Most low-income households in Queensland are struggling to meet the costs of a basic standard of living, facing intense financial stress and high vulnerability to indebtedness, according to a critical new analysis released by the Queensland Council of Social Service (QCOSS). The “QCOSS Living Affordability in Queensland 2025” report modeled five typical low-income households and found that only one of these five households was able to meet a basic standard of living. The findings highlight that all five modeled households are highly vulnerable to financial shocks and indebtedness, lacking sufficient income to cover unplanned expenses or emergencies because the vast proportion of their earnings is already allocated to essential costs. Four out of the five households analyzed were found to be in a weekly budget deficit, with shortfalls ranging from $17 to more than $227 per week. These households included a single adult on JobSeeker, a single student, a single parent with two children, and a couple with two children. Families with children faced compounding pressures and the largest deficits, driven primarily by escalating rent and multiple expenses rising faster than their income or government support payments.   Housing Costs Driving Financial Distress   Housing affordability emerged as the most significant driver of financial stress. Housing costs were the single highest expenditure for every modeled household. All households were spending between 36 and 48 per cent of their income on housing, which is far above the accepted benchmark of 30 per cent considered affordable. Many low-income renters are paying more than half their income toward rent, exacerbated by a crisis in housing availability and affordability that has left tens of thousands waiting for social housing. Beyond housing, rising electricity bills are adding pressure to already struggling households. Energy prices are expected to continue climbing, and many households on hardship plans feel pressured to resolve arrears rather than meeting other essential costs. Neglecting Health and Skipping Meals   The relentless cost-of-living pressure is forcing Queenslanders to make difficult and damaging trade-offs. The report emphasizes that households are increasingly neglecting their health needs due to out-of-pocket costs. Falling bulk-billing rates and rising out-of-pocket expenses mean that low-income Queenslanders are delaying or forgoing medical and dental care in order to prioritize housing, food, and debt repayments, leading to long-term consequences for health equity. Food insecurity is also rising. Households are cutting corners, skipping meals, and reducing food quality to feed themselves and prioritize other essentials like medication. Food affordability received the highest number of responses as a cost of living issue, with households reporting significant deprivations and buying food of lower nutritional value.   Call for Targeted Government Support   While existing cost of living relief measures provided by federal and state governments play a critical role in supporting these households, the report noted that all modeled households experienced a decrease in government supports year on year. The report concludes that more targeted and sustained support is required to ensure Queenslanders on low incomes do not live in poverty and to lift them out of their substantial budget deficits.

  The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has announced a decision to strengthen safety controls for products containing vitamin B6, aiming to reduce the risk of nerve damage associated with the long-term consumption of high doses. The decision introduces a new tiered system governing the sale and dispensing of oral vitamin B6 preparations based on their recommended daily dosage. The TGA states that this approach strikes a balance between the benefits of vitamin B6, which some individuals may need for low-dose supplementation, and the recognized risks posed by prolonged ingestion of high doses, which can include damage to peripheral nerves.   New Dosage Controls Detailed   Under the new regulatory framework, access to vitamin B6 products will be determined by concentration: General Retail Sale: Oral preparations containing 50 mg or less per recommended daily dose will continue to be available for general retail sale. Pharmacist Advice Required: Oral preparations containing more than 50 mg but not more than 200 mg per recommended daily dose will be available over the counter, but only with the advice of a pharmacist. Prescription Required: Oral preparations containing more than 200 mg per recommended daily dose will continue to require a prescription from a doctor. The strengthening of these safety controls follows the TGA’s final decision to amend the Poisons Standard for vitamin B6. This decision was based on an extensive review process, including a public consultation that demonstrated strong support for tighter controls. Implementation Timeline and Rationale   The changes in vitamin B6 content requirements are scheduled for implementation on 1 June 2027. This extended timeframe is intended to provide industry, healthcare practitioners, and businesses sufficient time to enact the necessary modifications, including updating product labelling and managing existing stock. While vitamin B6 deficiency is uncommon among the Australian population (the recommended dietary intake for a healthy adult is 1.3-1.7 mg/day), deficiency is more likely to affect certain groups, such as the elderly, individuals with alcohol dependence or obesity, or those with specific kidney, liver, or autoimmune conditions. The average adult requirement for vitamin B6 is 1.1-1.3 mg per day. Consumers should always check the label of any vitamin or supplement product for vitamin B6, which is also referred to as pyridoxine, pyridoxamine, and pyridoxal. The TGA urges consumers who experience concerning symptoms, specifically tingling, burning or numbness in their hands or feet, to stop taking the product immediately and seek medical advice as soon as possible. Consumers are also encouraged to talk to a registered healthcare professional about appropriate treatment and can report any side effects to the TGA via the Adverse Event Reporting System to help improve medicine safety.

