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Everything you need to know about major Medicare shake-up

Medicare is undergoing its biggest shake-up in decades, making it easier for more than 12 million Aussies to visit their GP. Thanks to the sweeping reforms that came into effect on Wednesday, Aussies can now get cheaper visits to GPs and increased access to telehealth services. It is estimated that 12 millions Australians, or three in every five patients, will find it easier to see a bulk-billing GP after incentive payments for the practice tripled in a major boost. General practitioners who bulk-bill concession card holders, pensioners and patients aged under the age of 16 will now receive a $20.65 bonus if they are in a metropolitan area, while the incentive has risen to $39.65 for GPs in regional areas. The previous rates were $6.85 and $13.15 respectively. The tripling of the bulk-billing incentive payment applies to all face-to-face and telehealth GP consultations of up to 20 minutes. The plan was hailed as a "game changer" by the Albanese government, as Health Minister Mark Butler said, "Today is the biggest investment in Medicare for decades." Prime Minister Anthony Albanese added, "Medicare is at the centre of our health system [and] the primary healthcare that GPs deliver makes an enormous difference to people." "[This] happens to be good for the taxpayer as well because... a slight condition dealt with early [and] treated properly ensures it doesn't become an acute condition." Medical and GP advocates welcomed the reforms, saying it will make a big difference to millions of Aussies facing cost-of-living pressures. "But we know more work can be done," Australian Medical Association president Steve Robson said. "We will continue working with the government on developing new programs and initiatives that strengthen primary care and ensure GP-led care is affordable and accessible for all patients." Image credits: Shutterstock

Caring

Private health insurance is set for a shake-up. But asking people to pay more for policies they don’t want isn’t the answer

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/yuting-zhang-1144393">Yuting Zhang</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-melbourne-722">The University of Melbourne</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/nathan-kettlewell-903866">Nathan Kettlewell</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-technology-sydney-936">University of Technology Sydney</a> Private health insurance is <a href="https://consultations.health.gov.au/medical-benefits-division/consultation-on-phi-studies/">under review</a>, with proposals to overhaul everything from rebates to tax penalty rules. One <a href="https://consultations.health.gov.au/medical-benefits-division/consultation-on-phi-studies/supporting_documents/Finity%20Consulting%20MLS%20and%20PHI%20Rebate%20Final%20Report.pdf">proposal</a> is for higher-income earners who don’t have private health insurance to pay a larger <a href="https://www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/Medicare-and-private-health-insurance/Medicare-levy-surcharge/">Medicare Levy Surcharge</a> – an increase from 1.25% or 1.5%, to 2%. And if they want to avoid that surcharge, they’d need to take out higher-level hospital cover than currently required. Encouraging more people to take up private health insurance like this might seem a good way to take pressure off the public hospital system. But <a href="https://melbourneinstitute.unimelb.edu.au/publications/working-papers/search/result?paper=4682822">our research</a> shows these proposals may not achieve this. These may also be especially punitive for people with little to gain from buying private health insurance, such as younger people and those living in regional areas who do not have access to private hospitals. <h2>What is the Medicare Levy Surcharge?</h2> The Medicare Levy Surcharge was <a href="https://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/Parliamentary_Departments/Parliamentary_Library/FlagPost/2013/May/A_short_history_of_increases_to_the_Medicare_levy#:%7E:text=From%20July%201997%2C%20a%20surcharge,ancillary%20insurance%20cover%20was%20introduced">introduced in 1997</a> to encourage high-income earners to buy health insurance. People earning above the relevant thresholds need to buy “complying” health insurance, or pay the levy. This surcharge is in addition to the <a href="https://www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/Medicare-and-private-health-insurance/Medicare-levy/">Medicare levy</a>, which applies to most taxpayers. The surcharge varies depending on your income bracket, and the rate is <a href="https://www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/Medicare-and-private-health-insurance/Medicare-levy-surcharge/Medicare-levy-surcharge-income,-thresholds-and-rates/">different</a> for families. For instance, to avoid paying the surcharge currently, a single person living in Victoria earning A$108,001 can buy basic hospital cover. The lowest annual premium for someone under 65 is <a href="https://www.privatehealth.gov.au/dynamic/Search/">about $1,100</a>, after rebates. That varies slightly between states and territories. Not buying private health insurance and paying the Medicare Levy Surcharge instead would cost even more, at $1,350 (1.25% of $108,001). <h2>What is being proposed?</h2> The <a href="https://consultations.health.gov.au/medical-benefits-division/consultation-on-phi-studies/">report</a>, by Finity Consulting and commissioned by the federal health department, reviews a range of health insurance incentives. It recommends increasing the Medicare Levy Surcharge to 2% for those with an income above $108,001 for singles, and $216,001 for families. The definition of a “complying” private health insurance policy would also change. Rather than having basic hospital cover as is required now, someone would need to buy <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/private-health-insurance-reforms-gold-silver-bronze-basic-product-tiers-campaign-fact-sheet?language=en">silver or gold</a> cover to avoid the surcharge. Under the proposed changes, people who pay the 2% surcharge would also no longer receive any rebate, which currently reduces premiums by <a href="https://www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/Medicare-and-private-health-insurance/Private-health-insurance-rebate/Income-thresholds-and-rates-for-the-private-health-insurance-rebate/#Rebaterates1">about 8%</a> for people earning $108,001-$144,000. So, for a single person under 65, earning $108,001 and living in Victoria, the <a href="https://www.privatehealth.gov.au/dynamic/Search/">annual cost of buying</a> complying hospital cover would be at least $1,904 (without the rebate). Again, that varies slightly between states and territories. But the cost of not insuring and paying the Medicare Levy Surcharge instead would go up to $2,160 (2% of $108,001). <h2>Is this a good idea?