The Latest Breaking News from Michelle Grattan

Social cohesion in Australia has been under serious pressure in the last few years. The deadly October 7 attacks on Israel two years ago and the ensuing war in Gaza have pulled at the fabric of Australian society.

The federal opposition, embattled on many fronts, is trying to gain ground by establishing an alternative economic and fiscal narrative to that of the government.

Business, union, community representatives and experts have gathered in Canberra to grapple with some of Australia’s most intractable problems: how to make us a more productive, sustainable and resilient country.

Sitting beside Treasurer Jim Chalmers at next week’s three-day economic reform roundtable will be a handpicked list of invited business, policy and union “thought leaders” – all coming with their own ideas for what needs to change.

The Reserve Bank’s rate cut this week will help relieve many mortgage holders, but it wasn’t all positive news from the bank. It also underscored the serious productivity and economic growth challenges facing the Australian economy.

Men’s physical and mental health can be a prickly subject, both for men and those looking to help. With the rise of social media and AI, there are new challenges emerging – especially for younger men.

With parliament now finished its first fortnight’s session, attention will soon be on the government’s August 19-21 economic reform roundtable, bringing together business, unions, experts and community representatives to pursue consensus on ways to lift Australia’s flagging productivity.

Energy and climate issues are front and centre for both sides of politics. The government is struggling with pushback from some regional communities against the rollout of transmission lines and wind farms. At the same time, it will soon have to produce its 2035 target under the Paris climate agreement.

The Albanese government remains in complicated territory on the international stage. It has to tread carefully with China, despite the marked warming of the bilateral relationship. It is yet to find its line and length with the unpredictable Trump administration.