While much of Question Time followed the familiar pattern of government members asking ministers to promote policy achievements, the day’s most substantive moments came as the Opposition and crossbench pressed ministers on housing reforms, regional healthcare, infrastructure funding and corruption allegations.

Housing Remains Parliament’s Biggest Battleground

Housing dominated proceedings as Opposition Leader Angus Taylor challenged Housing Minister Clare O’Neil over Treasury modelling accompanying Labor’s recently legislated housing tax reforms.

Taylor questioned whether Labor’s policies deliberately sought to reduce house prices and whether first-home buyers could be pushed into negative equity if prices softened.

O’Neil rejected the claim, pointing directly to Treasury modelling contained within the Budget papers. She said the modelling estimates the reforms will help around 75,000 additional Australians become owner-occupiers over the next decade while slowing house price growth by around two percentage points compared with previous projections, rather than causing widespread price declines.

The exchange highlighted the increasingly sharp divide between the Government and Opposition on housing policy.

Labor argues its package—including investor tax reforms, Help to Buy and expanded first-home buyer assistance—will improve access to home ownership. The Coalition argues the measures risk undermining confidence in the housing market and placing existing homeowners at greater financial risk.

Treasurer Faces Scrutiny Over Negative Gearing

Housing tensions escalated further when Opposition MPs questioned Treasurer Jim Chalmers over his own historical use of negative gearing.

Speaker Milton Dick intervened before allowing the question, cautioning members against using Question Time to probe ministers’ private financial affairs while acknowledging the question had a legitimate connection to housing policy.

Rather than addressing his personal circumstances in detail, Chalmers defended Labor’s broader housing reforms, arguing the current tax settings have increasingly favoured investors over aspiring first-home buyers and that reform was necessary to improve fairness within the market.

Cost-of-Living Debate Continues

Economic management remained another major point of conflict.

Coalition MPs argued inflation was continuing to drive up household costs through indexation, pointing to increases in company registration fees, business registration charges and other costs taking effect from 1 July. They accused the Government of relying on inflation-driven revenue while Australians continued to face rising living expenses.

The Government countered that households would benefit from tax cuts, wage increases, expanded parental leave, permanent small business asset write-offs and other measures commencing with the new financial year.

The competing arguments reflected the broader political contest now emerging over whether Labor’s cost-of-living measures are sufficient to offset ongoing financial pressures.

Corruption Allegations Continue to Shadow Government

Integrity issues surrounding Victorian infrastructure projects and the CFMEU again featured prominently during Question Time.

Coalition MPs repeatedly questioned Prime Minister Anthony Albanese over whether Commonwealth funding could have indirectly benefited companies linked to organised crime figures.

The Prime Minister defended the Government’s response, pointing to the decision to place the CFMEU into administration, remove it as a Labor Party affiliate and strengthen integrity provisions attached to Commonwealth infrastructure funding.

He also outlined additional requirements covering fraud reporting, contractor integrity plans, conflict-of-interest declarations and subcontractor registers for major projects.

The Opposition maintained pressure throughout the session, seeking further details about assurances received from the Victorian Government regarding the use of Commonwealth funding.

Regional Healthcare Under the Spotlight

Independent MP Helen Haines raised concerns over reductions in after-hours healthcare funding affecting regional communities.

She questioned whether rural Australians without access to Medicare Urgent Care Clinics risked losing essential after-hours medical services.

Health Minister Mark Butler acknowledged funding arrangements had changed but argued expanded telehealth services, the national 1800 Medicare service and the rollout of urgent care clinics had significantly changed how Australians access after-hours healthcare.

He said some funding reductions reflected lower demand as patients increasingly utilised these newer services.

The exchange highlighted the ongoing challenge of ensuring healthcare reforms deliver equitable outcomes across regional Australia.

Early-Onset Bowel Cancer Raises Bipartisan Concern

One of the day’s least partisan exchanges came after independent MP Rebekha Sharkie raised Australia’s growing incidence of bowel cancer among younger Australians.

Sharkie highlighted concerns that many younger patients struggle to obtain timely investigations because bowel cancer has traditionally been associated with older age groups.

Health Minister Mark Butler acknowledged Australia now records one of the world’s highest rates of early-onset bowel cancer and confirmed Cancer Australia is funding research into the causes while working with general practitioners to improve awareness of warning signs and encourage earlier investigation of symptoms.

He said researchers still do not fully understand why diagnosis rates among Australians in their 20s and 30s continue to increase.

Commonwealth Open to Blue Mountains Highway Support

Regional infrastructure also featured after Nationals MP Andrew Gee sought Commonwealth assistance for repairs to the Great Western Highway following the prolonged closure of Mitchell’s Causeway in the Blue Mountains.

Infrastructure Minister Catherine King confirmed discussions with the New South Wales Government were continuing and indicated the Commonwealth would consider funding assistance once engineering assessments and cost estimates had been completed.

Garth Hamilton Suspended After Heated Parliamentary Exchange

Proceedings ended with one of the day’s most dramatic developments after Speaker Milton Dick announced that a “serious incident” had occurred during Question Time involving the Member for Groom, Garth Hamilton.

Earlier in proceedings, Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain criticised comments she said Opposition Leader Angus Taylor had made regarding firefighters involved in the 2003 Snowy Mountains bushfires. As debate intensified, disorder broke out in the chamber and concerns were raised about Hamilton’s conduct. At the time, the Speaker said he would review the footage before determining whether further action was necessary.

After Question Time concluded, Speaker Dick informed the House he had reviewed the incident and described Hamilton’s conduct as “a new low”, saying the Queensland Liberal National MP had shown “severe disrespect to this House through his words and his actions”. He formally named Hamilton before the Leader of the House moved a motion to suspend him from the service of the House.

The House divided on the motion, voting 102 votes to 33 in favour of suspending Hamilton for 24 hours. Following the vote, the Speaker expressed his hope that Hamilton would apologise to the House upon his return.

