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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.
RBA Governor Michele Bullock asserts that the Australian economy can withstand the impacts of the ongoing Iran war and avoid recession. Despite analysts' concerns about potential stagflation, Bullock remains optimistic about the country's economic resilience.
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Queensland's leading forced adoption service provider urges the government to implement robust safeguards in response to a major inquiry. The service highlights the importance of considering lifelong consequences for those affected by adoption policies. The inquiry aims to address child safety and the implications of forced adoptions.
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Pauline Hanson, 72, claims she has not changed her views, asserting that Australia has simply caught up with her perspectives. In a recent interview, she discusses her rising poll numbers and the impact on Canberra, but expresses uncertainty about leading the movement herself.
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One Nation leader Pauline Hanson states she is willing to engage in arguments with anyone, including Donald Trump, if she were to lead the country. In an interview on the Inside Politics podcast, she emphasises her readiness to stand up for her beliefs and values in any future political relationship.
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Shadow attorney-general Michaelia Cash defends her staffer Brett McCarthy's decision to write an article praising Ben Roberts-Smith, despite Roberts-Smith's arrest on five counts of murder related to war crimes. Cash states that McCarthy's views do not reflect her own or the party's stance on the matter.
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The NRMA and Coalition criticise proposed reforms to medicinal cannabis driving laws, arguing they are reckless. Opposition spokesperson Kellie Sloane emphasises the dangers, stating that a child harmed by a drug driver does not receive multiple chances. The reforms are set to be discussed further in Parliament.
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The Coalition and Greens are working to delay Labor's major budget bills in the Senate. The Coalition seeks an extended tax inquiry, while the Greens demand more time to examine significant changes to the NDIS. This collaboration aims to challenge Labor's legislative agenda.
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A landmark report reveals that 35 children who died between 2019 and 2025 were previously flagged by child protection services but deemed not at significant risk. The findings raise concerns about the effectiveness of the protective services in identifying and safeguarding vulnerable children. All cases involved multiple interactions with the system prior to their deaths.
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Australia's plan to purchase three second-hand nuclear-powered submarines raises concerns due to a troubled history with used naval vessels. Experts warn that these acquisitions could pose significant risks, highlighting the importance of thorough assessments before proceeding with such purchases.
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Cohealth's board faces potential sacking due to significant financial deficits, prompting a critical review that suggests immediate reforms. The review warns that without action, the government may take over the inner-city clinics. Urgent measures are needed to address the financial instability.
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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese responds to US criticism of Australia's tariff policies, describing the situation as an 'ideological disagreement.' Energy Minister Chris Taylor also defends Australia's position amid threats from former President Trump regarding tariffs. Both leaders emphasise the importance of maintaining strong bilateral relations despite these tensions.
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Silicon Valley significantly influences California's primary election, with tech industry donations proving effective despite their gubernatorial candidate placing sixth. The focus on smaller elections allows the industry to combat regulations and taxation while promoting artificial intelligence growth. Political leverage is crucial for maintaining business dominance.
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ICAC investigates former Parramatta Council CEO Gail Connolly for allegedly manipulating recruitment processes to favour friends and for reportedly spying on staff and a councillor. Connolly is set to appear as part of Operation Navarra, which examines these serious allegations.
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Queensland parliament is set to pass controversial e-mobility laws during the final day of its sitting. Discussions also focus on a child safety report, highlighting ongoing concerns in the state. The session marks a significant moment for legislative changes affecting transport and safety.
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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese criticises the latest tariffs imposed by the US, calling them 'unjustified'. He defends the Australian government's response to anti-slavery measures amidst the ongoing trade tensions. Albanese's remarks come as the US continues to implement new tariffs affecting various sectors.
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Commonwealth Bank economists predict a 5% decline in home prices due to tax changes, significantly higher than the Treasury's forecast of 2%. Jim Chalmers' budget bill, which includes tax reforms and cuts for workers, is set for debate and a vote in the House today, positioning it as a critical choice for the Coalition.
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Senate Republicans abandon plans for $1bn in security upgrades at Donald Trump's White House ballroom, fearing it could threaten $70bn in immigration enforcement funding. The Senate judiciary committee had previously included this funding in a broader measure aimed at supporting Trump's deportation initiatives.
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Labor's 2022 promise to install specialist scanners at eight Victorian hospitals is now projected to be completed four years late and $25 million over budget, with the new deadline set for the end of the decade. The delays raise concerns about the timely delivery of essential healthcare services.
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An external investigation uncovers significant compliance failures and unverified attendance figures in the $14.5 million Football in Schools scheme, involving Western Sydney Wanderers and Macarthur Bulls. The report highlights unjustified expenses, raising concerns about the management of taxpayer funds in the program.
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Support for One Nation, led by Pauline Hanson, rises among women, wealthy, and urban voters. Hanson attributes this increase to women's concerns over 'woke ideologies', claiming they are responding to her warnings about these issues. The party's appeal appears to be growing in key demographics ahead of upcoming elections.
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Nigel Farage makes a rare appearance at PMQs to question the government about the Henry Nowak case, amid ongoing scrutiny over his undisclosed £5 million handout from a crypto-billionaire. His absence from the political scene has been notable, with speculation about his whereabouts and activities since the revelation.
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Labor's proposal to cut social participation budgets for NDIS participants by 50% is deemed 'blunt and inequitable' by the Grattan Institute. The thinktank criticises the plan as based on 'dubious logic' and warns it could lead to 'absurd' outcomes, questioning the government's intent to reform the national disability insurance scheme.
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Snowy Hydro promotes its 2.0 project, a major pumped hydro scheme aimed at delivering cheaper energy and preventing blackouts as coal power phases out. Despite its potential benefits, the project faces further delays and cost blowouts, raising concerns about its viability and timeline.
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A selection of cartoons published on June 4, 2026, showcases the day's news through the perspectives of various artists and illustrators. The pieces reflect current events and societal issues, providing a humorous and critical lens on the news cycle.
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This week's selection of cartoons from the Sydney Morning Herald showcases a variety of artistic styles and themes, reflecting current events and cultural commentary. The collection highlights the creativity and humour of the artists, providing a visual commentary on the week's news.
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A $20 million inquiry into Queensland's child safety system reveals significant failures, as detailed in a nearly 1400-page report. It calls for major reforms, including contentious changes to adoption practices and out-of-home care, to address the ongoing crisis in child protection services.
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Victoria's new strata overhaul faces criticism from apartment owner advocates who label it a failure, while corporate managers express relief over the continuation of insurance kickbacks. The changes have divided opinions among flat owners and industry stakeholders.
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AI technology is advancing rapidly, offering potential benefits in economic and medical fields. However, concerns about its implications are rising, with fears echoing from fictional narratives to local communities observing new data centres. The debate continues over whether AI will ultimately be a force for good or harm.
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Australia's youngest murderer, who was 13 when he abducted and killed three-year-old Courtney Morley-Clarke, receives additional jail time for possessing child abuse material. He has now spent nearly two-thirds of his life in prison. The case continues to draw attention to issues of youth crime and rehabilitation.
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Policing Minister Sarah Jones criticises anti-discrimination guidance suggesting different treatment for black and white suspects, stating it gives a 'wrong impression'. This comes after two arrests during protests in Southampton following the sentencing of Vickrum Digwa, who claimed he was a victim of a racist attack related to the murder of Henry Nowak on 3 December 2025.
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