Written by The Albanese government has dumped its controversial mis- and disinformation bill, conceding there is “no pathway” to getting the proposal passed through the Senate. The communications minister, Michelle Rowland, insisted misinformation and disinformation remained a grave concern for democracy, national security and online safety, but said the government would not proceed with the proposal. It […]
Brereton denies ‘widespread’ disquiet about Nacc Sarah Basford Canales The Nacc commissioner, Paul Brereton, does not accept there is “widespread” disquiet about the federal integrity body after the fallout of its decision not to investigate robodebt referrals. Under questioning by Greens senator David Shoebridge, and Liberal MP Keith Wolahan, Brereton accepted there was some public […]
Bill Shorten begins valedictory speech The NDIS minister and former Labor leader, Bill Shorten, has begun his valedictory speech in parliament. He will retire from politics next year before taking up the role of University of Canberra VC next February. His family is in parliament to watch the speech, as are various other luminaries – […]
Marles says Dutton spreading misinformation over US-UK civil nuclear deal The acting prime minister, Richard Marles, was on ABC News Breakfast earlier and was asked about the Coalition’s attack on the government for not joining a US-UK civil nuclear deal (as we flagged earlier). Marles said the opposition leader, Peter Dutton, is “intentionally seeking to […]
Anthony Albanese and Xi Jinping meet on sidelines of G20 Chinese-Australian links are improving after a turnaround in relations, Xi Jinping has told Anthony Albanese while acknowledging “some twists and turns” in the past, AAP reports. The prime minister met the Chinese president, in their third formal encounter, on the sidelines of the G20 leaders’ […]
Senate passes censure motion against Lidia Thorpe Josh Butler The Senate has passed the censure motion against Lidia Thorpe. The motion received 46 yes and 12 no votes, passing easily. The Senate is now moving on to the proposed censure against Ralph Babet, for a tweet he made last week. Opposition Senate leader Simon Birmingham […]
Bob Hawke, the ‘Silver Bodgie’ — even kids thought he was cool (Photos courtesy Bill McAuley | billmcauleyphotographer.com) A birds-eye of Bob’s “bodgie”: Australia’s 23rd prime minister, Bob Hawke, being mobbed by adoring Aussie school kids. (Photo, circa 1988.) The late PM was nicknamed “The Silver Bodgie” by the Australian media because he wore his silver-grey hair in bodgie style. […]
Discount class action fresh headache for grocery giants Woolworths and Coles will fight class action lawsuits brought over claims they deceived customers with misleading promotions on everyday products, AAP reports. Law firm Gerard Malouf and Partners has lodged two class actions in the federal court against Australia’s largest supermarkets, alleging they breached Australian consumer law […]
Monique Ryan warns against putting billionaire like Gina Rinehart in Musk-style ‘government efficiency’ role Independent MP Monique Ryan has dismissed the idea Australia should appoint an Elon Musk-style billionaire into a “government efficiency” position. Musk has been appointed into the newly created position in the Trump administration, and Ryan was asked on the Today show […]
Senior Trump advisor replies to Rudd’s congratulations tweet with hourglass gif A senior Trump adviser has posted a gif of an hourglass in response to Kevin Rudd’s congratulation message to the incoming president. In a post to X on 7 November, Rudd – Australia’s ambassador to the US – shared a statement congratulation Donald Trump […]