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Isaiah Jacobs

Labor downplays housing market worries as 5% deposit scheme kicks in

by Isaiah Jacobs October 5, 2025

Anthony Albanese has downplayed worries property prices will soar as the 5 per cent deposit scheme for first-home buyers kicks in.

Labor followed through with its election promise to expand the Home Guarantee Scheme earlier this year, dropping required deposits from 20 per cent.

It also fast-tracked the changes so they began on October 1 instead of January 1, 2026.

While the government has spruiked it as a major win for young Australians struggling to get a foothold in a supply-starved market, others have warned the move will push prices even higher and saddle Australians with mountainous 95 per cent mortgages.

The Prime Minister on Wednesday said the change “will have a minimal impact” on property prices.

“There will be a slight increase in prices, but already 185,000 Australians have benefited from this scheme with minimal impact on prices,” Mr Albanese told reporters in Sydney.

“Treasury did modelling – they suggest a very small increase, but what it will do is to allow more young people to get into home ownership.

“And this is just one of the measures.

“We are dealing with supply, we have that incentive for state and territory governments as well, a $3bn incentive for them to deliver more homes so that we reach our target of 1.2m homes.”

RBA governor Michele Bullock on Tuesday warned Australia’s supply problems would not see any meaningful progress for at least two years.

“I’ve said a number of times before the problem in the housing market is a structural deficit of supply,” she told reporters.

“That is the problem, and governments now get that, and you are seeing some action on that, but it’s going to be slow to work its way through.”

Pressed further, Ms Bullock said: “I’m not confident it’s going to make any impact in the next two years.”

But Mr Albanese rejected that read in his remarks on Wednesday.

He said Ms Bullock was saying “it takes time to build a home” and urged media to consider the “full suite” of policies.

“So, what we will see is an acceleration and the incentives that we have, whether it be our Build to Rent scheme that will lead to more private rentals, our increase in social housing, which will lead to more builds as well, the renovation of existing homes that currently aren’t occupied so that people are in them as well,” Mr Albanese said.

“On our watch … more than 500,000 additional dwellings have been built.

“We’re seeing an increase in construction, 3 per cent year on year.

“And that will ramp up with measures such as the one that we saw right here in (Sydney’s) Inner West just last night – 30,000 homes.”

But building approvals have only continued to slump, according to the latest official figures.

Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data released on Tuesday showed total dwelling approvals tumbled a further 6 per cent in August following a 10 per cent collapse in July.

Speaking alongside Mr Albanese, Housing Minister Clare O’Neil insisted Labor “absolutely understands” that boosting supply was key to solving the housing affordability crisis.

Though, she also said younger Australians needed to get onto the property ladder now.

“We need to build homes, more homes, more quickly, and that’s exactly what our government’s doing,” she said.

“A $43bn agenda, the majority of which is going towards building more homes.

“But the Prime Minister and I are not going to look a generation of young people in the eye and tell them that we’re not going to do anything to help them until these supply challenges are resolved.

“They are facing a fundamental injustice here – a very different housing market than their parents and grandparents faced.

“And our government is stepping out and giving them a hand to get a better opportunity in the housing market.”

Peter Dutton to make ‘graceful exit’ from politics after historic federal election defeat

by Isaiah Jacobs October 5, 2025

Ousted opposition leader Peter Dutton arrived back in Canberra today after the Liberal Party’s historic defeat on Saturday.

Dutton flew into the nation’s capital from his native Brisbane, where he was dramatically booted from his own seat by Labor’s Ali France, and told media he would now make a “graceful exit” from politics.

“I just want to say thank you to all of those who have offered good wishes, there are a lot of people who have been very kind and generous in their remarks, so I am very grateful for that,” Dutton said.

When asked if he had any thoughts on the new Liberal leader, Dutton refused to speculate.

He said the decision to vote for a new opposition leader was an issue for his former colleagues.

“I’ve spoken to my colleagues and the Liberal Party rebuilds from here, as it should be,” he added.

“Former leaders make a graceful exit from politics and maintain their graceful silence.”

Dutton returned from a few days spent in Brisbane after his concession speech on Saturday evening.

