Month: March 2025 AWST

From johnmenadue.com: The author discusses the implications of Donald Trump’s recent actions that have undermined U.S. alliances, particularly with Ukraine, and how this affects Australia’s foreign policy and domestic politics.

The article notes a divergence in responses between Australian political leaders, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese taking a firmer stance in support of Ukraine compared to Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s ambiguity.

It also points out the rising concerns over the reliability of the U.S. as an ally and the potential need for Australia to reassess its defence strategies and alliances in light of Trump’s presidency.

Reported at thefifthestate.com.au: There is a growing backlash against President Trump’s climate policy actions, including his imposition of tariffs on aluminium and steel, which have prompted retaliatory measures from states and countries like Canada.

Key states such as Pennsylvania have successfully sued to unfreeze $2.1 billion in funding from the Inflation Reduction Act, allowing states to initiate climate programs and job creation efforts.

Furthermore, various legal actions have arisen in response to Trump’s directives aimed at dismantling climate-related initiatives, showcasing a coordinated effort against his administration’s policies.

Reported at www.aumanufacturing.com.au: Australian steel and aluminium manufacturers face a major setback as the US has denied their request for tariff exemptions on a 25% levy imposed by the Trump administration.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt indicated that Australian producers should consider relocating manufacturing to the US to avoid these tariffs, while local officials continue negotiations with the US government.

The situation is further complicated by accusations from US trade advisors of Australia dumping subsidized aluminium in the US market, raising concerns about increased costs and reduced access to the US market for Australian manufacturers.

Reported at consortiumnews.com: Australia’s Defence Force experienced a significant failure in its surveillance capabilities when it was notified of a live-fire exercise by Chinese Navy warships only after a civilian aircraft reported it, raising concerns about communication and cooperation with U.S. intelligence.

Admiral David Johnston admitted that Defence was alerted 38 minutes after the exercise began, prompting questions about the effectiveness of Australia’s defence and intelligence monitoring systems.

The situation highlights Australia’s precarious position between an assertive ally (the U.S.) and a growing rival (China), making its national interests increasingly difficult to navigate.

From www.rossgittins.com: Ross Gittins criticises political leaders for failing to adequately address the ongoing issues stemming from natural disasters like Cyclone Alfred, noting that climate change exacerbates these events.

He calls for a shift in disaster funding from recovery to proactive measures, such as better urban planning and risk mitigation.

Gittins urges Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to prioritize ambitious climate action in his election campaign, arguing that the frequency of extreme weather events requires serious governmental intervention.

Reported at www.abc.net.au: WA Nationals leader Shane Love has called for an investigation by the Corruption and Crime Commission into the outsourcing of electoral staffing to the company PersolKelly, amid significant election day issues, including ballot shortages and long wait times.

Love has also raised concerns about political donations made by PersolKelly’s parent company to the WA Labor Party, questioning their legality under state laws governing corporate donations.

The WA Electoral Commission has defended its decision to outsource staffing, stating that a competitive tender process was followed, while promising an independent investigation into the election’s issues.

Reported at www.theguardian.com: Australian Industry Minister Ed Husic has criticised Donald Trump’s newly imposed tariffs on steel and aluminium, calling it a “dog act” after over a century of friendship and cooperation between Australia and the U.S.

Despite Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s condemnation of the tariffs as “unjustified” and a form of “economic self-harm,” the request for an exemption was denied by the Trump administration.

The situation sparked a political dispute, with opposition leader Peter Dutton accusing the Albanese government of failing to negotiate effectively with the U.S. President.

Reported at www.theguardian.com: Donald Trump has denied Australia an exemption from the upcoming 25% tariffs on steel and aluminium imports, stating the policy emphasises “American-first steel.”

Australian officials continue to lobby for tariff relief, arguing that exports to the U.S. benefit the American economy and defence.

This tariff decision is part of a broader trade conflict, which includes potential increases for Canada and may affect various sectors, including pharmaceuticals and agriculture.

From johnmenadue.com: Australia’s diplomatic strategy is being tested as the U.S. under Trump’s administration shifts towards a more transactional foreign policy, impacting Australia’s traditional reliance on American security guarantees and trade relationships with China.

The increasing geopolitical tension, exacerbated by China’s military assertiveness and the restructuring of global supply chains post-COVID, forces Australia to reassess its position in the Indo-Pacific region.

Australia needs a balance between engaging economically with China and protecting its strategic autonomy while fostering deeper partnerships with regional allies.

Reported at www.theguardian.com: Clive Palmer has launched a new political party, Trumpet of Patriots, and is employing extensive advertising campaigns reminiscent of his previous efforts, including provocative ads addressing immigration and gender issues.

