Arts Centre Melbourne workers strike over wage falls behind inflation

More than 95% of union members at Arts Centre Melbourne voted for industrial action, saying wages have fallen 10% behind inflation since 2022.

Why it mattersThe strike disrupts a major Melbourne arts venue. It also shows funding problems in Australia's cultural sector.

AustraliaVictoria's state funding for arts has dropped by over $20 million since 2022, forcing cultural institutions to choose between paying staff fairly and keeping doors open.

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Suspected arsonist caught on CCTV ablaze during Melbourne shop attack

A tobacco shop in Melton was firebombed early Wednesday. A man in a blue hoodie was caught on video engulfed in flames. Another man was found nearby with severe burns and flown to hospital in critical condition.

Why it mattersThis is the latest in a series of firebombing attacks on tobacco shops and venues across Melbourne. A police detective said fire is uncontrollable and unpredictable, and warned that innocent people could be seriously harmed.