Climate experts warn Australia will spend billions to meet pollution cuts pledge

Taxpayers face a multibillion-dollar bill to meet Australia's new pledge to cut greenhouse gas emissions, a leading industry group and climate experts have warned, casting doubt on how the target would be met if economic conditions decline. (Sydney Morning Herald)

New Zealand health spending fails to keep up with increased costs', doctor's union claims

Treasury figures released by the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists (ASMS) to ONE News show that total health spending as a proportion of gross domestic product, has gone down and isn’t keeping up with costs or population growth. (One News Now)

Philippine government hiring 142,000 teachers and health workers

The government is hiring nearly 142,000 public school teachers and health workers this year and next year, budget secretary Florencio Abad said. (The Philippine Star)

Malaysia’s growth cools as pressure builds to boost confidence

Malaysia’s economy expanded the least in almost two years after a new consumption tax curbed private spending, adding pressure on policymakers to revive confidence in a nation facing political turmoil and a weakening currency. (Malaysian Insider)

PM insists spending of Thai PBS and ThaiHealth must be audited by government panel

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha has insisted that the spending of ThaiHealth, Thai PBS and the National Sports Development Organisation will be subjected to examination by the government’s audit panel known as the committee to follow up and examine the expenditure of the government sector. (Thai Visa News)