As lives are thrown into chaos amongst the devastation, kindness and care matters more than ever.

The people of Venezuela are reeling after two 7.2 and 7.5-magnitude earthquakes struck within minutes on Wednesday, June 24.  The quakes collapsed buildings, leaving people trapped inside. Aftershocks continue to trigger distress in an already devastating situation.

As the death toll rises to 1,700 people, with more than 3,200 injured, tens of thousands of people remain missing.  Search and rescue teams continue to look for signs of life, with civilians digging through debris with their hands and shovels, calling out for survivors.

Christian media disaster response partner Convoy of Hope is already working locally, providing vital emergency supplies and support. Joel A’Bell, National Director of Convoy of Hope Australia and New Zealand said that an estimated 1.8million people, including 680,000 children, are in urgent need of humanitarian aid.

“Convoy of Hope is on the ground providing people with essential relief including hygiene kits, food, bottled water and warm meals from mobile kitchens,” he said. 

“In times like these, kindness to other humans in need matters. We are reaching families whose lives have been overturned.”

“Convoy of Hope is committed to restoring hope and providing long-term support to aid children and families in Venezuela as they face the difficult journey of recovery.”

“Please join us in prayer for the situation, and give towards relief efforts if you’re able to,” said Mr A’Bell.

This is Convoy of Hope’s 50th disaster response of 2026.  You can donate towards relief efforts at convoyofhope.org.au 

Convoy of Hope is a faith-based, humanitarian organisation that delivers hope where it’s needed most.

Feature image: Supplied (Kirsten Jennings, Convoy of Hope)

This documentary reveals the struggles behind the success

The documentary offers an intimate look at Australian brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone, charting their journey from early struggles to global success. While many fans were introduced to their story through the 2024 biopic Unsung Hero, this latest project goes further, revealing the challenges and defining moments that shaped their careers and faith.

Originally announced in October 2025, the film was billed as an “intimate” portrait that would give fans an inside look at the band’s journey, including years of failed starts, industry rejection and health battles.

Speaking about the documentary, Joel highlighted just how personal the project became.

“[The documentary] was kind of an opportunity to peek behind the curtain at the struggle and the visceral bits, the illness and the ego and the issues we faced as a family and then the grace of God literally weaving the narrative together,” Joel shared.

The film has been described by the brothers as a companion piece to Unsung Hero, but with a grittier and more reflective tone. It dives into pivotal moments in their lives — including career setbacks, family challenges and health struggles — and how those experiences ultimately shaped their music and message.

Luke also reflected on how those lived experiences have influenced their songwriting. “I’m not a good enough songwriter to write songs about things I don’t care about… I need the songs to feel like we’ve lived them,” Luke said.

For Australian audiences, the arrival of for KING + COUNTRY: NO TURNING BACK marks the first opportunity to see this chapter of the Smallbones’ story unfold on screen. The documentary combines archival footage, behind-the-scenes moments and personal reflections to paint a full picture of the duo’s journey from Australia to international success.

for KING + COUNTRY: NO TURNING BACK is rated PG.

This article was researched and prepared by Rise 96.5 staff writers, with assistance from AI in its presentation. Final review and fact-checking was undertaken by our Digital Team prior to publication.

Article supplied with thanks to 96five.

Feature image: Supplied

Every five years, the Census gives Australia a shared moment to reflect on who we are and how we live.

Read more: Why the Census matters to Christians in Australia

It is more than a statistical exercise. The Census helps governments, institutions and communities understand how Australia is changing, and how to plan funding, services and support for the years ahead.

For Christians in Australia, this matters.

Our faith is not simply a private belief. It shapes how we worship, serve, gather, raise families, care for others, build community and contribute to public life.

When the Census asks about religion, it is asking a question that connects directly with identity, belonging and the role faith continues to play in Australian society.

More Than a Box to Tick

For many Christians, answering the religion question may feel straightforward.

If Christian faith is part of your life, your worship, your community and your understanding of who you are, then the Census is one way that identity is recognised in the national picture.

But the question still matters.

The Census does not measure the depth of anyone’s faith. It cannot capture prayer, discipleship, service, church life, generosity, conviction or devotion.

What it can do is record how many people in Australia identify with Christianity.

That makes the question important, because what is recorded helps shape how Australia understands its communities.

Faith Has a Public Presence

Christianity in Australia is lived out in many visible ways.

