Illicit tobacco trade surges to 80% of Australian market

Tax reforms face Senate battle as US threatens new tariffs

The federal government's controversial tax reforms, combining instant tax deductions with changes to capital gains and negative gearing, are set to pass the lower house today but face a potential coalition-Greens alliance blocking the budget bill in the Senate. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Illicit tobacco trade surges to 80% of Australian market

New research shows tobacco consumption in Australia has increased by 40% over the last eight years, with 80% of the tobacco market now consisting of illicit products. The surge is attributed to Australia having the world's most expensive legal tobacco, costing pack-a-day smokers approximately $15,000 annually, which is generating an estimated $8.5 billion per year for organised crime. Professor James Martin from Deakin University argues that enforcement alone cannot solve the problem and advocates for substantial tobacco excise cuts and legalising regulated vapes as less harmful alternatives to cigarettes. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

California hostage standoff ends with suspect killed by FBI

A 15-hour hostage standoff at a California bank ended when FBI agents shot and killed 41-year-old Anthony Harris. All 10 hostages were safely reunited with their families, and bombs the suspect claimed to have were determined to be fake. Harris had a violent criminal history, including a previous 12-year prison sentence for committing sex acts with minors. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Concerns grow over ADHD over-diagnosis in boys

Young boys are being diagnosed with autism and ADHD at significantly higher rates than girls, prompting concerns from experts about over-diagnosis. Professor Frank Oberklaid from the Murdoch Children's Research Institute suggests that normal boyhood behaviours such as being energetic, distractible and curious are increasingly being pathologised, partly driven by parents seeking NDIS support. He argues that children can receive necessary support and guidance without formal diagnoses, focusing instead on assessing individual strengths and weaknesses. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

One Nation's support among women and young voters; Spielberg on aliens; Sydney's $210 steak

New research shows One Nation's voter support has surged dramatically across previously untapped demographics, with female voters jumping from 6% to 24% support in one year. A Redbridge poll places Pauline Hanson just six points behind Anthony Albanese as preferred Prime Minister, with speculation she may move to the lower house to contest a Queensland seat. Political commentators attribute the shift to growing dissatisfaction with the two-party system, with voters seeking candidates who live in their communities and face the same everyday challenges. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.