Daily Aussie News

Aussie Car Owners Offered Lucrative Side Hustle

July 05, 2025

Aussie car owners now have a new opportunity to earn extra income thanks to a major move by one of the country’s biggest retailers.

Australian EV owners will now be able to power their homes using their cars and sell energy back into the grid following a groundbreaking initiative that’s set to transform the way we use and store renewable energy.

This move marks a major step forward for sustainability, allowing electric vehicle owners with compatible cars and hardware to:

Power their homes during a blackout,
Absorb excess solar energy and pump it back into their house during peak demand,
Sell surplus energy back to the grid for profit.

Customers with Ausgrid - the largest distributor in New South Wales, covering more than 1.7 million homes across Sydney, the Central Coast, and the Hunter Valley - can now apply to have vehicle-to-grid (V2G) electric car hardware installed.

This innovative two-way flow of energy transforms EVs into mobile batteries, giving owners the chance to support the grid during high-demand periods while also achieving greater energy independence.

How Vehicle-to-Grid Works

Group Executive of Distributed Services, Rob Amphlett Lewis, said tapping into V2G is an exciting milestone that unlocks new opportunities for customers and the broader electricity network.

“We’ve done the foundational work to understand how to integrate this V2G technology safely and effectively, and our customers can now begin to benefit,” he said.

“Customers can use their EV batteries to sell excess energy back to the grid during peak times and recharge at off-peak rates, creating an additional source of income.”

Ausgrid joins SA Power Networks in South Australia and Essential Energy in NSW in offering support for V2G technology. Bi-directional charging has technically been possible for years, but only certain cars - like the Nissan Leaf EV and Mitsubishi Outlander plug-in hybrid - currently have this capability.

New Standards Pave the Way

While the rollout of V2G has been slow due to regulatory hurdles and carmaker permissions, progress is now being made. In November 2024, Chris Bowen, Minister for Climate Change and Energy, announced new standards for vehicle-to-grid (V2G) and vehicle-to-home (V2H) capabilities at the Sydney International EV AutoShow.

Fatima Bazzi, Head of Customer Connections, says the development will help both households and the broader energy grid: “V2G allows EVs to discharge energy back to the grid during periods of high demand, alleviating stress on the network and improving overall grid performance.”

“This means we can better manage network stress, improve overall grid performance, and potentially defer costly infrastructure upgrades, ultimately benefiting all our customers.”

More EV models are expected to support V2G as more carmakers get on board and required wallbox chargers and software become available.

How to Get Involved

Interested EV owners should check with their local distributor - such as Ausgrid, SA Power Networks, or Essential Energy - to see if they’re eligible to have V2G hardware installed at home.

This exciting new side hustle gives Australians the chance to turn their cars into valuable income-generating assets while supporting a more sustainable energy future.

For more details on how to apply and the latest updates, visit your local energy provider’s website.

Bus Driver Strike to Halt Victorian Network Once Again

July 05, 2025

Bus drivers for CDC Victoria are taking industrial action once again, with the Transport Workers’ Union (TWU) announcing a third strike to pressure the bus operator for a better deal on pay and working conditions.

The strike will begin on July 1 and is expected to severely disrupt services across Ballarat, Geelong, Mildura, and Melbourne’s south, north and western suburbs. Charter services will also be affected.

Why Are CDC Victoria Bus Drivers Striking?

The TWU says the current proposal from CDC Victoria does not meet drivers’ core demands for improved safety, fair pay, and better working conditions.

“For the hard work that we do, the current offer is a definite slap in the face,” said Jason Holmes, CDC Tullamarine union delegate. “We don’t like disrupting our passengers. But unfortunately, we’ve been pushed to this point to make CDC listen.”

The TWU has encouraged passengers to check for affected routes via the Public Transport Victoria (PTV) website.

Previous Strikes and the Dysons Deal

This is the third strike organised by the union, following a recent action that impacted over a third of Victoria’s bus network. In contrast, the Dysons bus company avoided further strikes after its workforce voted in favour of a proposed Enterprise Bargaining Agreement (EBA).

The Dysons deal includes a 13% pay rise over three years, increased allowances, and commitments on overtime parity. The TWU says this agreement fell short of its ideal outcome but believes it is a step in the right direction for the industry.

