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The 2021 Australian federal budget promises new funding for aged care, mental health, childcare and includes a special women’s statement which provides funding for domestic violence and a response to the Respect@Work report. But is it ambitious enough?

Last week the United States became the latest country to declare its support for a vaccine patent waiver, which would allow cheaper versions of vaccines to be manufactured and sold. Many believe this measure will improve access to vaccines in developing countries and could significantly alter the global fight against Covid-19 – so why are so many countries still against it? Elias Visontay breaks down the case for a vaccine patent waiver, and how Australia continues to stand in the way

Last week the United States became the latest country to declare its support for a vaccine patent waiver, which would allow cheaper versions of vaccines to be manufactured and sold. Many believe this measure will improve access to vaccines in developing countries and could significantly alter the global fight against Covid-19 – so why are so many countries still against it? Elias Visontay breaks down the case for a vaccine patent waiver, and how Australia continues to stand in the way

Dr Shanna Swan, a professor of environmental medicine and public health at Mount Sinai school of medicine in New York City, talks to Rachel Humphreys about declining fertility in men. Over the past 40 years, average sperm counts among western men have more than halved. She tells Rachel how certain chemicals can interfere with reproductive health. Phthalates, used to make plastic soft and flexible, are of particular concern. They lower testosterone, which can affect sperm count, though they are bad for women, too, and can increase the risk of miscarriage and premature birth. The reproductive crisis is serious, she says. We need to try and limit our exposure to these chemicals otherwise human survival could be threatened.

Dr Shanna Swan, a professor of environmental medicine and public health at Mount Sinai school of medicine in New York City, talks to Rachel Humphreys about declining fertility in men. Over the past 40 years, average sperm counts among western men have more than halved. She tells Rachel how certain chemicals can interfere with reproductive health. Phthalates, used to make plastic soft and flexible, are of particular concern. They lower testosterone, which can affect sperm count, though they are bad for women, too, and can increase the risk of miscarriage and premature birth. The reproductive crisis is serious, she says. We need to try and limit our exposure to these chemicals otherwise human survival could be threatened.

As the Guardian celebrates its 200th anniversary, Gabrielle Jackson speaks to Taylor and Murphy about how the organisation’s purpose defines how we analyse and imagine a better future for Australia

As the Guardian celebrates its 200th anniversary, Gabrielle Jackson speaks to Taylor and Murphy about how the organisation’s purpose defines how we analyse and imagine a better future for Australia

Across the country house prices are soaring, breaking records and leaving many first home buyers completely exasperated. With prices set to rise even further, there’s concern that large sections of the population may be priced out of home ownership. Martin Farrer explains what is driving the housing boom, and what it could mean for home ownership in Australia

Across the country house prices are soaring, breaking records and leaving many first home buyers completely exasperated. With prices set to rise even further, there’s concern that large sections of the population may be priced out of home ownership. Martin Farrer explains what is driving the housing boom, and what it could mean for home ownership in Australia

With India’s Covid-19 case numbers rising, the Morrison government has announced tough fines or jail time for Australians returning home from India – a move that has provoked widespread backlash. Karishma Luthria speaks to people stranded in India, including Australian Subra Somayajula, about the unfolding crisis on the ground in India, and the impact of this policy