Here is a look at what is making news around the country today.
Today’s national news includes Australia unfreezing UNRWA funding, Interest rates remaining steady amid an economic slowdown, NSW banning offshore oil and gas in its coastal waters, and Easter travellers being warned of Murray Valley encephalitis.
Politics
Australia to unfreeze UNRWA funding
Australia will restore funding to the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees after it lost millions of dollars in international support after allegations by Israel that some of its staff in the Gaza Strip were involved in the October 7 Hamas-led attacks. Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Australia would not pause funding to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, rebutting Israel’s accusations that 450 members of the agency’s staff had participated in the attacks in southern Israel that sparked the current war, Aljazeera reports.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/3/15/australia-to-unfreeze-funding-to-unrwa-pledges-more-help
Economy
Interest rates likely to remain steady amid economic slowdown
According to economists, Australia’s Reserve Bank is anticipated to maintain its interest rates at 4.35 per cent for the third consecutive meeting as the country’s economy faces headwinds amidst rising unemployment and sluggish growth, Wion has reported. Despite concerns about slowing growth, Australia’s labour market remains relatively robust, with the unemployment rate at 4.1 per cent, signalling healthy employment levels.
Regions
NSW bans offshore oil and gas in its coastal waters
NSW is being praised for becoming Australia’s first state to ban offshore oil and gas in its coastal waters, effectively slamming the door on PEP-11, Newcastle Weekly reports. Surfers for Climate and the Wilderness Society worked alongside communities throughout the Hunter to challenge the proposed Petroleum Exploration Permit 11 project due to its devastating impact on people, nature and the climate if it went ahead. Surfers for Climate congratulated the NSW Parliament for protecting Australia’s oceans and passing unopposed amendments to its legislation.
Easter travellers warned of Murray Valley encephalitis
Easter travellers and locals have been warned to protect themselves against a potentially fatal disease circulating in Western Australia, news.com.au reported. Murray Valley encephalitis was found in mosquitoes and sentinel chickens in the Kimberley region for the first time this year. WA Health urges locals and visitors to protect themselves against mosquito bites, as MVE is a severe and potentially fatal disease. The warning comes after significant MVE activity in the area last year resulted in the death of a child. Symptoms include fever, drowsiness, headache, stiff neck, nausea and dizziness, though a fever may be the only sign of early infection in children.
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