Immediately afterwards, Opposition Leader Angus Taylor rose on a claim of being misrepresented. Taylor rejected suggestions that he had criticised Rural Fire Service firefighters, arguing his earlier remarks had instead referred to the management of national parks in the lead-up to the 2003 Snowy Mountains bushfires.

Quoting from the Commonwealth report A Nation Charred, Taylor said his criticism was directed at failures in fuel management, hazard reduction, fire trail access and planning by national park authorities, before calling on the Member for Eden-Monaro to withdraw her remarks and apologise.

More to Come Before Parliament Rises

While the House continues sitting until Thursday before Parliament rises for the winter break, Tuesday’s proceedings demonstrated the issues likely to dominate both the remaining sitting days and the political debate beyond 1 July.

Housing affordability, cost-of-living pressures, government integrity and access to essential services remain the defining battlegrounds between Labor and the Coalition as the Government’s latest reforms begin to take effect. With many of those measures commencing on 1 July, the focus in coming weeks will shift from the passage of legislation to whether Australians believe the changes are making a tangible difference in their everyday lives

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Nearly half of Australian businesses report rising operating expenses, with business overheads and staffing costs emerging as the dominant financial challenge despite easing fuel price pressures.

Australia’s businesses continue to face significant cost pressures, with new Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data revealing that 46 per cent of businesses experienced higher operating expenses during the past four weeks. While concerns over fuel prices have eased from recent peaks, the latest figures suggest many businesses are now grappling with broader structural cost increases, particularly higher overheads, labour costs and finance commitments.  

The findings come from the ABS’ Business Conditions and Sentiments Survey – June 2026, which surveyed approximately 2,700 businesses between 4 and 17 June.

Business overheads become the dominant cost pressure

Unlike previous surveys where fuel prices dominated concerns, the June data points to a shift in the underlying drivers of business costs.

Among businesses reporting higher operating expenses:

• 65 per cent cited rising business overheads.
• 40 per cent pointed to staffing-related costs.
• 19 per cent identified finance or debt commitments.
• Freight, delivery and input costs remained significant, although fuel price pressures eased compared with May.  

ABS Head of Business Statistics Tom Lay said the data shows businesses are now facing a broader range of financial pressures.

“While the pressure from fuel prices had eased, there were more businesses that had noted higher costs.”

The shift suggests inflationary pressures are becoming embedded across everyday business operations rather than being concentrated in energy markets alone.

Fuel-dependent industries remain under pressure

Despite easing fuel costs overall, industries heavily reliant on transport continued to report the greatest financial strain.

The highest proportions of businesses experiencing increased operating expenses were:

• Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing – 72%
• Manufacturing – 55%
• Accommodation and Food Services – 55%
• Transport, Postal and Warehousing – 49%  

These sectors remain particularly exposed to changes in supply chains, logistics costs and broader operating expenses.

Small businesses feeling the greatest strain

Perhaps the most significant finding is the growing pressure on Australia’s small business sector.

Compared with May, small businesses reported some of the sharpest increases in:

• Business overheads
• Staffing costs
• Financial stress

The survey found:

• 13 per cent of small businesses currently require financial or advisory assistance.
• 36 per cent expect to seek assistance within the next four weeks.  

That level of anticipated support highlights continuing concern about cash flow and business sustainability, particularly as higher interest rates and operating costs continue to work through the economy.

Businesses still absorbing higher costs

Despite ongoing cost increases, many businesses have not yet fully passed those expenses onto consumers.

According to the ABS:

• 44 per cent absorbed increased costs themselves.
• 15 per cent increased prices.
• 6 per cent introduced fuel surcharges or levies.  

The transport and logistics sector was the most likely to raise prices, reflecting its direct exposure to fuel and freight costs.

For consumers, this may indicate further price increases remain possible if businesses can no longer continue absorbing rising expenses.

Revenue outlook weakens

The survey also paints a cautious picture for business confidence.

Almost one-third of businesses reported declining revenue over the previous month, particularly across:

• Information Media and Telecommunications
• Wholesale Trade
• Accommodation and Food Services

Looking ahead, around one-third of businesses in these industries also expect revenue to fall further during the coming month.  

The combination of rising costs and weakening revenue creates a challenging environment for profitability and investment.

A broader economic signal

Although inflation has moderated from its peak, the ABS data suggests many Australian businesses remain under considerable financial pressure.

The findings indicate that cost-of-living pressures affecting households are also being reflected inside businesses through higher wages, insurance premiums, rent, finance costs and other operating overheads.

For policymakers, the survey offers an important snapshot of how inflationary pressures are evolving beyond fuel prices and into the broader economy.

Notably, the ABS confirmed that this will be the final edition of the Business Conditions and Sentiments Survey, concluding a two-month data collection program established to monitor business responses during the period of fuel supply uncertainty.

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The latest AFR/RedBridge Group poll places Labor back in first place on the primary vote, recording 30 per cent, ahead of One Nation on 29 per cent, the Coalition on 18 per cent, the Greens on 14 per cent, and independents and minor parties on 9 per cent. Compared with the previous survey, Labor gained two points, while both One Nation and the Coalition slipped by two points.

A separate Roy Morgan poll paints a similar picture, although with slightly different numbers. Labor rose to 28 per cent, One Nation fell sharply to 26 per cent, the Coalition improved to 21.5 per cent, the Greens recorded 13 per cent, while independents and other parties stood at 11.5 per cent. The most notable movement was One Nation’s 5.5-point decline from its previous high, although the party remains well above its historical levels of support.  

A remarkable political realignment

Only weeks ago, One Nation achieved what many considered politically unthinkable by leading national primary voting intention in several polls for the first time in the party’s history.

While the latest polling suggests some of that momentum has eased, the broader political picture remains highly unusual. The Coalition continues to struggle to regain ground despite Labor’s own challenges, leaving Australia’s traditional two-party system under sustained pressure.  

