Stories from Australia

A gambling corporation has secured rights to operate in Victoria until 2068. The agreement includes a $1 billion payment to the state. Tim Costello from the Alliance for Gambling Reform stated that the Labor government is prioritizing revenue over reducing gambling harms.

Melbourne United head coach Dean Vickerman announced he will leave the NBL club to explore opportunities overseas. Vickerman led the team for nine seasons and won three coach of the year awards. During his tenure, he guided United to two championships.

Two marine rescue volunteers died while attempting to assist a stricken yacht on the north coast of New South Wales. New South Wales emergency services minister Jihaad Dib paid tribute to the volunteers following the incident.

The Australian government has announced a reallocation of infrastructure funding toward the rail network. The decision has faced criticism from regional stakeholders in Queensland, who describe the move as a betrayal. Critics argue the funding was intended to lower emissions and reduce road freight by making rail more competitive. The government stated the current economic climate prevents the original funding levels from being justified. It remains uncertain if the rail line will be completed to Brisbane or if it will function as a white elephant. Concerns were raised that the project could cost more than $45 billion to complete. Funding for the rail line will end at regional New South Wales, according to the report. The Australian government announced the inland rail line will now terminate in Central West New South Wales.

Infrastructure Minister Catherine King announced a decision to reallocate funds originally intended for southern parks to the existing rail network. The exact amount of funding and specific projects affected have not yet been detailed. The Australian government has scrapped plans to build a railway connecting Melbourne and Brisbane. The decision follows advice that the project would cost more than $45 billion to complete. The freight corridor will instead operate between Melbourne and Parkes in New South Wales. Construction on the Parkes corridor is expected to be completed by the end of next year. The government cancelled the Melbourne-to-Brisbane railway after receiving advice that costs would exceed $45 billion. The Australian government will redirect $800 million in uncommitted funding from the Australia's Economic Accelerator Program to support science and research measures.

Penny Sharp has been suspended from the Upper House for one week. This marks the third time Sharp has faced suspension over the same issue. Liberal Party leader Damien Tudehope told the Sydney Morning Herald that the government is opposed to transparency.

The Reserve Bank of Australia Governor warned the Treasurer against implementing large handouts in next week's budget. The Governor stated such measures could lock in higher inflation for a longer period. This follows the RBA's third consecutive interest rate hike yesterday. The recent hike has left the average borrower more than $100 worse off per month. The Reserve Bank of Australia warned that providing one-off payments of up to $300 to wage and salary earners could be inflationary. Such payments might increase upward pressure on interest rates, according to the bank. Treasurer Jim Chalmers stated that next week's budget will be responsible and will not include stimulus. The governor indicated the budget is expected to wind back rather than expand.

Residents in parts of Australia are paying over $3 per litre for diesel. High fuel costs are affecting the ability of some residents to participate in cultural events such as Sorry Business.

A Redbridge poll indicates that 43% of voters leaning towards One Nation do not approve of Pauline Hanson's perceived links to Donald Trump's politics. For undecided voters, the disapproval rate rises to 50%.

The Carlton football club has been fined $75,000 for failing to remove Elijah Hollins from the ground. The fine follows an incident involving the player. The source did not specify the exact nature of the failure or the timing of the incident.