TRANSCRIPT
- New parents could soon receive superannuation, on top of paid parental leave
- Australia to manufacture missiles, with a factory to open in Newcastle
- An emotional Ron Coote named the 14th rugby league immortal
New parents could soon earn superannuation on top of government-funded paid parental leave, with laws set to be introduced to federal parliament today.
The laws would allow for parents to get 12 per cent superannuation, and if passed will come into effect from July 2025.
This would help 180,000 families who use government-funded leave following the birth of a child.
Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth told ABC's Radio National the laws would improve gender equity.
Australia will build long range strike missiles in a new factory in Newcastle.
The government says it is contributing up to $850 million dollars to the project, which will see it partner with the company Kongsberg Defence Australia.
The project will involve the construction of a factory, which will manufacture and service Naval and Strike missiles.
It is expected to generate more than 500 jobs in the construction phase, and bring almost $100 million in economic benefits to the area.
Defence Minister Pat Conroy says it will also help Australia become more self-reliant.
"Manufacturing of these missiles represents our investment in Australia's advanced, high tech manufacturing industry, in line with the government's made in Australia agenda. This is only the second factory in the world, outside the Norwegian factory that will build Joint strike missiles and Naval strike missiles. The factory will be in the Newcastle airport precinct. Once operational, the factory will employ approximately 100 people in very high-skilled, high-tech work."
Changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme are expected to pass Parliament today.
The government is trying to control the cost of the $46 billion scheme, which without any changes is due to surpass the cost of Medicare within two years.
The laws will change how people with a disability use funding and what services they can access will change.
Many disability advocacy groups are concerned about how the plan to reel in costs will impact participants.
Aboriginal tenants living in public housing in remote areas of Western Australia have launched a class action lawsuit against state authorities.
Thousands are part of the class action, which accuses the Housing Authority and the State of Western Australia of taking advantage of Indigenous renters by charging them high rent for poor quality properties.The suit claims the state and Housing Authority has failed to maintain, repair and improve their properties, and to provide housing that was secure, comfortable and safe.The lead applicant and group members are seeking financial compensation, and the repayment of expenses incurred rectifying house defects and issues.Bayulu community leader Vivienne Gordon says the situation has been frustrating.
"Yes we are paying rent in our communities, and I think with anywhere if you are paying rent, you have the right to get everything fixed in your property. We want to make sure that families have got everything working in the property, especially with the plumbing issues. Issues where we still don't have hot water in some of the houses. We want to make sure our elders are looked after and that they're living in properties at a good standard."
Independent M-P Andrew Wilkie has called for a conscience vote on gambling ad legislation if the government chooses to proceed with a cap rather than a ban.
More than 20 crossbench politicians have signed a letter to the Prime Minister and Opposition Leader asking for a conscious vote, which allows individual politicians to vote freely instead of with their party, on the bill and any possible amendments.
A joint committee last year recommended a total ban on gambling advertising in Australia.
Mr Wilkie says the public supports that recommendation.
"There is very strong public support for the government adopting all of the recommendations of last year's parliamentary inquiry into gambling and gambling reform. However, it does seem the government is committed to introducing weaker reforms than what was recommended by the committee."
In rugby league,
Ron Coote has been named the 14th rugby league immortal.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese inducted the South Sydney and Roosters player into the game's most exclusive club at a lavish Hall of Fame ceremony at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
One of the greatest Rabbitohs of all-time, the 79-year-old won four premierships with South Sydney, plus a further two flags with Eastern Suburbs later in his career.
Coote was emotional as he gave his acceptance speech.
"To me, it's just sensational. I never thought it would happen. I mean I've been at this function a few times and this time I sort of, I got the gong so that's really good to me and I really appreciate it."
