The United Kingdom is rolling out its most significant changes to the legal migration system in half a century, aiming to create a more selective process for granting permanent residency. The new regulations place a strong emphasis on awarding settlement to migrants who actively contribute to British society, while drastically increasing waiting times and restrictions for those relying on social welfare or breaching immigration laws. The United Kingdom is rolling out its most significant changes to the legal migration system in half a century, aiming to create a more selective process for granting permanent residency. The new regulations place a strong emphasis on awarding settlement to migrants who actively contribute to British society, while drastically increasing waiting times and restrictions for those relying on social welfare or breaching immigration laws. For migrants who contribute through work and taxes, the settlement timeline can be significantly reduced. Medical professionals like doctors and nurses working in the NHS, as well as immediate relatives of British citizens and Hong Kong BN(O) passport holders, retain a five-year path to settlement. Highly skilled migrants, entrepreneurs, and individuals who demonstrate exceptional integration—such as speaking English fluently or volunteering—may also qualify for faster routes. All applicants must meet robust standards, including a clean criminal record, stable employment, and high proficiency in English. Importantly, access to public assistance and social housing will be reserved for those who achieve full British citizenship, rather than those granted mere settled status. The government’s reforms are part of a wider push to restore integrity and public trust in the migration system after years of record arrivals. Transitional measures are being developed for those already in the UK, but once activated, the new rules will apply to anyone seeking settlement without previously securing that status. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood explained that the changes are designed to reward migrants who work hard and respect British values, while maintaining fairness for the wider public. The revamped system, she said, is built on the principles of character, integration, contribution, and residence, ensuring that permanent settlement “is not a right, but a privilege that must be earned.” For recognized refugees who arrived through legal channels, the minimum period before settlement eligibility will be increased to 20 years. These individuals will still have access to public funds, but under much tougher conditions. Overall, these historic reforms mark a dramatic shift in how Britain manages migration, reinforcing the importance of economic and social contribution for those aiming to make the UK their permanent home.

An urgent recall has been announced across Queensland (QLD) and New South Wales (NSW) concerning five deli meat products manufactured by Götzinger Smallgoods. The recall was prompted by the possibility of microbial contamination by Listeria monocytogenes. The recall was published on November 20, 2025. The five recalled products, which include sliced ham and roast beef, were possibly sold by retailers in both Queensland and New South Wales, specifically in retail outlets and butcher shops. Listeria monocytogenes Hazard Detailed The contamination presents a significant food safety hazard. Listeria monocytogenes may cause severe illness in specific vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, unborn babies, neonates, the elderly, and individuals who are immunocompromised. The sources clarify that the general population can also become ill from consuming food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes Products Subject to Recall The recall applies to the following five products (all 1kg packages) from Götzinger Smallgoods, based on their “USE BY” dates: Sliced Silverside 1kg — USE BY dates up to and including 20/12/2025. Sliced Roast Beef 1kg — USE BY dates up to and including 13/12/2025. 4×4 Ham Sliced 1kg — USE BY dates up to and including 13/12/2025. Champagne Ham Sliced 1kg — USE BY dates up to and including 17/12/2025. Provincial Ham Sliced 1kg — USE BY dates up to and including 5/12/2025. Consumer Action Required Consumers are advised not to eat this product. Individuals should return the recalled items to the place of purchase to receive a full refund. Furthermore, any consumers who are concerned about their health after consuming the product should immediately seek medical advice. For further information regarding the recall, consumers can contact Götzinger Smallgoods directly at 07 5549 3955 or via email at sales@gotzinger.com.  

