Australia

Australian Family Farms Face Uncertain Future Due to Supermarket Practices

Family farms in Australia are facing an uncertain future as orchard veterans express concerns over the impact of supermarket practices on their industry. The Senate inquiry into supermarkets has become a platform for older farmers to voice their apprehensions, with fruit grower Guy Gaeta warning that family farms could disappear within the next decade. The impact of supermarket pricing and market power on suppliers, particularly in the horticultural sector, has come under scrutiny in the Senate inquiry. Concerns have been raised about the lack of price rises for some fruit and vegetable growers from major supermarkets over the past 15 years, further exacerbating the challenges faced by family farms. The dominance of Coles and Woolworths, controlling two-thirds of the market, has raised concerns about the reasonableness of supermarket prices and profits. Policymakers are now tasked with addressing these issues and considering potential reforms to support the sustainability of family farms in Australia.

Spotlight on Remarkable Country Women Making a Difference

International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate the remarkable achievements of women across the globe. In line with the 2024 United Nations theme, ‘Invest in women – accelerate progress’, The Courier is spotlighting the incredible country women making a difference in their communities. From healthcare professionals to emergency service workers, these women exemplify strength, compassion, and resilience. Balancing their roles as mothers, caretakers, and professionals, they demonstrate excellence and determination in all aspects of their lives. Meet some of the leading ladies including Teigan Cummins, Esta Kalatzis, and Clare Campbell, who exemplify the unwavering spirit and resilience of country women in their respective fields.

30 Occupations Now Regularly Earning Six-Figure Salaries, Seek Data Reveals

Recent data from Seek reveals that 30 occupations now regularly earn six-figure salaries, with wages growth pushing average full-time pay above $100,000 for the first time. The list includes diverse roles in both white-collar and blue-collar sectors, raising concerns about potential impacts on interest rates. Economists anticipate this trend to persist through 2023 and into 2024, potentially influencing monetary policy decisions.

Wage Growth Identified as Key Driver of Consumer Price Inflation

Confidential Treasury analysis reveals that wage growth is the primary driver of consumer price inflation, debunking claims of corporate profit gouging. Concerns are raised about the outlook for wages, productivity, and inflation, with potential implications for interest rates and inflation forecasts.

Australian Showjumper Shane Rose Causes Controversy with Mankini Outfit

Australian showjumper Shane Rose faces temporary suspension after wearing a mankini at a fancy dress event in Sydney. The three-time Olympic medallist expressed regret for any offense caused and emphasized that it was meant to provide lighthearted entertainment. Despite the controversy, Equestrian Australia clarified that he has not been suspended but is under review. Rose, aiming to represent Australia at the upcoming Paris Games, hopes the incident will not hinder his Olympic preparation.

Australian Restaurant Fishbowl Expanding to New York as Thisbowl

A new restaurant resembling a popular Australian food outlet has opened in New York, sparking confusion among Aussies living in the US. Despite the initial confusion, it has been confirmed that the founders of Fishbowl are taking their Asian-inspired salad and protein bowl takeaway business global, with the first outlet outside of Australia set to open in mid-2024 under the name Thisbowl. The company’s founders are strategically targeting the massive US market with their expansion, prioritizing New York as the ultimate retail Mecca. Originating from Bondi Beach in 2016, Fishbowl was founded by Nathan Dalah, Nic Pestalozzi, and Casper Ettelson with the vision of promoting healthy living through their Japanese, Malaysian, Southeast Asian, and Chinese influenced salad bowls.

New Sun Safety Advice for Diverse Skin Types

New sun safety advice has been developed to better reflect skin diversity, with guidelines for different skin types. The research, published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, aims to reduce the risk of skin cancer while enabling people to get the benefits of sun exposure. The advice, backed by major cancer groups, assigns people into three broad groups based on their skin type and provides specific recommendations for each group.

Dangerous Climate Tipping Points Will Affect Australia

Learn about the potential impacts of global climate tipping points on Australia and the irreversible changes that could occur. Cutting fossil greenhouse gas emissions is crucial to limit warming and reduce the risk of triggering tipping points.

Australian Distillers Urge Government to Halt Spirit Excise Increases

Distillers in Australia are urging the federal government to halt increases in spirit excise for two years, stating that the tax burden is becoming unbearable for small and emerging distilleries. The excise on spirits has surged by 15% over the…

Concerns Raised by Australian Resources Minister’s Speech in Tokyo

Resources Minister Madeline King’s recent speech at the Australian Embassy in Tokyo has raised concerns among those hoping for a shift towards green hydrogen and ammonia exports. In her address to Japanese industry leaders, King emphasized Australia’s commitment to continuing…