A rare convergence of tropical cyclones has unleashed unprecedented devastation across South and Southeast Asia, killing at least 1,338 people and causing over $20 billion in economic damage since November 26, 2025, according to government and United Nations reports.   The disaster complex—driven by Cyclone Ditwah in the Bay of Bengal and Cyclone Senyar in the Malacca Strait—has affected more than 8.7 million people across four countries, with rescue workers warning the death toll could rise significantly as floodwaters recede and teams reach isolated communities. Sri Lanka: Nation’s Worst Disaster in 20 Years   Cyclone Ditwah slammed into Sri Lanka’s eastern coast on November 28, triggering catastrophic flooding and landslides in all 25 districts, making it the most widespread disaster in the country’s recent history. The death toll has climbed to 410 confirmed fatalities, with 336 people still missing as of December 2.​   “This is the largest and most daunting natural catastrophe in our history,” President Anura Kumara Dissanayake told parliament after declaring a national emergency.​   The central hill-country districts suffered the heaviest casualties, with Kandy reporting 88 deaths and 150 missing persons. Nearly 1.5 million people have been affected, including 233,000 displaced residents sheltering in 1,441 temporary camps. Infrastructure damage includes 565 houses completely destroyed, 20,271 partially damaged, 10 bridges rendered unusable, and over 200 roads impassable.​   Total economic losses are estimated between Rs. 210-320 billion ($0.7-1.0 billion), delivering another devastating blow as the nation struggles to recover from its 2022 economic crisis.​   International aid teams from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Japan have arrived to assist overwhelmed local authorities, while the United Nations has deployed emergency response specialists.​ Indonesia: Sumatra Island Devastated   Indonesia has suffered the highest confirmed death toll at 744 people, with 551 still missing after catastrophic flash floods and landslides swept across Sumatra island. The disaster has displaced 300,000 people and affected 3.3 million overall.​   North Sumatra province experienced the worst devastation, with entire villages buried under mudslides and critical infrastructure completely destroyed. Military helicopters and warships continue rescue operations in isolated communities where roads and bridges have vanished.​​   The economic impact is projected at 68.67 trillion rupiah ($4.13 billion), according to Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency. Beyond immediate damage, officials have raised concerns that millions of cubic meters of timber swept away by floodwaters may indicate illegal logging activities exacerbated the disaster’s severity.​   Thailand: Historic Flooding Paralyzes South   Southern Thailand faces its most severe flood damage in recorded history, with 181 confirmed deaths and 3.9 million people affected across eight provinces. The commercial hub of Hat Yai recorded 335mm of rainfall in a single day on November 21—its highest in 300 years.​   The floods have inflicted 500 billion baht ($15.6 billion) in economic damage, according to Thailand’s National Economic and Social Development Council. Losses include 100,000 vehicles destroyed, 800,000 households with serious damage, and extensive destruction of rubber and oil palm plantations across 400,000 rai (64,000 hectares).​   The disaster has disrupted preparations for the SEA Games, scheduled to begin in the region on December 9, and paralyzed key industrial hubs vital to global tech and automotive supply chains.​   Water services have been partially restored, but many areas remain submerged, and authorities caution that additional rainfall could worsen the crisis.​ Malaysia and Regional Impact   Malaysia’s northern states experienced flooding that killed three people and displaced approximately 34,000 residents. Over 6,200 Thai citizens have evacuated into Malaysia, with thousands remaining in temporary shelters.​   The UN World Health Organization has warned of escalating health risks from contaminated water supplies and deepening food insecurity as floodwaters recede across all affected nations.​ Unprecedented Meteorological Event   The disaster began when Cyclone Senyar formed in the Malacca Strait on November 26—the second documented cyclone in that location since 2001. This rare event coincided with Cyclone Ditwah developing over the Bay of Bengal, creating a convergence zone that amplified the northeast monsoon and generated record-breaking rainfall across the region.​   Climate scientists note that while tropical cyclones are not uncommon, the simultaneous formation of two powerful systems affecting such a wide geographic area represents an extremely rare meteorological pattern.​   The UN World Health Organization has warned of escalating health risks from contaminated water supplies and deepening food insecurity as floodwaters recede across all affected nations.​ Outlook and Ongoing Response   Rescue operations continue across all affected countries, though damaged infrastructure and ongoing weather hazards hamper relief efforts. Health officials warn that casualty figures are likely to rise as waters recede and teams reach previously inaccessible areas.​   The UN Secretary-General has expressed condolences and confirmed the organization stands ready to support relief efforts, while humanitarian agencies scale up emergency food, water, and medical assistance.​ With recovery expected to take months and cost billions, the disaster has exposed vulnerabilities in disaster preparedness across the region, prompting calls for enhanced early warning systems and climate resilience infrastructure.