Australia needs to ‘maintain' the US alliance
Former Labor Senator Graham Richardson says the US alliance is "critical" to Australia's future.
'We need to maintain the US alliance," Mr Richardson told Sky News host Rowan Dean.
"It's critical to this country's future, so I hope Anthony [Albanese] is on a plane there as soon as."
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The Advertiser
an hour ago
- The Advertiser
Privatisation shelved as premier fights to stay afloat
A retracted privatisation promise by Jeremy Rockliff has added pressure on the embattled Tasmanian premier to resign. Mr Rockliff has stopped prominent economist Saul Eslake from preparing a report on viable opportunities to sell government-owned businesses to support Tasmania's troubled finances. He promised legislation ensuring that any sales would require a two-thirds majority support in parliament. "There will be no privatisation. Nil," Mr Rockwell said. However, not everyone is convinced by his backtracking. "Frankly, Jeremy Rockliff saying that he won't be proceeding with privatisation cannot be believed and, even if it could, it doesn't go far enough," Unions Tasmania secretary Jessica Munday said. "The community ... will be rightly cynical about the timing of this announcement and the commitment underpinning it, given it comes as the premier is fighting for his political life." Mr Rockliff's backflip comes as the Greens ramp up pressure on him to resign, saying they are ready to offer "confidence and supply" to Labor leader Dean Winter as premier. "Just because we don't see eye to eye on everything doesn't mean we can't work constructively for our state," Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff said on Saturday. "Jeremy Rockliff could make sure there is no election by resigning. "But with the premier refusing to do so, it is incumbent on Dean Winter as opposition leader to engage with the Greens and the wider crossbench to prevent the state heading to the polls." Mr Winter has ruled out forming government in a deal with the Greens, without whom Labor doesn't have the numbers. The ongoing political fractures could send Tasmanians back to the polls for the fourth time in seven years, unless the Liberal party opts to remove Mr Rockliff and negotiate a new deal with crossbenchers. An election could be called on Tuesday. Despite feuding over the state's finances, Tasmania's proposed $715 million stadium looms as the biggest issue. The roofed Macquarie Point proposal is a condition of an AFL licence, with the state government responsible for delivery and cost and the Liberals support the stadium but recent polls suggest Tasmanians are not sold. Firebrand senator Jacqui Lambie, independent federal MP Andrew Wilkie and acclaimed author Richard Flanagan are among well-known Tasmanians who oppose the project. A retracted privatisation promise by Jeremy Rockliff has added pressure on the embattled Tasmanian premier to resign. Mr Rockliff has stopped prominent economist Saul Eslake from preparing a report on viable opportunities to sell government-owned businesses to support Tasmania's troubled finances. He promised legislation ensuring that any sales would require a two-thirds majority support in parliament. "There will be no privatisation. Nil," Mr Rockwell said. However, not everyone is convinced by his backtracking. "Frankly, Jeremy Rockliff saying that he won't be proceeding with privatisation cannot be believed and, even if it could, it doesn't go far enough," Unions Tasmania secretary Jessica Munday said. "The community ... will be rightly cynical about the timing of this announcement and the commitment underpinning it, given it comes as the premier is fighting for his political life." Mr Rockliff's backflip comes as the Greens ramp up pressure on him to resign, saying they are ready to offer "confidence and supply" to Labor leader Dean Winter as premier. "Just because we don't see eye to eye on everything doesn't mean we can't work constructively for our state," Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff said on Saturday. "Jeremy Rockliff could make sure there is no election by resigning. "But with the premier refusing to do so, it is incumbent on Dean Winter as opposition leader to engage with the Greens and the wider crossbench to prevent the state heading to the polls." Mr Winter has ruled out forming government in a deal with the Greens, without whom Labor doesn't have the numbers. The ongoing political fractures could send Tasmanians back to the polls for the fourth time in seven years, unless the Liberal party opts to remove Mr Rockliff and negotiate a new deal with crossbenchers. An election could be called on Tuesday. Despite feuding over the state's finances, Tasmania's proposed $715 million stadium looms as the biggest issue. The roofed Macquarie Point proposal is a condition of an AFL licence, with the state government responsible for delivery and cost and the