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👋 G’day everyone, Archie here.
A bit of a crazy news day today, and we’ve got some good stuff in the pipeline for the rest of the week as well.
Yesterday I filed a story about the Senate inquiry into misinformation around climate change and energy - that story here.
I also filed a story about how the AUKUS Submarine pact is likely to survive a review from the Pentagon, but the jury is still out on whether the subs are really what we need. That story here.
A fair bit to crack into today, so let’s get straight into it 🗞️
The government’s 5% deposit scheme kicks in
In effect, that’s been Australian public policy… no Australian government has been prepared to do anything which is likely to lower house prices
🗣️ Why did he say that?
From today, first-home buyers can get into the market with just a 5% deposit, with the government guaranteeing the loan and removing lenders’ mortgage insurance.
Economists warn it will push house prices higher, help banks profit, and put taxpayers on the hook if buyers default.
UQ’s John Quiggin says it’s another example of policies that lead to rising prices rather than improving affordability.
Buyers get earlier market access, but take on bigger risks, while sellers and banks are the main beneficiaries.
For my full breakdown check out today’s video:
Around the grounds 🦘
Across the country, things are happening at a local level that have an impact nationally. Here’s the stories you might not hear about in the traditional media.
🐝 Heat vs chemicals
NSW beekeepers Ana Martin and Sven Stephan are rejecting approved chemicals to control varroa mite — and using heat treatment instead.
The pair told the Mid North Coaster’s Ellie Chamberlain they'd "rather give up beekeeping" than use these chemicals. They're using a machine from Austria that heats hives to temperatures lethal for mites but safe for bees.
The Department of Primary Industries insists approved chemicals are safe, but warns that misuse overseas has led to mite resistance.
Read that story by clicking below 👇
🐱 103 people waiting for cat traps
A regional Victorian Council has just eight cat traps in its inventory, but 103 residents on a waitlist to borrow one — and the local pound is at capacity.
Baw Baw Shire Councillor Jess Hamilton told the Gippsland Monitor’s Jacob Wallace that the roaming cats are killing birds, bandicoots and native wildlife.
Hamilton says the shire may need to euthanise more cats to make space at the pound. Feral cats are estimated to cost agriculture and health $6 billion a year in Australia.
Read that story by clicking below 👇
📚 The author’s hideaway
As a little treat, the North Shore Lorikeet’s Mel Mantel went for a walk through the historic harbourside home of Australian illustrator and author May Gibbs.
Gibbs is best known for her gumnut babies and the book Snugglepot and Cuddlepie.
Read that story by clicking below 👇
🎙️ Kyle and Jackie O in hot water
@thenationalaccount Kyle and Jackie O could face enforcement from Australia’s radio watchdog #todayilearned #ausnews #aus #radio #todayilearned
Australia’s top-rated radio duo could face enforcement actions after the ACMA found multiple code breaches. Controversial segments included a guessing game about staff urinating, graphic sexual commentary, and other lewd content.
The watchdog says the show has “systemic issues” and continues to air material “unacceptable to the community,” despite previous warnings. Enforcement could include operational conditions, court agreements, or in rare cases, taking the station off air.
Thanks for catching up with me. I hope you enjoyed this issue, and I’d love to hear your thoughts. Just reply to this email and I’ll be on the other side 👋
I’ll be back on Friday.
Cheers, Archie
Image credit: AAP Image/Bianca De Marchi