Sunrise

A humpback whale has been spotted off Bondi Beach weeks ahead of the usual May migration period, heading north from Antarctic feeding grounds towards breeding areas. False killer whales, a rare species of oceanic dolphin, have also been sighted in Sydney Harbour by a local kayak tour operator. Pan-tropical spotted dolphins, capable of leaping over five metres high, have been documented off Sydney'...

The Australian Senate is voting today on whether to scrap cash payment mandates introduced earlier this year. Current rules require supermarkets and fuel retailers with turnover over $10 million to accept cash for in-person purchases under $500. Critics debate whether the mandate should be expanded to include pharmacies and medical services, or removed entirely due to costs imposed on businesses....

Donald Trump has postponed military strikes against Iran for five days, backing down from his deadline with hours remaining. Iran's parliament speaker denies any talks have taken place, contradicting Trump's claims of productive conversations. The announcement came before markets opened, causing immediate drops in oil and gas prices amid ongoing economic uncertainty. See omnystudio.com/listener fo...

Australia faces potential fuel supply disruptions after multiple shipments scheduled for February were cancelled, prompting Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to hold crisis talks with Singapore. The country relies on imports for 90% of its fuel, with Singapore supplying more than half of Australia's petrol and being the second-largest supplier of diesel and jet fuel. The ongoing Middle East crisis h...

Reserve Bank of Australia governor Michelle Bullock faces criticism after settlement of a $2 million holiday home purchase occurred on the same day the RBA announced an interest rate hike. The property, her fourth luxury home, was actually purchased in February with settlement coinciding with the rate rise announcement. Debate centres on whether high-earning public officials should face scrutiny f...

The Australian Treasury is considering implementing a road user charge for electric vehicle drivers as part of potential budget reforms in May. The distance-based fee would require EV drivers to contribute to road maintenance costs, similar to how traditional vehicle drivers currently pay through fuel excise. The proposal has sparked debate about fairness and timing, particularly given current cos...

Australian housing market clearance rates have dropped to 62.7%, one of the lowest points this year, following back-to-back interest rate rises in February and March. SQM Property Research has downgraded house price growth expectations from 6-10% to less than 3% across major capital cities. The Reserve Bank of Australia faces a 72% probability of further rate increases, which would continue to sup...

The Australian Council of Trade Unions is pursuing a 5% wage increase for award-reliant workers, arguing that the current national minimum wage falls $262 per week short of what's needed for a healthy living. ACTU Secretary Sally McManus contends that the pay rise for the lowest 23% of workers would have no impact on inflation as it represents less than 1% of the national payroll, while small busi...

Eastern Creek Quarter (ECQ Outlet) is a new shopping and entertainment complex opening in Western Sydney, featuring over 100 retail brands, 18 food and dining options, and family entertainment including iPlay, an Australian-owned entertainment venue with dodgems, arcade games and other attractions. The development, which took eight years to complete, is designed to serve the Greater Western Sydney...

Retailers and online platforms employ psychological tactics like anchor pricing, charm pricing, fake scarcity alerts, and strategic product placement to encourage impulse purchases and quick buying decisions. Marketing expert Dee Madigan reveals common tricks including 'was/now' pricing displays, subscription traps, and one-click purchasing systems designed to bypass rational thinking. Protective...

Port Adelaide secured a dominant victory over Fremantle, powered by Jason Horne Francis's first-quarter hat-trick, with the team leading six goals to one early in the match. Patrick Cripps received a $1,500 fine for a crybaby taunting gesture, with AFL officials and Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir acknowledging the conduct crossed the line. The incident has drawn comparisons to the NFL's taunting...