What we learned – Wednesday 15 June
OK that was a big day – and we are going to put this blog to bed now. But before we go, let’s recap the big stories:
- The Australian Energy Market Operator suspended the spot market for electricity nationally for the first time, and New South Wales residents were asked to reduce power in the evening if safe.
- The RBA boss, Philip Lowe, announced inflation could hit 7%.
- Sarah Hanson-Young said Australia was being “held hostage’ by energy companies.
- Bill Shorten highlighted the wider economic benefits of NDIS.
- Derryn Hinch confirmed he will run for parliament in Victoria.
- Brisbane says it will increase council rates on short-stay rental properties to help address housing crisis.
- The Fair Work Commission ruled on 5.2% increase to minimum wage, which was welcomed by the ACTU secretary, Sally McManus, welcomed the increase while the chamber of commerce boss said wages should be flexible and “driven by the market”.
- Consumer sentiment plunged towards historic low, according to a Westpac survey.
- Blackstone’s takeover of Crown Resorts approved by federal court.
Thank you for spending today with us – we will be back again tomorrow!
Updated
Plans to rewild captive koalas in New South Wales
A new project aims to “rewild” captive koalas by gently releasing them into larger sanctuaries, AAP reports.
The plan is to house the endangered marsupials at a breeding site near a NSW national park before releasing them into a safe, 1,500-hectare wild sanctuary in the state’s north.
The goal is to equip the animals with the necessary skills to flourish in a wild environment – called “wild translocation”.
Conservation groups WildArk and Aussie Ark aim to launch the project in 2023 once facilities are built, predators and weeds are removed, and protective fencing is in place.
The organisations are partnering with ice-cream brands Connoisseur and NUII to realise the project.
The federal government in February uplisted the conservation status of koalas from vulnerable to endangered, as recommended by the Threatened Species Scientific Committee.
In May, the NSW government also listed koalas as endangered.
Updated