It is seen in churches, schools, hospitals, aged care, charities, chaplaincy, community services, crisis support, family life and everyday acts of service.

It is present when Christians gather for worship, care for neighbours, support the vulnerable, educate children, visit the lonely, pray in times of hardship and serve their local communities.

The Census helps show that faith is not absent from Australian life. It remains part of the story of who we are.

Why Visibility Matters

Census data informs how governments, organisations and communities understand the nation.

Religious identification data contributes to the broader picture used in planning services, understanding community needs, supporting cultural and social research, and recognising the role different communities play in public life.

If Christian identity is under-recognised in the data, the contribution and presence of Christian communities can become less visible in the national conversation.

This is not about seeking special treatment.

It is about truthful representation.

Answering With Clarity

For Christians, the Census is an opportunity to answer clearly and thoughtfully.

The religion question is not asking how often you attend church, how strong your faith feels, or whether you meet someone else’s standard of religious commitment.

It is asking how you identify.

For those who identify as Christian, the answer matters because it contributes to a fuller and more accurate picture of Australia.

Helping Others Understand the Question

Many Christians also have family members, friends or neighbours who may have a connection to Christianity, even if they are unsure how to answer the religion question.

Some may have been shaped by Christian family, schooling, community, prayer, tradition or values, but may not immediately think of themselves as “religious”.

This is not something to force or assume.

But it may be something worth discussing gently and honestly.

The aim is not to persuade people to choose an answer that does not feel true. It is to help people understand the question and respond in a way that reflects their own story.

A Moment for Reflection

The Census gives each person a simple but meaningful opportunity to reflect.

What is my faith?

How do I identify?

What story does my answer tell?

For Christians, this is a chance to be counted clearly as part of the national picture.

Not defensively. Not politically. Not to make a point.

Simply truthfully.

A Broader Picture of National Identity

Australia is changing, and so is how people understand belief and identity.

The Census doesn’t resolve these complexities, but it does record them. Those records shape how Australia understands itself over time.

For Christians, this isn’t about defending a position. It’s about being clear on how our identity is communicated in the public square.

Because in the end, the Census is not just about categories.

It is about people, stories, and how a nation learns to understand itself.

And that is something worth getting right.

Article supplied with thanks to Christian Media & Arts Australia.

Is it riskier to be Christian in Australia today?

Millions of Christians across Australia are being forced to keep their religious beliefs secret despite society “championing” other religions, according to Australia’s first comprehensive audit of Christian freedom.

The Australian Christian Freedom Index report benchmarks legal, institutional, social and cultural pressures on Christians in 2026.

Its survey of 10,808 Christians found an overwhelming majority (92%) saying it is riskier to identify as a Christian in Australia today, than it was five years ago.

Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) CEO Michelle Pearse who is one of 11 co-authors, revealed 73% of Christians felt pressured to keep their religious beliefs private at work, online and in public.

“Christians are self-censoring, their freedoms are being eroded”

The ACL boss declared that in Australia, Christian beliefs underpin our values, our democracy, our way of life and Christians should not be discriminated against, persecuted or made to hide their faith.

But they are.

“Nearly half (43.9%) of all Australians are Christians who find themselves living in a country where they are self-censoring, where institutions don’t feel protected, and our freedom of religion and speech are being eroded,” Ms. Pearse observed.

The report which analysed documented cases of persecution and scores of Acts of Parliament from nine jursidictions, was launched at a breakfast at Parliament House in Canberra on Thursday May 28, with cross-party MPs and church leaders among those receiving a hand-signed copy.

Seven of the report’s 11 authors addressed the event.

“Prayer is criminalised, sermons attract vilification complaints”

According to the 108-page report, laws and regulations about healthcare referral mandates for euthanasia and abortion; rules and regulations about teaching and praying about sexuality; and vilification laws, have all contributed to a worsening environment for Christians.

It ranks Victoria as the most restrictive state in the country for Christians followed in order by the ACT, South Australia, Queensland, New South Wales, Tasmania and the Northern Territory.

Western Australia was the least restrictive.

Pastoral conversations and certain forms of prayer are now criminalised under Victoria’s conversion practices legislation; sermons on Biblical sexuality can attract vilification complaints; and Christian schools face narrowed hiring exemptions.

“74 Acts of Parliament restrict Christian freedoms”

Human Rights Law Alliance Principal Lawyer and report co-author John Steenhof said a legislative audit found 74 Acts restricting Christian freedoms introduced in the past 25 years.