He said during his speech that the Liberal campaign “didn’t do well enough” as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese claimed victory in a massive swing against the Coalition.

“Tonight’s not the night that we wanted for the Liberal Party or for our Coalition or indeed for our country,” Dutton said.

“We didn’t do well enough during this campaign. That much is obvious tonight and I accept full responsibility for that.”

Dutton was the first Liberal opposition leader to lose their seat in the federal election in Australian history.

The result marked the end of his tenure as Liberal leader and as a member of parliament.

Speculation is now mounting over who the Coalition will choose as the next opposition leader.

Expected candidates include deputy opposition leader Sussan Ley, who is now the most senior member of the Coalition following Dutton’s exit, and Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor.

Albanese, meanwhile, shared a snap of his walk with dog Toto today following his election win.

Penny Wong cautions Daniel Andrews on China visit after meetings in Japan

by Isaiah Jacobs October 5, 2025

Foreign Minister Penny Wong has cautioned former Victorian premier Daniel Andrews to be “mindful” about the message he sent by attending a huge military parade in Beijing earlier this week.

The Coalition has furiously criticised Mr Andrews for joining several authoritarian leaders — including Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un — at the massive spectacle held on Wednesday to mark the defeat of Japan in World War II.

It has also pressed Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to condemn Mr Andrews, saying he assisted China’s efforts to give the spectacle international legitimacy.

When asked about the matter, Senator Wong did not directly criticise the former premier, but said all Australians needed to be “mindful” about the signals they sent by attending events.

“Obviously I speak for Australia and the Australian government, I don’t speak for private individuals,” she said.

“But I think, I hope, that we all should be mindful of the message that our presence and engagement sends.

“I certainly am.”

She also emphasised that Australia decided not to send any politicians or even its ambassador to attend the parade — in contrast to the last anniversary parade in 2015, when a Coalition government minister attended.

“I would emphasise that Australia made a decision to be represented at the embassy staff level,” Senator Wong said.

The foreign minister made the remarks alongside Defence Minister Richard Marles in Tokyo, after attending the annual 2 + 2 meeting with their Japanese counterparts.

Australia to ‘modernise’ defence force after ‘significant’ show from China

Both Australia and Japan have been deeply unnerved by China’s massive military build-up and monitored this week’s parade very closely

Mr Marles called it a “very significant display of Chinese military capability”.

He also said there was now a “greater degree of cooperation between China and Russia and North Korea” which he said was “an expression of the complex strategic landscape which we’ve now been articulating since we came to government”.

He said Australia was responding by building closer ties with partners like Japan and racing to “modernise and build our defence force”.

“Where that leads us is clearly seeing that our interest lies in ensuring that we are firstly asserting the rules-based order, and secondly, making our contribution to the peace and stability of the region in which we live,” he said.

The high-level meeting comes just a month after Australia announced it would spend $10 billion on buying Japanese-made Mogami-class frigates.

It is the biggest defence deal for Japan, which has only ever exported defence equipment, rather than platforms like tanks, fighter jets, and warships.

Mr Marles said the contract to buy the warships would be finalised early next year.

“There is a real intent on both sides to see those negotiations move forward quickly,” he said.

The first three Mogami frigates will be built in Japan to ensure quick delivery, while the remaining eight will be made in Australia.

Mr Marles stressed the Mogami frigate was selected primarily due to its suitability for the Australian navy, but added it would further deepen the strategic partnership between Australia and Japan.

David Koch stuns his Sunrise co-hosts as he reveals he forced all his children to work at McDonald’s or he would cut them off: ‘Gosh, you’re tough!’

by Isaiah Jacobs October 5, 2025

He’s known to Sunrise viewers as a money-saving expert.

And David ‘Kochie’ Koch revealed on Monday he can be very tight-fisted, even with his own family.

The father of four, 66, shocked his co-hosts by admitting he made each of his children work at food-fast chain McDonald’s as soon as they were old enough
Koch said he would cut off his children’s allowance if they didn’t take on a part-time job at their local Macca’s.
Monique Wright, who is filling in for Natalie Barr while she has Covid, looked on disapprovingly as Koch explained why he was mean with his money.

