Accountability, robodebt and regional housing: Helen Haines unpacks it all
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The Guardian
an hour ago
- The Guardian
Australia politics live: Cheney pushes bill to ban AI child abuse apps; Georgie Purcell announces pregnancy with Labor's Josh Burns
Update: Date: 2025-07-27T21:23:50.000Z Title: Emma McBride Content: The government has said the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) is 'not a bargaining chip' as it introduced legislation to fulfil its election promise of making PBS prescription medicines cheaper. Last week the government announced some regulations would be lifted to allow more beef from the US to be imported to Australia, something the Trump administration had been publicly calling for. Labor said biosecurity laws wouldn't be weakened in the process, and said there was no coincidence in the timing of the ten year review with the US administration's calls. The US pharmaceutical lobby has been calling for the Trump administration to also slap tariffs on the PBS. Assistant minister for mental health, told ABC News Breakfast this morning the government's position that the PBS isn't on the negotiating table, hasn't changed. The PBS is not up for negotiation, it is not a bargaining chip. Labor introduced the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme to make sure that essential medicines were available to all Australians. Update: Date: 2025-07-27T21:23:50.000Z Title: Anthony Albanese Content: The government will progress another of its election commitments this week, introducing legislation into parliament for cheaper medicines on the PBS. Fulfilling a key campaign pledge, the new legislation will mean prescription on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme will be capped at $25 from January. The government has spruiked this as a key cost of living measure, building on a similar measure introduced in 2023. The change will mean a 20% cut in the maximum cost of medications on the PBS, which Labor says will save $200 million per year. Prime minister said: The size of your bank balance shouldn't determine the quality of your healthcare. My Government will continue to deliver cost of living relief for all Australians. Health minister Mark Butler added: Cheaper medicines are good for the hip pocket and good for your health. For general patients medicines haven't been this cheap since 2004. Update: Date: 2025-07-27T21:23:50.000Z Title: MPs Georgie Purcell and Josh Burns announce pregnancy Content: Victorian upper house MP Georgie Purcell has announced she is expecting a baby girl in early 2026 with her partner, federal Labor MP Josh Burns. Purcell, an MLC for the Animal Justice party representing the northern Victorian region, made the announcement on social media on Sunday night and said she will still be contesting the 2026 state election. She wrote: I'll be working right up until the end of the parliamentary year, and I'll return to sitting weeks as usual in February, with every intention to campaign and contest the 2026 election. I am more committed to animals, people and the planet than ever before, and this is just one more path I am choosing. And I am ready to call out any suggestion otherwise. Not just for me, but for everybody else who may face conscious or unconscious bias when choosing to have a career and a family. She also shared that due to her autoimmune condition, she is considered a high-risk pregnancy and will require weekly hospital visits. Purcell said while 'two members from two different parliaments having a baby is a bit unique, and there is bound to be interest in it' they have requested respect and privacy. She wrote: While we are indeed in public life, pregnancy is an incredibly personal experience, so I ask that we're granted respect and privacy just like anybody else (but I do look forward to sharing the parts with you that we are willing to share). Burns also posted on social media: Georgie and I are so excited to share with you that we're expecting a baby girl in the very first few days of 2026. Our little baby already has the most excited and loving big sister in Tia. And she'll have a home full of animals, love, and fun. Next year, my team and I will keep working hard for the community we love, but I also plan on being a present and involved dad every step of the way. The couple made their official public debut at Canberra's 2024 Midwinter Ball. You can read more about them in this profile on Purcell from January: Update: Date: 2025-07-27T21:23:50.000Z Title: Good morning Content: Krishani Dhanji here with you, and we are locked in for another busy sitting week here in Canberra. Independent MP Kate Chaney will introduce a new bill today targeting AI tools that create or facilitate the production of child sexual abuse material. It's not too often you get really happy news around parliament, but Victorian MP Georgie Purcell and federal Labor MP Josh Burns are expecting a baby together. Purcell shared the news on her social media – we'll have more details on that shortly. And the government's childcare bill will continue its passage through parliament this week. Guardian Australia has new data showing the depth of reports of abuse in childcare centres – you can read that report here.
