A parliamentary news roundup covers Anthony Albanese’s economic warning, Coalition criticism of Labor’s budget and NDIS changes, and disputes over foreign ownership, aged care assessments and US tariffs.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong supports allegations of assault against Israeli forces by Australian women detained during a Gaza aid flotilla. Nauru denies mistreatment claims, while a Sydney man faces assault charges. Hezbollah rejects a US-brokered ceasefire, and Germany fails to secure a UN Security Council seat.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong stated her belief in women alleging sexual assault and beatings by Israeli soldiers during a humanitarian flotilla to Gaza. Israel denies the claims, calling them baseless. Wong expressed empathy and concern over the treatment of the 11 Australians detained.
Australia's government faces scrutiny over a revised AUKUS submarine deal, a softening housing market, and the return of Tony Abbott to Liberal Party leadership. Ministers defend economic policies amid concerns about interest rates and Middle East conflict.
The Australian government has admitted to illegally cancelling hundreds of thousands of Centrelink payments due to an automated system glitch. The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations estimates the number is around 300,000, affecting individuals who missed compulsory activities under the mutual obligations scheme.
Australia will now purchase three used Virginia-class submarines instead of two used and one new under the AUKUS pact. This change, revealed by a senior defense official, aims to streamline the deal and reduce costs, though it has sparked calls for renegotiation from within the Labor party and scrutiny from the opposition.
Australia's billionaires saw their wealth surge by nearly $50,000 per minute in the past year, according to Oxfam. Meanwhile, Barnaby Joyce headlines an anti-abortion rally in Sydney, Peter Garrett leads an inquiry into Aukus, and a smart drug shows promise against cancer.
Australia's billionaires saw their wealth increase by nearly $50,000 per minute in the past year, according to Oxfam. Meanwhile, anti-abortion rallies gain traction, a smart drug shows promise against cancer, and Peter Garrett leads an inquiry into the Aukus pact.
Australia's Senate estimates hearings this week will scrutinize key budget measures on housing, NDIS, and industry, as the Coalition intensifies its campaign against the government. A visit from the Solomon Islands PM and news on Aukus submarines are also expected to be focal points.
Federal politics this week centred on the government's contested tax package, pressure on the Coalition over whether to force an election, contentious Senate estimates hearings and discussions about a possible formal alliance among teal independents.
