News live: medicinal cannabis being ‘exploited’ peak bodies say; Coalition calls super changes a ‘victory’ for everyday Australians

The GuardianMonday, October 13, 2025 at 9:50:23 PM
News live: medicinal cannabis being ‘exploited’ peak bodies say; Coalition calls super changes a ‘victory’ for everyday Australians
In recent news, acting Prime Minister Jim Chalmers revealed he consulted with former PM Paul Keating multiple times before announcing changes to superannuation tax concessions. This move has been described by the Coalition as a significant victory for everyday Australians. Meanwhile, peak bodies have raised concerns about the exploitation of medicinal cannabis, highlighting the ongoing debates surrounding its regulation and use. These developments are crucial as they reflect the government's approach to financial reforms and health policies, impacting many citizens.
— Curated by the World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

Was this article worth reading? Share it

Recommended Readings
Superannuation tax changes: new rules have been proposed for your super – here’s what you need to know
PositiveWorld Affairs
The Albanese government has proposed significant changes to superannuation rules, including indexing balances to inflation and introducing a new tax threshold for balances between $3 million and $10 million. These changes aim to ensure that superannuation savings keep pace with rising costs, benefiting many Australians. This is important as it addresses the financial security of retirees and helps maintain the integrity of the superannuation system.
Brydon Carse reveals Stokes and Wood are close to 100% and raring to go for Ashes
PositiveWorld Affairs
England's cricket team is receiving a significant boost as Ben Stokes and Mark Wood are nearing full fitness ahead of the Ashes series next month. Their return is particularly timely, especially in light of ongoing fitness concerns surrounding Australia's Pat Cummins. This news not only raises hopes for England fans but also sets the stage for an exciting and competitive Ashes series.
Emissions linked to Woodside’s Scarborough gas project could lead to at least 480 deaths, research suggests
NegativeWorld Affairs
Recent research indicates that emissions from Woodside's Scarborough gas project could result in at least 480 deaths, highlighting the severe climate impact of this $16.5 billion initiative. The study reveals that over half a million people may face unprecedented heat due to greenhouse emissions associated with the project. This finding is crucial as it underscores the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions and raises questions about the future of fossil fuel projects in the context of climate change.
Sussan Ley praised for ‘standing up for democracy’ as Labor’s freedom of information crackdown looks set to fail
PositiveWorld Affairs
Sussan Ley has received praise for her strong stance in defending democracy as the government's proposed changes to freedom of information (FoI) are likely to be blocked in the Senate. With the Coalition, Greens, and key crossbenchers expressing their outrage, Ley's commitment to transparency resonates with many Australians who value open governance. This situation highlights the ongoing debate about the balance between government accountability and information control, making it a significant moment in Australian politics.
Labor’s watered-down super tax plan creates a fairer system – but it’s far from as fair as it should be
NeutralWorld Affairs
Labor's revised superannuation tax plan, as explained by Jim Chalmers, aims to create a fairer system while still generating substantial revenue, albeit less than previous proposals. This adjustment is significant as it reflects the government's attempt to balance fiscal responsibility with equity in the superannuation sector, impacting many Australians' retirement savings. While the changes are a step towards fairness, they also highlight ongoing debates about the adequacy of the system.
Victoria police don’t know if Dezi Freeman is still alive – as it happened
NegativeWorld Affairs
The ongoing uncertainty surrounding Dezi Freeman's status has left the Victoria police in a difficult position, as they cannot confirm whether he is still alive. This situation is concerning not only for his family and friends but also highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in missing person cases. The community is rallying for answers, emphasizing the importance of support and resources for those affected by such tragedies.
University of Sydney argues academic’s article not racist against Jewish people as ‘Zionism is a political concept’
NeutralWorld Affairs
The University of Sydney is defending an academic's article against accusations of being racist towards Jewish people, arguing that 'Zionism is a political concept.' This case is significant as it represents a major test for hate speech laws in Australia, highlighting the ongoing debate about free speech and academic freedom in the context of political discourse. The outcome could have implications for how similar cases are handled in the future.
AFP investigates Lidia Thorpe’s claim she would ‘burn down’ Parliament House
NeutralWorld Affairs
Senator Lidia Thorpe has clarified her recent comments made at a pro-Gaza rally in Melbourne, stating that her remark about burning down Parliament House was intended as a metaphor. She described the backlash as 'mock outrage' that diverts attention from the real suffering of Palestinians. This situation highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding political discourse in Australia and raises questions about freedom of speech and the interpretation of political statements.