The party has already outspent major political rivals on Google and YouTube ads, generating millions of impressions within a week.

Meanwhile, endorsements and unique campaign strategies, including influencer interactions, characterize the current election landscape as candidates attempt to engage younger voters.

From www.abc.net.au: Peter Dutton is losing his earlier strategic advantage as his popularity rises, leading to increased scrutiny of his actions and decisions.

He recently faced criticism for prioritizing a Liberal Party fundraiser in Sydney over responding to a cyclone threatening Brisbane, raising questions about his alignment with constituents’ needs.

Despite his successful management of low expectations and efforts to connect with working-class voters, Dutton’s recent errors may jeopardise his newfound electoral viability as the election approaches.

Reported at smallcaps.com.au: Australian oil and gas exploration has seen a significant turnaround, with a 20.6% increase in expenditure to $390.1 million, according to the latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Onshore exploration rose by 26.2%, while offshore exploration increased by 12.6%, driven by new drilling programs along the Western Australian, South Australian, and Victorian coasts.

Notably, Northern Territory expenditure reached $200 million in the last quarter of 2024, marking a 469% increase over the previous year, reflecting heightened investor confidence in the region’s gas resources.

From thepolitics.com.au: During the 2025 Australian election season, independent candidate Zoe Daniel faces a barrage of disinformation and intimidation tactics from major political parties and lobbyists, primarily aimed at undermining her campaign focused on climate action and integrity.

The lack of laws against falsehoods in political advertising exacerbates the issue, allowing for unchecked misinformation to proliferate.

Recent legislative changes threaten to entrench the two-party system by capping independent campaign spending while allowing significant financial advantages for established parties.

From shows.acast.com: Researcher Nicholas Biddle discusses Australia’s current mood and its impact on voting in the lead-up to the federal election on the Democracy Sausage podcast.

The episode explores the erosion of hope among the Australian public and how this pessimism may influence support for policies, parties, and candidates, potentially leading to an increase in populist sentiments.

Biddle is joined by Professor Mark Kenny and Dr. Marija Taflaga to analyse these dynamics within the context of electoral outcomes.

Reported at www.abc.net.au: The WA Greens have gained the balance of power in the Legislative Council following the recent state election, where the Labor government was re-elected but with a reduced majority.

The Greens plan to prioritise climate change legislation, aiming to amend existing laws to include a 2030 emissions reduction target.

This shift in power is expected to increase scrutiny and debate over legislation in the upper house, with the Greens likely pushing for enhanced environmental regulations.

From michaelwest.com.au: The Australian government is keeping a report secret that advises on potential locations for storing high-level nuclear waste, which has implications lasting for thousands of years.

The Submarine Agency claims the document is a Cabinet document, preventing public access, but the legitimacy of this classification is being challenged.

The government’s approach to transparency is called into question as the report remains undisclosed despite its significant political and environmental consequences.

Reported at www.theguardian.com: The Newcastle Herald has apologised for publishing a front-page ad from Clive Palmer’s Trumpet of Patriots party, which stated “there are only two genders,” and has removed it from its digital edition, acknowledging it did not align with the company’s values.

Journalists at the Age expressed outrage over the acceptance of similar ads promoting anti-immigration sentiments, deeming it an affront to their editorial stance on marriage equality and diversity.

In response to staff complaints, the Newcastle Herald emphasized its commitment to journalistic integrity and values, while admitting a failure in the ad review process.

From michaelwest.com.au: Assistant Treasurer Andrew Leigh has announced proposed changes to the nation’s competition policy that could boost GDP by up to $45 billion and lower prices by 0.7 to 1.5 percent in the long run.

The government will launch the Social Enterprise Loan Fund to support employment opportunities for marginalized communities, contributing $1.2 million to the initiative.

Reported at johnmenadue.com: Australia’s economy grew by 0.6% in the December quarter of 2024, marking the fastest pace in two years, fueled by increased household spending and stronger exports.

Consumer spending rose by 0.4%, contributing to a slight improvement in GDP per capita, which had been in decline for seven consecutive quarters.

Despite the positive data, concerns remain regarding external factors, such as U.S. trade policies, that could affect future economic stability.

Reported at www.themandarin.com.au: Service NSW plans to implement rostered Saturday shifts for employees currently working Monday to Friday to manage customer demand and reduce overtime costs.

The proposed changes, set to begin on March 28, 2025, aim to allow staff to work at nearby locations that operate on Saturdays, as part of broader efforts by the NSW government to increase workplace presence in the public service.

The Public Service Association of NSW has raised concerns over employee impacts and is seeking legal advice regarding potential implications for staff compensation and work arrangements.