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APAC Edition
9th July 2025
 
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THE HOT STORY

Australia's childcare crisis: are kids safe?

Recent investigations have uncovered alarming deficiencies in childcare training across Australia, exposing children to significant risks. Experts attribute these failures to inadequate training, lax regulations, and the rapid growth of private operators prioritising profit over safety. The situation has been exacerbated by cases like that of Joshua Dale Brown, a childcare worker charged with over 70 child abuse offences. Regulatory documents reveal repeated issues, including untrained staff, unsafe practices, and a lack of basic hygiene. NSW Greens MP Abigail Boyd highlighted the concerning lack of understanding among staff regarding regulations, describing the situation as "very, very concerning." The ongoing crisis calls for urgent reforms to ensure the safety and well-being of children in these facilities.
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ECONOMY

Australia's trade war dilemma unfolds

Australia is poised to gain minor benefits from President Donald Trump's tariff war, with a projected GDP boost of 0.37% due to lower tariffs on Australian goods. However, the Productivity Commission Trade and Assistance Review warns that a broader trade war could have “serious consequences” for Australia and the global economy. Deputy chair Alex Robson highlighted that “uncertainty is a handbrake on investment,” suggesting that escalating tensions could deter business investments. The report supports Labor's stance against retaliatory tariffs, advocating for free trade to mitigate risks. Treasurer Jim Chalmers stated that Australia is “well placed and well prepared for all the uncertainty in the global economy,” emphasising the importance of free and fair trade. The report also calls for the removal of 315 nuisance tariffs to enhance productivity and reduce compliance costs for businesses.

Trump announces 25% tariffs on Japan and South Korea

President Donald Trump has announced a 25% tax on goods imported from Japan and South Korea, citing ongoing trade imbalances with these key US allies. The tariffs are set to take effect on August 1st. In letters posted on Truth Social, he warned both nations against counter measures and emphasized the importance of maintaining fair trade relations, adding: “If for any reason you decide to raise your Tariffs, then, whatever the number you choose to raise them by, will be added onto the 25% that we charge." This move marks a significant escalation in US trade policy, potentially impacting various sectors reliant on imports from these countries.
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WORKFORCE

Indian workers unite for nationwide strike

A general strike called by 10 of India's central trade unions is expected to see participation today from over 25 crore workers across various sectors, including banking, insurance, and construction. The unions are protesting against what they describe as "anti-worker, anti-farmer and anti-national pro-corporate policies of the government," which they believe are leading to increased unemployment and rising prices. The unions have submitted a 17-point demand charter to Labour Minister Mansukh Mandavia, highlighting issues such as the need for job creation and better remuneration for workers. The strike is anticipated to disrupt essential services, with support from agricultural workers and unions across rural areas.

Thai government eases work permit rules for Cambodians

The Thai government has announced a six-month extension of work permits for Cambodian workers, aimed at alleviating the impact on border businesses. Labour Minister Pongkawin Jungrungruangkit chaired a meeting of the Migrant Workers' Policy Management Committee, which approved the extension for workers holding border pass cards. Key measures include a temporary stay extension, work permit application requirements, and flexibility for workers to change employers. Workers must report to immigration officers every 30 days, with the first report due by July 30, 2025.

Queensland faces massive construction worker shortage

Queensland is projected to experience a shortfall of over 54,000 construction workers as preparations for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games commence next year. Current data from Infrastructure Australia indicates a supply of 42,200 workers against a demand of 83,300. Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said: "The budget that we recently handed down had a record investment in infrastructure of over A$116bn," emphasising the government's commitment to addressing the workforce gap. Master Builders Queensland chief executive Paul Bidwell expressed cautious optimism, noting that collaboration between the government, industry, and unions is essential to meet the demand. He highlighted the importance of increasing productivity and attracting interstate workers, while also advocating for more apprentices to ensure a sustainable workforce.

Australian mine workers rally as lockout drags on

More than 100 workers have protested outside the Metropolitan Mine in Helensburgh as a lockout by Peabody continues into its third week. Approximately 160 permanent employees have been locked out since June 18 due to disputes over enterprise agreement negotiations. The Mining and Energy Union (MEU) is seeking a 15% wage increase over three years, while Peabody has offered 13%. MEU district vice-president Mark Jenkins highlighted that the miners are among the lowest paid in the district, advocating for fairer wages. Peabody's vice-president Mike Carter defended the lockout, asserting that it is necessary for safe and productive operations. The MEU is calling for a ban on lockouts, labelling the current situation as "disproportionate."

