Editors Picks
10 March 2026
PERSONALISED CANCER TREATMENT COMING SOON
ARTIFICIAL Intelligence (AI) is rapidly accelerating the shift towards personalised cancer treatments, says an RMIT expert explains how these advances are improving treatment options and what challenges still need to be overcome.
Associate Professor Jessica Holien, School of Science says: "Because of the powerful combination of biology, technology and AI, we are moving beyond standard chemotherapy and one-size-fits-all therapies toward approaches guided by the unique genetic and molecular features of each patient’s cancer.
"For many cancers, advances in standard chemotherapy have led to outstanding results. However, side effects can be significant, and some cancers have become resistant to these treatments over time.
"This shift, driven by AI, has the potential to deliver treatments that are not only more effective, but also less toxic and better aligned with individual patients.
"At the same time, I am keenly aware of the challenges. Cancer is highly adaptive, and resistance to therapy remains a major barrier.
"This is why early-stage research is so critical and sustained investment in discovery science is essential if we are to continue advancing personalised cancer care and turn today’s breakthroughs into tomorrow’s standard treatments."
Jessica Holien is a research leader who bridges the chemistry-biology divide, specialising in computational drug discovery and molecular modelling across both academia and industry. Jessica leads research programs focused on hard-to-treat diseases, including rare and drug-resistant cancers and neurological disorders.
06 March 2026
CALL FOR UNDER-18 SUPERANNUATION
THE Super Members Council wants to scrap rules denying most under-18 workers super, saying 119,000 NSW teens will miss out on $98 million in 2025/26. Current laws require under-18s to work over 30 hours weekly to qualify. The council argues the rule is outdated, worsens the gender super gap, and unfairly excludes part-time workers. It says reform would boost retirement savings, simplify compliance, and has minimal impact on businesses.
06 March 2026
SALVOS URGE USING MONYCARE
THE Salvation Army is urging Australians to use Moneycare, its free financial counselling service, as new research shows 44% will start 2026 in debt and many feel growing financial stress. Despite delivering over 48,000 sessions last year, awareness remains low. Moneycare helps with budgeting, debt and financial planning. Survey results show widespread money pressures and discomfort discussing finances, with the Salvos encouraging people to seek support and reduce financial stress.
06 March 2026
LOCKOUT LAWS FINALLY CLOSED
TWELVE years after Sydney’s lockout laws began, the NSW Government is removing the final major restrictions, including the 3:30am last drinks rule, to boost the night-time economy. Changes also scrap plastic cup rules and other blanket limits, while retaining key safety measures. A review found targeted regulation can maintain safety as assaults decline. The reforms aim to revive live music, support venues, and strengthen Sydney’s growing entertainment precincts and nightlife economy.
06 March 2026
SUSPENDED UNDER NEW LAWS
NSW Fair Trading has suspended agent Deepak Bangarh’s licence for 60 days over price misrepresentation and failing to pass on all offers and appointed a manager to oversee his business during ongoing investigations. In a separate case, Epping agent John Kim’s licence was cancelled and he was disqualified for five years after allegedly misappropriating about $300,000 in trust funds. NSW is also considering tougher underquoting laws and has launched a public “Name and Shame” register for disciplinary actions.
06 March 2026
FOSTER CARE REFORMS OVERDUE
THE PSA says NSW foster care reforms are a long-overdue reset after outsourcing failures under the Permanency Support Program. The union argues fragmented responsibility harmed outcomes despite rising costs. Reforms will strengthen government oversight, reduce outsourcing, improve accountability, boost foster carer recruitment, and support Aboriginal organisations. The PSA says the changes respond to frontline concerns, restore decision-making to government, and aim to improve child protection outcomes and public confidence.
06 March 2026
CPA SUPPORT FOR A FAIRER ATO
CPA Australia supports the Tax Ombudsman’s call for fairer General Interest Charges (GIC) remission and welcomes the ATO accepting all recommendations to improve transparency, consistency and fairness. The group says reforms must include empathy and proportionality, especially for taxpayers facing genuine financial hardship. It stresses clearer guidance, better communication and more balanced decision-making, particularly since GIC became non-deductible in 2025, increasing financial pressure on individuals and small businesses.
