Wages & Cost of Living: The Fair Work Commission has lifted the national minimum wage by 6% to $26.44 an hour and raised award wages by 4.75%, pushing pay for almost three million workers from July 1—a boost unions welcome, but employers warn could add inflation pressure. Scam Crackdown: The Albanese government is moving to a Scams Prevention Framework that would require banks, telcos and key digital platforms to better prevent and respond to scams, with automatic reimbursement up to $3,000 for lower-level victims. Trade & Growth: Australia has recorded its first trade deficit in nearly a decade (current account deficit $2.4bn), driven by surging data centre imports and a fuel shock, even as foreign investment remains strong. Energy Infrastructure: A 10-hour battery in NSW has entered the federal green queue but is facing a second state review after 74 objections, highlighting the friction between grid buildout and local concerns. Business & Tech: Google and Telstra have teamed up to expand secure terrestrial and subsea connectivity across Australia and the region, aiming to support digital and AI growth. Corporate Moves: Lion will shut James Boag’s Launceston brewery by year-end, moving production to the mainland and putting 42 jobs at risk. Property & Housing: South Australia’s housing crisis is back in focus ahead of the state budget, with calls to speed up approvals and fund enabling infrastructure.