Oz Politics Writ Large
It was reported at abc.net.au that a worsening Federal budget position in Australia is largely attributed by the Treasurer to an additional $1.8 billion in payments to veterans due to a backlog in claims from the previous government.
‘Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor told Sky News he expected to see “four massive consecutive deficits” when the update was delivered on Wednesday.’
Reported at www.abc.net.au: A study has revealed that Australian police arrest climate and environmental activists at a rate over three times the global average, with more than 20% of all protests in Australia leading to arrests.
This rate surpasses that of countries like the UK, Norway, and the US, signaling a significant crackdown on such protests in Australia.
Reported by SBS News: Kevin Andrews, a former Liberal minister and conservative stalwart, passed away at the age of 69 after a year-long battle with cancer, leaving behind a legacy of service in various cabinet roles and a significant impact on Australian politics.
Tributes flowed from across the political spectrum, with many remembering him as a “man of conviction” and a dedicated advocate for conservative causes.
Reported by The Guardian: The Australian Energy Council has raised concerns about the Coalition’s nuclear energy plan, stating it poses significant risks to the stability of the national grid due to assumptions of slower renewable energy investment.
Critics argue that the modeling behind the plan is flawed and that the projected costs and timelines for nuclear development are uncertain, especially given the challenges faced by other countries in constructing nuclear facilities.
See also: ‘Not a hope in hell’ nuclear power can replace Australian coal-fired power by 2040, inquiry hears
Reported at www.sbs.com.au: The timing of the 2025 Australian federal election must occur between March and May 2025, with key factors influencing the date being economic conditions and a potential early budget announcement.
The latest possible election date is set for 17 May 2025, but the government may prefer a later date to address cost of living concerns and interest rates before voters head to the polls.
The Coalition has “presented a plan” to reduce energy costs and increase reliability by incorporating nuclear power into the nation’s energy mix.
They argue that this balanced approach, including renewables and nuclear, is 44% cheaper than the Labor government’s renewables-only strategy, citing independent economic analysis.
See press conference video and full transcript on Youtube
Antony Green discusses the possibility of Australia holding its first federal election in February, which has never occurred before, and the implications this would have on the upcoming Western Australian state election scheduled for March 8, 2025.
It outlines the complexities of election dates, including the need for agreements between state leaders, and the potential impact on voters if elections were to coincide.
Reported at SBS News: Labor’s response to an inquiry on ADHD has been criticized as insufficient and inadequate by advocates and parents, who are pushing for more comprehensive action to address the needs of individuals with ADHD.
The lack of a clear commitment to funding, research, and support services for those with ADHD has sparked frustration and concern within the community.
From the ABC: The Australian government is proposing a new tax on social media companies like Meta to fund news media, following significant job losses in journalism blamed on Meta’s not paying for news content.
Critics argue that the government has delayed action, leading to these job cuts, and emphasize the need for timely negotiations with the tech giants.
From the ABC: The Australian government is finalizing IT and security arrangements for the reopening of its embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine, after staff were evacuated due to Russia’s invasion in 2022.
No specific timeline for the embassy’s reopening has been provided, as officials continue to assess safety measures.
Reported at theguardian.com: Queensland has enacted new laws allowing children as young as 10 to face life sentences for serious crimes, implementing a controversial “adult crime, adult time” policy despite criticism regarding its impact on the already overcrowded youth justice system.
The legislation, designates 13 offenses as “adult crimes,” and has raised concerns about its alignment with human rights standards and its disproportionate effect on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
From the ABC: Australia has supported a UN resolution calling for an “immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire” in Gaza, alongside backing for the UN relief agency UNRWA, despite criticism from the US and Israel.
The opposition claims that it undermines Israel and could encourage anti-Semitism in Australia.
Reported by Reuters: Western Australia has granted Woodside Energy environmental clearance to extend its North West Shelf LNG project until 2070, concluding a six-year approval process.
The decision has faced opposition from environmental groups due to concerns over significant carbon emissions and potential harm to the environment and cultural heritage.
See also reports from the ABC and Daily Cargo News
Australia is implementing new regulations requiring major tech companies, like Meta and TikTok, to compensate local publishers for news content, following a previous law established in 2021.
The new framework, known as the News Bargaining Incentive, mandates these firms to pay even without formal agreements with media organizations, addressing concerns about their financial benefits and social responsibilities.
reported at www.bbc.com and see also at The Guardian and ABC News
Reported at Australian Bureau of Statistics: ‘Australia’s population grew by 2.1 per cent in the year to 30 June 2024, according to the latest figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
Beidar Cho, ABS head of demography, said: “Our population at 30 June 2024 was 27.2 million people, an increase of 552,000 people since the same time last year.” ‘
Criticism from Ross Gittins at johnmenadue.com of Anthony Albanese’s government for its rushed passage of bills and a lack of substantial reforms, particularly in addressing climate change.
And Labor for being overly cautious and influenced by powerful interest groups, ultimately failing to tackle pressing issues effectively.
Reported by the ABC: Moira Deeming has won a defamation case against Victoria’s Opposition Leader John Pesutto, resulting in a $300,000 damages award by the Federal Court, after he labeled her a Nazi sympathiser following an anti-trans rights rally that was infiltrated by neo-Nazis.
The case has raised questions about Pesutto’s leadership and exposed internal divisions within the Liberal Party.
From Australian Bureau of Statistics: ‘Overseas migration added 446,000 people to Australia’s population in the 2023-24 financial year, compared to 536,000 people in 2022-2023, according to data released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).’
‘Jenny Dobak, ABS head of migration statistics, said: “This fall represents the first annual drop in net overseas migration since Australia’s borders re-opened in 2021-22.” ‘
From Australian Taxation Office: Australian government announced plans to establish a news bargaining incentive requiring large digital platforms to contribute to the sustainability of news and journalism.
This initiative includes a charge and a non-refundable offset for entities exceeding $250 million in annual gross revenue attributable to Australian markets, set to take effect from 1 January 2025, pending further consultation on its details.
See also:
From The Conversation: A defamation case was won by Moira Deeming against Victoria’s Opposition Leader John Pesutto, who made comments implying her association with neo-Nazis during an anti-trans rights rally.
The court ruled that Pesutto’s remarks caused serious harm to Deeming’s reputation, leading to a $300,000 damages award, highlighting the importance of precise language in public discourse.