NewsMatch Alert: Press Release Summary | 28 February 2025
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Today's highlights
New Banking Code of Practice takes effect
The new Banking Code of Practice comes into effect today, marking an important milestone in the industry’s commitment to providing important protections for customers. The updated Code, which was approved by ASIC in June 2024, strengthens protections for customers in certain areas, particularly for people experiencing vulnerability, and reinforces the commitment of banks to responsible and fair conduct.
Government not confident in legality of income support system
ACOSS is again demanding the immediate removal of the Targeted Compliance Framework (TCF) after senior officials were unable to say if it is operating legally. When asked about the legality of the compliance framework in senate estimates on Wednesday, the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Murray Watt, and Department Secretary Natalie James were both unable to say they had confidence it was operating legally. “The fact that this harmful system continues to operate when neither the Minister nor the department secretary can say if it is operating legally is extremely concerning,” said ACOSS CEO Cassandra Goldie AO .
Let the sunshine in: $25 million rooftop solar plan will get more Aussie apartments running on renewable power
The Climate Council
A $25 million initiative for shared rooftop solar systems to be delivered by the Federal and New South Wales governments will unlock the benefits of affordable, clean and reliable solar power for more apartment residents in the state, including many renters.
Coalition energy plans lock in high emissions, high energy bills
In response to news that a Coalition government would approve a ‘bucket load’ of new gas projects, including Woodside’s NW Shelf extension, the Australian Conservation Foundation’s climate and energy program manager gavan mcfadzean said: “Gas expansionism, as proposed by the opposition’s resources spokesperson, will lock in decades more climate pollution..."
State government back down from new school at Chatswood Dive Site
In the last two years we have created capacity for an additional 12,000 dwellings throughout Willoughby LGA. This includes growth provided by Council's new Local Environmental Plan?(6,500 dwellings), the St Leonards and Crows Nest TOD, and the Low and Mid Rise Housing Reforms. Applications with over 2,700 proposed dwellings in the Chatswood CBD are currently under assessment, and further opportunities for housing are being actively pursued by Council.??
Forestry Corp fined $30,000 for failing to protect habitat
Forestry Corporation of NSW (FCNSW) has been fined a total of $30,000 by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) for failing to protect critical habitat in Conglomerate State Forest near Coffs Harbour. The EPA alleges that FCNSW cut down two hollow-bearing trees in 2023 that were required to be retained and that a pre-harvest habitat search was non-compliant with forestry rules.?NSW EPA Director of Operations, John Forcier , said these two breaches have the potential to cause harm to threatened plants and animals.?
Native forest logging loophole puts wildlife at risk
A loophole in Victoria’s planning laws is allowing widespread native forest logging on private land, undermining the state’s 2024 ban on public forest logging and threatening critically endangered species, according to citizen scientists and conservationists. Last week, citizen scientists from Wildlife of the Central Highlands (WOTCH) discovered a Critically Endangered Leadbeater’s Possum - Victoria’s state emblem - at the border of a private native forest undergoing clearfell logging in Mount Horsfall on the Baw Baw Shire.
Maritime Union launches Family and Domestic Violence Solidarity Leave
Maritime Union of Australia - Sydney Branch
Today the Maritime Union of Australia launched its campaign to introduce Family and Domestic Violence Solidarity Leave into every Maritime workplace. MUA Sydney Branch Secretary Paul Keating said “Family and Domestic Violence continues to occur in Australia at catastrophic levels. ?In Australia a woman is killed by a man known to her approximately every four days. ?We cannot continue to sit by idly and allow this to continue”.
World First Research Project Launched by Omico Australia to Advance Treatment of Sarcoma
Sarcoma is one of the most aggressive and challenging cancers, with no significant advances in treatment or survival outcomes in over 30 years. It remains the leading cause of cancer-related death in Australians aged 15-29, highlighting the urgent need for breakthrough research. Today, Omico Australia has launched the MoST/CASP-SARC Initiative - a world-first research project designed to transform sarcoma treatment. This initiative will screen the largest global patient cohort ever studied, using real-world data, biomarker research, and targeted therapies to accelerate progress where it is most needed.
New Australian Research to Help Young Cancer Survivors Thrive Beyond Treatment
Australian researchers at the Prince of Wales Hospital are launching a groundbreaking two-year study to better understand the psychological and cognitive needs of young cancer survivors aged 15-25. The study will provide critical insights into how survivors can successfully navigate life post-cancer treatment, reducing the risk of mental health issues and ensuring they thrive, not just survive.
A Southern Hemisphere First – New Cutting-Edge Radiotherapy now available at Icon Cancer Centre
Cancer patients being treated at Icon Group’s Icon Cancer Centre Midland are now benefitting from the latest state-of-the-art radiation treatment planning and delivery technology with the introduction of Varian’s RapidArc Dynamic solution. Icon is the first in the Southern Hemisphere and only the third worldwide to clinically treat with RapidArc Dynamic, marking a major step forward in radiation therapy, particularly for patients with breast and prostate cancer.
InMode Australia Unveils Cutting-Edge Aesthetic Technologies Leading 2025 Trends
The aesthetic industry is witnessing a significant shift towards treatments that provide natural results with minimal intervention, particularly the rise of rapid weight loss with associated loose skin. Leading the 2025 aesthetic landscape is InMode's groundbreaking non-suction QuantumRF technology for facial and body treatments. This advanced fractional bi-polar radiofrequency (RF) treatment safely targets the deep layers of the skin, stimulating collagen production and tightening the skin without the need for incisions or surgery.?
Monash experts: What Andrew Tate's return to the US tells us about Trump's broligarchy
‘Manfluencer’ Andrew Tate and brother Tristan, who are both facing human trafficking and rape charges, have arrived back in the US after travel restrictions against them were lifted. ?The return is raising questions about US President Donald Trump’s use of power and influence to protect his wealthy, male allies.
Six world premieres and an extraordinary artist lineup announced 2025 Australian Festival of Chamber Music
One of the world’s most distinguished musicians in Clarinet virtuoso Michael Collins, leads the incredible talent lineup for the 2025 Australian Festival of Chamber Music (AFCM) in Townsville-Gurambilbarra, the fourth under Artistic Director Jack Liebeck. In addition, six world premieres will be performed, the most this event has ever staged in its 34 years.
People with Disability Australia will be 'Proud and Free to be Me' at the 2025 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade
People with Disability Australia (PWDA) is proud to be participating once again in the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade on Saturday 1 March 2025. A contingent of 80 PWDA members will march, wheel, and roll down Oxford Street, under the theme: "Proud and Free to be Me." As Australia's national peak body for LGBTQIA+ people with disability, PWDA is committed to advocating for the rights and inclusion of this diverse and vibrant community.
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