The Guardian
an hour ago
- The Guardian
Morning Mail: call for action on childcare abuse, Labor division on Palestine statehood, Oscar Piastri wins in Belgium
Good morning. After thousands of reports of abuse in Australian childcare centres, parents and experts say the system needs urgent reform to bridge the gap between allegation and action. As images of emaciated children in Gaza haunt the world, we reveal that Labor leaders will face intense pressure from party members at its Victoria conference to 'immediately' recognise a Palestinian state. And there's been a statement of intent from Oscar Piastri after he prevailed to win a rain-interrupted Belgian F1 Grand Prix. Exclusive | Labor party members will push for an 'immediate' federal recognition of a Palestinian state, in a series of resolutions due to be tabled at the Victorian state conference this weekend. Childcare abuse | New data suggests that shortcomings in the childcare system mean most complaints about sexual misconduct by childcare workers are ultimately dismissed – and alleged perpetrators keep working. Uni fees criticism | As the cost of humanities degrees balloons to more than $50,000, author Tim Winton is among 100 high-profile Australians calling for fees that don't 'punish' arts students. Left at the station | NSW has just recorded its worst year for on-time running for Sydney trains – and since July, one in three intercity trains have failed to meet punctuality benchmarks. 'We want women to have role models' | A recruitment campaign with roles reserved solely for women has been launched at the University of Sydney faculty where fewer than one in five academics are female. Gaza crisis | Malnutrition in Gaza on a 'dangerous trajectory', says the WHO, as airdrops of aid resume; Palestinians are wary as Israel begins 'military pauses' after Benjamin Netanyahu says 'minimal' aid will be let into Gaza. Thailand-Cambodia dispute | Both sides have launched fresh attacks in their deadly border dispute, but leaders will meet in Malaysia for talks to end hostilities after pressure from the US. Trump tariffs | Donald Trump has announced a tariff deal with the EU to end four months of difficult negotiations between Washington and Brussels and the prospect of a damaging transatlantic trade war. Jeffrey Epstein files | The US House speaker, Mike Johnson, says he would have 'great pause' about granting a pardon to Ghislaine Maxwell; will Maxwell's testimony be believed?, asks Victoria Bekiempis. Wildfire threat | Thousands of people in Greece and Turkey have been forced to evacuate homes as firefighters in the countries battled to contain wildfires fanned by strong winds and searing heat. Is Trump building a political dynasty? The US has had its fair share of political dynasties – the Bushes, the Clintons, the Kennedys. But has Donald Trump been quietly moulding his own family to become a political force long after he leaves office? In this first episode of a special series, Gwenda Blair, Rosie Gray and Ashley Parker introduce us to the family members who helped Trump reach the White House – and ask who could end up his successor. Sorry your browser does not support audio - but you can download here and listen $ Images of emaciated, skeletal children in Gaza landed on news outlets' front pages last week. It seemed to shake some world leaders and ordinary citizens out of a stupor. Anthony Albanese and Penny Wong have condemned the killing of Palestinian civilians – but say Australia is not a major player in the Middle East. Now, as Josh Butler outlines, there are calls for the government to do more amid growing outrage within Labor ranks. The Ukrainian-Australian concert pianist Alexander Gavrylyuk will make his debut appearance with the Australian Chamber Orchestra this week, playing Shostakovich's Piano Concerto No 1 and George Gershwin's joyful Rhapsody in Blue in 'a masterstroke in programming'. The piano virtuoso speaks to Kelly Burke about childhood in post-Soviet Ukraine, getting too attracted to Sydney, and why music should not be a competition – but a uniting force. Sign up to Morning Mail Our Australian morning briefing breaks down the key stories of the day, telling you what's happening and why it matters after newsletter promotion Motorsport | Australia's Oscar Piastri eased away from McLaren teammate Lando Norris to win a rain-hit Belgian F1 Grand Prix in Spa. AFL | The Gold Coast Suns finally look like they belong with the AFL's big boys, Jonathan Horn writes. Football | England beat Spain on penalties in the final of the Women's Euro 2025, defending their title in dramatic fashion. Cycling | Tadej Pogačar reigns again in Paris after winning the Tour de France for fourth time; Mavi García takes stage two of the Tour de France Femmes. Rugby union | Andy Farrell's Lions stand on the verge of all-time greatness as they eye an Australia clean sweep, Robert Kitson writes. Cricket | Cameron Green and Josh Inglis continued their hot T20 form as Australia beat the West Indies again. Councils that run some of the most popular beaches in the country have been asked by the NSW government to join a trial to remove shark nets, ABC News reports. NSW has lost more than 45,000 jobs in the past two months, the Sydney Morning Herald reports, with some Sydney regions being hit disproportionately hard. Victoria's new police chief could be on a collision course with the police union after ruling out pushing for protest permits, the Age reports. Some South Australian businesses are 'on their knees' amid the toxic algal bloom, the Advertiser reports. NSW | The United Nations climate chief Simon Stiell is scheduled to speak in Sydney today. Sport | Hopes are high for Australian swimmers at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore. If you would like to receive this Morning Mail update to your email inbox every weekday, sign up here, or finish your day with our Afternoon Update newsletter. You can follow the latest in US politics by signing up for This Week in Trumpland. And finally, here are the Guardian's crosswords to keep you entertained throughout the day. Until tomorrow. Quick crossword Cryptic crossword
Daily Mail
4 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Britain is ready to fight if conflict breaks out over Taiwan, says Defence Secretary John Healey
