Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum faced a security scare when a man groped her during a public engagement, highlighting ongoing issues of sexual harassment and safety for women in the country. Meanwhile, in Australia, independent MP Monique Ryan is advocating for increased funding for medical research and significant zoning reforms to tackle the housing affordability crisis.

ASSAULT ON PRESIDENT SHEINBAUM
On Tuesday, President Claudia Sheinbaum was groped by a visibly intoxicated man while interacting with citizens in Mexico City. Video footage captured the incident, in which the man attempted to kiss her neck and embrace her from behind. Sheinbaum managed to remove his hands before a government official intervened. Following the incident, Sheinbaum announced her intention to press charges, emphasizing that this experience reflects the broader issue of sexual harassment faced by women in Mexico. She stated, "If I do not file a complaint, where does that leave all Mexican women?" This incident follows a string of violent attacks on public officials in Mexico, raising concerns about the security measures in place for the president.

CALL FOR MEDICAL INNOVATION FUNDING IN AUSTRALIA
In Australia, Monique Ryan is urging the government to expedite funding for medical research in light of cuts to similar initiatives in the United States under former President Donald Trump. Ryan, a pediatric neurologist, is advocating for the Albanese government to release more funds from the $20 billion Medical Research Future Fund, which has seen limited annual disbursements. She argues that increasing the annual release could significantly enhance life-saving innovations in the healthcare sector. The push for funding has garnered support from various research and academic organizations, highlighting the potential risks to Australia’s research capabilities if funding remains stagnant.

HOUSING REFORM PROPOSALS
A new report from the Grattan Institute suggests that revising zoning laws could lead to a significant reduction in housing costs across Australia. The report proposes allowing three-storey townhouses and apartments on all residential land, which could make homes approximately $100,000 cheaper over the next decade. Brendan Coates, director of the institute’s housing program, stated that the current zoning restrictions have contributed to a housing affordability crisis, particularly affecting younger generations. The proposed reforms could unlock over one million homes in Sydney alone and significantly increase housing construction nationwide.

WRAP-UP
The incidents in Mexico and the advocacy in Australia underscore the pressing issues of safety and housing affordability in both countries. Sheinbaum's experience reflects a troubling reality for many women, while Ryan's calls for increased funding and zoning reform highlight the potential for positive change in Australia's medical and housing sectors.

Sources
theguardian.com
theguardian.com
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team