Whittlesea council has launched a Home Energy Program to help local households reduce energy costs and make informed decisions about energy use. The program offers practical advice on energy-efficient homes and the first steps towards electrifying them. Free events throughout the year will let residents speak with experts and learn about rebates and discounts. Activities include 20-minute speed-date sessions with home energy specialists, information sessions and a Home Energy Expo. Mayor Lawrie Cox said the program aims to reduce emissions and help the community reach net zero emissions by 2036.
Apartment residents and renters across Victoria will be eligible for rooftop solar rebates under an expanded state government program. Eligible applicants can receive up to $2,800 per apartment, capped at $140,000 per building. The changes raise the maximum building size from 50 to 150 lots and let owners corporations allocate up to 20 per cent of generated solar energy to common property. Applications are open until June 2027. Savings for individual households will depend on installation costs, electricity use and how power is shared among residents.
The City of Whittlesea has launched a Home Energy Program to help local households reduce energy costs and make informed choices about energy use. The program offers practical advice on energy-efficient homes and on taking first steps toward electric appliances. Free events throughout the year will let residents speak with experts. A free home energy assessment will be available soon, along with Speed Date sessions with specialists and a Home Energy Expo. Mayor Lawrie Cox said the program helps residents work out what suits their home and budget.
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Labor has reintroduced a bill that would reduce private health insurance rebates for people over 65 from April next year. The government says the cut would save about $3 billion over four years. Opposition, crossbench and Greens senators have criticised the plan, and the Greens and coalition say they may support it if pensioners are protected. Health Minister Mark Butler says those over 65 will pay about $250 a year more under the changes.
Labor has reintroduced a bill that would reduce private health insurance rebates for people over 65 from April next year. The government says the cut would save about $3 billion over four years. Opposition, crossbench and Greens senators have criticised the plan, and the Greens and coalition say they may support it if pensioners are protected. Health Minister Mark Butler says those over 65 will pay about $250 a year more under the changes.
The Navy says a video recording device found in a women's shower on a naval ship was a despicable betrayal of trust. An ADF member is described as a person of interest. Independent senator Jacqui Lambie said she was not surprised by the device being found on the vessel. Senator David Shoebridge said Steele-John is entitled to fair process. Communications Minister Anika Wells is due to introduce a digital duty of care bill today.
Older Australians will keep their current private health insurance discounts for now, after the coalition and Greens joined forces to block Labor's proposed rebate cut. The measure, announced in May's budget, would have removed extra discounts for over-65s and moved pensioners off subsidised premiums, with about $3 billion in projected savings directed to aged care. Coalition Senator Anne Ruston accused the government of declaring war on older Australians. Health Minister Mark Butler called the Senate's decision a travesty and said Labor would reintroduce the bill unchanged. He said aged care changes would proceed regardless.
About 200,000 more NSW motorists can now apply for toll relief after the state government cut its weekly cap from $60 to $50. Drivers who spent between $50 and $400 a week on tolls between July 6 and October 4 can claim rebates through Service NSW. Around $99 million is available this quarter. Premier Chris Minns said many people have no choice but to use toll roads every day, particularly in Western Sydney. Since the scheme began in 2024, more than 1.07 million claims have returned $348 million to motorists.
Queensland households with rooftop solar can maximise summer energy use with home batteries. Solar panels generate peak energy midday when demand is low, but batteries store excess power for later. Government rebates for eligible installations will decrease from 1 January, encouraging homeowners to act before year-end. Weglow offers tailored solar and battery solutions based on individual energy needs and existing setups.
The Greens have signalled they will not support the federal government's private health insurance changes in their current form. The proposed changes would reduce the rebate for Australians aged 65 and over, saving about $3 billion for aged care. A parliamentary inquiry has recommended the legislation pass, but the Coalition and Greens have raised concerns about the impact on older Australians and the public health system. The Greens are considering amendments, such as exempting pensioners from the changes.
