Section
State and federal election coverage, parliamentary debates, party leadership and policy announcements from Canberra and the states. Summaries updated every two hours.
Australian politics moves fast. This section tracks parliamentary debates, election campaigns, party leadership changes and policy announcements from Canberra and every state capital. From Question Time exchanges to preselection battles and legislative reform, our summaries cut through the noise to give you the key facts. Coverage spans the major parties, crossbenchers and the issues that drive political debate in Australia, sourced from the country's leading political reporters.
Western Australia receives a boost in fuel supply as BP confirms 10 shipments for April, along with an additional diesel shipment to support regional stocks. However, Amber Jade-Sanderson warns that fuel supply remains uncertain despite the reopening of the Strait.
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US Vice-President JD Vance's two-day visit to Budapest is seen by the Hungarian government as a significant boost to relations with Washington. However, with elections approaching, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán faces a challenging campaign, raising questions about whether Vance's visit will influence the outcome in his favour.
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Internal emails reveal that LNP donors secured a meeting regarding plans to block a rival supermarket development that would have competed with the Russell Island IGA. This meeting occurred prior to a council decision to derail the project, raising questions about the influence of political donations on local development decisions.
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Following the Bondi terror attack, the premier calls for a ban on a phrase used during Palestinian protests, labelling it 'hateful'. However, as of now, the government has not introduced any legislation to enforce this ban.
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JD Vance accuses the EU of interfering in Hungary's elections while visiting Budapest to support Viktor Orbán ahead of the vote on Sunday. He labels the EU's actions as a significant example of foreign election interference, expressing his combative stance upon arrival on Tuesday.
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Max Chandler-Mather, the new executive director of The Greens Institute, aims to employ 'progressive economic populism' to attract voters shifting from major parties to One Nation. He plans to mobilise thousands of volunteers for a comprehensive survey on economic and social issues across Australia, addressing gaps highlighted in the 2025 federal election.
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A government report reveals that Labor's plan to restrict gambling ads will only reduce annual gambling expenditure by $62.7 million, or 0.8%. A full ban on gambling advertising would have provided a greater net benefit but would significantly impact media and sporting codes, including NRL and AFL websites.
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Nationals leader Matt Canavan advocates for permanent tariffs to safeguard domestic manufacturers in a major speech. He rejects claims that his protectionist views conflict with those of Angus Taylor, emphasising the need for an economic revolution rather than just a reset.
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Max Chandler-Mather returns to lead a Greens think-tank, advocating for the party to adopt successful strategies from left-wing movements, including those that helped New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the UK Greens. He aims to energise the left-wing movement in Australia.
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US Vice-President JD Vance visits Hungary ahead of the country's election, praising Prime Minister Viktor Orbán as a significant European leader. Vance expresses support, stating, 'The president loves you and so do I,' during his two-day trip, which includes meetings with Hungarian officials.
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The partial US government shutdown enters its eighth week, with Congress on recess until 13 April. President Donald Trump threatens to destroy Iran's infrastructure if it does not comply with his deadline regarding the Strait of Hormuz, dismissing concerns over potential war crimes.
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A collection of cartoons published on April 8, 2026, showcases various interpretations of the day's news by talented artists, illustrators, and cartoonists. The pieces reflect current events and societal issues through humour and satire, providing a visual commentary on the news landscape.
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Cricket legend David Warner is charged with drink-driving after being arrested during a random breath test. He is scheduled to appear in court next month to face the charges. Warner's arrest has drawn significant media attention due to his high-profile status in Australian cricket.
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Wisconsin voters select a state supreme court judge on Tuesday, aiming to replace retiring conservative Justice Rebecca Bradley. This election presents an opportunity for liberals to strengthen their majority ahead of the midterms, when challenges to election results are anticipated in the pivotal swing state.
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Australia faces potential economic challenges due to the ongoing Iran war and its impact on global fuel prices. However, experts suggest that the country's financial reserves and strong economic position may provide a buffer against the crisis. Strategic planning and resource management will be crucial in navigating these turbulent times.
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An inquiry reveals that approximately 750 children are currently under the care of unlicensed residential providers, facing inadequate government oversight. This situation raises serious concerns about child safety and the potential for a financial catastrophe within the care system.
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In March, electric vehicle (EV) sales surged by 50%, with one in seven car buyers opting for an EV, driven by rising petrol prices and federal budget discussions. Meanwhile, sales of fuel-guzzling vehicles remained stable, indicating a shift in consumer preferences amidst changing economic conditions.
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Australia's government remains optimistic about avoiding a fuel shortage despite global concerns. Attention is shifting to domestic options for fuel production, but experts question whether these alternatives are viable. The ongoing debate highlights the complexities of energy independence amid a global crisis.
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St Kilda residents oppose a redevelopment plan for a rundown hotel, arguing it threatens the village atmosphere of the suburb. The hotel owners, however, claim the project will revitalise the area and enhance its iconic status. Community meetings are expected as locals prepare to voice their concerns.
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The Crisafulli LNP plans to establish four new or expanded schools aimed at disengaged and at-risk youth, but progress has stalled. Currently, only the future of the Gold Coast site is confirmed, leaving the other locations uncertain.
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Victorian Liberal Party president Phil Davis warns that the party risks failure in the upcoming election if it adopts a 'One Nation-lite' approach. He emphasises the need for internal unity and a clear direction to secure electoral success.
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Diesel prices in Australia continue to rise, with 3.4% of service stations reporting no diesel availability as of Monday. Energy Minister Chris Bowen warns against a social media trend of using cooking oil as fuel, while the government supports the development of biofuels like biodiesel.
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Labor MPs and doctors call for a redesign of the NDIS, highlighting that over 40 per cent of participants now have lower support needs. This comes as new data reveals significant changes in the demographics of the $50 billion scheme. They argue that the current system does not adequately address these shifts.
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Braised chickpeas with chorizo and greens is a simple, hearty dish featuring smoky chorizo and tender chickpeas. It is recommended to serve with crusty bread to soak up the rich sauce.
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The Human Rights Commission accepts a racial discrimination complaint against a NSW minister and Multicultural NSW. The complaint alleges they did not adequately address issues related to caste-based discrimination and Islamophobia. This decision marks a significant step in addressing these concerns within the community.
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Moira Deeming secures the top position on the Victorian Liberal ticket after running unopposed, despite being dropped during a preselection challenge. Meanwhile, Energy Minister Chris Bowen comments on the nation's fuel supply, stating reserves are in 'pretty good' condition.
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Victoria's Inspector-General for Emergency Management delays the inquiry into last summer's bushfires, which resulted in one death, over 300 destroyed homes, and the burning of 400,000 hectares. The inquiry is now set to begin later this year, raising concerns as the region prepares for an El Niño summer.
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Victoria's Inspector-General for Emergency Management delays the inquiry into last summer's bushfires, which resulted in one death, over 300 homes destroyed, and 400,000 hectares burnt. The inquiry is now set to begin later this year, raising concerns as the region prepares for an El Niño summer.
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Macdonaldtown station in Sydney is noted for its eerie atmosphere and intriguing history. Visitors report unusual sightings and sounds, contributing to its reputation as a spooky location. The station's unique features and stories attract curiosity from both locals and tourists alike.
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Voters on the Mornington Peninsula prepare for a significant election on April 5, 2026, marking the first of two polls in seven months. This election features a complex three-way race that could influence the broader state elections. Candidates and issues are expected to shape voter turnout and preferences.
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