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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

12 months ago

January 24, 2025

ticker NEWS

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

U.S. envoys head to Moscow as Ukraine peace talks accelerate

U.S. envoys to meet Putin, signaling a potential shift in Ukraine war diplomacy.

Published

5 hours ago

January 22, 2026

Harvey Vargas

U.S. envoys to meet Putin, signaling a potential shift in Ukraine war diplomacy.

Senior U.S. envoys are preparing to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin as diplomatic efforts around the war in Ukraine gather pace. The visit comes after Russia formally requested high-level talks, signalling a potential shift in momentum.

Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are set to travel to Moscow following months of behind-the-scenes discussions. The move underscores Washington’s willingness to engage directly as negotiations enter a more decisive phase.

With global attention fixed on the outcome, the meeting could shape the next chapter of the conflict — and determine whether diplomacy can finally overtake military escalation.

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#UkraineWar #RussiaUkraine #PeaceTalks #GlobalPolitics #USRussia #BreakingNews #Geopolitics #TickerNews

News

Trump drops tariff threat after Greenland framework deal

Trump announces Greenland deal, easing tariff threats amid trade tensions, boosting US markets and sparking Arctic diplomacy debate.

Published

5 hours ago

January 22, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Trump announces Greenland deal, easing tariff threats amid trade tensions, boosting US markets and sparking Arctic diplomacy debate.

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a framework deal involving Greenland, stepping back from earlier threats to impose tariffs on Europe. The shift comes after heightened global concern over trade tensions and geopolitical stability.

The announcement followed Trump’s appearance at the World Economic Forum in Davos and discussions with NATO’s Secretary General.

Denmark’s Foreign Minister has since weighed in, responding to speculation surrounding Greenland’s future and the implications of US involvement.

Markets reacted positively, with US stocks rallying after Trump signalled he would abandon the tariff threats.

While Trump reiterated he would not use force to acquire Greenland, the move has sparked renewed debate about diplomacy, trade, and influence in the Arctic region.

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#DonaldTrump #Greenland #USTrade #Tariffs #GlobalMarkets #USPolitics #WorldNews #Ticker

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Coalition cracks deepen as Nationals break ranks over Labor reforms

Nationals senators defy party lines, voting against Labor’s reforms as Coalition faces internal rifts and leadership concerns.

Published

1 day ago

January 21, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Nationals senators defy party lines, voting against Labor’s reforms as Coalition faces internal rifts and leadership concerns.

A rift has emerged in the Coalition after three Nationals senators crossed the floor to vote against Labor’s post-Bondi hate group reforms, defying party lines and raising questions about their future in the shadow cabinet.

Their proposed amendment calling for greater scrutiny was rejected, and Labor’s legislation passed the Senate 38 votes to 22, cementing the reforms into law despite opposition pushback.

Coalition leadership will meet Wednesday to assess the political fallout, though some MPs consider the issue minor in terms of potential resignations. The incident highlights growing tensions within the party as internal discipline comes under pressure.

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#AustralianPolitics #Coalition #Nationals #Labor #Senate #PoliticalDrama #TickerNews #BreakingPolitics