Editors Picks
06 March 2026
LOCKOUT LAWS FINALLY CLOSED
TWELVE years after Sydney’s lockout laws began, the NSW Government is removing the final major restrictions, including the 3:30am last drinks rule, to boost the night-time economy. Changes also scrap plastic cup rules and other blanket limits, while retaining key safety measures. A review found targeted regulation can maintain safety as assaults decline. The reforms aim to revive live music, support venues, and strengthen Sydney’s growing entertainment precincts and nightlife economy.
06 March 2026
SUSPENDED UNDER NEW LAWS
NSW Fair Trading has suspended agent Deepak Bangarh’s licence for 60 days over price misrepresentation and failing to pass on all offers and appointed a manager to oversee his business during ongoing investigations. In a separate case, Epping agent John Kim’s licence was cancelled and he was disqualified for five years after allegedly misappropriating about $300,000 in trust funds. NSW is also considering tougher underquoting laws and has launched a public “Name and Shame” register for disciplinary actions.
06 March 2026
FOSTER CARE REFORMS OVERDUE
THE PSA says NSW foster care reforms are a long-overdue reset after outsourcing failures under the Permanency Support Program. The union argues fragmented responsibility harmed outcomes despite rising costs. Reforms will strengthen government oversight, reduce outsourcing, improve accountability, boost foster carer recruitment, and support Aboriginal organisations. The PSA says the changes respond to frontline concerns, restore decision-making to government, and aim to improve child protection outcomes and public confidence.
06 March 2026
CPA SUPPORT FOR A FAIRER ATO
CPA Australia supports the Tax Ombudsman’s call for fairer General Interest Charges (GIC) remission and welcomes the ATO accepting all recommendations to improve transparency, consistency and fairness. The group says reforms must include empathy and proportionality, especially for taxpayers facing genuine financial hardship. It stresses clearer guidance, better communication and more balanced decision-making, particularly since GIC became non-deductible in 2025, increasing financial pressure on individuals and small businesses.
06 March 2026
REAL COST OF EXTREME WEATHER
EXTREME weather caused almost $3.5B in insured losses across 264,000 claims in 2025, according to the Insurance Council of Australia. Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred was the costliest event at $1.5 billion, while severe spring hailstorms added $1.4B. Five major events were declared significant or catastrophic. Insurers expect costs to rise as more claims arrive and continue supporting recovery efforts, with further extreme weather already impacting Australia in early 2026.
Featured
05 March 2026
FALCONS LAUNCH GIANT 2026 SEASON
Building on a fledgling program
THE Fairfield Falcons Junior Australian Rules Football Club are set for a GIANT 2026 season, after their successful launch on Monday afternoon at Avery Park.
THE Fairfield Falcons Junior Australian Rules Football Club are set for a GIANT 2026 season, after their successful launch on Monday afternoon at Avery Park.
19 February 2026
PRACTICAL GUIDE TO FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE
IN today’s economic landscape, Australians find themselves working longer hours without a clear plan to retire comfortably or achieve financial freedom.
Active income, earnings directly tied to hours worked, has long been the default for most professionals, but experts now say that long-term wellbeing increasingly depends on creating passive, sustainable income streams and strategic retirement planning.
From Active Income to Lifelong Freedom is a transformational educational event taking place Saturday, March 7 2026, from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm AEDT at the Amora Jamison Hotel, Sydney.
The session is designed for Australians who want to move beyond trading time for money and build lasting financial security through informed investing and planning.
During the four-hour education session, participants will gain practical insights into:
- Key steps to plan for early retirement and achieve a more flexible lifestyle – practical guidance to help individuals clarify lifestyle goals and chart a path towards flexible, self-directed work.
- Self-Managed Superannuation Funds (SMSFs) – what they are, how they work, and how they can be used to take greater control of retirement assets.
- Passive income from investment portfolios – foundational principles of generating cash flow through diversified assets rather than relying solely on wages.
- Effective tax and estate planning – strategies that help protect wealth, minimise liabilities, and ensure financial goals are realised across generations.
- Hot suburbs to watch in 2026 – expert insights powered by data to identify the hottest areas to watch in 2026
Tickets are available now and designed to educate, inspire and equip participants with the tools they need to plan their financial future with clarity and confidence.