The stories we're following: Pill Testing, Housing Funding and Teacher Shortages

Sarah Davenport, Elizabeth Fouldes, Dom Niere and Sam Deshayes bring you the stories they've been following around Melbourne the country.  This week:

• The state government has been urged to support pill testing by a second coroner this year, as Queensland moves to become the first state to roll out the service at music festivals.
• The federal government’s Housing Future Fund has passed the senate after Labor reached a deal with the Greens after months of negotiations.
• A first of its kind hub for Melbourne’s gig workers has opened in the CBD to provide amenities for a growing cohort of workers without an office.
• Aspiring high school teachers will soon study for free under a state government initiative after a rally outside Parliament House last week.
• Victorian series 'Neighbours' returns to screens on Monday, but there’s trouble for interstate productions with funding cuts in New South Wales and a pay dispute in Queensland.
• And in sport: Kyra Cooney-Cross has become the latest Matildas player to sign with an overseas football club, making a deadline day deal to play for Arsenal in Europe’s Women’s Super League.

On The Beat broadcasts from SYN Media's Melbourne/Naarm studios in the eastern Kulin nation.  SYN recognises this land is unceded and respectfully acknowledges the Wurundjeri people.

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