South Korea revamps employment insurance rules

The South Korean government is reforming its employment insurance system, shifting focus from work hours to income levels. This change aims to include freelancers and multi-job holders, who have been previously excluded. The Ministry of Employment and Labor announced plans to amend the Employment Insurance Act by 18 August, allowing any worker earning above a specific income threshold to qualify for insurance, regardless of hours worked. Currently, only those working over 60 hours per month are eligible. The government will use national tax data to identify eligible workers and implement a real-time income tracking system. Additionally, workers with multiple part-time jobs can combine their incomes to meet the threshold. The reforms aim to modernise the employment insurance framework and extend coverage to a broader range of workers in a changing labour market.
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LEGAL

BHP faces landmark wage ruling

BHP has been ordered to pay 2,200 of its Central Queensland coal miners an average of $30,000 more following a landmark ruling on the federal government's "same job, same pay" laws. The decision ensures that labour hire workers at BHP's Saraji, Peak Downs, and Goonyella Riverside mines will receive equal pay to their directly employed counterparts. The ruling, which could cost BHP approximately $1.3bn annually if applied across all its mines, was initiated by the Mining and Energy Union through the Fair Work Commission. Mitch Hughes, the mining union's Queensland president, hailed the ruling as a significant victory. BHP has previously warned that such rulings could jeopardise thousands of jobs.

Bombay High Court rules on harassment complaints

The Bombay High Court has ruled that the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, does not apply to complaints made by advocates to bar councils, as there is no employer-employee relationship. Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Sandeep Marne said: "Neither BCI nor BCMG can be said to be employer of advocates," thus the Act is not applicable to them. However, it will apply to employees of the Bar Council of India (BCI) and Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa (BCMG). The court was hearing a petition from UNS Women Association, which sought the establishment of a grievance redressal committee for women advocates, in line with the Supreme Court's directions from the Medha Kotwal Lele case. The judges noted that while local committees exist for workplaces with fewer than 10 employees, these cannot be invoked by women advocates.
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TALENT MANAGEMENT

Japan's banks face talent crisis

Japan's financial sector is grappling with a severe talent shortage, impacting even major banks. Yoshiaki Furuya, president of Yamanashi Chuo Bank Ltd., highlighted the challenge, commenting: “It's very important to secure good market talent.” To attract skilled professionals, the bank established an investment advisory firm to bypass internal salary limits, allowing for more competitive compensation. This firm, operational since last year, currently employs two advisors to manage a ¥1.1tn ($7.5bn) securities portfolio. Furuya noted that while pay may still lag behind larger rivals, it is an improvement over traditional compensation. The bank aims to expand this initiative and attract external advisory work, recognising the growing need for expertise in navigating volatile markets.
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HIRING

Japan seeks Thai talent

Japan has initiated the recruitment of Thai workers for the "IM Japan" programme, which offers free applications, training, and career support, according to government spokesman Jirayu Huangsap. This technical intern training programme, in collaboration with Thailand's Department of Employment, includes four months of Japanese language training, free meals, accommodation, and a grant of ¥600,000 (approximately 134,450 baht) upon completion. Mr Jirayu stated that this initiative aims to enhance the skills of Thai workers and introduce them to modern Japanese technology.
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CYBERSECURITY

Qantas hit by cyber breach

Qantas has confirmed a significant cyber-attack that has potentially exposed the personal records of up to 6m customers. A spokesperson stated, "A potential cyber-criminal has made contact and we are currently working to validate this." The airline has engaged the Australian Federal Police (AFP) to assist in the investigation, although it has not confirmed whether a ransom is being demanded. The breach, which occurred on 2 July, involved a third-party system linked to a call centre, allowing access to customer names, email addresses, phone numbers, and birth dates. No credit card details or sensitive financial information were compromised.
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INTERNATIONAL

Visa woes leave U.S. hospitals short-staffed

The Trump administration's recent travel and visa restrictions have left U.S. hospitals facing staffing shortages, particularly in low-income and rural areas. A report from the Associated Press highlights that international medical residents, crucial for filling gaps in the healthcare system, are struggling to secure visas. One Afghan doctor, matched to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Harrisburg, expressed her frustration, stating: "I don't want to give up, but the situation also seems so helpless." Despite the lifting of the J-1 visa pause in mid-June, many residents are still unable to obtain appointments at U.S. embassies. The Association of American Medical Colleges warns of a physician shortage in the U.S. within the next 11 years, making the role of foreign medical graduates increasingly vital. This year, over 6,600 international medical residents were matched to U.S. programs, the highest on record.
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AND FINALLY...

From pool to office: a splashy change

A Chinese company, Luban Decoration Group, has transformed a drained swimming pool in Chengdu into a temporary office for its staff during renovations. Employees access their desks via pool ladders, with the original pool structure still intact, including signs indicating the swimming area. This unusual setup has been in use for two months, with desks arranged in rows and equipped with floor sockets. However, concerns about fire safety have been raised, particularly regarding blocked exits. This innovative workspace follows a trend of repurposing unusual spaces, reminiscent of past projects where public toilets were converted into homes and businesses in London.
 
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