Parliament House Access: Canberra is tightening lobbyist pass rules from 1 July, with a public register, higher scrutiny and less free out-of-hours access. Tax Backdown: After budget backlash, the Albanese government is rolling out new CGT carve-outs, including lifting the small-business turnover threshold to $10m and easing “death tax” concerns around testamentary trusts. Migration Numbers: ABS data shows net overseas migration easing to 301,000 in 2025, the lowest level since 2022, as arrivals fall below 2019 levels. Health Funding Gap: A rural health campaign is spotlighting persistent gaps in access to care for regional and remote Australians, blaming workforce shortages and transport barriers. Medicare Admin Fix: The RACGP says it has secured protections for vulnerable patients ahead of 1 July Medicare assignment-of-benefit changes. Critical Minerals: Federal Resources Minister Madeleine King has launched Victory Metals’ rare earths pilot processing plant in Perth, backing Australia’s push to diversify supply chains. Wildlife Disaster: Bird flu (H5N1) has killed more than 13,000 seal pups on Heard Island, with scientists warning the Southern Ocean risk remains severe. Data Centres Debate: Concerns are growing over AI-driven data centre expansion, especially planning and water impacts in climate-stressed regions. One Nation Fallout: Pauline Hanson’s National Press Club push for “monocultural” Australia continues to spark political tension, including renewed scrutiny of her rhetoric and security.