Liberals support the stadium but recent polls suggest Tasmanians are not sold. Firebrand senator Jacqui Lambie, independent federal MP Andrew Wilkie and acclaimed author Richard Flanagan are among well-known Tasmanians who oppose the project. A retracted privatisation promise by Jeremy Rockliff has added pressure on the embattled Tasmanian premier to resign. Mr Rockliff has stopped prominent economist Saul Eslake from preparing a report on viable opportunities to sell government-owned businesses to support Tasmania's troubled finances. He promised legislation ensuring that any sales would require a two-thirds majority support in parliament. "There will be no privatisation. Nil," Mr Rockwell said. However, not everyone is convinced by his backtracking. "Frankly, Jeremy Rockliff saying that he won't be proceeding with privatisation cannot be believed and, even if it could, it doesn't go far enough," Unions Tasmania secretary Jessica Munday said. "The community ... will be rightly cynical about the timing of this announcement and the commitment underpinning it, given it comes as the premier is fighting for his political life." Mr Rockliff's backflip comes as the Greens ramp up pressure on him to resign, saying they are ready to offer "confidence and supply" to Labor leader Dean Winter as premier. "Just because we don't see eye to eye on everything doesn't mean we can't work constructively for our state," Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff said on Saturday. "Jeremy Rockliff could make sure there is no election by resigning. "But with the premier refusing to do so, it is incumbent on Dean Winter as opposition leader to engage with the Greens and the wider crossbench to prevent the state heading to the polls." Mr Winter has ruled out forming government in a deal with the Greens, without whom Labor doesn't have the numbers. The ongoing political fractures could send Tasmanians back to the polls for the fourth time in seven years, unless the Liberal party opts to remove Mr Rockliff and negotiate a new deal with crossbenchers. An election could be called on Tuesday. Despite feuding over the state's finances, Tasmania's proposed $715 million stadium looms as the biggest issue. The roofed Macquarie Point proposal is a condition of an AFL licence, with the state government responsible for delivery and cost and the Liberals support the stadium but recent polls suggest Tasmanians are not sold. Firebrand senator Jacqui Lambie, independent federal MP Andrew Wilkie and acclaimed author Richard Flanagan are among well-known Tasmanians who oppose the project. A retracted privatisation promise by Jeremy Rockliff has added pressure on the embattled Tasmanian premier to resign. Mr Rockliff has stopped prominent economist Saul Eslake from preparing a report on viable opportunities to sell government-owned businesses to support Tasmania's troubled finances. He promised legislation ensuring that any sales would require a two-thirds majority support in parliament. "There will be no privatisation. Nil," Mr Rockwell said. However, not everyone is convinced by his backtracking. "Frankly, Jeremy Rockliff saying that he won't be proceeding with privatisation cannot be believed and, even if it could, it doesn't go far enough," Unions Tasmania secretary Jessica Munday said. "The community ... will be rightly cynical about the timing of this announcement and the commitment underpinning it, given it comes as the premier is fighting for his political life." Mr Rockliff's backflip comes as the Greens ramp up pressure on him to resign, saying they are ready to offer "confidence and supply" to Labor leader Dean Winter as premier. "Just because we don't see eye to eye on everything doesn't mean we can't work constructively for our state," Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff said on Saturday. "Jeremy Rockliff could make sure there is no election by resigning. "But with the premier refusing to do so, it is incumbent on Dean Winter as opposition leader to engage with the Greens and the wider crossbench to prevent the state heading to the polls." Mr Winter has ruled out forming government in a deal with the Greens, without whom Labor doesn't have the numbers. The ongoing political fractures could send Tasmanians back to the polls for the fourth time in seven years, unless the Liberal party opts to remove Mr Rockliff and negotiate a new deal with crossbenchers. An election could be called on Tuesday. Despite feuding over the state's finances, Tasmania's proposed $715 million stadium looms as the biggest issue. The roofed Macquarie Point proposal is a condition of an AFL licence, with the state government responsible for delivery and cost and the Liberals support the stadium but recent polls suggest Tasmanians are not sold. Firebrand senator Jacqui Lambie, independent federal MP Andrew Wilkie and acclaimed author Richard Flanagan are among well-known Tasmanians who oppose the project.
