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Anthony Albanese fast-tracks cost of living relief

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is set to fast-track legislation to introduce new measures to help struggling families and students during the ongoing cost of living crisis. The legislation will be introduced to parliament in the next two weeks which will include a guarantee of three days of subsidised childcare each week for Australian families, and will make fee-free TAFE permanent. The Labor government said three days of subsidised childcare is “about putting in place the building blocks for a universal childcare system”, with Education Minister Jason Clare saying the policy “is fundamentally about making sure every child gets a great start in life and start school ready to learn." “At the moment the children who need early education the most can’t access it,” Clare said. “They are missing out. As a result they start school behind and often never catch up. This will help fix that. Every child has the right to go to school — and governments have a responsibility to make that possible." “We believe every child has the right to go to early education, to help make sure they don’t start school behind — and our Labor government is going to make this possible.” Passing laws to make fee-free TAFE permanent will save “students thousands of dollars to train in key occupations, while delivering the skilled workers Australia needs”, the Albanese government said. “Our focus is on Building Australia’s Future while helping with the cost of living now,” Leader of the House Tony Burke said. “This fortnight we’ll continue delivering on that agenda — securing cost-of-living support for families through childcare reforms, while setting up our future prosperity through skills, training and future industry,” Burke said. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has opposed most cost-of-living measures, claiming they will have the opposite effect by pushing up inflation and delaying interest rate cuts. However, underlying inflation is now sitting at 3.2 per cent, and most economists believe the Reserve Bank will cut rates on February 18th. Image credits: LUKAS COCH/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Editorial

Money & Banking

Aussie drivers urged to cash in on $140 million in unclaimed funds

The NSW government has urged Sydney motorists to access its toll road relief scheme, with $140 million left unclaimed since the cost-of-living support measure was introduced last year. Drivers who spend more than $60 in tolls weekly can claim the excess back under the "toll cap" introduced by the Minns government to help highly-tolled residents in Western Sydney. On Monday, Roads Minister John Graham said that while $75 million had already been paid to motorists, there's still $140 million yet to be claimed. “I want to remind motorists to get on to the Service NSW website and claim what they are entitled to in relief,” Graham said in a statement. Around 720,000 drivers are eligible for a slice of the payments. Over the past year, more than 276,000 claims were paid since the scheme was introduced, with an average claim of $277, according to the government. There were 115 suburbs where the average claim was $300 or more, including Parramatta, Lidcombe, Schofields, Westmead, Toongabbie, Merrylands and Auburn. “We know people are doing it tough and the toll cap is making it just that little bit fairer for drivers that heavily rely on the toll roads,” Graham said. He also added that reform talks with private toll road companies are still ongoing. In December, the government struck an in-principle deal with Transurban, a toll road operator, for a network-wide pricing system in attempt to ease the impact of toll payments on motorists. “The NSW government is progressing with toll reform to make tolls fairer overall,” Graham said on Monday. Image: Rose Marinelli / Shutterstock.com

Money & Banking

"It's been terrible": Relief for 102-year-old trapped in unit for over a month

102-year-old Joan Mather had been stuck inside her home at the St Kilda Memorial Hall in Melbourne for 32 days after the lift broke down. and now she's finally free. Mather was trapped inside her third-storey apartment as she is unable to use the stairs due to her age. "It's been terrible. I used to love to go to the doctor," Mather told A Current Affair. "I can't even talk to the doctor. I've got to talk to him or her on the phone. "This is the second time this has happened. When are we going to have a lift which you rely on?" Concerned neighbours have been checking in on the centenarian, who was left "totally isolated" if it weren't for a few visitors who were able to walk up to the top floor. "She's been very lonely," fellow resident Gill said. "For a 102-year-old, Joan is very active. "She's used to coming down for a coffee and maybe a wine, and (she has been) totally isolated now except for people who can walk up to the top floor." Mather was born on June 17, 1922, and served in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force during WWII, before moving to Australia with her husband in the 50s. A spokesperson for Otis Elevators, who was working on the Memorial Hall issue said: "We will continue to work closely with the building management to alleviate the flooding issue and return the lift to service as soon as possible." "We apologise for any disruption caused to the residents." The elevator was finally fixed on Thursday afternoon and Mather celebrated with a glass of champagne at St Kilda's Heroes Lounge bar. Images: Nine/ A Current Affair

Caring

A bee-autiful new solution for osteoarthritis relief

Living with osteoarthritis can be a daily struggle, marked by pain, stiffness and limited mobility. For the millions of Australians affected each year, finding an effective and safe treatment is crucial – especially one without the unpleasant side effects so common to conventional treatments. That’s where <a href="https://www.raydel.com.au/shop" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Abexol</a> steps in: a new, naturally derived solution that is making waves in the health community thanks to a very surprising ingredient: Beeswax alcohols! Abexol was originally discovered during a study into gastrointestinal issues. Participants in the study not only experienced relief from stomach issues, but also noticed a marked decrease in joint pain. It was this lucky discovery that led researchers to explore Abexol’s dual benefits for joint and gastrointestinal health. <h2>The bee-nefits of Abexol</h2> Recently registered with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Abexol is poised to revolutionise the way we approach osteoarthritis management. That’s because traditional treatments often come with a host of gastrointestinal side effects, including nausea, diarrhoea, heartburn and gastritis just to name a few. Abexol, on the other hand, offers a unique solution by protecting the gastrointestinal tract and improving gut health, all while addressing joint pain at the same time – making it a truly holistic approach to such a widespread issue among Aussie seniors. It’s worth noting that a lot of traditional osteoarthritis treatments are also fish-based, such as glucosamine, chondroitin, or fish oils. For people with fish allergies, this is obviously a huge problem. Abexol provides a safe, non-fish-derived alternative, effectively managing arthritis pain and inflammation without the risk of allergic reactions. Abexol is also rich in powerful antioxidants that shield the body’s cells from damage caused by free radicals. These harmful molecules can arise from normal metabolic processes or external sources like pollution and smoking. By neutralising free radicals, antioxidants help reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2024/07/RAYDEL-Abexol2_1280.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="716" /> Abexol’s high bioavailability also ensures that the body can absorb it without issue. As the only beeswax-alcohols-based product registered by the TGA for treating mild arthritis and osteoarthritis while supporting stomach health, Abexol could well be the game-changer you have been searching for. According to Sarah Munnik, the Australian Market Access and Development Manager of Abexol, “Beeswax and derivatives of beeswax have been known to have great medicinal benefits, and have been used for hundreds of years across continents such as Africa, South America and Asia. “Ninety per-cent of our customers that have tried Abexol have loved it and have found that it’s either really helped to improve their joint pain and stiffness or supported their digestion and relieved gastric discomfort.” Abexol’s natural composition, lack of side effects and additional gastroprotective benefits clearly make it a standout choice. So embrace the future of osteoarthritis management with Abexol and get ready to step into a life of greater comfort and freedom. For more information, head to <a href="https://www.raydel.com.au/shop" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.raydel.com.au/shop</a> – and don’t forget to take advantage of our special Over60 offer by entering the discount code Over60 for 15% off your purchase! Images: Shutterstock | Supplied This is a sponsored article produced in partnership with Raydel.