The AFR/RedBridge survey indicates Labor has narrowly reclaimed first place, but only by a single percentage point over One Nation. Meanwhile, the Coalition remains in third place on just 18 per cent in that poll.

Coalition still searching for recovery

Although Roy Morgan records a modest improvement in Coalition support to 21.5 per cent, other polling continues to show historically weak support for the Liberal-National Coalition.

Recent Newspoll results have placed the Coalition at just 17 per cent nationally—its lowest result recorded by the series—highlighting the scale of the challenge facing Opposition Leader Angus Taylor.  

The figures reinforce a political environment where dissatisfaction with both major parties continues to fuel support for minor parties and independents, even as Labor appears to have recovered from the immediate fallout surrounding its May Budget.

What it means

While Labor will welcome returning to the top of the primary vote, the results are unlikely to provide much comfort.

Primary support of 28-30 per cent remains historically low for a governing party, while One Nation’s continued strength demonstrates that anti-establishment sentiment remains a significant force in Australian politics.

For the Coalition, the latest polling presents an even greater challenge. Despite some variation between polling companies, the party remains well behind both Labor and One Nation, raising further questions about its ability to rebuild support before the next federal election.

With three major polling organisations now showing a highly fragmented electorate, Australia’s political landscape continues to undergo one of its most significant transformations in decades. 

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Three newly appointed Heads of Mission have formally commenced their diplomatic duties in Australia after presenting their credentials to the Governor-General, Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, during a ceremonial event at Government House in Canberra.

The presentation of credentials is one of diplomacy’s most significant formal traditions. It marks the moment at which an ambassador or high commissioner is officially recognised as their country’s representative to Australia and is able to undertake their full diplomatic functions. The ceremony was held on 23 June as part of the Governor-General’s official program.  

The newly accredited representatives are:

• His Excellency Mr Malek Alwazzan, Ambassador of the State of Kuwait.
• His Excellency Dr Olufemi Olusegun Pedro, High Commissioner of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
• Her Excellency Ms Dayangku Nooraslena Pengiran Sallehuddin, High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam.  

Following the formal presentation of credentials, each Head of Mission received a ceremonial National Salute from Australia’s Federation Guard. Their national flags were raised while the Royal Military College Band performed their respective national anthems, underscoring the importance Australia places on welcoming foreign representatives and maintaining strong diplomatic relationships.

The new ambassadors and high commissioners then inspected the Guard of Honour before being hosted by the Governor-General at Government House, continuing a tradition that has long symbolised Australia’s respect for the international diplomatic community.  

The accreditation comes at an important time for Australia’s international engagement.

Kuwait remains an important partner in the Gulf region, with cooperation spanning energy, investment and food security. Nigerian-Australian ties continue to expand through education, trade and people-to-people links, while Brunei Darussalam remains a longstanding regional partner with close defence, education and ASEAN connections.

For Canberra, home to Australia’s diplomatic corps, the arrival of new Heads of Mission represents another chapter in the capital’s role as the nation’s centre of diplomacy. The presentation of credentials is among the first major ceremonial events undertaken by incoming ambassadors and high commissioners before they begin engaging with government, business and community leaders across Australia.

As Australia’s representative of the Crown, the Governor-General performs the constitutional and ceremonial responsibility of formally receiving the credentials of each incoming Head of Mission on behalf of the Commonwealth, reflecting both Australia’s constitutional traditions and its commitment to international diplomacy.

Photo Credits

Office of the Official Secretary to the Governor-General.

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Employment and Workplace Relations Minister Amanda Rishworth has defended one of the Albanese Government’s most controversial workplace reforms, insisting businesses will not be forced to hold enterprise agreements to secure Commonwealth contracts. But a tense press conference on Thursday did little to silence concerns that the legislation could fundamentally reshape how billions of dollars in Commonwealth procurement are awarded.

Watch the full press conference below:

While the Minister opened with positive labour force figures showing unemployment easing to 4.4 per cent and around 40,000 additional jobs created during May, the economic data quickly became secondary as attention turned to the Government’s Secure Jobs procurement legislation, which critics argue expands Canberra’s ability to use Commonwealth purchasing power to influence industrial relations.

Strong employment figures overshadowed by procurement controversy

Ms Rishworth described Australia’s labour market as remarkably resilient despite global uncertainty, pointing to employment reaching 14.7 million Australians, falling unemployment among women and young people, and workforce participation remaining close to record highs.

She argued the figures demonstrated the success of the Government’s economic agenda and justified continued reforms aimed at creating secure employment, lifting wages and supporting Australian workers.

However, it was the legislation quietly progressing through Parliament—not the jobs figures—that quickly became the focus of questioning.

Geoffrey Watson warning raises uncomfortable questions

The sharpest exchange centred on criticism from respected corruption barrister Geoffrey Watson KC, who has warned that linking procurement policy with industrial relations outcomes risks creating the sort of incentives that contributed to corruption exposed within Victoria’s construction industry.

Rather than dismissing Watson’s concerns, Ms Rishworth acknowledged his standing.

“I have the utmost respect for Geoffrey Watson,” she said, before pointing to the Government’s actions against corruption and its proposed National Construction Code as evidence it was addressing misconduct within the industry.

Yet the Minister largely avoided directly answering the underlying concern.

Watson’s criticism was not primarily about past corruption. Rather, it questioned whether giving governments greater discretion to reward certain workplace arrangements could unintentionally create new incentives for coercive bargaining or industrial pressure in the future.

That distinction remained largely unexplored during the press conference.

“Not compulsory”—but is that really the issue?

Throughout the exchange Ms Rishworth repeatedly argued businesses would not be required to negotiate enterprise agreements to secure Commonwealth contracts.

On the face of the legislation, that appears correct.

The bill does not mandate enterprise agreements as a legal prerequisite for tendering.

Instead, it enables the Commonwealth to preference businesses operating under enterprise agreements where appropriate, with the detailed circumstances to be established later through the proposed Secure Australian Jobs Code, which remains under consultation.