Almost half of them in the past five years.

“Legislative overreach has tripled in the past five years, and the Index reports more than 40 cases of discrimination and persecution of Christians across Australia,” Mr. Steenhof said.

“Workplaces are among the most high-risk [environments] with education and healthcare the most pressured sectors.”

“Public servants are sanctioned for their faith, HR depts are weaponised”

“We’re seeing public servants being sanctioned because of their beliefs and HR departments being weaponised to remove Christians from the workplace,” Ms. Pearse reported..

“We heard one story of a lady who wears a crucifix to work.”

“She was told by the leadership in her workplace that it was disrespectful for her to wear the crucifix when there were Muslims in the workplace.”

“The Muslims were allowed to wear the hijab, but she was confronted about wearing the cross.”

“Inclusivity stops at the point of including Christians”

“As a society, we champion tolerance and inclusivity as the greatest of values, but what’s come through clearly in this report is that Christian belief is not tolerated.”

“Inclusivity stops at the point of including Christians,” Michelle Pearse asserted.

A majority (92%) of Christians surveyed said hospitals and healthcare workers were restricted or not free to operate according to their beliefs.

Religious freedom is “being plundered” amid attempts to remove faith from public square

“The right to religious freedom is being plundered in Australia,” said Catholic Auxiliary Bishop of Sydney Anthony Percy.

“This Index lays the ground for some rearguard action.”

Catholic Archbishop of Sydney Anthony Fisher said the Index brought to light “recent attempts to minimise the role of faith in everyday life and exclude it altogether from the public square.”

Former Anglican Archbishop of Sydney Glenn Davies said the report “carefully analyses the erosion of freedoms in our country over 40 years or more,” and called on parliamentarians and religious leaders to read it.

What action the report recommends

The Index makes 42 recommendations including a Register to document anti-Christian incidents.

Other recommendations include restoring religious hiring exemptions for faith-based schools and institutions across all jurisdictions, and ending compelled participation in abortion and voluntary assisted dying for healthcare workers and institutions with conscientious objections.

The report identified six primary drivers of discrimination against Australian Christians — four external, two internal.

Drivers of anti-Christian discrimination

• Secular progressivism has recast Biblically orthodox belief as social harm
• An expanding state apparatus has given that moral vision legal teeth
• The combined effect is a legal asymmetry in which religious freedom rests on narrow exemptions that can be litigated away or later repealed
• Islamist extremism as documented in the high-profile 2024 stabbing of Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel
• Doctrinal drift where institutions accommodate secular-progressive values at the cost of legal protection for those who will not
• Misplaced meekness: The belief that Christian humility requires silence in the face of injustice.

The Index is an initiative of the Canberra Declaration which produced it with the support of the Australian Christian Lobby, FamilyVoice Australia, the Human Rights Law Alliance, CitizenGo and the Australian Family Coalition.

It will be published annually.

Article supplied with thanks to Vision Christian Media – a non-profit, follower-funded Christian media ministry taking God’s Word to every corner of Australia and beyond through broadcast, online and print media.

Feature image: Canva

Global Christianity is growing and shifting, with new challenges and opportunities shaping how believers live out their faith today.

The latest ‘Status of Global Christianity 2026’ report from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary offers a clear snapshot of how Christianity is changing around the world.

According to the report, there are now more than 2.67 billion Christians globally, up from around 2.5 billion in 2020.

Yet their share of the world’s population remains relatively steady at around 32 per cent. This points to an important reality. Christianity is not declining globally, but it is shifting.

The centre of the Church is changing

One of the most significant developments is the movement of Christianity away from the Global North and towards the Global South.

Africa alone now accounts for almost 780 million Christians, making it one of the fastest-growing regions for the faith.

At the same time, Christianity in Europe is gradually declining, with numbers projected to fall further in the coming decades. This shift does not mean the Church is weakening, but it is becoming more global.

The mission is still unfinished

Alongside growth, the report highlights a significant challenge.

Other religions are also growing, with the global Muslim population now exceeding 2.1 billion and increasing at a faster annual rate than Christianity. This is reshaping the global religious landscape and increasing the importance of Christian witness.

Growth brings both strength and responsibility

There are many encouraging signs. Pentecostal and charismatic Christianity continues to expand rapidly, with more than 670 million believers worldwide.

