'It will be hard': Parents warned as mass childcare centre shutdown looms

'It will be hard': Parents warned as mass childcare centre shutdown looms

Thousands of childcare workers around the country could walk off the job on July 15 after union members voted in favour of mass industrial action.

Early childhood educators will down tools for one day in protest of the 2026 Federal Budget, which did not include the billions of dollars in funding needed to support an ongoing 15 per cent pay increase.

Over 20,000 educators from 1000 centres in Australia had signed an open letter demanding the government to permanently lock in the pay increase.

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Hundreds of union members endorsed the walk-outs at a meeting earlier this week in response to the budget.

Childcare workers say they won't be able to survive on the industry's minimum wage as the cost of living bites.

"Educators are making it clear: they will not accept going backwards," the United Workers Union (UWU) said in a statement.

"Without action, many educators face a pay cut before the full Fair Work Commission outcome takes effect.

"This isn't about asking for something new, educators are fighting to stop losing pay they already have."

The UWU has members in every state and territory who plan to stop work and join a rally on July 15.

Around 500 childcare centres in Victoria alone signed the letter.

Union member and Goodstart early educator Clare said that while the one-day strike will be difficult for families, it will help shape a more stable and thriving sector.

"While the walk-off in the interim will be really hard for families to navigate, the long-term impact that it will have on our sector, and the future generations of children and families coming into our services, we will have a higher-quality educational services that really amplify children's learning," Clare said.

"Right now it will be hard, the long-term impact will be magnificent."

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Goodstart early learning centre

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The federal government delivered a 15 per cent pay rise for early childhood educators in December, which amounted to an extra $160 per week for the average worker.

The $3.6 billion in funding, which has already "improved retention, reduce vacancies and bring more stability to the sector" will run out in November.

This year's budget did not extend this worker retention payment.

Greens senator Steph Hodgins-May claimed early childhood educators had been "shafted" in the budget.

"Thousands of early educators are now facing a Christmas pay cut because Labor refused to extend a payment they themselves boast that the sector depends on," she said.

"These are workers already leaving in droves because of burnout, low wages and now uncertainty about their future. Labor looked at that crisis and decided to make it worse."

Minister for Early Childhood Education Jess Walsh said the government would have "more to say later this year on the next steps to support this workforce" when discussing the budget's early childcare policies on May 15.

Nine.com.au has contacted Federal Minister for Education Jason Clare for comment.

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Hanson caught blasting reporter after walk-out

Hanson caught blasting reporter after walk-out

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has been caught swearing just moments after one of her advisers told a journalist to "shut up".

The exchanges came when the populist politician finished a media conference in Adelaide yesterday.

Footage showed Hanson and her retinue, including One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce, walking away from reporters.

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Joyce can be heard telling her, "you did very well."

Hanson then remarks to her adviser: "…you should've said you're the nasty b---h."

The words caused Joyce and other advisers to laugh, before Hanson says, "Do you want me to go back and I'll tell her."

It was unclear who she was referring to.

Just moments before while announcing there would be no further media questions, One Nation media adviser Richard Henderson had a run-in with a reporter.

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He abruptly interrupted questions about the party's Senate candidates by saying "no that's it".

"We're done, thank you. No, no, no. Shut up. We're done," Henderson said to a reporter as Hanson turned to depart.

"Did you just say shut up?" the journalist responded.

The fiery exchange came as Hanson and other One Nation members announced the party's energy during a press conference in Adelaide.

It includes scrapping a current tax on oil and gas industries and bringing the government in as a 30 per cent partner.

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Snow, high winds and rain heading to multiple states in early taste of winter

Snow, high winds and rain heading to multiple states in early taste of winter

Millions of people across south-eastern Australia can expect a blast of wintry weather, including high winds, snow and rain, next week.

The calm conditions over the past days will give way to more volatile conditions as two pools of cold air high in the atmosphere move over southern regions, reports weather data firm Weatherzone.

The first one has begun sweeping across southern parts of Western Australia and South Australia before it advances into south-eastern states from early next week.

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That will be followed by a second one that is forecast to reach the country's south-west around Wednesday or Thursday.

"While rain won't be too heavy as the first system crosses WA and SA later this week, there is potential for heavy rain and severe weather over south-eastern Australia next week as it causes a low-pressure system to develop," say forecasters.

Some computer modelling of the expected conditions points to heavy rain developing over parts of Victoria, NSW and Tasmania on Tuesday and Wednesday. But parts of these states could also be in for thunderstorms, snow and blustery winds.

