Federal politics: Anthony Albanese defends Dorinda Cox defection despite past Labor criticism — as it happened
Anthony Albanese says Dorinda Cox, a senator who defected from the Greens to Labor yesterday, is "an adult" with a distinguished career.
Earlier, Greens leader Larissa Waters called Senator Cox's decision to join Labor "disappointing" and conceded the move was not "entirely unforeseen".
Take a look at the day's coverage below.
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Sydney Morning Herald
an hour ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Tasmania's AFL dreams on knife's edge as premier threatens early election
Tasmania's premier has vowed to seek a fresh election if he loses a no-confidence motion on Thursday, as the island state's political chaos leaves the future of the AFL's newest club in peril. Jeremy Rockliff was the subject of a gruelling no-confidence debate on Wednesday, tabled by Labor Opposition Leader Dean Winter on Tuesday, which is continuing into Thursday morning. Convention dictates Rockliff resign and a new premier be chosen if the motion passes. But before parliament began on Thursday, he reiterated his vow to fight until his last breath. 'I cannot let Mr Winter's selfish grab for power destroy what we have built over the course of the last decade,' Rockliff told reporters. 'The only job Mr Winter is interested in is mine, and I am not going anywhere. Today if Mr Winter's divisive and destructive motion is passed, I will be going to the lieutenant-governor and seeking an election.' 'This will be an election that Tasmanians don't want, and Tasmanians cannot afford – be that on Mr Winter's head.' Tasmania went to the polls in March 2024, when the Liberals won just 14 of 35 seats but earned enough support from the crossbench to form government.
The Age
an hour ago
- The Age
Tasmania's AFL dreams on knife's edge as premier threatens early election
Tasmania's premier has vowed to seek a fresh election if he loses a no-confidence motion on Thursday, as the island state's political chaos leaves the future of the AFL's newest club in peril. Jeremy Rockliff was the subject of a gruelling no-confidence debate on Wednesday, tabled by Labor Opposition Leader Dean Winter on Tuesday, which is continuing into Thursday morning. Convention dictates Rockliff resign and a new premier be chosen if the motion passes. But before parliament began on Thursday, he reiterated his vow to fight until his last breath. 'I cannot let Mr Winter's selfish grab for power destroy what we have built over the course of the last decade,' Rockliff told reporters. 'The only job Mr Winter is interested in is mine, and I am not going anywhere. Today if Mr Winter's divisive and destructive motion is passed, I will be going to the lieutenant-governor and seeking an election.' 'This will be an election that Tasmanians don't want, and Tasmanians cannot afford – be that on Mr Winter's head.' Tasmania went to the polls in March 2024, when the Liberals won just 14 of 35 seats but earned enough support from the crossbench to form government.
Sky News AU
an hour ago
- Sky News AU
Transport Minister Catherine King's ministerial direction for Western Sydney Airport sparks concerns about safe 24/7 operation
The Albanese government's directive to prioritise noise abatement in Labor electorates surrounding Western Sydney International Airport has triggered warnings from aviation experts. Transport Minister Catherine King has unveiled flight paths for the new airport, declaring the measures a 'crucial step' for managing concerns over aircraft noise. The new plan includes a ministerial direction for Airservices Australia to make 'Reciprocal Runway Operations' (RRO) the default between 11pm and 5.30am. RRO requires aircraft to take off and land facing the same direction—towards the southwest—but using opposite ends of the single runway. 'I'll be issuing a ministerial direction to Air Services Australia… to make reciprocal runway operations the default operating mode at night,' Ms King said. She claimed the directive was to 'achieve the overall lowest possible impact on surrounding communities'. The directive comes as part of an effort to shield residents from jet noise in Western Sydney, where Labor holds 11 of 14 seats. However, aviation expert Captain Byron Bailey condemned the directive as 'almost farcical' and potentially dangerous, warning some carriers may reject the arrangement outright. 'Runway 23 will be the preferred runway due to the predominant wind direction,' Captain Bailey told Sky News. 'Nowhere in the world is (RRO) done like this. The resulting traffic confliction and holding would be ridiculous—possibly difficult for ATC to manage,' he said. Mr Bailey warned that if RRO procedures are perceived as burdensome or unsafe, international carriers may not be able to operate. 'Aircraft have an operational limitation of 10 knots downwind, so I can expect captains will be demanding an into-wind landing and ATC cannot refuse. This RRO is a joke for a 24/7 major single-runway airport.' The veteran pilot also raised safety concerns for large aircraft, such as the Airbus A380, noting that downwind take-offs are hazardous and would likely be refused by pilots. 'Take-offs for heavy B777/A380 would necessitate an into-wind take-off. A downwind take-off by 300-tonne-plus aircraft imposes additional hazard which pilots will refuse.' Aviation consultant and CEO of Strategic Air, Tony Stanton, however, offered a more measured assessment, telling Sky News that RRO could be used in most low-traffic overnight periods. 'The minister's statement rightly includes an important consideration—'when safe to do so',' Mr Stanton told Sky News. 'Given the Reciprocal Runway Operations mode is to be prioritised between 11pm and 5.30am, traffic density would typically be favourable… 'I expect the RRO mode to be used routinely and on most nights of the year.' Mr Stanton dismissed suggestions the directive amounts to a de facto curfew, stressing that Standard Instrument Arrivals (STARs) used globally already balance safety, noise mitigation and efficiency. 'Following a published STAR into Western Sydney International Airport is no different to flying into Sydney or Brisbane," he said. 'Curfews at international airports are generally uncommon and a last resort. All signs point to a commitment to operating this airport without a curfew—Sydney certainly needs it.'