Union: The Fight Continues

TWU director of organising for Victoria and Tasmania, Sam Lynch, says the union will keep fighting until CDC Victoria improves its offer.

“Although the Dysons agreement falls short of what we would have liked, members should be proud of the progress we made. The fight to lift pay and conditions across Victoria’s bus industry is not over yet,” Lynch said.

“Negotiations are ongoing at CDC, and the TWU will not stop until we have secured real improvements to pay and conditions for every driver. We want to get this resolved as quickly as possible. But we also want to see a deal that gives bus drivers the respect they deserve.”

For more information on service disruptions, visit the official PTV website.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal or industrial relations advice.

Melbourne Street Sweeper Wins Unfair Dismissal Case Over Acknowledgement of Country Comments

June 29, 2025

Shaun Turner, a Melbourne street sweeper, has won an unfair dismissal case after losing his job for questioning an Acknowledgement of Country during a work meeting.

In April 2024, Turner, who worked full-time for Darebin City Council, spoke up at a toolbox meeting when an Acknowledgement of Country was delivered for the first time. He expressed his opinion that servicemen and women who fought for Australia’s freedom should be thanked instead. The council claimed his comments were disrespectful and dismissed him for serious misconduct in June 2024.

However, the Fair Work Commission (FWC) found that his remarks were not aggressive or disrespectful, but rather a spontaneous expression of opinion. The Commission ruled that there was no valid reason for his sacking, calling it “harsh, unjust or unreasonable”.

Turner told the FWC he felt he was wrongly made out to be racist, pointing out his close connections with Aboriginal family members. He is now seeking reinstatement to his former position, with a final decision on that still pending.

What Is an Acknowledgement of Country?

An Acknowledgement of Country is a statement to show respect for the Traditional Owners of the land and recognise the continuing connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to Country. Many Australian organisations now include it at meetings, events, and ceremonies.

Why This Case Matters

This decision highlights the balance between free expression at work and respectful cultural practices. The FWC’s ruling reinforces that employees have the right to share their opinions without fear of unfair dismissal, as long as they do so respectfully.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice.

Have thoughts on this case? Share them in the comments below!

How Generative AI Is Shaping Daily Life: Real Stories from Everyday Australians

June 29, 2025

Generative artificial intelligence is no longer just a buzzword — it’s becoming part of how people learn, work, create, and even cope with life’s biggest challenges. While governments worldwide debate how to regulate its use, everyday Australians are finding countless ways to integrate it into their routines — and not all of them are positive.

Educators Turning AI into a Teaching Tool

Some teachers and tutors say generative AI has become an unexpected ally. George, a tutor in Western Australia, uses AI to double-check facts and craft example stories for students — although he still edits the content to add accuracy and depth. Cam, a Queensland teacher, even uses AI as a virtual tutor for learning rare languages like Farsi and to create worksheets that free up time for more engaging classroom activities.

In fact, a recent study by Queensland University of Technology in 2024 revealed that over 70% of university staff across 17 Australian universities are using AI for work-related tasks.

Rising Concerns About Academic Quality

Yet not everyone in education is thrilled. Jane, a university tutor, worries that generative AI is hurting students’ critical thinking. She says she now uses AI herself — not for teaching, but to catch AI-generated plagiarism in student assignments.

ACT student Jemy shares a similar fear, arguing that over-reliance on AI could weaken people’s ability to think deeply — a vital skill that education is supposed to nurture.

Parents and Students Finding Unexpected Benefits

Not all the stories are cautionary tales. Tim, a Victorian parent, used AI to set up a customised tutor for his daughter’s Year 12 subjects. Tania, another parent, says AI gave her kids new ideas about possible study and career paths — and even highlighted risks of pursuing jobs that might not exist in a few years.

Workplaces Divided: Time Saver or Trouble?

At work, people’s experiences vary wildly. Chris, a software developer from the ACT, calls AI his “personal assistant”, helping him write and test code faster, and even draft emails that match his tone.

But Steven, who works in disability support in Victoria, says AI-generated shift notes have caused confusion and misinformation — more hassle than help. Meanwhile, an anonymous developer says pushing AI into every product is burning out teams and frustrating staff who would rather focus on users’ needs.

