We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
The thrilling competition series, Million Dollar Secret, reminiscent of Traitors, has returned to Netflix for a second season. Once more, the stakes are sky-high, the contestants are fierce, and the grand prize remains enticingly substantial.
Guided by the charismatic host Peter Serafinowicz, Million Dollar Secret invites 14 participants to a lavish lakeside getaway. Each contestant discovers a box in their private quarters, yet only one box holds the coveted $1 million prize. The individual with the money must artfully employ strategy and deception to retain possession of the box. If others discern their identity as the secret millionaire, they are ousted from the competition, and a new millionaire is selected.
The game intensifies with the introduction of “kill shots,” which allow the millionaires to eliminate fellow competitors if the group fails to correctly identify them during elimination dinners. However, these powerful tools are earned by fulfilling secret objectives without arousing suspicion, a challenge that proves more daunting than it initially appears.
The first three episodes of Million Dollar Secret are now available for streaming on Netflix. For those who have already devoured these episodes, we provide all the details about when additional episodes will drop on the platform. Keep reading to find out more!
How many episodes are there in Million Dollar Secret Season 2?
The series will unfold over eight episodes, with new installments being released in intervals over the coming weeks.
When do new episodes of Million Dollar Secret come out on Netflix?
Starting April 15, new episodes of Million Dollar Secret will release every Wednesday on Netflix.
Photo: Netflix
What time do new episodes of Million Dollar Secret come out on Netflix?
New episodes of Million Dollar Secret come out on Wednesdays at 3 a.m. ET / midnight PT on Netflix.
Million Dollar Secret Season 2 release schedule:
Episode 1: April 15
Episode 2: April 15
Episode 3: April 15
Episode 4: April 22
Episode 5: April 22
Episode 6: April 22
Episode 7: April 29
Episode 8: April 29
The first three episodes of Million Dollar Secret are currently streaming on Netflix.
Netflix offers three subscription plans to fit your streaming needs. The plans start at $7.99/month for standard with ads and go up to $24.99/month for unlimited ad-free streaming in up to 4K UHD quality.
As Tax Day arrives this Wednesday, marking the deadline for most Americans to submit their tax returns, the Trump administration reports that millions have already taken advantage of new tax breaks. These include exemptions such as no tax on tips and overtime pay, exclusions for interest on specific car loans, deductions for seniors, and special Trump Accounts designed for children’s savings.
According to a Treasury official, more than 53 million taxpayers utilized one of these provisions from the sweeping Republican tax and spending legislation. Specifically, 6 million individuals benefited from the tip tax exemption, 21 million claimed the overtime deduction, and 30 million seniors took advantage of the enhanced deduction. The official shared these insights with reporters on Tuesday, ahead of the filing deadline, while preferring to remain anonymous.
From the administration’s viewpoint, the 2026 tax filing season has been a triumph. However, despite the implementation of the Republican tax law intended to deliver substantial savings, recent polls reveal that a majority of Americans—approximately 70%—still feel their tax burden is excessive.
Still, the latest data comes as most Americans, or 7 in 10, still think their taxes are too high, according to recent polling, despite the passage of the Republican tax law which promised big savings for taxpayers.
As the tax season kicked off in January, the White House boasted that average returns were projected to rise by at least $1,000. But currently, the average refund amount is $3,462, according to the latest IRS data, which is up 11% or about $350 from last tax year’s $3,116 average refund payment.
Treasury has shifted its messaging to tout that tax refunds this season are up 24% compared with the four-year average of refunds before President Donald Trump took office.
The White House has been trying to promote Trump’s tax cuts as a way to get voters more enthusiastic about the way he’s handling the economy ahead of November’s midterm elections, but the message has been overshadowed for weeks by higher gas prices caused by the war in Iran.
The 2026 season comes as the IRS has gone through a leadership turnover and reduced its workforce by 27% over the past year through cuts brought on by the Department of Government Efficiency.
IRS CEO Frank Bisignano is set to testify in front of the Senate Finance Committee on Wednesday.
In his public testimony to lawmakers, Bisignano planned to tout the IRS’ implementation of the Republican tax law.
