TODAY's Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data showed Australia’s inflation rate eased to 3.8%, the lowest in four months -- but housing cost pressure remains a major issue according to Master Builders Australia.

Master Builders Australia chief cconomist, Shane Garrett said the result comes after Reserve Bank Governor Michele Bullock signalled that further interest rate increases could be…

THE House of Representatives Standing Committee on Employment, Workplace Relations, Skills and Training will hold a public hearing in Canberra on Thursday, July 30, as part of its inquiry into the operation and adequacy of the National Employment Standards (NES).

The inquiry was referred to the Committee on November 27 last year by the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Amanda…

THE Housing Industry Association (HIA) said new independent Australian research has provided further evidence that relatively simple planning reforms can deliver meaningful increases in housing supply.

"New Australian research has reinforced concerns that minimum lot size requirements, many of which were introduced to address planning challenges from a very different era, continue to hold back…

THE Housing Industry Association (HIA) has welcomed the release of the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) review of the Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF) and Treasury’s acceptance of all five recommendations -- aimed at strengthening the program’s governance, performance measurement and public reporting.

HIA managing director, Jocelyn Martin, said the audit provided a constructive…

INTERESTED in learning more about the work of the House of Representatives? A half-day seminar on July 29 aims to deepen understanding of the Australian legislative process and build knowledge about members, committees and othjer aspects of Paliament.  

By Leon Gettler, Talking Business >>

YOUNGER PEOPLE are increasingly turning away from alcohol.

This is one of the insights of Meredith Walsh, the organiser of the popular FlowJam Healing Arts Festival in the US. The festival takes place annually around the July 4 weekend. It features music genres like jam bands, bluegrass, deep house, and reggae, focusing on soulful connection and spontaneous…

THE deadline for the 2026 My First Speech competition has been extended to Wednesday July 29.

Developed by the Department of the House of Representatives, the My First Speech competition provides senior secondary school students a platform to connect with, and learn about, the work of the Australian Parliament. 

The competition invites students in Years 10-12 to imagine themselves as a newly…

THE House of Representatives Standing Committee on Industry, Innovation and Science will hold site visits and a public hearing in Sydney this week as part of its inquiry into the current state of the Australian tyre industry, and any challenges and opportunities for the industry within the context of a circular economy.

Committee Chair, Rob Mitchell MP said, "The committee will be making its…

THE Joint Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs will hold public hearings in Perth (Monday July 13), Darwin (Wednesday July 15 and Thursday July 16) and Alice Springs (Friday July 17) for its inquiry into racism, hate and violence directed at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The committee will hear from community organisations, leaders, experts, from a…