Workplace Pay: The Fair Work Commission has lifted Australia’s National Minimum Wage by 4.75%, affecting about 2.8 million award-reliant workers, with industry groups warning the jump adds pressure on already cost-stretched hospitality and liquor retailers. Supermarket Rules: The government has rejected divestiture in the supermarket inquiry response, but is moving ahead with a mandatory merger control regime from 1 January 2026 and a new ban on excessive pricing from 1 July 2026. Herbicide Push: Calls are growing to ban paraquat nationwide, despite it being under review for decades and still used in Australia even though it’s banned in 70+ countries, with Parkinson’s Australia and Senator David Pocock leading the push. Food Safety Recall: Nestlé-owned Allen’s has recalled Inside Outs lollies after plastic was found in some bags due to an equipment failure at a contract manufacturer. Beer & Brewing: Lion plans to close James Boag’s Launceston brewery by November 2026, raising questions about the brand’s Tasmanian identity as production shifts. Agriculture Supply: Australia has imported one million tonnes of fertiliser since the Iran war disrupted trade, with biosecurity steps fast-tracked to keep winter crops supplied. Farming Threat: Grower groups in WA are seeking an emergency permit for higher-dose zinc phosphate mouse bait as mouse numbers surge ahead of seeding. Dining Scene: San Telmo is set to open in Brisbane in late June, bringing its Argentinian asado-led style to Queensland’s fast-moving restaurant market. Cooking at Home: Coles chef Michael Weldon is promoting winter comfort-food meal prep with shepherd’s pie and kimchi mac and cheese. Packaging Watch: Unpackit awards have named a “franken-can” packaging as Australia’s worst, adding to the sustainability pressure on brands.