He said the moment his children reached 14 years and nine months, the age they could legally start working, they applied for jobs at McDonald’s.

‘Whether you like the food or not, it is great training for young kids,’ he said.

The comments came after Sunrise aired a story about how a Sydney McDonald’s offered $1,000 to new employees as a sign-on bonus.

The management of the store in Chatswood resorted to the desperate measures after losing staff faster than they were being replaced.

Elsewhere on Monday’s show, Koch explained why his co-anchor Barr hadn’t shown up for work.

Barr, 54, had been scheduled to return to the news desk that morning after taking a week off to visit family in Perth.

Koch explained at about 8:40am that his colleague wasn’t in the studio because she had tested positive for Covid-19.

‘Well, everyone’s been asking, “Where’s Nat?” Well, you may have noticed she’s been missing over the past week or so,’ he said.

‘She’s at home in isolation after testing positive for Covid.’

Barr, who is fully vaccinated, has almost no symptoms except for a cough, which is nearly gone, and is feeling ‘pretty good’ overall.

Exploring the Potential of Urban Green Technologies

by Isaiah Jacobs September 10, 2025

Urban environments face growing challenges, from rising temperatures to increased pollution and limited green space. In response, Australian scientists and engineers are developing innovative urban green technologies aimed at improving sustainability and quality of life in cities. These initiatives combine environmental research with practical solutions that enhance energy efficiency, air quality, and community well-being.

One area of focus is green roofing and vertical gardens. Researchers have shown that integrating vegetation into buildings can reduce indoor temperatures, mitigate the urban heat island effect, and improve air quality. By absorbing carbon dioxide and filtering pollutants, these installations contribute to cleaner, healthier urban environments. They also provide habitats for birds and insects, promoting urban biodiversity.

Water management technologies are also being explored to support sustainable urban living. Rainwater harvesting systems, permeable pavements, and bio-retention gardens help manage stormwater, reduce flooding risks, and recycle water for non-drinking purposes. These systems not only conserve resources but also create green spaces that improve the visual and ecological quality of cities.

Innovations in Agricultural Science Supporting Sustainable Farming

by Isaiah Jacobs September 10, 2025

Sustainable farming has become a priority in Australia as researchers explore ways to improve crop productivity while reducing environmental impacts. Agricultural scientists are developing techniques that enhance soil health, optimise water use, and support biodiversity, all of which contribute to long-term resilience in food production. These innovations combine traditional knowledge with modern technology to address both economic and ecological concerns.

Soil management is a key area of research. Scientists are investigating cover cropping, crop rotation, and organic amendments to maintain fertility and prevent erosion. Healthy soils improve crop yields and reduce the need for chemical inputs, which benefits both farmers and the surrounding environment. Field trials and long-term monitoring help identify the most effective strategies for different regions and soil types.

Water efficiency is another focus, particularly in regions prone to drought. Researchers are testing irrigation systems that deliver precise amounts of water to crops while minimising waste. Advances in sensors and data analysis allow farmers to track soil moisture, weather patterns, and crop needs in real time. This approach helps conserve water resources while maintaining productivity under variable climate conditions.

Breakthroughs in Marine Conservation Research in Australia

by Isaiah Jacobs September 10, 2025

Australia’s vast coastline and rich marine ecosystems have made marine conservation a key focus for researchers across the country. Scientists are investigating innovative ways to protect coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and marine wildlife from threats such as climate change, pollution, and habitat destruction. These efforts combine field studies, laboratory research, and technological monitoring to better understand and manage marine biodiversity.

Coral reef research has been a central area of focus, particularly in the Great Barrier Reef. Researchers are studying the resilience of different coral species to rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification. By understanding which species adapt best to changing conditions, scientists can inform conservation strategies and targeted restoration projects. The goal is to maintain reef health while preserving the ecosystem services they provide, from fisheries to tourism.

Seagrass meadows are also gaining attention for their ecological importance. These underwater habitats provide shelter for fish, store carbon, and help stabilise sediment. Scientists are mapping seagrass distributions and experimenting with transplantation techniques to restore degraded areas. Observations on growth rates, water quality, and biodiversity levels guide efforts to improve restoration success and ensure long-term sustainability.