However, Democratic lawmakers zeroed in on IRS disclosures of confidential taxpayer information to Immigration and Customs Enforcement as part of an agreement between ICE and the Department of Homeland Security to share information for the purpose of identifying and deporting people illegally in the U.S.
The future of LIV Golf is shrouded in uncertainty, with a crucial announcement regarding the league’s destiny anticipated very soon, according to a startling new report. This league, backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), has significantly disrupted the golfing world since its inception in 2022. By enticing many top talents from the PGA Tour with enticing multi-million-dollar deals, including stars like Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm, LIV Golf has made a substantial impact on the sport.
Despite its initial success, the league has faced notable challenges this year. Among these setbacks are the departures of high-profile golfers Patrick Reed and Brooks Koepka. These changes have raised questions about the league’s stability and future prospects.
Adding to the uncertainty, reports suggest that the international circuit might face a complete shutdown due to substantial financial losses. This potential downfall comes at a critical time, as the league prepares for its tournament at Club de Golf Chapultepec in Mexico City, known as LIV Golf Mexico City.
As the golfing world awaits further details, the potential disappearance of LIV Golf hangs in the balance, casting a shadow over its ambitious endeavor to reshape the sport.
On the eve of LIV Golf Mexico City, the league’s tournament at Club de Golf Chapultepec in Mexico, a fresh report plunged the future of the breakaway into mystery.
Monday Q Info, a golf X account run by Ryan French, claimed on Tuesday evening that multiple sources had informed it that ‘a bombshell announcement on LIV’s future is imminent.’
LIV Golf is reportedly shutting down with an announcement on its future expected imminently
The circuit is funded by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. PIF governor Yasir al-Rumayyan is pictured with president Donald Trump during a 2022 LIV Golf tournament
The social media post added: ‘We don’t give out gambling advice but if you’re a prediction market type person I would bet the under of whatever they have posted.’
Later on Tuesday night, French spoke on X Spaces and revealed he had heard from other people he trusts that LIV Golf is ‘shutting down.’
The Daily Mail reached out to LIV Golf for comment but did not immediately hear back.
The news came as LIV prepares to tee off in Mexico on Thursday for its sixth event of its fifth season, and the first since the Masters last week.
However, no pre-tournament press conferences took place on Tuesday with LIV Golf reportedly suffering ‘technical difficulties.’
Rahm, who won the individual championship last year, was scheduled to speak to the media on Tuesday morning but never materialized, according to reporter Chris McKee. All press conferences have reportedly been rescheduled for Wednesday.
The Masters proved to be a disaster for all but one of LIV’s stars competing at last week’s major championship as Augusta National laid bare the fall from grace of the former golfing titans.
While Tyrrell Hatton clinched his place in next year’s Masters field with a tied-third finish two shots behind Rory McIlroy, many of LIV’s stars suffered lackluster and, frankly, humiliating runouts at Augusta.
LIV’s rebels endured a disappointing and humiliating showing at the Masters last week
DeChambeau, billed one of the favorites heading into the Masters, failed to make the cut. Rahm, despite a final-day rally, was a pale impression of the champion who won three years ago finishing T-38. And Sergio Garcia was issued a code of conduct warning after a spectacular meltdown.
Following the disappointing Masters displays for the league and the subsequent claims about its future, renowned golf analyst Brandel Chamblee believes it was the final nail in the coffin.
‘Given that the product was so ill-conceived and ended up being worse than anyone could have imagined,’ Chamblee posted on X.
‘With shotgun starts, initially 54 holes, a team concept that was nothing but laughable and tournaments that meant and continue to mean nothing, and such a paltry number of viewers, losing billions along the way – would it surprise anyone if the Saudis came to their senses and finally euthanized the whole lame-brained tour.’
Suggestion that the tour could disband comes at a surprising time after it underwent a major revamp ahead of the new season and even recently secured a considerable victory in its battle with the orthodox golfing establishment.
In November, it was confirmed that this season LIV would be ditching the 54-hole format that has been a staple selling point of the breakaway circuit since its inception.
