Businesses are feeling optimistic they could be in for a better 2025.

The latest Quarterly Survey of Business Opinion from the Institute of Economic Research reveals a net 9% of firms are expecting general economic conditions to improve.

This is a jump from a net 4% feeling downbeat three months prior.

Infometrics’ Brad Olsen told Tim Beveridge that it’s definitely a good sign, however at the same time, around 26% of businesses said they had less business activity in the December quarter.

He says this could indicate the recession continued through until the end of the year.

Olsen says there’s quite a clear feeling that while last year was tough, there are better things to come.

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Ziggy Alberts is as dedicated to song-writing as they come.

The Australian musician picked up the guitar when he was 17, releasing his first EP the following year in 2012.

He’s best known for his studio album ‘Laps Around the Sun’, which peaked at number 2 on the ARIA charts.

Alberts told Tim Beveridge that when it comes to creating his music, the first step is relative insanity, the second is all the voices in his head.

“[Songs are] so mysterious to me,” he revealed.

“Writing a story that is actually cohesive or comprehendible, that part I’m quite particular about, but I guess that the inspiration of songs, whether it be playing the guitar or a melody, they’re so spontaneous.”

“They’re such a mystery to me, and have been my whole career.”

Alberts recently released a new single, ‘Where Does The Love Go?’ - the debut of his next album, ‘New Love’, which releases February.

‘Where Does The Love Go?’ discusses self-love and awareness, caring for ourselves so that we can care for each other.

“I read a lot of Buddhism, and it talks a lot about being responsible for that... not seeing the Buddha outside you, and you’ve gotta be, you’ve gotta be the Buddha,” Albert explained.

“I think we have to be the change we want to see in the world.”

“It’s so hard to be that kind of loving embodiment of, you know, conducting yourself and communicating in a way that is useful and hopefully breaks down barriers,” he said.

“I think that’s the challenge of humanity, really.”

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A humanitarian worker says a ceasefire in Gaza is desperately needed, with negotiations reaching the final stages.

The conflict has killed more than 46-thousand people in the region since the wars began with the Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7.

CNN reports the agreement would see a phased release of Israeli hostages and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.

Doctors Without Borders Head of Programmes Simon Eccleshall told Tim Beveridge it'd mean aid can reach those who desperately need it.

He says before the crisis 500 trucks and supplies flowed into the area every day, but now there's a fraction of that.

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