Here is a look at what is making news around the country today.
Today’s national news includes Australia launching its biggest defence shakeup in decades to neutralize the threat of China’s militarization, Australia celebrating Anzac Day with dawn services and marches, the Finance Sector Union calling on banks to stop shuttering branches, and a new policy allowing Aussies to save up to $180 annually on prescription medicine.
Nation
Anzac Day celebrated with dawn services, marches across the country
It has been 108 years since Australian and New Zealand soldiers first landed at the Gallipoli peninsula in Türkiye during World War I. The Anzacs were defeated after eight months, having suffered great hardships and mass casualties, but their bravery has become an enduring symbol of military sacrifice. Dawn services were followed by parades in towns and cities in every state and territory, as well as in Papua New Guinea and Gallipoli.
Thousands attend Anzac Day celebrations in the Northern Territory
In the top end, thousands attended Darwin’s cenotaph for the dawn service followed by marches across the Northern Territory. Delivering his first speech as Administrator of the Northern Territory, Professor Hugh Heggie paid tribute to those who had fallen in war. “We also remember those who lost loved ones, and those unknowingly fare welling their loved ones for the last time,” Professor Heggie said. Marches were held in Darwin, Katherine, Alice Springs and Tennant Creek. ABC News reported.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-04-25/anzac-day-2023-commemorated-across-australia/102261140
Economy
FSU calls on major banks to stop shuttering branches
The Finance Sector Union (FSU) is calling on the major banks to stop closing bank branches in metropolitan and regional areas while a Senate Inquiry into Regional Branch Closures is underway, Mirage News has reported. The National Australia Bank was refusing to pause regional branch closures, announcing that branches at Jeparit and Inverloch in Victoria will close. Branches at Boonah, Qld and Queanbeyan, NSW will also be shut down. Each NAB branch will close in July. Likewise, the CBA said it will close branches at Bull Creek in WA and Aspley, Qld in June with the loss of 12 jobs. ANZ has notified the FSU it will close Clarkson in WA, Patterson Lakes in Victoria and Lane Cove in NSW. Both the CBA and ANZ, however, have committed to pausing regional closures while the Inquiry continues.
https://www.miragenews.com/major-banks-shutter-more-branches-ignore-993423/
Defence
Australia unveils biggest defence reform
Australia launched its biggest defence shakeup in decades, vowing to turn a military that is “no longer fit for purpose” into a fighting force that could deter China or any would-be foe, the Manila Times has reported. Defense Minister Richard Marles unveiled a strategic review that called for a sharp shift toward long-range deterrence — using missiles, submarines and cyber tools to keep adversaries at arm’s length. Australian planners have viewed China’s military rise warily, fearing Beijing’s now-vast capabilities could effectively cut Australia off from trading partners and global supply chains. In response to that threat, Australia’s military will develop the ability to strike from air, land and sea, strengthen northern bases, and recruit more troops.
Health
Aussies to save up to $180 annually on prescription medicine
Australians will soon be able to buy 60 days’ worth of medication for the cost of a single prescription as part of a major shakeup of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), Sky News reported. A new policy will slash the cost of 320 medicines on the PBS and will mainly target people living with chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease. At least six million Australians are set to benefit from the changes when they come into effect from September 1.
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