Body

How to sign up for energy bill relief

In the face of rising living costs, thousands of Australians have turned to their energy providers for financial assistance, highlighting the community spirit and support available during these challenging times. Energy companies like AGL Australia and Energy Australia are stepping up to help their customers manage their bills and find relief. AGL Australia has seen a significant increase in its financial hardship program, with 10,000 customers joining in the past year. Energy Australia receives 1,000 calls every weekday from customers seeking bill relief. These numbers reflect the proactive measures Australians are taking to manage their expenses and the readiness of energy providers to offer support. Crystal Noronha, who has worked at the AGL call centre for 11 years, has witnessed firsthand the growing need for assistance. "There's a lot of distress in their voice, there's anxiety," Noronha <a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/thousands-of-customers-signing-up-for-energy-bill-relief-with-millions-more-eligible/9dc9535b-f94b-42f4-aeaf-6534dc898df2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">shared with 9NEWS</a>. "Some hide away from sharing their difficulties, but we're here to help them." Customers need not face extreme financial hardship to seek help, as everyone is eligible for some form of assistance. Gavin Dufty, from the charity St Vincent De Paul, underscores the commitment of energy companies to support their customers. "Every energy company has a legal obligation to provide support for all households regardless," Dufty explains. The assistance offered varies based on the provider and individual circumstances, ranging from bill extensions and more manageable payment plans to, in some cases, complete debt waivers. Adding to this support, the federal government is taking significant steps to ease the burden on households. Starting July 1, every household will receive a $300 credit into their energy account, providing substantial relief. Additionally, a free government website is available for customers to compare energy plan prices and find the most cost-effective options. These measures reflect a collaborative effort between energy providers and the government to ensure Australians can navigate the financial challenges of today's world. By offering practical solutions and financial relief, they are making a positive impact on the lives of many, ensuring that no one is left to face these difficulties alone. Image: Getty

Money & Banking

Flash droughts are becoming more common in Australia. What’s causing them?

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/milton-speer-703091">Milton Speer</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-technology-sydney-936">University of Technology Sydney</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/lance-m-leslie-437774">Lance M Leslie</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-technology-sydney-936">University of Technology Sydney</a> <a href="https://www.drought.gov/what-is-drought/flash-drought">Flash droughts</a> strike suddenly and intensify rapidly. Often the affected areas are in drought after just weeks or a couple of months of well-below-average rainfall. They happen worldwide and are <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/377274397_Flash_drought_A_state_of_the_science_review?_tp=eyJjb250ZXh0Ijp7ImZpcnN0UGFnZSI6InB1YmxpY2F0aW9uRG93bmxvYWQiLCJwYWdlIjoicHVibGljYXRpb24iLCJwcmV2aW91c1BhZ2UiOiJwdWJsaWNhdGlvbiJ9fQ#read">becoming more common</a>, including in Australia, due to global warming. Flash droughts can occur anywhere and at any time of the year. Last year, a flash drought <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-10-20/dams-dry-up-as-drought-takes-hold-in-hunter-valley/102996364">hit the Upper Hunter</a> region of New South Wales, roughly 300 kilometres north-west of Sydney. These sudden droughts can have devastating economic, social and environmental impacts. The damage is particularly severe for agricultural regions heavily dependent on reliable rain in river catchments. One such region is the Upper Hunter Valley, the subject of our <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2225-1154/12/4/49">new research</a>. We identified two climate drivers – the <a href="http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/about/?bookmark=enso">El Niño Southern Oscillation</a> and <a href="http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/about/?bookmark=iod">Indian Ocean Dipole</a>) – that became influential during this drought. In addition, the waning influence of a third climate driver, the <a href="http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/about/?bookmark=sam">Southern Annular Mode</a>), would typically bring rain to the east coast. However, this rain did not reach the Upper Hunter. Flash droughts are set to get more common as the world heats up. This year, a flash drought developed over western and central Victoria over just two months. While heavy rain this month in Melbourne ended the drought there, it continues in the west. <h2>What makes a flash drought different?</h2> Flash droughts differ from more slowly developing droughts. The latter result from extended drops in rainfall, such as the <a href="http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/drought/">drought affecting</a> parts of southwest Western Australia due to the much shortened winter wet season last year. Flash droughts develop when sudden large drops in rainfall coincide with above-average temperatures. They mostly occur in summer and autumn, as was the case for Asia and Europe in 2022. That year saw flash droughts appear across the northern hemisphere, such as the megadrought affecting China’s <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-9326/acfe21">Yangtze river basin</a> and <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352340923000264?via%3Dihub">Spain</a>. The flash drought devastating the Upper Hunter from May to October 2023 developed despite the region being drought-free just one month earlier. At that stage, almost nowhere in NSW showed any sign of an impending drought. <figure class="align-center "><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/586776/original/file-20240409-18-n82npo.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/586776/original/file-20240409-18-n82npo.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=276&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/586776/original/file-20240409-18-n82npo.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=276&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/586776/original/file-20240409-18-n82npo.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=276&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/586776/original/file-20240409-18-n82npo.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=347&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/586776/original/file-20240409-18-n82npo.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=347&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/586776/original/file-20240409-18-n82npo.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=347&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="Maps of drought conditions in NSW in April 2023 compared to the next six months" /><figcaption>NSW Department of Primary Industries’ combined drought indicator in April 2023 (a) and combined drought indicator for May–October 2023 (b) show how rapidly a flash drought developed in the Upper Hunter region. Milton Speer et al 2024, using NSW Department of Primary Industries' data</figcaption></figure> The flash drought greatly affected agricultural production in the Upper Hunter region, due to the region’s reliance on water from rivers. Low rainfall in river catchments means less water for crops and pasture. It also dries up drinking water supplies. Flash droughts are characterised by abrupt periods of low rainfall leading to rapid drought onset, particularly when accompanied by above-average temperatures. Higher temperatures increase both the evaporation of water from the soil and transpiration from plants (evapotranspiration). This causes soil moisture to drop rapidly. <h2>The Upper Hunter drought is part of a trend</h2> Flash droughts will be more common in the future. That’s because higher temperatures will more often coincide with dry conditions, as relative humidity falls <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/377274397_Flash_drought_A_state_of_the_science_review_tp=eyJjb250ZXh0Ijp7ImZpcnN0UGFnZSI6InB1YmxpY2F0aW9uRG93bmxvYWQiLCJwYWdlIjoicHVibGljYXRpb24iLCJwcmV2aW91c1BhZ2UiOiJwdWJsaWNhdGlvbiJ9fQ#read">across many parts</a> of Australia and globally. Climate change is <a href="https://climate.ec.europa.eu/climate-change/consequences-climate-change_en">linked to</a> shorter, heavier bursts of rain followed by longer periods of little rainfall. <figure class="align-center "><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/586777/original/file-20240409-16-n82npo.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/586777/original/file-20240409-16-n82npo.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=196&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/586777/original/file-20240409-16-n82npo.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=196&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/586777/original/file-20240409-16-n82npo.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=196&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/586777/original/file-20240409-16-n82npo.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=246&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/586777/original/file-20240409-16-n82npo.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=246&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/586777/original/file-20240409-16-n82npo.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=246&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="Map of Upper Hunter region showing drought indicators in December 2023" /><figcaption>Intense drought conditions continued in the Upper Hunter in December 2023. Milton Speer et al 2024</figcaption></figure> <figure class="align-right "><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/586778/original/file-20240409-16-www3a.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/586778/original/file-20240409-16-www3a.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=376&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/586778/original/file-20240409-16-www3a.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=376&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/586778/original/file-20240409-16-www3a.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=376&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/586778/original/file-20240409-16-www3a.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=472&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/586778/original/file-20240409-16-www3a.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=472&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/586778/original/file-20240409-16-www3a.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=472&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="Map of NSW showing average temperature ranges recorded for May–October 2023." /><figcaption>The sharp drop in rainfall coincided with the Upper Hunter’s highest average maximum temperatures on record for May–October 2023. Milton Speer et al 2024</figcaption></figure> In south-east and south-west Australia, flash droughts can also occur in winter. In May 2023 rainfall over south-east Australia dropped abruptly. The much lower rainfall continued until November in the Upper Hunter. Over this same period, mean maximum temperatures in the region were the highest on record, increasing the loss of moisture through evapotranspiration. The result was a flash drought. While flash droughts occurred in other parts of south-east Australia, we focused on the Upper Hunter as it remained in drought the longest. <h2>What were the climate drivers of this drought?</h2> We used machine-learning techniques to identify the key climate drivers of the drought. We found the dominant driver of the flash drought was global warming, modulated by the phases of the three major climate drivers in our region, the El Niño Southern Oscillation, Indian Ocean Dipole and the Southern Annular Mode. From 2020 to 2022, the first two drivers became favourable for rain in the Upper Hunter in late winter through spring, before changing phase to one supporting drought over south-east Australia. Meanwhile, the Southern Annular Mode remained mostly positive, meaning rain-bearing westerly winds and weather fronts had moved to middle and higher latitudes of the southern hemisphere, away from Australia’s south-east coast. Combined, the impact of global warming with the three climate drivers made rainfall much more variable. The net result was an atmospheric environment highly conducive to a flash drought appearing anywhere in south-east Australia. <figure class="align-right zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/586248/original/file-20240405-16-ti5j3m.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/586248/original/file-20240405-16-ti5j3m.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/586248/original/file-20240405-16-ti5j3m.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=464&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/586248/original/file-20240405-16-ti5j3m.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=464&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/586248/original/file-20240405-16-ti5j3m.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=464&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/586248/original/file-20240405-16-ti5j3m.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=583&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/586248/original/file-20240405-16-ti5j3m.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=583&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/586248/original/file-20240405-16-ti5j3m.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=583&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="Map of Upper Hunter region showing drought indicators in December 2023" /></a><figcaption>Intense drought conditions continued in the Upper Hunter in December 2023. Milton Speer et al 2024</figcaption></figure> <h2>Victoria, too, fits the global warming pattern</h2> As for the flash drought that developed in early 2024 over western and central Victoria, including Melbourne, it continues in parts of <a href="http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/drought/#msdynttrid=_ytsVsw1a3IFZ7xGCnQz8mw1Gum_n_0JUdQyt2hUVCo">western Victoria</a>. The flash drought followed very high January rainfall (top 5% of records) dropping rapidly to very low rainfall (bottom 5%) in February and March. It was the <a href="http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/maps/rainfall/?variable=rainfall&map=decile&period=2month&region=vc&year=2024&month=03&day=31">driest February-March period</a> on record for Melbourne and south-west Victoria. At the beginning of April, a storm front <a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/severe-weather-storm-warning-for-victoria-and-melbourne-easter-monday/41d5d383-b70d-4d36-a649-38632bc607de">brought heavy rainfall</a> over an 18-hour period to central Victoria, including Melbourne. The rains ended the flash drought in these areas, but it continues in parts of western Victoria, which missed out on the rain. The pattern of the 2024 flash drought in Victoria typifies the increasing trend under global warming of long dry periods, interspersed by short, heavy rainfall events. <img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/227052/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/milton-speer-703091">Milton Speer</a>, Visiting Fellow, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-technology-sydney-936">University of Technology Sydney</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/lance-m-leslie-437774">Lance M Leslie</a>, Professor, School of Mathematical And Physical Sciences, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-technology-sydney-936">University of Technology Sydney</a> Image credits: Getty Images This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/flash-droughts-are-becoming-more-common-in-australia-whats-causing-them-227052">original article</a>.

