The International Monetary Fund has downgraded Australia's economic growth forecast for the second time this year, predicting growth of 1.9% for 2026 with subdued conditions continuing into 2027. High interest rates, cost of living pressures, slowing housing investment, productivity issues, and Middle East energy price shocks are contributing to the economic cooling. Despite the slowdown, Australia is expected to grow faster than several other advanced economies, with the subdued growth potentially helping to bring inflation under control and strong investment in AI and data centres offering future productivity gains.

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Sam Neill, the acclaimed actor known for Jurassic Park, The Dish and Dead Calm, has passed away at age 78. New Zealand actor Marlon Williams, who played Neill's son in the Australian series The Twelve, reflects on working with the Hollywood star during the final stages of his career. Williams describes Neill as someone who remained open to the world, constantly learning and engaging deeply with people around him, even while battling illness.

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Wheelchair Rugby League is a highly physical and inclusive sport where athletes compete in specialised wheelchairs costing between $16,000 to $40,000 each. The Australian Wheelaroos, led by head coach Brett Clark, are preparing for the Rugby League World Cup to be hosted in Wollongong, featuring men's, women's and wheelchair competitions. The sport is designed to be inclusive for able-bodied and disabled athletes, providing opportunities for rehabilitation, recovery and community building.

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Some Italian towns are selling ancient, run-down homes for one euro to attract new residents and revitalise communities. The scheme, which began in Sicily in 2008, requires buyers to renovate properties within a set timeframe, with renovation costs ranging from a few thousand to hundreds of thousands of euros. Similar programmes are now being trialled in Japan, Ireland, and Croatia, though visa restrictions and limited local services may affect long-term residency.

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A weight loss pill containing the same active ingredient as Ozempic is expected to receive approval in Australia as early as Christmas this year. The oral medication eliminates the need for injections and is anticipated to cost approximately $5.80 per day, similar to UK pricing. With two out of three adult Australians classified as obese or overweight, medical experts predict significant uptake of the pill-form treatment, which uses a higher dose than the injectable version to achieve similar or better weight loss results.

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Australian property auction clearance rates have risen above 50% this week, marking the highest point in seven weeks following the federal budget's impact on the market. However, fewer homes are being sold at auction compared to the same period last year, with an 8% drop in total volume driven primarily by Sydney's downturn. The top end of the property market is experiencing more rapid price deterioration, dropping over 3% month-on-month in Sydney, while the lower-priced segment targeting first home buyers remains more resilient due to higher competition.

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New South Wales emergency departments are experiencing 400 presentations of influenza-like illnesses weekly, with cases surging by 40% in recent weeks. Health authorities are urging Australian parents to vaccinate their children before the return to school, particularly those at highest risk including children under five, people over 65, and those with chronic health conditions. A nasal vaccine option is now available for children under 16 as an alternative to injections.

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Escalating military strikes between the US and Iran have effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz to shipping traffic, with over 140 US targets struck in Iran and Tehran attacking multiple US positions across the Gulf. The closure of all three shipping corridors through the strait threatens approximately 20 per cent of the world's energy supply, depleting fuel reserves and raising concerns about supply shortages to Australian and Asian markets. Maritime security experts warn that the ongoing cycle of escalation and retaliation shows no signs of breaking, with fuel prices expected to surge as markets react to the crisis.

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One Nation's support has dropped three points in the latest Resolve Strategic poll, with party leader Pauline Hanson falling eight points in preferred Prime Minister rankings. The decline follows controversial statements on multiculturalism, abortion and parental leave, with pollsters identifying migrants and women as the two biggest groups where support was lost. The debate centres on Hanson's call for 'monoculturalism' versus multiculturalism, with opposing views on whether Australia should enforce cultural 'guardrails' or embrace diverse cultural backgrounds within shared Australian values.

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Passenger declaration cards at Australian airports are transitioning to a digital system nationwide following successful trials with Qantas. Travellers can now complete the forms through airline apps before boarding, receiving a QR code to present upon landing. The digital system aims to eliminate the rush to find pens and information at the end of flights, while airport assistance will remain available for those without devices or who need technological support.

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