Tax and housing pressure: Australia’s CGT, negative gearing and discretionary trust reforms are landing with a jolt, with analysis warning investors could face much higher effective tax bills (including an 82% jump in taxable gains in one modelling scenario) as the Senate reviews the Budget changes. Prime ministers in sync on trade resilience: Anthony Albanese and Christopher Luxon used a Noosa business roundtable to push “seamless economic integration”, citing Middle East-driven fuel supply risks and supply-chain vulnerabilities. Integrity and enforcement in Victoria: Jacinta Allan backed stronger IBAC “follow-the-dollar” powers after a parliamentary inquiry, but Labor MPs are split on whether it came too late. Big Four governance fallout: ASIC has moved from preliminary to formal investigation into KPMG Australia partners over an audit leak/whistleblower scandal, with clients and government agencies reassessing ties. Online safety and youth access: The UK’s planned under-16 social media ban is drawing scrutiny over enforcement and possible VPN workarounds, while Australia’s own under-16 social media restrictions continue to raise concerns about access and impacts. Public policy and health innovation: Medical tech groups warn Budget changes to refundable R&D tax incentives and CGT could hit health startups’ ability to commercialise. International conflict watch: The US struck Iranian coastal radar sites after drone attacks near the Strait of Hormuz, while Lebanon’s leaders accuse Iran of using Lebanon as a bargaining chip in US talks. Community and accountability: A Queensland child safety inquiry was cut short for budget timing, raising questions about process and political scheduling.