Oscar Jenkins, a Melbourne man fighting for Ukraine, has reportedly been killed by Russian forces. Jenkins was captured while serving in Ukraine last year, prompting the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) to express 'grave concerns' for his welfare [e6c5de00]. This tragic event underscores the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which has seen significant escalations recently, including Ukraine launching substantial attacks on Russian targets [e6c5de00].
In the backdrop of this conflict, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced infrastructure investments in Tasmania, while Opposition Leader Peter Dutton hosted a high-profile fundraiser, charging $10,000 per head [e6c5de00]. Meanwhile, the political landscape is shifting as US President-elect Donald Trump plans a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, claiming he will work towards ending the Ukraine war soon after his inauguration [e6c5de00].
On the economic front, CoreLogic has reported a slowdown in rental growth across Australia, with rates dropping to 4.8% in 2024 from 8.1% in 2023. The December quarter saw the slowest rental growth since 2018, with rents rising only 0.4% [e6c5de00]. This economic context is crucial as Australian leaders convene to address rising antisemitism and other pressing social issues [e6c5de00].