There has also been strong growth in Bible translation, with the New Testament now available in over 2600 languages, opening access to Scripture for more people than ever before.

At the same time, challenges remain. Global Christian giving has surpassed $1 trillion annually, yet financial misuse within church contexts is also rising. These trends highlight that growth in numbers must be matched by integrity and maturity.

What this means for Christians today

The report is not only about statistics. It is a reminder of how the Church is called to live and respond.

It shows that Christianity is no longer centred in one culture or region but expressed across diverse communities around the world. It also reinforces that the mission of sharing the Gospel is ongoing.

“Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19 NIV)

In a world that continues to change, the call to follow Christ does not.

This article was prepared with AI assistance and then carefully reviewed, fact-checked, and edited by our Digital Team.

Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.

Feature image: Canva

Swedish-born songwriter Jonas Myrin reflects on his own full circle moment as Delta Goodrem’s Eurovision entry Eclipse reached the world stage.

In May last year Jonas was invited by Delta to collaborate on what she hoped would become her Eurovision entry. Jonas presented the “seed of the idea” for Eclipse, and together with songwriters Michael Fatkin and Ferras completed the successful submission. When it was sung on the Eurovision stage for the first time during the semifinals, Jonas had a surreal moment of gratefulness for what God had done.

“I have to pinch myself and say to my 9-year-old self, ‘Look what God can do’,” Jonas said.

“Look what happened, when you have a dream in your heart and when you stay true to that dream and don’t compromise on the way and just follow that heart.

“Standing in the arena and seeing 15,000 people sing along to every word of this song that started as a small idea made me so grateful.”

With Delta marking our 11th entry into Eurovision, Australia are relative newcomers to the competition but in Europe the event isn’t just a song contest – it’s part of the “cultural history”.

“Growing up in a small town in Sweden I remember watching [Swedish entry] Carola Häggvist win in 1991 and feeling the magnitude of what the stage represented for us back then,” Jonas said.

“It was this global stage and Sweden got to win.

“I was just a little kid, but it made such a big impact on me.”

During this year’s contest Jonas has become an “honourary Australian”, seeing countless messages of support pour in for Delta and “carrying the vision” of what they wanted to achieve with Eclipse.

“I wanted to reflect the Eurovision Song Contest’s message about being united by music, and alignment between creation and alignment in life,” Jonas shared.

“Alignment in creation is the eclipse when the sun and moon – two opposite things – meet in this divine, miraculous moment.

“To represent Australia and a message of hope, with a song of hope, in these times is such a privilege as co-writer.”

Delta has spoken often about how former Eurovision entrants Olivia Newton-John (her mentor) and Celine Dion inspired her on her journey to Vienna, and Jonas knows she did them proud.

“Watching her this week has just been amazing,” Jonas said.

“Delta’s mission has always been to touch people through her music, [and] she has such an ease and flow and a grace about her.

“In that third chorus [of Eclipse], she’s being elevated into the sky, and she just does it so effortlessly, like she can just make anything come alive.”

After Eurovision the focus now turns to the November release of Delta’s next album Pure, on which Jonas is also a collaborator.

“Delta is entering an incredibly powerful creative season,” Jonas said.

“Pure has some really beautiful songs that come from really personal and emotional places from all of us who’ve been part of this process.

“Delta poured her own heart into this album, [and] what I love so much working with her is that she’s not just an amazing singer and performer, but she’s a great musician.

“Collaborating with her – not just as a singer, but as a writer and musician – has been such a joy.”

Jonas’ message to the fans that supported Delta through Eurovision is simple: thank you.

“We are overwhelmed by the love, by the support, by all the messages,” Jonas said.

“Thank you to the Hope listeners for also being part of this journey, for your prayers, for your encouragement and for your lovely messages on Instagram and social media.

“It’s been so, so fun to do this journey together with Australia.”

Young Jonas wouldn’t believe it.

“That’s probably been the most incredible gift of this Eurovision adventure, for young Jonas in Sweden, seeing that one day he would be standing on the other side [of the stage] and have a song that’s done so well.

“It’s such an amazing privilege.”

Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.

About the Author: Laura Bennett is a media professional, broadcaster and writer from Sydney, Australia.

Feature image: Supplied

More than a year on, Australia’s first Anti-Racism National Framework is still waiting for a federal response. So what happens now?