Australian Scientists Explore Innovative Approaches to Urban Biodiversity

by Isaiah Jacobs September 10, 2025

Urban biodiversity is increasingly recognised as an important factor for ecological sustainability and human well-being. In Australian cities, scientists are exploring strategies to integrate natural habitats into urban landscapes, creating environments where both people and wildlife can thrive. The research focuses on enhancing green spaces, protecting native species, and promoting ecosystem services such as air quality improvement and temperature regulation.

One approach involves designing multifunctional green spaces, including parks, green roofs, and community gardens. These areas not only provide recreational opportunities but also support plants, insects, and birds that contribute to urban biodiversity. Researchers emphasise the importance of native vegetation, which offers food and shelter for local species, helping to maintain ecological balance within cities.

Wildlife corridors are another key area of investigation. By connecting isolated green spaces, corridors allow animals to move safely between habitats, supporting population resilience and genetic diversity. Urban planners and ecologists collaborate to identify optimal locations for corridors, considering factors such as traffic patterns, human activity, and existing natural areas. Such planning helps prevent species decline while enriching the urban environment.

Advancements in Renewable Energy Research in Australia

by Isaiah Jacobs September 10, 2025

Australia has become a hub for research and development in renewable energy, as scientists and engineers explore ways to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Universities, research institutes, and private companies are collaborating to advance technologies in solar, wind, and battery storage. These efforts aim to improve efficiency, affordability, and reliability, while also addressing environmental concerns associated with traditional energy sources.

Solar energy remains a major focus of research, with scientists exploring ways to enhance photovoltaic cell efficiency. Advances in materials, such as perovskite compounds, show promise in capturing a broader spectrum of sunlight. Researchers are also experimenting with hybrid systems that combine solar with other renewable sources to provide consistent energy supply even during periods of low sunlight.

Wind energy projects are expanding both onshore and offshore, particularly along the southern and eastern coasts. Engineers are testing taller turbines and improved blade designs to maximise energy capture while reducing maintenance needs. Computational modelling helps predict wind patterns and optimise turbine placement, ensuring higher energy yield and greater reliability for communities and industries relying on renewable power.

Simple Tips for Staying Organised at Home

by Isaiah Jacobs September 10, 2025

Maintaining an organised home can reduce stress, save time, and create a more comfortable living environment. While it can feel overwhelming to tackle clutter, small and consistent strategies make a noticeable difference. The goal is to create habits that prevent mess from building up, rather than attempting large, infrequent cleanups.

One effective approach is to develop daily routines for tidying key areas. Simple actions, like making the bed each morning, clearing kitchen surfaces after meals, and putting away clothes immediately, can prevent clutter from accumulating. These small efforts create a sense of order without requiring significant time or energy, and they help set a positive tone for the rest of the day.

Decluttering one space at a time is another practical method. Rather than attempting to organise the entire house in a single day, focus on specific areas such as a wardrobe, pantry, or home office. Sorting items into keep, donate, and discard categories allows for gradual progress and prevents the process from becoming overwhelming. Even dedicating 10–15 minutes per day to a single area can yield meaningful results over time.

Storage solutions can also support organisation. Using baskets, containers, shelves, and labels helps ensure items have a designated place and can be easily accessed when needed. Creative solutions, like under-bed storage or multi-purpose furniture, make the most of limited space while keeping clutter out of sight. Organising items according to frequency of use ensures that essentials are always within reach.

Maintaining digital organisation is another important aspect of a well-managed home. Keeping files, photos, and documents properly named and stored reduces frustration and saves time searching for information. Regularly clearing unnecessary files and backing up important data ensures that digital clutter does not contribute to stress or disorganisation in daily life.

Finally, cultivating mindful habits can support long-term order. Being intentional about purchases, avoiding impulse buying, and regularly reassessing possessions helps prevent clutter from returning. Involving all household members in simple organisation routines encourages shared responsibility and consistency. Over time, these strategies create a home environment that is functional, visually appealing, and easier to manage, contributing to overall comfort and peace of mind.

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