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Perth Now
4 hours ago
- Business
- Perth Now
Profit slump hits Aussie mining giant
Australian mining giant BHP has reported a sharp slump in profits as lower iron ore and coal prices hit the business. On Tuesday morning, the $200bn ASX-listed behemoth reported underlying profits of $US10.2bn ($A15.7bn) for the 2025 financial year, a 26 per cent fall on the prior year. Revenues came in at $US51.3bn ($A79bn), an 8 per cent fall on 2024. Underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation, meanwhile, tumbled 10 per cent to $US26bn ($A40bn). The 'underlying' measure strips out one-off costs and gains and is designed to present a clearer picture of a company's performance. Statutory profit, which includes one-off items, lifted 14 per cent from 2024 to $US9bn ($A13.8bn). The company mines predominantly iron ore, coal and copper across Australia and Chile. Lower coal and iron ore prices hit BHP's revenues across the 2025 financial year. BHP. Credit: News Regional Media Coal and iron ore are core inputs to steelmaking and prices are heavily dependent on Chinese demand for steel. The miner credited a decline in iron ore and coal for its fall off in revenues. BHP's average realised price for its Pilbara iron ore, or how much the company received for each tonne of material, was $US82.13 across the year compared with $US101.04 for 2024. Iron ore accounts for the majority of the miner's earnings. BHP chief executive Mike Henry called the results a 'strong performance'. NewsWire / Emma Brasier Credit: News Corp Australia Despite the falls in revenues, earnings and underlying profits, chief executive Mike Henry called the results 'a strong performance'. 'FY25 was another strong year for BHP, marked by record production, continued sector-leading margins and disciplined capital allocation,' he said. 'Safety remains our highest priority and we achieved year-on-year improvements across key metrics. 'Against a backdrop of global uncertainty this strong performance has led to robust financial outcomes and reflects the resilience of BHP's business and strategy.' The results were broadly in line with market expectations. Shareholders would receive a final dividend of 60c a share, the company said. More to come .
Perth Now
18 hours ago
- Politics
- Perth Now
State's call on ‘punitive' cat laws
Pet cats could prove to be a key election issue in NSW, activists have warned, after a parliamentary inquiry failed to recommend mandatory containment. A parliamentary inquiry into cat management stopped short of recommending cat containment in a final report released on Monday. The report found NSW 'may not be ready' to adopt mandatory cat containment laws at either a statewide or local government level. Such laws would disproportionately impact people from lower socio-economic backgrounds and Aboriginal communities, the report stated. Invasive Species Council chief executive Jack Gough said the inquiry's findings were 'disappointing', and urged the Premier to 'step up and make these changes'. A parliamentary inquiry into cat management has stopped short of recommending cat containment in NSW. Credit: News Regional Media 'While it's great to see the finding that there's an urgent need to implement cat management strategies for both overpopulation of cats in urban environments and in the bush, in the wild, unfortunately they haven't quite got over the line with recommending the adoption of mandatory cat containment laws,' Mr Gough said. 'We believe there is a mandate from the public (and) from organisations for change, and I expect that sensible politics and policy will prevail here and we will see our native wildlife, and the healthy, happy lives of our pet cats put up high, and that changes to the law that are needed to allow councils to be empowered go through.' Mr Gough said cat containment stood to be a 'big issue' in the run up to the next state election, with an estimated two-thirds of residents in support. Cat containment could be a 'big issue' in the run up at the next NSW state election. NewsWire / Sarah Matray Credit: News Corp Australia The Invasive Species Council estimates some 66 million native animals are killed every year due to 'roaming pet cats'. Currently, NSW was the only state where cat containment powers are not given to local councils, Mr Gough said. In Victoria, some 50 per cent of councils have introduced cat containment measures, while in the ACT the policy is implemented territory-wide. Mr Gough said cat containment was still under serious consideration by the state government. The Companion Animals Act, which dictates the duties of animal owners, is separately under review. Responding to questions about the inquiry's findings, a spokesperson for Local Government Minister Ron Hoening, who oversees the Companion Animals Act, said the government would review the inquiry's findings and respond 'in due course'. 'We recognise people have strong opinions about cats and the impacts they have in our neighbourhoods and on native wildlife,' the spokesperson said. 'It's a complex issue, that's why we asked the upper house to conduct this inquiry. 'The inquiry heard from a range of stakeholders with very different views about the best way to manage cats in our environments. 'The diversity of perspectives highlights the complexity of the issues surrounding cat management and why we need to take a considered approach to any policy changes. 'The findings from this inquiry will also be considered as part of the government's review of the Companion Animals Act which is being looked at for the first time in 20 years.' Dissenting report to inquiry findings The report and its findings drew swift condemnation from parliamentarians, who joined activists groups in calling on Premier Chris Minns to take action. Nationals MLC Scott Barrett has lodged a dissenting statement to the report. He said the report by the Animal Welfare Committee prioritised the rights of cats above native animals. Greens MLC Sue Higginson said councils in NSW are desperate for cat containment laws. NewsWire / Monique Harmer Credit: News Corp Australia 'Cats are doing untold damage to our native wildlife,' he said. 