08 March 2025
BUILDERS WELCOME RATE CUT WITH CAUTION
MASTER Builders Australia welcomes the RBA's interest rate cut but stresses the need for Federal Government action on housing and cost-of-living challenges. While lower rates provide relief, core issues like land shortages, planning delays, workforce constraints, and rising construction costs remain. With construction costs up 40% in five years and build times extended by 80% over 15 years, urgent reforms are needed to streamline approvals and boost productivity.
08 March 2025
PRSON STAFF AND INMATE RELATIONSHIPS
THE NSW Government has strengthened laws to criminalize all sexual relationships between prison staff and inmates, removing the need to prove risk to prison safety. The Crimes (Administration of Sentences) Act 1999 now imposes criminal liability, including prison sentences. This follows an inquiry into misconduct at Dillwynia Correctional Centre, with all 31 recommendations accepted to improve transparency, safety, and trust in NSW corrective services.
08 March 2025
WOOLIES EXPANDS QUIET HOUR TIMES
WOOLWORTHS has expanded its Quiet Hour to five days a week, offering a low-sensory shopping experience for customers with sensory sensitivities. Running Monday to Friday, 10:30-11:30am, most stores will reduce lighting, lower noise, and minimize disruptions. Launched in 2019 with Life Without Barriers, Quiet Hour now operates in 900+ stores nationwide, enhancing accessibility and independence for customers. The expansion follows successful trials during peak shopping periods like Christmas.