</h2> However, <a href="https://melbourneinstitute.unimelb.edu.au/publications/working-papers/search/result?paper=4682822">our research</a>, out earlier this year, suggests increasing the Medicare Levy Surcharge will not meaningfully increase take-up of private health insurance. We’ve shown that people do not respond as strongly to the surcharge as theory would predict. For example, when the surcharge kicks in, we found the probability of insuring only increases modestly from about 70% to 73% for singles, and about 90% to 91% for families. It is generally cheaper to buy private health insurance than to pay the surcharge. However, we found about 15% of single people with an income of $108,001 or above don’t insure despite it being cheaper than paying the Medicare Levy Surcharge. We don’t know precisely why. Maybe people are not sure of the financial benefit due to changes in their income, or if they are, cannot be bothered, or do not have time, to explore their options. Maybe, as <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AusFinance/comments/x2909w/does_anyone_else_willingly_pay_the_medicare/">anecdotal reports suggest</a>, rather than buying private health insurance, some people would rather support the public system by paying the Medicare Levy Surcharge. The point is, people who are not buying private health insurance appear to be highly resistant to financial incentives. So stronger penalties might have little effect. Instead, we propose the Medicare Levy Surcharge be better targeted to true high-income earners. We can do that by increasing income thresholds for the surcharge to kick in, which are then indexed annually to reflect changes in earnings. <h2>How about needing more expensive cover?</h2> Requiring people to choose silver level cover or above would address criticisms about people buying “<a href="https://theconversation.com/getting-rid-of-junk-health-insurance-policies-is-just-tinkering-at-the-margins-of-a-much-bigger-issue-82749">junk</a>” private health insurance they never intend to use. However, people may be buying this type of product because private health insurance has little value to them. Requiring them to spend even more on a product they don’t want is a roundabout way of taking pressure off the public system. So we propose keeping the current level of hospital cover required to avoid the surcharge, rather than increasing it. <h2>Who loses?</h2> Taken together, the cost of these proposed changes would disproportionately fall on people with little to gain from private health insurance. These include younger people, those living in regional areas who do not have access to private hospitals, or those who prefer to support the public system directly. These groups are the least likely to use private insurance so have the least to gain from upgrading their cover. <h2>Where to next?</h2> The report also recommends keeping <a href="https://www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/Medicare-and-private-health-insurance/Private-health-insurance-rebate/">health insurance rebates</a> (a government contribution to your premiums), the <a href="https://www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/Medicare-and-private-health-insurance/Private-health-insurance-rebate/Lifetime-health-cover/">Lifetime Health Cover</a> loading (to encourage people to take out hospital cover while younger), as well as the Medicare Levy Surcharge. We also support keeping these three in the short to medium term. But we recommend gradually reducing public support for private health insurance. We believe the ultimate goal of reforming private health insurance is to optimise the overall efficiency of the health-care system (both public and private systems) and improve population health while saving taxpayers’ money. The goal should not be merely increasing the take-up of private health insurance, which is the focus of the current report. So, as well as our recommendation to better target the Medicare Levy Surcharge, we need to: <ul> <li> lower income thresholds for <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-private-health-insurance-rebate-has-cost-taxpayers-100-billion-and-only-benefits-some-should-we-scrap-it-181264">insurance rebates</a>, especially targeting those on genuinely low incomes. This means lower premiums only for the people who can least afford private health care </li> <li> remove rebates <a href="https://theconversation.com/private-health-insurance-premiums-should-be-based-on-age-and-health-status-122545">based on age</a> as higher rebates for older people <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/13504851.2017.1299094?journalCode=rael20">do not</a> encourage more to insure. Rebates should be tied to just income, which is a better indicator of financial means.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/210981/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> </li> </ul> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/yuting-zhang-1144393">Yuting Zhang</a>, Professor of Health Economics, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-melbourne-722">The University of Melbourne</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/nathan-kettlewell-903866">Nathan Kettlewell</a>, Chancellor's Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Economics Discipline Group, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-technology-sydney-936">University of Technology Sydney</a> Image credits: Getty Images This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/private-health-insurance-is-set-for-a-shake-up-but-asking-people-to-pay-more-for-policies-they-dont-want-isnt-the-answer-210981">original article</a>.

