Community
Superannuation Included in Paid Parental Leave for Gender Equality
Superannuation will be included in paid parental leave payments as the government unveils a national strategy to achieve gender equality.
Finance Minister Katy Gallagher will announce the reform and the strategy at the National Press Club on Thursday.
The measure will come into effect on July 1, 2025 and follows the government’s pledge to expand paid parental leave to six months by 2026.
Senator Gallagher said the reform was about closing the gap between the amount of super earned by men and women.
“It … helps close that super gender pay gap but also sends a very strong message that we don’t think women should pay a financial penalty when they take time out of their paid work to care for children,” Senator Gallagher told ABC TV on Thursday.
Senator Gallagher said while a final amount for how much the scheme will cost has yet to be determined, the superannuation pledge will be funded in the federal budget, and not tied to an election commitment.
The 12 per cent super contribution will help 180,000 families that receive the benefit each year.
Senator Gallagher said while some employers already pay super on top of any paid parental leave, the changes would ensure all people using the leave would be able to access it.
It’s estimated women end up have one-third less in their super balance than men by retirement age.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers defended the decision to have the super changes introduced in mid-2025.
“We’ve got to get the systems right, we’ve got to work out the most effective way to pay this benefit,” he told ABC Radio.
Adding superannuation to paid parental leave was recommended by the women’s economic equality taskforce.
Opposition frontbencher James Paterson said paid parental leave was originally envisaged as a welfare scheme, not wage replacement, and hasn’t historically been paid superannuation.
He said this was a “new approach” from Labor which the coalition would scrutinise.
“We will look very carefully at the details and particularly the costings and make sure the government has done their homework here and that the full cost is being transparent and clear,” Senator Paterson told Sky News.
The super scheme has been welcomed by the industry, with Super Members Council chief executive Misha Schubert labelling the move as historic.
“This watershed reform will make a powerful difference to the lives and retirement incomes of generations of Australian women in the decades ahead, and narrow the gender gap at retirement,” she said.
“It will powerfully propel Australia closer towards the goal of ending the financial ‘motherhood penalty’ in the early years of having children, which has a compounding effect across women’s working lives.”
Chief executive of the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia Mary Delahunty said the change would be a huge boost to equity.
“For too long, women have retired with significantly fewer savings on average than men as a result of (time off) work or working reduced hours to have and raise children. It’s about bloody time,” she said.
ACTU assistant secretary Joseph Mitchell said the move would rectify a gap in the superannuation system.
Community
‘Sad and senseless’: public grieve Bondi attack victims
Here’s the latest update on the tragic events at Westfield Bondi Junction in Sydney, where the community has come together to mourn the victims of the recent stabbing attack. The doors of the shopping centre have re-opened, but the atmosphere remains sombre as people pay their respects to the six individuals who lost their lives in the senseless act of violence.
Despite the lack of customers and closed shutters on store fronts, the site has become a place of quiet reflection for many. Hundreds of mourners have visited the shopping centre since the attack, leaving condolences and bouquets on level four where the tragedy occurred. Mothers held their children close, wiping away tears, while others prayed and wore black as a sign of solidarity and mourning.
Local residents Sheira Said and Hazel Stein expressed their feelings of sadness and disbelief at the events that unfolded at Westfield Bondi Junction. Said mentioned feeling the “heavy weight of sadness” as a reminder of how fragile life can be, while Stein empathized with the families who lost their loved ones, acknowledging that the tragedy could have affected anyone.
NSW Premier Chris Minns and Police Commissioner Karen Webb visited the shopping centre to address the media, emphasizing the need for grieving and healing in the community. Minns described the re-opening of the centre as the “first step in healing” and highlighted the unity and support shown by the community during this difficult time.
In response to the attack, Minns indicated that the government would consider stricter knife laws and increased security measures. The state government may also explore implementing laws similar to those in Queensland to allow police officers to conduct searches with metal detectors without a warrant.
As shops prepare to resume trading with heightened security, tenants will have their rent waived for the period of closure, and staff will be provided with mental health support and counseling services. A permanent memorial near the site and a candlelight vigil at a beachside location are being planned to honor the victims of the tragic incident.