Domestic Travel

Millions of Aussies set for power bill relief

Millions of Aussies are set for some financial relief, with electricity costs set to drop by up to 7 per cent in the coming months. The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) and Victoria's Essential Services Commission (ESC) both released their draft default market offers - the maximum energy retailers are allowed to charge customers - for the 2024-25 financial year. Under the AER draft, residents in Sydney, Newcastle and the Hunter on the default offer will pay between 3 and 3.4 per cent less for electricity starting from July 1. The biggest drop is set for Victoria, with the ESC proposing a 6.4 per cent decrease. Those in Western Sydney, the Illawarra, and South Coast, will see their electricity bills decrease by 1.9 to 7.1 per cent. South Australians will receive a drop between 0.5 and 2.5 per cent. A number of small business customers will also benefit from lower power bill costs with 9.7 per cent for Sydney, Newcastle and the Hunter; 4.4 per cent for Western Sydney and the South Coast; 0.3 per cent for South-East Queensland; 8.2 per cent for South Australia; and 7 per cent for Victoria. Energy Minister Chris Bowen welcomed the news of lower power bill costs, but acknowledged that it will continue to play a part in the cost of living challenges faced by many Australians. "This is encouraging news," he said. "Encouraging for those small businesses and families who will receive lower energy bills as a result. "But nobody should suggest that there aren't real cost of living pressures around the world and in Australia, and energy prices are of course part of that and will continue to be." Not everyone will see a drop, with customers in the rest of regional NSW to get a small increase of 0.9 per cent, while the default offer for South East Queensland will increase by up to 2.7 per cent. While not all households are on the default offer, Bowen said that the AER's decision will also affect those not on the offer. "This either impacts directly or indirectly your energy bill," he said. "Directly for those on the default market offer. For those who aren't on the direct market offer, indirectly - the energy companies have to benchmark themselves against this, tell their consumers how they compare to this, and it provides very real pressure on them to match it. "If they don't, consumers will know about it and will make choices accordingly. "It's partly about those on the default market offer, but it actually impacts on all our bills indirectly." AER chair Clare Savage said that the cost of living crisis was the main contributor for their draft decision. "We know that economic conditions have put pressure on many Australians and the increases in electricity prices over the last two years has made energy less affordable for many households," she said. "In light of this, the AER has, in this decision, placed increased weight on protecting consumers." The draft decision is not final, with both the AER and ESC to receive consultation and feedback from stakeholders before confirming their default market offers in May. Image: Getty

Money & Banking

"It was a relief": Rebecca Gibney opens up on mental health struggles

Rebecca Gibney has revealed what a "relief" it was to finally open up about the mental health struggles she faced from 14 to 30-years-old. The New Zealand actress, 58, said she spent a lot of that time "pretending" she was okay despite growing up around domestic violence, as her mother suffered from abuse in the hands of Gibney's late father, Austin. In an interview with Stellar on Saturday, the Packed to the Rafters star shared that she is "loving" how mental health is now being framed. “When I started talking about my mental health struggles and anxiety ... it was a relief,” she told the publication. “I could drop the mask of pretending that I was OK. What I’m loving seeing is that more and more people are now going, ‘I’m not OK’”. Gibney first opened up about her struggles in 2017, when she opened up about the abuse her mother faced and how she was “beaten so badly she had bruises for six months on her legs. “She’d always shut the doors ... you’d hear the yelling and the shouting and the slapping, but you’d never actually see it," she told Women's Day, at the time. After Gibney's father died in 1982, the actress began seeing a therapist, but was "on Valium and in a dark place for quite a while”. In her latest interview with Stellar, Gibney also added that more needed to be done to prevent domestic violence and help survivors. “We still don’t want to talk about it. We need to really drill down (and question), ‘Why is this happening?’ We need more education, more centres," she said. “We need people to be able to get the help they need.” Images: Instagram

