Australia news live: Chalmers says budget will pay down more debt; families of Bondi shooting victims to take stand at royal commission

As Australia gears up for the upcoming budget announcement, Treasurer Jim Chalmers has indicated that the government plans to prioritize debt reduction. Speaking to reporters, Chalmers stated that the budget will save more than it spends, highlighting the government’s commitment to fiscal responsibility amidst ongoing economic challenges. With rising inflation and cost-of-living pressures, the upcoming budget is expected to address these critical issues while aiming to restore fiscal balance.

In a separate yet poignant development, the families of the victims of the Bondi shooting are preparing to take the stand at a royal commission investigating the incident. The tragic event, which left multiple individuals dead and others injured, has sparked widespread calls for accountability and justice. Families are expected to share their experiences and the impact of the tragedy on their lives, emphasizing the need for comprehensive reforms to prevent such occurrences in the future.

Amidst these significant national discussions, the parents of Zack Schofield, one of the six Australian activists recently detained by Israeli authorities, expressed their relief after Zack was released in Crete. Joanne Jaworowski and Peter Schofield spoke at a solidarity event in Newcastle, where dozens paddled across Sydney and Newcastle harbors to support the activists. The couple recounted their emotional moment when they finally heard from Zack, who was briefly able to communicate that he was recovering in a hospital.

As the royal commission continues to unfold and the government prepares for its budgetary announcements, Australians are closely watching how these events will shape the nation’s socio-political landscape in the coming months.

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