Money & Banking

Major shake-up to Sunrise panel

The Sunrise panel had a major shake-up for their Monday morning program, with a peppy newcomer taking the reins. At the beginning of the week, veteran sports reporter Mark Beretta was notably absent, with Katie Brown stepping in to fill his shoes. The reporter, who is considered to be a rising star of the breakfast show, shocked viewers by filling in for Beretta with unbridled enthusiasm. Katie, who only recently scored an interview with Crown Princess Mary on her trip to Australia, was gleeful as she sat among the network stars. "Got to sit with the big kids today, even got to wear my favourite colour," she wrote on Instagram, sharing a number of behind the scenes photos from the Sunrise studio. She later posted to Instagram Stories to show her preparation for the show. "Happy Monday! Filling in for Beretts today on the desk," she wrote, sharing a sneak peak of the morning's script. Katie did not share how long Beretta would be away from the desk, although he is expected to return later this week after spending the weekend at a charity event in Brisbane. She was showered with praise for taking on the role with even Mark approving of his young protégé's efforts. "Great job KB!!!" Mark commented on the photos, while cricket star Holly Ferling added, "What a weapon." Beretta's absence comes after Kochie was missing from the panel in April, further fuelling rumours about his retirement. Image credits: Instagram

Today shakes things up for the weekend

The Nine Network has revealed that Jayne Azzopardi and Clint Stanaway will be joining the dedicated team of Weekend Today, alongside news presenter Sophie Walsh. And in celebration of their new gig, the two spoke to 9Entertainment, with Stanaway sharing the team’s excitement and desire to bring a fresh experience to the show, keeping viewers entertained and informed along the way. "We're good listeners,” he explained, “and I'm really excited to sort of showcase people's stories. There's no doubt, I think both of us, and including Sophie, we want to bring a relaxed sort of vibe to the show and have some fun, but as well as keeping people entertained, we know we have a responsibility to keep people informed as well." And as Azzopardi added, “during the week, everybody's so rushed, trying to get the kids off to school and get out the door to work. On the weekend everything happens at a little bit of a slower pace. "So you can have us on the TV while you're eating breakfast and having your coffee and there'll be interesting conversations, and also maybe helping you make sense of things that have happened during the week that you've heard about, but you haven't really had a chance to read a lot about it because it's too busy." Azzopardi went on to note that working with Clint has “just been so easy”, and that they know they have each other’s support, as well as being able to “trust each other to be able to do our jobs properly, and all actually really, really like each other.” "I'm a sports veteran, Jayne's all about politics, and I love Sophie's cheek and humour,” Stanaway noted of their team dynamic. "And we're all from different parts of the country. I'm unashamedly a Melbourne guy, Jayne's from the Sydney shire, and Sophie's a Queenslander at heart, and I love that about us. And I think that's really showcased on our show.” He added that they had also known each other for “a long time as colleagues”. The difference in their career history - Stanaway reporting on sports, Jayne covering finance and politics - is likely to be the backbone of their success for the breakfast TV programme, with its variety in coverage across the realms of news and current affairs, weather, politics, lifestyle, and entertainment. And as Stanaway put it, “Jayne's the sensible one. She started out in finance. Right there is the contrast between us.” But they won’t be the only ones contributing to their broadcasts, with Azzopardi making sure to recognise everyone behind the scenes too, noting that “we've got fantastic producers and they work so hard and keep us on our toes. They pull us up if we're talking for a bit too long and keep things running to time." Stanaway then took the opportunity to point out, “because when we get started we can be hard to shut up!" Images: Today / Nine

Today show shake-up continues

Weekend Today has undergone a revamp, with two new hosts likely to join the crew in the wake of Belinda Russell’s departure. The news comes barely two months after Sarah Abo was added to the Today show team, in what marked another shake up to the line-up at Channel Nine. Now, Jayne Azzopardi and Clint Stanaway - who have acted as Weekend Today’s host since the beginning of 2023 - are set to helm the weekend edition, with the network reportedly close to formally announcing the update. Stanway, for one, will have his work cut out for him with the upcoming changes for Weekend Today. The host, who appears on KIIS Melbourne’s Jase & Lauren as their newsreader, will face a seven-day week along with a new commute between the two gigs. Prior to all-but-confirmed co-hosts Azzopardi and Stanaway, Belinda Russell and Charles Croucher ran the show - with the latter stepping away after a promotion saw him named Nine’s new political editor. And despite <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/tv/today-host-announces-shock-departure">Russell moving on from her position</a> as well - with no known reason for her exit, and no mention of her departure on air - a spokesperson for the Nine network has assured that she remains “a valued member of the 9News team, which will enable her to work across all our new brands. “We will be making further announcements soon.” However, as these announcements roll out, many have been left to wonder what will happen to Nine’s entertainment reporter, Richard Wilkins. The 68-year-old has primarily covered mornings and weekends since Brooke Boney’s 2019 welcome to the team, and eyebrows have raised over his apparent dwindling of his duties. Wilkins’ career as an entertainment editor and reporter has seen him cover the likes of The Academy Awards, The Golden Globes, and the ARIA Awards among others. And in 2017, Wilkins celebrated the milestone of his 30th anniversary with the Nine Network. He is well-known for his daily features and Hollywood interviews, however, recently one of Wilkins’ weekend segments gave the impression of being limited to his audience, with the reporter only covering what people should watch, as well as a brief interview with a star from the hit HBO show The Last of Us. Images: Getty

Major shake-up for the Sunrise team

Rumours have long been rife that Sunrise will undergo a major shake-up, with Channel Seven finally confirming the news in a statement. A new face is set to join the team, with hosts Natalie Barr and David Koch welcoming Queensland reporter Georgie Chumley onboard. Georgie, who has long been a part of the 7News team, will keep audiences updated on everything from the Sunshine State, starting on Monday 27th March. “It’s such a privilege to tell Queenslanders’ stories and I’m so excited to get the opportunity to share them with the rest of the country. I’ve grown up here and watched Brisbane shift from a big country town to a thriving city,” Georgie told <a href="https://7news.com.au/sunrise/entertainment/new-face-to-join-sunrise-team-c-9874987?fbclid=IwAR1S4H6uYRce_qHjuzKV-GWpERbzJm0jffsabn7f1C5LHeQU4EvK9BSpM8Y" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" data-i13n="cpos:2;pos:1" data-ylk="slk:7News;cpos:2;pos:1" data-rapid_p="9" data-v9y="1">7News</a>. “We have so much to offer and with so many Sydneysiders and Victorians moving here … the rest of Australia is now catching on. I can’t wait to see you on Sunrise!” <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CnWVkn3v_BE/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CnWVkn3v_BE/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Georgie Chumbley (@georgiechumbley)</a> </div> </blockquote> Georgie's announcement comes just days after publication New Idea shared their speculation that the addition of Dr Chris Brown to Channel Seven is part of a grand scheme for him to replace Kochie when he retires. “Chris would be wanting the ‘holy grail’ of plum roles — which has to be Kochie’s Sunrise gig!” the source said. “Chris could become fill-in host until the time comes to make it permanent. Can you imagine how great he and Nat [Barr] would be together on screen?!” <span style="caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px; background-color: #ffffff;">Kochie, 66, <span style="caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px;">is in the middle of planning his retirement, but has committed to staying at Seven's breakfast show for at least another two years. <p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';">He signed a contract extension in October 2022, locking him in until the end of 2024, but negotiated for “greater flexibility” in his schedule. Speaking to <a href="https://www.nowtolove.com.au/celebrity/celeb-news/sunrise-kochie-grandchildren-family-70364" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" data-i13n="cpos:8;pos:1" data-ylk="slk:Woman's Day;cpos:8;pos:1" data-rapid_p="15" data-v9y="1">Woman's Day</a> in 2021, he said, "[I'll stay] while I'm still enjoying it and while viewers want me to do it. They're the ultimate boss". Image credits: Sunrise

