TRANSCRIPT
- The federal government accuses Peter Dutton of arrogance over his nuclear power plans
- More Australians falling behind on mortgage payments
- Australian triathlon team named for next month's Olympics
The federal government is criticising what it says is a lack of consultation with local communities by the opposition over its nuclear policy.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has nominated seven sites where he proposes to put nuclear reactors if he wins the next election.
Energy Minister Chris Bowen says Peter Dutton has failed to consult with the communities concerned which he's described as arrogance.
And he says Western Australia is one example.
"Yesterday, Mr Dutton announced a nuclear reactor for Collie. He's never been there. Not once in his more than twenty years in parliament. Can you imagine the arrogance that goes with doling that? I know that some projects are controversial. But we go around and community consult, hear different views, strike a balanced decision."
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Police in Queensland are investigating how a man charged with murder gained access to a gun, after having his gun licence revoked three years ago.
A 31-year-old man has been charged with murder after allegedly shooting a 34-year-old woman at Mackay in front of two children while she and the children were in a car.
The two girls, aged 11 and 12, fled the vehicle.
A 66-year-old man was also shot after trying to come to the woman's aid and is in hospital in a serious condition, with hand and chest injuries.
Police says the suspect and the dead woman were not known to each other, but lived in the same street.
Queensland Premier Steven Miles says his government's response will be guided by the police.
"It's a terrible murder. Obviously, our thoughts and prayers are with that woman's family. But we just need to let the police do their job at this stage. Of course, if there are actions that they think we should take, down the track, we'll consider them."
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One of Australia's leading real estate data firms says the incidence of people struggling to make their mortgage repayments has risen to a three-year-high- and is only set to get worse.
New figures from CoreLogic show the rate of mortgage arrears is at its highest since 2021.
The rate is now at 1.6 per cent.
Mortgage Arrears is defined as any home loan payments that are late, missed, or overdue.
CoreLogic says mortgage arrears will likely rise further, as general economic conditions get worse.
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The Greens say the government needs to do more to bring down the cost of groceries and not just report on prices.
The government commissioned consumer group CHOICE to report quarterly on price differences between major supermarkets, at a cost of $1.1 million to the taxpayer.
The first report, released today, found a basket of groceries cost 33 per cent more at Woolworths and Coles compared to ALDI.
Greens Senator Nick McKim says real action is needed to reduce prices.
"Information to shoppers is good and an empowered shopper is an informed shopper. However, the release of this report isn't going to change a thing. We need action to increase competition in the supermarket sector and we need action to make price gouging illegal."
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The four athletes to represent Australia in triathlon in next month's Olympics in Paris have been named.
They are Matthew Hauser, Luke Willian, Natalie Van Coevorden and Sophie Linn
Each athlete will compete in their gender's individual race, and all four will combine for the mixed team relay.
These four combined to win the silver medal in the mixed relay at the World Triathlon Series event in Hamburg in 2022.
Hauser is competing in his second Olympics; the other three are on Olympic debut.
26-year-old Hauser from Hervey Bay in Queensland, says competing in these Olympics will be particularly special, as the triathlon course will take competitors past some well known landmarks.
"First and foremost... you know, the backdrop of the Arch d'Triomphe, the riding on the Champs Élysées like so many Tour De France races have done before us, and also having the Eiffel Tower in the backdrop as well. And not very often you get a chance to have transition on a bridge, and dive into the River Seine. So, yeah...so many iconic parts of the course. I think being a showcase sport is so great. We're not stuck in stadium,. We get to be out in the fresh air, and have so much support around us."
