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For nearly a decade, trade talks between Australia and the European Union dragged on, constantly snagging over arguments about access for Australian beef and lamb in protectionist European markets.
Both parties received a dose of reality last year though, when the US put up tariffs against the world and a fresh sense of urgency helped end the stalemate.
In a clear sign of compromise on both sides, the meat export quotas have been lifted substantially, but not by enough to satisfy angry farmers. There are also deals on naming rights for prosecco, feta and other foods.
For Australia, the free-trade agreement eliminates most tariffs and expands access to a market of 450 million people. But as Hazel Moir writes, we have yet to see whether claims about improved labour access and increased investment live up to the hype.
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Victoria Thieberger
Business and Economics Editor
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Hazel Moir, Australian National University
Australian producers will still be able to use terms like prosecco, kransky and parmesan – but there’s a catch.
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Philomena Murray, The University of Melbourne
Australia has long had an awkward relationship with the European Union. But after years of often fraught negotiations, the two have finally come to an agreement.
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Lurion De Mello, Macquarie University
It’s highly unlikely Australia will end up with no diesel. But if what is available becomes extremely expensive, the whole economy – and all of us – will feel it.
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Marianne Hanson, The University of Queensland
Israel’s nuclear program has long been shrouded in secrecy. Here’s what we know about it.
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Tauel Harper, Murdoch University
The clear signal this trend data sends is Australians are a pragmatic lot. If using an EV might save them money, they are interested.
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Christine Mary Hallinan, The University of Melbourne
More people are accessing medicinal cannabis than ever expected, or the health system was designed for. And we’re failing patients.
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Emma Rowe, Deakin University
Schools ask parents to contribute to basic supplies such as stationery and first aid supplies. The price tag can be four figures, per child, per year.
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Alexander Gillespie, University of Waikato
The government must weigh complex moral, legal and political questions before committing to any military involvement in defending the Strait of Hormuz.
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Philip C. Almond, The University of Queensland
The Dajjāl is, according to Islam, a false messiah who will emerge in the End Times. An Iranian senior cleric believes Donald Trump is this figure.
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Politics + Society
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Eliza Crosbie, The University of Melbourne; Karen Block, The University of Melbourne; Natascha Klocker, University of Wollongong
Essential services, schools, and sporting clubs in regional towns told us refugee communities make them viable.
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Juan Zahir Naranjo Cáceres, University of the Sunshine Coast
Cubans are suffering through a series of nationwide blackouts as Donald Trump threatens to 'take' the country. Here’s what might happen next.
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Mary Woessner, Victoria University; Alexandra Parker, Victoria University; Aurélie Pankowiak, Victoria University; Fiona McLachlan, Victoria University
A survey of 50 different sports nationally found urgent reforms are needed to keep kids who play sport safe. So what can be done?
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Health + Medicine
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Clarice Tang, Victoria University
Air hunger is more than just feeling out of breath. Here’s what causes this distressing sensation – and when to seek help.
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Environment + Energy
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James Watson, The University of Queensland; Carly Cook, Monash University; Michelle Ward, Griffith University; Ruben Venegas Li, The University of Queensland
We’ve committed to protect 30% of our lands and waters by 2030. But our endangered species are still struggling, according to four environmental scientists.
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Jim Salinger, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington
Past El Niño events have brought drought and disruption to New Zealand. What might the coming one spell?
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Science + Technology
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Paul M. Garrett, The University of Melbourne
New research shows even wrong memories leave a fuzzy trace that supports recognition and improves decision-making.
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Ehsan Noroozinejad, Western Sydney University
Essential infrastructure should serve local communities, not just the market.
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Arts + Culture
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Jennifer Moyle Ogbeide-Ihama, Edith Cowan University
This exhibition is not driven by aesthetics alone. It is a coming together of rich individual identities voicing their history, knowledge and lived experiences.
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What happened to the 'education state'?
"What a disgrace that in Victoria, where the vehicle registration plate once boasted 'Victoria the Education State', public school teachers have no other option but to strike for the first time in 13 years. Victorian teachers are among the worst paid of any state while also dealing with high class numbers and blended age group classes. Not necessarily good for students’ learning, but rather to save the education department dollars!"
Jo Justin, Inverloch, Vic
Support for siblings
"During the 1980s, Scullin Pre-School in the ACT ran a support program half day, once a week for siblings of children with a disability. I'm wondering if such programs still exist and if they could be extended to include siblings of children and/or parents with illnesses. Having experienced having a parent with a significant illness when I was a young child, some professional support from outside the family could have helped myself, my older siblings and my father understand the effects on each family member and the family unit as a whole. It may have assisted us to navigate the emotional responses to the situation we were in. I hope such support is
commonplace now for children in this position 60 years down the track."
Diane Gaylard 
Security anxiety
"Connect the dots: just as it works for Donald Trump to sow fear and anger, how much of the rise of One Nation is linked directly to growing fears about security?"
Charles Wolfson, Raleigh, NSW
We'd love to hear from you. You can email us with your thoughts on our stories and each day we'll publish an edited selection.
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