Critics, however, argue the Government is answering a question few are asking.

The concern is not whether enterprise agreements become legally compulsory.

The concern is whether businesses will face significant commercial pressure to adopt enterprise agreements if they believe doing so materially improves their chances of securing Commonwealth contracts.

For many businesses, particularly those heavily reliant on government work, commercial incentives may prove almost as influential as legal obligations.

Parliament approves the framework before seeing the rules

One of the more striking aspects of the Minister’s defence was how frequently she referred journalists to a future Secure Australian Jobs Code that has yet to be finalised.

The legislation creates the enabling framework.

The detailed rules governing when procurement preferences may be exercised remain subject to consultation.

That raises an important parliamentary question.

Should Parliament approve broad new procurement powers before the operational rules governing those powers have been published?

Supporters argue flexibility allows government procurement to respond to changing circumstances.

Critics argue Parliament is effectively being asked to approve the principle without first examining the rulebook.

Procurement becomes an industrial relations tool

The press conference also exposed a broader philosophical shift in Commonwealth procurement.

When pressed repeatedly on whether government contracts should simply be awarded to the best-qualified bidder offering the greatest value for taxpayers, Ms Rishworth argued procurement should achieve several objectives simultaneously.

According to the Minister, value for money, quality outcomes, secure employment and improved workplace standards should all be considered when taxpayer funds are spent.

That represents a significant evolution in procurement policy.

Historically, Commonwealth procurement has largely focused on obtaining the best combination of price, capability, risk management and delivery.

The Albanese Government increasingly views procurement as a mechanism for delivering broader social and industrial policy objectives.

Supporters argue governments should use their purchasing power to encourage secure employment and better workplace practices.

Opponents argue procurement risks becoming another industrial relations instrument, potentially reducing competition, increasing project costs and favouring particular workplace models over others.

Construction singled out—but wider implications remain

The Minister repeatedly stressed that construction would receive special treatment.

She said the forthcoming Construction Code would ensure enterprise agreements associated with Commonwealth-funded projects had been negotiated freely, in good faith and without coercion.

Those safeguards are intended to respond directly to concerns arising from misconduct uncovered in parts of the construction sector.

Nevertheless, employer groups have argued the enabling legislation itself is considerably broader than construction and establishes principles that could ultimately influence procurement decisions across multiple industries.

Until the Secure Australian Jobs Code is released, many businesses will remain uncertain about exactly how those new powers will operate.

What the Bill Actually Changes

While political debate has focused on slogans, the practical effect of the legislation is more nuanced.

Current approach

Commonwealth procurement has traditionally centred on value for money, capability, competition, risk management and compliance with procurement rules.

The new power

The legislation allows industrial relations considerations—including enterprise agreements—to be taken into account when awarding Commonwealth contracts through future procurement policies.

What it does not do

The legislation does not legally require businesses to negotiate enterprise agreements before they can bid for government work.

Why critics remain concerned

Business organisations argue that if procurement policies consistently favour businesses with enterprise agreements, companies may feel compelled to adopt them to remain commercially competitive, even though no legal obligation exists.

The Government’s position

The Albanese Government argues procurement should not only deliver value for taxpayers but also promote secure employment, higher workplace standards and better behaviour across industries benefiting from Commonwealth spending.

Editorial Analysis

Perhaps the most revealing aspect of Thursday’s press conference was not what the Minister said, but what she did not fully answer.

The central issue was never whether enterprise agreements become legally mandatory.

It was whether giving governments the discretion to favour particular industrial arrangements through procurement decisions could, in practice, reshape workplace bargaining across significant parts of the Australian economy.

That debate sits at the heart of the legislation.

The Government argues it is simply using taxpayer-funded procurement to encourage better workplace standards.

Critics see something more fundamental: an expansion of executive power that allows industrial relations policy to influence commercial contracting decisions in ways Parliament has yet to fully examine.

With the Secure Australian Jobs Code still being drafted, many of the practical details remain unknown.

As a result, the legislation’s long-term impact may depend less on the words Parliament passes than on the procurement rules ministers write afterwards—a process likely to receive close scrutiny from business groups, legal experts and procurement specialists in the months ahead.

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Appearing before the Foreign Affairs and Aid Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, Acting Chief Executive Officer Dr Nick Austin argued that sustainable agricultural development addresses many of the underlying drivers of instability across the Indo-Pacific, including food insecurity, poverty, environmental degradation and competition over scarce natural resources. ACR_ Agri & Conflict.pdf

The hearing forms part of Parliament’s broader inquiry into how Australia’s international development program can better prevent conflict before military or humanitarian interventions become necessary. 

Agriculture as strategic policy

Rather than presenting agriculture as a humanitarian issue alone, ACIAR positioned it as a strategic investment in regional security.

Dr Austin told the committee that where agricultural productivity stagnates, markets fail and natural resources come under pressure, tensions can escalate into displacement and conflict. Conversely, stronger farming systems, improved technologies and better market access can strengthen social cohesion and confidence in institutions. ACR_ Agri & Conflict.pdf

ACIAR outlined three principal ways its work contributes to conflict prevention:

• improving rural livelihoods through increased agricultural productivity;
• strengthening institutions governing land, water and markets; and
• using scientific collaboration as a form of regional diplomacy to build trust between nations. ACR_ Agri & Conflict.pdf

Committee members repeatedly returned to the question of whether Australia’s aid program should explicitly incorporate conflict prevention into all development projects rather than treating peacebuilding as an indirect outcome.

Conflict-sensitive development

One of the strongest themes emerging from the hearing was the importance of “conflict sensitivity” when delivering aid.

Committee members questioned how agricultural programs ensure they do not unintentionally worsen local tensions by favouring particular groups or reinforcing existing inequalities.

Dr Austin acknowledged that every intervention creates winners and losers.

Rather than measuring only benefits, ACIAR increasingly evaluates who bears potential costs when new farming technologies, land management systems or market reforms are introduced.

