NewsMatch Alert: Press Release Summary | 11 March 2025
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Today's highlights
Rabobank support measures for farming clients impacted by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred
Rabobank
Rabobank has announced support measures for farming clients affected by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, as severe weather continues to impact southeastern Queensland and northern New South Wales. While the full effect on agriculture remains unclear, Group Executive Country Banking Marcel van Doremaele emphasised the bank’s commitment to assisting affected clients. With heavy rainfall in the Lockyer Valley and Northern Rivers posing risks to horticultural and dairy producers, Rabobank is proactively reaching out and offering tailored financial support, including ‘carry on’ finance, loan deferrals, fee waivers, and early access to Farm Management Deposits.?
Salvos shift focus to recovery in Cyclone Alfred aftermath – The Salvation Army’s Cyclone Alfred Appeal aims to raise $5 million
The Salvation Army
Following Cyclone Alfred, The Salvation Army is providing recovery support across southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales. Their teams have distributed over 8,000 meals to evacuees and first responders since the cyclone hit. The Salvation Army has launched a $5 million Cyclone Alfred Appeal to help communities rebuild, with contributions from Woolworths and NAB Foundation. Their recovery teams are focusing on grants and emotional care, committed to supporting affected communities in the long term. The public is encouraged to donate to the appeal to aid ongoing recovery efforts.
Historically-high production volumes “don’t dampen” Australian cattle market
Rabobank
Australian beef production reached a record 2.57 million tonnes in 2024, surpassing the previous high in 2014 by one per cent, with production expected to remain steady in 2025, according to Rabobank’s latest Global Beef Quarterly report. Despite record volumes, Australian cattle prices have remained stable, supported by strong US demand and favourable seasonal conditions, with potential price increases in early 2025. While global beef production is projected to decline by two per cent in 2025, trade uncertainties remain due to potential US tariffs, which could impact market dynamics.
DOORSTOP – NINE NURSING AND MIDWIFERY PEAKS
Alliance of nine nursing and midwifery peak bodies
On Friday, 14 March 2025, at 9:00 am in Mural Hall, Parliament House, Canberra, leaders of Australia’s nine largest nursing and midwifery organisations will gather to launch their bold health reform agenda for the federal election campaign. The Nursing and Midwifery Peaks agenda outlines seven practical and achievable actions that political leaders can implement immediately to improve access to healthcare services nationwide. With 650,000 current and recently retired nurses, nurse practitioners, and midwives—each a voter—demanding change, the call for reform is urgent. Amid rising wait times, increasing out-of-pocket costs, and a healthcare workforce under immense strain, nurses and midwives must be empowered to work to their full capacity as a critical solution to a system at breaking point.
Record-low rental affordability demands bold action to address housing crisis
Homelessness Australia
Homelessness Australia warns the housing crisis is worsening as new data shows rental affordability has hit a record low, forcing many Australians to leave their communities or live in tents. CEO Kate Colvin calls for urgent political action, including expanded homelessness support, increased social housing investment, and a boost to Commonwealth Rent Assistance. While the Labor Government has taken steps, she stresses the next government must scale up efforts to address Australia’s biggest challenge.
Independent committee calls on Federal Government to raise the rate of JobSeeker as top priority third year in a row
ACOSS
The Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee has once again called for a significant increase to JobSeeker and related payments. It recommends raising JobSeeker to 90% of the pension, which would improve recipients’ well-being and bring societal benefits, including better health outcomes and reduced government costs. The report also highlights the need to raise the Remote Area Allowance in areas like Fitzroy Crossing, where costs are much higher than in cities. It urges reform to the employment services system to stop harm from automated payment suspensions and improve support for vulnerable groups, particularly women leaving abusive relationships.
Housing tax breaks fuel housing crisis and must be fixed
ACOSS
ACOSS is calling for reforms to negative gearing and the 50% capital gains tax discount, with the revenue directed to social and affordable housing. Their report reveals that the wealthiest 10% own two-thirds of investment properties, driving up home prices, which have increased 142% since 1999 while wages rose just 44%. ACOSS argues these tax breaks benefit the wealthy, contributing to the housing affordability crisis. Reforming them could reduce home prices by up to 4%, matching the impact of building 1.2 million new homes.
Opportunities from the destructor: how a deadly parasite is not all bad news for bees
UNSW Sydney
As the varroa mite spreads through Australia’s honeybee population, most concern has focused on agriculture and beekeeping. However, a UNSW Sydney study highlights the need to understand its impact on native plants and pollinators.The study reviews knowledge gaps in how native plants, pollinators, and the European honeybee interact. “Australia has around 24,000 unique native plants,” says Dr Tom Le Breton. Some native species, like gumtrees, rely on honeybees for pollination.While the varroa mite threatens honeybees, it may also affect native pollinators. Honeybees, while dominant for some plants, can negatively impact others by stealing pollen or deterring native pollinators.
