Property prices plummet as auction clearance rates crash

China tests nuclear-capable missile near Australia

China has conducted a test launch of a nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile from a submarine in the Pacific Ocean, with Australia receiving only two hours' notice before the test. The launch occurred near Australian waters, just hours after Australia signed a historic defence pact with Fiji. Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles expresses deep concern about China's expanding military capabilities and long-range nuclear deployment capacity, describing China's military build-up as the largest conventional military expansion since World War II without adequate strategic explanation to the international community. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

China tests nuclear-capable missile near Australia

China has conducted a test launch of a nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile from a submarine in the Pacific Ocean, with Australia receiving only two hours' notice before the test. The launch occurred near Australian waters, just hours after Australia signed a historic defence pact with Fiji. Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles expresses deep concern about China's expanding military capabilities and long-range nuclear deployment capacity, describing China's military build-up as the largest conventional military expansion since World War II without adequate strategic explanation to the international community. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Harry's awkward standoff over palace accommodation

Prince Harry has arrived in London for Invictus Games events but faces accommodation controversy after Buckingham Palace withdrew an offer to stay there, citing a missed RSVP deadline. Harry's representatives claim they were arranging security details when the palace reallocated his room. The Duke is in the UK without Meghan and their children, who remain at their European holiday home, while ongoing security concerns continue to affect his family's travel plans. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Major changes coming to credit card rewards

From October, the Reserve Bank will change how banks make money from credit cards by eliminating surcharge fees and reducing interchange fees that fund rewards programmes. Banks are expected to scale back frequent flyer points earnings, reduce sign-on bonuses, potentially increase annual fees and interest rates, and introduce caps on points per dollar spent. Financial experts recommend reading bank notification letters arriving from August, using existing points sooner rather than later on high-value items like flights, and analysing whether card rewards outweigh the costs in fees and interest. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Footy player's death sparks calls for pitch safety review

Nathan Fitzgerald, a 27-year-old teacher and Epping Football Club player, has died after suffering a head injury during a match when he collided with a hard synthetic cover over a cricket pitch on a shared sporting ground in suburban Melbourne. The tragedy has prompted urgent calls for a review of safety measures on shared sporting grounds across Australia, with the club president advocating for AFL Victoria, Cricket Victoria and local councils to develop better solutions to mitigate risks. A GoFundMe established in Nathan's honour has raised over $75,000, with hundreds of supporters paying tribute to the player. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.