The Tasmanian Government says its new short stay levy will help ensure more tourism revenue remains in the state, while supporting housing initiatives and protecting local jobs and businesses. The Government argues the levy reflects major changes in Tasmania's accommodation sector, where international booking platforms now hold significant influence and collect substantial commissions from local operators.
The Tasmanian Government will invest almost $600 million in housing and homelessness initiatives over the next four years as part of the 2026-27 Budget. The funding package aims to strengthen frontline support services while continuing investment in new housing and infrastructure projects across the state.
Tasmanian food and beverage producers are being showcased on a dedicated state stand for the first time at one of Australia's largest supplier-to-retailer trade events. Around 10 Tasmanian businesses are taking part in the Co-operative Supermarkets Australia Direct2Store Expo, being held in Sydney from today until Friday, 8 May 2026.
Sales of previously occupied U.S. homes accelerated last month to their fastest pace since December, a sharp turnaround in demand after a lackluster start to the spring homebuying season.
Apple and the European Union are blaming each other for delaying a rollout of the iPhone maker’s long awaited Siri AI app to European users.
LONDON (AP) – European Union regulators on Tuesday ordered Meta Platforms to restore access to WhatsApp for rival AI chatbot makers until an antitrust investigation is complete.
TOKYO (AP) – Chinese and North Korean state-run media this week devoted thousands of words to Xi Jinping ‘s summit with Kim Jong Un, but made no mention of a key matter for Washington: the North’s steadfast pursuit of nuclear weapons that could threaten the United States and its allies in Asia.
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) – President Donald Trump blamed Iran for shooting down a U.S. Army helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday and said the United States must respond to the attack. A drone boat rescued the two aviators who were aboard the Apache attack helicopter when it went down near the critical shipping lane.
House Republicans hope to approve nearly $70 billion for immigration enforcement on Tuesday, which would fund Homeland Security throughout President Donald Trump’s time in office. Democrats call it a blank check that imposes no limits on agents despite the deaths of U.S. citizens in Minneapolis.
JERUSALEM (AP) - Iran launched missiles at Israel in the first such bombardment since a fragile ceasefire took effect in early April, raising the possibility of a return to heavy fighting and complicating mediation efforts to end the war.

































































































