Rental affordability in regional Australia has reached its lowest point on record, with many areas now experiencing severe housing stress, according to the 11th annual Rental Affordability Index (RAI) released by SGS Economics and Planning, National Shelter, and Housing All Australians. The new data confirms that the crisis has shifted beyond major metropolitan areas, with Regional Queensland remaining the least affordable regional area in the country. Housing affordability is no longer viewed merely as a social welfare issue but is recognized as a fundamental threat to Australia’s productivity and prosperity. The persistent shortage of affordable housing now directly impacts business operations across all sectors nationally. Least Affordable Jurisdictions Under Stress The Rental Affordability Index (RAI) is designed to measure housing stress, where a score of 100 or less means households are spending more than 30% of their income on rent, crossing the critical threshold for housing stress. Regional Queensland registers a grim RAI score of 94, indicating that renting at the median rate would consume more than 30% of the average rental household’s income. Affordability in the region has deteriorated significantly, declining by 7% per year since 2020. Regional NSW is also under severe strain, sitting below the critical threshold with an RAI score of 99. Regional Western Australia (WA), despite being the only Affordable rest of state area in 2020, has experienced the steepest decline, deteriorating by 8% a year over the last five years, and its rents are now classified as Moderately Unaffordable (RAI 109). Overall, most Australian regions, excluding South Australia, have reached record-low affordability over the past two years, with affordability declining across all regional areas by 1% to 5% over the last year. Migration and Economic Impact   The sharp decline in regional affordability has been a persistent trend since 2020, with affordability decreasing in every rest of state area by at least 4% per year. This trend accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic when outward migration from cities drove up housing demand against limited regional supply. This has created a two-tiered system where existing regional households, who typically earn less than city residents relocating to work remotely, are left at a disadvantage when competing for limited housing stock. The growing populations in regional areas increase the demand for essential services, which then become difficult to deliver due to the lack of affordable local housing for workers. Essential workers—including nurses, teachers, and police officers—are increasingly unable to afford to live where the jobs are. The lack of affordable housing has thus become a critical economic issue for businesses facing chronic staff shortages. South Australia Remains the Acceptable Anomaly Amid the widespread decline, Regional South Australia (SA) remains the only non-metropolitan jurisdiction with Acceptable median rents (RAI 123). Regional SA even saw a slight improvement in affordability over the past year. Affordable Housing as Economic Infrastructure   The 2025 Rental Affordability Index strengthens the argument that affordable housing must be considered essential economic infrastructure, as vital to productivity as ports or telecommunications. Robert Pradolin, Founder of Housing All Australians, highlighted the severity of the crisis, noting that “Every worker lost to housing stress is potential unrealised, productivity diminished, prosperity deferred”. He stressed that the business sector is ready to participate in solutions but requires policy settings that recognize housing as economic infrastructure. Ellen Witte, Principal and Partner at SGS Economics and Planning, asserted that the RAI provides evidence that housing costs are “profoundly impacting lives and communities,” underscoring the urgent need for a system that delivers improved housing affordability.

The Crisafulli Government is delivering a fresh start for multicultural communities across Queensland by announcing the successful recipients of the Round 1 grants of the Celebrating Multicultural Queensland program. These grants will provide support to 70 community organisations and their cultural events, spanning geographically from the Gold Coast to Cairns. The successful organisations in Round 1 will collectively share 500,000. **While the total funding pool is half a million dollars, each organisation received varying grant amounts, upto a maximum of 20,000. The first round of funding is specifically designated to support cultural events taking place between 1 January and 30 June 2026. The primary goal of the Celebrating Multicultural Queensland program is to promote social cohesion and community participation. Minister for Women and Women’s Economic Security, Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, and Minister for Multiculturalism, The Honourable Fiona Simpson, emphasized the significance of the funding. Minister Simpson noted that the program celebrates the diverse heritage of Queenslanders while simultaneously building social cohesion and increasing participation. “The Celebrating Multicultural Queensland program received significant interest during Round 1, and  I’m glad we will be supporting a spread of 70 culturally diverse events across the State in the first half of 2026,” Minister Simpson said. She added that the Crisafulli Government believes in building stronger communities and delivers on this commitment, contrasting the current efforts with what she described as a “decade of decline under Labor” for multicultural communities.   