Royal staff face uncertain future amid palace shake-up

King Charles III is reportedly planning to slim down the ranks of staff at England’s royal residences, months after staff at Clarence House were told they were being made redundant. According to a royal insider, the reported 491 full-time staff working across Buckingham Palace, Balmoral Castle, Windsor Castle and other royal residences, per <a href="https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/australia/king-charles-reportedly-planning-to-fire-late-queen-s-ladies-in-waiting-among-other-staff/ar-AA14jAlj?cvid=94ec179e798b4a65b52b3da30143492b" target="_blank" rel="noopener">msn.com</a>, are “extremely worried” about their positions and fear they will be unemployed by the end of the year. "It's a really testing time. Many are already resigned to leaving jobs they have cherished for years," the insider told <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/fabulous/20479578/king-charles-makes-major-royal-shake-up/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Mirror</a>. "It's left a real sense of dread among staff." Royal insiders believe Queen Elizabeth II’s ladies-in-waiting at the Royal Stud in Sandringham are among those at risk. The news comes one week after the King announced a one-off cost-of-living bonus for his staff, with a source telling <a href="https://honey.nine.com.au/royals/king-charles-pays-staff-bonus-out-of-pocket-cost-of-living/c4f05fbe-3d8e-4e13-b475-6b2f9c15a28d" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Sun</a> that Charles was paying hundreds out of his own pocket to help his lowest-earning employees during the country’s cost-of-living crisis. "It is being given on a sliding scale with those most in need and on lower wages getting the most money," the source said. For some royal staff, the recent risk of redundancy may come for a second time, after up to 100 employees at Charles’ former residence of Clarence House were given redundancy notices during the Queen’s thanksgiving service in September. In a letter sent to staff by Sir Clive Alderton, the King’s top aide, it was revealed that the Clarence House household “will be closed down”. “The change in role for our principals will also mean change for our household … The portfolio of work previously undertaken in this household supporting the former Prince of Wales’s personal interests, former activities and household operations will no longer be carried out, and the household … at Clarence House will be closed down. It is therefore expected that the need for the posts principally based at Clarence House, whose work supports these areas will no longer be needed,” his letter read, as reported by the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/sep/13/king-charles-staff-given-redundancy-notice-during-church-service-for-queen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Guardian</a>. “I appreciate that this is unsettling news and I wanted to let you know of the support that is available at this point.” It is understood that staff made redundant would be offered searches for alternative employment across the royal households. “Our staff have given long and loyal service and, while some redundancies will be unavoidable, we are working urgently to identify alternative roles for the greatest number of staff,” a Clarence House spokesman said at the time. Image: Getty Images

News

Two exciting new weight loss shake flavours have dropped

Losing weight is different for everyone and sometimes you may need that little bit of help to shed those lingering kilos. Enter <a href="https://go.linkby.com/WITOUGOC/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Juniper</a>, an Australian-owned brand that is helping women with their weight and menopause symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, and mood changes. <a href="https://go.linkby.com/WITOUGOC/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Juniper </a>has been helping women around Australia take control of their health by making the weight-loss journey a lot easier. It’s known that about 80 per cent of weight is actually determined from hormones, and for many women weight gain is not a lifestyle issue, but a medical one. With the introduction of two new delicious flavours, <a href="https://go.linkby.com/WITOUGOC/weight-loss-shake" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Vanilla</a> and <a href="https://go.linkby.com/WITOUGOC/weight-loss-shake" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Espresso</a>, <a href="https://go.linkby.com/WITOUGOC/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Juniper </a>has worked with leading experts and is backed by years of research to help women everywhere. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/08/juniper-3.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> <a href="https://go.linkby.com/WITOUGOC/weight-loss-shake" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Juniper’s Nourish Shakes</a> are not only dietitian-approved meal replacement shakes, they are also only 205 calories per shake and already contain 40 per cent of the daily recommended intake of essential nutrients and minerals. The shakes are guaranteed to help keep you fuller for longer and help keep the weight off for good. Those who’ve been involved with Juniper can also expect to see immediate results, with some boasting an incredible 2kg weight loss in just the first week. Each customer that also signs up to <a href="https://go.linkby.com/WITOUGOC/weight-loss-shake" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Juniper’s Nourish Shake</a> subscription plan will receive complementary lifestyle coaching, community connection, education, and delicious dietitian-designed recipes. Health coaches will also work with you every step of the way to ensure you receive all the support you need for long-term weight loss. To help with convenience, <a href="https://go.linkby.com/WITOUGOC/weight-loss-shake" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Juniper’s Nourish Shakes</a> come in single serve sachets making it easy to have anywhere, anytime. To top it off, each shake is ONLY $2.65, which works out incredibly especially when you consider it's a meal replacement. Flavours <a href="https://go.linkby.com/WITOUGOC/weight-loss-shake" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Vanilla Nourish Shake</a> The <a href="https://go.linkby.com/WITOUGOC/weight-loss-shake" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Vanilla Nourish Shake</a> is anything but boring. Not only is it delicious, but it is creamy, filling and the rich vanilla and light caramel are sure to hit the spot. Best consumed with your favourite fruits or enjoyed alone. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/08/juniper-5.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> <a href="https://go.linkby.com/WITOUGOC/weight-loss-shake" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Espresso Nourish Shake</a> With this delicious <a href="https://go.linkby.com/WITOUGOC/weight-loss-shake" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Espresso Nourish Shake</a> you are sure to hit two birds with one stone. There is already a generous amount of coffee in the shake which will be sure to satisfy your craving. <a href="https://go.linkby.com/WITOUGOC/weight-loss-shake" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chocolate Nourish Shake</a> This one is self-explanatory. Fancy yourself a bit of a chocoholic? Now you can put that craving to guilt-free good use at just 205 calories and zero regret. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/08/juniper-4.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Each <a href="https://go.linkby.com/WITOUGOC/weight-loss-shake" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Juniper Nourish Shake</a> contains: - 20 essential vitamins and minerals equivalent to more than 40% of your daily vitamin needs for immunity and overall health - Dietitian-approved and science-backed formula - Over 29g of high-quality protein. Whey protein contains all 9 essential amino acids and limits the loss of muscle mass - High fibre to keep you fuller for longer, support digestive function and supports energy levels - Pre and probiotics for optimal gut health. Aids in digestion, immunity, and inflammation - Low in carbs and just 205 calories in every shake - No bad stuff! No added sugar, laxatives, preservatives, or empty fillers Images: Supplied This is a sponsored article produced in partnership with <a href="https://go.linkby.com/WITOUGOC/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Juniper</a>.