The circuit pivoted to 72 holes in line with the traditional approach, which was believed to be geared towards aiding LIV’s plight to finally be recognized by the Official World Golf Ranking body.
LIV’s failure to date to secure ranking points has seen its star names plummet down the global standings, with the consequence that they have found it increasingly difficult to qualify for the four majors.
It was a significant step, not least because the circuit’s very name is the Roman numeral of 54, and one that did not entirely pay off.
While LIV finally gained OWGR recognition in February following four long years of campaigning, the ruling deemed that only players finishing inside the top-10 at LIV-sanctioned events would be awarded ranking points.
In making their determinations, OWGR chiefs reasoned that LIV Golf had still not met its eligibility criteria, even after the tour had announced that it would be moving to a 72-hole format.
The league issued a scathing statement, claiming that ‘no other tour in OWGR history had been subjected to such a restriction’.
To add insult to injury, Reed and Koepka, two of LIV’s marquee signings, walked away from the league earlier this year.
Inset: Adrian Aguilar (Arizona Department of Corrections). Background: The intersection where Aguilar fatally shot his girlfriend after crashing his car in Tempe, Ariz. (Google Maps).
An Arizona man faces a life sentence and more for the brutal killing of his girlfriend, driven by jealousy over her interactions with another male. This deadly incident occurred in sporadic outbursts of gunfire.
In February, a Maricopa County jury found Adrian Aguilar, 23, guilty of first-degree murder, kidnapping, and two counts of aggravated assault for the death of 19-year-old Amria Crofton.
On Tuesday, the court handed him a life sentence, with an additional 26 years added.
“This young woman trusted the defendant, and he shattered that trust with horrific violence,” stated Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell in a press statement following the sentencing. “His actions were deliberate, cruel, and fueled by jealousy.”
The tragic event took place in June 2023 when the couple, involved for just three months, were driving in Tempe, as per court documents accessed by The Arizona Republic.
On the day in question, the pair left work together around 1 p.m. and then went to a pool party, court records show. There, Aguilar used alcohol and cocaine before leaving. The defendant was planning on taking Crofton home when she started receiving texts from a friend asking her to hang out. Those requests upset Aguilar.
First, the man began interrogating the woman — asking her whether she was cheating on him. The woman denied the accusation, which upset Aguilar even more. Then, the man said he was mad at Crofton for wasting his time and threatened to shoot her unless she admitted to having an affair. Resolute, the woman still denied cheating.
Repeat attempts to elicit a confession over the suspected affair yielded the same answer over the course of some 45 minutes.
So, Aguilar followed through on his threat. First, he shot Crofton in the leg near the intersection of South Rural Road and East Broadway Road in the Jen Tilly Terrace neighborhood of Tempe. The man kept driving and headed west. Roughly a mile away, near the intersection of Broadway and Roosevelt Street, he shot her in the leg again.
The woman then began to cry and asked Aguilar to stop. But, enraged, he continued to drive, demand answers, and shoot the woman in different parts of her body in different locations throughout the Phoenix area — including once near the victim”s home — until the violence came to a head near 48th Street and Broadway. That’s where Aguilar turned the car around and Crofton tried to grab the gun, causing the weapon to discharge and the car to crash into a curb.
There, a witness finally saw Aguilar standing outside the vehicle and firing multiple shots into the passenger seat before walking off.
Next came the cover-up.
Police arrived to find the defendant himself suffering from a lone gunshot wound to his shoulder — as well as the victim who was not moving and was believed to be dead. Initially, Aguilar blamed the shooting on “some gang members” who came up to the car and fired at the couple. Police quickly countered the false narrative with witness statements and physical evidence from the scene of the crime that did not support the defendant’s story. After receiving his Miranda rights, Aguilar admitted to shooting Crofton “because he thought she disrespected him,” according to the DA’s office.
“The victim had eleven gunshot wounds to her head, neck, and torso as well as multiple injuries to her face, head, and hands,” the press release explains. “During the police interview, the defendant shared that the victim was scared, crying and asked to be taken home as he shot her.”
