Australia and China continue to strengthen their ties, with Prime Minister Albanese's trip bearing fruit through new trade pacts and improved diplomatic relations, despite thorny issues like military drills being addressed, and business leaders seeking common ground while being urged to grow trade.
Various nations are navigating complex economic landscapes, including the EU grappling with a global minimum tax post-US withdrawal, US prices rising due to tariffs, France proposing debt reduction measures by scrapping holidays, and China's Q2 GDP growth topping forecasts amidst global trade shifts, alongside a new trade deal between Trump and Indonesia.
Australia faces rising construction costs impacting housing dreams and a significant shift in consumer finance with the Reserve Bank revealing a blueprint to axe card surcharges, a move welcomed by consumers but potentially bristling businesses.
Australia's internal policy discussions highlight the need for overhauling outdated environment laws, the dismissal of a landmark climate case causing deep pain for Indigenous communities, and ongoing efforts to establish a Whistleblower Authority, alongside a last-ditch bid to overturn a federal election result.
The tech world sees Amazon offering an alternative to Starlink welcomed by the telecoms industry, Tesla making its debut in India with a new showroom, and the UN Broadband Commission celebrating 15 years while pushing for global connectivity to close the digital divide.
A commentary piece suggests that America needs a healthy dose of cynicism to overcome Trump's influence and the blind loyalty of his followers, highlighting the challenges to US democracy.
A double-murder case faces delays in court, with the mother of the accused former police officer present as the legal proceedings continue.