Here is a look at what is making news around the country today.
Today’s national news includes PM Albanese announcing a significant cabinet reshuffle; Australia’s inflation is still lower than other countries; United Airlines cuts Australia flights from LA, SF, and Houston; and Craft beer prices shoot up due to cost of living pressures.
Politics
PM Albanese announces significant cabinet reshuffle
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is set to make a significant change in the government’s direction with a cabinet reshuffle. This follows the promotion of Northern Territory Senator Malarndirri McCarthy and NSW Senator Jenny McAllister to the ministry, as reported by Sky News. Senator McCarthy will take on the role of the new minister for Indigenous Australians. Skills and Training Minister Brendan O’Connor has also announced his decision to step down from the ministry. This, along with Tasmanian senator and Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Carol Brown’s health-related decision to step back, has opened a third frontbench vacancy.
Economy
Australia’s inflation is still lower compared to other countries
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has highlighted Australia’s unique position in the global economy, stating that our inflation peaked ‘lower and later’ compared to other countries, as reported by Sky News. This means that while other OECD countries are expecting interest rate cuts, Australia is preparing for interest rate rises. ‘The major difference between us and other countries is that inflation peaked lower and later in Australia,’ Mr Chalmers said. ‘Other countries that we compare ourselves to usually have much higher interest rates than we do. These are two important points to remember.’
Travel
United Airlines cuts Australia flights from LA, SF, and Houston
United Airlines is making adjustments to its Australia flights from US hubs, as reported by Simple Flying. The second daily flight from San Francisco to Sydney will operate only four times weekly, and the Boeing 787 between San Francisco & Melbourne will see a reduction of 93 seats per flight. Flights from Houston will also be reduced. However, despite these cutbacks, United’s Australia network remains extensive compared to its US legacy counterparts, demonstrating the airline’s commitment to maintaining a strong presence in the region.
https://simpleflying.com/united-airlines-frequency-reduction-australia/
Lifestyle
Craft beer prices to shoot up due to cost of living pressures
The price of a schooner or a glass of wine is expected to increase for the second time in a year, putting pressure on Australian breweries “crippled” by a cost of living crisis, news.com.au reported. The cost of alcohol will likely rise on August 5 following the release of the ATO’s twice-annual Consumer Price Index, which sets the government’s excise duty rates. “It’s crippling for the business, and it’s killer for the consumers at a time when the market is tight and everyone has got financial issues. Craft beer is way more expensive than mainstream beer. We need to put the prices up because the taxes go up, and the consumer doesn’t want the price to go up,” Sydney Brewery marketing manager Richard Feyn said.
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