Here is a look at what is making news around the country today.
Today’s national news includes 100,000 individuals who are currently seeking asylum in Australia and Labor MPs rumoured to be breaking ranks on the AUKUS submarine deal. Also in today’s news are Australian businesses being hit by worsening labour shortages, the Queensland government being urged to place a cap on rent increases, and Australia being named the 12th happiest country in the world.
Nation
Are Labor MPs breaking ranks on AUKUS?
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has lashed out against journalists to “have a bit of respect” after being asked questions about Labor MPs breaking ranks on the AUKUS nuclear submarine deal, Sky News has reported. Prime Minister Albanese had just finished attending an event for World Down Syndrome Day when he faced questions about whether Labor “is divided into the AUKUS subs”. “Have a bit of respect for these people,” Mr Albanese said.
Politics
100,000 individuals seeking asylum in Australia
The Guardian has reported that there are a “record” 100,000 people who have sought asylum onshore who remain in Australia including 72,875 whose claims were refused and who are yet to be deported. The home affairs department statistics said 1,725 people claimed protection onshore in February, taking the number of such claims since the Albanese government was elected to 12,859. Also, there are now 27,342 people waiting for refugee status determinations, and a further 72,875 people who “were not granted a final protection visa that has yet to be deported”.
Economy
Australian businesses hit by labour shortages
The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry says businesses are suffering from the “cost crisis” as they deal with energy costs and continuing labour shortages, Sky News reported. The latest survey shows that “businesses face a cocktail of higher inflation, they’re dealing with spiralling energy cost, they are dealing with continuing shortages in terms of labour supply,” the chamber said.
Regions
The Queensland government urged to place a cap on rent increases
Economists and advocates have urged the Queensland government to introduce a cap on rent increases, amid panicked claims that such limits would spark “a bloodbath” for investors, The Guardian reported. Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the government was “very seriously” considering introducing a rent cap ahead of a housing roundtable next week. The statement drew fierce and fast backlash from the state’s opposition, the real estate sector and tabloid media. Appearing at a press conference with shadow treasurer, David Janetzki, REIQ’s chief executive, Antonia Mercorella, said rent controls would shatter investors’ confidence in Queensland’s property market. “The thought bubble announcement yesterday around contemplating rent controls shows a government with seemingly no grasp on basic economics,” Mercorella said.
Lifestyle
Australia is the 12th happiest country in the world
Australia has been named the 12th happiest country in the world according to the 10th annual World Happiness Report, Elite Agent has reported. The report leverages six key factors to explain variation in self-reported levels of happiness across the world: social support, income, health, freedom, generosity, and absence of corruption. Finland remains in the top position for the sixth year in a row.
https://eliteagent.com/australia-ranked-12th-happiest-country-in-the-world/
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