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Culture and sport integral to creating a more prosperous society says Welsh Government minister

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Business Live

Helen Fychan has also spoken on devolving broadcasting to Wales.

A woman with dark hair in a leopard print dress

Heledd Fychan(Image: Senedd Cymru)

Culture and sport “are not a nice to have – they are part of the solution to creating a healthier, more prosperous society”, according to Wales’ new culture and sport minister. Outlining her priorities in the Senedd Heledd Fychan highlighted the importance of the arts and sport in preventative health. She also spoke of the importance of the Welsh language and Wales’ music industry, and called for the devolution of broadcasting, “These priorities mark the beginning of a journey and the beginning of a new chapter for culture and sport here in Wales,” Ms Fychan told the Siambr. She continued: “This government believes in the power of culture and sport to transform lives, to contribute to the vision of moving towards a preventative health agenda to put our health service on a more sustainable footing, and because we are determined to build a Wales where creativity thrives.” Ms Fychan, of Pontypridd Cynon Merthyr, was quizzed on her government’s calls for the devolution of broadcasting. In her statement, the minister pledged to create a “stronger media environment” which reflects a “confident and prosperous Wales”. Laying out her priorities for broadcasting, she said: “Wales deserves a confident, diverse and sustainable media landscape rooted in public value and national ambition. “To achieve this, Wales must have a voice in the decisions that affect us. That is why we are determined to continue to make the case for the devolution of powers over broadcasting.” She revealed work is underway to set up a shadow broadcasting and communications authority – designed to build a “stronger and more accountable” media landscape in Wales.

She also highlighted her plans to support public-interest journalism and “safeguard the provision of high-quality news”. Describing the development of a shadow broadcasting authority as “completely unnecessary”, Reform’s Louise Emery – who is shadow minister for culture – said: “This is more constitutional navel-gazing, more quangos, more slow state-building towards independence, and more cost.” Ms Emery went on to criticise the government’s plans to support public-interest journalism and said: “On this side of the chamber, we feel we already have a state-funded news outlet with blatant political bias, and we don’t need any more. “I would suggest that state-funded journalism in Wales will mean state-funded interference, and I would also suggest that ‘high-quality news’ is a highly subjective phrase. Who is going to decide what is high-quality journalism and therefore needs state help?” She added: “How can we ensure there is no foreign interference when allocating Books Council of Wales funding to news outlets?” Ms Emery’s comments were met with laughter in the Siambr from opposing politicians. However, Ms Fychan made no reference to Ms Emery’s comments in her response. Paul Davies, Welsh Conservative spokesperson for the Welsh language, culture and sport, echoed Ms Emery’s criticisms of the devolution of broadcasting powers. Outlining his party’s opposition to broadcasting devolution, Mr Davies said: “Given the challenges that the cabinet minister has already highlighted in her statement today, surely this is not the best possible use of resources, especially given that these powers are not devolved.” Mr Davies called for Ms Fychan to reveal how much was spent on the new authority, how it will be funded, and how it will operate. Similarly as with Ms Emery, Ms Fychan did not reference Mr Davies’ broadcasting comments in her response. Ms Fychan described use of the Welsh language, particularly social use, as an “integral” part of her priorities. Discussing the upcoming Eisteddfod – which is celebrating it’s 850th anniversary – she said: “A contribution of £0.25 million from the government will support a programme of activities to inspire people to use the language and raise the international profile of the National Eisteddfod. “Our financial support will also ensure that local low-income families have free access to the festival. “It is vital that everybody has an opportunity to enjoy our culture, language and National Eisteddfod.” Reform’s shadow minister noted that she was “really glad” to hear the Welsh language was being prioritised. Responding briefly to the cabinet minister in Welsh, Ms Emery shared that she has been learning Welsh for two years and is hoping to practice her skills at the Eisteddfod this summer. However, she questioned Plaid’s plans to get people speaking the language, adding that “coercion drives resentment, not fluency”. She said: “If the Welsh Government is serious about one million Welsh speakers, it needs to invest in the conditions that make people choose the language, not mandate it on those who don’t speak it. “Welsh culture, the arts and sport should lift people up and bring communities together – that we agree on. But they can do that in whatever language they choose.” In her statement, Ms Fychan said: “For too long, culture, the arts and sport have been pitted against the NHS rather than being recognised as completely connected to it. “These sectors are not a ‘nice to have’; they are part of the solution to creating a healthier society. Our manifesto commits to making culture and sport accessible to all. “That includes addressing inequalities in access, whether due to cost, geography, disability or other barriers.” Reform’s shadow minister for health, prevention and sport, James Evans, noted that he “never thought [he’d] find the day” he would agree with the minister on so much. Mr Evans described sport as a “key part” of the prevention agenda, before questioning the minister on how much of the NHS budget will be reallocated to sports. He said: “We’ve heard a lot today about money being moved, but I think a lot of the sports organisations listening to today’s proceedings would like to know exactly what proportion that’s going to be.” In response Ms Fychan said: “In terms of the exact figures and how we will do this, this is a completely new way of working for government, and what I can give you the assurance of is that there is an acknowledgement across government of the importance of this, that we are ensuring that those discussions are now taking place within those first 100 days and we will update the Senedd as we can.” Labour’s Mike Hedges questioned the minister on music tourism and it’s importance to both Welsh culture and the economy. Stating that music touring in Wales, “attracted 834,000 visitors, supported 3,650 jobs, and generated £384 million for the economy” in 2024, Mr Hedges pressed the minister to commit to supporting Welsh music. He said the Welsh Government must “grow Welsh music through smart public investment, bring down barriers to exporting Welsh music, ensure music education is accessible to all, and support home-grown creativity and new music that drives Welsh tourism”. In response, Ms Fychan referenced a report released last year which showed that traditional music in Wales was in danger of “disappearing entirely”. Noting that fewer children are taking GCSEs in music, drama, and art and that universities are cutting courses in creative areas, Ms Fychan said often these areas are seen as “not worth investing in” – adding that, “of course”, they are. Closing her response to the member she said: “Hopefully we will then see, […], that there will be a future for creative people here in Wales, and a future for these sectors that are seen as economically beneficial.”

