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👋 G’day everyone, Archie here.
The end of the year is looming. I know this because my hay fever is playing up, and a few people I know have already decorated their Christmas tree.
Last weekend was chill, but as I looked at my calendar I realised it was the last low-key weekend until 2026. Gotta pace myself.
Meanwhile, if you too like to go early on the Christmas tree, feel free to send me a pic.
Anyway, let’s crack into the news 🗞️.
BREAKING: One Nation name change.
First up, Pauline Hanson has announced she will be removing her name from her party, trimming it back to just “One Nation”.
There has been speculation that removing Hanson’s name could assist in inducing Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce to join the party, and pave the way for him ultimately taking over from Hanson.
New South Wales is absolutely open for business right now
🗣️ Why did he say that?
Last week I went to a massive mining conference in Sydney. Over the past couple of days I’ve broken down what NSW Premier Chris Minns actually said during his speech to the industry.
On the surface, he was all about critical minerals and Australia’s renewable energy future.
But there was also a message for the coal industry: NSW is still open for business and approvals could be getting faster.
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 are the stories you might not hear about in the traditional media.
🐠 Southern shift
Rising ocean temperatures are bringing tropical species like rabbitfish and surgeonfish down from Queensland to NSW, and they’re munching through kelp forests along the Mid North Coast.
As Ellie Chamberlain reports, Marine ecologists warn this “tropicalisation” could permanently alter underwater ecosystems, with kelp, the ocean’s equivalent of trees, disappearing and taking local species with it.
Experts say cutting emissions, protecting fisheries, and reporting unusual sightings via Redmap are ways Aussies can help.
Read that story by clicking below 👇
💡 Keeping the lights on
As heatwaves, storms and blackouts become more frequent, commercial buildings across Australia are under pressure to keep the lights on.
A new system developed by DNA Energy monitors energy use in real time and smooths out spikes — especially when rooftop solar output drops or air conditioning demand surges.
Daniel Barber, co-founder of the company, told Huw Bradshaw at the North Shore Lorikeet that the technology not only helps buildings stay online during extreme weather events, but also cuts energy bills and makes large-scale renewable systems more reliable.
Read that story by clicking below 👇
🤖 Would you like AI with that?
Microsoft will be facing the federal court after Australia’s consumer watchdog announced it’s suing the tech giant over allegedly misleading 2.7 million Australian customers.
It’s alleged that at the end of October last year, Aussies personally subscribing to software like Word, PowerPoint and Excel were told that to keep their subscription, they must pay higher prices for the AI being added or, alternatively, cancel their subscription.
But it turns out there was a secret third option.
My full breakdown is below
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 Wednesday.
Cheers, Archie