Saturday, 07 March 2026 11:41
FOSTER CARE REFORMS ARE OVERDUE
THE PSA says NSW foster care reforms are a long-overdue reset after outsourcing failures under the Permanency Support Program. The union argues fragmented responsibility harmed outcomes despite rising costs. Reforms will strengthen government oversight, reduce outsourcing, improve accountability, boost foster carer recruitment, and support Aboriginal organisations. The PSA says the changes respond to frontline concerns, restore decision-making to government, and aim to improve child protection outcomes and public confidence.
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Saturday, 07 March 2026 11:40
CPA SUPPORTS A FAIRER ATO
CPA Australia supports the Tax Ombudsman’s call for fairer General Interest Charges (GIC) remission and welcomes the ATO accepting all recommendations to improve transparency, consistency and fairness. The group says reforms must include empathy and proportionality, especially for taxpayers facing genuine financial hardship. It stresses clearer guidance, better communication and more balanced decision-making, particularly since GIC became non-deductible in 2025, increasing financial pressure on individuals and small businesses.
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Saturday, 07 March 2026 11:39
REAL COSTS OF EXTREME WEATHER
EXTREME weather caused almost $3.5B in insured losses across 264,000 claims in 2025, according to the Insurance Council of Australia. Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred was the costliest event at $1.5 billion, while severe spring hailstorms added $1.4B. Five major events were declared significant or catastrophic. Insurers expect costs to rise as more claims arrive and continue supporting recovery efforts, with further extreme weather already impacting Australia in early 2026.
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