Labor surges ahead in latest Newspoll

Liverpool Council's $5,000 photo wall sparks backlash

Liverpool Council in New South Wales has spent $5,000 on a digital photo wall displaying all past and present mayors, deputy mayors and councillors at their headquarters. The decision sparked criticism from residents and a former councillor who argued the funds should address community needs like park maintenance and street repairs during a cost-of-living crisis. The council debated the photo wall project for three hours before approval. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Liberal Party faces rebrand debate after historic polling low

Liberal frontbencher Melissa McIntosh has proposed the Liberal Party rebrand and potentially change its name following a historic low News Poll result showing just 17% primary support. Party President Tony Abbott and other Liberal MPs have rejected the suggestion, with one dismissing it as a 'brain fart'. The debate centres on whether the party needs a name change, new leadership, or better policy development to recover from polling numbers approaching Greens support levels. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Budget tax reforms blamed for auction slump

The Australian government's budget tax reforms are being linked to historic low auction clearance rates, despite official claims that the high 4.35% cash rate is primarily responsible. Property intelligence firm PropTrack analysts note an obvious decline in auction clearances since the budget announcement. Logan City Mayor John Raven and Western Sydney Women founding director Amanda Rose debate whether the government is downplaying the impact of budget changes on housing market confidence and investor behaviour. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Aussies save hundreds with smarter supermarket strategies

Australian households are adopting new supermarket shopping strategies to combat rising food costs, with inflation pushing grocery prices up 5% over the past year. Over two-thirds of Australians are purchasing imperfect produce ranges that cost 30-50% less per kilogram, while more than half have adjusted their diets by reducing meat, seafood and snacks. A third of shoppers now visit multiple supermarkets including local greengrocers and Aldi to maximise savings and loyalty programme benefits. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Venezuela earthquakes leave thousands missing and dead

Venezuela has experienced two deadly earthquakes, with the death toll exceeding 1,700 six days after the disaster and approximately 70,000 people remaining missing. Rescue operations continue as teams search for survivors amidst the devastation. Christian Perez, a Venezuelan living on the Gold Coast, shares his emotional response to the tragedy affecting his homeland, with no confirmed Australian deaths reported so far. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.