Key Takeaways:
- Australia has pledged an additional $95m in military support for Ukraine, bringing the total support to over $1.7bn since the start of the conflict.
- The new funding includes $43m in ADF materiel and equipment, as well as $2m for the Drone Capability Coalition.
- Australia will also impose new sanctions on 45 "shadow fleet" vessels used by Russia to circumvent sanctions.
- The Australian economy has grown at a rate of 2.1% annually, with a 0.4% quarterly growth rate.
- The NSW government has committed to making preventative health a priority, accepting the recommendation of a special commission of inquiry into healthcare funding.
- The Australian Bureau of Statistics will begin accounting for illegal cigarette sales in its economic statistics.
Introduction to Australia’s Support for Ukraine
Australia has announced an additional $95m in military support for Ukraine, as the country continues to defend itself against Russia’s invasion. The new funding brings Australia’s total support for Ukraine to over $1.7bn since the start of the conflict. The defence minister, Richard Marles, and the foreign affairs minister, Penny Wong, announced the plan, stating that it would make a tangible difference in Ukraine’s defence against Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion. The new funding includes $43m in ADF materiel and equipment, such as tactical air defence radars, munitions, and combat engineering equipment, as well as $2m for the Drone Capability Coalition.
Australia’s Economic Growth
The Australian economy has grown at a rate of 2.1% annually, with a 0.4% quarterly growth rate. While the quarterly growth rate was lower than expected, the treasurer, Jim Chalmers, has rejected the Reserve Bank’s suggestions that the Australian economy may not be able to grow any faster. Chalmers pointed to the productivity uptick, stating that the government’s economic plan is about lifting the speed limits on the economy and making it more productive. However, the Reserve Bank has warned that the economy may be hitting its speed limit, beyond which higher spending would push up prices.
NSW Government’s Commitment to Preventative Health
The NSW government has committed to making preventative health a priority, accepting the recommendation of a special commission of inquiry into healthcare funding. The government has announced that it will review its approach to statewide clinical service planning and develop a statewide paediatric plan to clearly define care pathways for the delivery of care to children across the state. The government will also establish a central workforce unit to better monitor data on workforce supply and demand and create a "chief wellbeing officer" for its staff.
Illicit Tobacco Sales and Economic Statistics
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has announced that it will begin accounting for illegal cigarette sales in its economic statistics. The ABS currently measures tobacco sales through supermarket chains’ scanner data, but consumers are increasingly swapping away from legal sales to black market tobacco and illegal vapes. The ABS will estimate purchases of illicit tobacco and vapes using methods such as wastewater detection, and the new estimates will be included in GDP in about 12 months’ time.
Crime and Justice
A man has been charged with murder after a shooting in north-eastern NSW, which left one man dead and another injured. The incident occurred at a property in the town of Eungella, and police arrested a 36-year-old man after a search of the area. The man has been charged with murder and will appear in court.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Australia has pledged additional support for Ukraine, and the Australian economy has grown at a rate of 2.1% annually. The NSW government has committed to making preventative health a priority, and the ABS will begin accounting for illegal cigarette sales in its economic statistics. These developments highlight the ongoing efforts of the Australian government to support Ukraine, promote economic growth, and improve healthcare outcomes. Additionally, the government is taking steps to address crime and justice issues, such as the recent murder charge in north-eastern NSW. Overall, these developments demonstrate the Australian government’s commitment to supporting its allies, promoting economic growth, and improving the wellbeing of its citizens.