Pregnant women face workplace hostility and ‘sham redundancies’, Australian human rights report finds 19. October 2026 (11:30) Sex discrimination commissioner says too often ‘it’s the woman who has the burden of bringing a complaint’ in parental discrimination casesGet our new political email, free app or daily news podcastWomen are being forced out of employment through “sham redundancies”, losing shifts and facing hostile work environments after having a baby, according to a report by the Australian Human Rights Commission, which warns parental discrimination remains a major barrier to gender equality.The commission’s report suggests pregnancy discrimination is more prominent for vulnerable groups, including immigrant and First Nations women, people with disability and LGBTQ+ people. The commission held roundtables with dozens of parents, legal and community advocates when compiling the report.Sign up for Guardian Australia’s Politics, really newsletter here Continue reading...(The Guardian)
China’s economy grows faster than forecast after AI boom boosts exports 19. October 2026 (11:27) Third-quarter GDP up by 4.5% compared with last year as industrial output is buoyed by electronics demandBusiness live – latest updatesRoaring exports lifted China’s economic growth in the third quarter of this year, with factory output growing much faster than consumer spending.China’s GDP grew by 4.5% year-on-year between July and September, the National Bureau of Statistics of China reported on Monday. The figures were better than economists had expected and up from the second quarter’s growth rate of 4.3%. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Independent MP Helen Haines in critical condition after ‘attack’ outside Wangaratta office, PM says 19. October 2026 (11:15) Anthony Albanese says his thoughts remain with Indi MP after arrest of driver at the scene on Monday afternoonHelen Haines updates: PM says person in custody after alleged attack on Helen Haines – follow liveThe independent MP Helen Haines has been critically injured in an alleged attack involving a vehicle outside her electorate office in Wangaratta, in regional Victoria.The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, confirmed on Monday night that a man is in custody after an alleged attack on Haines that was now being investigated by the Australian federal police (AFP), Asio and the joint counter-terror taskforce. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
More than half of UK first-time buyers paying more for mortgage than they did for rent 19. October 2026 (11:10) Hamptons says figure of 56% is highest in at least a decade, with mortgage rates rising since start of Iran warA majority of first-time UK buyers now pay more towards their monthly mortgage bills than they used to pay in rent, the estate agent Hamptons has found.Last month 56% of first-time buyers said their monthly mortgage bills exceeded their previous rent, the highest proportion in at least a decade, according to Hamptons. They paid £39 more on average. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Prince Harry defamation claim lodged by Sentebale is paused amid charity's financial woes