Australia's lowest-paid workers just got a pay rise. Here's how much wages will increase
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News.com.au
41 minutes ago
- News.com.au
Homebuyer's first step makes big impact for crisis support charity
A homebuyer's first step onto the property ladder in Lara is set to help a Geelong charity provide crisis accommodation for the next four years. Samaritan House Geelong received the financial boost after the $675,000 sale of the four-bedroom house in Reflections Crescent, Lara. Bisinella Developments donated the 518sq m Lara Lakes Estate lot to Samaritan House Geelong, facilitating the Hamlan Homes construction, with styling by Moda Interior Styling. Landscaping was arranged and funded by Bisinella as a further donation to the project. Which states lead first-home buyer surge Coulter Legal, a longstanding supporter of Samaritan House Geelong, provided the conveyancing for both the land donation and the property sale. The property was purchased in May by first-home buyers from Altona Meadows for $675,000 and the property was expected to be settled in late June. The four-bedroom residence has two bathrooms and an open-plan living, dining the kitchen area that opens to the back yard. The proceeds from the sale will support the Samaritan House Geelong's work providing crisis accommodation and essential services to men experiencing homelessness in the region. Samaritan House Geelong Director Wally Pelaccia said Bisinella's contribution was 'deeply impactful'. 'The success of this project is a reflection of the power of community partnerships,' he said. 'Bisinella's donation will underpin our operations for the next four years, giving us stability and allowing us to plan ahead.' Bisinella Developments director Richard Bisinella said it's an important cause. 'Homelessness is a critical issue across Australia that Bisinella Developments and our partners are committed to solving at a local level,' he said. 'Supporting organisations like Samaritan House is one way we can help make a real difference to people's lives. 'We are grateful to have been a part of this fantastic initiative and look forward to welcoming the new homeowners into our Lara Lakes Estate.' Mr Pelaccia said Samaritan House Geelong, which was established in 2012, offers much more than shelter. 'It's a space to reconnect, to build friendships and to believe in a better tomorrow,' he said. 'Guests often form bonds that lead to shared work opportunities and long-term housing, helping to break the cycle of homelessness. 'Support of Samaritan House Geelong enables those men who have fallen on hard times a chance to breathe and re-evaluate their lives.' Inspired by the success of this initiative, Samaritan House Geelong has placed the idea of a second home build on its agenda, although no immediate plans are in place.
ABC News
an hour ago
- ABC News
Queensland treasurer promises targeted cost-of-living relief in first budget
Queensland Treasurer David Janetzki is promising cost-of-living relief for those who "need it most" as he prepares to hand down the LNP government's first budget. In an interview with the ABC, Mr Janetzki would not guarantee a return to surplus within the next four years and was also coy about how much he would cut debt. The treasurer will deliver the state budget on Tuesday — and has indicated he could unveil more cost-of-living support, as he commits to targeted relief measures. A raft of pre-election initiatives introduced by the former Labor government are set to end, including $1,000 energy bill rebates and 20 per cent vehicle rego discounts. Mr Janetzki said "vulnerable" households will still get power bill reductions. He also spruiked $30,000 concessions for first home buyers purchasing new builds as well as $200 vouchers for parents with kids playing sport. "We have a duty to support households that are under pressure, families that are under pressure, businesses that are under pressure," he said. "We're targeting cost-of-living relief at those who need it the most and I'll have more to say about that on Tuesday." In their last budget in office, Labor had projected deficits for 2024-25 and 2025-26, before forecasting surpluses for 2026-27 and 2027-28. But in the budget update handed down in January, the LNP government significantly revised those forecasts, with the budget plunged into the red for all four financial years. This included deficits of more than $9 billion in both 2026-27 and 2027-28, which the government blamed on its Labor predecessors. Mr Janetzki would not guarantee a return to surplus within the next four years, as he claimed he was left with a "serious challenge" to get the budget back in the black. "There are serious challenges that we face with the budget. We're up to it and I look forward to sharing more on Tuesday," he said. After Labor had initially projected total debt would reach $172 billion by 2027-28, the LNP government also significantly revised that figure to $218 billion in January. Mr Janetzki is vowing to reduce total debt below $218 billion, but won't say if the debt figure in Tuesday's budget will still have a two at the front. He said he was doing everything he could to maintain the state's credit rating. S&P Global currently puts Queensland's credit rating at AA+, although it revised its outlook in February from stable to negative. "The work of this budget has been taken so seriously because our rating matters," Mr Janetzki said. "And I want to make sure that we have prepared a budget and can share that budget with the ratings agencies that they see clearly that we have taken the challenges that Queensland faces seriously. "We know a downgrade means higher interest costs. The cost of borrowing increases." Mr Janetzki ruled out any asset sales or any cuts to services. He also reaffirmed the government's commitment of no new or increased taxes. In January, Shadow Treasurer Shannon Fentiman claimed the government had "juiced up" the budget figures in a way that could put the state's credit rating at risk.