The daughter of an 87-year-old hiker who survived a chilly night lost in the bushland of south-western Western Australia is sharing her mother’s ordeal, hoping it will serve as a cautionary tale for others.
The elderly adventurer embarked on her journey last Friday on a trail near Donnelly River Village, located 280 kilometers south of Perth, but unfortunately, she took an incorrect path.
Daughter Jo said her mum really wanted to go on a bushwalk. (9News)
“My mom, who’s unstoppable and recently got new hips, was determined to go on a walk,” her daughter Jo shared today.
Alone in the thick wilderness, the 87-year-old spent the night braving temperatures that dipped to 6 degrees.
“I was terrified I might never see my mom again,” Jo confessed.
“I really didn’t think she was coming back.”
The alarm was raised by 8pm on Friday. Family and emergency services combed the tracks, helicopters and drones searched overhead but the thick canopy was hiding her.
“We did all the trails and forestry tracks on our bikes and walking for the whole night, and didn’t find her,” Jo said.
Finally she was found – exhausted, dehydrated but unhurt – 2 kilometres from where she started, after her phone managed to call Triple Zero.
The family of an 87-year-old bushwalker who endured a freezing night lost in south-west Western Australia is speaking out, hoping her story helps others. (9News)
“She was sitting on a jarra log, waiting here obediently, eating her little packet of raisins,” Jo said.
Police warn more people are heading into remote areas unprepared, sparking major rescue operations. Experts urging walkers to always tell loved ones their plans.
“Take extra water, take a little bit of extra food, extra clothing, maybe some form of shelter,” bush survival expert Terry Hewett said.
” … a four to six or maybe eight-hour walk could end up being an overnight event.”
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An interior designer has highlighted certain furniture pieces that tend to become regrettable choices, from impractical white sofas to overly flashy glass dining tables.
Jordana Ashkenazi points out that while some furniture pieces may look stunning in showrooms or on social media, they often fall short in a real home setting.
Included in this list are intricate bookcases, such as the one owned by influencer Lydia Millen, which often evolve into an endless styling challenge.
Based in London, Jordana Ashkenazi, the founder and design director at Element One House, shared with the Daily Mail: “As an interior designer, I frequently encounter this issue. Items that initially excite owners soon reveal themselves to be high-maintenance, impractical, or incompatible with their lifestyle.”
‘And if you have children or pets as well, some of these choices can quickly become a very bad idea,’ insisted the expert, adding: ‘Trends come and go, and some of these choices can be expensive.’
She continued: ‘You invest in something thinking it will last, only to fall out of love with it a few years later, and then feel stuck with it if you do not have the budget to change it.
‘A lot of these trends aren’t bad in isolation, they’ve just been overdone or used in the wrong spaces.’
Read on for some of the most common culprits of middle class furniture regret that Jordana has spotted recently…
Molly-Mae Hague showcases her large white L-shaped sofa at her mansion on her Instagram account
White sofas
Jordana said: ‘White sofas are the ultimate fantasy purchase. They look immaculate in showrooms and on Instagram, and the idea of white or cream in a home feels effortlessly elevated.
‘I would love a white sofa myself, but with two children and being a single mother, it comes with its challenges, and if you have animals as well, you will know exactly what I mean. Need I say more.
‘In reality, they are incredibly high maintenance. Even if you do not have children or pets, you are still slightly paranoid about going anywhere near it. One coffee, one spill, one pair of jeans and it is game over.
‘They can work in very controlled, low-traffic spaces, but for most homes, people end up living around them rather than actually relaxing on them. A sofa you are scared to sit on is not a good investment.’
Grandfather clocks
Jordana said: ‘Grandfather clocks can work beautifully in the right period setting where they feel in keeping with the architecture.
‘In most modern homes, however, they can feel oversized and difficult to place. They are large, imposing pieces that you often end up working around rather than incorporating naturally.
‘In many UK homes, the large piece of furniture can feel more like a burden than a feature.’