Diversity in Grant Recipients The Round 1 grant recipients showcase the wide range of cultures and locations benefiting from the support. Successful community events include: The Cairns Greek Festival, run by St Johns Community Care. Afrekete 2026 Rhythm & Roots Intercultural Day in Townsville. Murweh Shire Council’s Welcome to Charleville 2026 event. The Whitsunday Multicultural Festival. The Sri Lankan Association of Central Queensland’s Sinhala and Tamil New Year Celebration 2026. The Gladstone Islamic Open Day and Eid Celebration. The 13th International Food Festival and Mosque Open Day in Toowoomba. The St George Dragon Boat Festival in Southern Queensland. The Sunshine Coast Chinese Association’s Lunar New Year Lantern Festival. Celebrating Iraqi Cultural Day in Moreton Bay. Events in Brisbane include the Indian Traditional New Year Celebrations 2026 in Brisbane City, the Queensland Fiji Football Association’s QCUP 2026 in Brisbane’s South, and Mandela Cup 2026 in Brisbane’s South-West. On the Gold Coast, funded events include the Philippine Independence Day Celebration Gala and the Holi (Colour) Indian Festival.   Second Round Applications Open The Celebrating Multicultural Queensland grants program has been split into two funding rounds of $500,000 this year to ensure year-round support. Applications for Round 2 remain open for community organisations planning events in the second half of 2026. The second round will support events scheduled between 1 July and 31 December 2026, and the funding must be used for multicultural events, including intercultural sporting events. Applications for Round 2 close on 13 December.  

  Six bold Queensland short films have been selected to share in $300,000 through Screen Queensland’s inaugural Short Film Fund. The funding initiative supports the development of new Queensland stories and is intended to strengthen the state’s reputation as a leading screen production destination. The inaugural Short Film Fund is part of the Crisafulli Government’s Queensland’s Time to Shine: a 10-Year Strategy for Arts and Culture. The government states that it is delivering a fresh start for Queensland’s film sector with the new fund, which is designed to help local filmmakers grow their careers and expand industry opportunities. Promoting Homegrown Talent   Minister for Education and the Arts, The Honorable John-Paul Langbroek, stated that the new fund aims to promote more Queensland stories on the big screen and help local filmmakers reach wider audiences. Minister Langbroek characterized Queensland as the “powerhouse of Australia’s screen industry”. He explained that Screen Queensland’s Short Film Fund supports Queensland-based creatives in developing distinctly local stories that can connect directly with audiences both domestically and internationally. He highlighted that short-form storytelling is one of the fastest-growing areas of the global screen industry, offering a launchpad for emerging filmmakers to build audiences and launch their careers. The government is committed to delivering a thriving creative sector and expanding industry opportunities across the state. Minister Langbroek added that they wish to unearth more budding filmmakers from across Queensland and support them on their journey to becoming the next generation of Australian success stories working behind the scenes. Diverse Projects Receive Support   The six projects selected to receive funding represent an incredible breadth of creativity and innovation coming out of Queensland. The successful projects are: The Stockman: A powerful First Nations drama by proud Butchulla/Kamilaroi filmmaker Rhianna Malezer. Bulb: A gripping drama by Felix Lovell. Chook: A horror comedy from Sasha Aubort. Clay: A hybrid animation comedy by Joe Bauer and Rita Artmann. Return to Work: A deeply personal drama from Emily Avila. The Novelty: A beautifully crafted drama by Charlotte Mungomery.     Incubator for Creative Practice   Screen Queensland CEO Jacqui Feeney confirmed that the Short Film Fund demonstrates the agency’s strategic focus on creating meaningful ‘calling-card’ opportunities for the state’s screen storytellers. Ms. Feeney noted that the fund serves as an “important incubator for local talent,” allowing the six recipient filmmakers to refine their craft and grow their creative practice. A key requirement of the fund mandated that applicants must have a pathway to audiences through film festivals, markets, and distribution, thereby ensuring a market-relevant credit was obtained. Applications for the next round of Screen Queensland’s Short Film Fund are scheduled to open in 2026. Source: statements.qld.gov.au