DNA shows cats to be culprits in killing of native animals
UNSW Sydney
DNA testing has confirmed that feral cats are the primary predators responsible for the deaths of reintroduced native animals in conservation areas. Researchers from UNSW Sydney and the University of Adelaide found that feral cats have killed more native animals than any other predator in Australia, contributing to two-thirds of mammal extinctions since European settlement. The study revealed that field evidence, such as tracks and bite marks, was unreliable in identifying the cause of death. DNA and necropsy were essential to accurately determine if feral cats were responsible for predation.
Pain relief medicines ‘Made in Australia’ it just makes sense
Palliative Care Australia
Palliative Care Australia (PCA) welcomes the Federal Government’s $20 million investment to expand local IV fluid manufacturing but urges the same for pain relief medications. Ongoing shortages of both, especially for end-of-life care, are a major concern.CEO Camilla Rowland highlights Tasmania’s role in supplying the world’s poppy-derived ingredients for pain relief and calls for local production of pain medications. PCA has proposed an 11-point plan to address shortages, including a national stockpile and better shortage notifications. Rowland urges Parliament to act for better access to pain relief for all Australians.
“We are grossly unprepared for the next pandemic” – Health experts reflect five years after WHO COVID-19 pandemic declaration
Public Health Association of Australia / Australasian Society for Infectious Diseases
Five years after the WHO declared COVID-19 a pandemic, experts warn Australia is still unprepared for future health emergencies. Public health leaders are urging all political parties to invest in public health and establish a permanent Australian Centre for Disease Control (CDC). While an interim CDC exists, experts stress the need for a fully resourced, permanent centre to address emerging health threats. “We must strengthen systems now to ensure we’re better prepared for the next outbreak,” said Professor Allen Cheng. The Public Health Association is calling for a permanent CDC ahead of the 2025 Federal Election.
TAS Govt needs to match its preventive health strategy with money: public health peak
Public Health Association of Australia
The Tasmanian Government’s Preventive Health Strategy is a positive step, but its success depends on proper funding and implementation, says the Public Health Association of Australia. Ahead of today’s forum in Hobart, CEO Adj Prof Terry Slevin urged the government to allocate funds to address chronic health issues. With nearly 70% of Tasmanians affected, the strategy should focus on promoting healthy eating, physical activity, and limiting unhealthy food marketing.“If done right, this strategy can significantly improve Tasmania’s health,” Slevin said.
Unanswered nuclear questions put Australians at risk
Australians for Affordable Energy
Australians for Affordable Energy (AFAE) is demanding answers after expert Jonathan Pershing warned the Coalition’s nuclear plan is costly and uncertain.AFAE spokesperson Jo Dodds questioned delaying cheaper renewables for a risky, taxpayer-funded experiment. With global data favouring solar and batteries and former Liberal treasurer Matt Kean calling nuclear too expensive, AFAE urges clear answers on securing affordable power.
From cost to asset: How biodiversity markets could transform green Infrastructure
Corporate Carbon Group
A new biodiversity credit market in Australia is turning conservation efforts into investible assets, with the potential to drive sustainability investment. Dr Kate Dodds from Corporate Carbon Group will discuss how these markets could reshape green infrastructure investments at Sydney Climate Action Week. Biodiversity credits, once a distant idea, are now becoming a reality with enforceable certificates. However, challenges remain, as biodiversity lacks a single, measurable unit. If successful, these markets could turn green infrastructure from a concept into large-scale projects worth billions.
Play your part in keeping children safe in sport
NSW Office of Sport
The NSW Government is hosting child safety workshops for local sporting organisations on the South Coast next week to help protect children from harm and abuse in sport. In partnership with the Office of the Children’s Guardian, the NSW Office of Sport will deliver practical advice on safeguarding children. Workshops will take place from 16–20 March in Batemans Bay, Moruya, Narooma, Pambula, and Bega, led by Child Safe Officer Matt Sibley.
Secret Strike – War on our Shores opens
Australian National Maritime Museum
The Australian National Maritime Museum is commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII in the Pacific with The Secret Strike: War on Our Shores, an exhibition on the 1942 Japanese midget submarine attack on Sydney Harbour. Featuring historic images, firsthand accounts, and artefacts, the exhibition highlights a pivotal moment in Australia’s history. Curator Stirling Smith emphasises its role in educating new generations, with further activities planned in the coming months.
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