The Advertiser
an hour ago
- The Advertiser
Go bold: calls for Australia to lead on ocean health
Conservation groups are urging Australia to back a moratorium on deep-sea mining ahead of a major United Nations oceans conference. More than two dozen countries want a ban, pause or moratorium until more is known about sea floors well below the surface, with concerns the emerging industry could disrupt ecosystems and the ocean's ability to act as a carbon sink. Deep-sea mining proponents say demand for critical minerals will ramp up as economies decarbonise. Greenpeace Australia Pacific, World Wide Fund for Nature-Australia, the Australian Marine Conservation Society, and the Save Our Marine Life alliance are also pushing the government to ratify the high seas biodiversity agreement by September. Australia was a founding signatory to the agreement in 2023 and the re-elected Albanese government has promised to ratify its commitment "as quickly as possible". The all-important treaty aims to better protect the two-thirds of marine habitat outside state jurisdiction and secure the necessary 60 ratifications will be a key talking point at the UN conference that starts on Monday. Environment Minister Murray Watt will join other policymakers, scientists, First Nations groups and environmental groups at the five-day event in Nice, France, as leader of the cross-government delegation. Australia has positioned itself as a leader in ocean protection, with 52 per cent of domestic waters now within marine park boundaries. But only about a quarter is fully protected from extractive industries, with the conservation alliance pushing Australia to go further and aim for 30 per cent instead. Stepping up on climate action is the final ask, with the World Meteorological Organization reporting record-high sea surface temperatures in the southwest Pacific in 2024. Bleached corals, fish kills and toxic algal blooms have been linked to marine heatwaves and high ocean temperatures around Australia. "Australia's oceans are at a tipping point, facing rising threats from climate change, habitat loss and industrialisation," Australian Marine Conservation Society chief executive Paul Gamblin said. "The Albanese government was elected on promises of progress - now is the time to deliver." On Friday, the federal government promised $30 million for a Traditional Owner-led program to protect the Great Barrier Reef. The aim is to build on First Nations' knowledge to improve the quality of the freshwater flowing into the reef by restoring wetlands and other measures. Conservation groups are urging Australia to back a moratorium on deep-sea mining ahead of a major United Nations oceans conference. More than two dozen countries want a ban, pause or moratorium until more is known about sea floors well below the surface, with concerns the emerging industry could disrupt ecosystems and the ocean's ability to act as a carbon sink. Deep-sea mining proponents say demand for critical minerals will ramp up as economies decarbonise. Greenpeace Australia Pacific, World Wide Fund for Nature-Australia, the Australian Marine Conservation Society, and the Save Our Marine Life alliance are also pushing the government to ratify the high seas biodiversity agreement by September. Australia was a founding signatory to the agreement in 2023 and the re-elected Albanese government has promised to ratify its commitment "as quickly as possible". The all-important treaty aims to better protect the two-thirds of marine habitat outside state jurisdiction and secure the necessary 60 ratifications will be a key talking point at the UN conference that starts on Monday. Environment Minister Murray Watt will join other policymakers, scientists, First Nations groups and environmental groups at the five-day event in Nice, France, as leader of the cross-government delegation. Australia has positioned itself as a leader in ocean protection, with 52 per cent of domestic waters now within marine park boundaries. But only about a quarter is fully protected from extractive industries, with the conservation alliance pushing Australia to go further and aim for 30 per cent instead. Stepping up on climate action is the final ask, with the World Meteorological Organization reporting record-high sea surface temperatures in the southwest Pacific in 2024. Bleached corals, fish kills and toxic algal blooms have been linked to marine heatwaves and high ocean temperatures around Australia. "Australia's oceans are at a tipping point, facing rising threats from climate change, habitat loss and industrialisation," Australian Marine Conservation Society chief executive Paul Gamblin said. "The Albanese government was elected on promises of progress - now is the time to deliver." On Friday, the federal government promised $30 million for a Traditional Owner-led program to protect the Great Barrier Reef. The aim is to build on First Nations' knowledge to improve the quality of the freshwater flowing into the reef by restoring wetlands and other measures. Conservation groups are urging Australia to back a moratorium on deep-sea mining ahead of a major United Nations oceans conference. More than two dozen countries want a ban, pause or moratorium until more is known about sea floors well below the surface, with concerns the emerging industry could disrupt ecosystems and the ocean's ability to act as a carbon sink. Deep-sea mining proponents say demand for critical minerals will ramp up as economies decarbonise. Greenpeace Australia Pacific, World Wide Fund for Nature-Australia, the Australian Marine Conservation Society, and the Save Our Marine Life alliance are also pushing the government to ratify the high seas biodiversity agreement by September. Australia was a founding signatory to the agreement in 2023 and the re-elected Albanese government has promised to ratify its commitment "as quickly as possible". The all-important treaty aims to better protect the two-thirds of marine habitat outside state jurisdiction and secure the necessary 60 ratifications will be a key talking point at the UN conference that starts on Monday. Environment Minister Murray Watt will join other policymakers, scientists, First Nations groups and environmental groups at the five-day event in Nice, France, as leader of the cross-government delegation. Australia has positioned itself as a leader in ocean protection, with 52 per cent of domestic waters now within marine park boundaries. But only about a quarter is fully protected from extractive industries, with the conservation alliance pushing Australia to go further and aim for 30 per cent instead. Stepping up on