Mind

"Immense relief": Death cap mushroom survivor released from hospital

Ian Wilkinson, the survivor of a suspected mushroom poisoning incident, has been discharged from Melbourne's Austin Hospital after spending two months in critical condition following a family gathering. Wilkinson, a Baptist pastor residing in the quaint South Gippsland town of Korrumburra, was among four individuals who fell seriously ill after consuming a beef Wellington dish suspected to have been contaminated with death cap mushrooms. Tragically, Wilkinson's wife, Heather, lost her life in the aftermath, as did Heather's sister, Gail Patterson, and her husband, Don. Ian managed to pull through, and his release from the hospital marked a significant milestone in his recovery. The Wilkinson family expressed their profound gratitude towards the hospital staff for their relentless dedication and exceptional care during this challenging period. "We are pleased to announce that Ian Wilkinson has made significant progress in his recovery and was released from Austin Hospital on Friday," the family said in a statement. "This milestone marks a moment of immense relief and gratitude for Ian and the entire Wilkinson family. "The Wilkinson family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the Leongatha, Dandenong and Austin Hospitals for their unwavering dedication and exceptional care that played a pivotal role in Ian's recovery. "The medical team's expertise and compassion have been a source of comfort and hope throughout this journey. "Additionally, the family is profoundly grateful for the outpouring of support, prayers, and well-wishes from the Korumburra community, church, friends, family, and colleagues. "This collective kindness has been a pillar of strength for Ian and the family, reinforcing the sense of unity and compassion that defines our community. "As Ian continues his journey towards full recovery, the Wilkinson family kindly requests that their privacy be respected." Meanwhile, the woman responsible for preparing the ill-fated meal, Erin Patterson, <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/details-of-erin-patterson-s-police-statement-around-fatal-mushroom-meal-revealed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">remains a suspect</a> as police homicide detectives continue their investigation into the three tragic deaths. She vehemently denies any wrongdoing. Image: Facebook

Caring

Women get far more migraines than men – a neurologist explains why, and what brings relief

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/danielle-wilhour-1337610">Danielle Wilhour</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-colorado-anschutz-medical-campus-4838">University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus</a> A migraine is far <a href="https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/what-is-migraine/">more than just a headache</a> – it’s a debilitating disorder of the nervous system. People who have migraines experience severe throbbing or pulsating pain, typically on one side of the head. The pain is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting and <a href="https://theconversation.com/migraine-sufferers-have-treatment-choices-a-neurologist-explains-options-beyond-just-pain-medication-181348">extreme sensitivity to light or sound</a>. An attack may last for hours or days, and to ease the suffering, some people spend time isolated in dark, quiet rooms. About 800 million people worldwide <a href="https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2021.21857">get migraine headaches</a>; in the U.S. alone, <a href="https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/what-is-migraine/">about 39 million</a>, or approximately 12% of the population, have them regularly. And most of these people are women. More than <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2012/04/16/150525391/why-women-suffer-more-migraines-than-men">three times as many women</a> as compared to men get migraines. For women ages 18 to 49, migraine is the leading <a href="https://doi.org/10.1186/s10194-020-01208-0">cause of disability throughout the world</a>. What’s more, research shows that women’s migraines are <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-020-04643-8">more frequent, more disabling and longer-lasting</a> than men’s. Women are more likely than men to <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-015-2156-7">seek medical care and prescription drugs</a> for migraines. And women who have migraines <a href="https://doi.org/10.1186/s10194-021-01281-z">tend to have more mental health issues</a>, including anxiety and depression. <a href="https://som.cuanschutz.edu/Profiles/Faculty/Profile/29586">As a board-certified neurologist</a> who specializes in headache medicine, I find the gender differences in migraines to be fascinating. And some of the reasons why these differences exist may surprise you. <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lorXYK2OtAA?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><figcaption>A variety of medications and therapies offer relief for migraines.</figcaption></figure> <h2>Migraines and hormones</h2> There are several factors behind why men and women experience migraine attacks differently. These include hormones, genetics, how certain genes are activated or deactivated – an <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/epigenetics">area of study called epigenetics</a> – and the environment. All of these factors play a role in shaping the structure, function and adaptability of the brain when it comes to migraines. The hormones <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/estrogen-vs-progesterone#functions">estrogen and progesterone</a>, through different mechanisms, play a role in regulating many biological functions. They affect various chemicals in the brain and may contribute to <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/aws175">functional and structural differences</a> in specific brain regions that are involved in the development of migraines. Additionally, sex hormones can <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-020-04643-8">quickly change the size of blood vessels</a>, which can predispose people to migraine attacks. During childhood, both boys and girls have an <a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/0333102409355601">equal chance of experiencing migraines</a>. It’s estimated that about <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557813/">10% of all children will have them</a> at some point. But when girls reach puberty, their likelihood of getting migraines increases. That’s due to the <a href="https://doi.org/10.3389/fmolb.2018.00073">fluctuating levels of sex hormones</a>, primarily <a href="https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/estrogens-effects-on-the-female-body">estrogen</a>, associated with puberty – although other hormones, including <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/24562-progesterone">progesterone</a>, may be involved too. Some girls have their first migraine around the time <a href="https://doi.org/10.1002/jnr.23903">of their first menstrual cycle</a>. But migraines are often most common and intense <a href="https://doi.org/10.1136%2Fbmj.39559.675891.AD">during a woman’s reproductive and child-bearing years</a>. Researchers estimate about 50% to 60% of women with migraines <a href="https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/menstrual-migraine-treatment-and-prevention/">experience menstrual migraines</a>. These migraines typically occur in the days leading up to menstruation or during menstruation itself, when the <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s10194-012-0424-y">drop in estrogen levels can trigger migraines</a>. Menstrual migraines can be more severe and last longer than migraines at other times of the month. A class of medicines that came out in the 1990’s – <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/triptan-migraine#side-effects">triptans</a> – are commonly used to treat migraines; certain triptans can be used specifically for menstrual migraines. Another category of medications, called <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/11086-non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory-medicines-nsaids">nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs</a>, have also been effective at lessening the discomfort and length of menstrual migraines. So can a variety of birth control methods, which help by keeping hormone levels steady. <h2>Migraine with aura</h2> But women who have <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/migraine-with-aura/symptoms-causes/syc-20352072">migraine with aura</a>, which is a distinct type of migraine, should generally avoid using estrogen containing hormonal contraceptives. The combination can increase the risk of stroke because estrogen can promote <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.thromres.2020.05.008">the risk of blood clot formation</a>. Birth control options for women with auras include progesterone-only birth control pills, the Depo-Provera shot, and intrauterine devices. Auras affect about 20% of the people who have migraines. Typically, prior to the migraine, the person most commonly begins to see dark spots and zigzag lines. Less often, about 10% of the time, an inability to speak clearly, or tingling or weakness on one side of the body, also occurs. These symptoms slowly build up, generally last less than an hour before disappearing, and are commonly followed by head pain. Although these symptoms resemble what happens during a stroke, an aura tends to occur slowly, over minutes – while strokes usually happen instantaneously. That said, it may be difficult and dangerous for a nonmedical person to try to discern the difference between the two conditions, particularly in the midst of an attack, and determine whether it’s migraine with aura or a stroke. If there is any uncertainty as to what’s wrong, a call to 911 is most prudent. <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Tn91p-PY2h8?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><figcaption>If you’re a woman and your migraines happen at the same time every month, it might be menstrual migraines.</figcaption></figure> <h2>Migraines during pregnancy, menopause</h2> For women who are pregnant, migraines can be particularly <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=headaches-in-early-pregnancy-134-3">debilitating during the first trimester</a>, a time when morning sickness is common, making it difficult to eat, sleep or hydrate. Even worse, missing or skipping any of these things can make migraines more likely. The good news is that migraines generally tend to lessen in severity and frequency throughout pregnancy. For some women, they disappear, especially as the pregnancy progresses. But then, for those who experienced them during pregnancy, migraines tend <a href="https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/postpartum-headache/">to increase after delivery</a>. This can be due to the decreasing hormone levels, as well as sleep deprivation, stress, dehydration and other environmental factors related to caring for an infant. Migraine attacks can also increase during <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21608-perimenopause">perimenopause</a>, a woman’s transitional phase to menopause. Again, fluctuating hormone levels, <a href="https://www.verywellhealth.com/perimenopause-and-migraines-4009311">particularly estrogen, trigger them</a>, along with the chronic pain, depression and sleep disturbances that can occur during this time. But as menopause progresses, migraines generally decline. In some cases, they completely go away. In the meantime, there are treatments that can help lessen both the frequency and severity of migraines throughout menopause, including <a href="https://www.webmd.com/menopause/menopause-hormone-therapy">hormone replacement therapy</a>. Hormone replacement therapy contains female hormones and is used to replace those that your body makes less of leading up to or after menopause. <h2>Men’s migraines</h2> The frequency and severity of migraines slightly increase for <a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/0333102409355601">men in their early 20s</a>. They tend to slow down, peak again around age 50, then slow down or stop altogether. Why this happens is not well understood, although a combination of genetic factors, environmental influences and lifestyle choices may contribute to the rise. Medical researchers still have more to learn about why women and men get migraines. Bridging the gender gap in migraine research not only empowers women, but it also advances understanding of the condition as a whole and creates a future where migraines are better managed.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/207606/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/danielle-wilhour-1337610">Danielle Wilhour</a>, Assistant Professor of Neurology, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-colorado-anschutz-medical-campus-4838">University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus</a> Image credits: Getty Images This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/women-get-far-more-migraines-than-men-a-neurologist-explains-why-and-what-brings-relief-207606">original article</a>.

