Foreign Minister Penny Wong has commended former U.S. President Donald Trump for his pivotal role in facilitating a ceasefire in Gaza, describing it as a “singular achievement.” The ceasefire has led to the release of the first hostages back to Israel, marking a significant moment of relief for both Israelis and Australians. Wong’s comments were made during an interview with ABC News, where she highlighted the emotional impact of the day, calling it “extraordinarily moving.”
Wong stated, “This is a singular achievement by President Trump. Only the president of the United States could bring this about. And as I said on Friday, he deserves enormous congratulations … it is an enormous achievement. We haven’t seen this sort of progress in the Middle East for some time. And he’s brought, you know, this conflict to a pause and hopefully to an end, and has a pathway to peace that he’s been so critical in articulating.”
The foreign affairs minister also emphasized the importance of the release of thousands of Palestinians from Israeli jails as a crucial component of the peace plan. When questioned about Australia’s potential involvement in a future monitoring presence or an international stabilization force in the region, Wong clarified that Australia had not been approached for participation. “We haven’t been asked, so I’m not going to get ahead of myself. And what I have said all along is … we want to play our part in contributing momentum to peace. That’s how we’ve sought to approach these matters for a long time,” she added.
Superannuation Tax Reforms: A Better Deal for Low-Income Earners
Meanwhile, Treasurer Jim Chalmers has announced significant changes to the government’s superannuation tax policy, describing them as a “better deal” for low-income earners. Speaking on RN Breakfast, Chalmers explained that the new policies aim to offer a more equitable and sustainable superannuation system by better targeting tax concessions for individuals with substantial superannuation savings.
“The objective here is a superannuation system which is stronger and fairer and more sustainable and which delivers a better outcome for those low-income workers, partly paid for by better targeting those superannuation tax concessions,” Chalmers stated, emphasizing the significance of the reform.
Medicinal Cannabis: Urgent Regulatory Action Needed
In another development, the Australian Medical Association (AMA) and the Pharmacy Guild of Australia have called for urgent action to address the unregulated increase in medicinal cannabis prescriptions. Dr. Danielle McMullen, president of the AMA, expressed concerns over the growing trend of prescribing medicinal cannabis for conditions lacking evidence of efficacy, or where it may be harmful.
“We are seeing the use of medicinal cannabis for conditions where it is contraindicated or where its use should be under strict and/or ongoing supervision, and our members are increasingly reporting serious adverse outcomes for patients,” McMullen noted.
The peak medical and pharmaceutical bodies have urged Health Minister Mark Butler to ensure that all medicinal cannabis products beyond exceptional access be registered, with special access scheme pathways reserved for genuine exceptions. Prof. Trent Twomey, president of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, highlighted the exploitation of the current system, stating, “What began as a special pathway for medication has now become the norm with thousands of products prescribed without safety, quality or efficacy controls.”
Cybercrime Costs Soar for Australian Businesses
Australian businesses are facing increasing financial losses due to cybersecurity threats, as revealed by the Australian Signals Directorate’s (ASD) annual cyber threat report. Despite a slight decrease in cybercrime reports, the financial impact on businesses has surged, with large businesses losing an average of $202,700 in the past financial year—a 219% increase from the previous year.
“Australia is increasingly targeted by cybercriminals looking to steal credentials,” said Abigail Bradshaw, director-general of the ASD. “Once access is gained, they mimic legitimate user behaviour to steal sensitive personal or corporate information, install ransomware or malware, and take over accounts.”
The report underscores the growing threat of ransomware and identity fraud, with networks being breached through compromised or stolen details rather than traditional hacking methods. In recent incidents, Qantas customers have had their information posted on the dark web by cybercriminals.
Keating’s Influence on Superannuation Tax Plan
In a related story, Treasurer Jim Chalmers has revealed the influence of former Labor Prime Minister Paul Keating on the federal government’s revised superannuation tax plan. The Albanese government recently backed down on its contentious proposal to target unrealized gains after facing significant criticism.
Chalmers acknowledged Keating’s input, stating, “As I finalised this package to take to the expenditure review committee, I probably spoke to him half a dozen times in the second half of last week alone.” He emphasized the importance of making tax concessions more sustainable and taking necessary steps to safeguard the system’s future.
These developments reflect the dynamic political and economic landscape in Australia, with significant implications for international relations, economic policy, and public health regulation. As these stories unfold, they will undoubtedly shape the nation’s future direction.