The community continues to stand together in solidarity, grieving the loss of those affected by the Bondi attack. The resilience and support shown by both residents and officials reflect a commitment to healing and unity in the face of tragedy.
Community
How the Beatles Won Australia Over Minus the Razzmatazz
Here’s a look back at how the Beatles captured the hearts of Australian fans during their 1964 tour, without the extravagant stage effects that are common in today’s concerts.
Teenager Sandi Keane vividly remembers the excitement of seeing the Fab Four at Melbourne’s Southern Cross Hotel. The Beatles, in the midst of Beatlemania, were greeted by hundreds of thousands of screaming fans lining the streets from Essendon Airport to the city center.
Despite the overwhelming crowds, the Beatles were thrilled by the reception. They engaged with the fans, with drummer Ringo Starr even joking about his daring entrance into the hotel.
At the Festival Hall concerts a few days later, super fans like Ms. Keane were immersed in the Beatles’ music and energy. The band, representing a new generation of change, played a key role in the cultural shift of the 60s.
While their performance may seem simple by today’s standards, with just their voices and instruments, the impact of the Beatles’ music was undeniable. Songs like “She Loves You” resonated with fans like Ms. Keane, creating a joyous and unforgettable experience.
Now, 60 years later, the Beatles’ Australasian tour is celebrated as a defining moment of Beatlemania. A new book, “When We Was Fab: Inside the Beatles Australasian Tour 1964,” compiled by Greg Armstrong and Andy Neill, captures the essence of that historic moment.
Reflecting on the Beatles’ personalities, Ms. Keane describes Paul McCartney as having a “honey on toast-type voice,” John Lennon’s raspy tones, Ringo Starr’s shyness, and George Harrison’s reserved nature. Despite their fame, the Beatles remained true to themselves.
The Beatles’ ability to captivate audiences with just their music and presence, without the need for elaborate stage effects, is what makes them timeless. Their performance, filled with raw talent and genuine connection, continues to resonate with fans today.
As the Beatles left a lasting impact on Australia during their 1964 tour, their legacy lives on through their music and the memories of fans like Sandi Keane, who experienced the magic of Beatlemania firsthand.
The Beatles’ influence on music and pop culture is undeniable, with their simple yet powerful performances showcasing the true essence of their talent. Despite the passage of time, the Beatles’ music continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world, proving that sometimes, all you need are four boys in suits and ties to win over a nation.
Community
Australia briefed on report into killing of aid worker
Australia has been briefed by the Israeli military on the investigation into the killing of aid worker Zomi Frankcom. The Israel Defense Forces spokesman, Lieutenant Colonel Peter Lerner, announced that the investigation into the strike against seven World Central Kitchen aid workers in Gaza has been completed. The report will be made public within 24 hours, and has already been presented to the ambassadors of relevant nations as well as the World Central Kitchen.
Lt Col Lerner expressed regret for the “very grave mistake” of misidentification that led to the tragic death of Zomi Frankcom. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese criticized the deaths as more than just a product of war, and demanded greater accountability from Israel. Cabinet minister Jason Clare also condemned Israel, highlighting the larger issue of almost 200 aid workers being killed so far.
Deputy Liberal leader Sussan Ley called for answers and understanding regarding the situation, emphasizing the distress caused by the ongoing conflict. Save the Children reported that nearly 26,000 children in Gaza have been killed or injured in the past six months, further illustrating the devastating impact of the conflict on civilians.
World Central Kitchen has called for an independent investigation into the Israeli strike and has urged Australia and other affected countries to join the demand. In a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, US President Joe Biden set conditions for continued US support, emphasizing the need to prevent civilian harm and ensure the safety of aid workers.
Lt Col Lerner stated that individual military members involved in the strike are expected to face consequences, including potential criminal charges for breaches of standards. He emphasized the importance of adhering to the rules of war and ensuring the safety of those conducting humanitarian work in conflict zones.
The investigation into the deadly air strike was conducted independently outside of the IDF’s chain of command, with full access to operational details and intelligence provided to investigators. Lt Col Lerner stressed the need for improved practices to prevent similar tragedies in the future and ensure the safety of aid workers.
Australia, along with other nations affected by the killing of aid workers, continues to seek justice and accountability in the aftermath of this tragic incident.
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