​   Reporting Note: This article is based on official government reports, United Nations updates, and verified international news sources. All figures are current as of December 3, 2025, unless otherwise specified. Death tolls and damage estimates are expected to be updated as rescue and assessment operations continue.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) announced on Tuesday that the first meaningful census data concerning the nation’s LGBTQ+ population is slated for release in mid-2027. This upcoming data release is historic, as it will be the first time the ABS has collected meaningful information about the LGBTQ+ community. The collection is set to occur during the 2026 Census, the national snapshot of the country which takes place in August. The ABS specified on Tuesday that information collected from the 2026 Census will be released in three phases, with data for the new topic of sexual orientation and gender identity scheduled to be available in June 2027. Comprehensive Picture Expected The federal government committed last year to count sexual orientation and gender identity for the first time in the 2026 Census. Equality Australia CEO Anna Brown welcomed the news, highlighting that the previous 2021 Census “failed to meaningfully count people of diverse sexualities and genders, and our families”. Brown anticipates that the 2027 data release will provide a far more complete understanding of the nation. “In 2027 we will finally have a more complete picture of who we are as a nation,” Brown said, detailing that the data will illuminate crucial information about the LGBTQ+ population, including where adults live, their jobs, health issues, educational attendance, and family structures. Question Details Confirmed The ABS also provided details on the methodology for the new questions. The Census will include separate questions on sex recorded at birth and gender. The responses to these specific questions will be utilized to generate accurate data concerning trans and gender diverse populations. The gender question itself will include multiple response options: tick-boxes, a free-text field, and a ‘prefer not to answer’ option.

The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) is moving to limit high debt-to-income (DTI) home lending, a measure designed to pre-emptively contain the build-up of housing-related vulnerabilities within the financial system. The banking regulator is ordering institutions under its supervision to cap high debt-to-income loans at 20 per cent of all new loans approved. This new regulatory cap will take effect on February 1 next year. Details of the New Limit A high debt-to-income loan is defined as one where the amount borrowed is more than six times the borrower’s annual household income. From the implementation date, authorised deposit-taking institutions (ADIs) will be allowed to lend up to 20 per cent of their new mortgage lending at a debt of six times income or more. Importantly, this limit will be applied separately to ADIs’ owner-occupier and investor lending. APRA Chair John Lonsdale stated that the regulator is not prepared to delay action while housing-related vulnerabilities build up. Lonsdale highlighted that high household indebtedness is a key structural risk to system stability that APRA has long been concerned about. “Rising indebtedness has in the past often been associated with an increase in riskier lending and rapid growth in property prices,” he added. Rationale Behind the Move While APRA acknowledges that overall bank lending standards remain sound, the Authority has observed a recent pick-up in some riskier forms of lending. This increase coincides with falling interest rates, housing credit growth accelerating above its longer-term average, and housing prices rising further. These dynamics suggest a shift in the financial risk cycle and a potential build-up of vulnerabilities that could undermine both banking sector and household financial resilience if unchecked. In particular, APRA noted that high DTI lending has started to pick up, driven primarily by high DTI loans being granted to investors. Mr. Lonsdale explained that the signs of a build-up in risks are currently concentrated in high DTI lending, “especially to investors”. By activating a DTI limit now, APRA aims to pre-emptively contain risks from this type of lending and strengthen overall resilience. APRA noted that strong investor activity can amplify housing lending and price cycles that impact financial stability, but confirmed that they are “not yet seeing signs of the broad-based build-up of housing vulnerabilities including a deterioration in lending standards that we have seen in previous episodes of strong investor activity”. Expected Impact At an aggregate level, the 20 per cent limit is not currently binding. Therefore, the limit is not expected to have a near-term impact on borrowers’ access to credit. However, the limit will serve as a guardrail. Should levels of high DTI lending rise toward the 20 per cent cap in the coming period, the limit is expected to have a greater impact on investors, who tend to borrow at higher DTI ratios than owner-occupiers. To enable the smooth functioning of property transactions and avoid constraining incentives for the supply of new housing, APRA’s DTI limit specifically excludes: Bridging loans for owner-occupiers.Loans for the purchase or construction of new dwellings. APRA has stated that it will consider additional limits, including investor-specific limits, if macro-financial risks significantly rise or if a deterioration in lending standards is observed.

