-
@ n2da
2025-03-03 19:27:39
## Opposition Demands Transparency in Mass Citizenship Ceremonies
### Summary:
Opposition home affairs spokesman James Paterson has called on the government to share the contact details of new Australians sworn in during mass citizenship ceremonies organized by Tony Burke. Paterson criticized these large-scale events as a "reckless politicisation" ahead of the federal election and emphasized the need for local MPs to welcome new citizens, as outlined in the Australian Citizenship Ceremonies Code. The Department of Home Affairs, responsible for the ceremonies, has been urged to provide this information promptly and impartially. Labor has denied political motivations, stating the events aimed to clear a backlog of eligible citizens.
Sources: [The Australian - 4 March 2025](https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/call-to-share-contact-details-from-tony-burkes-citizenship-blitz/news-story/bbc25e10c8f748aa2414cc312f925eae)
## Gambling Companies Threaten Increased Promotions Amid AFL Revenue Dispute
### Summary:
Australian gambling companies plan to escalate betting promotions in response to the AFL's initiative to claim a larger share of gambling revenue from its games. The AFL proposes a minimum annual fee on bookmakers, starting at $20,000 for large operators and lower for smaller ones, increasing incrementally until 2027. Smaller bookmakers argue this fee structure will force them to use harmful inducements to maintain profitability, potentially exacerbating gambling-related harm. Critics, including public health experts, call for urgent federal regulation to mitigate these risks and urge the AFL to reconsider its financial strategy to avoid long-term reliance on gambling revenue.
Sources: [The Guardian - 4 March 2025](https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/mar/04/gambling-companies-inducements-promotions-afl-revenue-grab-ntwnfb)
## Tropical Cyclone Alfred Threatens Southeast Queensland and Northern NSW
### Summary:
Tropical Cyclone Alfred is forecasted to intensify to a Category 2 system, bringing damaging winds up to 120 km/h and heavy rainfall to the New South Wales and Queensland coasts starting Wednesday. The cyclone is expected to make landfall early Friday, with areas from Brisbane to northern NSW, including Byron Bay and the Gold Coast, at significant risk. Authorities have issued multiple flood watches and cyclone warnings, urging residents to prepare and secure their properties. Queensland Premier David Crisafulli emphasized the importance of preparedness, particularly for low-lying coastal areas facing storm surge threats.
Sources: [news.com.au - 4 March 2025](https://www.news.com.au/technology/environment/expert-warns-tropical-cyclone-alfred-to-make-landfall-near-brisbane-this-week/news-story/20867f59be12243e78c534626236f4d9), [The Guardian - 4 March 2025](https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/mar/04/when-where-will-tropical-cyclone-alfred-2025-predicted-to-hit-qld-queensland-nsw-track-tracker-map-path-tracking)
## NSW Secures Full Funding for Public Schools by 2034
### Summary:
New South Wales has reached an agreement with the federal government to fully fund its public schools by 2034, injecting $4.8 billion over the next decade. This deal mirrors recent funding arrangements made by Victoria and South Australia, involving a 5% increase in commonwealth funding. Under current policies, states contribute 75% of school funding and the commonwealth 20%, leaving a 5% gap to be bridged. The new agreement will see the commonwealth's contribution rise to 25% by 2034, removing previously allowed non-educational expenses from funding calculations. The funding will support various educational reforms, including individualized student support and mental health initiatives.
Sources: [The Guardian - 4 March 2025](https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/mar/04/nsw-public-schools-to-be-fully-funded-by-2034-leaving-queensland-as-only-state-outside-deal)
## Labor Promises $2.6 Billion Pay Raise for Aged-Care Nurses
### Summary:
The Albanese government has pledged $2.6 billion to fund pay raises for 60,000 aged-care nurses, aligning with a Fair Work Commission decision, as part of their health-focused pre-election campaign. This brings Labor's total spending on award wage increases for aged-care workers to $17.7 billion. The pay raise will increase the average registered and enrolled nurse's pay by about 12%, with instalments in March 2025, October 2025, and August 2026. Health Minister Anika Wells and Employment Minister Murray Watt emphasized the importance of paying aged-care nurses fairly to address workforce shortages and close the gender pay gap.
Sources: [The Australian - 4 March 2025](https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/labor-limbers-up-for-poll-with26bn-more-for-agedcare-nurses/news-story/b802291c7127f041ad5354c5c868918e)
## Coalition Pledges $3 Billion to Expand F-35 Fleet Amid Strategic Concerns
### Summary:
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has announced a $3 billion commitment to acquire an additional 28 F-35A Lightning II fighter jets, aiming to increase Australia's fleet to 100 aircraft. This move seeks to counteract the Albanese government's earlier decision to cancel the purchase of these fighters in 2024. Dutton emphasized the importance of bolstering Australia's air combat capabilities in response to regional threats. However, defense experts have criticized the plan, suggesting that there are higher priorities for defense spending, and noting that the actual cost could be significantly higher than the pledged amount.
Sources: [The Australian - 1 March 2025](https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/defence/khaki-election-dutton-vows-to-buy-more-f35s-if-coalition-wins-office/news-story/b5686446b2946ccc892103e3d1002666), [The Guardian - 2 March 2025](https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/mar/02/defence-expert-criticises-coalitions-3bn-pledge-to-buy-more-fighter-jets-saying-there-are-higher-priorities), [Australian Financial Review - 2 March 2025](https://www.afr.com/policy/foreign-affairs/coalition-s-fighter-jet-plan-would-cost-triple-3b-pledge-20250302-p5lg96), [news.com.au - 1 March 2025](https://www.news.com.au/national/politics/coalition-pledges-3bn-to-bolster-f35-fleet-amid-dangerous-strategice-circumstances/news-story/328dad06b4f026b48883b0ba3d71b8e0)