NewsMatch Alert: Press Release Summary | 21 February 2025
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Today's highlights
Economics Committee releases report on the four major banks
The House Standing Committee on Economics has released its report on Australia’s four major banks, concluding a series of annual public hearings throughout the 47th Parliament with executives from CBA, Westpac, ANZ and NAB. These hearings are a key part of the Committee’s long-standing role in scrutinising the major banks, a practice upheld since the 45th Parliament. Chair of the Committee, Dr Dr Daniel Mulino MP, said ‘the banks play a critical role in the economy and in the daily lives of Australians."
Minister Matt Keogh – Joint Communiqué – Veterans’ Ministerial Council
Ministers responsible for veterans’ issues at the Federal, State and Territory levels met today to discuss key priorities and next steps following the Government’s response to Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.?In December 2024 the Government responded to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide’s final report. Recommendation 122 of the report recommended the establishment of an independent body that would oversee system reform across the defence ecosystem.
Food for Thought
The House Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Resources has released its report for its inquiry into food and beverage manufacturing in Australia, titled Food for Thought: The opportunities and challenges for Australia’s food and beverage manufacturing industry. The report has made 23 recommendations. The Chair of the committee, Mr Rob Mitchell , said, 'By 2040, the global population is expected to reach nine billion. This will shape the global economic and consumer landscape, and Australia is well-positioned to capitalise..."
Unions and business unite to protect vulnerable workers in Australian horticulture
A new report from the McKell Institute has called for the Federal Government to expedite protections for labour hire workers in Australia’s horticulture sector. The McKell Institute report has been commissioned by Woolworths Group and the Retail Supply Chain Alliance - an alliance of trade unions in the fresh food supply chain. Together the three organisations are advocating for national regulations to improve oversight of labour hire agencies in the horticulture sector.
Voters want action on homelessness
More than 120,000 Australians are not getting the support they need when they encounter homelessness, according to a landmark analysis conducted by Homelessness Australia ahead of the coming federal election. And a fresh opinion poll shows homelessness is emerging as a key election issue, with financially stressed voters telling pollsters the problem is getting worse, and they want a remedy.
Super funds on hunt for new US investment deals for members
IFM Investors , Super Members Council , HESTA etc.
Statement – attributed collectively to representatives of the superannuation funds, investment managers and peak organisations attending the Australian Superannuation Investment Summit. A high-powered delegation of Australian superannuation leaders and other institutional investors will converge on Washington DC next week to go into bat for the interests of millions of Australians who have investments in the United States through their retirement savings – scouring the globe for the best deals to boost returns.
New data reveals record crypto adoption in Australia amid shifting global landscape
More Australians than ever before are embracing cryptocurrencies the 2025 Independent Reserve Cryptocurrency Index (IRCI) reveals. “The findings in our sixth annual IRCI clearly show that Australia’s crypto market is coming into its own. Adoption is growing, investment strategies are evolving, and seasoned investors are seeing better profits,” said Independent Reserve CEO, Adrian P. .
Budget 2025-26: Laying the foundations for growth
Master Builders calls for the next Federal Budget to focus on laying the foundations for economic growth by unlocking building and construction industry capacity and tackling entrenched inflation and declining productivity, which is currently holding Australia back.?Master Builders CEO Denita Wawn said: “A strong building industry means a strong economy. For every dollar invested in the building sector, three dollars are injected back into the Australian economy."
Jemena takes crucial next step to avoid gas shortfall
Leading energy infrastructure company, Jemena, has today appointed Monadelphous (ASX:MND) as its construction partner to progress stage two of its Eastern Gas Pipeline (EGP) reversal project. The project aims to make the 797km EGP bi-directional between Kembla Grange and Longford, so that it can flexibly transport gas into the New South Wales and Victorian gas markets.
AGWA Reiterates Call on Government to Act Against Cheap Glass & Window Imports
The Australian Glass and Window Association (AGWA) has warned of serious consequences for Australia’s building sector and national housing supply targets unless more is done to protect the domestic glass and window industry from the effects of cheap imports. The caution follows the appointment of an administrator to Dandenong-based Oceania Glass? , Australia’s only local producer of architectural glass.?
CTE funding set to boost Australia’s future brain health
Dementia Australia welcomes the $12.5 million investment by the Federal Government to tackle chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), announced in Brisbane today by the Hon. Anika Wells MP, Minister for Aged Care and Minister for Sport.
Profit-driven maternity closures undermine access to essential services
Catholic Health Australia (CHA) says the closure of Healthscope maternity services in Hobart and Darwin will put more pressure on not-for-profit hospitals to deliver essential health services for those communities. "This is yet another example of the for-profit healthcare model’s failure to deliver essential health services to underserved communities,” said CHA Director of Health Policy, Dr Katharine Bassett .?
Never ending losing streak : NSW records worst poker machine losses ever & Government’s disappointing mid-term report card on reform
New South Wales has hit a devastating new low with record high losses hitting a staggering, and arguably avoidable, $8.64 billion for 2024 according to the latest Liquor and Gaming data just published. This represents a year on year increase of 6.3 %, close to double the rate of inflation for the same period.
NSW poker machine losses of $8b is horrendous – New figures present clear evidence for real reform
New figures showing poker machine losses in NSW have reached a record high of $8.64 billion are horrendous and underscore the urgent need for reform, the CEO of the Alliance for Gambling Reform, Martin Thomas , said.
Minister Keogh – Works Commence at Greenslopes, Paving the Way for New Legacy House
A brand new Legacy House in Brisbane’s south is one step closer, with construction now underway at the former Australian Red Cross Centre site in Greenslopes. Legacy House, right next door to Greenslopes Private Hospital, will be home to Legacy Queensland and will feature a Hub for both veterans and families, as they continue their mission of supporting the whole family unit.
Be the Voice That Makes a Difference: Survivors Teaching Students Webinar on 27 February
The Australia New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group (ANZGOG) is calling on people with a lived experience of ovarian and other gynaecological cancers, including those personally diagnosed and their caregivers, to join a powerful movement that is changing the future of healthcare. Register now for a free Survivors Teaching Students? (STS) information webinar on Thursday 27 February at 12.30pm AEDT and discover how your story can educate and inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Aussie stars expose the painful reality of shingles this Shingles Awareness Week
荷商葛蘭素史克藥廠 Australia
Australia’s leading personalities are sharing their experiences with shingles to encourage Australians aged 50 years and over to be aware of their risk of the disease this Shingles Awareness Week (24 February to 2 March 2025). This comes as new research, commissioned by GSK Australia which surveyed 600 Australians, revealed that Australians aged 50-79 have limited understanding of their risk of shingles.
Side by side: Celebrating the bonds of war animals
Pitch Projects on behalf of the Shrine of Remembrance
Leading into War Animal Remembrance Day on Monday 24 February, the Shrine is hosting a special Last Post Service on Sunday 23 February honouring the contribution of war animals who have given their loyalty and their lives. This special service will be attended by a variety of organisations including the Victoria Police Dog Squad, 4th/8th Light Horse Association, Defence Community Dogs , LifeUnleashed by Integra Service Dogs Australia and local pigeon handlers. Members of the public and their furry (leashed) friends are encouraged to attend the service.
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