@ n2da

## Energex Releases Power Restoration Timeline Following Storms ### Summary: Following severe storms in Queensland, Energex has detailed timelines for restoring power to various suburbs. As of Wednesday morning, approximately 58,654 customers remain without electricity. Hard-hit areas include Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Logan, Moreton Bay, and Redlands. Restoration times vary, with some areas expected to have power restored within a day or two, while others may remain without power for up to a week. Sources: <a href="https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/weather/suburbbysuburb-when-energex-will-restore-power-to-your-area/news-story/7c4c50f1d28fc33da0710c75563457e7" target="_blank">The Courier-Mail - March 12, 2025</a> ## Orica CEO Favors US Over Australia for Investments Due to High Gas Prices ### Summary: Orica's CEO, Sanjeev Gandhi, expressed a preference for investing in the US over Australia, citing more favorable investment conditions, superior infrastructure, and better talent availability. He criticized Australia's high gas prices and advocated for domestic reservation policies and government intervention to ensure affordable gas for manufacturers. Gandhi also highlighted opportunities arising from potential US tariffs on steel and aluminum, emphasizing the importance of self-sufficiency for America's manufacturing growth. Orica's recent financial performance shows a substantial rise in net profit, indicating strong demand. Sources: <a href="https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/companies/us-still-beats-australia-in-the-gas-cost-stakes-says-orica-boss-sanjeev-gandhi/news-story/e1d21e60954948849380c9839ff58f95" target="_blank">The Australian - March 13, 2025</a> ## Western Australia's Growing Gas Consumption Raises Economic and Environmental Concerns ### Summary: Western Australia's (WA) increasing gas consumption, led by sectors like LNG processing, electricity generation, alumina refining, and ammonia production, contrasts with the rest of Australia's move away from gas. This trend raises concerns about potential supply constraints, higher prices, and environmental impacts. The report suggests that adopting new technologies and leveraging renewable energy could reduce WA's gas dependency and benefit its industries. Sources: <a href="https://ieefa.org/articles/western-australias-growing-addiction-gas-burning-issue-industry-and-nation" target="_blank">IEEFA - March 13, 2025</a> ## Australian Medicine's Historic First: Successful Total Artificial Heart Implant ### Summary: In a groundbreaking medical achievement, Australian doctors at St Vincent's Hospital in Sydney successfully implanted the country's first BiVACOR total artificial heart into a patient suffering from severe heart failure. The six-hour procedure, led by Dr. Paul Jansz, served as a bridge for the patient awaiting a donor heart. Remarkably, after several weeks in intensive care, the patient was discharged and later received a donor heart transplant, marking the longest duration between an artificial heart implant and a heart transplant. This advancement, developed with contributions from Monash University and other Australian research institutions, aims to reduce transplant wait times and provide alternatives for patients unable to obtain donor hearts. Sources: <a href="https://www.news.com.au/technology/science/human-body/unmitigated-success-australian-medicine-celebrates-major-breakthrough/news-story/2723f3d4b6be84100b9e87f0147d62c6" target="_blank">News.com.au - March 13, 2025</a> ## Cyclone Alfred's Impact on Queensland Property Market ### Summary: Ray White data indicates that while some areas experienced negative price growth immediately following the flood event in February 2022, they rebounded with significant growth three years later. Suburbs like Camp Hill, Grange, Holland Park, and The Gap saw price drops of over 5% between 2022 and 2023 but grew by 10-17% by 2025. High-risk areas still command premium prices due to lifestyle benefits, despite potential natural disaster threats. Queensland's property prices are more sensitive to flood risks, further influenced by rising insurance costs, and properties that mitigate insurance costs may become more valuable. The Real Estate Buyers Agents Association of Australia (REBAA) notes that limited housing supply, especially in southeastern Queensland, will concentrate demand in unaffected areas. Ray White Queensland CEO, Jason Andrew, advises vendors to continue selling despite recent weather events to avoid increased competition later. Wilston, a flood-affected suburb, has resumed property inspections, with strong buyer interest in properties that withstood Cyclone Alfred well. Sources: <a href="https://www.couriermail.com.au/real-estate/queensland/brisbane/more-buyers-fighting-for-homes-across-queensland-in-the-wake-of-cyclone-alfred/news-story/476a6fad367ca1438773d4bfe778e73c" target="_blank">The Courier-Mail - 13 March 2025</a> ## Australia Responds to U.S. Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum ### Summary: The U.S. has imposed a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports, affecting Australian exports. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese criticized the move as unjustified but stated that Australia would not retaliate with its own tariffs, emphasizing that such measures could harm both economies. