THE opening of suburban pop-up Christmas stores for 2024 is reviving the tradition of holiday decorating. Despite rising living costs, Christmas Warehouse’s Retail Manager, Naomi Ramirez, anticipates families will spend a bit more on festive cheer. With stable prices amid inflation, the stores offer a wide selection of Christmas trees and decorations. Ramirez predicts trends like Grinch themes and pink decor will be popular this year. Families are encouraged to visit early for the best selection.
Scheme allows for easier mediation
A NEW Lawyer Mediator Accreditation Scheme (LMA Scheme) will help people resolve disputes outside of court by allowing them to select legally qualified mediators. Law Society of NSW President Brett McGrath emphasised that lawyer mediators offer unique analytical skills and subject matter expertise. The scheme sets rigorous training standards and requires ongoing professional development. It aims to provide a dignified, cost-effective alternative to court litigation, ensuring mediators adhere to strict ethical obligations.
Dementia the top cause of death
NEW ABS data reveals dementia is poised to become Australia’s leading cause of death, accounting for 9.1% of deaths in 2023, just behind ischaemic heart disease. Dementia remains the top cause of death for women and is now the leading cause in NSW, SA, and the ACT. With 421,000 Australians living with dementia, numbers are expected to double by 2054. Dementia Australia urges public health efforts to prevent cases and improve support for those affected.
Burnout rates worrying in this sector
PALLIATIVE Care Australia’s national workforce survey reveals rising burnout, with 44% of palliative care and 41% of aged care workers experiencing it frequently. Only 47% are satisfied with their mental health, and 46% with their physical health. However, 85% are keen on further training. CEO Camilla Rowland emphasizes the need for ongoing support to manage the emotional demands of end-of-life care. More insights will be released, with self-care resources available on PCA’s website.
Govt scraps outdated venue rules
THE NSW Government is scrapping restrictive “no entertainment” clauses to revive live music and nightlife in NSW. Outdated rules, such as limiting music genres, banning bands, or prohibiting strobe lights, have stifled venues and artists. The reforms will ease restrictions, giving venues control over entertainment and removing barriers like costly council approvals. This is part of broader Vibrancy Reforms aimed at supporting live performances, extending trading hours, and reducing red tape for licensed venues.
Building sector facing more crisis
AUSTRALIA’S residential construction sector faces a crisis as companies collapse, leaving consumers with lost deposits and unfinished homes. High immigration and declining housing starts intensify the need for new builds, but 2,832 companies went insolvent in 2023-24. Builders operate with slim margins, and consumer funds lack protection, often misused to cover other projects. Experts urge stronger regulations, like project accounts, to secure deposits, protect subcontractors, and restore confidence in the sector.
Rent increases caped to once a year
THE NSW Government will cap rent increases to once per year under new rental law reforms in NSW. The changes apply to both fixed-term and periodic leases, closing existing loopholes. Key reforms include ending no-ground evictions, easing pet ownership in rentals, offering free rent payment options, and banning fees for background checks. The reforms aim to protect the state’s 2.2 million renters, enhance transparency, and align with the National Cabinet’s Better Deal for Renters.
Half don’t know they have this condition
ONE in 13 Australians over 40 have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but only half are aware of it. COPD, a leading cause of avoidable hospitalisations, causes breathing difficulties and has no cure. To improve care, the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care released the first national COPD care standard, endorsed by 20 health bodies. Early diagnosis via spirometry and treatment, including quitting smoking and pulmonary rehabilitation, can help manage symptoms and prevent flare-ups
Breast cancer estimates surprising
AFTER 25 years of advocacy by Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA), NSW has identified 7,900 people living with metastatic breast cancer (MBC), surpassing previous estimates. This treatable but incurable cancer’s true prevalence nationwide is higher than the previous estimate of 10,553. BCNA urges the National Cancer Data Alliance to adopt NSW’s data model across Australia. Accurate data is crucial as treatments improve, allowing policymakers to address the growing needs of those living longer with MBC.
Surprised that dementia drug was rejected
DEMENTIA Australia expressed disappointment over the Therapeutic Goods Administration’s (TGA) rejection of Lecanemab, a treatment for early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. Developed by Eisai, Lecanemab removes amyloid plaques to slow cognitive decline. Already approved in countries like the U.S. and UK, it was also recently rejected by the European Medicines Agency. CEO Tanya Buchanan emphasised that while not a cure, the drug offers hope and could improve quality of life for some Australians with early Alzheimer’s.
Partner violence same as sports injury
MONASH University researchers used blood tests to detect concussions caused by intimate partner violence (IPV), including cases with non-fatal strangulation. Their study, published in Brain, Behaviour, and Immunity, found elevated biomarkers in IPV-related brain injuries. With IPV frequently targeting the head and neck, early detection is critical to prevent severe outcomes. The team aims to expand their research into national programs, emphasising that IPV-related concussions are as severe as sports concussions but often underreported.
Immigration the cause of housing problems
SUSTAINABLE Population Australia (SPA) supports Australia’s fertility drop to 1.5 children per woman, countering media claims of economic crisis. SPA President Peter Strachan argues that low fertility is manageable, citing Europe’s stable economic performance with similar rates. He criticises Australia’s high immigration levels—over 500,000 annually—for driving rapid population growth, overstretched infrastructure, and unaffordable housing. Strachan contends that stabilising the population could improve living standards, dismissing fears of a labor shortage as a myth.