Here is a look at what is making news around the country today.
Today’s national news includes Australia wanting China to lift trade sanctions, Shadow Immigration Minister hitting back at PM Albanese, Cubitt’s Granny Flats and Home Extensions entering voluntary administration, and Virgin Voyages cancelling its Australian program due to tensions in the Red Sea.
Politics
Canberra wants trade sanctions lifted
Trade Minister Don Farrell lobbied his Chinese counterpart to lift restrictions on Australian lobster, wine and meat exports when the pair met in the Middle East, 9News reports. Farrell and Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao held talks on the sidelines of a World Trade Organisation ministerial conference in Abu Dhabi. Last November, China and Australia announced moves to lift duties on wine shipments. Under a deal, China agreed to launch a five-month review into the tariffs if Australia suspends its WTO challenge, pending the review’s outcome. The Chinese review is due to be finalised on March 31.
Shadow Immigration Minister hits back at PM Albanese
Shadow Immigration Minister Dan Tehan has hit back at Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who called him out over previous comments about the need to bring more international students and backpackers into Australia. Mr Albanese dug out the comments made by the Shadow Immigration Minister at the re-opening of Australia’s borders in light of new predictions that 1.6 million migrants will enter the country over the next five years, SkyNews has reported.
Business
Cubitt’s Granny Flats and Home Extensions enters voluntary administration
A 30-year-old building company, Cubitt’s Granny Flats and Home Extensions, has collapsed into voluntary administration, joining a long line of builders to follow the same path in the last 12 months, SkyNews reports. “Due to bank lending conditions, supply prices, taxation changes, insurance prices, Covid recovery and lengthy weather events, the company has suffered more than it can shoulder,” Cubitt’s said. Richard Stone and Brett Lord, representing accounting and consulting firm RSM Australia Partners, were appointed administrators. Over 2,000 construction firms collapsed in 2023, with the September quarter being the worst for the industry as 785 businesses became insolvent.
Travel
2024 to 2025 Virgin Voyages to Australia cancelled
The Resilient Lady will not sail in Australian waters for Virgin Voyages for the 2024-25 season as the cruise company cancelled its program today, citing security concerns in the Red Sea, Cruise Industry News has reported. The company said its decision was based on regional and government advice on the potential escalations in the Red Sea over the next 12 months. “We are currently working through options to return to Australia and the Asia Pacific region once regional repositioning opportunities become more tenable,” it said. Impacted Sailors can rebook another voyage or opt for a full refund given the change in plans.
https://cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/2024/02/virgin-voyages-cancels-2024-25-australia-program/
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