Universal early childhood education better than baby bonus to increase Australia’s birthrate, Labor says 21. September 2026 (10:23) Intergenerational report predicts that in four decades’ time, more Australians will be dying than being born each yearGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastLabor says better investment in early childhood education and care, such as a possible move to universal access for families, is a better way to address Australia’s declining birthrate, rejecting the need for a new “baby bonus”.Monday’s intergenerational report showed that more Australians will be dying than being born in 40 years’ time, a point already reached by countries including South Korea, Italy, Germany and Japan. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Seven Ethiopian rebel groups form new alliance 21. September 2026 (09:35) The groups have been active in Ethiopia's most populous regions for years and now say they will work together.(BBC News)
Teen complainant withdrawn from Alan Jones trial bringing number of alleged victims to five 21. September 2026 (08:30) Court also hears from four people who say they didn’t witness alleged offence against another complainantFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastOne of Alan Jones’s accusers has had his allegation withdrawn by prosecutors, with one charge of indecent assault against a 17-year-old boy dramatically dropped from the former broadcaster’s trial.The allegation, brought by a complainant pseudonymised as F, was withdrawn by the prosecution in a Sydney court on Monday afternoon. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