He pointed to examples where agricultural mechanisation can reduce employment opportunities for landless labourers, while increased herbicide use may create environmental and health consequences if broader impacts are ignored. ACR_ Agri & Conflict.pdf

The committee indicated this area deserves greater scrutiny as Australia’s development programs increasingly operate in fragile states.

Australia’s whole-of-government approach

A recurring issue throughout the hearing was coordination between Australia’s diplomatic, defence and development agencies.

Members questioned how conflict risks are identified and shared across government rather than remaining isolated within individual agencies.

ACIAR representatives described an integrated model operating through Australian embassies, particularly highlighting the Philippines, where country staff work alongside DFAT, Defence and other agencies under a whole-of-government development partnership plan negotiated with the host government. ACR_ Agri & Conflict.pdf

Officials said agricultural research projects are selected specifically where science can complement broader diplomatic and security objectives without duplicating them.

Water emerging as future flashpoint

Water security emerged as another significant topic.

Witnesses warned that competition for water resources is becoming an increasingly important source of regional instability, particularly as climate pressures intensify across Asia.

ACIAR highlighted work involving:

• shared fisheries management between Indonesia, Timor-Leste and Papua New Guinea;
• fish passage projects along the Mekong River;
• groundwater management;
• irrigation efficiency;
• catchment rehabilitation; and
• policy development around water sharing. ACR_ Agri & Conflict.pdf

Officials argued Australia possesses valuable expertise from managing one of the world’s driest inhabited continents that can assist neighbouring countries facing similar pressures.

Fertiliser shortages and geopolitical risk

The committee also explored how current international instability is affecting food production across the Indo-Pacific.

Officials confirmed that rising fertiliser and fuel costs are already placing significant pressure on farmers in countries including Cambodia, Laos and the Philippines.

Witnesses warned that some regions have established substantially smaller crop areas this season because many smallholder farmers cannot afford necessary agricultural inputs.

The Philippines Government has specifically requested further Australian assistance with soil management and more efficient fertiliser use, including technologies developed through Australian universities. ACR_ Agri & Conflict.pdf

Rather than relying solely on imported synthetic fertilisers, ACIAR highlighted research into soil biology, crop rotations using legumes and integrated livestock systems to improve soil fertility while reducing costs for poorer farmers. ACR_ Agri & Conflict.pdf

A changing global aid landscape

Dr Austin also acknowledged significant changes in international agricultural research funding following reductions by major international donors.

He warned that cuts to global agricultural research will likely have delayed but significant consequences for food security and resilience across developing nations.

While ACIAR itself operates with comparatively modest funding, officials argued its role is to generate evidence that informs much larger aid investments undertaken by DFAT and other development partners. ACR_ Agri & Conflict.pdf

Committee praises ACIAR’s model

The hearing concluded with unusually strong bipartisan praise for ACIAR’s work.

Committee members described the organisation as one of Australia’s most effective international development programs, noting its reputation among partner countries and suggesting it delivers exceptional value within Australia’s overseas aid portfolio.

The inquiry is expected to continue examining how Australia’s development program can strengthen conflict prevention across the Indo-Pacific before reporting its recommendations to Parliament. ACR_ Agri & Conflict.pdf

Editorial note: While much public discussion around Australia’s aid program focuses on humanitarian assistance or major infrastructure projects, today’s evidence highlighted a less visible aspect of Australian statecraft: the use of agricultural science as a strategic instrument of regional stability. As geopolitical competition intensifies across the Indo-Pacific, the committee appeared increasingly interested in whether food security, resource management and scientific partnerships should be treated not simply as development policy, but as part of Australia’s broader national security architecture.

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Australia’s peak business body has issued a fresh warning over the Albanese Government’s recently passed tax legislation, arguing it risks undermining business confidence at a time when economic conditions are already deteriorating.

Speaking following the passage of the legislation, Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) Chief Executive Officer Andrew McKellar warned that while businesses recognise the Government’s broader fiscal objectives, the reforms could have unintended consequences for investment, employment and Australia’s international competitiveness.

McKellar argued particular care must be taken to ensure Australia’s capital-intensive industries—including mining and the critical minerals sector—are not placed at a competitive disadvantage by the new policy settings.

“We have to ensure that critical sectors—the mining sector, which is capital-intensive, critical minerals—they’re not disadvantaged by the changes that are proposed,” McKellar said.

He added that businesses seeking to invest in innovative technologies require confidence that Australia’s tax and regulatory settings will remain stable.

“Businesses need to be able to invest with confidence. At the moment, they can’t do that.”

Critical industries and innovation in focus

The ACCI’s concerns extend beyond traditional resource industries.

McKellar said businesses looking to adopt new technologies need certainty before committing significant capital, warning that uncertainty surrounding the Government’s taxation agenda risks delaying investment and slowing productivity growth.

The comments come as Australia seeks to expand advanced manufacturing, clean energy industries and critical minerals processing—sectors requiring substantial long-term investment.

Trust reforms labelled “a whole new can of worms”

McKellar also used the press conference to criticise foreshadowed reforms affecting discretionary and family trusts.

Describing the proposed changes as “a whole new can of worms”, he warned they would introduce significant complexity for Australian businesses and family enterprises.

“The changes to discretionary and family trusts are very complex changes… they will present very significant difficulties for business and for the economy equally.”

He urged the Government to reconsider the proposals before introducing further legislation.

Trust structures are widely used by family-owned businesses, farming enterprises and professional practices, making any reforms likely to have broad implications across the economy.

Business confidence under pressure

Responding to questions from reporters, McKellar said the legislation arrives at a difficult time for Australian businesses.

He pointed to declining business confidence, ongoing conflict in the Middle East, higher fuel prices, disrupted supply chains, elevated interest rates and renewed inflationary pressures as factors weighing heavily on employers.

“We’ve seen on all the business surveys that we’re looking at there’s been a sharp drop in business confidence over recent months.”

McKellar also warned unemployment has begun trending higher and said governments should avoid policies that discourage investment during an uncertain economic period.

