MAKING it cheaper to see a doctor is expected to feature prominently in Labor's election pitch, with the federal health minister committed to strengthening Medicare before the upcoming campaign. "There's more we want to do to deliver - more doctors, more bulk-billing and more urgent care," Health Minister Mark Butler told

SMARTER use of common household appliances - fridges, washing machines and even the toaster - could cut power bills in 2025, an electricians' network says. The toaster may be a smaller contributor to the power bill but is still worth optimising, says Chris Madikian, electrical expert at Sydney-based The Local Electrician.

THE STATE Government is encouraging farmers to take part in a trial that exempts farm vehicles used to fight fires from registration. Under the trial, participants can nominate a Farm Fire Fighting Vehicle (FFFV), or a vehicle used for firefighting purposes, to respond to emergency bush fire incidents on public roads

SCAMMERS are cunning and use persuasive words and techniques that can trick us into false offers and situations we would not choose to be in if we had understood the implications better. Helping us to spot scams and see through them, Greater Bank and Newcastle Permanent is raising awareness and offering

CALLS for further reforms to create a universal childcare system are mounting, after major government announcements to improve access for families. Anthony Albanese has promised a re-elected Labor government would abolish the childcare activity test and offer three days of subsidised care to families earning up to $530,000 a year. Advertise with

AN extra 5000 social homes will be built through $3 billion in joint funding as part of a fast-tracked round of Labor's signature housing policy. Housing Minister Clare O'Neil will announce a new partnership with the states and territories to deliver the additional homes under the Housing Australia Future Fund. Advertise with

PRIME Minister Anthony Albanese says Peter Dutton is "hiding from scrutiny" of his $330 billion nuclear energy plan by releasing it weeks before Christmas. Mr Albanese also criticised the bill for the opposition leader's plan, telling journalists it would be fully funded by taxpayers "because no private sector investor will go