Body

11 surprising home remedies for constipation relief

Constipation remedy: Sesame seeds Sesame seeds make great home remedies for constipation, according to a study published in the International Journal for Research in Applied Science and Engineering Technology. The oily composition of sesame seeds works to moisturise the intestines, which can help if dry stools are a problem and provide constipation relief. Add the seeds to cereals or salads for crunch, or pulverise them in a coffee grinder and sprinkle on food like a seasoning. Constipation remedy: Molasses One tablespoon of blackstrap molasses before bed should help ease your constipation by morning. The ingredient was studied by the Journal of Ethnopharmacology in 2019 on paediatric constipation with successful results. Blackstrap molasses is boiled and concentrated three times, so it has significant vitamins and minerals; magnesium, in particular, will help you achieve constipation relief. Constipation remedy: Fibre Fibre acts like a pipe cleaner, scrubbing food and waste particles from your digestive tract and soaking up water. It adds bulk to your stool, giving the muscles of your GI tract something to grab on to, so they can keep food moving along. The Mayo Clinic suggests aiming for 20 to 35 grams of fibre a day to stay regular. Foods particularly high in fibre include bran cereals, beans, lentils, oats, almonds, barley, many vegetables, and fresh and dried fruits. All of these things can be home remedies for constipation. If you’re constipated and taking in additional fibre, be sure to drink more water than usual to keep your stool soft and easy to pass. Constipation remedy: Mint or ginger tea Mint and ginger are both proven home remedies to help alleviate a slew of digestive problems. Peppermint contains menthol, which has an antispasmodic effect that relaxes the muscles of the digestive tract. Ginger is a ‘warming’ herb that causes the inside of the body to generate more heat; herbalists say this can help speed up sluggish digestion. Dr Stephen Sinatra recommends ginger in either capsule or tea form. In tea, the hot water will also stimulate digestion and provide constipation relief. Dandelion tea is also a gentle laxative and detoxifier. Constipation remedy: Healthy fats Olive oil, nuts and avocados all contain healthy fats, which can help lubricate your intestines and ease constipation, according to the experts at Harvard Medical School. A salad with fibre-rich leafy greens and a simple olive oil dressing, a small handful of nuts, or a tablespoon of natural nut butter on fruit or toast are good options. Even if you’re watching your weight, healthy fats are necessary for basic body functions; they are very satiating to keep you satisfied with less. Constipation remedy: Lemon water The citric acid in lemon juice acts as a stimulant to your digestive system and can help flush toxins from your body, providing constipation relief. Squeeze fresh lemon juice into a glass of water every morning, or add lemon to tea; you may find that the refreshingly tart water not only acts as a natural remedy to your constipation but also it helps you drink more water each day, which will improve your long-term digestion. And don’t be afraid to warm it up, says the American Cancer Society, sharing that warm or hot fluids can also be a helpful treatment. Constipation remedy: Coffee Coffee can stimulate your colon and speed up your trip to the bathroom. Other hot drinks work as home remedies for constipation too: herbal tea or a cup of hot water with a little lemon juice (a natural laxative) or honey may stimulate your colon as well. Coffee is also a diuretic, however, so make sure to keep drinking water or your constipation could become worse, according to Harvard Medical School experts. Constipation remedy: Raisins High in fibre, raisins also contain tartaric acid, according to Stanford Children’s Health, which has a laxative effect. Cherries and apricots are also rich in fibre and can help kick your constipation. Eat these fruits with a bowl of yoghurt for the added benefits of gut-soothing probiotics. Constipation remedy: Prunes This fibre-rich fruit is a go-to home remedy for getting your digestion back on track. Three prunes have 3 grams of fibre, and contain a phenolic compound that triggers the intestinal contraction that makes you want to go. Another great dried fruit choice is figs, which may not cause as much bloating as prunes. Constipation remedy: Castor oil This home remedy for constipation has been handed down for generations. One of the primary uses for castor oil is as a laxative, according to Cleveland Clinic; take one to two teaspoons on an empty stomach and you should see results in about eight hours. Why? A component in the oil breaks down into a substance that stimulates your large and small intestines. Constipation remedy: Exercise The Mayo Clinic promotes exercise as a way to increase muscle activity in your intestines. Even a daily 15-minute walk can help move food through your bowel more quickly. If you feel sleepy after a heavy meal, try to move around instead of lying down. Jump-starting the digestive process can help you avoid that painfully full feeling that often follows a large meal. Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/healthsmart/11-surprising-home-remedies-for-constipation-relief-2?pages=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>.

Body

Cost of living relief on the way for struggling Aussies

As the ongoing cost of living crisis continues to affect hard-working Aussies, a series of changes set to be introduced by the government will ease the financial burden for a few select groups. As the new financial year begins on July 1st, a 15 per cent pay rise for aged care workers, cheaper childcare and changes to paid parental leave will come into effect. The policies promised in the last federal budget will come into effect, including electricity bill relief for some households and a small business incentive to help eligible companies become more energy efficient. Five million households will be eligible for up to $500 in power price relief while one million small businesses will be able to access up to $650. As well as this, eligibility for the first home guarantee and regional first home guarantee will now include any two borrowers beyond married and de facto couples. It will also apply to non-first home buyers who have not owned a property in Australia in the previous 10 years. Treasurer Jim Chalmers said the new measures are designed the help Aussies who are doing it tough. "The suite of policies which will start to roll out from Saturday, will make a real difference in the lives of millions of hardworking Australians while delivering an economic dividend and laying the foundations for future growth," he said. "Key policies like energy price relief will directly reduce inflation, while others like cheaper childcare and enhanced paid parental leave will boost the capacity of our economy." Image credits: Getty Images

