OECD alarm on Australia's innovation paralysis and legal loopholes threatening the reef highlight significant policy challenges, while Libs debating energy policy and a Liberal guide to net zero indicate ongoing internal party struggles. Further political scrutiny involves the PM's call for action on Nazi chants, concerns over Nauru spending oversight without a trust deed, and Senator Wong's actions restoring duopoly control over the Senate with a mate's appointment.
Economically, the big four banks are slammed for profiting from fossil fuels, while Coles stares down anti-salmon activists, showcasing corporate accountability battles. The sale of Rex Airlines to a US business is cleared, and CommBank shares drop despite quarterly profit, contrasting with a major wage theft scandal against BHP and revelations about media control enabling a hidden economy.
Pressing social challenges include cracks in the NDIS leading a man to seek prison return and the fading dream of inner-city homes for young Australians. Legally, the bid to declare Brittany Higgins bankrupt stalls, Alan Jones faces a mammoth sex abuse hearing, and US immigration courthouse incidents raise concerns about migrant treatment.
In international affairs, Australia is ordered to pay Russia for an embassy takeover, a high-stakes legal decision. Globally, Jeff McMullen warns about the dangers of a new nuclear arms race spurred by reckless testing threats.