Childcare workers secure extended pay rise deal

Albanese bounces back as parental leave debate continues

The Albanese Government has regained primary vote lead in the latest Newspoll after backtracking on unpopular budget tax changes, with analysis suggesting Pauline Hanson's National Press Club address may have also influenced the polling shift. Despite growing numbers of employers offering equal paid parental leave to fathers, research reveals women still take 80 per cent of parental leave, with experts citing career concerns and workplace culture as barriers. Yves Saint Laurent has generated controversy at Paris Fashion Week by showcasing transparent dress shoes for men. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

VietJet eyes Australian domestic market

Vietnamese low-cost carrier VietJet is seeking regulatory clearance to establish an Australian subsidiary and operate domestic flights. If approved, it would be the first international airline to directly compete with Qantas and Virgin on domestic routes in more than a decade. VietJet already operates flights into four Australian airports and has successfully launched subsidiaries in Thailand and Kazakhstan. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Property auction clearance rates collapse nationwide

Auction clearance rates have fallen below 50% across Australia, with Sydney and Melbourne experiencing their weakest results since the COVID pandemic. The decline is attributed to multiple factors including three Reserve Bank interest rate increases, affordability constraints, and economic uncertainty from the Middle East conflict affecting energy prices. Research indicates a nationwide downturn in home values is likely, with historical data suggesting Australian property downturns typically last less than 12 months with peak-to-trough declines ranging from 3% to 8%. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Thousands to access life-changing medicines for $7

From July 1, tens of thousands of Australians will gain access to new and expanded affordable medicines through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, including treatments for severe asthma, type 1 diabetes, growth deficiencies, muscle damage, breast and lung cancer, and anaphylaxis. Neffy, a nasal spray form of adrenaline, will be available for the first time as an alternative to EpiPen injections for approximately 150,000 Australians at risk of anaphylaxis. However, drug companies are removing some medications from shelves due to pricing disputes with the government, particularly impacting rare cancer patients who must fundraise for essential treatments. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Venezuela earthquake, France plane crash and Prince Harry security drama

A devastating double earthquake in Venezuela has killed more than 1,400 people, with rescue workers continuing to search for survivors four days after the disaster. Among those rescued are a mother and her 18-day-old baby who survived 32 hours under rubble. In France, 11 people including five nurses died in a skydiving plane crash near Tomblaine, shortly after takeoff. Prince Harry has reconsidered his planned family trip to the UK after being denied taxpayer-funded police protection for what would have been the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's first visit together with their children in four years. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.