With illegal tobacco consumption reportedly rising sharply in recent years, the crackdown is also reigniting a debate over Australia’s high tobacco taxes, lost government revenue and the role of organised crime. A story that goes far beyond cigarettes, it’s about international crime, border security, taxation and billions of dollars in the black market.

Australia’s backpacker visa slowdown is sparking concern among farmers and rural communities that depend on international workers during peak harvest seasons. With backpackers also contributing to regional economies and disaster recovery efforts, the debate is about more than migration, it could have implications for Australia’s food supply, farming costs and supermarket prices.

Yiŋiya Mark Guyula’s resignation after a decade in the Northern Territory Parliament has reignited debate over Indigenous representation, self-determination and the relationship between Aboriginal communities and government. His departure marks the end of a significant political chapter but not, he says, the end of his advocacy.

Rockhampton’s Olympic rowing dream is facing its biggest test yet. The Fitzroy River is set to play a major role in Brisbane 2032, but questions remain over whether the natural river course can meet the safety, fairness and technical standards required for Olympic competition. With more than 800 young rowers heading to Rockhampton for the state championships, the spotlight is only getting brighter. The question now is simple: Can the Fitzroy River deliver an Olympic-standard race?

Your super is your money but accessing it early could come with a much bigger price than expected. With Australians holding around $4.4 trillion in superannuation, debate is growing over whether people should have greater access to their retirement savings during financial hardship. But the COVID experience showed just how costly early withdrawals can become, with some younger Australians potentially losing tens of thousands of dollars in retirement savings. So, should super be easier to access when times are tough — or should it remain protected for retirement?