Body

Victoria's earthquake still shaking parts of the country

Image: Getty A man was injured while performing building work during Victoria’s largest earthquake in history, as emergency services warn there may be more aftershocks. The magnitude 5.9 earthquake hit at 9:15 am on Wednesday, with the epicentre being between Mansfield and Rawson in the state’s northeast. The 10km deep earthquake – the biggest in the state since records began – was felt across Melbourne and even as far as Canberra, Sydney and Adelaide. There were no reports of injuries, however, State Emergency Service chief officer Tim Wiebusch said on Thursday, a man in Mount Eliza suffered minor injuries. “A man that was working on a repair of a construction, in the shaking, moved and came on top of him” he told Seven network. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he was relieved the earthquake did not cause much damage. “Obiviously, we need to remain cautious because of the threat of aftershocks, but it’s pleasing to know that what was first feared was not realised, particularly in relation to any reports of serious injury,” he told reporters in Washington. At least eight aftershocks have been registered between 2.4 and 4.1 on the Richter scale, and further tremors are expected in the coming days, and possibly months. “We are asking people to know what to do: drop, cover and hold is the key message,” Mr Wiebusch said on Wednesday. There were more than 100 calls for assistance after the initial earthquake, with 55 of those in metropolitan Melbourne. Most were for minor structural damage to chimneys, facades and older buildings. Mr Wiebusch has urged anyone who discovers building damage to contact a licensed builder or technician, with emergency repairs still allowed under COVID-19 restrictions. Some building damage has emerged in metropolitan Melbourne and areas near Mansfield, with Beechworth hospital losing power and one of the crosses at St Patrick’s Church in Wangaratta falling down. Among the city structures damaged was the façade of a Brunswich Street building in Fitzroy and the exterior of Betty’s Burgers on Chapel Street in Windsor. No one was inside the restaurant when the earthquake hit, and managing director Troy McDonagh told AAP he expects the business won’t be able to reopen for months. Insurance company Allianz received 70 claims as of 3 pm Wednesday, mostly for minor cracking but some for more extensive damage. The earthquake was originally recorded as a magnitude 6 but later revised to 5.8 and then 5.9 on the Richter scale.

News

How Prince Charles will shake up the monarchy

A royal expert has predicted that Prince Charles is likely to “cut the monarchy down” once he becomes king. During an interview with talkRadio, royal author Angela Levin said the Prince would streamline the royal family. Levin claimed, “Prince Charles has wanted for a very long time to cut the monarchy down to save costs and to make people be worth the money that they get from the taxpayer.” As for who will be cut from the family, Levin pointed to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle as likely candidates. She said, “I imagine that might be when Harry and Meghan are ditched from being members of the Royal family.” Levin, whose books on the royal family include Harry: Conversations with the Prince that featured exclusive interviews with the Duke of Sussex before he left the family, supported growing rumours about the royal family’s spending. If the plan is true and goes ahead, royals not included in the direct line of succession and their spouses could have their positions reconsidered. The “outer edge” of the royal family has been kept together by the Queen for “sentimental reasons” according to Levin. “At her age she didn’t really particularly want change which I think is understandable - but he wants to change and I think he will do that,” she said. The list of remaining royals could be as small as Charles, Camilla, William, Kate, and their three children. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CMooLk7AxQ1/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CMooLk7AxQ1/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Clarence House (@clarencehouse)</a> </div> </blockquote> This isn’t the first time Charles has considered cutting down the royal family either. In 2019, Prince Andrew’s “trainwreck” interview with the BBC prompted Charles to reportedly turn against his brother. Charlie Proctor, editor Royal Central, said at the time, “I should imagine support for a slimmed-down monarchy have shot up overnight.” Levin also predicted Charles may encourage his family to take on jobs, following royals in their neighbouring European countries. Following the death of Prince Philip, Levin suspects that Charles will take on a large portion of his father’s position as royal consort. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CNp20EzD0rt/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CNp20EzD0rt/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Clarence House (@clarencehouse)</a> </div> </blockquote> Now as the most senior male member of the royal family, Charles will attend the State Opening of Parliament with the Queen. Of the Queen, Levin said, “I think although she wants to do her duties she will step back, even more, it’ll be quite hard to come back after the pandemic and all the isolation.” Levin claims the Queen will be “grateful” for Charles “taking over in making I imagine quite big decisions on behalf of the royal family” in the coming weeks.

Family & Pets

Woolworths shopping bag shake-up

Woolies shoppers across Australia will now be able to carry their groceries around in paper bags, for what is the first time in over four decades. Paper bags are not being offered alongside reusable carry bags. They were trialled in 20 stores throughout late 2019 in a bid to fulfill increased demand from customers for easily recyclable bag options. The new bags are made from 70 per cent recycled paper and will be sold for 20 cents each. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7836374/woolies.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/5b9d6384ece040dcafe8b95023154c66" /> Woolies’ reusable plastic bags, foldable bags and Bag for Good options will also still be available at the checkout. They hold up to 6kg worth of grocery items per bag, and are made from responsibly sourced paper certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. There are future plans in the works to offer the paper bags to online customers for home delivery and pick-up in the future. Woolworths Supermarkets managing director Claire Peters says the bags are already proving to be a hit with customers. “While the vast majority of our customers bring their own bags, we know customers sometimes drop by a store unplanned or can forget their bags when they’re on the run,” Ms Peters said. “For some time, customers have told us they’d like the option of a strong paper bag option, so we’re pleased to now offer that choice at our checkouts, alongside our existing reusable plastic bags. “These paper bags resonated really well with customers when we trialled them in 20 stores last year and we expect to see a positive response from the customers who’ve been asking for this option nationwide.” Each Bag for Good costs 99 cent but I can be replaced free of charge if the bag is damaged – it does not matter when it is purchased. Proceeds made from the bag sales go to the Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants program. Woolies’ reusable bags cost 15 cents each and are made from at least 80 per cent recycled plastics. These bags can be returned to the store, along with other soft plastics, for recycling in REDcycle bins. Woolworths began phasing out single-use plastic shopping bags in 2018. The company claims that since then, more than six billion of bags have been removed from circulation. Just 15 per cent of customers are now purchasing new bags when doing their grocery shop.

