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FEELING THE PINCH: Median weekly rent costs have risen more than 20 per cent in some regional cities while wages continue to stagnate.

Some areas have seen prices jump by more than 20 per cent in the past year.

Weekly rent costs rise to new heights as wages stagnate

Scott Morrison and Anthony Albanese shake hands at one of the leaders' debates. Picture: AAP

A nine-year-old government that's run out of ideas versus an opposition afraid any idea might lose them the election

Which of these men should lead: Our say

CLIMATE SOLUTIONS: Cosmos science reporter Ellen Phiddian. Picture: supplied

Making formic acid with a ferric mineral.

Will soil carbon fix the climate crisis?

Human Rights Minister Tara Cheyne said Canberrans were being treated as second-class citizens. Picture: Sitthixay Ditthavong 

Scott Morrison confirmed a Coalition government would not seek to overturn the ban if re-elected, saying it was "not our policy".

PM confirms no plans to repeal voluntary assisted dying ban on territories as NSW laws pass

Labor's shadow treasurer Jim Chalmers. Picture: Sitthixay Ditthavong

Two days out from polling day, Labor has released its costings, insisting its commitments are "modest" and "responsible".

Labor election costings to add $7.4b over four years

Labor leader Anthony Albanese on Thursday morning, addressing journalists in Sydney. Picture: AAP

Anthony Albanese says he wasn't accusing the Coalition of racism, simply pointing out Italian-Australians are familiar with jokes about their names.

PM labels Albanese 'precious' as ALP leader denies racism claim

This is a sample of The Echidna newsletter sent out each weekday morning till the end of the election.

Political rhetoric their only answer to this set of numbers

Conversations with Friends is from the team behind streaming sensation, Normal People. Picture: Amazon Prime

The creative team behind Normal People struggles to recreate its magic in this earnest romantic drama that never quite delivers what we crave.

Trust a Gen-Xer to rub a fragile 20-something the wrong way at a dinner party

There are 1283 COVID-19 patients in hospital, with 46 in ICU.

NSW records 22 COVID-19 deaths as cases drop

Prime Minister Scott Morrison crashes into Luca Fauvette during an under 8s soccer training session in Devonport. Picture: Eve Woodhouse

With two days until the election, Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Labor leader Anthony Albanese are campaigning furiously in marginal seats.

As it happened: Labor releases costings, $7.4bn budget increase

INSIDE THE BARREL: 'Pork-barrelling' refers to the process of essentially buying votes in key seats.

There has been a lot of talk of 'pork-barrelling' this election season, especially in the context of anti-corruption. So what is pork-barrelling, and how do politicians do it?

Pork-barrelling and a federal ICAC: Who's promised what?

"My opponents think it's still OK to make fun of someone's name in their advertising," Anthony Albanese told Italian-Australians at Club Marconi in Western Sydney. Picture: AAP

Anthony Albanese has chosen a friendly setting to launch an incendiary accusation.

What's in a name? Albanese's accusation made in risky setting

Filling out the almost comically large Senate ballot paper can be a daunting task. Photo: Adam McLean

Whether you just need a quick refresher or you haven't voted before, we have you covered.

Your questions on voting for the Senate answered

Prime Minister Scott Morrison accidentally crash-tackled under 8s football player, Luca Fauvette, on Wednesday afternoon in Devonport, Tasmania. Picture: Eve Woodhouse

Morrison scores an own goal after bulldozing a young soccer player just in time for the nightly TV news.

'Should have been a penalty': Bulldozed boy speaks about PM tackle

Jenny Morrison, right, with the Coalition's candidate in Blair, Sam Biggins. Picture: AAP

Economy looms large for Labor and the Coalition as wages lag - but low-priced Australian wine might help

A spouse steps in as the polls tighten

FINAL WEEK: Pub test panellists Charmaine Clarke, Colleen Hughson, David de Carteret, Michael Killen and Rod Carter offer their final thoughts ahead of election day. Pictures: Chris Doheny and Morgan Hancock

Our panellists discussed the main issues deciding their vote on Saturday.

Pub Test: Final thoughts before the big day

Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Picture: AAP


Australian wages have not kept pace with inflation.

Wages hit sparks new debate on cost of living election

Nowra tradie Jimmy Heffernan decided to mark the QR codes that have become the norm on his leg for life - and it actually works. Images: supplied.

Tradie gets QR code inked onto his leg

AJ, bottom right, and his family with SES volunteer Bluey.

"[AJ] said his first word a few weeks ago and it was blue," AJ's mum Kelly said.

Watch AJ reunite with SES rescuer 'Bluey' who found him after disappearance

Prepared: Brauer College principal Jane Boyle says the college has called in extra teachers in response to COVID-19 -related staff shortages due to illness. It's the highest number of absences the college has experienced this year. Picture: Anthony Brady

Staff and student absences at an all-time high as schools consider return to remote learning.

Schools report record COVID-19 staff and student absences

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The election campaign has finally reached its last day.

Day 40 of the federal election campaign

Anthony Albanese (centre) and Scott Morrison are in a last dash to win votes.