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Universal Constructions wins $33m primary school contract

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Universal Constructions wins $33m primary school contract

Universal Constructions has booked a $33 million contract with the state government over a new primary school.

The Department of Education recently awarded the Balcatta-based construction company a contract over a new school construction in Jandakot, dubbed Treeby East.

According to TendersWA, the contract starts on July 2 and covers about 15 months of work.

The proposed Treeby East primary school is expected to open in 2028, to accommodate 650 students.

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It will comprise a seven-classroom early childhood teaching block, two double-storey teaching buildings, and a single-storey block for art and science.

Other features include a library, and administration building, a covered assembly building, staff facilities, and a full-size AFL oval with associated amenities delivered by the City of Cockburn.

“The construction of a new primary school in Treeby East will support families and benefit the growing local community,” the department said online.

The Treeby East PS is one of four new primary schools the state government flagged for a 2028 opening, as part of a $140 million re-election commitment.

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Butler has been earmarked for two primary schools, dubbed Eglinton North and Yanchep East.

The state government also flagged a new primary school in Vasse, in the state’s South West.

Universal Constructions had been involved in the construction of Treeby Primary School, which opened in 2022.

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In 2020, the state government awarded Universal a $14.6 million contract for works for the school.

 

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Rory McIlroy Warns PGA Tour’s Two-Track Overhaul Could Turn Marquee Events Into Minor League Golf

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Scottie Scheffler

SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y. — Rory McIlroy arrived at Shinnecock Hills this week carrying six major championships, considerable credibility, and a pointed warning for the PGA Tour’s leadership: the sweeping structural overhaul being crafted behind closed doors risks degrading the very tournaments that define professional golf.

Speaking to reporters Tuesday ahead of the U.S. Open, McIlroy said he fears the proposed two-track competition model — a promotion-and-relegation framework modeled loosely on European soccer — will drain prestige from long-standing events that cannot secure elite-level sponsorships.

