Oz Politics Writ Large
Reported at www.themandarin.com.au: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced the establishment of the Net Zero Authority to support Australia’s transition to a renewable energy superpower and ensure the country’s regions benefit from the global net-zero economy.
The authority will collaborate with various stakeholders to identify opportunities for decarbonisation. T
Reported at michaelwest.com.au: Former Nine boss Hugh Marks has been appointed as the new managing director of the ABC, with chairman Kim Williams emphasizing Marks’ extensive media experience.
Questions have been raised about Marks’ leadership at Nine, particularly regarding a fundraiser and allegations of a toxic culture. The appointment comes as the federal government pledges five-year funding terms for the ABC, and an internal report on harassment at Nine.
Reported at ministers.treasury.gov.au: The 2024-25 Tax Expenditures and Insights Statement has been released by Treasurer Jim Chalmers, providing a detailed overview of how elements of the tax system impact individuals, businesses, and the budget.
This annual statement does not indicate policy intentions but reflects decisions made up to the 2024-25 Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook.
Reported at www.theguardian.com: The final Guardian Essential poll of the year shows Anthony Albanese’s net approval rating at minus 11, with 50% disapproving and 39% approving of his performance as Prime Minister.
The poll also indicates a majority of Australians feel the country is on the wrong track, with 51% expressing this sentiment.
Additionally, respondents anticipate challenges such as rising unemployment, falling wages, and increased costs for groceries, energy, and housing in the coming year.
Reported at theconversation.com: The Australian government has allocated $180.5 million to support local news and community broadcasting through various initiatives, including grants, financial aid to the Australian Associated Press, and funding for community broadcasters.
Despite this investment, the community broadcasting sector, crucial for providing accessible and diverse news, remains chronically underfunded.
Reported at www.abc.net.au: The university sector expects a directive prioritizing student visa applications from low-risk institutions, to be replaced soon.
This move comes after criticism of the directive’s impact on smaller universities and calls for a fairer system.
Reported at www.sbs.com.au: Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has announced measures to crack down on protests in response to antisemitic attacks in Melbourne, including banning face masks and certain flags at protests.
The government also plans to ban dangerous attachment devices used by protestors and consider legislating safe zones around places of worship to block protests.
Former Nine Entertainment chief executive Hugh Marks has been appointed as the new managing director of the ABC – reported at www.abc.net.au
‘Mr Marks said he was “energised” about leading the ABC when he officially starts in March, given its “unique position” in Australia’s media landscape.’
Reported at antonygreen.com.au: In the 2024 Northern Territory election, Labor faced a massive defeat, losing government and only retaining four seats in remote territories.
Chief Minister Eva Lawler lost her seat, as did her predecessor Natasha Fyles, who was beaten by the Greens. The CLP, led by Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro, secured 17 out of 25 Legislative Assembly seats, marking a significant political shift in the territory.
Reported at www.abc.net.au: Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas has announced his resignation from politics, stepping down from his role as treasurer and Werribee MP after serving since 2014.
The state’s next treasurer remains undecided as Mr. Pallas refrained from naming his preferred successor, leaving the decision to Premier Jacinta Allan.
Reported at michaelwest.com.au: China’s economic challenges are impacting Australia’s budget, as mining export revenues to China are revised downwards, leading to budget deficits and constraints on government spending.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers remains optimistic about China’s economic future and Australia’s potential benefits from it.
Reported at www.themandarin.com.au: Whistleblower Richard Boyle is negotiating a plea deal with prosecutors to potentially avoid conviction for exposing unethical debt recovery practices at the Australian Taxation Office.
He faces charges related to collecting evidence, including making illegal recordings and copying sensitive information, and could face significant prison time if convicted.
Reported at www.theguardian.com: Treasurer Jim Chalmers has announced the appointment of two new members, Renée Fry-McKibbin and Marnie Baker, to the Reserve Bank’s new monetary policy board, as part of the government’s reform of the central bank.
Fry-McKibbin, a macroeconomics professor, and Baker, a former commercial bank CEO, will join the board for five-year terms.
The appointments were made following a consultative process, with bipartisan efforts, despite opposition from the Coalition who expressed concerns about government interference in setting interest rates.
From the Australia Institute: The Government’s proposed electoral reforms have faced delays in the Senate due to identified flaws and loopholes, prompting calls for greater transparency and proper consultation with the public.
Advocates argue for implementing truth-in-political-advertising laws and stricter regulations on political contributions to restore trust in Australian democracy.
Reported at www.sbs.com.au: Liberal senator Dave Sharma supports banning Pro-Palestinian protests in city centers, calling them acts of intimidation.
He argues that the protests disrupt daily life and businesses.
The senator’s comments have sparked debate over the right to protest and freedom of speech.
Reported at uk.news.yahoo.com: Five members of the Bali Nine drug-smuggling ring in Indonesia have returned to Australia after nearly 20 years following the commutation of their life sentences.
The men expressed gratitude towards Indonesia’s president and Australia’s foreign ministers, with plans to reintegrate into society with Australian government support.
Challenges include health issues after prolonged incarceration, and the emotional complexities of leaving behind personal relationships formed in Indonesia.
Reported at asic.gov.au: ASIC is taking legal action against HSBC Australia for allegedly failing to adequately protect customers from scams.
The lawsuit accuses HSBC of not taking appropriate measures to prevent fraudulent activities, which could have resulted in significant financial losses for customers.
Reported at www.abc.net.au: A faction of Victorian Liberal MPs is pushing for the reinstatement of former MP Moira Deeming into the party room after her successful challenge against party leader John Pesutto in the Federal Court.
Mr Pesutto has made it clear that he does not endorse the move.
Reported at www.rossgittins.com: Oligopolists, particularly AGL, Origin Energy, and EnergyAustralia, have been significantly increasing power and gas prices, with retail profit margins reaching up to 36%. Consumers are being overcharged.
The National Electricity Market, has allowed these players to dominate and exploit the market, leading to widespread inflation and discontent among voters.
Reported at abc.net.au: Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor warns that any changes to the current Reserve Bank board members could be perceived as an attempt to influence the bank’s independent decision-making ahead of the federal election.
The two boards will determine interest rates and manage the bank’s affairs.