  Brisbane City Council is inviting readers of all ages and interests to join the free Brisbane Libraries Summer Reading Program. The annual initiative aims to encourage the public to experience the joy of reading over the summer by combining reading activities with library engagement. The program officially runs from Monday 1 December 2025 to Saturday 31 January 2026. The challenge will be hosted by Council’s 33 libraries, the Mobile Library, and the Pop-Up Library. Registrations for the Summer Reading program are now open. Earning Points and Prizes   Getting involved in the challenge requires participants to register online and then visit their local library to pick up a Summer Reading challenge booklet and card.   Points are accumulated by: Completing weekly challenges. Tracking reading on the challenge card. Borrowing items. Attending library events.   Every point earned is worth one entry into the weekly prize draw. Participants are encouraged to visit the library each week to enter the draw for a chance to win one of the seven $50 book vouchers available weekly. Once participants complete the requirements in their Summer Reading challenge booklet, they can collect a commemorative Summer Reading bookmark. Library Programs and Lifelong Learning   Beyond reading, Council libraries host a variety of free events for all ages, giving the community opportunities to learn, socialise, and play. Attending any library event for kids, teens, or adults grants an extra point in the Summer Reading challenge. Events for adults celebrate lifelong learning and include writing workshops, technology classes, and English conversation sessions. A core offering is the free Tech Connect computer training program for adults, delivered by library staff in small, friendly groups. Tech Connect offers hands-on training on using devices like smartphones and tablets, navigating the internet, and using email. Individuals can also book a one-on-one tech session to troubleshoot technical problems with their devices and learn how to use their apps. For younger participants, literacy and craft activities are designed to support children’s learning and development. The First 5 Forever program, an initiative of the Queensland Government in partnership with Council, offers free sessions for children and their parents or carers. These programs feature singing, clapping, and dancing along to action rhymes to help develop pre-literacy, communication, and social skills. Sessions are tailored for babies aged 0–1 years, toddlers aged 1–2 years, and older children aged 3–5 years. Storytime sessions with the Pop-up Library are also available in the park. For more information about the program, the public can visit their local library or phone Council on 07 3403 8888.

Brisbane City Council is inviting readers of all ages and interests to join the free Brisbane Libraries Summer Reading Program. The annual initiative aims to encourage the public to experience the joy of reading over the summer by combining reading activities with library engagement. The program officially runs from Monday 1 December 2025 to Saturday 31 January 2026. The challenge will be hosted by Council’s 33 libraries, the Mobile Library, and the Pop-Up Library. Registrations for the Summer Reading program are now open. Earning Points and Prizes   Getting involved in the challenge requires participants to register online and then visit their local library to pick up a Summer Reading challenge booklet and card. Points are accumulated by: Completing weekly challenges. Tracking reading on the challenge card. Borrowing items. Attending library events. Every point earned is worth one entry into the weekly prize draw. Participants are encouraged to visit the library each week to enter the draw for a chance to win one of the seven $50 book vouchers available weekly. Once participants complete the requirements in their Summer Reading challenge booklet, they can collect a commemorative Summer Reading bookmark. Library Programs and Lifelong Learning   Beyond reading, Council libraries host a variety of free events for all ages, giving the community opportunities to learn, socialise, and play. Attending any library event for kids, teens, or adults grants an extra point in the Summer Reading challenge. Events for adults celebrate lifelong learning and include writing workshops, technology classes, and English conversation sessions. A core offering is the free Tech Connect computer training program for adults, delivered by library staff in small, friendly groups. Tech Connect offers hands-on training on using devices like smartphones and tablets, navigating the internet, and using email. Individuals can also book a one-on-one tech session to troubleshoot technical problems with their devices and learn how to use their apps. For younger participants, literacy and craft activities are designed to support children’s learning and development. The First 5 Forever program, an initiative of the Queensland Government in partnership with Council, offers free sessions for children and their parents or carers. These programs feature singing, clapping, and dancing along to action rhymes to help develop pre-literacy, communication, and social skills. Sessions are tailored for babies aged 0–1 years, toddlers aged 1–2 years, and older children aged 3–5 years. Storytime sessions with the Pop-up Library are also available in the park. For more information about the program, the public can visit their local library or phone Council on 07 3403 8888.  