Money & Banking

Five easy ways to use less water at home – and not just in a drought

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/niko-wanders-1234321">Niko Wanders</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/utrecht-university-1354">Utrecht University</a> With so much of the world suffering from drought, you might think your ability to help is minimal. But when you consider the average person in the UK uses around <a href="https://www.water.org.uk/news-item/vast-majority-of-brits-have-no-idea-how-much-water-they-use-each-day/">142 litres of water a day</a>, it’s easy to see how small changes to your routine can add up. More than half of the water that is extracted from rivers, streams and aquifers in the UK feeds the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/env15-water-abstraction-tables">public water supply</a>. These abstractions, as they’re called, worsen drought conditions by draining local waterways, depriving vegetation, fish and other aquatic life of the water they need to survive droughts. Filling paddling pools to cool off, taking multiple showers each day to stay clean, watering the garden to revive wilting plants – all these extra activities contribute to a sharp increase in public water use on hot and dry days. And these impacts can endure for months, as freshwater systems need a lot of additional rainfall to recover from droughts. If each person can reduce their water use during a drought, it would significantly benefit the natural world in its recovery. Here are five things you can do, starting today. <h2>1. Shower less</h2> Most of the water you use is <a href="https://www.water.org.uk/news-item/vast-majority-of-brits-have-no-idea-how-much-water-they-use-each-day/">in the shower</a>. For every minute you’re under the shower head (depending on how powerful it is), around 10 litres of water drains away. Since most people shower for <a href="https://www.mirashowers.co.uk/blog/trends/revealed-what-brits-are-really-getting-up-to-in-the-bathroom-1/#:%7E:text=Most%20Brits%20(62%25)%20bathe,latest%20UK%20shower%20habits%20survey.">an average of seven minutes</a>, half of your daily water use takes place first thing in the morning. Turning off the shower while shampooing your hair or applying shower gel can help conserve water, as can shortening the length of your shower overall. Be sure not to switch to a bath though – the average soak in the tub uses <a href="https://www.water.org.uk/news-item/vast-majority-of-brits-have-no-idea-how-much-water-they-use-each-day/">around 80 litres of water</a>. <h2>2. Use rainwater in the garden</h2> <figure class="align-right zoomable"><figcaption></figcaption></figure> During a dry spell, the average gardener can use <a href="https://www.southwestwater.co.uk/siteassets/documents/uwu-0618-web-version.pdf">hundreds of litres</a> of water to keep their plants hydrated. Some people will use a watering can (good), others might leave a sprinkler on all day (bad). Most use drinking water, which is a waste – plants are happy with rain water. Add a water butt that collects the rain which falls on your roof and use it for the garden. To find out how to install one, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jk0lstsu5o">watch this</a>. <h2>3. Use the short flush</h2> Per flush, your toilet uses about <a href="https://www.water.org.uk/news-item/vast-majority-of-brits-have-no-idea-how-much-water-they-use-each-day/">5 litres of water</a>, and up to 10 litres in older models. If available, use the short flush to significantly reduce how much water is wasted. <h2>4. Cut back on car washing</h2> If you need to wash your car, do it the old-fashioned way with a bucket and soap rather than hosing it down. The water contained in a bucket (<a href="https://www.water.org.uk/news-item/vast-majority-of-brits-have-no-idea-how-much-water-they-use-each-day/">roughly 30 litres</a>) is significantly less than the average that flows through a hose (around <a href="https://www.southwestwater.co.uk/siteassets/documents/uwu-0618-web-version.pdf">15 litres per minute</a>). Better yet, avoid washing your car entirely during a drought. <h2>5. Reuse water</h2> If you’re washing vegetables, you could collect the water in a bowl in the sink and later give it to the plants in your house or outside. While you’re waiting for warm water to come out of a tap, use the cold to fill the kettle. Close the tap while you’re lathering your hands with soap or brushing your teeth. Though these are only small savings, they do make a difference over time. Inflatable pools are lovely for cooling down on the hottest days. A cleaning pump can filter the water and recycle it without you needing to use more water to keep the pool clean. <h2>Save water, save money</h2> All these tips can significantly reduce your water use and combat the effects of drought on the environment. They can also save you money. If you’re able to renovate your home, it’s worth installing a system for collecting rain water which, combined with a pump, can flush toilets. In Belgium, for example, it is common practice to have such a system installed (effectively, a large underground water butt) in newly built houses. Most people would struggle to afford these kinds of measures, and so drought-proofing homes and communities should be part of the effort to adapt countries to the extreme weather expected in a rapidly warming world. Image credit: Shutterstock <hr /> <figure class="align-right "><figcaption></figcaption></figure> Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like? <a href="https://theconversation.com/uk/newsletters/imagine-57?utm_source=TCUK&utm_medium=linkback&utm_campaign=Imagine&utm_content=DontHaveTimeTop">Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead.</a> Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. <a href="https://theconversation.com/uk/newsletters/imagine-57?utm_source=TCUK&utm_medium=linkback&utm_campaign=Imagine&utm_content=DontHaveTimeBottom">Join the 10,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.</a><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/187885/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <hr /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/niko-wanders-1234321">Niko Wanders</a>, Assistant Professor in Hydrological Extremes, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/utrecht-university-1354">Utrecht University</a> This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/five-easy-ways-to-use-less-water-at-home-and-not-just-in-a-drought-187885">original article</a>.

Home & Garden

Energy bill relief to benefit just one Aussie demographic

Nearly half a million older Australians will receive hundreds of dollars in energy bill relief as the federal government looks to battle rising power prices. Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth revealed that all Commonwealth seniors health card holders will be given up to $500 per household. The 490,000-plus recipients will include an extra 16,320 people granted access to the card after the federal government introduced higher income thresholds for eligibility in November 2022. The new income limits are $90,000 for singles and $144,000 (combined) for couples. The government claimed this would benefit 52,000 older people by 2026-27. Rishworth explained the energy relief would be available from July 2023. The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) released its final determination on May 25, with a revised price increase higher than the March draft that saw a 20 to 22 per cent rise. AER chair Clare Savage said it had been a “difficult decision” but high wholesale energy costs continued to hike up retail prices. “No one wants to see rising prices, and we recognise this is a difficult time, that’s why it’s important for consumers to shop around for a better deal,” she said. Following the AER’s announcement, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton appeared on Today and said Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had “lied” to Australians about energy prices. “Let’s be very clear about it, he promised on 97 occasions your bill would go down by $275,” he told Today host Karl Stefanovic. “I think the government’s completely underestimating how much families and small businesses are hurting at the moment.” The bill comes shortly after the Australian Energy Regulator revealed electric prices were set to increase by 25 per cent for about 600,000 customers across three states from July 1. The federal government’s latest budget committed to $3 billion in financial support for those struggling to pay their power bill. Image credit: Shutterstock