Queensland is on track for a significant jobs surge, with 185,000 additional roles forecast over the next four years, driving the state’s total employment growth to 6.2 per cent by 2028–29. This strong growth is confirmed by the latest Anticipating Future Skills (AFS) analysis from Jobs Queensland, which provides a roadmap for meeting future training needs. The forecast indicates that the workforce is set to expand to more than 3.15 million by 2028–29. Beyond the creation of new positions, replacement demand will generate an additional 250,000 job openings by 2029, creating over 430,000 job opportunities in total in the near future. This offers a substantial boost for young Queenslanders seeking to secure good jobs and build their future. Industry Leaders: Health Care Tops the List The AFS analysis identifies six critical industries projected to grow faster than the State average of 6.2 per cent. Health Care and Social Assistance is set to be the single biggest driver, forecast to increase by 12.7 per cent (adding 62,400 jobs). This sector will eventually employ one in six Queenslanders. Other key sectors projected for high growth include: Public Administration and Safety: 11.3 per cent (23,800 jobs). This growth includes expansion across all levels of government, driven partly by increased demand for public order, safety, and regulatory services, decentralization of the Australian Public Service (APS) to Brisbane, increased employment in local councils, and defence sector growth. Professional, Scientific and Technical Services: 8.2 per cent (18,900 jobs). Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste Services: 7.9 per cent (3,700 jobs). Education and Training: 7.6 per cent (19,000 jobs). Arts and Recreation Services: 7.1 per cent (3,500 jobs). Jobs Queensland Board Chair Professor Michael Drew noted that the state’s workforce is changing rapidly, seeing the strongest growth in care and knowledge economy jobs, while traditional industries are becoming more specialized and tech-driven. Professor Drew stated that the AFS data helps Queensland look ahead with confidence, giving industry, training providers, and jobseekers a clear view of where opportunities are growing. Regional Queensland Set for Strongest Growth Regional Queensland is highlighted as the primary beneficiary of this job growth. The strongest regional employment growth in a generation is anticipated. The regions leading the State in job growth projections are: Moreton Bay: 9.3 per cent growth (9,100 jobs). Logan–Beaudesert: 7.4 per cent growth (11,000 jobs). Ipswich: 7.4 per cent growth (11,900 jobs). Gold Coast: 7.0 per cent growth (25,300 jobs). Government Response and Investment in Skills The Crisafulli Government stated that it is delivering a fresh start for Queensland and is focused on securing a pipeline of skilled workers to fix essential services. The Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training, The Honourable Ros Bates, said the report confirms Queensland is on track for a jobs surge and underscores why the Crisafulli Government is investing in skills to meet demand. “Jobs Queensland is forecasting a jobs boom over the next four years, with huge demand for skilled roles that keep Queenslanders healthy, safe and at the forefront of innovation,” Minister Bates said. To support this forecast growth and ensure Queenslanders have the right skills, in the right place, at the right time, the government is implementing the Right Skills Strategy 2025–2028. This includes significant investment: $201.1 million for four new TAFE Centres of Excellence. Expanded apprenticeships in priority sectors. Free and low-cost training. Industry-led micro-credentials that respond quickly to emerging needs. The Minister further stated that the Crisafulli LNP Government is rebuilding Queensland’s training system from the ground up, utilizing initiatives like Free Apprenticeships for Under 25s, expanding Gateway to Industry Schools, and building new TAFE Centres of Excellence. The government sees this effort as delivering a better lifestyle through a stronger economy. Source: statements.qld.gov.au  jobsqueensland.qld.gov.au 