Creatives Wrestle with AI’s Impact on Art

For writers and artists, generative AI remains a lightning rod. Annabelle, a Victorian writer, feels her work has been devalued and used without permission to train AI models. By contrast, April, an artist, uses AI to spark new ideas and help run her creative business, seeing it as a tool to boost — not replace — her skills.

Others, like Michael in WA, have even used AI to fulfil long-held dreams. AI helped him transform his poetry into full-fledged songs, letting him share his music with the world.

Using AI for Support and Reflection

Some people turn to AI for mental health support. Simon from Tasmania used AI journalling to process grief after losing a child, though he warns about the risk of developing unhealthy emotional attachments to AI. Sarah, a single mum in Queensland, found AI therapy a lifeline when she could no longer afford traditional counselling.

Mundane Tasks Made Easier

For many, AI has simply become a handy helper for everyday chores. Readers say they use it to find recipes, plan meals, design home decor, or even guide mindfulness sessions. Kelly, an AI developer from NSW, built her own AI “life architect” to streamline decisions and save hours each week.

These real-life stories show that generative AI is reshaping how we learn, work, create, and cope — but also raising important questions about how much control we really have. How is AI changing your life? Share your story with us in the comments below.

Trump Abruptly Ends US-Canada Trade Talks Over Tech Tax

June 29, 2025

In a dramatic move, US President Donald Trump has abruptly cut off trade negotiations with Canada, citing Canada’s new tax targeting American technology companies. The decision has shattered recent optimism about easing tensions between the two countries.

Why Did Trump End the Talks?

The unexpected announcement came on Friday, local time. President Trump called the Canadian tax “a blatant attack” on US firms and warned that new tariffs on Canadian goods would be announced within the next seven days.

Recent Calm Now in Jeopardy

This sudden breakdown reverses what seemed like progress after the mid-June G7 Summit, where Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney agreed to finalize a new economic deal within 30 days. Instead, relations between the two allies have once again become tense.

Markets and Consumers Brace for Impact

Earlier the same day, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had sounded hopeful about trade, highlighting new progress with China on securing critical minerals for American manufacturing. But the frequent and unpredictable rollout of Trump’s new import tariffs has created uncertainty for global markets and is starting to weigh on consumer spending — a key pillar of the US economy.

What’s Next? President Trump says he will reveal new tariff rates on Canadian goods within the week, leaving businesses on both sides of the border bracing for what could come next.

Stay tuned for updates on how this trade dispute may affect other global tariff negotiations and your business.

60-Foot Rogue Wave Captured in Pacific Ocean (Video

June 29, 2025

Canadian scientists are investigating one of the ocean’s most terrifying and unpredictable phenomena: the rogue wave.

When we think of rogue waves forming far offshore, surfers might picture legendary spots like Cortes Bank — that mythical big-wave break nearly 100 miles off California’s coast. But massive rogue waves are not just limited to known surf spots. New research shows these ocean monsters can appear in open waters around the world — including off the coast of Canada.

Once a Maritime Myth — Now Captured on Video

For centuries, rogue waves were dismissed as sailors’ tall tales. But today, modern technology is proving these giants are very real — and even more unpredictable than once thought. Off the British Columbia coast, a network of AI-powered buoys is detecting and recording rogue waves in real time.

“Once dismissed as a maritime myth, rogue waves are now increasingly being recorded in Canadian waters,” says Johanna Wagstaffe, a CBC meteorologist who met with the scientists behind this research. “A network of AI-powered buoys off the coast of B.C. is capturing these giants in real time. There’s even new technology that might one day help forecast them.”

Wave Taller Than a Six-Story Building

One of the most jaw-dropping discoveries came back in 2020, when MarineLabs Data Systems recorded a rogue wave off Vancouver Island near Tofino. “So, this rogue wave was measured near Tofino,” says Scott Beatty, CEO of MarineLabs. “There was a 17.5 meter [57.4 feet] wave that came by — for context, that’s about six stories tall. The surrounding waves were only about six meters. It was the highest ever recorded. We had to double and triple-check it.”

What Makes Rogue Waves So Dangerous?

Unlike predictable big-wave spots like Cortes Bank — where surfers know where and when to find massive surf — rogue waves appear without warning. They can suddenly rise up in the open ocean, far from shore and shipping routes, making them extremely dangerous for ships and crews.

