- The federal government’s long-awaited review into the Royal Australian Navy’s fleet of surface combatants has been released. The Navy’s new-look fleet will add multipurpose frigates and drone ships to its capabilities, while cutting back on Hunter class frigates and offshore patrol vessels.
- Cost of living remains the top concern in voters’ minds, although immigration and border security are becoming an issue again. The federal opposition spent last week questioning the government over immigration and border security after the High Court forced the release of 149 non-residents from detention, and the arrival of asylum seekers in Western Australia.
- The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) board says it cannot rule out another increase in interest rates, although economists are sceptical. According to the minutes of its latest meeting to discuss monetary policy, the board highlighted the risks of not containing inflation, and the high degree of uncertainty around the economy.
- Australian Defence Force (ADF) Chief Angus Campbell has held talks in Indonesia following the recent arrival of asylum seeker boats in Australian waters. General Campbell’s visit was aimed at reinforcing cooperation between the two countries on border security and maritime issues, particularly the management of irregular migration.
- A UK-owned bulk carrier is at risk of sinking in the Gulf of Aden after being hit by Yemen-based Houthis in the most significant strike since the Iran-backed group started launching attacks to disrupt global commerce. The attack comes as Defence Minister Richard Marles was questioned on how Australia’s upgraded Navy fleet plans to deal with a fast-evolving asymmetric threat.
- Australia’s residential aged care sector is facing a worker shortfall that risks undermining the government’s reforms. In order to meet the government’s aged care targets, which include 24/7 nurses, the sector will need an additional 5,918 nurses by 2024-25, according to data from the Department of Health and Aged Care.
- Western Australia’s Economics and Industry Standing Committee Inquiry into the state’s domestic gas policy has delivered its interim report, saying the policy is no longer fit for purpose. Meanwhile, National Party leader David Littleproud says a future Coalition government would inject significant funding into household solar and batteries.
- The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) has proposed incorporating the impact of certain foods on climate change into the Australian Dietary Guidelines. While the council says the move was based on a stakeholder survey where one in three respondents listed such impacts as a priority, farmers and the National Party say the decision is ideologically based.
- The Department of Finance is investigating the accidental release of confidential consulting rates. The department said a file containing “some third-party confidential information” was contained in an email sent out last week. It follows a similar release of confidential information by the Department of Health last November.
The full CMAX Advisory Australian Weekly Report is available on our website every Friday.