Parties brace for last day of campaigning

A major display of post-war Japanese ceramics is on show at the Art Gallery of South Australia.

Pure form of Japanese ceramics in SA show

Crocodile meat is likely to trigger an immune response in people allergic to fish, a study shows.

Crocodile meat 'triggers fish allergies'

Victoria's ambulance union has welcomed an overhaul of the triple zero call service.

Vic triple zero overhaul 'long overdue'

Sign up to receive our Breaking News Alerts and Editor's Daily Headlines featuring the best local news and stories.

BUSY: Highway patrol police officers have issued a number of fines for drivers using mobile phones and not wearing seatbelts.

Police are frustrated by motorists putting their lives and other road users at risk by using mobile phones.

South-west police frustrated by motorists flouting road rules

UNDER PRESSURE: Wannon's candidates pitched unique plans to ease cost-of-living pressures amid rising inflation and slow wage growth. 

The growing gap between inflation and wage growth has quickly become a pressing election issue.

Cost-of-living crisis: Candidates offer answers

CRUNCH: Hamish Sinnott (left) in action for the Young Guns against Vic Country on Sunday. He will play for his home club, Camperdown, on Saturday. Picture: Getty Images 

Changes at the selection table as injury, unavailability hit.

Hampden league round six teams: Coach out, Young Gun in

Warrnambool and District teams: Veteran Warrior returns, Dennington forward's timely return

LEADER: Nathan Forth will play his first senior game of the year for Old Collegians. Picture: Morgan Hancock

Veteran Warrior returns, Dennington forward's timely return

Back in business: Heather Nicholls has a new range of strawberry wine, liquor and cider after rebuilding the cafe that burnt down in 2020. Picture: Anthony Brady

Berry World has built back better after a fire at the Timboon strawberry farm.

Expanded strawberry business rises from the ashes

A Portland man has been extradited from South Australia and charged with persistently contravening a court order and stalking-related offences.

Portland man extradited over stalking-related offences

Fine example: Port Campbell CFA brigade captain Katy Millard is the first female in its history to take on the top job. The mum-of-three is also a volunteer lifeguard with the Port Campbell Surf Lifesaving Club.

Port Campbell brigade captain encourages women to join CFA ranks.

Trailblazer leads the way for future female members

In need: Nursing home residents have been let down by the sector, and both major parties say they have a plan to fix it.

Aged care is in trouble, requiring a huge investment to fix, so what are the major party plans?

How do the major parties compare on aged care?

ON THE RISE: Influenza cases are rising across the region, prompting a renewed plea from medical professionals to get vaccinated. 

South-west residents urged to get flu shot.

Flu cases on the rise but a 'worse' season is unlikely

Testing has concluded and an animal attack found to be the cause of death.

Authorities confirm animal caused Port Fairy shearwater devastation

UP FOR GRABS: The Moore Street home will go under the hammer at 10.30am on Saturday.

A three-bedroom home and a block of units will go under the hammer on Saturday.

Family home, block of flats up for grabs at auction

CONFIDENCE HIGH: Ted Collins is leading the Victorian Road Racing Championships by 52-points. Picture: Morgan Hancock

"A hundred percent the goal is always to win": Collins

Measured rides paying off for Collins

Department of education announces changes to twice-weekly RAT testing.

School rapid antigen testing requirements set to change

MILESTONE: Sarah O'Meara, with her dog Tyson, will play her 250th game for North Warrnambool on Saturday. Picture: Anthony Brady

Sarah O'Meara tends not to think too much about milestone netball games.

Eagle flying high ahead of 250-game milestone

RALLY: Ruby Conlan with horse Jordan from South West Working Equitation Club in Port Fairy. It recently welcomed new members. Picture: Chris Doheny

New members debut at horse rally in competition on Sunday.

Riding into the weekend

CRACKDOWN: Alleged umpire abuse was put under the microscope of an AFL Western District independent tribunal on Wednesday. Picture: Chris Doheny

Report stems from incident during round one of season

Club fined after umpire abuse issue goes under microscope of AFL Western District tribunal

UNTRUE CLAIMS: Australian Food Sovereignty Alliance president Tammi Jonas says the claims about the bill are 'fearmongering' and 'alarming.'

Widespread condemnation of false claims over new agricultural legislation.

New agriculture bill 'fearmongering' condemned

WINNING WAYS: Terang's Margie Driscoll, Karen Mather, Sharee Scanlon, Cate Glennon, Jenny Meade and Aileen Clarke won the Western District Golf Association division one pennant title. 

Terang toast of women's pennant series

Tough call: Footy netball club forfeits all games as virus strikes

NO PLAY: Woorndoo Mortlake has forfeited all games against Tatyoon this weekend due to a number of COVID-19 cases at the club. Picture: Morgan Hancock

Club president says there was no other choice but to cancel games

Tough call: Footy netball club forfeits all games as COVID-19 strikes

CHALLENGE ACCEPTED: Luke Featherby has been training ahead of Saturday's strongman competition in Koroit. Picture: Morgan Hancock 

If the idea of lifting a full keg of beer makes you cringe, spare a thought for the competitors in this weekend's strongman and strongwoman challenge.