MHLoppy

From our coffee addiction to a weekend pub tradition, some of the simple pleasures many Australians have taken for granted now feel like luxuries. But if patrons can no longer afford to visit the pubs and cafes we love, there may be something bigger at stake.

Multicultural policy is adrift in the election campaign, with the major parties refusing to commit to the changes needed to minimise mounting community tensions

Another election brings another round of promises from politicians trying to win votes, but how many did the last government keep? It’s likely more than you think.

Since last August, Australia has baked through above-average temperatures and the BOM is predicting another winter of unseasonable heat.

Following news that Peter Dutton will live in Kirribilli House if elected, a furious Anthony Albanese said he had no idea there were entire houses available to him.

White House says order will ‘make America’s showers great again’ and ‘end the Obama-Biden war on water pressure’

Unlike businesses or other organisations, your local member isn't required to include an option to unsubscribe in their emails and can continue emailing you because of an exception in the Spam Act.

A similar rule also exists in the laws that govern privacy (The Privacy Act) and the Do Not Call Register.

The exemption applies to political parties, politicians and candidates, as well as contractors and volunteers for acts and practices in the political process.

The election campaign must prioritise climate policy to ensure the next government drives the transition to a clean economy in a world upended by Donald Trump.

Greens leader Adam Bandt claims the federal election offers “an opportunity for real change”, saying his party would use the balance of power in the next parliament to help deliver serious policy reforms.

In a speech to the National Press Club on Wednesday, Bandt outlined the party’s election priorities and said the poll represents:

A once-in-a-generation chance to create a country where everyone has a right to the basics – food, health, and a home. A safe climate and a healthy environment. An economy which puts people before the profits of the obscenely wealthy and the excessively profitable.

The Greens broke new ground at the last federal election, snatching three new lower house seats and winning the balance of power in the Senate. The gains suggested the Greens were moving beyond their roots as a party of protest, and becoming a true policy force.

But the Greens broadly failed to make the most of its greater political presence this term. In the next parliament, it should focus on building political capital and picking its battles more wisely.

Tensions have risen in the United States Senate, with one senator calling the decision to impose tariffs on Australia "insulting", saying it undermined national security and damaged relationships.

"The idea that we are going to whack friend and foe alike — and particularly friends — with this level [of tariffs] is both insulting the Australians, undermines our national security, and frankly makes us not a good partner going forward.

"The lack of trust from friends and allies based upon this ridiculous policy that goes into full effect at midnight tonight is extraordinary.

(not sure where best to post this since it's Australian.. foreign politics?)

The federal opposition has today unveiled a bold suite of education reforms aimed at strengthening Australia’s national identity and cultural unity, including a proposed reclassification of Bidjigal warrior Pemulwuy as the country’s first domestic terrorist.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton says the changes will help ensure young Australians learn the “full story” of colonisation, particularly the parts that reframe organised Aboriginal resistance as a threat to law and order.

“Pemulwuy led violent raids, destroyed crops, and disrupted peaceful British settlement,” said Dutton.

“In today’s terms, that makes him a terrorist.”

( https://www.nma.gov.au/defining-moments/resources/pemulwuy )

"You're condemning young people like me to a life of climate disasters — of course we have poor mental health issues!" cried protester Alexa Stuart, a 21-year-old from climate action group Rising Tide mid-way through Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's press conference today.

"When will you listen to young people?"

Albanese was announcing a $1 billion dollar increase to mental health access and support, including $500 million for Youth Specialist Care Centres. The funding announcement follows Opposition leader Peter Dutton's own pledge of $400 million towards mental health during his budget reply speech.

"Mr Albanese, you say you care about young people — and yet since getting elected your government has approved 33 new coal and gas projects!" Stuart yelled as she was hauled away by security.

The Australia Institute's Coal Mine Tracker says the federal government has approved 10 new coal mines since it was elected in May 2022 and there are another 22 proposals for new or expanded coal mines awaiting approval.

Two-thirds of young Australians believe climate concerns are having a negative impact on youth mental health, while over three in four young people are concerned about climate change, according to a survey conducted by YouGov sampling 1,000 Australian citizens aged 16-25 in 2023.