Israel's continued blocking of Gaza aid against international law, coupled with Israel's Gaza occupation plans, has led to Australia's decision to recognize a Palestinian state risking US ire, while a Norwegian fund divests from Israeli stocks, and concerns grow over a higher actual Gaza death toll and questionable justifications for killings in the region.
The Reserve Bank of Australia has cut interest rates, providing delayed gratification for borrowers despite warnings not to bank on more relief, even as **Australia's biggest lender posts a huge $10 billion profit and productivity remains a tough puzzle for central bank experts with growth and jobs ruling future rate calls**.
Australia faces escalating environmental challenges including record coral bleaching in untouched reefs due to intense heat, prompting calls for the Greens to become a stronger environmental force and a reckoning for the Coalition's climate targets, alongside cover-up claims over 'forever chemicals' in tap water.
Ahead of an economic summit, unions are urging a four-day work week and also pushing back on a productivity plan for schools and jobs.
The exponential rise of AI brings growth but also looming risks, while Apple and Google face a huge payout after an Epic loss over anti-competitive conduct, and NBN users are upgrading to fibre for healthier download speeds.
Questions arise as the government picks up legal bills for TerraCom directors in a coal fraud saga, a childcare giant laments the impact of abuse allegations, and Kodak faces substantial doubt about its ability to stay in business.
The US and China have extended their tariff truce, while China's duties on Canadian canola imports may advantage Australia.