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More adult vaccines could unlock $1.1bn for economy

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Boosting Australia’s adult vaccination rate to match childhood levels could generate significant economic and health benefits, according to a new report by consultancy Evaluate.

The report shows that raising adult immunisation rates to 95per cent, up from the current 51 per cent, could deliver a net benefit of 1.1 billion dollars, following a 320-million-dollar government investment.

As part of the report, the impacts of increasing immunisation rates for diseases like shingles, influenza, and whooping cough were analysed.

Experts noted that preventable diseases kept adults out of work, and increasing immunisation could prevent early retirement, and observed that better vaccine access would particularly benefit disadvantaged communities.

The report also noted that achieving higher adult vaccination rates could improve both public health and workforce participation, especially among Australia’s ageing population.

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Energy plan to protect Aussie war-fighting capabilities

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The Australian Government has unveiled a new Defence Net Zero Strategy to reduce the environmental impact of its military operations, while still maintaining its defence capabilities.

Released by Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy, the plan calls Climate Change a national security issue, and has urged the military to adopt more renewable electricity, shift to low-emission fuels, improve energy efficiency, and explore carbon sequestration on defence land.

Complementing this is the Defence Future Energy Strategy, which outlines a transition to lower-carbon energy sources, such as renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel, with long-term options like hydrogen and electrification for air and maritime use.

Defence Secretary Greg Moriarty highlighted the importance of energy self-sufficiency for national security.

The strategy, aligned with Australia’s net-zero goals, aims to reduce long-term energy costs, while maintaining military readiness and cooperation with international allies.

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A new watchdog to replace the Victorian Building Authority following a damning review

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A new review commissioned by the Victorian Building Authority‘s CEO Anna Cronin, has revealed significant failings in the Authority’s handling of complaints from homeowners burdened by defective or unfinished properties.

The report outlined ineffective regulation, delays, lost complaints, and dismissive treatment of complainants, leading to severe financial and emotional distress for homeowners.

Highlighting issues like duplicating or ignoring complaints, and a lack of technical inspections, the review concluded that the VBA’s lack of oversight had allowed substandard work and unethical practices to flourish.

In response, the Victorian government has announced plans to replace the authority with a more powerful regulator, uniting regulation, insurance and dispute resolution.

Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny is set to detail the overhaul, promising enhanced powers to address and prevent building defects.

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Abortion access still insufficient for financially disadvantaged individuals

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Abortion access remains limited for disadvantaged and regional Victorians, forcing some to travel hundreds of kilometres and spend over 1,000 dollars for care, according to a report by Women’s Health Victoria.

The report, analysing 30,000 calls and provider data, found those in high-disadvantage areas are more likely to seek abortions after nine weeks, narrowing their healthcare options, since medication abortion is only available up to nine weeks, and surgical services are concentrated in cities.

Two-thirds of local governments lack surgical abortion providers, with cost-of-living pressures further restricting access.

Financial insecurity was the top issue among call respondents, with many struggling to access essential reproductive care.

Women’s Health Victoria has emphasised the need to address systemic inequalities, despite Victoria’s progress in reproductive health.

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