“I just think there’s going to be certain events that might lose their stature if a sponsor doesn’t pony up $30 million, so that’s the tough thing,” McIlroy said. “An event like last week, the Canadian Open, potentially going to one of these Track Twos — I don’t think the Canadian Open should be one of those.”

The comments were direct, unsolicited and striking in their scope. McIlroy, who briefly served on the Tour’s policy board in 2023 and was arguably the most visible player-ambassador during golf’s civil war with LIV, went further than criticizing the plan’s mechanics. He questioned its entire premise.

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“I think, as they’ve done all this work, you start to realize that the way the Tour was before LIV came along was actually pretty good,” McIlroy said. “It was a pretty good structure, and everything sort of worked pretty well.”

A Restructure Years in the Making

The PGA Tour has been working toward a fundamental competitive overhaul since CEO Brian Rolapp took over last fall. At the Players Championship in March, Rolapp publicly signaled the Tour would adopt a two-tiered framework, citing the Premier League’s promotion-relegation model as an inspiration. Since then, a Future Competition Committee and a Player Advisory Council have been meeting regularly to hammer out details.

Under the proposal taking shape, Track One would comprise roughly 15 to 18 tournaments — including the four major championships and The Players Championship — featuring fields of approximately 120 to 130 players with 36-hole cuts restored at every event. Track Two would serve as a direct competitive pathway to Track One, with smaller purses, lower sponsorship thresholds, and fields of around 140 players. Between 20 and 30 spots would be available each season for Track Two players to earn promotion, with an additional 10 players joining annually from the DP World Tour under the current Strategic Alliance.

Rolapp said the model is designed to restore competitive meritocracy after years of signature events with 72-player fields and limited cuts. “I think we have lost a lot of that with the smaller field, no-cut events,” he said at the Memorial Tournament earlier this month. “The competitive meritocracy that makes this sport great and unique — we’ve gotten away from, and we’re getting back to it.”

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Despite the momentum, Rolapp acknowledged that the full model likely will not launch until the 2028 season given the complexity involved. “There’s all sorts of questions,” he said. “It looks like it’s more ’28 just because of the complexity of not only the competitive model, but also the commercial things you need to do to actually put a new competitive model in place.” The Tour’s policy board is expected to vote on the framework June 22, the Monday before the Travelers Championship, when Rolapp is also scheduled to brief the media.

McIlroy Is Not Alone

The resistance to the proposed changes extends well beyond one player. Jack Nicklaus, the 18-time major champion whose Memorial Tournament is one of the events most likely to remain on Track One, expressed reservations of his own earlier this month in Dublin, Ohio.

“I don’t want to comment on the Tour’s schedule because I’m not exactly in favor of what they’re doing right now,” Nicklaus said at the Memorial. “I want to sit down with Brian and have that conversation. I hate to see tournaments bunched too much together with too many big tournaments too close together. That’s a problem, I think, and I think that’s going to be a problem for the Tour in the future.”

Tournament operators bracing for a second-tier designation have raised similar alarms, questioning whether they would commit to major prize funds for what amounts to a feeder circuit. Broadcast partners have sought clarity on what they are actually paying to air under existing rights agreements. And as Golf Digest reported Tuesday, some players see the proposal as little more than the existing PGA Tour and Korn Ferry Tour hierarchy repackaged under a different name.

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McIlroy’s use of the phrase “glorified Korn Ferry events” was blunt in that regard — a direct comparison to a developmental tour that sits below the PGA Tour and carries substantially less prestige.

The LIV Factor

Central to McIlroy’s skepticism is the shifting landscape that gave rise to the reform push in the first place. The PGA Tour’s scramble to cut fields, increase purses, and consolidate talent at the top was a direct response to LIV Golf’s Saudi-backed challenge beginning in 2022. But with LIV’s funding from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund set to be pulled after this season, McIlroy argued the threat that justified those emergency measures has largely dissipated.

“LIV created this false economy where we had to up prize funds and had to cut fields and try to support the top players and all that stuff,” McIlroy said. “Which I think needed to happen because that was the only way to retain talent at the time, but now that LIV looks like it’s less of a threat, I think, as I said, the old ways of the PGA Tour weren’t actually that bad.”