'Even the government agrees they are a persistent, ongoing and critical threat, yet there seems to be an inclination to look for excuses not to take serious action.' Mr Barrett claimed the inquiry focused on whether desexing and releasing wild cats back into the environment was a 'viable alternative to culling' 'Given the enormous amount of damage cats are doing to our native wildlife, I don't know how anyone can take this prospect seriously.' Greens MLC Sue Higginson mirrored those remarks, stating councils in NSW were 'not just ready, they are desperate' for cat containment laws. 'It's not the state government's role to hold back councils from doing the work their communities want them to do,' she said. 'We don't have to have a blanket, statewide approach. We know that some councils are ready, willing, and able, they just need the laws in place and some resources. 'This is absolutely a moment where the Premier can do good for the environment, do good for local councils … and do well for communities.' Ms Higginson said she 'firmly believed' the report did not reflect the needs of communities across NSW, including in the regions. Cat containment could have 'disproportionate' impact The inquiry received more than 500 submissions and a further 741 short submissions ahead of two public hearings earlier this year. Among them was Local Government NSW, which called for amendments to legislation to enable councils to enforcement cat containment. In a statement, LGNSW president Mayor Phyllis Miller said that while the organisation welcomed some positive recommendations from the inquiry, they were disappointed the committee 'did not support enforceable cat containment policies for councils'. 'However, the NSW government is also conducting a Companion Animals Act review and LGNSW will continue to advocate for councils to be able to adopt such policies,' Ms Miller said. 'Containment prevents roaming, predation, uncontrolled breeding and injuries to cats themselves from vehicle strikes and other animals. 'We welcome the committee's call for urgent cat management strategies, including funding for free and subsidised desexing, as well as education and behaviour change programs. NSW is the only state where cat containment powers are not given to local councils. Brenton Edwards Credit: News Corp Australia 'Effective management requires a holistic approach: statewide education, desexing, containment, trapping, and adequate funding for councils, welfare and rehoming organisations.' Animal Justice Party MLC Emma Hurst chaired the parliamentary inquiry. She said the inquiry did not hear any 'real evidence' to support cat containment as being effective. 'I think it's something that can continue to be considered going forward, but we really need that evidence base,' she said. 'There's no actual evidence that actually introducing mandatory cat containment laws will actually work to protect wildlife.' Ms Hurst urged for a number of reforms to be contemplated first, including rental rights for pet owners, as well as desexing and feral cats. She described mandatory cat containment as 'punitive', and said it would predominantly affect people from lower socio-economic backgrounds. 'We're in the middle of a cost of living crisis,' she said. 'Cats might be the only companion that some people have. 'If that cat escapes, gets outside, is picked up by the pound, and then that person's facing an impounding fee, they're then facing the costs of being able to retrieve that companion and bring them back and then they're facing another fine on top of that of failing to be able to keep that cat contained inside their property. 'They're looking at some quite hefty sort of punitive laws here and the real fear that came forward at the inquiry was people were concerned that.' Ms Hurst also raised concerns about the cost to councils of enforcing mandatory containment.
Perth Now
4 days ago
- Health
- Perth Now
Deadly parasite killing honey bees spreads
A deadly parasite that infests beehives and kills honey bees has spread through regional Victoria. Varroa mites have been detected in beehives throughout the Gippsland region, putting apiarists on alert to monitor their hives for any infestation. Gippsland Apiarist Association president Stan Glowacki said once a mite got into a beehive it could build up numbers where it killed off the hive within about six to nine months. Varroa mites infest beehives killing honey bee colonies and transmit disease. Credit: News Regional Media 'If you have 400 hives that could be quite a financial hit to your operation,' he said. 'It's going to affect every beekeeper, it does not matter whether they have one hive or 1000 hives.' Varroa destructors are a parasite of adult honey bees and broods that weaken and kill honey bee colonies and transmit viruses, according to Victoria Agriculture. They are a major problem for commercial and hobby beekeepers once they become established. Varroa mites were first detected in NSW in June 2022. A national eradication response saw 14,000 hives euthanised before it was determined it was not feasible to achieve total elimination. About 14,000 beehives were euthanised when varroa mites were first detected in 2022, but authorities have since determined to try and manage the pests. TWAM/Nick Cubbin Credit: Supplied Authorities and beekeepers now manage the pest, which can cost about $40 a year per hive, according to Mr Glowacki. 'It's a little parasitic mite that moves on the bees,' Mr Glowacki said. 'To scale it up to human size, it's the equivalent of having a parasite the size of a dinner plate stuck on your body, sucking out your blood.' He said once a female mite got inside a hive and a brood hatched it was an exponential threat. 'It's very worrying even for a small backyard beekeeper. Nobody wants to lose their bees,' he said. Gippsland Apiarist Association president Stan Glowacki said once a mite got into a beehive it could build up numbers where it killed off the hive within about six to nine months. Credit: istock 'If you don't monitor your hives and manage the mite you're going to lose your hives. 'Eventually we're going to get to the stage where the industry is going to know the genetics and have hives that can manage the mite without the use of chemicals. 'But until we get to that stage people will lose hives and pay for the chemicals to try and keep their hives alive.' Victoria Agriculture has been contacted for comment.