Labor scraps key elements of controversial superannuation tax plan as Greens call move ‘gift to the super-rich’
NegativeWorld Affairs
In a significant policy reversal, Jim Chalmers has announced that the Labor government will scrap key elements of its controversial superannuation tax plan, which aimed to tax unrealised gains on super balances exceeding $3 million. This decision has drawn sharp criticism from the Greens, who label it a 'gift to the super-rich.' The move is crucial as it reflects the ongoing tensions in Australian politics regarding wealth distribution and taxation, raising questions about the government's commitment to addressing inequality.
Pat Cummins concedes he is ‘weeks away’ from bowling and unlikely to play in first Ashes Test
NegativeWorld Affairs
Australia's cricket captain Pat Cummins has revealed that he is unlikely to participate in the first Ashes Test against England, scheduled for November 21 in Perth. He mentioned that he is 'less likely than likely' to be fit for the match, as he is still weeks away from returning to full bowling. This news is significant as Cummins' absence could impact Australia's chances in the prestigious series, highlighting the challenges teams face with player fitness.
Google won’t reveal if it is lobbying Trump about YouTube’s inclusion in Australia’s under-16s ban
NegativeWorld Affairs
Google has chosen not to disclose whether it is lobbying President Trump regarding the Australian government's proposed ban on YouTube for users under 16. The company expressed concerns during a Senate inquiry, stating that the ban would be 'extremely difficult to enforce' and could lead to 'unintended consequences' that may not enhance children's safety. This situation is significant as it highlights the ongoing debate about online safety for minors and the challenges of regulating digital platforms.
Australia chase down record score to defeat India in Women’s Cricket World Cup epic
PositiveWorld Affairs
In a thrilling match at the Women's Cricket World Cup, Australia achieved a remarkable feat by chasing down a record score of 331 runs to defeat India by three wickets. Captain Alyssa Healy led the charge with an impressive 142 runs, setting the tone for the team's success. This victory not only showcases Australia's dominance in women's cricket but also highlights the growing competitiveness of the sport on the global stage.
Latest from World Affairs
California signs first US law regulating AI chatbots, defying White House stance
PositiveWorld Affairs
California has taken a bold step by signing the first law in the U.S. to regulate AI chatbots, challenging the federal government's more lenient stance. This new legislation mandates that chatbot operators put safeguards in place to protect users and opens the door for lawsuits if these systems fail and cause harm. This move is significant as it sets a precedent for how AI technologies can be managed at the state level, potentially influencing other states and prompting a national conversation about the need for regulation in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
News live: medicinal cannabis being ‘exploited’ peak bodies say; Coalition calls super changes a ‘victory’ for everyday Australians
NeutralWorld Affairs
In recent news, acting Prime Minister Jim Chalmers revealed he consulted with former PM Paul Keating multiple times before announcing changes to superannuation tax concessions. This move has been described by the Coalition as a significant victory for everyday Australians. Meanwhile, peak bodies have raised concerns about the exploitation of medicinal cannabis, highlighting the ongoing debates surrounding its regulation and use. These developments are crucial as they reflect the government's approach to financial reforms and health policies, impacting many citizens.
Morocco’s GenZ 212 youth collective calls for ‘peaceful sit-ins’ to demand reforms
PositiveWorld Affairs
Morocco's GenZ 212 youth collective is making waves by calling for peaceful sit-ins to demand reforms, following weeks of nationwide protests. This movement highlights the growing engagement of young people in advocating for change in their country, reflecting a desire for a more responsive government. As they prepare for demonstrations across multiple cities, the collective's actions could inspire further activism and dialogue about the future of Morocco.
Van driver's 'catastrophic' error led to Team GB triathlete's road death
NegativeWorld Affairs
The tragic death of triathlete Rebecca Comins has shocked the sports community, following a catastrophic error by a van driver. Known for her fierce competitive spirit, Comins was reaching speeds of up to 30mph when the incident occurred. This heartbreaking event highlights the ongoing concerns about road safety for athletes and the need for greater awareness among drivers.
Opinion | Trump’s Hostage Triumph in Jerusalem
PositiveWorld Affairs
The article discusses the recent developments in Jerusalem, highlighting Israel's victory and the ongoing challenges for Arab and Muslim nations to ensure that Hamas does not benefit from the peace process. This is significant as it reflects the complex dynamics in the region and the importance of maintaining stability after conflict.
Opinion | Europe Joins the Steel Tariff Game
NeutralWorld Affairs
Brussels has decided to impose border taxes on steel imports, a move aimed at offsetting the costs associated with climate policies. This decision marks Europe's entry into the ongoing global debate over steel tariffs, reflecting a growing concern about balancing environmental goals with economic realities. As countries navigate the complexities of climate change and trade, this development could have significant implications for the steel industry and international relations.