Housing & Cost of Living: New data points to Australia missing its 1.2m-home target, with commencements up but completions still far short of what’s needed, keeping pressure on prices and affordability. Energy Bills Politics: Energy Minister Chris Bowen says households have paid $22.7b more for power since 2022, blaming “denial and delay” under the previous government even as the renewables push continues. Inflation Watch: Australia is flagged as an inflation outlier among major developed economies, with core inflation still elevated and debate growing over whether the RBA has done enough. Reef Update: The Great Barrier Reef avoids a UNESCO “in danger” listing, but the world body says it remains under serious concern and wants stronger action on dredging and overfishing. Food & Consumer Rules: New national seafood country-of-origin labelling kicks in, using an AIM system (A/I/M) to help shoppers spot Australian, imported or mixed supply. Regional Economy: PNG’s LNG and gold exports are holding up the economy in 1H26, with Westpac reporting steady volumes and stronger gold pricing. Geopolitics & Trade: PM Albanese backs a high-profile Modi visit to Australia, calling the relationship “never more consequential,” as Australia also signals deeper Indo-Pacific engagement.