia's fastest-growing working groups and part of a worldwide trend. The average age seems to be about 40. This includes both males and females. As indistinguishable from the 1930s, they are also dependent on the generosity, tolerance and the kindness of strangers. I WAS discharged today from Scott Ward at Lake Macquarie Private Hospital, and I would like to convey my gratitude for the care of my procedure on Tuesday, when my prostate urolift was performed by Dr Peter Chong. Dr Chong's skills and professional care are really appreciated, and the attendance to my anaesthesia by Dr Jason Denmeade is also remembered as a comforting experience during and post-op. I needed to stay overnight, and the nursing staff were outstanding. Particular mention to Sue during the day, who was always caring and, during the night shift, a senior nurse, Amanda, was professional in every way and helped make my stay as comfortable as possible. I just want to make the point that Lake Mac Private and all involved in hospital care deserve to be recognised for the clean and thorough medical services they provide. I've been watching The Piano on ABC TV. It is hosted by Amanda Keller and showcases non-professional pianists from around the country. An upright piano is put on a small stage in a public place, such as Central Station in Sydney or Preston Fresh Produce Market in Melbourne. People are invited to tell their story, then play their chosen piece of music. There are two judges who are hidden from the participants. One judge is Harry Connick Jr, and the other is Australian concert pianist Andrea Lam. All participants are asked to return in the afternoon and be introduced to the judges. One of the participants is selected to perform at a concert at the City Recital Hall in Sydney on the final day. So far, it has been a heart-warming experience with children as young as 12, teenagers of 17 and 18, and adults (one was 103). I look forward to watching the final two episodes on the next two Sunday nights. LABOR has approved the extension of the North West Shelf gas plant in Western Australia. Royalties, taxes and jobs will be the reward for the nation from this approval, albeit the gas is primarily for export where it will be used to increase CO2 emissions and keep power bills affordable. I wonder if this explosion of common sense will occur again, with Labor forcing NSW and Victoria governments to open new gas fields on the eastern seaboard for domestic use? That would create more jobs, taxes and royalties and lower power bills. I wonder how the ABC and Greenies will handle this recent explosion of gas, common sense and reason. JUNE 1 marked the beginning of World Haemochromatosis Week. This is a reminder that sometimes our bodies can get too much of a good thing. Haemochromatosis is the most common genetic disorder in Australia, causing the body to absorb too much iron from food. Left untreated, this iron overload can damage organs and lead to serious illness or premature death. It's easy to test for, simple to treat, but too often missed. Early symptoms like fatigue or aching joints are common to many conditions, meaning diagnosis is frequently delayed. The good news? If caught early, haemochromatosis is manageable and poses no barrier to a full and healthy life. Treatment is often as simple as giving blood. During World Haemochromatosis Week, I urge readers to ask their doctor about iron studies and haemochromatosis or visit A simple test could save a life. I plead guilty ("Lord mayor queried over 'help' sessions', Newcastle Herald, 31/5). I attended an Our Newcastle meeting and helped some people work out how their submissions fitted into the themes and IT requirements of the Davidson portal. I thought I was just being civic-minded. In any case, I didn't hear these community voices in the final report. WITH the approval of the extension on the North-West Shelf gas plant to 2070, I wonder how many people will push over the $3 million superannuation tax bracket? WHILE economists constantly bleat about productivity, a day after the feds approve Woodside's North-West Shelf climate bomb, Victoria approves a gas import terminal. Now we can give away huge amounts of our gas overseas only to buy it back to supply the eastern states. Instead of cracking down on this market-driven farce, Labor and the Coalition bow down while we and our productivity suffer. Brilliant. JENNA Price ("Fuss over tax anything but super", Opinion 30/5): If you think that it is not such a bad tax plan and will affect only the uber-rich, why consider an out clause for politicians? When my grandchildren retire from working hard and saving for their retirement, they will fall within the $3 million umbrella, and, as it is not indexed, what will the government waste that tax on? ANOTHER rort to be aware of: when buying a motor vehicle with slimline number plates, these are already fitted to the vehicle and obviously paid for by the previous owner. Yet when changing rego into your name, as is law, you will incur a $40 fee on top of the regular transfer fee and stamp duty charge. Just another hidden rort cost.