The Transport Workers Union (TWU) has joined forces with Australia’s two largest on-demand delivery platforms, Uber Eats and DoorDash, in a historic move to establish minimum standards for workers in the on-demand economy. The three parties have made a joint submission to the Fair Work Commission (FWC) requesting the establishment of a set of minimum standards, including safety net pay rates, for delivery drivers and riders. The agreement requires approval from the Fair Work Commission. If approved, the proposed Minimum Standards Order (MSO) would introduce legally enforceable new protections and baseline standards that the TWU has championed for many years. Key Standards Agreed Upon   The joint proposal includes several crucial standards designed to strengthen protections and provide certainty for thousands of platform workers. The key agreements include: Minimum safety net pay rates for all classes of transport types. Dispute resolution processes. Representation rights. A voice for platform workers, facilitated through engagement and feedback mechanisms. Accident insurance for injured workers. This landmark achievement is described as the latest milestone in an ongoing collaboration between the TWU and the digital labour platforms, aiming to improve the quality, safety, and security of platform work.   A “Life-Changing” Increase   TWU National Secretary Michael Kaine stated that gig workers have campaigned for years for a better industry. Kaine emphasized the significance of the proposal, noting that for the first time in the world, there could soon be a minimum floor that represents a “life-changing increase to their pay”. He called the joint submission, following constructive discussions, a “significant step towards a fairer gig economy”. The parties are looking forward to the FWC considering these new standards and working towards a strong foundation for fairness in the gig economy. Flexibility and Modern Laws   Both Uber Eats and DoorDash executives highlighted the importance of balancing improved working conditions with the flexibility inherent in platform work. Simon Rossi, VP DoorDash APAC, stated that delivery workers are essential to keeping Australia moving, supporting busy households and small businesses. He noted that the proposal demonstrates that they “can work together to lift standards and still enable the flexibility people rely on, under the Government’s new laws”. Rossi added that since the on-demand economy is now a vital part of how Australians live, work, and earn, “it’s important that working standards evolve too”. Ed Kitchen, Managing Director for Uber Eats Australia and New Zealand, maintained that Uber Eats has long supported “sensible and modern reforms” that strengthen protections while maintaining flexibility. Kitchen emphasized that flexibility is one of the key reasons people choose to gig work after nearly a decade of the platform operating in Australia. Kitchen concluded that the submission is a “meaningful step towards building modern laws for modern forms of work, giving delivery people what they value the most – the protection of minimum pay rates, security and flexibility”. This current effort builds on a landmark Statement of Principles signed between Uber Eats (across both rideshare and food delivery) and the TWU in 2022.  

