Squiz Today – Thursday, 17 May

SQUIZ SAYINGS

“Break up fee”

It’s the latest trend on the Chinese dating scene where the dumper pays the dumpee to compensate them for the wasted effort they put into the relationship. Oh, the money we could have made over the years…

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PRIVATE HEALTH EXODUS GATHERS PACE

THE SQUIZ
New research from Roy Morgan says high numbers of Aussies are bailing on their private health insurance. It estimates 256,000 people decided not to renew their policies in the year to March – the highest number to desert the private health system in five years. The biggest reason given was that it’s too expensive, followed by too much out of pocket expense, the suitability of Medicare, poor service and a change in circumstances.

WHAT’S THAT ABOUT?
Despite the Turnbull Government trumpeting that the last round of premium increases was the lowest in 17 years, it's clearly a problem area with many policyholders deciding to fold 'em rather than hold 'em.

WHERE IS THIS GOING?
Private health has been mentioned as an upcoming election battlefront. But as an indication of current priorities, it barely rated a mention from either major party in last week’s Budget or reply. Which is interesting given it affects 13.5 million Aussies and costs taxpayers more than $6 billion in rebate payments. At this stage, Labor has promised to cap annual premiums increases at 2% for the first two years in government should they win the next election. And the Turnbull Government has announced measures to simplify the system and reduce costs. Watch this space.

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SQUIZ THE REST

NORTH KOREA WANTS BROAD TALKS WITH TRUMP
Following yesterday’s displeasure expressed by North Korea over the joint US/South Korean military exercises, the rogue nation has had more to say about the upcoming talks between its leader Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump. Kim Kye Gwan, North Korea's First Vice Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (how’s that for a title?) said the talks need to be about improved ties, not just denuclearisation. Which had many experts speculating what Trump’s strategy with Kim will be. It’s all very tricky. The White House said it’s hopeful the meeting will happen.

ANWAR FREED
Three years into a five-year politically motivated sentence, Malaysian politician Anwar Ibrahim has been pardoned by the King and freed from prison. Anwar thanked his former foe (and surprise old/new PM) Mahathir Mohamad for his role in securing his release, and said that past feuds had been forgiven. Mahathir has said he would hand over power to Anwar in a couple of years time. Anwar said he needs some time to rest and recuperate.

NDIS UNDER PRESSURE
That’s because an ombudsman’s report out yesterday said as many as 8,000 people with disabilities are waiting up to nine months to have their inadequate National Disability Insurance Scheme plans reviewed and fixed. A review can be sought for things like not receiving the right equipment or enough hours of carer support. And The Australian reports today that the Scheme is spending $10 million a year on barristers to contest some of these reviews through the Administrative Appeals Tribunal. More than 140,000 Aussies are covered by the NDIS and 475,000 are expected to be covered by the early 2020’s.

CHARGES NOT SO CONCRETE
Blackmail charges against construction union bosses John Setka and Shaun Reardon have been dropped by Victorian prosecutors. The charges resulted from the Royal Commission into Trade Unions that was established by the Abbott government in 2014. It was alleged Setka and Reardon met with Boral executives and threatened union action if they did not stop supplying Grocon construction sites with concrete. Labor said it was a “politically motivated witch hunt” while Team Turnbull said it was not embarrassed and made no apology for looking over “the most notorious union in Australia.”

TWO MORE SLEEPS…
Can you hear that? It’s the sound of coronation chicken being prepped all over the nation ahead of Saturday night’s royal nuptials. Determined as we are to ensure you’re royalled-up to the hilt before the weekend, we present yesterday’s developments:

• Meghan Markle’s father Thomas is said to be having heart surgery today. Her mother Doria Ragland is expected to walk her down the aisle on Saturday.

• Mini-royals, Princess Charlotte and Prince George have been tapped to be part of the bridal party – reprising a role they undertook at Pippa Middleton’s wedding last year.

• One of Meghan’s besties, Jessica Mulroney has arrived in London with her children. We don’t know who she is either, but her kids are apparently part of the bridal party - and she sure knows how to dress.

YANNY OR LAUREL?
You decide. But FYI it’s definitely Laurel…

SQUIZ THE DAY

Agriculture Minister David Littleproud to release the review into live sheep exports

ABS Data Release - Labour Force, April

UN World Telecommunication and Information Society Day

Anniversary of the first laws of Australian Rules Football published (1859)