Major changes coming to credit card rewards

Why Australian power bills are rising despite price cuts

Australian electricity prices have increased for many customers from 1 July despite regulators announcing price cuts, with energy companies like Origin, AGL and Energy Australia changing how charges are calculated, resulting in higher daily connection fees. The Australian Energy Regulator explains that most customers on market contracts can find better deals by shopping around using comparison tools like Energy Made Easy. Coal-fired power stations are ageing and breaking down more frequently, with renewable energy sources like rooftop solar now representing the largest source of electricity capacity in Australia's national energy market. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Interest rates to stay high until 2027

Australia's interest rates are forecast to remain at a 15-year high until late 2027, with the country facing its longest period of weak economic growth since the 1990s recession. New global data reveals Australians are experiencing one of the sharpest declines in living standards among developed nations, driven by persistent inflation and a decade-long productivity malaise. Economists suggest solutions including reducing regulation, increasing housing supply, reforming the tax system, and allowing more skilled tradespeople into the country. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Prince Harry loses High Court privacy case

Prince Harry has lost his High Court privacy case against the publisher of the Daily Mail, with all claims of spying and phone tapping dismissed. The judge ruled that while Harry's allegations were serious, he failed to prove any stories were obtained unlawfully. The devastating loss comes during Harry's first public engagement in London this week, overshadowing his charity work and any potential family reconciliation. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Major Telstra outage hits thousands across eastern Australia

Thousands of Telstra customers across New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland are experiencing a major mobile network outage, with many phones limited to emergency calls only. The telecommunications company has acknowledged the widespread service disruption affecting mobile calls and digital data connections across Australia's eastern seaboard. Telstra is investigating the issue and has advised customers to try resetting their devices while emergency calls remain operational. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Tradies ranked equal to actors in migration scheme

Australia's Skilled Migration Scheme places construction workers in the same priority tier as actors, dancers, animal trainers and economists, despite an ongoing housing crisis. Labor MP Amanda Rishworth defends the government's approach, citing a threefold increase in construction workers and fast-tracked skills recognition, while Opposition representative James criticises the lack of prioritisation for essential trades. The debate centres on whether tradies should be elevated to a higher priority tier given the unprecedented demand for housing construction. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.