Australia has endured its fourth-hottest January on record, with nationwide temperatures soaring to a level 1.9C above the long-term average from 1961 to 1990. The scorching heatwave is just one of several weather extremes that have defined the past week.
Last month marked the 24th consecutive January in which Australia's mean temperature exceeded the long-term average, further cementing the country's position as one of the most climate-vulnerable nations on Earth.
The scorching temperatures were not limited to any one region; New South Wales had a standout month, with maximum temperatures setting records that are the second-highest on record.
In other news, auction activity has rebounded sharply this weekend, with 1,629 auctions scheduled, almost four times the number held last week. The preliminary clearance rate stands at 69.7%, higher than the actual rate of 59.4%.
Economists have mixed views on what the Reserve Bank's decision to hold interest rates steady will mean for Australians. While many expect a hike, some economists believe that most analysts have focused on core inflation and ignored downward trends in monthly data.
The NSW Government has introduced legislation to remove "good character" from being considered at sentencing hearings, which is expected to help people make informed decisions to reduce drug-related harm. The service will be free and anonymous for festival patrons who choose to bring a small sample to be checked on-site by qualified health staff.
In state politics, the Labor Government is tipped to take another landslide victory in South Australia's upcoming election, with opposition leader Ashton Hurn expected to struggle to recover from a poor start.
Last month marked the 24th consecutive January in which Australia's mean temperature exceeded the long-term average, further cementing the country's position as one of the most climate-vulnerable nations on Earth.
The scorching temperatures were not limited to any one region; New South Wales had a standout month, with maximum temperatures setting records that are the second-highest on record.
In other news, auction activity has rebounded sharply this weekend, with 1,629 auctions scheduled, almost four times the number held last week. The preliminary clearance rate stands at 69.7%, higher than the actual rate of 59.4%.
Economists have mixed views on what the Reserve Bank's decision to hold interest rates steady will mean for Australians. While many expect a hike, some economists believe that most analysts have focused on core inflation and ignored downward trends in monthly data.
The NSW Government has introduced legislation to remove "good character" from being considered at sentencing hearings, which is expected to help people make informed decisions to reduce drug-related harm. The service will be free and anonymous for festival patrons who choose to bring a small sample to be checked on-site by qualified health staff.
In state politics, the Labor Government is tipped to take another landslide victory in South Australia's upcoming election, with opposition leader Ashton Hurn expected to struggle to recover from a poor start.
oh man, australia is really feeling the heat right now... 1.9c above average? that's crazy! 
i feel bad for all those people who have to deal with this kind of weather, it can't be easy living in a place where the temperature just keeps going up and up. 
on the flip side, some good news about auctions rebounding sharply, 69.7% clearance rate? that's awesome! 
but what about those people struggling to make ends meet, is the economy gonna be okay? 
also, i'm glad they're trying to help reduce drug-related harm with that new legislation, free and anonymous service sounds like a game changer 
. It's always interesting to see how different people interpret the same info.
. But seriously, it's a big step towards creating safer communities.
if people can make informed decisions about their health it could make a big difference 
is that going to lead to inflation or something? and on a more positive note, it's awesome to see auctions bouncing back 
69.7% clearance rate is pretty impressive! but let's not forget about all the other issues we need to tackle, like our mental health services 
. And Australia's always been prone to weird weather, but this is just getting out of hand! Has anyone else noticed how much climate change affects things these days? 
And 69.7% clearance rate? That's awesome! But at the same time, some of those economists are saying interest rates might stay steady... what does that even mean for us Aussies? 
and the impact it has on every country. anyway, back to aussie politics 
- gotta say, i'm keepin an eye on those elections 
hope more ppl get involved in makin a difference 
meanwhile auction activity is back on track which is awesome for the housing market 
gotta give them props for introducing legislation that promotes public safety and well-being 
like what's going on with climate change? anyway, back to something slightly better - auction activity rebounded so hard this wknd i love how 69.7% clearance rate is pretty impressive 
hope everyone's staying cool and safe out there! i feel so bad for the ppl who are having to deal with it, especially those who are elderly or have health issues... can't imagine how tough it must be. 
. hope the new NSW legislation helps reduce drug-related harm tho 
. and ugh, another landslide win for labor in sa 
. Four-hottest January on record? No biggie. It's just another day of the climate crisis, you know? And honestly, who needs a good character to consider at sentencing hearings when you can just chill with some free drug testing on-site? Sounds like common sense to me! 
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. And the fact that this is just one of many extreme weather events this year... it's like the planet is on fire 
... but I guess we've got a whole new definition now.
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. But what really gets me is how auction activity has rebounded - 1,629 auctions this weekend? That's like, a whole lotta real estate changing hands