Australia’s Most Mentioned Issues in the Media (October 30 – November 5)

Editor’s Note:  Welcome to this weekly recap of Australia’s news, powered by iSentiaMichelle Payne became the first woman to win the Melbourne Cup, riding long-shot Prince of Penzance at 100-1 to victory. She is the eighth of 11 Payne siblings to have a career in the horse racing industry. Heavy favourite Fame Game finished thirteenth, and three time runner up Red Cadeaux did not finish the race and was taken to a trailer after suffering an injury. A video of a woman pushing a Victorian police officer into a bush has gone viral and she was arrested soon after.The All Blacks defeated the Wallabies 34-17 at the Rugby World Cup final over the weekend, after surviving a stunning two-try fightback, and are now the first back-to-back world champions.  A drop goal and long-range penalty by NZ’s Dan Carter was a decisive point in the tournament in the final 10 minutes. Wallabies coach Michael Cheika called out the “disingenuous” actions of a photographer who exposed his team’s tactics on the eve of the high-stakes clash, releasing a photo of their scrum sheet.The Reserve Bank again decided to keep interest rates on hold yesterday, with the Australian dollar receiving a boost and the big four banks announcing they will increase mortgage rates. Smaller lenders are following suit, with most to rise mid-November. Governor Glenn Stevens hinted that the next change, if any, would “almost certainly” be an easing, not a tightening, of monetary policy.PM Malcolm Turnbull says increasing the GST to 15% is “on the table” as part of fair tax reform, with Opposition Leader Bill Shorten calling for Turnbull to be more transparent about his intentions. Turnbull pledged that any tax changes would not create disadvantages to vulnerable and less well-off Australians.  Shadow Treasurer Chris Bowen says the Federal Opposition will campaign against a rise to the GST.US authorities reportedly believe the Russian plane that crashed in Egypt was brought down by a bomb planted by the Islamic State or an affiliate. No Australians were on board and all 224 passengers and crew were killed. Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said the irony won’t be lost on people that Russian President Putin is calling for a full investigation into the tragedy. Quote of the week: “To those who say women aren't strong enough: get stuffed” – Michelle Payne, 2015 Melbourne Cup winner