Show shelving
Influencer Lydia Millen shows off her elaborate bookcase in her home on her Instagram account
Jordana said: ‘Open shelving can look beautiful when it is styled well and kept minimal. The issue is that in real homes, it rarely stays that way.
‘It quickly turns into a mix of books, cables and random objects with nowhere else to go. What starts as a design feature becomes a never-ending styling exercise. You are constantly rearranging it, restyling it and buying new pieces just to keep it looking presentable.
‘Then there is the dust. Every single item needs to be cleaned individually, and you can easily lose an hour just dusting it all.
‘You end up constantly noticing when it looks cluttered or untidy, which defeats the whole point of it being a feature. It is less a shelf and more a part-time job.’
Swing chairs
Jordana said: ‘Swing chairs can work as a fun feature piece, especially in larger or more playful spaces. The problem is that for most homes, particularly in the UK where space is tighter, the novelty wears off quickly.
‘They are rarely used beyond the first few weeks and tend to become more decorative than functional.
‘You often find yourself wondering if anyone actually uses it or if it is just there for show. It is one of those pieces that looks great in theory but does not always translate into everyday living.’
Matching furniture sets
Jordana said: ‘Matching furniture sets can feel like the safe and easy option, and for some people that simplicity works. The downside is that they often leave a space feeling flat and lacking in personality.
‘It is essentially walking into a showroom and saying, I will take all of that, without any real thought. Real homes are not showrooms, they need to reflect how you actually live.
‘Interiors have moved on from that matchy look. The best homes feel layered and collected over time. This is the design equivalent of wearing a full outfit straight off a mannequin. Safe, but not particularly stylish.’
Bouclé
BBC Radio 1 presenter Mollie King sits on a large Bouclé cream chair
Jordana said: ‘Bouclé really had its moment when it first came in. It felt fresh, textured and quite elevated. Now it is everywhere.
‘Pretty much every single place on the high street sells it, which is fine, but it has taken away a lot of what made it feel special in the first place.
‘There is also a tendency to add a bit of bouclé and suddenly feel like the space is design-led, just because it is on trend.
‘When it is used for the sake of it, or overdone, it can start to feel a bit typical rather than considered.
‘It is still very popular and can work beautifully in the right setting, but it is definitely a case of less is more now.’
Chaise longues
Jordana said: ‘Chaise longues can look beautiful and work well in larger homes where there is plenty of space and other seating available.
‘The issue is when they are expected to function as everyday seating. They take up a lot of room and are not always the most practical choice.
‘In most homes, especially where space is limited, they can feel more like a luxury than a necessity. You often find yourself questioning whether it is actually being used or just sitting there looking good.’
High gloss furniture
Jordana said: ‘High gloss furniture can still work in more modern schemes, particularly when used in softer tones or more organic shapes. The older, ultra-slick styles are where it starts to feel dated.
‘They show every bit of dust and every fingerprint, so you are constantly aware of keeping them clean. In real life, especially in busy households, that becomes hard to maintain.
‘If not done carefully, they can tip into looking cold or slightly tacky rather than sophisticated.’
Brass everything
Reality star Stacey Solomon shows off her bathroom which features brass taps on the sink
Jordana said: ‘Brass is now everywhere again, very similar to bouclé. It has become everyone’s go-to. You see it in taps, handles, furniture legs, lighting, light switches, just about everything. And that is when it starts to dilute the trend.
‘When you see so much of it, you naturally start to get a bit tired of it. It can quickly feel overdone and even verge on looking a bit blingy.
‘That said, it definitely still has its place. I love brass, but I just do not love everything brass. The shift now is towards mixing metals, finishes, natural woods and stone, creating a much more layered and considered look.
‘Interiors are becoming more experimental again, and that is where they feel far more interesting and timeless.’
Glass dining tables
Jordana said: ‘Glass dining tables can look sleek and minimal in the right setting, particularly in more contemporary spaces. In reality, they come with a lot of upkeep.
‘Fingerprints, smears and dust show instantly, and you can clean the entire house and still spend a solid hour just polishing the table.
‘You end up noticing every mark the second it appears. In busy households, that just is not practical. They also lack warmth, so the space can feel colder than intended.
