Australia tops world's most expensive beer and cigarettes list

Victorian teachers strike ahead despite new pay offer

The state government is being accused of using dirty tactics to get a deal done with disgruntled Victorian teachers. They've upped their pay offer, but so far it's done nothing to stop next week's planned strike action. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

High-speed chase ends in dramatic crash and carjacking attempt

A 46-year-old Eltham man led police on a high-speed chase through Melbourne's north, reaching speeds of 120km/h in a stolen Kia before crashing spectacularly in Preston just after midnight. After crawling from the flipped vehicle, the driver attempted to carjack a Good Samaritan who had stopped to help, before being tackled and arrested by pursuing police. His 30-year-old female passenger, who was dumped moments before the crash, was also taken into custody. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Laos won't charge anyone over Australian teens' deaths

The families of Bayside teens Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles are reeling from a new blow in their fight for justice. The government in Laos has indicated no one will face criminal charges for the deaths of the two girls and four others after they drank lethal alcohol. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Younger Australians turn to reverse mortgages for early retirement

Reverse mortgages are experiencing a surge in popularity among Australian homeowners in their mid to late 50s, with demand shifting from traditional retirees to younger borrowers. These home equity loans are being used to fund renovations, debt repayment, new cars, regular income and travel, with most borrowers located along the east coast in affluent areas including Broadbeach, Southport, Byron Bay and Sydney's Northbridge. While reverse mortgage interest rates can reach as high as 8%, the Federal Government offers a cheaper alternative scheme providing seniors with lump sum or fortnightly cash payment options. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Telstra bosses confess cause of telco’s meltdown could have easily been prevented

Telstra has confessed the problem that led to last week's nationwide network meltdown could have easily been prevented. Fielding a barrage of questions in a Senate inquiry today, the telco's bosses admit it went unresolved for years. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.