Here is a look at what is making news around the country today.

Today’s national news includes the federal government proposing a national digital ID scheme, Australia’s widening limit on Airbnb-like rentals despite the housing crisis, Perth’s first electric “trackless tram” arriving for testing, and regional airlines Rex continues to grow fleet.

Nation

Federal government propose national digital ID scheme

The federal government has proposed a national digital ID scheme after identity crimes cost Australia an estimated $3.1 billion in the FY 2018-19, The Conversation has reported. A national digital identity scheme that will let people prove their identity without having to share documents such as their passport, driver’s licence or Medicare card, would initially be regulated by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and the Australian Information Commissioner, to eventually establish a new governing body.

https://theconversation.com/a-national-digital-id-scheme-is-being-proposed-an-expert-weighs-the-pros-and-many-more-cons-214144

Business

Limit on Airbnb-like rentals widened despite housing crisis

The New South Wales state government approved a request from the Byron Shire council to limit the short-term rents for some properties to 60 days per year to help boost the number of houses available for long-term stays. The decision comes days after Melbourne introduced the country’s first tax on Airbnb-like stays, which the authorities in Victoria said would go towards funding more social housing, Free Malaysia Today reported.

https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/business/2023/09/26/australia-widens-limit-on-airbnb-like-rentals-amid-housing-crisis/

Innovations

Australia’s initial electric “trackless tram” arrives for testing

The City of Stirling in Perth has taken delivery of what it says is Australia’s first electric “trackless tram” which will undergo a trial to determine its viability for operations in the city, The Driven reported. The 30-metre trackless tram will be trialled along a 7-kilometre stretch of Scarborough Beach Road between Glendalough Train Station and Scarborough Beach. The plan will be supported by funding of $2 million from the federal government through the Urban Congestion Fund.

https://thedriven.io/2023/09/26/australias-first-electric-trackless-tram-arrives-for-trial-runs/

Companies

Rex continues to grow its fleet

Regional airline Rex has taken delivery of its ninth Boeing 737-800NG. The aircraft will bear the registration VH-8JS and will enter service next month enabling the airline to launch its new route between Adelaide and Brisbane on 30 October. The acquisition will enable Rex to increase its domestic flights across Australia. The airline intends to add another two Boeing 737-800NG aircraft to its domestic fleet before the end of the financial year based on aircraft availability, Asian Aviation has reported.

https://asianaviation.com/australias-rex-continues-to-grow-fleet/