Healthcare Costs: Australians paid more than five times the benchmark for specialist doctor visits on over a million occasions last year, with out-of-pocket specialist fees rising faster than inflation, prompting Mark Butler to target “excessive” mark-ups. Climate & Energy: A new Climate Analytics report urges Australia to phase out fossil fuels fast—ending coal by 2034, cutting oil demand by 2035 and pushing renewables to dominate electricity by 2040. Wildlife Recovery: NSW says 13 native species wiped out locally have returned and are breeding again inside predator-proof reserves after a decade-long feral cat and fox control push. Water Security: A $7.8m Dubbo wastewater plant in regional NSW has switched on advanced treatment to turn hard-to-breakdown pollutants into recycled water. Bird Flu Alert: Kangaroo Island’s first endangered sea lion has died from bird flu, as authorities scramble for protection measures. Politics & Power: The Albanese government moves to crack down on “giveaway” gambling-style promotions that skirt lottery rules. Culture & Debate: ARIA has tightened rules on AI-made music, stripping AI tracks unless they’re substantially human-made.