Money & Banking

Sneaky reasons you’re bloated all the time

While bloating may be common, it is never enjoyable. Bloating happens when your gastrointestinal tract is filled with air or gas, and can make you feel overly stuffed. Not only can it be uncomfortable, but you may notice physical signs as well, including a swollen or misshapen belly. The good news? According to Abby Langer, a registered dietitian, not all bloating is bad. “Bloating itself is normal after eating,” she says, noting that it simply means your gut and intestinal bacteria are feasting. “But if it’s accompanied by gas, cramps or gastrointestinal symptoms, then it becomes problematic.” Your stomach should not feel hard, and you should not be experiencing severe pain. If you find yourself bloated all the time, the five factors below may be to blame. <h2>You ate capsicum or broccoli</h2> If you’re bloated all the time, it might be down to that heaping pile of veggies you had for dinner. Capsicum, broccoli, legumes and other cruciferous vegetables are rich in fibre and low in kilojoules, but they’re also big-time gas-producers. That doesn’t mean you should leave the veggies off your plate. “You may want to eat fewer at one time – but definitely don’t stop eating them,” says Langer. “Because, again, bloating can be a good sign that the bugs in our gut are having a party.” You can kerb the worst of your veggie bloating by drinking between six to eight 250mL glasses of water throughout the day and cutting down on any added salt, which causes water retention and will only add to the bloating. <h2>Your skim latte</h2> You don’t need to give up your morning coffee, but if you’re prone to ordering the “skim” version of drinks, or use sugar alcohol-based alternative coffee sweeteners like mannitol or sorbitol, this may be the reason you’re bloated all the time. “Sugar alcohols are very popular in the low-carb community,” Langer says. Unfortunately, sugar alcohols like xylitol, lactitol and isomalt also cause bloating – and may be the reason that you’re starting off mornings filled with air or gas. If you’re insistent on a lower-kilojoule take on coffee, you can always try drinking your coffee black – so long as you’re not typically sensitive to caffeine, of course. (In some studies, drinking coffee has been linked to gastrointestinal issues like bloating. Try keeping a journal of how you feel after your morning cup to see if it’s the culprit.) Switching to tea is also on option, since it’s usually less acidic than coffee and has tons of health benefits. <h2>Too much fibre, too fast</h2> According to Langer, many people experience unexpected bloating when they make healthy changes to their diet, thanks to the sudden influx of fibre. When you start eating more high-fibre fruits like apples, mangoes, bananas and strawberries, that fibre can sit in your colon and ferment, which causes bloating. Just as you shouldn’t cut veggies out of your diet, don’t ditch the fruit – or your quest to increase your fibre intake. (On average, women need 25 grams of fibre per day and men 38 grams, but most of us are only getting half that amount.) Go gradually, try a variety of fibre-rich foods and spread your intake across meals. And remember, drinking enough water throughout the day can help keep your bloating in check. <h2>You’re stressed out</h2> Stress and bloating can feel like being stuck in an endless loop. You’re stressed, so you’re bloated… and because you’re bloating, you’re stressed! “When we’re stressed out,” says Langer, “the brain tells the gut to slow down our digestion.” That’s because stress triggers the body’s fight-or-flight response. When that happens, your gut isn’t contracting as often and food isn’t moving through your digestive system because your brain and body are focused on the stressor. Defeating stress can be tricky – especially since we aren’t always outwardly aware we’re feeling that way. Maybe you’re on holiday at a warm, relaxing place, and yet the subconscious stress of travel means you’re both bloated and constipated. Miserable! <h2>You love carbonated water</h2> Many people love sparkling water as an alternative to flat water. In fact, the sparkling water industry is one of the fastest-growing non-alcoholic beverage categories. It can be a much healthier choice than certain indulgences, such as soft drink and alcohol, so it feels like a win. But, “If you consume gas, you’re going to be having gas in your belly,” Langer says. Movement, whether it’s intense or gentle, can help move the gas through your system. Langer suggests getting up and going for a short walk, especially if you’ve been sitting at a desk all day. This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/healthsmart/conditions/sneaky-reasons-youre-bloated-all-the-time" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>. Images: Getty

Body

Aussies set for power bill relief just before Christmas

The Albanese government has introduced a bill to help battling Aussies feel some relief during the ongoing cost of living crisis by bringing down the cost of unsustainable energy prices. Treasurer Jim Chalmers says Australians need “urgent, targeted, meaningful action” to take some of the sting out of the increasing power costs, which will be addressed through a new energy package to give households and small businesses some relief. MPs and senators were recalled to Canberra for a special session of parliament on Thursday to debate the government’s package, as it will now sail through both houses after Anthony Albanese secured the Senate support of the Greens, David Pocock, and the Jacqui Lambie Network. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has confirmed the Coalition will not support the Bill, saying it would be “catastrophic” for Australian economic policy. Once passed, gas prices will be capped at $12 a gigajoule for 12 months, which the government says will slash power bills by about $230. The Queensland and NSW governments will also enforce a cap on coal for the same amount of time, at $125 a tonne. The package also includes $1.5 billion of additional relief to small businesses and some households. In introducing the Bill in the House on Thursday morning, Dr Chalmers said without urgent market intervention, retail gas prices were tipped to increase by a further 20 per cent and electricity prices by 36 per cent in the next financial year. “That’s why urgent action is needed … And when we vote today, every member of this place will make a choice,” he said. “To help Australians with rising energy bills – or to make it even harder for them.” “To save Australian jobs – or to surrender them. “ “We choose to protect households and small businesses. We choose to defend our local industries. And we choose to save local jobs.” Image credits: Getty Images

Money & Banking

Record-busting droughts are uncovering long-lost relics

As much of the Northern Hemisphere experiences record-breaking droughts, the drying up of lakes, rivers and other bodies of water has exposed more than just dirt and debris. In Spain, a prehistoric circle of stones dubbed “Spanish Stonehenge” has emerged in a drying dam in the central province of Caceres. Since it was first discovered in 1926 and was subsequently covered by floodwaters, the stones have only been visible four times. Elsewhere in Europe, 20 German WWII warships have been exposed, sunken in the Danube River near Serbia’s river port town of Prahovo. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/ww2-ships.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Twenty Nazi warships emerged as the Danue River continues to dry up. Image: Reuters (YouTube) The Nazi German ships were among hundreds that sailed up the Danube while retreating from Soviet forces in 1944, and still hamper traffic traversing the river when water levels are low. In late July, a previously submerged WWII bomb weighing a whopping 450kg was discovered in the River Po, as the country declared a state of emergency in areas around the lengthy river as a result of the low water levels. The ageing explosive was defused in a controlled explosion by military experts earlier this month near the village of Bogo Virgilio, but not before about 3,000 people were evacuated from the area, per <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/8/20/europes-drought-exposes-wwii-ships-bombs-and-prehistoric-stones" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Al Jazeera</a>. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/bomb1.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Military experts were deployed to detonate a 450kg bomb uncovered in Italy’s Polo River. Image: Global News (YouTube) Meanwhile, droughts in the US have exposed ancient footprints belonging to dinosaurs, as well as victims of suspected mob killings. In early July, the skeletal remains of a man who was shot in the head, stuffed in a barrel and tossed into Lake Mead, located outside the city of Las Vegas, were uncovered, with experts believing he would have died in the 1980s. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/dino-tracks.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Dinosaur tracks believed to be 113 million years old were found in a state park in Texas. Image: Texas Park and Wildlife Department The lake, along with the Hudson River, provides most of southern Nevada’s drinking water and has reached its lowest point since it was filled 90 years ago, as reported by <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/priyashukla/2022/05/03/drought-reveals-homicide-victim-as-lake-mead-recedes/?sh=6d6c198f3943" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Forbes</a>. A discovery of Jurassic proportions was made at Dinosaur Valley State Park in Texas, after footprints believed to date back 113 million years were found. The tracks belong to the Arocanthosaurus, a bipedal dinosaur with three toes and a claw on each limb, per <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/24/science/dinosaur-tracks-texas-drought.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The New York Times</a>. Others that were also uncovered belong to Sauroposeidon proteles, a 15-metre-long dinosaur with a long neck and small head. As the fierce weather continues, experts believe more of these kinds of finds will emerge. Images: Texas Park and Wildlife Department / Reuters (YouTube)

International Travel

European droughts could jeopardise cruising’s future

With much of Europe and the UK recording devastating droughts, plummeting water levels in rivers and lakes are posing a threat to trade, industry and another sector: tourism. According to the European Union’s European Drought Observatory, around 63 percent of the land across the EU and UK, while the UK declared a drought in eight out of 14 areas shortly after. One body of water hit hard by the hot and drying weather is the Rhine, an important trade route and a popular inclusion on cruise itineraries. A critical juncture of the river at the German town of Kaub recorded water levels of just 36 centimetres over the weekend, sinking below the level at which commercial shipping becomes unprofitable. Clare Weeden, a principal lecturer in tourism and marketing at the University of Brighton, told <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/europe-drought-river-cruising/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CNN</a> that this isn’t news, with low levels on the Rhine and Daube rivers seeing cruise passengers bussed from one destination to another over the past five or six years. "Anybody who operates river cruise boats would have had an understanding of this because of the way the climate has changed in the last 20 years," she explained. But, with the coinciding rise of river cruising’s popularity with the climate crisis, Weeden said Europe’s traditional cruising is “definitely going to suffer”. The situation is similar across Europe, with parts of France’s famed Loire river drying up almost completely and some canals being closed. As for the Danube, emergency dredging is taking place on the lower river, through Serbia, Romania and Bulgaria, while the water levels in the Hungary stretch have meant that trade vessels, averaging 1600 tonnes, can only navigate the river without cargo. While some cruises have been unaffected, passengers on some lines have been unable to travel to Budapest by water, instead being bussed or flown from other destinations. In the UK, the source of the Thames has moved downriver by five miles (or eight metres), a first in the country’s history. For those with tours lined up, don’t cancel just yet. Helen Prochilo of Promal Vacations suggests those who have booked their trips make regular calls to their river cruise line to check the conditions. For visitors still considering booking a tour, Prochilo advises to book earlier in the season or simply wait until next year. Susanne Etti, an environmental impact manager at Intrepid Travel, has called this year’s summer “a wake-up call for the entire sector”. “Travel has a front row seat as climate change unfolds in the destinations we visit and, if this becomes a standard summer, it will massively impact our industry,” Etti said. “Unless urgent action is taken on climate change, the reality is that extreme weather is going to have an impact on the destinations and communities we visit.” Image: Getty Images