The Office of the Inspector-General of Aged Care (IGAC) has released its inaugural review of My Aged Care (MAC), concluding that the system—intended as the single-entry point or ‘front door’ to Australian Government-funded aged care services—is not fit-for-purpose in facilitating equitable access for all older people. The review sought to answer critical questions: Is the front door to aged care open to everyone? Is it easy to find, easy to use, fair, and equitable? And crucially: Does it reflect the rights and dignity enshrined in the new Aged Care Act 2024 . The Inspector-General, Natalie Siegel-Brown, stated that the findings are clear: for many, the answer to these questions is no. The report determined that too many older people—particularly those from diverse backgrounds or remote communities, and those with complex needs or limited digital literacy—are still struggling to access the care they need, when they need it. For many, the experience is more akin to navigating a maze. Four Foundational Failures Identified The Inspector-General found that the systemic issues plaguing MAC are not new, having plagued the system since its inception in 2013. These foundational issues are hindering timely and effective entry into the aged care system: My Aged Care is not well known, is poorly understood and is insufficiently promoted. It remains onerously complex to navigate and is not appropriately tailored to the needs of the whole of the target population. It relies on a model of delivery and a workforce that are not conducive to the provision of personalized support. It is not equitable for older people from diverse backgrounds and those with complex needs. The integrity of the system is vital because an older person cannot receive any type of Australian Government funded aged care service without an assessment processed through MAC to establish that care is needed. Complexity and Digital Barriers A major issue highlighted is the system’s over-reliance on digital technologies, which excludes a significant cohort of older people who have lower digital literacy or lack reliable internet access. The website is intended to be the primary source of information, yet the current form is deemed not appropriately tailored to older people’s needs, often featuring poor navigability and complex click-through journeys. The Inspector-General found that the centralized contact centre model is not conducive to providing personalized support, which is critical since many people engage with MAC at a time of crisis or heightened stress. Furthermore, high rates of contact centre staff attrition significantly impact the consistency and reliability of support. Mandatory minimum training requirements are also considered not fit-for-purpose, failing to ensure staff are equipped with soft skills such as cultural safety, trauma-aware, and healing-informed care. Inequitable Access for Vulnerable Groups The review stressed that the lack of equity of access is highly pronounced for specific populations:   Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People: The system is not currently fit-for-purpose for older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Barriers include low awareness, low digital inclusion, and a lack of cultural safety, which is especially traumatic for Stolen Generation survivors. Rigid identification requirements often act as a barrier to entry, particularly for those who lack a birth certificate. Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Backgrounds: Language barriers are problematic, and My Aged Care needs to be proactive in offering interpreter services. The current service design is geared toward a more culturally, linguistically and ethnically homogenous ageing population. Regional, Rural, and Remote Areas: Older people in these locations are underserviced by My Aged Care. They face compounding disadvantages like poor internet connections, which exacerbate long wait times for assessment services and limit access to face-to-face supports.   Call for Transformative Action   The Inspector-General emphasized that commitment to action is long overdue. The success of future reforms hinges on implementing changes in concert with one another to drive transformative change, not merely tweaking discrete action items. The IGAC submitted seven thematic areas for recommendations that the government and the department should action: Improving public awareness of the aged care system. Improving public awareness and understanding of My Aged Care. Reducing system complexity, including redesigning the website using “complexity-compatible design” and improving interoperability with systems like My Health Record and MyGov. Increasing capacity and capability of the My Aged Care workforce. Increasing access to navigational and face-to-face supports. Enabling equitable access to aged care. Commitment to action and publicly reporting progress biannually. The Inspector-General concluded that the front door to aged care needs to be reimagined—not just widened—so that no one is left standing outside. The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing acknowledged the comprehensive nature of the final report and stated that it accepts the majority of the recommendations in principle. The Department noted that work is already underway to improve website design and enhance integration with platforms such as My Health Record and MyGov.