Food & Wine

“No hand shaking”: New warnings as Australia records first person-to-person coronavirus cases

The New South Wales Health Minister has recommended Aussies stop handshaking as Australia confirmed its first cases of person-to-person transmission of coronavirus. A 53-year-old health worker in western Sydney and a 41-year-old woman in Sydney have contracted the virus without leaving the country, bringing the total number of cases in NSW up to nine. “There are no indications anyone else has contracted it from the doctor but NSW Health is taking every precaution,” the state’s health minister Brad Hazzard said. “I stress that the Government here in NSW and the health authorities are being extremely transparent with the community as this unfolds.” Hazzard advised members of the public to be “cautious but not alarmed”. “I won’t be changing anything about what I do on a day-to-day basis. I will still be enjoying eating at a Chinese restaurant, I feel totally and absolutely safe in that situation,” he said. “I also think it is a sensible step though for us all to recognise that trying to make sure there is no transmission to any of us that may had exposure.” Hazzard also urged people to pat each other in the back instead of shaking hands. “It’s time Aussies give each other a pat on the back. No handshaking, it’s not necessary,” he said. “I’m not going to say don’t kiss, but you could be exercising a degree of care and caution with who you kiss.” He also said people should wash their hands before carrying out any activity and avoid touching their face. NSW chief medical officer Dr Kerry Chant said there is no widespread transmission in the state. “We have to remain vigilant but, even if occasional cases are missed, if people practise good hygiene, do common sense things, then the likelihood of transmitting it, even if someone is unaware they had it, is reduced,” she said. The state government has also ordered public schools to cancel any overseas trips scheduled for term one. There are now 32 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Australia.

Travel Trouble

Lawsuit bombshell shakes Kobe Bryant memorial service

The widow of sporting star Kobe Bryant has sued the owner of the helicopter that crashed amidst fog and killed the former Los Angeles Lakers player, their 13-year-old daughter and seven other people aboard. Vanessa Bryant announced the wrongful death lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court and first said on Tuesday in an emotional public ceremony amidst hundreds of sporting legends and musical artists that she would be going ahead with the suit. The lawsuit says the pilot was carelessly negligent by flying in cloudy weather conditions on January 26 and should have aborted the flight that killed all nine people aboard. The lawsuit names Island Express Helicopters Inc. and also targets pilot Ara Zobayan’s representative or successor, listed only as “Doe 1” until a name can be determined. It claims Zobayan was negligent in eight ways, including failing to correctly assess the weather, flying into conditions he wasn’t cleared for and failing to control the helicopter. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.624500665779px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7834756/kobe-bryant-victims-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/ec128715b14e44ac8c73cd4d6a5f8bbb" /> Ara Zaboyan,50 was flying Bryant, 41, and his daughter Gianna, 13, along with Payton Chester, 13; Sarah Chester, 45; Alyssa Altobelli, 14; Keri Altobelli, 46; John Altobelli, 56; and Christina Mauser, 38 when it crashed and killed them. The lawsuit was filed the morning of the public memorial service for Kobe Bryant and the rest of the lives taken in the crash, including Zobayan. It was held at a sold-out crowd at Staples Center, an arena Bryant spent most of his career making memorable highlights in the NBA and achievements not many other sporting stars can claim. Zobayan was Bryant’s frequent pilot and had been attempting to navigate in heavy fog that limited visibility to the point that the Los Angeles police and sheriff’s departments had even grounded their helicopter fleets. Under the visual flight rules that Zobayan was following, he was supposed to be able to see exactly where he was going. Zobayan was cited by the Federal Aviation Administration in May 2015 for violating those rules by flying into reduced visibility airspace, the lawsuit said. In his last transmission, Zobayan had told air traffic control he was climbing to 1219m, strictly to get above the clouds. He was just 30m short of breaking through the cloud cover when the helicopter banked left and plunged into a hillside, according to the National Transportation Safety Board. While there is no final conclusion on what caused the crash in Calabasas, there is said to be no sign of a mechanical failure. However, a final report will not be expected for a full year or so.

Legal

Major shake-up on the cards for The Project panel in 2020

A Channel Ten executive has confirmed that hit panel show The Projectis set for a re-shuffle this year after the show struggles to compete with the ABC. Speaking to the <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/channel-10s-the-project-set-for-a-reshuffle/news-story/450b8a30a62fbbd156767c3cfa50b8f5" target="_blank">Herald Sun</a> on Thursday, Ten chief content officer Beverley McGarvey said that the almost-nightly changes to the panel line-up will stop. “You won't see the same faces six nights a week but what I would like to have is consistency and familiarity,” she said. Last year, viewers saw a mix of hosts including Susie Youseff, Joel Creasey and Dave Thornton, which is a factor that could be explained by the decreased ratings. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B5zXYoulFEz/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B5zXYoulFEz/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by The Project (@theprojecttv)</a> on Dec 7, 2019 at 11:11pm PST </div> </blockquote> "We don't want people to feel like they're getting the B-team. "It needs to be that if you see Waleed, Carrie, and Pete on a Monday... it will be every single Monday," she continued. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B4uONjml7bV/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B4uONjml7bV/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by The Project (@theprojecttv)</a> on Nov 11, 2019 at 2:43am PST </div> </blockquote> In ratings that were published by <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://mumbrella.com.au/friday-cricket-helps-seven-to-a-penultimate-ratings-win-608678" target="_blank">Mumbrella</a> in December, The Projectfailed to attract a bigger audience than ABC’s 7:30, which beat out the show by 100,000 viewers.

