Workplace Rules: Treasury is consulting on banning non-compete clauses for most workers, aiming to boost mobility for millions and lift wages, with broader restraint-of-trade and no-poach rules also on the table. Social Media Duty of Care: The Albanese government has introduced draft laws requiring platforms to give users more control over feeds (“My Feed, My Way”) and protect against harmful content, with potential $100m fines. Education & Skills: Australia’s 15-year-olds have posted their worst PISA results in 25 years for maths and reading, raising fresh pressure on literacy and numeracy policy. Rates & Inflation: The RBA is signalling it may still need to hike if oil-driven inflation stays sticky, as markets weigh higher borrowing costs. Housing & Construction Risk: NSW says it won’t bail out debt-ridden builder Bathla, highlighting stress in the private credit-backed homebuilding pipeline. Consumer & Regulation: Choosi has been found misleading over funeral and life insurance comparisons, while insurers and brokers warn new small-business insurance code rules may fall short on remuneration disclosure. AI & Data Centres: NEXTDC and others warn the AI data-centre boom needs a “social licence” to avoid local backlash and moratoria. Tourism Labour: Proposed visa changes for visitors and Working Holiday Makers could cut staffing and hit Queensland tourism during peak season.