Meteorologists say it's too early to say what the precise strength and timing of the new weather system will be.

There are already signs of a major change in weather conditions for south-eastern states.

The Bureau of Meteorology today issued damaging surf and wind warnings for the NSW North Coast, urging people to avoid the seas and beaches over the coming hours.

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Russian jets targeted British spy plane in Black Sea near-miss, UK says

Russian jets targeted British spy plane in Black Sea near-miss, UK says

An unarmed Royal Air Force (RAF) reconnaissance plane was subjected to a series of "dangerous and unacceptable" intercepts by Russian fighter jets in international airspace over the Black Sea, UK's Ministry of Defence said.

In one encounter, a Russian Su-35 flew so close to the British RC-135 Rivet Joint aircraft that it triggered the plane's automatic emergency systems, forcing its autopilot to disable.

During another intercept, a Russian Su-27 fighter jet conducted six high-speed passes directly in front of the British aircraft, buzzing as close as six metres from the Rivet Joint's nose.

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A handout picture released by UK's Ministry of Defence (MOD) in London on May 20, 2026 shows Image of a Russian Su-35, seen here alongside an RAF Rivet Joint aircraft over the Black Sea in April 2026.

The UK Department of Defence confirmed the incident occurred last month while the British surveillance aircraft was conducting a routine, unarmed flight over international waters. The flight was part of ongoing allied operations to secure NATO's Eastern Flank.

Despite the provocation, UK defence officials praised the RAF crew, who reportedly "remained calm and professional throughout" and successfully completed their planned mission.

The incident marked the most perilous encounter between Russian and British forces since 2022, when a Russian fighter jet accidentally discharged a missile near a UK Rivet Joint over the Black Sea, the Ministry of Defence said.

Diplomatic showdown

The mid-air incidents have triggered a swift diplomatic response. Representatives from the UK Ministry of Defence and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office officially démarched the Russian Embassy in London this week, formally condemning the pilots' reckless behaviour.

UK Defence Secretary John Healey MP fiercely condemned the Kremlin's actions, warning that Russia's aerial brinkmanship could lead to catastrophic consequences.

"This incident is another example of dangerous and unacceptable behaviour by Russian pilots, towards an unarmed aircraft operating in international airspace," Mr Healey said. "These actions create a serious risk of accidents and potential escalation."

"Let me be very clear: This incident will not deter the UK's commitment to defend NATO, our allies and our interests from Russian aggression."

Healey paid tribute to the "outstanding professionalism and bravery" of the RAF crew.

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Beach-loving capital warned of perfect storm for sharks

Beach-loving capital warned of perfect storm for sharks

The current weather conditions are brewing up a perfect storm for not one but two species of shark in the water off Sydney's beaches.

Shark expert Dr Chris Pepin-Neff told Today that the combined factors of recent rain and sea temperatures mean both bull sharks and great whites are being lured closer to shore.

Pepin-Neff said sea surface temperatures of 20 degrees and above were ideal for bull sharks, while 20 degrees and below was perfect for great whites.

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Close up of Great White Shark passing showing teeth. Photographed in South Australia while cage diving.

And right now, "we're right in the middle".

"It's the end of May, we're right at that seasonal point," he said.

Added to that, recent heavy rain had stirred up brackish water closer to the shore, which also made ideal hunting conditions for bull sharks.

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Bull Shark

And great whites were being drawn in closer by the cooling temperatures.

"I want surfers to be aware if you're in the Northern Beaches, if you're doing surfing right now, white sharks are in closer," Pepin-Neff said.

He urged surfers to stick together in groups in the water for safety's sake.

Other swimmers were told to stay out of brackish water, and if they were swimming at an ocean beach, to stay between the flags.

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Pepin-Neff said the noise generated in the water by a group of people could intimidate sharks and keep them at a distance, so there's safety in concentrated numbers.

Sydney recently saw a spate of attacks believed to have been carried out by bull sharks, in January this year.

Among the victims was 12-year-old Nico Antic, who was fatally mauled and died in hospital.

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'We're becoming a weaker nation': Leading doctors' impassioned plea after budget

'We're becoming a weaker nation': Leading doctors' impassioned plea after budget

One of Australia's leading doctors has warned Labor's removal of discounts to capital gains tax will damage the country due to the impacts it will have on small businesses and start-ups.