Carrie Bickmore opens up: “sadness I can’t shake”

Carrie Bickmore has opened up about dealing with her eldest son Oliver, 11, who is seemingly growing up faster than she is prepared for. The 38-year-old The Project host told readers in her latest Stellar Magazine column she is finding it hard to deal with little Ollie – the only child she had with husband Greg Lange, who passed away from brain cancer in 2010 – who will be graduating primary school soon. “I feel a gentle sadness creeping over me that I can’t shake,” Carrie wrote. “It’s the end of an era. The end of primary school for my eldest and I’m not ready.” The Network 10 star went on to admit while she is aware kids grow up and into themselves while in high school, she is not so sure she is prepared for all the changes bound to come. “I have friends with kids in high school, I see what’s ahead - the smells, the retreating, the grunting - and I’m not sure I’m ready,” she said. Bickmore went on to say she is “starting to savour these seemingly mundane moments” in the lead up to the big change looming for her and her family. Luckily for Carrie, she has a long way to go until her two other children, four-year-old Evie and 11-month-old daughter Adelaide – who she shares with partner Chris Walker – go on to “big kids school.” Scroll through the gallery to see Carrie Bickmore with her three children. images: Instagram @carriebickmore

Family & Pets

Banana and mango shake

A thick banana-flavoured milkshake with a tropical touch, this will certainly appeal to children and adults alike. Ideal at breakfast time as it is filling, nourishing and quick, it can also be enjoyed as a delectable dessert after lunch or dinner. Serves: 2 Ingredients: <ul> <li>½ ripe mango</li> <li>1 small ripe banana, sliced</li> <li>½ cup (125ml) low-fat milk</li> <li>½ cup (125ml) orange juice</li> <li>2 teaspoons lime juice</li> <li>1 teaspoon caster sugar</li> <li>2 heaped tablespoons vanilla frozen yogurt</li> <li>Sprigs of fresh lemon balm to serve (optional)</li> </ul> Method: <ol> <li>Peel the skin from the mango and cut the flesh away from the stone.</li> <li>Chop the flesh roughly.</li> <li>Put into a blender with the banana.</li> <li>Add the milk, orange juice, lime juice, sugar and frozen yogurt and blend on maximum speed for about 30 seconds, or until well combined and frothy.</li> <li>Pour into glasses and serve immediately, decorated with sprigs of lemon balm, if you like.</li> </ol> This article first appeared in <a href="http://www.readersdigest.com.au/recipes/banana-and-mango-shake">Reader’s Digest</a>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, here’s our best subscription <a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.com.au/c/readersdigestsubscribe?utm_source=readersdigest&utm_campaign=RDSUB&utm_medium=display&keycode=WRA85S">offer</a>. <img style="width: 100px !important; height: 100px !important;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7820640/1.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/f30947086c8e47b89cb076eb5bb9b3e2" />

Food & Wine

Melania Trump’s priceless reaction after shaking Vladimir Putin’s hand

A video has emerged of Melania Trump’s priceless reaction after shaking Vladimir Putin's hand during her husband Donald Trump’s summit with the Russian president. Putin smiles and nods in the clip as he is introduced to Melania by US President Trump in Helsinki, Finland on Monday. Melania also smiles during the handshake, but as soon as she steps back into position she pulls a bizarre face that many have labelled as shock or horror. <img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://imagesvc.timeincapp.com/v3/mm/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpeopledotcom.files.wordpress.com%2F2018%2F07%2Fmelania-trump.jpg&w=1100&q=85" alt="Melania Trump and Vladimir Putin" title="Melania Trump and Vladimir Putin" /> <img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://imagesvc.timeincapp.com/v3/mm/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpeopledotcom.files.wordpress.com%2F2018%2F07%2Fmelania-trump-12.jpg&w=1100&q=85" alt="Melania Trump, Donald Trump (left) and Vladimir Putin" title="Melania Trump, Donald Trump (left) and Vladimir Putin" /> The video has now gone viral, prompting many readings of Melania’s facial expression. “She looks like she just stared into the eyes of evil,” one user said of the video. “The only one in the room who understands how dangerous this man actually is,” said Aaron McCord. “I think she looked scared to death,” another said. Others have jumped to Melania’s defence pointing out her countenance looks neutral. What do you think? Judge for yourself below. <iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-7yM0Av0au0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0"></iframe> And if you can't quite catch it, here's another video: <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> Watch Melania's face and body language after shaking Putin's hand. She is scared to death of him.<a href="https://t.co/4tEj7rXuLl">pic.twitter.com/4tEj7rXuLl</a> — KT CounterIntelligence (@KremlinTrolls) <a href="https://twitter.com/KremlinTrolls/status/1019612069379887105?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 18, 2018</a></blockquote>

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Self-serve checkouts set for a shake-up to stop shoplifting

Supermarket self-serve checkouts are set for a shake-up that will see new scanning technology introduced that will streamline the shopping experience and prevent theft. No longer will customers have to use the search menu trying to find the right item – the new technology will automatically do it and record the correct price. The new "smart checkouts" will also be able to discern the difference between products so customers can't cheat the system. Developed by Aussie start-up company Tiliter Technology, the new technology is so smart it will be able to tell the difference between a Royal Gala and Golden Delicious apple. Rather than relying on barcodes, a camera will store product information to identify items at the scanner. “It's a massive breakthrough. It will cut your time down at the checkout dramatically,” Tiliter Technology’s Martin Karafilis told 7 News. Colleague Chris Sampson added: “This machine can distinguish between a Red Delicious and a Pink Lady apple. Between a truss tomato and a gourmet". “You can't pretend an avocado is an onion.” It’s a boon for supermarkets who lose billions of dollars a year in theft. Retail theft is estimated at up to $9 billion a year in Australia, with a large proportion due to customers cheating the self-serve checkouts according to Australian Retailers. Russell Zimmerman, from the Australian Retailers, said the product recognition technology was “urgent” to help retailers minimise their losses. “It adds around three percent to our products. So retailers want to minimise that theft so they don't have to charge the honest consumer the extra money," Zimmerman said. The technology is being tested in several grocers and looks to be implemented towards the end of this year.