‘Depending on the base, they can even verge on looking slightly tacky rather than elevated.’
Full upholstered wall headboards
Jordana said: ‘Full upholstered wall headboards had a huge moment, especially with that hotel luxe look. They can look impressive at first, but they are a big commitment.
‘You are essentially designing an entire wall around one trend. People often add in brass detailing, mirrors, lighting, even electrical points, and suddenly it becomes a very expensive feature.
‘The problem is that when trends change, you are stuck with it. It is not a quick swap. It is a full redesign.
‘What once felt luxurious can start to feel overdone or even slightly blingy. There is now a shift towards more relaxed, layered bedrooms, with simpler headboards that can evolve over time rather than locking you into one look.’
Mirrored furniture
Jordana said: ‘Mirrored furniture can be effective in small doses, especially for adding light to darker spaces. The issue is when it is overused.
‘It reflects everything, including fingerprints, clutter and daily wear. Add children into the mix and it very quickly starts to look less glamorous and more high maintenance.
‘You end up constantly noticing marks and what is being reflected back at you, and not always in a good way. Too much of it can start to feel overly decorative and slightly dated rather than elegant.’
On April 15, 2026, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, made a warm gesture to her Australian admirers, urging them to address her simply as “Meg.” The invitation for informality comes as she and her husband, Prince Harry, embark on their tour of Australia, which began earlier this week.
The couple, known for their approachable demeanor, is reportedly comfortable with casual interactions during their engagements, as revealed by the Daily Mail. The publication noted that staff at a Melbourne children’s hospital were assured by Meghan’s aides that both she and Harry, the Duke of Sussex, prefer a laid-back approach to their titles.
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, is said to be urging her Australian fans to ‘call me Meg‘
An aide reportedly mentioned that during meet and greets, using “Harry and Meghan” is perfectly acceptable, highlighting the couple’s desire to foster a more personal connection during their visits.
According to the Daily Mail, aides with Meghan also reassured staff at a children’s hospital in Melbourne she and Harry, Duke of Sussex, were “relaxed” about how they were addressed.
It quoted one saying about how their titles should be raised during meet and greets: “Harry and Meghan is fine.”
Meanwhile, Meghan – mum to children Archie, six, and four-year-old Lilibet – was complimented as she served up lunch to homeless women at a shelter in Melbourne on Tuesday.
Her and Harry’s trip has been branded a “faux royal trip” as they gave up senior royal duties during their dramatic “Megxit” deal in 2020.
After her visit to the Royal Children’s Hospital, Meghan carried out a solo engagement at women’s homeless and family violence shelter the McAuley Community Services for Women.
During the visit, she put on a striped apron as she was photographed serving food to residents.
In a clip filmed at the shelter, one resident was heard telling Meghan she had a “glowing” complexion and telling her: “You look like a model!”
The fan, called Leah, added Meghan was wrinkle-free.
Meghan replied: “That’s so generous – you are so nice!”
McAuley CEO Jocelyn Bignold told reporters about the duchess’ visit: “It’s very lovely to have attention on the whole issue of homelessness and family violence and she will bring that attention to this facility, so that’s good.’
“The women are excited to see and meet her. They’re also a little bit nervous.”
Prince Harry has been seen on the trip greeting a young fan with fiery red hair after he and Meghan arrived at the Royal Children’s Hospital.
The duke told the child: “Yes!” – with one of the patients at the hospital saying she had handed Harry flowers.
They told ABC News Harry and Meghan “wished me good luck on my journey” told her to “keep being brave”.
The couple landed from LA early on Tuesday and their itinerary is set to include charity and business events in Melbourne, Canberra and Sydney.
Supply chain disruptions to fuel and petrochemicals is driving up construction costs.
Peak industry bodies are calling for regulations to be streamlined to reduce pressure for builders.
Leading organizations within the building and housing sectors are urging the government to cut through the bureaucratic red tape that is stifling construction and housing. The plea comes as escalating fuel costs are further straining these industries, driving prices higher.
