SBS News In Depth

The eyes of the world are on the US' negotiations with Iran to end its war in the Middle East, as a tenuous ceasefire continues to hold and demands to reopen the Strait of Hormuz are repeated. But there are also developments happening within the United States as the crucial midterm elections move closer. Those developments include the apparent dropping of plans to establish a compensation fund for Trump allies. The about-face is a setback for one of Trump's most divisive second-term initiatives, which had drawn criticism from Democrats, legal experts and numerous Republicans in Congress.

Australia and the Solomon Islands will progress with a comprehensive treaty as the Pacific nations' security pact with China faces review. The deal is the latest in a set of deals with Pacific neighbours, as Australia hopes to counter China's influence in the region.

The fighting between Iran, Israel and the United States may have eased, but the political battle over what comes next is only intensifying. From Washington to Tehran, Lebanon to Gaza, negotiations, accusations and ongoing violence are shaping the region's future.

Around three million low-paid Australian workers are set to receive a pay rise after the Fair Work Commission lifted the national minimum wage and increased award wages above the current inflation rate. Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Commonwealth Bank economist Harry Ottley about what the decision means for household budgets, inflation and the broader economy. Plus, the ASX 200 edged lower as retailers and shopping centre operators came under pressure following the wage decision, while technology stocks rallied and BHP hit another record high. Alice Shen, CFA from VanEck joins the podcast to unpack the day’s market moves and the influence of another strong session on Wall Street

Millions of Australian employees are set to receive a 4.75 per cent wage increase in July, after the Fair Work Commission handed down its annual wage review. Union groups have welcomed the figure, saying it will allow workers to get back on their feet. Business groups, on the other hand, say the move will worsen inflation and put too much pressure on businesses.