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PS News· Just nowHealth

Extended pharmacy trial offers cheaper and easier access to the pill, UTI treatments

All women will soon be able to get the pill and treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections from pharmacies at lower cost. The federal government has widened a 12-month trial that was first announced for concession card holders only. The trial is expected to start early next year. The government will cover up to $38 for a pharmacist consultation, and women will pay no more than $25 per script. Health Minister Mark Butler said the change would improve access and affordability. The Pharmacy Guild of Australia welcomed the move, while doctors raised concerns about possible misdiagnoses.

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The West Australian· Just nowPolitics

State Government’s $100 fuel relief vouchers won’t be received by Christmas if drivers submit a paper form

West Australians who have not yet claimed their $100 fuel relief voucher and plan to submit a paper form are unlikely to receive the money before Christmas. Paper forms have been taking about 10 weeks to arrive, and a spokesperson advised applicants to allow nine to 10 weeks, with postage possibly longer in some regional areas. About $110 million has been paid to more than a million of the 2.3 million eligible licence holders since July 1.

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PS News· Just nowPolitics

Government scraps timetable changes, pledges $6.8 billion to extend rail electrification ‘by mid-late 2030s’

The NSW Government has committed $6.8 billion to electrify the South Coast rail line between Kiama and Bomaderry and to double tracks at key bottlenecks. Construction is expected to be complete by the mid-to-late 2030s, with detailed planning starting in 2027. The announcement follows the government scrapping timetable changes that were due to take effect in November after community concerns. Premier Chris Minns said the upgrade would deliver faster, more reliable trains. An immediate $621 million will fund upgrades to power, signalling and flood protection ahead of the main works.

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PerthNow Local· Just nowBusiness

Tax office complaints surge during crack down on debts

Complaints about the Australian Taxation Office have risen sharply as the agency ramps up debt collection. The Tax Ombudsman received 2376 complaints in the six months to September, up 74 per cent on the same period last year. The office said it received 1358 complaints over that period, because the ombudsman's figures also included matters not involving the tax office. The ombudsman found the tax office acted reasonably in 63 per cent of debt collection complaints it investigated. Outstanding tax debt stood at $54.2 billion in 2024/25, with $35.9 billion owed by small businesses.

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ABC News Just In· Just nowEntertainment

Randa Abdel-Fattah to appear at Adelaide Writers' Week

Palestinian-Australian author Randa Abdel-Fattah has accepted an invitation to appear at the 2027 Adelaide Writers' Week. The Adelaide Festival confirmed the news as it unveiled its next program. In January, the festival board removed her from the 2026 program, citing her past statements, a decision the Festival Corporation later apologised for. The 2027 festival will run from February 25 to March 14 and includes West End play Oedipus and Bela Bartok's opera Bluebeard's Castle.

Sporting News AU· Just nowSport

Humble hero Kane the perfect heir to Matthews as Ballon d'Or comes 'home'

Harry Kane has won the Ballon d'Or at a ceremony held in London, the home of football. The award marked its 70th anniversary and honoured Stanley Matthews, its inaugural winner. Kane said the win was massive for England and that he was proud to put the country back on the map. He thanked his youth coaches, parents and wife, and said he still treats every season as if he were a young player. Michael Owen, a former winner, presented the women's award to Alexia Putellas.

Queensland Police News· Just nowCrime

Appeal for information historical sex offences, Darling Downs and Townsville

Detectives in Toowoomba are appealing for public help in an investigation into historical child sex offences on the Darling Downs. A 52-year-old Murphy's Creek man was charged on 16 October with two counts of indecent treatment of a child and other offences. It is alleged the offences occurred between 2007 and 2010 at a private residence in Toowoomba. He has been remanded in custody and will appear in Toowoomba Magistrates Court on 8 December.

SBS News· Just nowPolitics

Five years after AUKUS was signed, the first submarine has been named

The United States has revealed the USS Colorado as the first nuclear submarine to deploy to Australia under the AUKUS pact. The submarine will be based at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia from late 2027, Defence Minister Richard Marles said in a joint statement. It is the first of up to four US submarines, plus one from Britain, expected to rotate through the base. The plan has drawn criticism after the US said it would supply second-hand vessels rather than the new submarines first promised.

PerthNow Local· Just nowPolitics

MP security upgrades after Helen Haines attack

Nine electorate offices have been marked for security upgrades following last week's attack on independent MP Helen Haines, a Department of Finance official told a Senate estimates hearing. Finance Minister Katy Gallagher said MP safety was a matter of daily review. Communications Minister Anika Wells temporarily shut her electorate office after a woman allegedly made threatening gestures towards staff. Several MPs have also shared threats against themselves, their families and staff. Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett said the threats now often arrive online rather than by letter.

Geelong Independent· Just nowBusiness

Instant fines for unsafe work

WorkSafe inspectors will be able to issue on-the-spot fines from 31 March to reduce fatal falls at work. Employers can be fined for failing to control fall risks, keeping safety records unavailable, or starting high-risk construction work without a Safe Work Method Statement. Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC Steve Dimopoulos said falls remain a leading cause of workplace deaths and serious injuries. WorkSafe Chief Health and Safety Officer Sam Jenkin said employers face no new obligations, but those breaking the law will face consequences sooner.

Region Canberra· Just nowLifestyle

The Sekuwa Shack is kicking goals at Harrison

A new Nepali food truck, The Sekuwa Shack, is parked at the Harrison District Playing Fields in Canberra. Owner Rajesh Chaudhary, who previously worked as a courier, opened it a few months ago. He says trade is busiest after sports games at the oval. The menu includes chicken sekuwa, a grilled meat skewer marinated in spices, and steamed vegetable momos served with a tomato and chilli dipping sauce. The truck is open from 2 pm to 7 pm, seven days a week.

ABC News Just In· Just nowHealth

Brisbane hospital boards lack Indigenous voices despite legal requirements

Medical leader Bill Glasson says the Queensland government is breaking state law by leaving mandatory Indigenous positions unfilled on two Brisbane hospital boards. The seats at Metro North and Metro South have been vacant since March 31. Glasson has called on Health Minister Tim Nicholls to make urgent temporary appointments. Nicholls said recruitment is underway to fill the First Nations vacancies in South East Queensland. Professor Tom Calma said the roles are critical given the large Indigenous population in the region.