Here is a look at what is making news around the country today.
Today’s national news includes PM Albanese visiting China to try to resolve trade issues, the high cost of power impacting small businesses in South Australia, total fire ban put in place for parts of New South Wales, and fresh fallout from the Voice referendum has Indigenous leaders divided.
Politics
PM Albanese to visit China in a bid to resolve wine dispute
Prime Minister Albanese will travel to China from Nov. 4 to 7 to meet with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang in a bid to stabilise relations with Australia’s biggest trading partner, Today Online reported. The visit comes after a breakthrough in a dispute with China over wine tariffs that have battered the industry. “We have agreed on the issue of wine for there to be a review of China’s position on wine tariffs to be conducted over the next months,” Mr Albanese said.
https://www.todayonline.com/world/australia-pm-visit-china-progress-wine-wind-tower-disputes-2287791
Business
High power costs hit SA businesses
Small businesses say their electricity bills have sharply increased and they fear they will go higher after SA again recorded the highest wholesale power prices in Australia, The Advertiser reported. The latest Australian Energy Regulator (AER) information shows South Australia’s average quarterly wholesale electricity price in the third quarter of this year was $114/MWh. That figure was the highest of any state but a significant drop from prices of 2022, which peaked at nearly $300. The state government says the drop will lead to cheaper prices in the next retail market year – and added that quarterly fluctuations in wholesale power prices do not carry across to retail prices, which are fixed annually by providers.
Regions
Total fire ban in place for parts of NSW
A total fire ban is in place for parts of New South Wales. Strong winds and high temperatures have intensified the risk of fire danger. Fire crews are battling a 28,000-hectare fire in Willi Willi, west of Kempsey. Another blaze is being fought in McGuires Crossing Road, in the western and southern regions of Hat Head. Properties are not currently in danger but the gusty and dry conditions pose a potential threat for fires to jump containment lines, Sky News reported.
Fresh fallout from Voice referendum has Indigenous leaders divided
There is fresh fallout from the Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum, Sky News reported. One week on from the referendum’s defeat Indigenous leaders undertook a period of silence. Reportedly, the leaders are divided over the wording of a joint response. Some have objected to the tone of the document which blames the loss on the Coalition. The document comes after Australia voted No to an Indigenous Voice.
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