Headlines by Auscast - Daily news headlines from Australia

Toyota suggests Australia may have reached "peak ute," indicating a shift away from the popularity of utility vehicles like the HiLux and Ranger. The company anticipates that SUVs, especially hybrid models such as Toyota's own RAV4, could become the best-selling vehicle in Australia. Increased fragmentation in the ute market, with more models becoming available, will make it harder for one model to dominate sales. Changing family needs are also driving the shift, as some ute owners with growing families are finding SUVs to be more practical. This potential rise of SUVs signifies a fundamental shift in the Australian automotive market.

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Drake has cancelled the remaining dates of his "Anita Max Win Tour" in Australia and New Zealand, citing a scheduling conflict. The affected shows include Brisbane, Sydney, and two performances in Auckland, with ticket holders offered the option of retaining their tickets for rescheduled dates or requesting a refund. Speculation surrounding the cancellation arose after tickets seemingly vanished and reports surfaced that Drake's staging was to be shipped to Europe. This tour marked Drake's first in Oceania since 2017 and followed his high-profile feud with Kendrick Lamar, which saw Lamar release the diss track 'Not Like Us'. Drake also released a collaborative album, '$ome $exy $ongs 4 U', during his time in Australia, referencing his ongoing dispute with Lamar. Furthermore, Drake initiated a lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) regarding 'Not Like Us', alleging defamation and harassment, but the shows are still cancelled.

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Australia's Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF), initiated in June 2023, intended to finance the construction of 30,000 affordable homes within five years. The Albanese government asserts the fund has contributed to completed or in-progress homes, whilst admitting that some have been acquired and converted. However, critics, particularly from the Coalition, argue that the scheme fails to add to the housing stock, accusing the government of misleading claims. They contend that no new homes have been constructed under Labor's housing policies. The program faces scrutiny regarding its efficacy in addressing the housing crisis and fulfilling its promise of increasing housing supply.

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Donald Trump has threatened to impose tariffs and penalties on countries, including Australia, that target American tech giants with taxes and regulations. This stems from concerns that foreign governments are unfairly "plundering" revenue and hindering the success of US technology companies. Treasurer Jim Chalmers is in Washington to discuss these potential tariffs, as well as existing tariffs on Australian steel and aluminium exports. The US is particularly focused on digital services taxes levied by European countries, but Australia's proposed media bargaining code, which would penalise tech giants if they don't pay for Australian news, is also under scrutiny. The Trump administration views these measures as discriminatory and designed to unfairly transfer funds from American companies.

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Rumors have begun to circulate that Drake may cancel the remainder of his Australian tour. This speculation is fueled by reports that his private jet and stage equipment are leaving the country early. While official sources haven't confirmed anything, the timing raises questions, especially given a week-long break before his next performance. Some fans noticed a sudden lack of ticket availability, despite ample tickets appearing to have been available just days prior. Drake's Australian tour has already been notable for other reasons, including local controversies and the backdrop of an ongoing feud with another rapper. Promoters have been contacted for comment, but have yet to speak on the situation.

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Chinese warships have re-entered Australia's Exclusive Economic Zone, specifically operating east of Hobart. The Australian Defence Department, in collaboration with the New Zealand military, is monitoring the People's Liberation Army-Navy task force as it approaches Tasmania. The task force includes a frigate, cruiser, and replenishment vessel. Australia's government emphasizes the importance of transparency, safety, and open communication for all militaries operating in the region, while also affirming its commitment to freedom of navigation under international law.

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Thanks to Podvertise Smart Podcast Ads,  get your brand involved today at podvertise.com.au - This is headlines by Auscast Thursday April 1st, 2021.

Vo by Andy Martin.

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Welcome news for Brisbane heading into the Easter long weekend...their lockdown will end at midday as planned.

Queensland has recorded just the 1 locally acquired Covid case.

In NSW, more Covid exposure sights have been added overnight, including a Byron Bay Hotel.

Local authorities cancelled the beach-side town's Bluesfest yesterday - it was to be held this weekend.

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The Federal Government's half price flights are on now sale - the bargain's hitting the Internet at midnight.

It's to boost our struggling aviation and tourism sectors..and is part of a 1.2 billion dollar revival plan.

Among the destinations on sale - Cairns, Kangaroo Island, Broome and Hobart.

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The George Floyd trial continues in the US this morning...

former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin is accused of using excessive force when arresting Floyd...who then died - sparking global outrage.

A cashier who took counterfeit cash from Floyd in the lead-up has testified...a witness broke down during yesterday's testimony.

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Crash Investigators in LA say they've now determined what caused Tiger Wood's horror crash in February...but won't release the details because of privacy issues.

Impaired driving was ruled out earlier...as was the involvement of a second car.

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- Basic instinct star Sharon Stone has revealed Britney Spears wrote to her during the height of her 2007 mental health battle, asking for help.

Speaking on Kelly Clarkson's talk show, Stone said she was dealing with her own health battles at the time and wasn't in a position to help Britney.

- ...Still on Britney's case...and the latest is her dad Jamie has apparently filed paper work, seeking 3 million dollars of his daughters' estate - to cover legal fees.

And that's the latest Headlines from Auscast, if you want to see more news and the listen to the most loved podcasts in Australia, head to Auscastnetwork.com. More Headlines soon.

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Thanks to Podvertise Smart Podcast Ads,  get your brand involved today at podvertise.com.au - This is headlines by Auscast Wednesday March 31, 2021.

VO by Andy Martin.

A number of experts believe its unlikely Brisbane's lockdown will be lifted tomorrow as planned.

