Budget tax reforms blamed for auction slump

Dame Penelope Keith dies aged 86

British actress Dame Penelope Keith has died at the age of 86 after a battle with cancer. The two-time BAFTA winner was best known for her roles in To the Manor Born and as Margot Leadbetter in The Good Life, which aired from 1975 to 1978. Her family confirmed she passed away peacefully at home. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Chalmers defends capital gains tax changes as fair for first home buyers

Treasurer Jim Chalmers defends the federal government's capital gains tax reforms in response to billboard campaigns claiming the changes punish ambition and side hustles. The reforms aim to reduce the 50% capital gains tax discount to create fairer conditions for first home buyers and better align tax treatment between wage earners and asset investors. Property values are falling in Sydney and Melbourne, with predictions of $120,000 and $80,000 drops respectively over the next year, though Treasury forecasts continued national house price growth at a slower rate. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Sydney Airport's lost property auction goes online

Sydney Airport's annual lost property auction features over 2,300 unclaimed items including laptops, jewellery, wedding dresses, ski boots, fishing rods, and a Batman Lego set. Bids start at $10 and the auction is open to anyone in Australia online. All proceeds will fund free swimming lessons for local families through Bayside Council. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Wet week ahead as flood watches issued

Multiple weather systems are bringing widespread rain across Australia this week, with northern Victoria, northern Tasmania and inland New South Wales expected to receive the heaviest falls of 50 to 100 millimetres or more. Flood watches are in place for six to eight rivers across northern Victoria, including parts of the Upper Murray, Goulburn, Kiewa, Ovens and King Rivers, with minor flood warnings already issued for the Kiewa River. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

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.