Race Discrimination Commissioner, Giri Sivaraman explains how the lack of progress on the Anti-Racism National Framework is deeply concerning.

So far, the Federal Government is yet to show clear commitment to acting on Australia’s first plan to tackle racism across all layers of our society.

“At this stage… they’re just sitting on it,” Giri said about the Federal Government’s response to The National Anti-Racism Framework.

“Other than acknowledging that they’ve got it, they’re yet to endorse it, and certainly they haven’t committed to funding any of its recommendations.”

Giri described the delay as disappointing, especially given recent events and what he sees as a growing urgency.

“We know that racism is an urgent issue and we need change,” he said.

“It’s something that needs urgent action, it’s simply not going to go away.”

The National Anti-Racism Framework

Created by the Australian Human Rights Commission, the Framework is the first of its kind in Australia and offered a whole of government, whole of society roadmap to tackling racism.

In the past, efforts have been “ad hoc and disjointed,” Giri explained, with some parts of government avoiding the word “racism” altogether.

“We won’t get along by pretending racism doesn’t exist,” Giri said.

The framework includes 63 recommendations, with a key proposal being the creation of a National Anti-Racism taskforce to prioritise and implement changes.

“We knew that it was big and bold,” Giri said.

“We’re talking about a deeply entrenched problem.”

He pointed to education and workplaces as areas where meaningful change could begin.

“The person that ends up doing that hateful, violent act… they’re on a journey,” he said. “On that journey they would have gone to school and probably had a job.”

“If you intervene in those spaces, you can divert someone… away from a destination of hate to something more productive.”

Yet even amid the frustration, Giri has found reason for hope closer to the ground.

“I’ve had so much support from community organisations, business, unions,” he said.

“There are some… that have decided, look, we’re not going to wait for the government.”

Giri also addressed the challenge of helping people understand systemic racism, which goes beyond individual behaviour.

“They think, ‘if I’m not saying something racist… it’s not happening’,” he said. “I say, actually no… it’s part of the system.”

From job applications to workplace culture, he outlined how barriers can quietly shape outcomes for people from different backgrounds.

But he believes change isn’t only structural, it’s personal too.

“We all have some degree of power, privilege or opportunity,” Giri said. “Think about what influence you can have to make a difference.”

“Maybe… you might speak up next time you hear something and you go, ‘oh actually no, that’s not really appropriate’.”

“It’s hard… but we all have some degree of power… to make that little bit of difference, just to shift the dial that little bit more towards hope,” Giri said.

This article was prepared with AI assistance and then carefully reviewed, fact-checked, and edited by our Digital Team.

Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.

Feature image: Canva

Born without arms and legs, Nick Vujicic shares the faith that’s carried him through life without limits in a new documentary.

Australian-born evangelist, author and motivational speaker Nick Vujicic is preparing to release a deeply personal documentary about his Christian journey.

In the film entitled ‘No Limbs, No Limits: The NickV Story’ audiences are invited into some of the darkest moments of Nick’s life: the childhood bullying, the crushing isolation and the moments he nearly lost his will to live after being born without arms and legs. 

But the 43-year-old shared that the documentary is not ultimately about despair.

He explained it’s about what can happen “when you don’t get a miracle, but still become one.”

Most Intimate Portrait Yet of Nick Vujicic

Through archival footage, candid family interviews and behind-the-scenes glimpses into his ministry, ‘No Limbs, No Limits’ chronicles the life of a young  man who transformed profound suffering and dark moments of the soul, into a message of hope rooted in his Christian faith.

This is the most intimate portrait yet of the globally recognised Christian influencer and founder of NickV Ministries, who has spent decades preaching to millions around the world. 

For Nick, revisiting painful memories on camera was less difficult than witnessing the emotional toll those years took on the people closest to him, including his parents, his brother, Aaron, who was given that name to be a “helper” to his disabled brother, and his sister, Michelle. 

Nick Reflects on the Amazing Support of His Family

“As I speak about my story, I revisit it every time I’m on stage,” the bestselling author said.

“But as I watched my family members reflect on those years and the impact it had on them … that hit me differently.”

“We were just a normal family. We loved each other. We still fought as siblings.”

“But I think a lot of families will be touched by just acknowledging the importance of being there for one another as best as we can.”

What Nick Has Achieved in His 43 Years

Despite his international fame, the film reveals the staggering scope of his ministry work, much of which remains unknown even to long-time followers.