“We cannot take for granted that the labour market will continue to be as strong as it has been in the past.”

According to the ACCI, businesses require confidence and policy certainty before expanding operations or taking on additional employees.

A growing divide over tax policy

The latest intervention underscores the growing divide between the Albanese Government and Australia’s peak business organisations over the direction of tax reform.

While the Government argues the legislation strengthens the budget and delivers greater fiscal sustainability, employer groups continue to warn that increasing tax burdens during a period of slowing economic confidence risks discouraging private investment.

With additional budget measures—including proposed trust reforms—still expected to come before Parliament, the debate over Australia’s taxation settings appears far from settled.

For the ACCI, the message remains clear: sustainable economic growth depends on encouraging investment, supporting business confidence and ensuring Australia’s tax system remains internationally competitive.

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The Coalition’s new Shadow Foreign Minister Ted O’Brien has used his first major foreign policy address to argue that Australia’s international influence is being undermined by economic weakness at home, while also hinting at the political calculations shaping the Opposition’s path back to government.

Addressing the National Press Club on Wednesday, O’Brien outlined what he described as a new foreign policy doctrine built around a simple premise: “foreign affairs starts at home.”

The speech sought to reposition the Coalition’s foreign policy thinking after its election defeat, presenting a vision that blends traditional strategic alliances with a stronger focus on economic strength, energy security and social cohesion as prerequisites for international influence.

But while much of the address focused on China, the United States and the Pacific, one of the most politically revealing moments came during questioning about One Nation and the Coalition’s future electoral strategy.

A New Foreign Policy Framework

O’Brien argued Australia is entering the most significant period of strategic and economic upheaval since the Second World War.

He identified three defining forces shaping the international environment:

• Strategic competition between the United States and China;
• The increasing convergence of economics and national security;
• Rapid technological change driven by artificial intelligence, cyber capabilities and advanced manufacturing.

Rejecting suggestions Australia must choose between Washington and Beijing, O’Brien said the nation should avoid viewing foreign policy through a “binary prism”.

“The United States is our primary ally and China our key trading partner. That won’t change,” he said.

However, he argued Australia must reduce economic vulnerabilities by diversifying trade and strengthening strategic industries including artificial intelligence, critical minerals, energy, defence technology and digital infrastructure.

The speech reflected growing concern within Coalition ranks that Australia’s economic dependence on China and declining productivity at home are becoming national security issues as much as economic ones.

Labor Accused of Lacking Strategic Vision

While acknowledging the Albanese Government’s efforts in building relationships across the Pacific, O’Brien repeatedly accused Labor of lacking a coherent strategic framework.

He argued the Government has focused on managing relationships rather than articulating a broader vision of Australia’s place in the world.

“I actually think they’re lost,” he said during questioning.

That criticism extended beyond diplomacy into domestic policy.

O’Brien claimed Australia had entered recent international crises from a position of weakness rather than strength, blaming rising debt, falling productivity, declining living standards and what he described as uncontrolled spending.

The Coalition’s foreign affairs spokesman repeatedly linked foreign policy success to domestic economic performance, arguing that Australia’s international standing has fallen alongside its economic competitiveness.

It is a theme likely to become central to Opposition Leader Angus Taylor’s broader economic narrative.

Pacific Security Pact Proposal

The major policy announcement from the address was a proposal for a formal regional security agreement among Pacific Island Forum nations.

O’Brien revealed the Coalition would pursue discussions on a Pacific-wide security arrangement if returned to government and if Pacific nations wished to co-design such an agreement.

The proposal builds upon recent discussions promoted by new Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale and would seek to formalise cooperation on security, law enforcement and transnational crime.

Significantly, O’Brien framed the proposal not simply as a response to China’s growing influence in the region but as a mechanism for addressing practical security challenges affecting Pacific nations themselves.

He pointed to drug trafficking routes moving through Pacific states into Australia and New Zealand, citing concerns raised during recent visits to Papua New Guinea and Fiji.

The proposal appears designed to elevate the Coalition’s Pacific strategy beyond individual bilateral agreements and provide an overarching regional framework.

Energy Security Becomes Foreign Policy

One of the speech’s most striking themes was the integration of energy policy into foreign affairs.

O’Brien argued that Australia’s energy system has become a strategic vulnerability and directly linked domestic energy policy to international influence.

He criticised Labor’s pursuit of net zero emissions targets, claiming Australia was becoming less competitive while failing to reduce emissions effectively.

In comments likely to resonate within Coalition ranks, O’Brien described energy as “geopolitical currency” and argued Australia should expand gas production and unlock uranium resources.

The remarks suggest a future Coalition government would increasingly frame energy debates as national security questions rather than purely environmental or economic issues.

China, Taiwan and the United States

Despite adopting tougher language on strategic competition, O’Brien avoided inflammatory rhetoric on China.

Drawing on his own experience living and working in China, he emphasised respect for Chinese culture and strongly defended Australia’s Chinese-Australian community.

He explicitly rejected efforts to blame Chinese-Australians for disagreements between Canberra and Beijing.

On Taiwan, O’Brien maintained the Coalition’s longstanding position opposing any unilateral change to the status quo but refused to speculate on military responses to a potential Chinese invasion.

Similarly, while acknowledging Donald Trump’s unconventional leadership style, he dismissed suggestions Australia should reconsider the alliance with the United States.

“The United States is our primary ally. That will not change,” he said.

The One Nation Question

Yet the most politically revealing exchange came in the final minutes of the event.

Asked whether the Coalition’s foreign policy objectives were compatible with One Nation’s positions on foreign aid, the United Nations and tariffs, O’Brien largely sidestepped the question.

Later, when pressed directly on whether he aligned more closely with Coalition figures who wanted to isolate One Nation or those advocating preference deals, O’Brien delivered a line that immediately drew attention in the room.

“I prefer to play footsies with One Nation than go to bed with the Greens,” he said.