Last week's controversial budget handed down by Treasurer Jim Chalmers saw the 50 per cent discount to the capital gains tax axed, meaning business owners could face paying up to 47 per cent in taxes if they sell their company.

It has been met with condemnation by small business owners across the country, who have resorted to an AI trend to mock Chalmers and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and Dr Nick Coatsworth has warned the changes could shatter the "psyche of the country".

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Dr Nick Coatsworth wanred the damage to Australia could be long lasting.

"We're becoming a weaker nation, of that I have absolutely no doubt," Coatsworth, who appears as a host on the Today Show, said in a post on social media.

"This is a risky world, and all of our competitors in the region and around the globe are taking more risks, and here we are with a budget that encourages us as a nation to take less risks."

Coatsworth claims even if the majority of Australians won't be directly impacted by the changes, he said it would have a ripple effect across the nations that would hurt millions.

He claimed the government was hoping Aussies would wave it through, given many are not involved in business or startups.

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Opposition Leader Angus Taylor.

"[It] makes us less of a destination for business, makes us a less strong economy, that's the problem with it," he said.

"That is going to affect us all, that's going to affect us badly."

Opposition leader Angus Taylor continued his robust criticism of the budget, chastising the prime minister for supposedly "laughing off" criticisms and concerns over its impacts on Australians.

"This is an absolute disaster for our country. This budget was a stinker," Taylor told the Today Show.

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Phone boast got Australia's youngest murderer re-arrested

Phone boast got Australia's youngest murderer re-arrested

A boast by Australia's youngest convicted murderer that police would never find what was on his phone led to his re-arrest for downloading sexually violent images and child abuse material.

The man, known for legal reasons as SLD, spent almost two-thirds of his life in jail after the then 13-year-old abducted and fatally stabbed his three-year-old neighbour Courtney Morley-Clarke on the NSW Central Coast in 2001.

Upon his release in 2023, he was subject to a slew of strict conditions enforced by community corrections officers tasked with supervising the institutionalised man and protecting the community.

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On March 20, last year, he told supervising officers he had been breaching these conditions.

"Good luck finding anything I do on the phone," he said during a supervised visit to an Optus shop.

On two occasions about a week later, he bragged about being able to delete his internet activity, using the dark web and wanting to access dating sites so he could lose his virginity.

These details come from court documents seen by AAP on yesterday after the now 39-year-old pleaded guilty to five counts of breaching his supervisory orders and two charges relating to child abuse material.

While free in the community, he had been barred from using social networking services or dating sites without prior approval.

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Courtney Morley-Clarke.

He was also only permitted to view sexually explicit material on a single pornographic website, but was told not to watch anything involving sexual violence or cruelty towards women or children.

During a subsequent review of his phone, NSW Police found he had breached these conditions.

He was then arrested last April.

Examining his phone, officers found one image of a five-year-old girl naked from the waist down.

They also located 43 images downloaded onto his device showing women in sexually violent situations including being tied up, looking scared or in pain, and having hands placed over their mouths.

One image was titled "the raped virgin", court documents reveal.

The killer also searched for sexually violent material online, including viewing one video claiming to be of a drugged woman raped in a hotel.

He tried to look for child abuse material by searching for terms like "real child rape" on explicit websites.

He further breached his supervisory conditions by using a fake name to create a Facebook profile and chat with members of the public.

The 39-year-old will be sentenced at Campbelltown District Court next month.

He has already been convicted of a separate breach of his conditions when he approached a mother and her partially undressed child at a beach in Wollongong in October 2023.

He was handed an 18-month jail term and was released last March, weeks before his latest arrest.

The killer has tried to overturn his conviction for that matter in the NSW Court of Criminal Appeal with a judgment due on today.

He only recently offered a motive for murdering Courtney: to exact revenge for purported bullying by her brother.

Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).

If you or someone you know is in need of support contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue. In the event of an emergency dial Triple Zero (000).

Man, 15-month-old child killed in horror Sydney crash

Man, 15-month-old child killed in horror Sydney crash

A man and a toddler have been killed and a woman is fighting for her life after a three-vehicle crash in Sydney's west overnight.

Emergency services were called to the intersection of Mamre and Abbotts roads at Kemps Creek at about 10.40pm.

They found a small sedan and a van had crashed head-on.

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Investigators were told the sedan and a ute had collided immediately before, following which the sedan and the van slammed into each other.

A man in the sedan's front passenger seat died at the scene, while a 25-year-old woman and her 15-month-old son sitting in the back of the car were critically injured.