More covid exposure sites were listed overnight - there's now over 80.

The P-A hospital at the centre of the clusters, has been locked down for all but critical patients.

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New figures have revealed Australia's COVID vaccination rates...and they're a little slower than expected.

The Federal Government is blaming the states.

SA has the slowest rollout...just over a third of South Australia's available doses have been administered.

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...meanwhile the Federal Government is fast tracking a new defence Project.

A contract will be secured to build missiles for our Defence Force...and boost manufacturing jobs in the process.

No site has been locked in at this stage..but the PM is in Adelaide for the announcement.

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AND figures show just how much we're relying on online shopping during the pandemic.

There has been a 57 percent growth in e-commerce in the past year.

16 percent of all retail spending is being done online according to Australia Post.

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• Game of Thrones is moving from screen...to stage.
  A theatrical show is in the works - it'll be a prequel to the events in the TV series and will play on Broadway and the West End.

• Sylvester Stallone has shared plans for a Rocky prequel with fans.
  He's posted his notes for the project on Instagram...and hopes to have the idea picked up by a streaming service.

And that's the latest Headlines from Auscast, if you want to see more news and the listen to the most loved podcasts in Australia, head to Auscastnetwork.com. More Headlines soon.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thanks to Podvertise Smart Podcast Ads,  get your brand involved today at podvertise.com.au - This is headlines by Auscast Tuesday March 30, 2021

Vo by Andy Martin.

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It's day one of Greater Brisbane's 3 day snap lockdown...and Queensland's Premier is urging the state to prepare for more covid cases.

People in Brisbane, Logan, Ipswich, Redlands and Morton are only able to leave home for grocery shopping, exercise or medical care - and masks must be worn inside.

It's as the states and territories begin shutting their borders to the hot spots.

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Scott Morrison's new-look Cabinet will be sworn in today.

The re-shuffle comes as Canberra deal with the fallout of multiple sex scandals.

Michalea Cash has been named the new Attorney General - replacing Christian Porter.

Peter Dutton takes Linda Reynolds' Defence portfolio.

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The US trial has begun for the former Minneapolis police officer accused of murdering George Floyd last year - sparking mass protests and re-igniting the Black Lives Matter movement.

Derek Chauvin is charged with murder - accused of using excessive force as he held his knee on the neck of Mr Floyd...as he exclaimed he was unable to breathe.

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Labor's National Conference gets underway today...with the party to decide their election agenda.

The need for investment and support emerging industries have been flagged for discussion during the 2 day virtual event.

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IN ENTERTAINMENT thanks to Little Box Co, Gourmet food boxes for any occasion, see the menu now at littlebox.com.au

• Reports this morning Emma Stone and her SNL write hubby Dave McCary have welcomed their baby.
  
  They're yet to confirm the news - but are notoriously private.

• Sharon Stone's revealed an absolute shocker...she says she was given breast enhancement surgery without giving consent.
  
  Apparently she had surgery back in 2001 to remove benign tumours, and woke to find she was a full cup size larger.
  
  She says it was done without her approval, with the surgeon saying he thought the size would better balance out her hips.

And that's the latest Headlines from Auscast, if you want to see more news and the listen to the most loved podcasts in Australia, head to Auscastnetwork.com. More Headlines soon.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thanks to Podvertise Smart Podcast Ads,  get your brand involved today at podvertise.com.au - This is headlines by Auscast Friday March 19th 2021.

Vo by Andy Martin.

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The European countries who suspended the AstraZeneca vaccine rollout over alleged blood clotting, have resumed. 

The European Union's drug regulatory agency says the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine doesn't increase the overall incidence of blood clots and that the benefits of using it outweigh the possible risks.

Australia have continued to administer the vaccine, consistently insisting the jab is safe.

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The Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has said Australia’s economy is one of the best in the world to recover from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Mr Frydenberg told Channel 9’s Today that the fall in the unemployment rate to 5.8 per cent showed the recovery was well underway.

He said he expected jobs growth to continue when the JobKeeper wage subsidy ends later this month. 

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New laws have passed in Federal parliament, changing the rights of Casual workers.

Under the new laws, regular casuals will be able to ask for a permanent job after 12 months, but employers would have the right to say no.

Acting Industrial Relations Minister Michaelia Cash said the legislation is a "significant win" for workers wanting to secure a permanent role.

"These measures will protect jobs into the future, a critical move as Australia moves out of the economic impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic."

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IN ENTERTAINMENT thanks to Little Box Co, Gourmet food boxes for any occasion, see the menu now at littlebox.com.au

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have spoken out to criticise the ‘predatory practices’ one British tabloid allegedly used to  target the couple on 2016, 

A private investigator Daniel ‘Danno’ Portley-Hanks TOLD THE New York Times That The Sun in the UK paid him $2,055 to hand over private info on Meghan which included phone numbers, social security details and home addresses just after she started to date Harry.

The PI has made an official apology to everyone involved, including the Queen

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Tom Hanks became addicted to Solitaire during lockdown last year.

He revealed in the Wall Street Journal that he had ‘no Zoom schooling sessions to enforce, no children to parent, no job to perform remotely' he played many hands of Solitaire, and laments that he has 'nothing to show for the effort'

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Fans of Father Of The Bride unite, Andy Garcia has signed on to put a twist on the remake of Father of the Bride. 

The movie will be produced through Brad Pitt’s production company Plan B.

And that's the latest Headlines from Auscast, if you want to see more news and the listen to the most loved podcasts in Australia, head to Auscastnetwork.com. More Headlines soon.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.