Defence Secretary John Healey has said Britain is ready to fight if conflict breaks out over Taiwan. The island nation has long been at loggerheads with China, strongly rejecting Beijing 's claim to sovereignty over it after the countries separated in the late forties. China's president Xi Jinping has previously said he would not rule out using force in the 'reunification of the motherland'. And now Mr Healey, when asked what the UK is doing to help countries like Taiwan prepare for potential Chinese escalation, has said Britain would fight in the Pacific. He was speaking on a visit to the HMS Prince of Wales, docked in the Australian city of Darwin, with the country's deputy prime minister and defence minister Richard Marles. He told The Telegraph, during the carrier group's nine-month Pacific deployment: 'If we have to fight, as we have done in the past, Australia and the UK are nations that will fight together. 'We exercise together and by exercising together and being more ready to fight, we deter better together.' These are some of the strongest words ever issued by the British government on the topic of potential engagement in any conflict in the region. The island nation has long been at loggerheads with China, strongly rejecting Beijing's claim to sovereignty over it after the countries separated in the late forties. Pictured: From second left, Mr Healey, Australian deputy prime minister and minister for defence Richard Marles, British foreign secretary David Lammy and Australian foreign minster Penny Wong on the visit to the HMS Prince of Wales aircraft carrier today But the minister emphasised he was talking in 'general terms' - and the UK would prefer any disputes there were resolved 'peacefully' and 'diplomatically'. 'We secure peace through strength, and our strength comes from our allies', he added. Experts have previously warned an invasion of Taiwan could cause a large-scale conflict, pulling in nations from across the world. It is because the country manufactures most advanced computer chips. Mr Healey said 'threats' in the Indo-Pacific region are on the rise. It follows the Chinese military taking control of contentious reefs - and was accused of intimidating its neighbours there. The Defence Secretary's remarks also come as the HMS Prince of Wales carrier group sails with advanced F-35 fighter jets from Singapore to northern Australia for the first time in nearly 40 years. The fleet will continue on to Japan, likely coming close to Taiwan. The Defence Secretary's remarks also come as the HMS Prince of Wales carrier group (pictured on the visit today) sails with advanced F-35 fighter jets from Singapore to northern Australia for the first time in nearly 40 years Deploying the strike carrier group, which is the UK's largest of its kind, in the Pacific for nine-months shows Britain is aware of increasing threats in the region. Sending it to Darwin in particular indicates close ties between the UK and Australia - key to any potential conflict in the Indo-Pacific. Indeed, Mr Healey noted such a partnership was especially important currently, as threats in the region increase. The defence secretary emphasised the UK's interest in international rules, stability and security, as well as both freedom of the seas and navigation in the area. British officials have previously not commented on whether the UK would intervene in any conflict in the region. This is in line with the United States' stance, which has been dubbed 'strategic ambiguity' - and most other nations follow it too. Two Royal Navy patrol vessels are stationed permanently in the region. The UK government recognised, in its National Security Strategy published earlier this year: 'There is a particular risk of escalation around Taiwan.' Former defence secretary Gavin Williamson (pictured in 2019) said the UK is probably becoming more candid on its stance on the matter as threats in the Indo-Pacific increase. Former defence secretary Gavin Williamson said the UK is probably becoming more candid on its stance on the matter as threats in the Indo-Pacific increase. 'I think there's a realisation that by being completely silent it doesn't make it more or less likely', he explained. Deterrence, he added, involves making clear the consequences that will come if others act dangerously or maliciously. Mr Williamson, who led the MoD from 2017 to 2019, added it is important someone as prominent as the British defence secretary is clear actions have consequences. Former US president Joe Biden has previously broken strategic ambiguity on several occasions, saying the US would support Taiwan against China. His successor Donald Trump has not done this - but Pentagon officials are said to be preparing for conflict. His government has said it will review its membership of the AUKUS security agreement, between the US, Australia and the UK. It comes as part of Mr Trump's 'America first' approach. Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese has also not spoken out whether the nation would join the US and other allies to fight China in any conflict in the region. He refused to comment on the matter last week. The UK and Australia have made a renewed commitment to each other in recent times. The two nations signed the Geelong Treaty this weekend - a 50-year agreement cementing their commitment to the AUKUS pact. It also commits them to building a new fleet of nuclear-powered submarines. The HMS Prince of Wales anchoring in Darwin marks the first time a British carrier strike group has docked in Australia. It is also the first time a non-US carrier has taken part in Australia's annual military drills, the so-called Talisman Sabre. The event this year was the largest it has ever been. While the UK is turning more of its attention to the Indo-Pacific, Mr Healey (pictured on the visit today) confirmed there would be no change to its level of engagement with Taiwan Foreign secretary David Lammy also boarded the HMS Prince of Wales, on the same day as and just before his colleague Mr Healey. He has previously said Britain plans to undertake more freedom of navigation operations in the Taiwan Strait. Last month, a Royal Navy patrol ship, the HMS Spey, moved through the strait - which was praised by Taiwan but frowned upon by China. Britain does not comment on the future movements of its vessels. But it is thought the HMS Prince of Wales will soon also travel through the strait on its way to South Korea and Japan. While the UK is turning more of its attention to the Indo-Pacific, Mr Healey confirmed there would be no change to its level of engagement with Taiwan. Mr Williamson said Britain would likely only alter this stance if China got increasingly aggressive.