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has sent fuel prices soaring, creating significant challenges for Australia’s construction sector, which heavily relies on diesel. Not only is fuel more expensive, but the costs of essential construction materials like plastics, cabling, and piping have surged by as much as 40%.
Jocelyn Martin, managing director of the Housing Industry Association (HIA), described current conditions as “tough but manageable.” She noted that builders are now facing additional expenses of around $5,000 on average for a standard four-bedroom home in new developments. This increase is particularly challenging for those locked into fixed-price contracts.
Jocelyn Martin, the managing director of the Housing Industry Association (HIA), said conditions are “tough but manageable”.
Builders are paying an extra $5,000 in expenses on a standard four-bedroom home in a new development, she estimated, with many on fixed-price contracts.
“For the volume builders, that per-home amount can make a difference,” she told SBS News.
“They’ve obviously got employees and premises and so forth to support. And so that obviously is a concern for them.”
Martin, along with others, is calling on the government to streamline the National Construction Code, a document that sets industry standards, to help reduce pressure on builders.
She described it as a “once in a generation opportunity” to address Australia’s housing crisis.
The federal government has also hinted at reforming the code, which critics say is far more long and complex than it needs to be.
In August, Labor announced it was pausing any changes to the National Construction Code while it looks to reduce delays in approvals and speed up residential construction.
A spokesperson for Housing Minister Clare O’Neil told SBS News any changes remain on hold.
“We’re consulting right across the building sector to understand how we can make the code easier and more effective,” they said.
What products are increasing in cost?
The construction industry was already facing crushing costs before the current conflict in the Middle East, which broke out at the end of February.
Source: SBS News
Data from ASIC shows that more companies entered insolvency last year than before or during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2025, 3,490 construction companies went insolvent, almost double the figure for 2013.
Master Builders Australia estimates that construction costs have increased by around 1 to 5 per cent so far this year, placing further constraints on builders.
The body’s CEO, Denita Wawn, told SBS News that, due to fixed-price contract arrangements, most builders are being forced to absorb these cost increases.
“Builders are reporting surcharges for fuel, concrete and skip bins for example, with increases of between 20 to 30 per cent to plastic piping products,” she said.
“PVC and cabling are of particular concern; however, plastic suppliers this week have assured that they are now producing the same supply as they were before the conflict, but at the increased price.”
Wawn said the industry is “quickly pivoting” to mitigate the risk of shortages of “vital products” through alternative supply options, but a logistics expert says it’s a difficult task.
David Leany, a lecturer at the Australian National University, specialises in international supply chain management.
He explained that Australia and the world are highly dependent on imports from the Middle East for construction, accounting for around 20 per cent of global fuel and 30 per cent of petrochemical plastics.
“Construction is probably the most diesel-dependent sector, about 80 per cent of construction’s energy actually comes from diesel,” he said.
“And there are also costs associated with freight and cargo, the availability and the costs associated with some petrochemicals, plastics in particular, and then some of the other flow-on effects about the availability of key products.”
In a report last week, economist Saul Eslake echoed concerns that civil construction is the most diesel-exposed sector in the Australian economy.
The average price of diesel across Australia’s five largest cities is $3.20 per litre, according to the ACC’s latest weekly fuel report.
While fuel can be redirected through alternative pipelines to avoid conflict, plastics are left in the lurch.
“You can’t get the plastics out because they don’t fit the pipeline. Whereas the world’s adjusting to some of the fuel constraints, there’s not the same level of adjustment that’s possible with the plastics,” he said.
“That means shortages, which means it really pushes prices up pretty much the corresponding amount. With that 30 per cent shortage, you can at least get the 30 per cent increase in the price.”
Source: SBS News
Data from wholesaler Reece estimates that products made from the three most common forms of plastic have risen to up to 40 per cent in cost.
This includes Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), commonly used for piping, and Polyethylene and Polypropylene.
Australia does not currently have the manufacturing facilities required to meet this demand, Leaney said, meaning the country will likely remain reliant on imports to support fuel and petrochemical demand.
Calls for reform
Global conflicts and disruptions to international supply chains are seen as largely out of the government’s control, but it is seeking to reduce costs to builders through reforming the National Construction Code.