Over the past two decades, Nick has traveled to 87 countries, met with 37 presidents, addressed national governments and shared the Gospel with hundreds of millions of people.

According to his ministry, nearly 1.5 million people have professed faith in Jesus Christ through outreach events connected to his organisation.

“People will walk away praising God. Not because Nick is special, but because of what God can do with your broken pieces if you place them in His hands,” he mused. 

Nick Still Prays for Arms and Legs

Even after years of public ministry, Nick, who married his wife Kanae in 2012, shared that there are still prayers he continues to carry and miracles he hopes happen.

“I still have a pair of shoes in my closet. And I still pray for arms and legs.”

The film also serves as a personal legacy project for his four children, whom he hopes will come away not with pressure to replicate his ministry, but with gratitude and humility.

“My oldest is already baptised,” he revealed, sharing that his family is gearing up for mission work in Africa.

“I don’t want them to feel like they have to fill somebody’s shoes.”

“I just want them to know Jesus died for them, and that’s enough.”

The Film Stresses Themes of Humility and Surrender

Based on his experience, Nick emphasised the importance of rejecting a “transactional” faith culture, one that equates obedience with guaranteed blessing and promises of a prosperous life. 

“We address pretty strongly that we’re against the prosperity gospel. God is not a genie.”

His documentary stresses surrender, humility and perseverance — themes Nick believes are urgently needed in modern Christianity.

“There’s nothing wrong with praying for healing,” he said.

“But we also have to understand that it’s not our will, it’s God’s will. His grace is sufficient.”

“We’d like to be part of a real repentance and revival.”

That message, he added, is especially critical in a cultural moment marked by anxiety, division and spiritual confusion.

“We’d like to be part of a real repentance and a real check on our definition of revival.”

“We cannot have shallow discipleship and a lack of accountability”

Nick expressed concern about what he described as shallow discipleship and a lack of accountability among faith leaders.

Churches, he stressed, risk losing younger generations if they fail to return to “the basics” of authentic Christianity.

“If teenagers are not really being discipled, where is our nation really going?” he asked.

“God can use anyone at any age.”

‘No Limbs, No Limits: The NickV Story’ is slated for release in late September.

Article supplied with thanks to Vision Christian Media – a non-profit, follower-funded Christian media ministry taking God’s Word to every corner of Australia and beyond through broadcast, online and print media.

Feature image: ‘No Limbs, No Limits’ Film Cover

The Albanese Government’s new budget aims to ease pressure on Australians

On Tuesday 12 May, the Albanese government delivered its fifth budget.

It comes at a time of increasing economic pressure for many Australians, with rising costs for essentials amid a global oil crisis, and elevated interest rates.

“War in the Middle East has been pushing up prices, pushing down growth, and punishing Australians,” said Mr Chalmers.

“But how we respond is up to us. This budget is ambitious in the face of adversity.”

Relief

The budget is focused on delivering cost-of-living relief, housing affordability and supply, national security, energy security, and productivity.

“It makes the tax system fairer and stronger for workers, businesses, first home buyers and future generations.”

Tax

The budget includes a new tax break called WATO – Working Australians Tax Offset.

It will provide an extra tax cut of up to $250 a year (increasing the tax-free threshold to $19,985). It will come into effect from the next tax year (2027-28).

Meanwhile, individual tax rates announced in last year’s budget will begin this year, on July 1.

The lowest tax bracket (between $18,201 and $45,000) will drop from 16 per cent to 15 per cent, giving lower income earners up to an extra $268 a year.

Further, workers will be able to use a $1,000 instant tax deduction (no receipts needed), producing a guaranteed average annual saving of $205. The instant deduction is for those 6.2 million workers who claim under $1,000 in work-related expenses.

Homes

Through a major overhaul of “investor tax”, the government says the market will finally be tilted toward first home buyers.

The government estimates that these measures (see below) will help 75,000 Australians buy their first property.

Also, to encourage the building of new homes, the government is spending $2 billion over four years on critical infrastructure.

“This funding will support up to 65,000 homes over the decade and brings the Government’s total investment in housing‑enabling infrastructure to $6.3 billion,” said a government statement.

 There will also be an overhaul of planning and zoning regulations so homes can be approved and built more quickly.

(The government is also extending its ban on foreign buyers purchasing any established homes until mid‑2029.)