climate action is the final ask, with the World Meteorological Organization reporting record-high sea surface temperatures in the southwest Pacific in 2024. Bleached corals, fish kills and toxic algal blooms have been linked to marine heatwaves and high ocean temperatures around Australia. "Australia's oceans are at a tipping point, facing rising threats from climate change, habitat loss and industrialisation," Australian Marine Conservation Society chief executive Paul Gamblin said. "The Albanese government was elected on promises of progress - now is the time to deliver." On Friday, the federal government promised $30 million for a Traditional Owner-led program to protect the Great Barrier Reef. The aim is to build on First Nations' knowledge to improve the quality of the freshwater flowing into the reef by restoring wetlands and other measures. Conservation groups are urging Australia to back a moratorium on deep-sea mining ahead of a major United Nations oceans conference. More than two dozen countries want a ban, pause or moratorium until more is known about sea floors well below the surface, with concerns the emerging industry could disrupt ecosystems and the ocean's ability to act as a carbon sink. Deep-sea mining proponents say demand for critical minerals will ramp up as economies decarbonise. Greenpeace Australia Pacific, World Wide Fund for Nature-Australia, the Australian Marine Conservation Society, and the Save Our Marine Life alliance are also pushing the government to ratify the high seas biodiversity agreement by September. Australia was a founding signatory to the agreement in 2023 and the re-elected Albanese government has promised to ratify its commitment "as quickly as possible". The all-important treaty aims to better protect the two-thirds of marine habitat outside state jurisdiction and secure the necessary 60 ratifications will be a key talking point at the UN conference that starts on Monday. Environment Minister Murray Watt will join other policymakers, scientists, First Nations groups and environmental groups at the five-day event in Nice, France, as leader of the cross-government delegation. Australia has positioned itself as a leader in ocean protection, with 52 per cent of domestic waters now within marine park boundaries. But only about a quarter is fully protected from extractive industries, with the conservation alliance pushing Australia to go further and aim for 30 per cent instead. Stepping up on climate action is the final ask, with the World Meteorological Organization reporting record-high sea surface temperatures in the southwest Pacific in 2024. Bleached corals, fish kills and toxic algal blooms have been linked to marine heatwaves and high ocean temperatures around Australia. "Australia's oceans are at a tipping point, facing rising threats from climate change, habitat loss and industrialisation," Australian Marine Conservation Society chief executive Paul Gamblin said. "The Albanese government was elected on promises of progress - now is the time to deliver." On Friday, the federal government promised $30 million for a Traditional Owner-led program to protect the Great Barrier Reef. The aim is to build on First Nations' knowledge to improve the quality of the freshwater flowing into the reef by restoring wetlands and other measures.
Sky News AU
3 hours ago
- Sky News AU
Labor left with ‘no choice' but to force super tax after weak GDP figures in March, shadow treasurer Ted O'Brien declares
Labor has been left with 'no choice' but to go after citizens' earnings with its proposed super tax as slow growth plagues the nation and hurts tax revenue, shadow treasurer Ted O'Brien has declared. Join to watch the full interview with Ted O'Brien on Business Weekend at 11am (AEST). The Albanese government's proposal to double the tax rate on funds in super balances above $3m and target unrealised gains could soon be legislated as the Greens' approval is all the bill needs to go through the Senate. It comes as recent GDP figures showed Australia was headed back towards per capita recession territory with growth slumping to just 0.2 per cent in the March quarter. The super tax proposal has faced fierce backlash from the Opposition, economists and leaders in the business community. Mr O'Brien is among those and tore into the Albanese government's fiscal management on Sky News' Business Weekend. 'The only reason they're doing it is they've lost all discipline on fiscal responsibility,' the shadow treasurer said. 'Debt (and) deficits (are) going out of control and they've got no ambition for the Australian economy.' He criticised Treasurer Jim Chalmers who lauded the 0.2 per cent growth, arguing the uncertainty from Donald Trump's trade war meant any growth was a decent outcome. 'We heard it last week from the Treasurer after the national accounts came out. What, 0.2 per cent growth in the quarter? Seriously? Lower than last time!' Mr O'Brien said. 'At a yearly basis it's running at less than half of the long-run average of growth and the Treasurer is happy about that. '(There is) no ambition for growth of the Australian economy and when you have no ambition and you overspend, you have no choice but to go after the earnings, the money of your own citizens. 'That's what this super tax does.' Labor's plan to tax unrealised capital gains has drawn backlash from Aussies concerned about small businesses, farmers and startups as many put assets in their self-managed super funds or use it as a low tax investment vehicle. Wilson Asset Management founder Geoff Wilson said by forcing Aussies to pay taxes on paper gains it will hinder investment in Australia. 'Both Anthony Albanese and Jim Chalmers - and probably most of the government - are gaslighting the Australian people by saying: 'Look, this will only impact a very small percentage of people that pay the additional tax',' Mr Wilson told Sky News. 'That's correct, but what it'll do is actually impact about how $4.2 trillion in superannuation is invested. 'We anticipate that the money will come out of self-managed super funds (SMSF), which is about $1.1 trillion, and billions of that will go into the housing market and push house prices up . ' He cautioned Aussies who use their SMSF as a low tax investment vehicle will be discouraged from funding projects and businesses in the Australian market. 'People won't want to take risk on their superannuation in the self-managed super funds,' Mr Wilson said. 'The angel investors and the startups and the small companies in Australia that find it hard to raise capital, particularly at this point in time - that tap's going to be turned off.'
