News

Albanese proposes $10,000 bonus for apprentice builders

Albanese to announce $10,000 cash bonuses for apprentices in residential construction at National Press Club.

Published

1 year ago

January 24, 2025

Albanese to announce $10,000 cash bonuses for apprentices in residential construction at National Press Club.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will announce a new policy at the National Press Club, offering a $10,000 cash bonus to apprentices in residential construction. This incentive aims to support the training of the next generation of tradespeople and address workforce shortages in a sector facing significant challenges.

The funding, totalling $626.9 million, is meant for over 60,000 apprentices, with payments made in five $2,000 instalments throughout their apprenticeship. However, previous similar initiatives, such as a scheme for green jobs, attracted only 2,200 participants, indicating potential difficulties in reaching the target.

Albanese’s address marks a year since he introduced changes to stage three tax cuts. He aims to tackle the housing crisis by increasing the number of new homes, with a goal of 1.2 million in five years. Achieving this will require 90,000 additional workers, as identified by construction industry leaders.

The announcement will also include plans to increase allowances for apprentices living away from home and a commitment to making fee-free TAFE subsidies permanent, allowing more Australians to gain vocational skills without financial barriers.

Labor’s housing strategy contrasts with the Coalition’s approach, which supports first homebuyers using superannuation savings for deposits. The debate over vocational training continues, with calls to encourage trades over university degrees, highlighting the importance of skills in the current economic climate.

News

Iran live updates: Airlines face disruptions that surpass previous Middle East conflicts

Published

11 hours ago

March 3, 2026

Ahron Young

What’s happening in the Middle East?

Trump says U.S. strikes could last four to five weeks and described the operation as the last best chance to act, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio warns the hardest hits are yet to come
Six U.S. service members have been killed, additional American forces are being deployed to the region, and the White House says nine Iranian naval ships have been destroyed
Iran says it sees no limit to its right to self defence and will not negotiate, as missile and drone attacks continue across Israel, Lebanon and Gulf states
More than 500 Iranians have been killed in U.S. and Israeli strikes, with further deaths reported in Lebanon, Israel and the UAE
Shipping, aviation and energy markets have been severely disrupted, more than 11,000 flights have been cancelled, Gulf stock markets have closed temporarily, and oil and gas prices have surged amid Strait of Hormuz fears

News

Oil prices surge amid rising Middle East conflict risks

Crude oil surges 7% amid fears of Middle East conflict; Strait of Hormuz disruptions may push Brent over $100.

Published

12 hours ago

March 3, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Crude oil surges 7% amid fears of Middle East conflict; Strait of Hormuz disruptions may push Brent over $100.

Crude oil prices spiked dramatically as investors react to the growing risk of a wider conflict in the Middle East. U.S. crude surged 7.2 percent, trading near $71.84 a barrel, signalling heightened concern across energy markets.

The Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping chokepoint, has come under intense scrutiny. Rising war-risk insurance premiums and suspended tanker traffic are already slowing the movement of oil, creating ripple effects in global supply chains.

JPMorgan has warned that prolonged disruptions over three weeks could force Gulf producers to reduce output, potentially pushing Brent crude prices to between $100 and $120 a barrel. Markets are closely watching for developments that could reshape global energy pricing.

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News

Trump warns of last opportunity to hit Iran as conflict escalates

Trump declares final chance to strike Iran, aiming to dismantle missile systems and prevent nuclear weapons amid U.S. troop losses.

Published

12 hours ago

March 3, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Trump declares final chance to strike Iran, aiming to dismantle missile systems and prevent nuclear weapons amid U.S. troop losses.

President Trump has declared this is the final opportunity to strike Iran as conflict intensifies across the Middle East, outlining four key military objectives including dismantling Iran’s missile capabilities and targeting its navy.

The U.S. says its mission is to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon and to halt its alleged support for terrorist groups abroad, signalling a potentially prolonged campaign in the region.

Four U.S. troops have already been killed, with officials warning further casualties are possible as operations continue.

#Trump #Iran #MiddleEast

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