Infrastructure expects $10 billion boost in federal budget

The federal budget will be released on Tuesday, with Treasurer Josh Frydenburg expected to announce more than $10 billion on major infrastructure, in an effort to boost productivity and employment.

Experts are calling on the federal government to focus on ‘economic infrastructure’ instead, including childcare, social housing, aged care, and disability care.

Trade Minister hopes Australia and China can reconcile differences

Trade Minister Dan Tehan has expressed his disappointment over the dissolution in diplomatic relations with China, after Beijing indefinitely suspended all contact under the China-Australia Strategic Economic Dialogue.

The decision to cut talks comes after the Morrison government cancelled Victoria’s Belt and Road agreement with China.

MSF lending aid to underfunded domestic violence services

Médecins Sans Frontières has moved to provide support for domestic violence services in centres of Australia that are struggling under funding pressure as demand for help triples through the pandemic.

Last year the Illawarra Women’s Health Centre in New South Wales saw its waiting list increase from 2 weeks to 4 months and the number of women seeking help has risen by 50%.

E-scooter cap to expand in Brisbane

Brisbane City Council has expanded the cap on e-scooters from 1,000 to 1,500.

Much of the expansion will be seen in the western suburbs, around UQ’s St Lucia campus. 

State MP Michael Berkman commented that while he was happy to see more transport options, he was concerned about the lack of regulations and infrastructure for e-scooters.