News.com.au
2 hours ago
- News.com.au
Aussies not ready for advanced technology despite tech take off
EXCLUSIVE: As several brands set to launch full self-driving technology on Australian roads, new research reveals many Aussies aren't ready to take their hands off the wheel. According to mycar Mobility Index, a mere 19 per cent of Australians said they would be willing to use a fully autonomous vehicle for most or all of their journey. Additionally, 40 per cent said they don't feel comfortable giving up full control. Many said they don't know enough about the technology or either don't feel safe using it. When Sydney-based marketing professional Tara first heard about fully autonomous vehicles, she didn't feel excited but nervous. 'Honestly, it makes me feel uneasy,' she said. 'Driving involves so many unpredictable situations – like if someone runs into the street or there's a sudden change in weather. It's hard to imagine sitting back and trusting a car to make those split-second decisions for me.' Despite driving a Honda Civic that has cruise control, lane assist and parking sensors, Tara said she rarely uses the features and has no plans to embrace full autonomy anytime soon. The findings by mycar Mobility Index also reveal that driver trust is lacking and far behind the rapidly evolving technology we're seeing on Australian roads. Mycar chief customer officer Adele Coswello said the industry is still facing major trust problems and that is holding back adoption. 'Autonomous technology has the potential to change how we move, but right now, trust is the biggest roadblock,' she said. 'This year's Mobility Index shows that many Australians are still unsure – not just about the safety of self-driving cars, but how they work and what they mean for everyday drivers.' Even smart technology in today's vehicles are being under-utilised. Only 1 in 3 are using assisted driving technology like cruise control (32 per cent), lane assist (31 per cent), brake assist (28 per cent) or parking assistance (22 per cent). That's despite more than 76 per cent having this technology in their car. Coswello believes the reason many drivers aren't using assisted driving technology is because automakers are failing to explain them. 'Only a small number of Aussies are embracing the smart systems that are available in the vehicles of today, and we believe the industry needs to build understanding and confidence in assisted driving technologies. That includes ensuring technicians are upskilled in the latest technologies and systems to help educate drivers. By doing so, we can help prepare drivers for the future – one service and one conversation at a time,' she said. The lack of technical explanations is something Tara has experienced first-hand. 'I'd also want to see more clear, straightforward explanations from car companies about how the systems work, what their limitations are, and what kind of back up measures are in place. Most importantly, though, I'd want to know I could quickly and easily take back control if something didn't feel right,' she said. She also believes brands are failing to strike the right tone in delivery. 'A lot of the messaging feels too technical or overly optimistic. I think companies need to do a better job of breaking things down in plain language and addressing the real concerns people have,' she said. 'This would help to build trust and reassurance that the technology works, and that there are the right safeguards in place.' Internationally, car brands like XPeng, Nio and BYD are racing ahead offering level 3 and 4 autonomous capabilities in their home market. Tesla's Full-Self Driving technology is about to launch in the US next week in their robotaxis.