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Why you should change your exercise routine

My family is rather partial to a habit. My brother has eaten the same cereal for breakfast every day since he was about six (he's now nearly 40), while I tend to run the same route at the same pace every time. Let's leave his (questionable) cereal-eating habits alone for now, and look at the routine of exercise. It can be comforting and easy and meditative to do the same thing day in and day out, but if you want to improve (anything – your strength, your speed, your range of motion, your abilities, your body weight or shape) you need to shake it up. Thankfully, for the Groundhog-dayers among us, not all the time. Keep up what you love, but inject novelty into your workouts as our bodies adapt or the same exercise becomes less effective. The good news is that we don't need to go harder to get results, you just need to go differently. It could be lighter weights with more reps or just changing the exercise – curls, rows, shoulder presses and tricep kickbacks. It could mean changing your stance or the bar position or going from sets and reps to time on/time off. "Every eight to 12 weeks shake your training up and do something different, get rid of the machine weights, barbells and move, throw, flip and drag something heavy for your training, use tyres, kettle bells, sandbags, sleds, prowlers and medicine balls," suggests Kevin Toonen, strength and conditioning coach for the Special Forces. "Muck about and do something completely different." This goes for cardio too, so we maximise oxygen levels in the blood and get all our large muscle groups firing. You might add in some short, sharp sprints, add a jog to your walk or find a hill or set of stairs to race up. Toonen suggests spending between two to four weeks shaking up your routine, having fun and getting into the great outdoors for a run, cycle or swim to "test your engine". Any longer than one month and you're likely to lose the gains you've made during your training program. But, for a short period it allows us to see how our training translates to the "real" world and "unloads your body and unloads your mind". This doesn't mean you can't inject some spice into your exercise routine mid-program. "Try new things each week or at least fortnight," suggests strength and conditioning coach, Clint Hill. "Our bodies are made to move so try activities that you can have fun with take a surf lesson, learn to sing or go horse-riding." Some of the most challenging novel workouts I've done recently have been the most fun, from dancing at a No Lights, No Lycra class, burning to the core at Barre Attack to turning it upside down at a handstand class and acrobalance class. It's not just our bodies that benefit, Hill says. "Challenging our central nervous system (CNS) with new activities stimulates hormones in our body to repair, renew and rebalance our endocrine system – which in simple terms 'balances' us out from a hectic, high-stress life," explains Hill, also an expert for Bodyscience's #FitJanuary campaign. He adds that the more muscles we activate, the more we switch on our CNS. That said, it is possible to shake it up too much. "To see improvements, you have to have some consistency," Hill advises. "It's making sure you change things up enough to keep your body guessing but do things consistently enough to keep your form right. I tell people if they're doing the same thing for longer than six to eight weeks, they need a big change." This applies even to those who aren't training for a specific goal, but simply to maintain fitness. “Progress stops as soon as your body has adapted," explains Toonen, "It's running neutral, so you need to step it up." Written by Sarah Berry. First appeared on <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/">Stuff.co.nz</a>. Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/body/2017/02/why-we-gain-weight-as-we-age/">The reason why we gain weight as we age</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/body/2017/01/right-way-to-run/">Is there a right way to run?</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/body/2017/01/exercise-machines-explained/">3 exercise machines explained</a>

Body

Retirement village residents hilariously recreate Taylor Swift music video

A group of retirement village residents’ answer to 26-year-old pop star Taylor Swift and her “squad” of famous friends have proven you're never too old to "shake it off” with their unique take on Taylor Swift's hit music video. Starring retired special needs teacher Margaret Gregory along with a group of 50 residents, staff and grandchildren from the Julia Wallace Retirement Village in New Zealand’s Palmerston North, the average age of the group is 82, and their frame-by-frame version of Shake It Off took a week to make. "It was just gorgeous fun - we've never done anything like it," says Gregory. "It's certainly not what I thought I'd ever be doing in a retirement village," says Margaret Gregory. "It was a great team effort with everyone here and I've never laughed so much. It's certainly not what I thought I'd ever be doing in a retirement village." "After filming it was a bit boring to go back to doing the washing but there you go." Her husband Gerald, who also features in the video as a hip hop dancer and trombonist, says the best part was seeing how a video was made and then waiting to see his children and grandchildren would react. "We came home every night tired but elated from filming. I pay a lot more attention to TV now because I'm always trying to work out how they made the scenes." Residents of the village are no strangers to fame, having <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/christmas/74147937/Women-retire-clothes-for-charity-calendar" target="_blank">made a nude calendar for charity in 2015</a> and <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/news/10181253/Shoppers-awed-by-oldies-flash-mob" target="_blank">performing a 'flash mob' dance to Pharrell William's Happy</a> in Palmerston North's The Plaza shopping centre in 2014. First appeared on <a href="http://Stuff.co.nz" target="_blank">Stuff.co.nz.</a> Related links: <a href="/news/news/2016/07/normal-mum-recreates-celebrity-mum-photos/">“Normal” mum hilariously recreates celebrity mum photos</a> <a href="/lifestyle/relationships/2016/07/couples-recreate-old-photographs/">10 couples recreate old photographs</a> <a href="/news/news/2016/06/family-adorably-recreates-photo-with-sextuplets-6-years-on/">Family adorably recreates photo with sextuplets 6 years on</a>

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Everything you need to know about major Medicare shake-up