In a recent shift, the Albanese Labor Government announced a two-year freeze on the draught beer excise, a move that comes after decades of biannual tax hikes, with the decision expected to relieve some financial pressure on pubs and their patrons. It comes into effect from August 2025 and is anticipated to benefit regional tourism […]
Tag: Economy
Breaking Barriers: Women Could be the Key to Preventing Construction Skills Shortage
Australia’s construction industry, contributing over $360 billion annually to the economy, faces a looming crisis: a shortfall of 250,000 skilled workers within five years according to a recent report by PlanRadar. As the sector grapples with this shortage, attention is turning to an under-utilised resource: women, who make up less than 15% of the workforce, […]
Motion to Complete Monaro Rail Trail Business Case Passed
The motion to reinstate the Monaro Rail Trail project into the Snowy Monaro Regional Council’s delivery and operational plan has been passed, but not before sparking intense debate among councillors, reflecting a mix of enthusiasm for potential economic rejuvenation and caution over possible risks and costs. PHOTO: A section of rail line on the proposed […]
Snowy Monaro Locals Transform Six Tonnes of Trash into Treasure in Annual Garage Sale Trail
Snowy Monaro Regional Council (SMRC) has announced the success of the 2024 Garage Sale Trail, where local residents embraced the annual event in record numbers. Over two weekends in November, a staggering six tonnes of second-hand goods were diverted from landfill, as the community turned what could have been rubbish into valuable resources. PHOTO: The […]
Bulk Billing Statistics Show National Gains: Eden-Monaro Electorate Indicates Local Health Crisis
The Australian Government has announced a significant increase of six million bulk billed GP visits nationally from November 2023 to December 2024, averaging 100,000 additional visits each week. The rise is attributed to a $3.5 billion investment that tripled the bulk billing incentive, aiming to support pensioners, concession cardholders, and young families, however local data […]
RBA Cuts Rates: Eden-Monaro Faces Stark Realities After Salvation Army’s Social Justice Stocktake
The Reserve Bank of Australia’s recent decision to cut interest rates by 25 basis points to 4.10 per cent has garnered significant attention, reflecting the need for economic relief amidst high costs of living. The move will provide relief to many households, but much more needs to happen to address the broader social issues impacting […]