The competition structure and fixtures for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup have been officially announced, detailing a massive 31-day international showcase across three countries and nine host cities set for October and November next year. Billed as the most competitive, ambitious, and anticipated Rugby League World Cup, the event will feature 14 nations, 26 teams, and a total of 53 matches across the Men’s, Women’s, and Wheelchair tournaments In a significant win for Queensland, Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium has secured the hosting rights for both the Men’s and Women’s Grand Finals, scheduled for Sunday, November 15. The Wheelchair Final will take place earlier, on Friday, November 13, at Wollongong’s WIN Entertainment Centre. Major Economic Benefits for Queensland Queensland secured three of the eight host city destinations—Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and Townsville—which Premier David Crisafulli called a “tremendous win for the State”. The decision is expected to attract approximately 110,000 people from interstate and overseas, injecting more than $18 million into the Queensland economy. This coup was made possible through the state’s new Mega and Strategic Events Fund, committed under the Destination 2045 tourism plan.   Minister for Sport and Racing Tim Mander lauded the selection of Suncorp Stadium, calling it the “best rugby league stadium in the world” and the perfect stage for the Grand Final. Gold Coast and Townsville will stage events throughout the tournament, including a blockbuster Men’s match featuring the Australian team at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville.   Tournament Structure and Blockbuster Openers   The tournament runs from Thursday, October 15, 2026, through Sunday, November 15, 2026. Men’s Tournament (10 Teams): The Men’s tournament will kick off on Thursday, October 15, at Allianz Stadium with a heavyweight clash between the top two world-ranked teams: the Kangaroos and the Kiwis. The pools are structured with one pool of four and two pools of three nations: Group A: Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Cook Islands. Group B: England, Samoa, Lebanon. Group C: Tonga, PNG, France. Group A teams will play three matches against each other, while teams in Group B and C will play three matches against teams in the adjacent group. The top two teams from Group A will progress to the Semi-Finals, alongside the top two teams from a combined table of Group B and C. Other key fixtures include England versus Tonga at Perth’s HBF Park on Saturday, October 17, and a match between Pacific giants Tonga and Samoa at CommBank Stadium on Sunday, November 1. Brisbane will also host a blockbuster fixture between Australia and Fiji’s men’s teams at Suncorp Stadium. Men’s matches will be played across Sydney, Port Moresby, Perth, Newcastle, Christchurch, Brisbane, Wollongong, Gold Coast, and Townsville. Women’s Tournament (8 Teams): The eight-team Women’s tournament begins on Friday, October 16, with the all-conquering Australian Jillaroos facing Samoa at CommBank Stadium. Group A: Australia, England, Samoa, Wales. Group B: New Zealand, PNG, France, Fiji. Each team plays three matches within their group, with the top two teams from each Group advancing to the Semi-Finals. A triple-header at Gold Coast’s CBUS Super Stadium will feature Samoa vs France (Women’s) and New Zealand vs Papua New Guinea (Women’s), alongside a Men’s fixture. Women’s Group matches will be held in Sydney, Port Moresby, Perth, Newcastle, Christchurch, Wollongong, and Gold Coast. Wheelchair Tournament (8 Teams): The eight-team Wheelchair tournament will be played in its entirety at Wollongong’s WIN Entertainment Centre. Group A: England, Ireland, Wales, USA. Group B: France, Australia, Scotland, New Zealand. The opening match coincides with a Men’s and Women’s double-header at WIN Stadium on October 30.   Officials Heralding a New Era   ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys AM stated that representing one’s country in the World Cup is the “ultimate honour,” predicting this will be the “best and most successful Rugby League World Cup on record”. International Rugby League (IRL) Chairman Troy Grant emphasized the soaring popularity of the sport, noting that the international game is “riding a wave of momentum into what will be the biggest global showcase the game has seen”. Newcastle’s McDonald Jones Stadium and Sydney’s Allianz Stadium will host double-header Semi-Finals across the Men’s and Women’s tournaments. Tickets are on sale today via Ticketmaster. Adult tickets for Group stage and Semi-Final matches start from $19 (AUD), while Finals tickets at Suncorp Stadium start from $39 (AUD) for adults. All matches will be broadcast live and exclusive in Australia on Seven and 7Plus.

