Here is a look at what is making news around the country today.
Today’s national news includes Labor looking to extend the duration of its $12 per gigajoule gas price cap beyond December of this year, Australia seeking more business deals with China, the majority of Australians feeling positive about switching to cleaner energy options, and more senior Australians are now accessing cheaper health care.
Nation
Labour to extend $12 per gigajoule gas price cap
Labour is looking to extend the duration of its $12 per gigajoule gas price cap beyond December, despite warnings from the industry of a deteriorating investment climate and concerns it could further harm supply, Sky News has reported. The extension of the cap would form part of the government’s controversial mandatory code of conduct, which it first announced last year off the back of soaring energy prices.
Economy
Australia seeks more business deals with China
An industry delegation from Australia coming from a range of sectors is heading to China. Australian business executives, following recent high-level contacts between Chinese and Australian government officials, will seek opportunities from China’s high-quality growth, which sends clear signals for closer collaboration in trade and investment, the Global Times has reported. Companies include HSBC, Cochlear, Rio Tinto, Fortescue Future Industries, King & Wood Mallesons, the Global Foundation and officials from Melbourne City will be included.
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202304/1289648.shtml
Environment
Australians keen to switch from gas to electric to lower emissions
The majority of Australians feel positive about switching off the gas and turning to cleaner energy options, with environmental reasons one of the biggest drivers behind the shift, according to new research by the Australia Institute and research firm SEC Newgate. In a poll about electrification, 55 per cent felt positive about electrifying more homes, with 59 per cent mentioning environmental reasons as a main driver of their opinion and 18 per cent pointing to the potential for cheaper electricity bills, The Guardian reported.
Health
Senior Australians accessing cheaper health care
Thousands of older Australians have benefited from changes to the Commonwealth seniors health card that allows cheaper doctor’s visits and medicines, the Australian Associated Press reported. The Albanese government promised to increase the income threshold required to access the card before the 2022 federal election. Since November, more than 14,780 self-funded retirees have been granted health cards who would not have previously been eligible. The biggest increase was in NSW where 4,153 people were granted the card. By 2025, more than 52,000 seniors in total across Australia are expected to benefit.
https://au.news.yahoo.com/more-senior-australians-accessing-cheaper-010422763.html
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