Perth Now
5 days ago
- Perth Now
Aussies use 22 tonnes of illicit drugs in year
The latest wastewater report has revealed Australians consumed more than 20 tonnes of illicit drugs worth billions of dollars over one year. The report, released by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC), found 22.2 tonnes of methylamphetamine, cocaine, heroin and MDMA worth an estimated $11.5bn were used by Australians between August 2023 to August 2024. Authorities found cocaine use had risen 69 per cent from the previous year, MDMA use rose 49 per cent, meth use 21 per cent and heroin use rose by 14 per cent. The dramatic rise in drug use was attributed to the recovery of the illicit drug market following Covid-19 restrictions as organised crime groups quickly re-established and expanded their operations to supply markets. Chief executive of the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission Heather Cook. Supplied Credit: Supplied ACIC chief executive officer Heather Cook said serious and organised crime remained an enduring threat to Australia's national security and safety. 'Serious and organised crime groups exploit Australia's high demand for illicit drugs and are focused on maximising profit at the expense of the community's security and wellbeing,' she said. 'The 2.2 tonne increase in national meth consumption is concerning because 12.8 tonnes is the highest annual level recorded by the program and the drug causes significant community harm. 'Similarly, there has been a large increase in national cocaine consumption, also to the highest annual level recorded by our wastewater program.' The Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission wastewater report found record high heroin use in regional areas across Australia. Credit: Supplied Record high meth, MDA and ketamine consumption was detected in capital cities and record high heroin use was found in regional areas. The average regional consumption of alcohol, nicotine, MDA, methylamphetamine, oxycodone, fentanyl and cannabis exceeded capital city consumption. Ms Cook said wastewater data combined with other drugs-related information helped authorities develop a comprehensive understanding of illicit drug markets. 'This combined data strongly indicates a concerning level of market growth, extending beyond the markets for illicit stimulants,' she said. Record high meth, MDA and ketamine consumption was detected in capital cities. Credit: News Regional Media 'This challenge can only be met though concerted and co-ordinated effort under the three pillars of the National Drug Strategy: demand reduction, supply reduction and harm reduction.' The report found the Northern Territory consumed nicotine and alcohol at rates above the national average. Regional sites South Australia, Western Australia and Victoria had the highest average meth consumption. Adelaide and Perth were the capital cities with the highest meth use, while the highest cocaine use was recorded in Sydney. For free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drug treatment services call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015. Access free 24/7 drug and alcohol counselling online. For information about drug and alcohol addiction treatment or support, go to the Turning Point website.
Perth Now
12-08-2025
- Health
- Perth Now
Deadly parasite found in Aussie towns' water
A potentially deadly organism known to cause a fatal brain infection has been detected in a southwest Queensland shire's water supply, prompting an urgent health warning. In a community health notice on August 7, the Murweh Shire Council announced Naegleria fowleri – a single-cell amoeba – had been detected in the drinking water supplying the towns of Augathella and Charleville. The towns had populations of 393 and 3971 respectively, according to the 2021 Census. Queensland Health says Naegleria fowleri is a free-living amoeba that occurs naturally in warm freshwater and soils across Australia. A community health notice from the Murweh Shire Council announced Naegleria fowleri – a single-cell amoeba – had been detected in the drinking water supplying the towns of Augathella (pictured) and Charleville. Supplied Credit: News Regional Media Infections generally occur when water containing the amoeba enters the nose under pressure. It can potentially lead to a rare - but fatal - disease known as primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) when it travels to the brain. 'Naegleria fowleri is not infectious via drinking or skin contact,' the council's public health notice states. Murweh Shire Council chief executive Bruce Scott said the drinking water in both Augathella and Charleville was still safe for human consumption and it was not necessary to boil water for drinking, food preparation or for personal hygiene. 'As a precaution, the council is currently arranging the collection of further water samples to identify the extent of Naegleria fowleri colonisation in the drinking water supplies serving the communities of Charleville and Augathella,' Mr Scott said. 'Samples will also be collected from the Morven supply as a precaution.' A fact sheet issued by Queensland Health in relation to the detection confirmed the department was not aware of any illnesses attributable to the drinking water supply in either Charleville or Augathella. The detection of the organism followed a comprehensive water quality project commissioned by Queensland Health and undertaken by a university, which involved specialised testing not typically conducted by local water service providers. It marks the first-known confirmation of Naegleria fowleri in both towns' water supplies. The council has said the drinking water is still safe to consume as infection from the organism only occurs through the nose. Outback Queensland Credit: Supplied But the risk of its presence still exists in unchlorinated water sourced from the Great Artesian Basin, especially where water cools below 40C. Six Queenslanders have died from complications caused by Naegleria fowleri since 2000 – all from private water suppliers where property owners bear the full responsibility for the supply and management of their own drinking water. The first symptoms of Naegleria fowleri start about five days after exposure, but can vary between one and 12 days. Early symptoms include headache, fever, nausea and vomiting and can progress to stiff neck, confusion, inattention to people and surroundings, seizures, hallucinations and coma.