Investor tax overhaul

The first big change is to negative gearing. In what critics have described as a “broken promise” by the Coalition, the Albanese government has overhauled a system long prized by investors.

From the next financial year, investors can only negatively gear a property if that property is a brand new home (not a pre-existing one).

For those who currently negatively gear a rental property, nothing changes, and their negative gearing can continue.

Negative gearing enables investors to reduce their taxable income by claiming the difference between their expenses (mortgage repayments and other costs), and the rental income.

The other big change is to Capital Gains Tax. Up until now, there has been a 50 per cent discount on CGT (the taxing on any profit when an investment is sold). From the next financial year, the government is scrapping that discount for new investments, though the purchase price will be indexed for inflation, softening the blow a little. (The reforms apply to gains made after July 1, 2027.)

Mr Chalmers admitted that the changes to the system, which have long been geared toward investors, were “contentious”.

“There’s no use pretending otherwise, but it’s the right thing to do,” the Treasurer shared.

“The easiest thing that we could have done from a political point of view would be to see these challenges in the housing market, particularly for young people, and to see the issues in the tax system, and to leave everything exactly as it was.”

Homelessness

The government is investing $59.4 million to help those at risk of homelessness. The funding will provide social housing for over 4,000 young at-risk people aged 16–24.

The budget will also release a further $100 million from the Housing Australia Future Fund to improve the quality of housing for Indigenous Australians living in remote communities.

Fuel crisis

As most Australians would be aware, the fuel excise has already been halved amid the oil crisis, and the government will invest $10 billion to strengthen Australia’s fuel security.

Small business

The ATO is “streamlining” access to temporary relief from tax obligations until the end of the current financial year.

This includes more generous payment plans for tax, support in varying pay as you go (PAYG) instalments (when taxable income drops), and a new dedicated way for businesses to access relief.

Defence

The government is giving the military $53 billion over 10 years to modernise the defence force. This will include investing in drone and counter-drone technologies.

“Road of Reform”

Treasurer Chalmers claimed that no other budget in the 2000s has set out this much “responsible repair” and economic reform.

“Tonight, we choose the hard road of reform, not the path of least resistance,” Mr Chalmers told Parliament.

“By responding to the pressures Australians confront today. And fulfilling our obligations and responsibilities to the generations to come.”

Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.

About the author: Michael Crooks is a senior journalist and former news editor of Who magazine. His work has appeared in People, Marie Claire, The Daily Telegraph, Herald Sun, news.com.au, Qantas magazine and more.

Feature image: Canva

Hundreds of school chaplaincy roles remain vacant across Australia, as demand grows for relational support in student wellbeing.

A growing number of Australian schools are seeking Chaplains, with over 200 vacancies across the country representing a vital gap in student wellbeing support.

SU Australia is one of the nation’s largest school chaplaincy providers. Recognising the important social and spiritual role chaplains fill in school communities, they’re urgently seeking recruits.

“Chaplaincy ultimately is really quite a practical and relational role,” shared SU Australia Executive Christy Mahrin.

“They might spend time one-on-one with a student who’s struggling or run small groups around things like resilience or friendship, essentially being a consistent presence in the playground, in the classroom.”

One of the reasons chaplains are such a necessary fixture in student wellbeing teams is that they have time to give students that teachers and other staff don’t always have the luxury of offering.

“Kids have got a lot going on,” Christy said.

“Often they’re looking for another caring adult to speak with that maybe is outside their family.

“Chaplains have the time to sit with the student, where maybe a teacher or another staff member who would love to do that may not have as much time and availability to do so.”

Interestingly, a recent SU Australia survey found that one of the main concerns young people want to talk through is the effect of the rising cost of living.

“We run a survey in term three each year that captures the crux of the issues that chaplains are speaking with students about,” Christy said.

“The cost of living bumped up to the top of the list in the last 12 months.

“Historically, it’s been more things like friendship issues and bullying – which were still in the top five – but kids are worried and needing support.”

A wide variety of people can be chaplains, with the main requirement being an ability to build rapport with the students and care for their concerns.

“I’m always very surprised by how diverse our chaplain team is,” Christy said.

“It’s not about a specific background or experience but being relational and grounded.

“Just bringing what you have, bringing that care and support [and] being able to show that you genuinely care.”

Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.

About the Author: Laura Bennett is a media professional, broadcaster and writer from Sydney, Australia.

Feature image: Canva