08July2026

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SUPPORT FROM A NEW DEMENTIA WEBSITE

EMMA Heming Willis has shared the emotional toll of Bruce Willis's diagnosis with Frontotemporal dementia, telling the International Dementia Conference 2026 that her family received little guidance after the diagnosis, leaving them feeling isolated and uncertain. She launched the Australian support website www.raredementia.com.au, developed by HammondCare, to provide information and support for families living with rare dementias. The initiative also aims to raise awareness that dementia includes many conditions beyond Alzheimer's disease, including FTD, which affects behaviour, personality and language rather than memory in its early stages.

23 June 2026

REDEEMER BAPTIST SCHOOL INVESTIGATION CALL

THE Independent Education Union (IEU), representing teachers and support staff in non-government schools across NSW and the ACT, has called for urgent investigations into Redeemer Baptist School in North Parramatta following media reports raising serious concerns. Allegations include staff not being paid, teachers being classified as “volunteers” rather than employees, and practices the union says pose child protection risks, including claims that teachers and students share bedrooms. The IEU said minimum wages and conditions, including superannuation, must apply and has urged the NSW Education Standards Authority, the Office of the Children’s Guardian and the Fair Work Ombudsman to investigate potential breaches.

22 June 2026

UNSW RANKED AUSTRALIA'S TOP UNIVERSITY

UNSW Sydney has claimed the title of Australia’s highest-ranked university for the first time, rising to 19th in the world in the latest QS World University Rankings.

The result sees UNSW overtake the University of Melbourne to become the only Australian institution ranked inside the global top 20. The rankings assess more than 1,500 universities worldwide based on academic reputation, employer reputation, research impact, sustainability and international collaboration.

UNSW has climbed an impressive 30 places since 2017 and ranked first nationally for employment outcomes and sustainability.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Attila Brungs said the achievement reflected the university’s commitment to excellence in research, teaching and delivering real-world impact.

“This ranking recognises the extraordinary work of our staff, students and alumni, and the global impact of our research and education,” Professor Brungs said.

UNSW’s strong performance in graduate employability was highlighted as a key factor behind its rise, with the university maintaining close links with industry and focusing on preparing students for the jobs of the future.

The result also highlights the strength of Australian higher education, with more than half of the nation’s universities improving their global standing in the latest rankings.

The rise marks a historic milestone for UNSE, which has grown into one of the world’s leading centres for research and innovation since its establishment in 1949.

17 June 2026

BUSINESSES URGED TO PREPARE FOR SUPER CHANGES

WITH Payday Super due to begin on July 1, NAB is urging businesses to prepare for changes that will require superannuation to be paid at the same time as wages rather than quarterly. The change does not increase super contributions but brings forward when payments must be made, potentially affecting cash flow, particularly for businesses with weekly or fortnightly payrolls. NAB says early planning can help businesses avoid financial pressure by forecasting cash flow more regularly and setting aside funds sooner. Known as Payday Super, the reform aims to ensure employees receive superannuation contributions sooner and more consistently. Industries such as hospitality, manufacturing and transport, where labour costs are high and payroll cycles are frequent, are expected to feel the greatest impact.

14 June 2026

THREE STRIKES DRUG DRIVING POLICY CHALLENGED

DOCTORS and trauma specialists across NSW have urged the NSW Government to abandon its proposed "three strikes" medicinal cannabis drug-driving policy, warning it is not supported by medical evidence and could compromise road safety. Under the proposal, drivers prescribed medicinal cannabis would avoid licence disqualification for their first two low-range roadside drug-driving offences and face harsher penalties only on a third offence within a specified period. Critics argue the proposed THC threshold of 50 nanograms per millilitre lacks scientific backing and is not endorsed by major Australian or international clinical bodies. NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane and Shadow Roads Minister Mark Coure have called on the Government to withdraw the policy and consult road safety experts, clinicians and patient groups on alternative reforms.

06 June 2026

MASSIVE SURGE IN TAXPAYER COMPLAINTS

THE Tax Ombudsman has reported a 127% surge in taxpayer complaints this year, driven largely by concerns over debt collection, penalties, interest charges and payment arrangements as the ATO increases debt recovery efforts. Tax Ombudsman Ruth Owen said the new quarterly complaints snapshot highlights key taxpayer concerns and helps identify systemic issues. The agency achieved tax debt reductions or interest remissions in 31% of penalties and interest complaints and provided independent reviews in many others, helping taxpayers resolve disputes and improve confidence in the fairness of the tax system.

06 June 2026

THE PILL AVAILABLE OVER THE COUNTER

WOMEN in NSW will soon be able to access the oral contraceptive pill directly through trained community pharmacists under a new NSW Government reform. Initially, 30 pharmacists will be able to prescribe the pill to low-risk women aged 18–39, with around 250 expected by year’s end. The government will fund the first 5,000 consultations and subsidise training for pharmacists, improving access to healthcare while reducing pressure on GPs.

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Access News is a print and digital media publisher established over 15 years and based in Western Sydney, Australia. Our newspaper titles include the flagship publication, Western Sydney Express, which is a trusted source of information and for hundreds of thousands of decision makers, businesspeople and residents looking for insights into the people, projects, opportunities and networks that shape Australia's fastest growing region - Greater Western Sydney.

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