Here is a look at what is making news around the country today.
Today’s national news includes US Congress approving the sale of Aukus nuclear submarines to Australia, the US asking Australia to send warships to the Red Sea, Australia’s government expecting a much-improved budget bottom line this year, and a new migration strategy reducing to post-study work rights
Nation
US Congress okays sale of Aukus nuclear submarines to Australia
The US Congress has passed legislation allowing the country to sell Virginia class submarines to Australia under the Aukus security pact, The Guardian reported. The development has been warmly welcomed by the Australian government, which had hoped to secure the legislative tick before the US entered the politically charged environment of a presidential election year. The acquisition of at least three such submarines from the US is an interim step before Australian-built nuclear-powered submarines start to enter into service in the 2040s.
New migration strategy to reduce post-study work rights
Cutbacks to Australian immigration levels and a tightening of student visa rules are set to impact the higher education sector in 2024, Research Professional News has reported. A government migration strategy indicates that there will be closer scrutiny of applications and higher English language standards imposed on students. The strategy will also make it easier for highly skilled workers to enter the country, with a Skills in Demand visa to be created and faster approvals promised. The student visa changes are aimed mostly at non-university providers, some of whom are known as ‘ghost colleges’ for the lack of actual education they provide while their students work in low-paid jobs.
Politics
US asks Australia to send warships to the Red Sea
The United States has asked Australia to send a warship to the Red Sea amid ongoing attacks on commercial shipping from Iran-backed militia, The Guardian reported. The request, made recently, came from the US Navy, which wants the vessel to join an international task force, of which Australia is one of 39 member nations. Treasurer Jim Chalmers said the Australian government already contributed to maritime security in that “often dangerous part of the world”.
Economy
Balanced budget for FY 2023/24
Australia’s government expects a much-improved budget bottom line this year as revenues outpace forecasts, but is resisting calls for more cost-of-living handouts to avoid inflaming inflationary pressures, Reuters reported. Labor Treasurer Jim Chalmers projected a budget deficit of just A$1.1 billion ($721.4 million) in the year to end June 2024, down from A$13.9 billion forecasted back in May. The Labor government recorded the first budget surplus in 15 years in 2022/23 as profits boomed in the country’s huge mining sector and employment proved much stronger than expected.
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