The remark was both a political attack on Labor and a revealing insight into the Coalition’s emerging strategic calculations.

While O’Brien subsequently insisted preference discussions were premature and that the Coalition’s focus should remain on maximising its own primary vote, the answer highlighted the Opposition’s dilemma.

Current polling suggests the Coalition may ultimately require support from parties such as One Nation to form government.

At the same time, figures such as Andrew Hastie have argued for aggressively competing against One Nation rather than accommodating it.

O’Brien attempted to walk a careful line between those positions, refusing to commit either way while making clear he sees Labor’s relationship with the Greens as the greater political concern.

The Bigger Picture

Taken as a whole, the speech was less a detailed foreign policy blueprint than an attempt to establish a philosophical framework for the Coalition’s future agenda.

O’Brien’s central argument is that national power begins with domestic strength.

In his view, economic growth, energy security, productivity and social cohesion are no longer separate domestic issues but core elements of foreign policy itself.

Whether voters accept that argument remains to be seen.

But after three years in opposition, the Coalition is clearly attempting to broaden the debate beyond traditional diplomatic and defence questions and recast foreign policy as an extension of its broader economic and cultural critique of the Albanese Government.

If Wednesday’s address is any indication, the Opposition intends to argue that Australia’s place in the world will ultimately be determined not by what happens in Washington, Beijing or the Pacific, but by whether Australia can restore confidence, prosperity and unity at home.

The post Ted O’Brien Unveils Coalition Foreign Policy Vision as One Nation Question Sparks Telling Exchange appeared first on insidecanberra.com.

While much of Question Time was occupied by government backbenchers asking ministers favourable questions, the most significant exchanges centred on what concessions Labor has made to secure Senate support for its latest package of tax and housing reforms.

The debate revealed a government increasingly reliant on crossbench and Greens support to advance its legislative agenda, and an Opposition determined to portray Labor as drifting towards Green-backed economic policies.

Self-Managed Superannuation Changes Spark Trust Debate

One of the sharpest exchanges occurred when the Opposition challenged Treasurer Jim Chalmers over changes affecting self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs).

The Coalition pointed to previous statements in which Labor rejected restrictions on SMSF property investment and accused the Government of reversing its position to secure Greens support.

Chalmers confirmed the Government had agreed to amendments that would further restrict borrowing arrangements used by some SMSFs to purchase property, arguing the changes were supported by recommendations from the Murray Financial System Inquiry and financial regulators.

The Treasurer stressed existing arrangements would be grandfathered and transitional provisions would apply.

However, the political issue was less about the detail of the reforms than the perception of shifting positions.

The Opposition repeatedly returned to a simple question: if Labor previously opposed such restrictions, why should voters trust its assurances today?

The Government largely avoided directly addressing that criticism, instead highlighting broader tax reforms and attacking Coalition policies.

Housing Emerging as Parliament’s Defining Political Contest

Housing affordability again dominated parliamentary debate.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defended Labor’s housing package, arguing recent reforms were helping first-home buyers compete against investors and improving access to home ownership.

The Government cited its Help to Buy program, 5 per cent deposit scheme and broader housing initiatives as evidence of progress.

However, Opposition MPs repeatedly pressed the Prime Minister on whether Labor would rule out future negotiations with the Greens on issues such as negative gearing, taxes on family homes and other property-related measures.

While Albanese reaffirmed support for existing grandfathering arrangements and maintained Labor’s current position on negative gearing, he declined to provide the broad future guarantees sought by the Coalition.

That distinction is likely to remain politically significant as further negotiations occur in the Senate.

The Coalition’s strategy was clear: frame today’s agreement as a precursor to future concessions.

Labor’s strategy was equally clear: focus attention on first-home buyers while portraying the Coalition as defending property investors.

Migration Debate Highlights Growing Political Divide

A question from Kennedy MP Bob Katter produced one of the more revealing moments of the afternoon.

Katter raised concerns about migration levels, temporary visa growth and the pressures being placed on Australia’s major cities.

Rather than engaging extensively with those concerns, the Government highlighted recent Australian Bureau of Statistics data showing net overseas migration has fallen substantially from its post-pandemic peak.

The debate quickly shifted into a broader political attack on Opposition Leader Angus Taylor and the Coalition’s positioning relative to One Nation.

Throughout Question Time, Labor repeatedly accused the Opposition of attempting to outflank One Nation on cultural and migration issues, particularly following recent controversy surrounding comments about “monoculturalism”.

The exchange demonstrated how politically sensitive migration remains for both major parties, particularly as housing affordability continues to dominate public debate.

Defence Export Success Overshadowed

Away from the political theatre, Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles highlighted what is arguably one of the Government’s most significant achievements of the year.

Marles detailed Australia’s $2.5 billion over-the-horizon radar export agreement with Canada, centred on the Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN).

The agreement represents the largest defence export contract in Australian history and is expected to support approximately 1,000 jobs across South Australia and Victoria.

The deal received relatively little attention compared with the tax and housing disputes, despite its significance for Australia’s defence industry and strategic relationship with Canada.

Bird Flu, Aged Care and Broadband

Several important policy issues were also canvassed during the session.

Agriculture Minister Julie Collins provided an update on the detection of H5 avian influenza in migratory birds in Western Australia, emphasising that there is currently no evidence of spread into commercial poultry operations and that the risk to human health remains low.

Independent MP Monique Ryan raised the case of Graham Cross, an 80-year-old motor neurone disease sufferer reportedly requiring 24-hour care but not qualifying for the highest level of aged-care support.

The Aged Care Minister declined to discuss the specifics publicly but announced that motor neurone disease sufferers would receive priority access under revised aged-care arrangements.

Communications Minister Anika Wells also reported that 90 per cent of the National Broadband Network’s fixed-line footprint can now access gigabit-capable services, while reaffirming Labor’s commitment to keeping the NBN in public ownership.

