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🗞️ Ducks in a row
If you’re struggling for motivation this morning, at least your boss isn't pulling a stunt like this.
Pick & Scroll News
February 03, 2026
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Good morning. If you’re struggling for motivation this morning, at least your boss isn't pulling a stunt like this.
A cleaner arrived at an apartment to find this note:
"To our cleaner, we hid 100 mini ducks around the apartment. We do this to ensure a job well done! Please leave ALL ducks in this jar."
The cleaner found 76 ducks, kept some for herself and informed her boss she wouldn’t be returning.
All the headlines and more below...
AUSTRALIAN & GLOBAL NEWS
Adelaide housing market outperforms Sydney and Melbourne
Australia’s housing market rose just 0.2% in January as expectations of a February rate hike slowed momentum while Adelaide outperformed Sydney and Melbourne. LINK
Australian workers may receive "peanut butter raises" of about 3.5% in 2026 as standard pay increases match inflation without rewarding performance. LINK
Australians will pay more for spirits as a tax hike lifts excise from $105.98 to $107.99 per litre and adds up to $32 in tax per bottle. LINK
The ATO has frozen assets and launched inquiries into an NSW labour contractor tied to a $104M tax scandal and RBA project. LINK
Ministers from the US, EU, UK, Japan, Australia & New Zealand formed a critical minerals alliance in Washington as Australia commits $1.2B to build a strategic reserve aimed at reducing reliance on China. LINK
The government declined a proposal to let a committee cancel consultancy contracts as it argued existing reforms already address abuses linked to the PwC tax scandal. LINK
Consumer goods like machinery and electronics may cost more in 2026 as rising shipping fees and global supply issues persist. LINK
Australia’s renewable energy shift is being delayed as high costs, grid issues and political barriers fuel risks of inflation and energy insecurity. LINK
COMPANY NEWS
Telstra and TPG lose broadband users to cheaper providers
Telstra and TPG are losing broadband users to cheaper providers like Aussie Broadband as TPG’s market share fell to 18% in 3 years LINK
Qantas has introduced Economy Plus seating on domestic flights, offering up to 40% more legroom and reserved overhead bin space for an extra cost starting at $30 or 5,000 points. LINK
Snapchat disabled over 415,000 Australian accounts under new under-16 restrictions after the eSafety commissioner rejected a compromise solution. LINK
KMD Brands, parent of Rip Curl and Kathmandu, reported an 8% lift in 5-month group sales as Kathmandu posted a 12.9% year-on-year increase despite margin pressure. LINK
The Pharmacy Guild appealed to the ACCC to monitor the sale of 72 Priceline pharmacies as Wesfarmers placed them in receivership following Infinity Pharmacy Group’s $400M collapse. LINK
Recce Pharmaceuticals has signed a research agreement with the US Army Institute of Surgical Research to evaluate a burn wound gel in treating infections among burn patients. LINK
Disney earned over $1B in Australian revenue last year, paying only $16M in tax due to large royalty payments to its US parent. LINK
ONE MORE SCROLL
Editor’s Pick: Review of medical cannabis use finds little evidence of benefit.
Draft Pick: LeBron James has been selected for a record-extending 22nd consecutive NBA All-Star game.
Odd Pick: Officer placed on modified duty after fatally shooting raccoon at a NYC beach.
TOGETHER WITH
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We’ve got you covered with Corporate Cuddles and Puppy Yoga 🐶
BRAINTEASER
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Answer below
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