
Capital Gains Tax discount reform under consideration
Speculation is intensifying that one of Australia’s most controversial tax concessions, the capital gains tax (CGT) discount, may undergo significant reform as a central feature of this year’s federal budget. Senior government ministers have stopped

One Nation surges as Coalition support collapses, polling shows
Support for Pauline Hanson’s One Nation party has more than doubled since the federal election, placing the right-wing party ahead of the Greens in primary vote intentions, according to new polling. The Guardian Essential poll,

Historic intervention in housing market: 5% Deposit Scheme sparks debate over property prices
The Labor government has delivered on its election promise to expand the Home Guarantee Scheme, cutting required deposits from 20% to just 5% for first-home buyers, effective October 1, 2025, instead of January 2026. The

Aged care Workers receive another pay boost in Australia
The Fair Work Commission’s decision increases wages for hundreds of thousands of aged care employees. The Australian government announced today further wage increases for aged care workers following a decision by the Fair Work Commission.

China temporarily bans BHP iron ore exports, raising concerns in Australia
Prime Minister Albanese urges quick resolution to maintain smooth market operations. China has temporarily banned iron ore exports from BHP, Australia’s largest mining company, sparking concern in the Australian government. According to Bloomberg reports, the

Sussan Ley slams Albanese over UK Labour speech funded by taxpayers
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s decision to address the UK Labour Party’s annual conference in Liverpool has sparked fierce criticism at home, with Opposition Leader Sussan Ley accusing him of “crossing the line” and engaging in

Anthony Albanese invites UAE retail giant LuLu to Australia
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has shown keen interest in the international retail chain LuLu Hypermarket, inviting Indian billionaire MA Yusuff Ali to consider expanding the company into Australia. The invitation came during the Prime

EU–US backed power link shatters Turkey–Libya maritime claims
The Egypt–Greece 3 GW electricity interconnector has received a €9.56 million EU grant to support further studies and implementation. EU–US backed power link shatters Turkey–Libya maritime claims. The European Commission has approved the funding for additional preparatory work on the 3-gigawatt electricity link connecting the power systems of Greece and

The strong symbolism of the Sakellaropoulou nomination
The Prime Minister’s decision to nominate Ekaterini Sakellaropoulou to serve as President of the Hellenic Republic did not startle those in the know. For months most had known that Mr. Mitsotakis had singled out the

Man jailed for 11 months after Greek police mistake baking flour for drugs
A Scopian citizen spent 11 months in a Greek jail suspected of drug trafficking after Greek police mistook a bag of baking flour he was carrying for heroin. The incredible story of the 38-year-old resident

Hundreds of Santas take part in Athens run 2019
Hundreds of people dressed in Santa Claus costumes took part on Sunday in a special 3-kilometer charity run in the center of Athens. This merry tradition returned to the streets of Athens for the sixth

Greek Christmas Question: Melomakarona or Kourabiedes?
This is the eternal Christmas question Greeks are challenged with every year: the traditional to-die-for Greek sweets during the festive days: Melomakarona or Kourabiedes? Melomakarona are egg-shaped calorie-bombs. They are soft and soaked in syrup

Germany: All EU members must take in Migrants
The continuing debate over migration is, at its core, about European federalism and the degree to which the European Union will be allowed to usurp decision-making powers from its 28 member states. If everything goes

Greek court hands down maximum sentences in Siemens bribery case; prominent defendants tried in absentia
A three-justice Athens appellate court on Monday handed down mostly the maximum possible prison sentences to defendants convicted last month in the more than decade-old Siemens bribery and money laundering case – although four of

EU–US backed power link shatters Turkey–Libya maritime claims
The Egypt–Greece 3 GW electricity interconnector has received a €9.56 million EU grant to support further studies and implementation. EU–US backed power link shatters Turkey–Libya maritime claims. The European Commission has approved the funding for additional preparatory work on the 3-gigawatt electricity link connecting the power systems of Greece and

The impending surge of Marine Le Pen in France
Examining the momentum behind Le Pen’s National Rally Marine Le Pen and her National Rally movement have emerged as the leading force in the European elections this year and appear poised to also secure victory

Which is the best city in the world to live in?
How do you measure the sustainability of a country? The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) has come up with a formula to help companies calculate the level of difficulty in different cities when relocating their staff.

The 10 cities with the world’s highest fines for offending drivers
Today, traffic offences are commonplace in the world’s major cities, but the penalties imposed vary greatly from city to city. Some cities are stricter than others, and offending drivers can expect to pay hefty fines

Democrats are in a quandary after Biden’s debate fiasco
US President Joe Biden’s appearance in the debate with former US President Donald Trump can only be described as disastrous. Democrats are in a quandary after Biden’s debate fiasco where it was obvious that he

Bolivian coup fails amid suspicion of foreign interference
Riot police closely monitored government buildings the day after army chief Zuniga deployed troops and tanks to the center of the capital. Bolivian coup fails amid suspicion of foreign interference in a coup attempt that

26 June – International Day against drug use and illicit trafficking
Message from Antonio Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General “The focus should be on rehabilitation rather than punishment and imprisonment for minor drug offences”. Tens of millions of people suffer from a substance use disorder. Less than

