WA launches talks for preventative health strategy
The Cook Government is launching a series of expert round-tables to draft WA's first preventative health strategy, aiming to tackle rising smoking and vaping rates. Public consultation will follow.
Category : Search result: WA smoking rates
Rate Cuts Off Table for 2026: Oxford Economics
Homeowners' hopes dashed as inflation remains above target, pushing potential rate relief into 2027. Experts warn the next move could even be a hike.
Tobacco surge hospitalises 35 West Aussies daily, costs $129M
Shocking new data reveals tobacco-related harm is hospitalising 35 West Australians every day at a staggering cost of $129 million to taxpayers. The alarming figures highlight a growing public health crisis.
Cessnock Council overturns net zero spending pause
Cessnock City Council has scrapped a controversial decision to halt non-legislated net zero spending, reversing course after just one month. Read the full story on the debate and its financial implications.
Mortgage Refinancing Guide for Canberra in 2026
A strategic guide for Canberra homeowners on navigating mortgage refinancing in 2026. Learn how to capitalise on rate shifts, avoid loyalty tax, and use equity for savings.
Cessnock residents fear 40% rates rise impact
Cessnock City Council applies for a 39.9% permanent rate increase to fund infrastructure, sparking fears of delayed retirement and financial strain amid cost-of-living pressures. IPART to decide.
CBA Lifts Fixed Mortgage Rates Amid RBA Hike Forecast
Commonwealth Bank raises fixed home loan rates, with three-year terms jumping 0.7%. Experts warn a 2026 RBA rate rise could add over $1,000 yearly to repayments. Get the latest financial insights.
Cessnock Council votes for 40% rates rise proposal
Cessnock City Council will apply for a near 40% rate increase. If approved, residents could pay almost $600 more from 2027. Read the full debate and councillor reactions.
WA job vacancies up 4% while national market dips
Western Australia bucks national trend with a 4% rise in job openings to November 2025, driven by public sector demand. Key insights for job-seekers and RBA implications.
Federal inquiry into local councils' financial crisis
A federal inquiry examines the worsening financial state of Australian local governments, with Hunter councils highlighting unsustainable costs from climate change, tourism, and state mandates. Will it lead to real change?
Labor's tobacco tax claims labelled a 'puff piece'
The Albanese government faces criticism over claims its tobacco tax will fund health measures. Experts call it a misleading 'puff piece' that ignores the true cost of smoking. Read the full analysis.
Rate Exemptions Cost WA Councils Millions
WA councils claim a loophole allowing some not-for-profits to dodge rates is costing them vital revenue for services. WALGA demands a $200k review to fix the system. Read more.
Cessnock Council's 40% rate hike plan gets low survey response
Less than 5% of Cessnock households responded to a survey on a proposed 39.9% rate increase, with 82% opposed. Council faces a crucial vote amid claims of survey bias and cost-of-living concerns. Read the full story.
Surprise inflation fall lifts hopes of rates reprieve
A sharper-than-expected fall in inflation offers hope for Australian households, but underlying price pressures remain a concern for the Reserve Bank. Read the latest analysis.
Core inflation falls to 3.2%, easing RBA rate hike fears
New ABS data shows core inflation eased to 3.2% in the year to November, slightly below forecasts. The result may reduce immediate pressure for a February RBA rate hike. Read the full analysis.
WA Families Skipping Meals as Cost of Living Bites
New data reveals WA's cost of living crisis is forcing families to choose between food and bills, with smoking rates also rising. Doctors are sounding the alarm. Read the full report.
Biggie Smalls' 'Mo Money Mo Problems' & RBA Rate Hikes
As the RBA eyes a February rate hike, a classic 90s rap lyric sums up Australia's inflation dilemma. We break down the economic pain, the silver linings, and why Michele Bullock is talking tough. Read more.
Canberra luxury property downturn predicted for 2026
Experts forecast a potential downturn for Canberra's luxury housing market in early 2026, with rising interest rates likely to boost demand for more affordable apartments. Key suburbs to watch revealed.
Spin bowling decline threatens future of Test cricket
The alarming decline of spin bowling in Test cricket, highlighted by recent Ashes tactics, demands urgent ICC intervention to protect the sport's future and inspire the next generation.
Australian States Ranked by Cancer Burden: NSW Highest
A new study reveals stark differences in cancer rates across Australia, with NSW bearing the highest burden. Discover the state-by-state breakdown and what experts say it means for healthcare.
RBA Pauses Rates, No Increases Expected Until 2026
The Reserve Bank of Australia has held the cash rate at 4.35% and signalled a prolonged pause, with no hikes expected before 2026. Discover what this means for mortgages and the economy.
RBA's Bullock Warns of Inflation Fight Until 2026
RBA Governor Michele Bullock warns inflation battle could last until 2026, with potential interest rate rises. Senator Dean Smith critiques government's economic approach. Read the full analysis.
Government's failure on budget reform to cost Australians
Australian governments are squandering a perfect opportunity for budget repair, risking higher interest rates and a weaker economy. Find out why political inaction will hit your wallet.
Aguia lifts Santa Barbara gold recoveries in Colombia
Aguia Resources slashes costs and boosts gold recoveries at its Santa Barbara mine in Colombia to 70%, targeting 80% and positive cash flow. Read the full operational turnaround story.
Muswellbrook Shire proposes 29% mining rate hike
Muswellbrook Shire Council is consulting on a Special Rate Variation for mining land to address a looming $5 million annual revenue shortfall. The move aims to protect community services and fund economic transition.
Beetaloo's Carpentaria-5H well delivers basin-leading gas flow
Beetaloo Energy's Carpentaria-5H well achieves a peak flow of 11.2 terajoules daily, marking a major step towards first gas sales in 2026. Discover the strategy behind the basin's strong performance.
Check Your Holiday Pay: Unions NSW Compliance Push
Unions NSW launches a holiday compliance blitz, urging tens of thousands of Hunter retail and hospitality workers to verify their penalty rates and stand against wage theft.
Flu deaths surpass COVID in Australia's record winter
New ABS data reveals influenza killed more Australians than COVID-19 this winter, with WA cases rising post-season. Experts urge vaccination as national figures hit a grim record.
Newcastle tops NSW in six major crime categories
Newcastle and Lake Macquarie lead NSW in sexual assaults and vehicle thefts, new crime stats reveal. Discover the sobering data and regional trends.
$50M Cancer Centre for Cairns Hospital to Fight Rising Rates
A $50 million investment will establish a new Cairns Hospital Integrated Cancer Centre, boosting regional care and tackling the Far North's high cancer rates. Learn about the life-saving upgrade.
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