⏱️This edition of the National Account’s newsletter is a five-minute read.
👋 G’day everyone, Archie here.
I’m back! A few days of leave have served me well, but now I’m back on the tools and it’s time to crack on with the news 🗞️
[Labor plans to] spend $9 trillion on its net zero plan, putting Medicare and the NDIS at risk
🗣️ Why did he say that? (spoiler alert, it’s not true)
Nationals leader David Littleproud keeps claiming Australia’s shift to renewable energy will cost $9 trillion, but that number doesn’t reflect what households or taxpayers will actually pay.
The figure comes from a report by the University of Queensland, Melbourne Uni, and Princeton.
That group has clarified the $9 trillion figure is the broadest possible estimate of total investment, including private companies, exports, electric cars, solar panels, and other energy-related spending between now and 2060.
In fact, the group released a statement saying the politicians using this number are misleading, but that hasn’t stopped them.
For my full breakdown check this video:
or read about it here 👇
Around the Grounds 🦘
Across the country, things are happening at a local level that have an impact nationally. Here are the stories you might not hear about in the traditional media.
🔥 Gearing up for fire season
Western Victoria has welcomed 636 new seasonal firefighters, including 39 in the Grampians, ahead of a predicted high-risk bushfire season.
Liam Kavanagh, a first-year recruit training near Portland, said the toughest part isn’t the outdoor work but the classroom theory. He’s ready for long days on the tools, including ecological burnoffs and fire suppression.
Acting deputy chief Michael Condon warned last year’s 100+ Grampians fires signal a busy season ahead.
Read that story by clicking below 👇
🔬 Gas prices under the microscope
Bradfield MP Nicolette Boele and Labor’s Ed Husic are calling on the government to limit exports and make gas more affordable for Australians.
Since 2015, Australia’s gas exports have expanded, coinciding with wholesale prices tripling, and experts say the two are directly linked.
Read that story by clicking below 👇
🏠 Mental health care at home
On the Mid North Coast of NSW, Kempsey will be the first town in the state to trial a mental health Hospital in the Home program, letting voluntary patients receive psychiatric care in their own homes.
The pilot, running January–February 2026, aims to reduce stigma, improve culturally considerate care, and ease pressure on the Emergency Department and local police.
Read that story by clicking below 👇
Gambling fuels DFV, yet we won’t even ban ads?
Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek admits gambling contributes to domestic violence, but a government report recommending a total ban on ads has been gathering dust in Canberra for over two years.
Experts say 16–56% of people with a gambling problem perpetrate domestic violence, and Australians lose an estimated $32 billion a year to gambling.
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