Here is a look at what is making news around the country today.
Today’s national news includes security talks between Japan and Australia put on hold due to the Israel-Hamas conflict, Australia seeks new ways to lift Indigenous living standards, interest rates could be hiked once again amid high inflation figures, and electric scooter riders in Queensland could face fines for riding dangerously.
Nation
Security talks between Japan and Australia halted amid Israel-Hamas conflict
Japan and Australia have decided to postpone a meeting involving their foreign and defence ministers scheduled later this week amid the intensifying war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas, The Japan Times reported. The two governments had been arranging for the “two-plus-two” gathering in Tokyo to further boost their security ties against the backdrop of China’s military buildup in the Indo-Pacific region.
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/10/16/japan/japan-australia-postpone-security-talks/
Politics
Australia seeks new ways to lift Indigenous living standards
Australia will look for new ways to lift Indigenous living standards after voters soundly rejected a proposal to create a new advocacy committee, Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said. He said the government remained committed to improving Indigenous welfare to close the eight-year gap in average life expectancies between Indigenous Australians and the wider community. Indigenous Voice campaigners were flying Aboriginal flags at half-staff across Australia on Sunday as a mark of their disappointment, Inquirer.net has reported.
Economy
Interest rates could soon be hiked once again—RBA
Australians could be facing another interest rate hike unless inflation eases, 9News reported. Minutes from the Reserve Bank’s cash rate meeting at the start of the month have revealed the RBA was tossing up between leaving rates on hold and increasing them by a quarter of a per cent. The quarterly inflation data will be released this month and will play a significant role in November’s interest rate decision.
Regions
Queensland’s electric scooter riders face $2,600 fines
The Queensland Government has proposed legislation that could result in electric scooter riders being fined almost $2600 – and face time in court – if they are deemed to be riding dangerously, Drive.com reported. Additionally, the proposal has called for electric scooter riders to be upheld to the same post-crash responsibilities as motorists and cyclists – which includes an obligation to stop and remain at the scene, as well as render medical assistance and exchange relevant information, if necessary.
https://www.drive.com.au/news/electric-scooter-laws-and-fines-australia/
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