NewsMatch Alert: Press Release Summary | 5 February 2025
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Today's highlights
Committee reviews intelligence agencies’ use of AI and consultants
The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has presented its annual review of the administration and expenditure of six Australian intelligence agencies for the 2022-23 financial year. The review found that amidst a changing strategic environment, Australia’s intelligence agencies continue to work effectively and responsibly to protect Australia’s national security. ‘The Committee is satisfied that the agencies are administering outcomes and outputs effectively, and managing expenditure appropriately to achieve value-for-money outcomes for the Australian taxpayer,’ said Committee Chair, Senator Raff Ciccone.
Crossbench and community sector leaders urge parliament to raise income support
Parliamentarians, including many members of the crossbench, have joined community sector leaders in calling on the parliament to raise the rate of income support. MPs Bridget Archer, Kate Chaney, Helen Haines, Monique Ryan, Zali Steggall, Kylea Tink and Andrew Wilkie, and Senators Penny Allman-Payne and David Pocock called for the parliament to ease cost of living pressure for those struggling the most by raising the rate of JobSeeker, Youth Allowance, Parenting Payment and related payments to a livable level.
People should not have to borrow money to pay tax
Chartered Accountants ANZ (CA ANZ) is calling on Senators to vote against legislation which could see individuals with more than $3 million in superannuation assets forced to borrow money or sell assets to pay tax bills. CA ANZ CEO Ainslie van Onselen said the Bill seeks to tax unrealised gains, which would be a first for the Australian tax system, setting a precedent for the future.
Record numbers seeking legal help with housing problems: demand grows by 19% in one year
Record numbers of people in NSW are seeking legal assistance because of housing and tenancy problems.?New figures show almost 4,500 people per year are now seeking help from Legal Aid NSW to deal with those issues. ?In addition, the Legal Aid annual report shows overall demand for free legal help in NSW has also grown significantly, with tens of thousands more people seeking assistance as cost-of-living pressures increase. ???
Regularly eating eggs supports a lower risk of cardiovascular disease-related death
Regular consumption of eggs is associated with a 29 per cent lower risk of cardiovascular disease-related death in relatively healthy older adults, new research from a Monash University-led team has found.?Published in the Journal Nutrients, the researchers found that for relatively healthy older adults, consuming eggs 1-6 times per week was associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality (death from any cause) and CVD mortality compared to those who rarely or never eat eggs.
New research shows alcohol industry drags feet on mandated pregnancy warning
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health / Public Health Association of Australia
Experts are concerned that the alcohol industry may be deliberately delaying the inclusion of Government-mandated pregnancy warnings across its products, after new research showed only 63 per cent of alcoholic beverages displayed the label - despite being given a generous three-year grace period to comply. The study by The George Institute for Global Health , published today in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, analysed around 6,000 alcohol products sold in four large stores in Sydney from June to November 2023, to uncover the worrying finding.
Alcohol and gambling companies and lobby groups plough almost $2.5 million into political parties
Alcohol and gambling companies and lobby groups donated $2.474 million to political parties in 2023-24. After the release of the latest donation figures this week through the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) Transparency Register, the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE) and Alliance for Gambling Reform (AGR) jointly called for alcohol and gambling companies to be excluded from making political donations.
New research shows positive changes in opioid prescribing, but trend among young people a cause for concern
New Monash University research has revealed a concerning rise in new opioid prescriptions among younger Victorians, while also finding an overall positive trend, with a drop in opioid prescription numbers and the number of people being prescribed opioid medications for longer periods of time.
All in the eyes: High resolution retinal maps aid disease diagnoses
Researchers have conducted one of the largest eye studies in the world to reveal new insights into retinal thickness, highlighting its potential in the early detection of diseases like type 2 diabetes, dementia and multiple sclerosis. The WEHI-led study, using cutting-edge artificial intelligence technology to analyse over 50,000 eyes, produced maps of the retina in unprecedented detail to better understand how retinal differences link to various diseases.
Breakthrough Parkinson’s course changing lives
领英推荐
The significant knowledge gap about the world’s fastest growing neurodegenerative disease is about to be closed with the 澳大利亚塔斯马尼亚大学 today launching a first-of-its-kind Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) to support millions of people living with Parkinson’s globally.
Australian firms step up ESG efforts for compliance, profit
Enterprises in Australia are accelerating investments in technology, including AI, to improve their environmental and social sustainability and corporate governance, motivated by both business and compliance concerns, according to a new research report published today by Information Services Group (ISG) (Nasdaq: III), a leading global technology research and advisory firm.
Thrive partners with Minderoo Foundation to continue its refugee economic empowerment work with increased focus on women
Thrive Refugee Enterprise (Thrive), Australia’s leading NGO dedicated to empowering refugees with small businesses and employment outcomes, is pleased to announce a new funding partnership starting in 2025 with Minderoo Foundation , one of Australia's largest philanthropic foundations. This collaboration aims to enable Thrive to continue its impactful work as well as provide more resources for greater economic empowerment of refugee women across Australia.
Long-term solutions vital to mitigate health impacts of floods, drought and fires
In the wake of devastating floods in Northern Queensland and bushfires in Victoria, rural communities in these regions are grappling with significant health impacts that will have long-term consequences. “We urge swift action and coordinated efforts to support these communities that are already challenged with lack of healthcare access, both in the immediate aftermath and in the years to come,” said Susanne ( Susi ) Tegen , Chief Executive of the National Rural Health Alliance.
Putting households at the centre of energy planning
RACE for 2030 CRC
Australia's energy future is being redefined with the launch of “Scenarios for Future Living”, an initiative from the RACE for 2030 Cooperative Research Centre (RACE for 2030 CRC). Building on Monash University's successful Digital Energy Futures project, this three-year initiative provides a plausible, people-centred understanding of future Australian energy consumption.
Quantum Year launched overnight by UNESCO in Paris
Australians use quantum science daily to connect with the world, light our homes, fight disease, scan our groceries, and much more. What will be next? How will quantum science change our lives over the coming decades? ?Australian physicists and science communicators are available for interview.?
37th Annual Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal sets new record, surpassing $10 Million in community contributions
爱德曼 Australia on behalf of Kmart Australia Limited
Kmart and The Salvation Army have shared their sincere thanks to the community for supporting for the annual Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal, with generous Australians contributing to its biggest Appeal in 37 years and more than $10.3 million of value to the community. Continuing its legacy as Australia’s largest and longest running gift collection drive, the 2024 Appeal which ran until Christmas Eve, saw a total of 365,000 gifts collected in Kmart stores and distributed to families in need via The Salvation Army in both Australia and New Zealand.
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