That view — that the Tour may have overcorrected in its response to LIV and is now building a permanent structure on a foundation that was always meant to be temporary — is one Rolapp has not publicly engaged with directly. The CEO has maintained that the new model is about restoring the competitive integrity of professional golf for the long term, not about managing the LIV threat specifically.

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A Critical Week Ahead

The timing of McIlroy’s remarks, arriving days before a consequential policy board vote, is unlikely to be lost on Tour leadership. The six-time major winner acknowledged he no longer has a seat at the table — “I’m not in those rooms,” he said — but his words carry weight well beyond the committee rooms at Tour headquarters.

Rolapp is expected to deliver a comprehensive public update on June 23, the day after the board vote, at the Travelers Championship in Cromwell, Connecticut. The announcement is anticipated to include which tournaments will be assigned to each track, new market expansions under consideration — cities including Boston, Chicago, Denver, New York and Philadelphia have been discussed — and details on a revamped postseason format that could include match play.

For now, one of professional golf’s most influential voices is not yet sold. “I’ll continue to play my schedule,” McIlroy said, “which is getting less and less as the years go on.”

The U.S. Open continues this week at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, New York. The PGA Tour’s policy board vote is scheduled for June 22.

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Mining industry boosts Indigenous contractors

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Mining industry boosts Indigenous contractors

WA’s big miners have substantially boosted their spending with Indigenous suppliers.

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Ex-Lindian Resources chair sues for shares worth $10m

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Ex-Lindian Resources chair sues for shares worth $10m

A former chair of Lindian Resources has launched a new legal action suing the ASX-listed rare earths developer over shares worth around $10 million.

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Accenture cuts revenue outlook, stock crashes 11% in pre-market trading

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Accenture cuts revenue outlook, stock crashes 11% in pre-market trading
Accenture lowered the upper end of its annual revenue growth forecast on Thursday, signalling that companies remain cautious on discretionary technology spending despite continued investment in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.

The consulting giant now expects revenue growth of 3%-4% for FY26, narrowing its earlier guidance of 3%-5%. It also forecast fourth-quarter revenue of $17.75 billion-$18.4 billion, below analysts’ consensus estimate of $18.47 billion, according to LSEG data.

The weaker outlook overshadowed Accenture’s announcement of $4.18 billion worth of cybersecurity acquisitions, sending its shares down more than 11% in premarket trading.

The company said it will acquire asset intelligence company runZero and device security specialist NetRise, while also taking a majority stake in industrial cybersecurity firm Dragos. The transactions are expected to close in August or September, subject to regulatory approvals.

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The acquisitions are aimed at expanding Accenture’s cybersecurity capabilities, particularly in protecting industrial operations and critical infrastructure such as power grids, factories, pipelines and data centres amid rising cyber threats and increasing adoption of artificial intelligence.


Together, the acquired businesses generate annual recurring revenue of about $208 million and will strengthen Accenture’s cybersecurity business, which currently generates around $10 billion in annual revenue.
The revised forecast suggests clients continue to delay or reduce spending on discretionary consulting projects as they navigate an uncertain macroeconomic environment.

While demand for AI and cybersecurity services remains resilient, enterprises are becoming more selective in committing large transformation budgets, weighing on the broader consulting industry.

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Energy Fuels stock surges 16% on $725M defense loan

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Energy Fuels stock surges 16% on $725M defense loan

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FTSE 100 today: Stocks slide as BoE holds rates, two MPC members push for hike

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FTSE 100 today: Stocks slide as BoE holds rates, two MPC members push for hike

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BNDX And BND: After Warsh's Speech, I Don't Like Bond Funds Anymore

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AGG: Muted Volatility And Light Positioning, Why That's Bullish

BNDX And BND: After Warsh's Speech, I Don't Like Bond Funds Anymore

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Why has Texas set its sights on London?

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Why has Texas set its sights on London?

Texas, which once had an embassy in London, strengthens its ties with the capital by opening a new trade office.

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June FOMC Statement: Contrarian Perspective On The Expected Rate Hike

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June FOMC Statement: Contrarian Perspective On The Expected Rate Hike

June FOMC Statement: Contrarian Perspective On The Expected Rate Hike

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