  A new report from the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (ACEM) has laid bare the inadequacy of Australia’s mental health care system, revealing that public hospital emergency departments (EDs) remain the “only option” for many people needing acute care. The crisis has deepened, with data showing that 10 per cent of mental health patients waited more than 23 hours for an inpatient bed in 2023–24. The ACEM report, Still Waiting, analyzed data from 2016 to 2024 and found that despite years of calls for reform, ED time-based performance has declined. ACEM President Dr. Stephen Gourley emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “The data is clear. The solutions are known. The time for reform is now,”. Rising Acuity and Declining Capacity   Mental health-related presentations to EDs increased by 11 per cent, rising from approximately 277,000 in 2016-17 to over 310,000 in 2023-24. Worse than the rising volume is the increasing complexity and urgency of cases. Key findings highlighting the severity of presentations include: Urgent Care Delays: Nearly 75 per cent of mental health patients were triaged as needing to be seen within 30 minutes (Australasian Triage Scale 1–3) in 2023-24, compared to more than 63 per cent in 2016-17. Despite this urgent need, the proportion of mental health presentations seen on time nationally decreased from 68 per cent to just 60 per cent over the same period. Mode of Arrival: In 2023-24, 53.4 per cent of mental health-related presentations arrived by ambulance, double the proportion for non-mental health patients. The increase in ambulance arrivals suggests a greater number of people in the community have higher acuity mental health conditions requiring treatment. State Hotspots: Wait times for admission are particularly high in South Australia, Tasmania, and Western Australia. These jurisdictions also consistently reported lower proportions of mental health-related presentations seen on time. South Australia (35 hours 46 minutes) and Tasmania (34 hours 7 minutes) reported the longest 90th percentile ED length of stay for admitted mental health presentations in 2023-24. The core issue driving the excessive delays is a system failing to keep pace with demand. While the number of mental health-related presentations requiring admission increased by 3.2 per cent between 2016-17 and 2023-24, the number of public specialist mental health hospital beds decreased by 1.3 per cent between 2016-17 and 2022-23.   Disproportionate Impact on Vulnerable Groups   The data also reveals that the strain is felt most heavily by specific demographics: First Nations Peoples: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples accounted for 14 per cent of mental health-related presentations in 2023-24, a significant increase of 3.7 per cent since 2016-17. The College noted that cultural safety must be embedded in EDs, as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are more likely to be impacted by the social determinants of health and are more likely to leave the ED before care is completed. Older Australians: Presentations among people aged 65 and over rose by 3.6 per cent. Long ED waits for older patients can contribute to delirium and worsen dementia symptoms. ACEM’s analysis also highlights that system failures extend “beyond hospital bed access block,” as excessive waiting times are affecting not only admitted patients but also those discharged without admission. The longest 90th percentile ED length of stay for non-admitted mental health patients exceeded the national average in Western Australia, Victoria, Tasmania, and South Australia. Calls for Immediate Whole-of-System Reform Dr. Gourley stressed that EDs are not designed or resourced for long-term recovery support; they are merely the “default entry point for crisis care”. He urged policymakers to recognize that “people are not a burden” but rather individuals seeking help in vulnerable moments, noting that the problem is a health system that has failed to meet community need. The Australian Medical Association President, Dr. Danielle McMullen, supported the ACEM findings, noting that the report underscores the “devastating impact of a lack of investment” in community services and general practice, which could otherwise keep people out of busy EDs.   ACEM outlined several critical steps needed for decisive action, including: Increased Inpatient Capacity: Increasing the number of inpatient beds to reduce access block and unnecessary delays to admission. Expanding Community Services: Committing to funding the expansion of community-based mental health services and affordable psychology services to match community needs. Crisis Alternatives: Investing in ED alternatives, such as Safe Haven Cafés, which provide more therapeutic spaces for people experiencing a mental health crisis. Scaling Up Models: Continuing to invest in the Police, Ambulance and Clinician Early Response (PACER) model, which has demonstrated an ability to reduce unnecessary ED transfers and provide community intervention. Cultural Safety: Resourcing EDs with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Liaison Officers to provide culturally safe care. Dr. Gourley concluded that without decisive action, Australia risks perpetuating a reactive model that fails its most vulnerable populations.