Police are warning Queensland residents to remain vigilant following reports of traveling roof restoration scammers operating across the state. These criminal networks have been noted for targeting elderly and vulnerable residents, often resulting in significant financial losses. The scammers offer various services, including low-cost roof maintenance, cleaning services, or tile replacement. Signs that these scammers are active in an area may include flyers, signage, or door-to-door promotions advertising unusually cheap work. Recent Activity and Scope Authorities recently received a report from Manly West regarding a specific incident. A man, claiming to be from a roofing service, attended a resident’s home and offered to upgrade the roof. The resident declined the offer, and the man subsequently left without approaching neighbors. The male was identified as a passenger in a white Nissan Navara. The driver of the vehicle was not sighted. Investigations into the matter reveal that the vehicle and associated individuals have links to previous scam operations targeting elderly and vulnerable residents in multiple locations across QLD. These locations include Svensson Heights, Strathpine, Capalaba, Caboolture, and Woolloongabba. These earlier scams are associated with causing victims to incur significant financial losses Safeguarding Against Scams Police are encouraging residents to safeguard themselves against these schemes. Key steps include: Verifying business credentials before arranging any work. Being cautious of unsolicited offers. Avoiding opening doors to unknown visitors. Residents are urged to report any suspicious activity immediately. Anyone with information regarding the individuals or the white Nissan Navara involved in these incidents should contact Policelink and quote reference QI2502095926, or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers.

Australian national home values recorded a 1.0% increase in November, marking the third consecutive month that values have risen by one per cent or more, according to Cotality’s national Home Value Index. However, the pace of growth is showing signs of moderation, easing slightly from the 1.1% gain recorded in October. The headline growth figure was significantly weighed down by Australia’s two largest cities, Sydney and Melbourne, which are facing increasing affordability constraints. Meanwhile, mid-sized capitals are dramatically outperforming the larger markets, a trend similar to that seen in late 2023 and 2024. Mid-Sized Cities Surge Ahead Every capital city, apart from Sydney and Melbourne, recorded a value rise of at least 1.0% through November. Perth led the nation with a solid 2.4% surge in dwelling values. Brisbane also showed strong growth, recording a 1.9% rise.   Cotality’s research director, Tim Lawless, highlighted the significant skew towards the mid-sized capitals, noting that the surge in Perth is especially evident. In Perth, listings are holding more than 40% below average while buyer demand remains elevated. The 2.4% monthly rise in Perth added just over $21,000 to the median in November, which equates to roughly $5,000 per week.   In contrast, Sydney recorded a monthly rise of 0.5% and Melbourne was up 0.3%. The lower gain in Sydney is likely reflective of affordability constraints putting a ceiling on growth. Sydney’s monthly growth rate appears to have peaked at 0.9% back in August. Furthermore, Sydney has a smaller supply deficit than the capital city benchmark, with listings tracking only 2.2% below the five-year average, compared to the benchmark of about 16% below average. Affordability and Serviceability Remain Stretched The subtle easing in national growth coincides with several indicators pointing to headwinds for the housing market. Auction clearance rates have trended lower since peaking in mid-September, falling below the decade average by mid-November. Both Sydney and Melbourne saw clearance rates hold in the low 60% range through the second half of November.   A major factor is the record levels of housing unaffordability. Affordability metrics from the September quarter show a record high in the national dwelling value-to-household income ratio, where the median dwelling value is 8.2 times higher than the annual pre-tax household income. The income required to service a mortgage at the median value is near record levels, at 45.0%.   Mr. Lawless warned that these economic factors will likely affect housing sentiment going forward: “With inflation once again above the RBA’s target range and rates potentially on hold for the foreseeable future, it’s likely housing sentiment will suffer,” Mr. Lawless said. “With housing affordability already stretched and worsening, it stands to reason that fewer borrowers will be able to access credit as serviceability barriers become more prominent”.   The flow-through effect of stretched affordability and serviceability is already visible, with housing value growth skewed towards lower price points of the market. Over the past three months, most state capitals have seen values across the lower quartile rising the fastest. The exception is Melbourne, where affordability is slightly less stretched, and the broad middle of the market is experiencing the fastest lift in values.   Regarding future regulatory changes, the impact of the recent policy announcement from APRA—to limit high debt-to-income (DTI) ratio loans to 20% of new lending—is expected to be limited. Mr. Lawless noted that the majority of recent mortgage originations remain significantly below a DTI of six or more. Though the new credit policy is scheduled for implementation in February next year, Mr. Lawless believes it is only “likely to only affect the margins of borrowing activity”.  

