Fuel excise cut extension under consideration

Russian warship fires at British yacht in English Channel

A Russian warship fired warning shots at a British-registered yacht in the English Channel after the vessel drifted offshore during foggy conditions. The couple in their 60s on board were unharmed and the yacht sustained no damage. The incident follows British authorities boarding a Russian oil tanker in the Channel, occurring amid heightened UK-Russia tensions over Britain's support for Ukraine. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Severe flood warning issued for South Australia

South Australia faces a severe weather warning with heavy rainfall expected to bring significant flooding risks, particularly to Adelaide and the Lower Eyre Peninsula. The Bureau of Meteorology has issued flood warnings for areas including Port Lincoln, Cleve, Arno Bay and Woodena, with approximately 70 millimetres of rain forecast throughout the week and 30 millimetres expected in Adelaide. Unseasonably warm and humid conditions will be replaced by a cold front bringing wintry weather in the coming days. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Fuel excise cut extension under consideration

Australian Finance Minister Katy Gallagher discusses the potential extension of the fuel excise cut beyond its 30 June deadline, as petrol prices remain affected by conflict in the Middle East. The government faces ongoing criticism over its recent budget, particularly tax reforms and housing market changes, with many Australians expressing frustration about cost of living pressures. Gallagher defends the budget's tax cuts and housing initiatives, stating 13.3 million Australians will benefit from the working Australian tax offset. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

UK bans social media for under-16s

The United Kingdom is implementing a social media ban for children under 16, following Australia's lead. By spring 2027, restrictions will apply to platforms including Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X, as well as gaming and live streaming services. WhatsApp messaging service will be excluded from the ban, while Canada and France are considering similar measures. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Small business demands full tax exemption carve-out

A two-day Senate inquiry into major tax reforms has concluded, with Labor considering fast-tracking exemptions for certain businesses from capital gains tax changes. NAB's head has urged the government to reconsider the changes, while small business advocates are calling for complete exemptions for all small businesses rather than selective carve-outs for niche sectors. Business owners report already laying off staff due to budget uncertainty, with concerns raised about the impact on small businesses that comprise 97% of Australian businesses and employ 40% of the private workforce. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.