Both the HIA and Master Builders Australia are calling for the code, which sets out requirements for the design and construction of new buildings, to be streamlined.
Wawn said the current state of the code, most recently updated in 2025, leads to poorer building outcomes and higher costs.
“As the building and construction industry knows all too well, the NCC’s sheer size, poor drafting, complexity and scope have made it unwieldy and impractical,” she said.
“According to the Productivity Commission, the estimated regulatory cost burden on housing is as high as $47.5 billion per year, which is up to $320,000 per new house.”
Martin said one way to simplify the code while retaining safety standards is to digitise its contents and make it AI-searchable.
In its current state, she said, it’s not practical for builders to navigate it efficiently or to understand it in its entirety.
“As the code has expanded to include issues such as livability, sustainability, and soon climate resilience, it has led to an exponential growth where the code is now sort of eight times its original length, and it’s got three hundred more defined terms and a hundred additional reference documents. It’s now thousands of pages,” she said.
The Alliance of Industry Associations has called for the code to be reduced by at least 25 per cent.
Each time José Caballero approaches the batter’s box, he casts a subtle glance towards the third baseman’s position.
For a batter capable of sending the ball over the fence, spotting the third baseman playing deep is an invitation for Caballero to make solid contact and utilize his speed on the bases.
“Bunting is something I really enjoy,” Caballero remarked on Tuesday, marking a significant moment for fans of the bunting technique within the Yankees community.
In an unusual pre-game ritual outside the typical spring training schedule, the Yankees dedicated a session to batting practice before the main on-field drills. Players like Caballero, Cody Bellinger, Jazz Chisholm Jr., Trent Grisham, and Ryan McMahon took turns practicing bunts against a pitching machine. Gerrit Cole even joined in, highlighting the session’s distinctiveness.
Expressing a renewed dedication to bunting—an old-school skill cherished by many supporters and strategically advantageous for prompting shifts in defensive positioning—is not unheard of.
But the Yankees, who are returning just about the same lineup that led baseball in home runs last season, say they are serious about being good at the smallest ball there is.
Ryan McMahon, hitting an infield single in the third inning, later tried to bunt for a hit in the sixth inning but grounded out to the pitcher in the Yankees’ 7-1 loss to the Angels on April 14, 2026 at the Stadium. Robert Sabo for New York Post
“Obviously, when you look at our offense, you think about what we do as far as driving the ball,” hitting coach James Rowson said Tuesday before the Yankees’ offense struggled in a 7-1 loss to the Angels. “But at the end of the day, you’re trying to find the best way to score runs all the time and put yourself in position to win games.”
The Yankees witnessed firsthand how successful bunts can swing games, swept in Tampa last weekend in a series in which the Rays laid down eight bunts that moved along runners and created problems for the Yankees’ infield.
Watching the athletic Rays use the tactic to perfection did not necessarily prompt Tuesday’s pregame work, Rowson said, but rather a push from the Yankees’ hitting meetings to ensure “we have everything covered.”
“Let’s make sure we’re consistent with it,” Rowson said. “Let’s make sure we’re doing it throughout the year, we’re doing it all the time. I think today you saw an example of the little things … to make sure we stay on top of the details.”
Making sure the Yankees can bunt does not necessarily equate to making sure the Yankees bunt all the time. The Yankees laid down three bunts in their first 17 games, including Tuesday, unsuccessful attempts at hits from Chisholm and Caballero. Ryan McMahon grounded out on a bunt when attempting to get a hit in the sixth inning in Tuesday’s loss.
Rowson considers bunting an underutilized skill throughout the game and would like to see it used more.
There will be times — almost certainly in October, plus against better pitching along the way — when the Yankees are not finding the long balls they are accustomed to and have to score using smaller ball.
When those times come, Rowson believes they will be ready.
“There are some games where you may feel like, ‘Man, a bunt right here may put a guy on base, may move a guy over, may do something that puts us in a better opportunity to win the game,’” Rowson said. “And I think winning the game supersedes everything.”
