Overview
- The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported annual inflation slowed to 4 percent in the 12 months to May, its lowest reading in three months but still above the Reserve Bank's target band.
- Slower consumer price growth could lessen immediate pressure on the Reserve Bank of Australia to raise interest rates because rising prices are the key driver of tighter monetary policy.
- Pauline Hanson injected the term 'monoculture' into public debate and asked political leaders to endorse the idea, prompting media scrutiny of party positions on immigration and national identity.
- Opposition leader Angus Taylor was repeatedly asked whether he supports multiculturalism and declined to give a clear answer, leaving the opposition's stance ambiguous and likely to draw further questioning.
- Separately, a Sydney inner-west family is undertaking a long, costly heritage restoration of their grand home, highlighting the practical, regulatory and financial challenges of preserving older properties.