  eSafety is urgently raising the alarm over the misuse of smart vehicles, which are emerging as a new tool for domestic violence perpetrators to monitor, track, and intimidate victims. The agency is urging Australians to recognize how modern smart car features can be exploited for technology-facilitated coercive control. This warning comes after eSafety received reports from frontline workers through its dedicated Technology-Facilitated Abuse Support Service, which assists staff in applying safety planning to digital devices. Exploiting Connectivity   eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant highlighted that as more Australians purchase cars connected to the internet and other smart devices, abusers are exploiting these features to spy on and gaslight their partners. Reports received by eSafety’s service detail several alarming scenarios, including abusers: Accessing trip histories to keep tabs on a partner’s movements. Remotely locking doors or changing the heating to intimidate victims. Using kill switches to prevent victims from traveling beyond certain distances. Ms. Inman Grant emphasized that a vehicle, which is often “crucial for escape,” is being used as a mechanism to trap and control in these situations. The source material notes that location tracking is one of the biggest risks to a victim-survivor’s safety when they are planning to leave a violent situation, which can lead to the violence escalating and taking new forms. The technical foundation of this abuse relies on the fact that most smart vehicles have built-in GPS systems and telematics platforms that record real-time location, trip histories, and geofencing alerts. This personal data can be accessed through companion apps on smartphones or web portals, or shared via synced accounts. A Broader Pattern of Technology-Facilitated Control The misuse of smart vehicles forms part of a broader pattern of technology-facilitated coercive control. Frontline services report that this abuse is becoming increasingly complex due to the interconnected nature of popular smart devices—the Internet of Things (IoT)—which collect and store personal data. These devices range from smartwatches and tablets with synced accounts to smart TVs, security cameras, and thermostats.   Minister for Social Services, Tanya Plibersek, called the weaponization of technology by perpetrators “a new frontier that we have to tackle”, noting that technology-facilitated abuse is one of the greatest and most rapidly evolving challenges in tackling domestic and family violence.   Domestic Violence Crisis Service ACT CEO Sue Webeck added that technology is pervasive and its benefits can quickly become a “lethal risk factor” for someone experiencing domestic violence, noting that people are often not used to assessing their safety based on devices like smart bulbs or smart fridges. Commissioner Micaela Cronin stressed that it is vital to center people with lived experience to build understanding of how this abuse is enacted and how it can be prevented.   When a woman seeking help arrives at a shelter, frontline workers often perform a thorough check of their phone, car, smartwatch, and personal belongings to identify and destroy tracking devices and software.   Call for Urgent Industry Action   With estimates suggesting that more than 90 per cent of new cars sold in Australia by 2031 will have embedded connectivity, Ms. Inman Grant declared that there is a need for “urgent action to make them safer”. She likened the required safety improvements to the industry’s need for their “next ‘seatbelt moment’”, stating that these are “solvable design issues” if safeguards are built in from the start.   eSafety is calling on companies to embed safety into smart car devices and accounts, specifically demanding:   Emergency lockouts and safe transfers: Manufacturers must provide a simple, documented way to revoke all access and transfer ownership during separation without requiring contact with the other party. User-visible audit logs: These systems should offer a clear history of account access, location pings, and remote commands that can be exported for use as evidence. Retailer and dealership standards: Dealerships must always reset devices or accounts when cars are sold or change owners, and staff must be trained to do this safely for people experiencing abuse.   eSafety’s latest Online Safety Advisory focuses on smart devices and the Internet of Things to help victim-survivors and frontline workers understand these risks. Practical safety steps for victims, recommended to be taken with the support of a frontline service, include resetting account control on a ‘clean’ device (using private details and strong passphrases), revoking access everywhere (logging out of companion apps and unlinking shared IDs), and requesting that a dealer reset telematics and remove former users.