“These waves are at least twice as tall as the surrounding waves,” the MarineLabs team explains. “They’re unpredictable. They can come from unexpected directions, often moving against prevailing winds and swells. It takes a whole cocktail of factors — wind, swell, current — to align perfectly. It’s a chaotic, nonlinear wave interaction where one wave suddenly gathers energy from others and explodes in size.”

Nature’s Rare, Terrifying, and Fascinating Ocean Giants

Rogue waves remain one of the most fascinating — and feared — marine mysteries. Their random nature fuels legends of “liquid mountains” appearing out of nowhere to swallow ships whole. And for surfers, it makes you wonder: how many undiscovered big-wave spots could be hiding in the vast, open oceans?

With AI technology and new ocean monitoring tools, researchers hope we’ll not only better understand these towering rogue waves — but maybe one day, we’ll be able to predict when and where they’ll appear.

Watch the Rogue Wave Video

📹 Check out the video footage of this massive 60-foot rogue wave captured by MarineLabs off the coast of British Columbia.

Stay Updated

🌊 Subscribe to our free ocean newsletter for the latest discoveries about rogue waves, extreme surf spots, and marine science.
🏄‍♂️ Follow us for more stories about big waves and surf adventures around the world.

The ocean always keeps its secrets — but sometimes, it shows us just how powerful it really is.

280 Million Years After the Big Bang — NASA Announces Major Discovery Moving at Breakneck Speed

June 29, 2025

Ever since humanity began observing the sky more closely, the biggest question has been: how did the universe begin? While powerful telescopes and ambitious space missions have brought us closer to answers, the very first moments after the Big Bang still hold countless secrets. Now, a new discovery by NASA may redefine what we know about the birth of the cosmos — and rewrite the theories about how galaxies formed.

Are We Closer to the Big Bang?

It’s easy to forget that until a few decades ago, we knew very little about the deep universe. It was like trying to solve a 1,000-piece puzzle with only three pieces. Then came the Hubble Space Telescope, revolutionizing our view of the cosmos. But the real game changer arrived in 2022: the launch of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST).

Equipped with a massive 6.5-meter mirror and unmatched infrared sensitivity, the James Webb lets us observe light from the universe’s first million years. This means we can now see farther and more clearly than ever before, opening a new era of deep space exploration.

Discoveries at Breakneck Speed

In just under three years of operation, the JWST has broken record after record, detecting the oldest galaxies ever seen. And even with these incredible findings, no one was quite ready for NASA’s most recent revelation.

Reaching 280 Million Years After the Big Bang

In May this year, NASA announced a jaw-dropping discovery: a galaxy called MoM-z14, which existed only 280 million years after the Big Bang. To put that into perspective, that represents just 2% of the universe’s entire 13.8 billion-year history!

The name says it all — “MoM” stands for Mother of all early galaxies. The galaxy’s redshift, z = 14.44, is the highest ever recorded, making MoM-z14 the most distant — and therefore the oldest — galaxy humanity has ever observed.

What’s more surprising is that MoM-z14’s structure and brightness show that its formation process was incredibly rapid — far faster than astronomers previously believed possible. This new piece could completely reshape the cosmic puzzle we’ve been working on for decades.

What Does This Change?

So, what does this discovery mean in practice? In short: a lot. The existence of MoM-z14 suggests that large, bright galaxies formed much sooner than the dominant theories predicted — maybe even before 200 million years after the Big Bang. This challenges our understanding of how quickly the universe organized itself in its earliest days.

Could it mean our current models have been off the mark from the start? One thing is clear: this discovery opens a bold new chapter in astronomy and cosmology. And the revelations don’t stop there — NASA also recently detected a massive “superstorm” in another distant galaxy, suggesting that the universe’s early days may have been far more dynamic than we imagined.

The Universe’s Story Continues

Every new breakthrough brings us closer to answering the timeless question: How did it all begin? As the James Webb Space Telescope continues to push the boundaries of what we can see, the coming years promise to be some of the most exciting in the history of space exploration.

Stay Informed

🌌 Subscribe to our free space newsletter for the latest discoveries and cosmic insights.
🔭 Don’t miss out — follow our updates on the James Webb Space Telescope and the mysteries of the early universe.

Who knows what secrets are waiting to be uncovered next?