Evidence of widespread wages theft in the fruit picking sector could force the closure of an industrial loophole that allows farms to pay foreign workers as little as three dollars an hour or $60 a day.
The Australian Workers Union will apply to the Fair Work Commission to amend the current horticulture award to ensure farm workers receive the minimum $24.80 an hour.
Despite the social chaos caused by the pandemic, a report out this morning says the construction industry is recovering from the COVID-induced recesssion.
But a big oversupply of city apartments has put downward pressure on rents - though that reprieve could be short lived.
The National Housing Finance & Investment Corporation - the federal government's "affordable housing" agency - has produced a five year projection for housing supply and demand across major cities and regional areas
It's found the pandemic has caused the biggest shock to population growth since early last century and says international restrictions, an exodus of foreign students will free up around 200,000 extra homes over the next two years.
Hugh Hartigan, the affordable housing agency's head of research, sees an opportunity to tweak policy settings, and to challenge social norms that push back against development.
After a white knuckle ride during the pandemic-induced economic crisis, there's likely to be positive news when the federal government releases it's mid year budget update or MYEFO in the coming days. E
Economists expect the budget deficit will be slightly narrowed with other key economic forecasts upgraded as the wheels of business roll in the all important leadup to Christmas.
But higher than expected iron ore prices have also come to the budget rescue touching US$160 a tonne over the weekend.
ABC's Peter Ryan speaks with economists Chris Richardson and Shane Oliver.