Local Government Leaders Recognised in Parliament

A notable feature of Tuesday’s proceedings was Speaker Milton Dick’s repeated recognition of visiting local government representatives from across Australia as part of Local Government Week.

Among those formally acknowledged were:

• Cr Russell Webb, Mayor of Tamworth Regional Council
• Cr Shaun “Zoro” Radnedge, Mayor of Murweh Shire Council
• Cr Robert Mustow, Mayor of Richmond Valley Council
• Cr Gavin Morris, Lord Mayor of Newcastle

The Speaker also recognised a number of additional mayors, deputy mayors and councillors from councils across Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia and the Northern Territory.

The unusually extensive recognition of local government representatives throughout Question Time highlighted the growing role councils play in infrastructure delivery, housing development, community services and regional advocacy.

The Bigger Picture

Beneath the noise and partisan attacks, Tuesday’s Question Time exposed the central challenge confronting the Albanese Government in its second term.

Labor argues it is pursuing long-overdue reforms to housing, taxation and cost-of-living pressures.

The Opposition argues those reforms are increasingly being shaped by negotiations with the Greens and that voters are being asked to trust a government that continues to shift its position to secure parliamentary support.

With major housing and tax legislation set to pass the Senate later this week, that political contest is only beginning

The post Labor’s Senate Deal Under Fire as Question Time Exposes Fault Lines on Housing, Tax and Trust appeared first on insidecanberra.com.

By Michael Keating | Inside Canberra

Opposition Leader Angus Taylor has used a business forum in Brisbane’s north to sharpen the Coalition’s emerging policy agenda, signalling that energy affordability, opposition to Labor’s proposed tax changes and migration reform will form the core of the Opposition’s strategy heading toward the next federal election.

Speaking alongside Queensland Liberal National MP Garth Hamilton at Eatons Hill on Friday, Taylor sought to frame the Coalition as the party of small business, investment and economic aspiration, arguing that many Australians feel they are being penalised rather than rewarded for hard work.

The appearance offered one of the clearest indications yet of how the Coalition intends to reposition itself following its election defeat, with Taylor repeatedly returning to three themes: scrapping Labor’s tax changes, abandoning net zero emissions targets and reducing migration pressures on housing and infrastructure.

Net Zero Abandonment Moves Centre Stage

Perhaps the most significant signal came from Taylor’s emphasis on abandoning net zero policies.

According to Hamilton, the strongest audience response during the business forum came when Taylor discussed ending Australia’s commitment to net zero emissions, reflecting growing concern among some business operators about energy costs.

Taylor argued that the Coalition’s alternative would focus on “abundant and affordable energy” as a pathway to lower prices and improved competitiveness. He linked energy affordability directly to broader concerns about living standards and business investment.

The comments suggest the Coalition is preparing to make energy policy a central battleground issue, particularly among regional and suburban voters frustrated by rising electricity costs.

Coalition Draws a Line on Labor’s Tax Package

Taylor also hardened his rhetoric against Labor’s proposed tax measures, describing them as “toxic taxes” and rejecting the Government’s reported attempts to modify aspects of the package through exemptions or carve-outs.

Rather than seeking amendments, Taylor said the Coalition’s position was to repeal the changes entirely and replace them with what he described as a more investment-friendly framework for small business. He pointed specifically to the Coalition’s proposal for a permanent $50,000 accelerated depreciation allowance.

The Opposition Leader also criticised the speed of parliamentary scrutiny surrounding the legislation, arguing that a two-day inquiry was insufficient to assess measures with potentially significant economic consequences.

The remarks highlight a broader Coalition strategy of portraying Labor’s economic agenda as hostile to entrepreneurship, investment and wealth creation.

Migration and Housing Linked in New Coalition Narrative

Taylor again connected migration settings to housing affordability, arguing that population growth must be better aligned with construction capacity. He said migration should operate “for this country, not against us” and claimed housing supply has failed to keep pace with population growth.

The comments indicate the Opposition intends to continue linking migration policy directly to housing affordability pressures—a message that has gained traction in parts of the electorate amid persistent housing shortages and elevated rents.

Fuel Prices and Cost-of-Living Pressures

With the temporary fuel excise reduction approaching its expiry date, Taylor stopped short of committing to an extension but signalled the Coalition would closely monitor petrol prices over coming weeks.

Instead, he shifted attention toward what he described as Labor’s “homegrown inflation”, arguing government spending was contributing to ongoing cost-of-living pressures. He also pointed to falling global oil prices and called for reductions to be passed through to Australian motorists.

The response leaves the Coalition room to develop a more detailed fuel policy position while continuing to focus on broader inflation concerns.

Foreign Policy: Support for US Alliance, Scepticism on AUKUS Progress

Taylor also addressed international developments following reports of a US-Iran peace agreement.

While welcoming efforts to prevent Iran from rebuilding nuclear capabilities, Taylor used the opportunity to reinforce the importance of Australia’s alliance with the United States. He argued that the alliance remains Australia’s most important strategic partnership and expressed concern about what he described as insufficient progress on AUKUS under the Albanese Government.

The comments suggest national security and alliance management will remain a prominent feature of Coalition messaging, particularly as regional strategic tensions continue to evolve.

A Coalition Seeking Definition

Beyond the immediate political attacks, the significance of Friday’s appearance lies in what it reveals about the Coalition’s emerging identity under Taylor’s leadership.

The Opposition is increasingly coalescing around a platform centred on lower taxation, reduced migration, cheaper energy and a more explicit appeal to business owners, investors and aspirational voters.

Whether those themes ultimately resonate with a broader electorate remains uncertain. However, the Brisbane event demonstrated that the Coalition is beginning to move from post-election reflection toward a more clearly defined policy agenda.

With Parliament set to return and Labor pressing ahead with its economic reforms, the battle over taxation, energy and living standards appears likely to dominate Australia’s political debate in the months ahead.

The post Taylor Sharpens Coalition Agenda as Opposition Targets Labor on Tax, Energy and Migration appeared first on insidecanberra.com.