Both were taken to hospital, where the little boy later died.

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The 21-year-old L-plate driver of the sedan and the 45-year-old man driving the van suffered "relatively minor" injuries, police said.

Both men were taken to hospital for assessment and mandatory testing.

The male driver of the ute was unharmed.

Traffic restrictions remain in place on the scene this morning as the investigation continues.

Anybody with information or relevant footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers online or on 1800 333 000.

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Business owners hail '47 per cent partner' PM in meme trend

Business owners hail '47 per cent partner' PM in meme trend

Small business owners are taking to the internet to salute their new "business partner" - one Anthony Albanese.

The prime minister is featuring in a trending wave of AI-generated memes, where he is being mocked for this year's budget changes to the capital gains tax discount.

"Big shoutout to my silent business partner, Anthony," Cocobelle Beauty salon owner Michelle wrote on Facebook.

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"Emphasis on silent. He'll be taking 47 per cent of the profits without ever answering a phone, changing a treatment bed, or doing a Hydrafacial."

An AI-generated photo of Michelle and Albanese accompanied the caption.

It's one of a slew of memes touting the same "47 per cent figure".

The number refers to changes to the capital gains tax discount introduced in last week's federal budget.

Under the new measures, the 50 per cent CGT discount will end, leaving business owners facing the possibility of paying 47 per cent tax if they sell their company.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has said the government will work to do right by start-ups and business founders, leaving open the possibility of exemptions to the rule.

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"We think you are a really important part of the economy, in lots of ways the hope of the side when it comes to dynamism and productivity, and we will reflect and recognise that in our policy," Chalmers said in parliament last week, addressing notional start-up founders.

The backlash to the police began – meme-wise, at least – in the tech sector, but has migrated to other small businesses.

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Multimillionaire Boost Juice founder Janine Allis was a vocal critic of the federal budget's tax changes, saying they are "just so unfair".

In a social media video, the typically apolitical Allis said Labor's decision to wind back the capital gains tax discount and grandfather negative gearing would "destroy the core of what Australians are".

"I would put my house on the line, I put everything on the line, and then I work my absolute butt off, risk everything, be away from my family, etc," she said.

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"To eventually make a profit and give nearly half to the government?

"Oh my god, that is just so unfair. It doesn't allow you to get ahead, it doesn't inspire you to actually take the risks that you need to take."

The government broke an election promise by moving to replace the capital gains tax discount with a less generous inflation-linked rate and a minimum 30 per cent rate.

Negative gearing will be limited to new builds and no longer apply to any existing properties bought after 7.30pm on May 12.

Both policies are commonly used for property, but the capital gains tax discount can apply to most capital assets, like managed funds, while negative gearing can apply to other income-producing assets like shares.

Allis said she believed the changes would kill ambition to start a business and ward off investment from global businesses.

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Majority of Aussies 'feel 'ripped off by big supermarkets'

Majority of Aussies 'feel 'ripped off by big supermarkets'

The majority of Australians believe they are being ripped off at the supermarket check out, according to new data.

A Finder survey of more than 1000 people found that 79 per cent of Aussies felt like they were being "ripped off" at the major supermarkets.

Personal finance expert at Finder, Sarah Megginson, said there are growing levels of distrust among consumers.

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Close up of woman shopping groceries in supermarket.

"The majority of Aussies believe they are being ripped off when they buy their groceries," Megginson said.

"When people see supermarket profits reported in the hundreds of millions – or even billions – while they're cutting back on basics because a tub of butter is $7, it creates a perception that something isn't right."

"It's an extraordinary level of distrust for an essential service that every household relies on multiple times a week."

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In April 2026, the average Australian household reported spending $207 a week on groceries, which had increased from $189 in April 2024.

Parents spent more on groceries per week, coming in at $274 compared to $171 for households without children. 

Up to 39 per cent of Australians listed groceries as one of their most stressful expenses in April, followed by rent and mortgage repayments, petrol and energy bills.

Food items on a supermarket shelf

Megginson added that there are ways families can save at the checkout.

"You can't control supermarket pricing, but you can control where and how you shop," she explained.

"Comparing unit prices can be a gamechanger."

supermarket loyalty points

"This means comparing the same size of two products, 100g vs 100g, so you can choose the best value.

"Switching between retailers, buying home brands, shopping the half-price specials strategically and buying in bulk can make a meaningful difference over the course of a year too."

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