Mark Butler is an Australian politician; currently a government minister and former leader in climate and health policy. He has been in the news as policy decisions affect households and public health.
The IMF has stressed that high oil prices and Middle East tensions threaten global growth, while the world’s two largest economies maintain dialogue. IMF officials say energy costs are lifting near-term inflation expectations but medium-term inflation expectations remain anchored, and financial conditions are still accommodative.
Laos authorities have announced charges related to the 2024 methanol-poisoning deaths at a Nana Backpackers Hostel in Vang Vieng. Autopsies were not conducted, but forensic tests detected excessive methanol in vodka linked to the Tiger distillery. Australia and Denmark are pressing for tougher charges and justice for the victims.