Cruising

Five easy ways to use less water at home – and not just in a drought

With so much of the world suffering from drought, you might think your ability to help is minimal. But when you consider the average person in the UK uses around <a href="https://www.water.org.uk/news-item/vast-majority-of-brits-have-no-idea-how-much-water-they-use-each-day/">142 litres of water a day</a>, it’s easy to see how small changes to your routine can add up. More than half of the water that is extracted from rivers, streams and aquifers in the UK feeds the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/env15-water-abstraction-tables">public water supply</a>. These abstractions, as they’re called, worsen drought conditions by draining local waterways, depriving vegetation, fish and other aquatic life of the water they need to survive droughts. Filling paddling pools to cool off, taking multiple showers each day to stay clean, watering the garden to revive wilting plants – all these extra activities contribute to a sharp increase in public water use on hot and dry days. And these impacts can endure for months, as freshwater systems need a lot of additional rainfall to recover from droughts. If each person can reduce their water use during a drought, it would significantly benefit the natural world in its recovery. Here are five things you can do, starting today. <h2>1. Shower less</h2> Most of the water you use is <a href="https://www.water.org.uk/news-item/vast-majority-of-brits-have-no-idea-how-much-water-they-use-each-day/">in the shower</a>. For every minute you’re under the shower head (depending on how powerful it is), around 10 litres of water drains away. Since most people shower for <a href="https://www.mirashowers.co.uk/blog/trends/revealed-what-brits-are-really-getting-up-to-in-the-bathroom-1/#:%7E:text=Most%20Brits%20(62%25)%20bathe,latest%20UK%20shower%20habits%20survey.">an average of seven minutes</a>, half of your daily water use takes place first thing in the morning. Turning off the shower while shampooing your hair or applying shower gel can help conserve water, as can shortening the length of your shower overall. Be sure not to switch to a bath though – the average soak in the tub uses <a href="https://www.water.org.uk/news-item/vast-majority-of-brits-have-no-idea-how-much-water-they-use-each-day/">around 80 litres of water</a>. <h2>2. Use rainwater in the garden</h2> During a dry spell, the average gardener can use <a href="https://www.southwestwater.co.uk/siteassets/documents/uwu-0618-web-version.pdf">hundreds of litres</a> of water to keep their plants hydrated. Some people will use a watering can (good), others might leave a sprinkler on all day (bad). Most use drinking water, which is a waste – plants are happy with rain water. Add a water butt that collects the rain which falls on your roof and use it for the garden. To find out how to install one, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jk0lstsu5o">watch this</a>. <h2>3. Use the short flush</h2> Per flush, your toilet uses about <a href="https://www.water.org.uk/news-item/vast-majority-of-brits-have-no-idea-how-much-water-they-use-each-day/">5 litres of water</a>, and up to 10 litres in older models. If available, use the short flush to significantly reduce how much water is wasted. <h2>4. Cut back on car washing</h2> If you need to wash your car, do it the old-fashioned way with a bucket and soap rather than hosing it down. The water contained in a bucket (<a href="https://www.water.org.uk/news-item/vast-majority-of-brits-have-no-idea-how-much-water-they-use-each-day/">roughly 30 litres</a>) is significantly less than the average that flows through a hose (around <a href="https://www.southwestwater.co.uk/siteassets/documents/uwu-0618-web-version.pdf">15 litres per minute</a>). Better yet, avoid washing your car entirely during a drought. <h2>5. Reuse water</h2> If you’re washing vegetables, you could collect the water in a bowl in the sink and later give it to the plants in your house or outside. While you’re waiting for warm water to come out of a tap, use the cold to fill the kettle. Close the tap while you’re lathering your hands with soap or brushing your teeth. Though these are only small savings, they do make a difference over time. Inflatable pools are lovely for cooling down on the hottest days. A cleaning pump can filter the water and recycle it without you needing to use more water to keep the pool clean. <h2>Save water, save money</h2> All these tips can significantly reduce your water use and combat the effects of drought on the environment. They can also save you money. If you’re able to renovate your home, it’s worth installing a system for collecting rain water which, combined with a pump, can flush toilets. In Belgium, for example, it is common practice to have such a system installed (effectively, a large underground water butt) in newly built houses. Most people would struggle to afford these kinds of measures, and so drought-proofing homes and communities should be part of the effort to adapt countries to the extreme weather expected in a rapidly warming world. Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/five-easy-ways-to-use-less-water-at-home-and-not-just-in-a-drought-187885" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>.

Home & Garden

8 key steps to healing after loss

Healing may mean different things to different people and may also look different, but it has one common theme: getting better. Healing may seem simple, yet it is a complex process that often involves many intricate aspects and phases coming together in perfect synchronicity. In straightforward terms, healing means finding relief and getting and feeling better, which can be felt physically, emotionally and spiritually. Healing is not an easy process and nobody knows how long it will take for any individual to start feeling better. However, one thing is for sure: healing needs your active participation, and possibly even your complete devotion. It can be hard work and it requires intention, focus, support, faith, understanding, compassion, empathy and a large dose of love. Healing from any type of loss is a lifelong commitment. Although the work of healing yourself is always ongoing, it can be seen as a promise to be restored, a pledge to feel joy again. Through my exploration into healing my own trauma and working with grief I have found eight key elements that are vital in helping to move forward and embrace the joy of living. It can be a tough process but I have learned one simple fact: there is nothing wrong with admitting I am a work in progress and I am not perfect. You are a work in progress and you are not perfect, and that is completely fine. Acceptance of who you have become and who you are at the present moment will bring you inner peace. I hope you will find the eight key elements useful on your healing journey. 1. Make your intention to heal clear to the universe and, more importantly, to yourself. Use the following affirmation: ‘I am ready to heal.’ 2. Focus your attention: do not allow distractions or self-destructive talk. Take a few cleansing breaths to focus your mind and direct your attention on what you need to address in order to ease the healing process. 3. Keep an open heart: always keep your heart open to welcoming love and joy no matter how hard it is. 4. Release everything that does not serve you in your quest for healing. Use the following affirmation: ‘I release any negative energy that is obstructing my healing process. I invite only positive energy to bless my healing process.’ 5. Commit to undertaking the healing work every day. Use the following affirmation: ‘I commit to always do what it takes to heal every single day.’ 6. Have hope: inculcate a desire for change, as it will keep the flame of trust burning. 7. Love: love is our blueprint for life. Always go back to love. 8. Have faith: faith is knowing deep inside you will be all right. You may never be complete, but you will still be doing just fine. Do not fear grief, for it is a natural process and a partner in your healing. Remember: healing is an ongoing process so always be gentle and compassionate with yourself. Edited extract from The Art of Grieving: Gentle self-care practices to heal a broken heart (Rockpool Publishing, $29.95), by Corinne Laan. Now available where all good books are sold and online at <a href="http://www.rockpoolpublishing.co" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.rockpoolpublishing.co</a> Image: Shutterstock

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