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton criticized Albanese for failing to secure an exemption, labeling him as weak. One Nation Leader Pauline Hanson supported the U.S. tariffs, arguing they protect local industries, despite bipartisan pushback. Additionally, former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull faced backlash for his public criticisms of former U.S. President Donald Trump, with media commentators debating the implications of his remarks on current trade tensions. Sources: <a href="https://apnews.com/article/fe8ad2239a20c65d42c9249c05ae9303" target="_blank">Associated Press - March 13, 2025</a>, <a href="https://www.news.com.au/world/no-australian-carve-out-from-trump-tariffs/news-story/2a7c62130a57b8e20e7c6426cf2137c8" target="_blank">news.com.au - March 13, 2025</a>, <a href="https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/tv/current-affairs/shut-up-host-blows-up-at-turnbull/news-story/3a57773f02fb9a0a517546eae0a7f475" target="_blank">news.com.au - March 13, 2025</a> ## Victoria to Implement Australia's Toughest Bail Laws ### Summary: Victoria is set to introduce the nation's strictest bail laws in response to rising crime rates. Premier Jacinta Allan announced reforms prioritizing community safety, particularly targeting serious offenses among adults and youths. The changes aim to reverse the trend where jail is considered a last resort, ensuring that individuals committing indictable offenses while on bail face stricter consequences. This move follows public concerns and notable figures urging the government to take decisive action against escalating crime. Sources: <a href="https://www.news.com.au/national/victoria/politics/victoria-set-to-bring-in-toughest-bail-laws-ever-in-major-crime-crackdown/news-story/5d4af1b0507346d97ae8a17be28a8ab8" target="_blank">news.com.au - 13 March 2025</a>, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/mar/12/bail-laws-victoria-jacinta-allan" target="_blank">The Guardian - 12 March 2025</a> ## Concerns Over Potential Global Trade War Amid U.S. Tariffs ### Summary: The U.S. administration's decision to impose significant tariffs on steel and aluminum imports has raised fears of a global trade war. While Australia's exports of these metals to the U.S. are relatively minor, the broader implications could affect global economic growth and trade dynamics. Economists warn that such tariffs could lead to higher consumer prices and strained international relations, potentially impacting Australia's economy. Sources: <a href="https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/no-winners-here-were-in-for-a-wild-tariffs-ride/news-story/0ab9ad52b8c876ab1d1e404f360b6a1b" target="_blank">The Australian - March 13, 2025</a>, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/mar/12/trump-tariffs-global-trade-war-australia-impact" target="_blank">The Guardian - March 13, 2025</a> ## Victorian Judge Raises Alarm Over Mentally Ill Woman's Prolonged Solitary Confinement ### Summary: A Victorian County Court judge has expressed deep concern over a mentally unwell woman who has been in solitary confinement at Thomas Embling Hospital for nearly a decade. Found not guilty of assault due to mental impairment, her prolonged isolation has led to further deterioration of her condition. Psychiatrists criticize the lack of action toward her reintegration, emphasizing that extended seclusion exacerbates mental health issues. The judge is urging immediate improvements, highlighting the urgency of addressing her situation. Sources: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/mar/13/mentally-unwell-woman-in-solitary-confinement-for-almost-a-decade-an-emergency-victorian-judge-warns-ntwnfb" target="_blank">The Guardian - March 13, 2025</a> ## Former PM Malcolm Turnbull Criticizes Trump's Trade Policies ### Summary: Former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has openly criticized U.S. President Donald Trump's trade policies, particularly the recent tariffs on Australian steel and aluminium. Turnbull described the tariffs as detrimental to global trade and warned against succumbing to such "bullying" tactics. In response, Trump labeled Turnbull as "weak and ineffective." Media commentator Andrew Bolt defended Turnbull's right to free speech, while others suggested that former prime ministers should refrain from commenting on current affairs to avoid complicating diplomatic negotiations. Sources: <a href="https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/tv/current-affairs/shut-up-host-blows-up-at-turnbull/news-story/3a57773f02fb9a0a517546eae0a7f475" target="_blank">News.com.au - 13 March 2025</a> ## Victoria's LNG Import Plan Faces Criticism ### Summary: Victoria's plan to import liquefied natural gas (LNG) to address Australia's East Coast gas crisis is under scrutiny. Critics argue that importing gas is costly, increases emissions, and doesn't solve underlying issues. They suggest implementing a domestic gas reservation policy and market reforms to ensure competitive pricing and adequate supply. Accelerating new gas development and reforming regulatory frameworks are among the proposed solutions. Sources: <a href="https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/rethinking-victorias-lng-import-plan/news-story/6ec1c479b022f5065b62100b0ff25b28" target="_blank">The Australian - 13 March 2025</a> ## Urgent Action Needed to Address Battery Fires ### Summary: The Gladstone Regional Council has raised concerns about the increasing threat of battery-related fires, with over 10,000 incidents occurring annually across Australia's waste and recycling streams. These fires cause significant environmental harm and infrastructure loss. The council urges the federal government to expedite legislation enforcing greater disposal responsibility for battery producers and importers, emphasizing the need for immediate action to mitigate these risks. Sources: <a href="https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/regional/council-raises-alarm-about-unacceptable-risk-to-waste-services-community/news-story/84004538e70f2b05aa6d4893999778a0" target="_blank">The Courier-Mail - 12 March 2025</a>