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Australian household spending surged in November, with a one percent jump and a six point three percent annual growth, the highest since September 2023. This broad-based increase hit eight out of nine spending categories, led by goods and services. Goods spending rose zero point nine percent, driven by Black Friday deals, while services climbed one point two percent, boosted by packed concerts and sports events. Clothing, footwear, furnishings, and electronics saw significant gains, with Tasmania leading the growth at two point one percent. Economists suggest consumers are resilient, potentially complicating the inflation fight and delaying rate cuts. Discretionary spending outpaced essentials, indicating a solid economic recovery.

Canberras Summernats car festival, despite its thrilling displays, saw a surge in dangerous driving and disorderly conduct. Police impounded nineteen cars for illegal burnouts, arrested eight individuals, and seized a car from a man performing a burnout near pedestrians. Twenty-five people were ejected from the festival for misbehavior, and fourteen drivers tested positive for drugs, with eight over the alcohol limit. Police issued over eighty-five vehicle defect notices and nearly two hundred traffic fines, praising their significant effort to ensure road safety.

Australias government unveils a $1.2 billion plan to stockpile critical minerals, aiming to secure supplies for defense and clean energy tech, and reduce Chinas dominance in the market. The strategic reserve will allow the government to sign off-take deals with miners, guaranteeing purchases even if prices drop, while sharing upside gains if they rise. Miners react positively, with shares jumping, and industry leaders praising the move for boosting investment and competitiveness. The government plans to introduce legislation this year, including $185 million for stockpiling and tools like contracts for difference. Australia, with its vast rare earth reserves, is set to fuel global tech needs and strengthen its mining edge.

Max Hobson, a cattle farmer and former mechanical engineer, tragically lost his life in the Longwood fire near Seymour, Victoria. His remains were found near a vehicle off Yarck Road in Gobur. Hobson, along with his wife Julie, ran Aintree Farm Herefords at Terip Terip near Euroa. He was a passionate farmer who found his calling later in life, after a successful career as a mechanical engineer. The bushfires continue to rage, and authorities are preparing a report for the coroner, while communities mourn the loss and support those affected.

China appoints new trade negotiator, Jiang Chenghua, with expertise in export controls and US investment ties, ahead of Trumps visit. Jiangs background suggests China may have the upper hand in trade talks. Beijings recent rare earth export rule changes signal its power over key supply chains, as tensions with Japan escalate over Taiwan comments.

Adelaide Writers Week faces uncertainty as Randa Abdel-Fattah considers legal action, following Jacinda Arderns withdrawal amid controversy over inclusive programming. Tensions escalate over free speech and representation debates, with organizers scrambling to salvage the lineup before the event.

Residents in Armadale and surrounding Perth suburbs are leading the charge in installing home solar batteries, taking advantage of federal and state rebates. With over 800 systems installed in Armadale alone, outer suburbs like Cockburn and Wanneroo are following suit. The surge in battery installations has added over 400 megawatt hours to the grid, doubling the size of the Kwinana big battery project. Local homeowners are seeing significant savings, with one reporting a drop from $1600 to $200 per bill. This trend is helping stabilize the grid and save families money as adoption continues to rise.

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33-year-old Cleophias Machaya, arrested near Sydneys Bondi Junction memorial, faces dropped charges after displaying suspicious behavior in a weighted vest. Despite initial concerns due to recent terror attacks, police found no evidence of wrongdoing, releasing Machaya on bail with restrictions.