Stories from Australia

Property auction numbers and clearance rates in Brisbane are declining following the Anzac Day weekend. A total of 87 auctions were held during the period. The clearance rate was reported at 52%.

Senator Pauline Hanson used $13,700 in taxpayer funds for two trips in October last year. These trips included party fundraisers, local branch openings, and discussions regarding National Party member Barnaby Joyce.

Punk rockers Amal and the Snifers won three top awards at this year's Australian Music Industries APRA Awards. The announcement was made during a broadcast on ABC NewsRadio AU. The group received the honors during the ceremony. Their track Jerkin, from the album Cartoon Darkness, won Peer Voted Song of the Year and Most Performed Rock Work. The band also received the Songwriter of the Year award for the second consecutive year. The ceremony was held at the Horton Pavilion in Sydney. The event also celebrated 100 years of opera. The broadcaster noted the song contains profanity that limits broadcastable segments.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a plan to fast-track project approvals by granting states the power to conduct assessments and approvals on behalf of the Commonwealth. The plan includes the implementation of a new set of national environmental standards.

Radio stations 2GB and 4BC will move to new ownership under Tapped Media starting Friday, May 1. The announcement was made by a broadcaster at 2GB. The transition marks a new chapter for the stations.

A Melbourne-based provider of disability support services is facing investigations by WorkSafe, police, and the NDIS Royal Commission. The provider has been issued banning orders preventing them from providing support for four and five years respectively.

The company is reportedly dealing with a dysfunctional culture and a number of senior employees departing. The Financial Review has published a detailed report on these internal issues. The retailer has not yet provided a formal response to the allegations.

Western Bulldogs forward Aaron Norton is scheduled to face Fremantle on Friday night. This comes eight days after he sustained a head injury. Teammate Tom Liberatore remains sidelined due to ongoing concussion symptoms.

Three anti-gas activists climbed onto the stage minutes before Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese delivered a keynote address in Perth. The individuals were quickly escorted out of the venue by security.

Players in the Super League competition must sign agreements regarding participation against male-born players. Some female teams have previously refused to play against male-born players.