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The Advertiser
5 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Australia backs Israel 'defence' amid escalation fears
Australia has backed Israel's right to self-defence after a series of strikes on Iranian nuclear operations and military leaders that have sparked fears of a major conflict in the Middle East. Iran and Israel have targeted each other with missile and air strikes after the latter launched its biggest-ever air offensive against its long-time foe. Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the situation in the region was a "very perilous, risky" situation. "Israel has a right to self defence," she told ABC's Insiders program on Sunday. "We know that (Iran's) nuclear program poses a threat to international peace and obviously to Israel." "(The question is) what do we do about it and how do we respond in a way that lessens the risk of more civilians particularly in the region being brought into this conflict?" The UK has begun moving some of its military assets to the Middle East following threats from Tehran that nations helping to defend Israel could also be targeted. The US has already used its systems to help Israel shoot down ballistic missiles fired by Iran. Senator Wong confirmed she had spoken with her Iranian counterpart and urged his country to exercise restraint while returning to dialogue. "Continuing to escalate this has consequences for all peoples of the region," she said. "That is a position that so many countries in the world are putting to not only the Iranians but also to the Israelis." Australian National University maritime security expert Jennifer Parker said the nation needed to pay close attention to Iran's nuclear capability and take it seriously. "We need to be very careful that we are supporting the avoidance of nuclear breakout and new countries in the globe getting nuclear capability," she said. "If Iran was allowed to achieve a nuclear weapon, Saudi Arabia would be next, and if that happens, there would be concern in our region about whether the US nuclear extended deterrence still stands." Iran is also considering closing the Strait of Hormuz - the only maritime entry point into the Persian Gulf - which would send oil prices skyrocketing. Ms Parker said Australia would feel the economic impact if the strait was closed as the nation heavily relied on imports for its fuel consumption. The Zionist Federation of Australia welcomed the government's "unequivocal support" for Israel's right to self-defence and recognition of the threat posed by Iran's nuclear program. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese urged Australians in the region to leave amid the escalating conflict. He landed in the US on Saturday, local time, on his way to the G7 summit in Canada on Sunday. Mr Albanese is expected to meet with a range of global leaders, including US president Donald Trump, who had been working with Iran on a nuclear deal. The US was notified about the Israeli strikes in advance but Washington officials have been quick to point out it played no part in the attacks, warning Iran not to target its personnel or interests. Australia on Wednesday announced sanctions would be imposed on two Israeli government ministers over their stance on illegal West Bank settlements, a move done in conjunction with other nations including Canada and the UK. But it has widened the nation's rift with the US over Israel after Washington officials condemned the measure. Senator Wong said the decision to break away from the US and sanction the ministers wasn't taken lightly. Asked if Australia had weakened its influence with both Israel and the US on a two-state solution as a result, the foreign minister said extremist settler violence wasn't consistent with the aspiration of Palestinian statehood. "We're so far from that (two-state solution) right now, but that is why the international community is trying to work together to build this pathway," she said. Australia has backed Israel's right to self-defence after a series of strikes on Iranian nuclear operations and military leaders that have sparked fears of a major conflict in the Middle East. Iran and Israel have targeted each other with missile and air strikes after the latter launched its biggest-ever air offensive against its long-time foe. Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the situation in the region was a "very perilous, risky" situation. "Israel has a right to self defence," she told ABC's Insiders program on Sunday. "We know that (Iran's) nuclear program poses a threat to international peace and obviously to Israel." "(The question is) what do we do about it and how do we respond in a way that lessens the risk of more civilians particularly in the region being brought into this conflict?" The UK has begun moving some of its military assets to the Middle East following threats from Tehran that nations helping to defend Israel could also be targeted. The US has already used its systems to help Israel shoot down ballistic missiles fired by Iran. Senator Wong confirmed she had spoken with her Iranian counterpart and urged his country to exercise restraint while returning to dialogue. "Continuing to escalate this has consequences for all peoples of the region," she said. "That is a position that so many countries in the world are putting to not only the Iranians but also to the Israelis." Australian National University maritime security expert Jennifer Parker said the nation needed to pay close attention to Iran's nuclear capability and take it seriously. "We need to be very careful that we are supporting the avoidance of nuclear breakout and new countries in the globe getting nuclear capability," she said. "If Iran was allowed to achieve a nuclear weapon, Saudi Arabia would be next, and if that happens, there would be concern in our region about whether the US nuclear extended deterrence still stands." Iran is also considering closing the Strait of Hormuz - the only maritime entry point into the Persian Gulf - which would send oil prices skyrocketing. Ms Parker said Australia would feel the economic impact if the strait was closed as the nation heavily relied on imports for its fuel consumption. The Zionist Federation of Australia welcomed the government's "unequivocal support" for Israel's right to self-defence and recognition of the threat posed by Iran's nuclear program. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese urged Australians in the region to leave amid the escalating conflict. He landed in the US on Saturday, local time, on his way to the G7 summit in Canada on Sunday. Mr Albanese is expected to meet with a range of global leaders, including US president Donald Trump, who had been working with Iran on a nuclear deal. The US was notified about the Israeli strikes in advance but Washington officials have been quick to point out it played no part in the attacks, warning Iran not to target its personnel or interests. Australia on Wednesday announced sanctions would be imposed on two Israeli government ministers over their stance on illegal West Bank settlements, a move done in conjunction with other nations including Canada and the UK. But it has widened the nation's rift with the US over Israel after Washington officials condemned the measure. Senator Wong said the decision to break away from the US and sanction the ministers wasn't taken lightly. Asked if Australia had weakened its influence with both Israel and the US on a two-state solution as a result, the foreign minister said extremist settler violence wasn't consistent with the aspiration of Palestinian statehood. "We're so far from that (two-state solution) right now, but that is why the international community is trying to work together to build this pathway," she said. Australia has backed Israel's right to self-defence after a series of strikes on Iranian nuclear operations and military leaders that have sparked fears of a major conflict in the Middle East. Iran and Israel have targeted each other with missile and air strikes after the latter launched its biggest-ever air offensive against its long-time foe. Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the situation in the region was a "very perilous, risky" situation. "Israel has a right to self defence," she told ABC's Insiders program on Sunday. "We know that (Iran's) nuclear program poses a threat to international peace and obviously to Israel." "(The question is) what do we do about it and how do we respond in a way that lessens the risk of more civilians particularly in the region being brought into this conflict?" The UK has begun moving some of its military assets to the Middle East following threats from Tehran that nations helping to defend Israel could also be targeted. The US has already used its systems to help Israel shoot down ballistic missiles fired by Iran. Senator Wong confirmed she had spoken with her Iranian counterpart and urged his country to exercise restraint while returning to dialogue. "Continuing to escalate this has consequences for all peoples of the region," she said. "That is a position that so many countries in the world are putting to not only the Iranians but also to the Israelis." Australian National University maritime security expert Jennifer Parker said the nation needed to pay close attention to Iran's nuclear capability and take it seriously. "We need to be very careful that we are supporting the avoidance of nuclear breakout and new countries in the globe getting nuclear capability," she said. "If Iran was allowed to achieve a nuclear weapon, Saudi Arabia would be next, and if that happens, there would be concern in our region about whether the US nuclear extended deterrence still stands." Iran is also considering closing the Strait of Hormuz - the only maritime entry point into the Persian Gulf - which would send oil prices skyrocketing. Ms Parker said Australia would feel the economic impact if the strait was closed as the nation heavily relied on imports for its fuel consumption. The Zionist Federation of Australia welcomed the government's "unequivocal support" for Israel's right to self-defence and recognition of the threat posed by Iran's nuclear program. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese urged Australians in the region to leave amid the escalating conflict. He landed in the US on Saturday, local time, on his way to the G7 summit in Canada on Sunday. Mr Albanese is expected to meet with a range of global leaders, including US president Donald Trump, who had been working with Iran on a nuclear deal. The US was notified about the Israeli strikes in advance but Washington officials have been quick to point out it played no part in the attacks, warning Iran not to target its personnel or interests. Australia on Wednesday announced sanctions would be imposed on two Israeli government ministers over their stance on illegal West Bank settlements, a move done in conjunction with other nations including Canada and the UK. But it has widened the nation's rift with the US over Israel after Washington officials condemned the measure. Senator Wong said the decision to break away from the US and sanction the ministers wasn't taken lightly. Asked if Australia had weakened its influence with both Israel and the US on a two-state solution as a result, the foreign minister said extremist settler violence wasn't consistent with the aspiration of Palestinian statehood. "We're so far from that (two-state solution) right now, but that is why the international community is trying to work together to build this pathway," she said. Australia has backed Israel's right to self-defence after a series of strikes on Iranian nuclear operations and military leaders that have sparked fears of a major conflict in the Middle East. Iran and Israel have targeted each other with missile and air strikes after the latter launched its biggest-ever air offensive against its long-time foe. Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the situation in the region was a "very perilous, risky" situation. "Israel has a right to self defence," she told ABC's Insiders program on Sunday. "We know that (Iran's) nuclear program poses a threat to international peace and obviously to Israel." "(The question is) what do we do about it and how do we respond in a way that lessens the risk of more civilians particularly in the region being brought into this conflict?" The UK has begun moving some of its military assets to the Middle East following threats from Tehran that nations helping to defend Israel could also be targeted. The US has already used its systems to help Israel shoot down ballistic missiles fired by Iran. Senator Wong confirmed she had spoken with her Iranian counterpart and urged his country to exercise restraint while returning to dialogue. "Continuing to escalate this has consequences for all peoples of the region," she said. "That is a position that so many countries in the world are putting to not only the Iranians but also to the Israelis." Australian National University maritime security expert Jennifer Parker said the nation needed to pay close attention to Iran's nuclear capability and take it seriously. "We need to be very careful that we are supporting the avoidance of nuclear breakout and new countries in the globe getting nuclear capability," she said. "If Iran was allowed to achieve a nuclear weapon, Saudi Arabia would be next, and if that happens, there would be concern in our region about whether the US nuclear extended deterrence still stands." Iran is also considering closing the Strait of Hormuz - the only maritime entry point into the Persian Gulf - which would send oil prices skyrocketing. Ms Parker said Australia would feel the economic impact if the strait was closed as the nation heavily relied on imports for its fuel consumption. The Zionist Federation of Australia welcomed the government's "unequivocal support" for Israel's right to self-defence and recognition of the threat posed by Iran's nuclear program. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese urged Australians in the region to leave amid the escalating conflict. He landed in the US on Saturday, local time, on his way to the G7 summit in Canada on Sunday. Mr Albanese is expected to meet with a range of global leaders, including US president Donald Trump, who had been working with Iran on a nuclear deal. The US was notified about the Israeli strikes in advance but Washington officials have been quick to point out it played no part in the attacks, warning Iran not to target its personnel or interests. Australia on Wednesday announced sanctions would be imposed on two Israeli government ministers over their stance on illegal West Bank settlements, a move done in conjunction with other nations including Canada and the UK. But it has widened the nation's rift with the US over Israel after Washington officials condemned the measure. Senator Wong said the decision to break away from the US and sanction the ministers wasn't taken lightly. Asked if Australia had weakened its influence with both Israel and the US on a two-state solution as a result, the foreign minister said extremist settler violence wasn't consistent with the aspiration of Palestinian statehood. "We're so far from that (two-state solution) right now, but that is why the international community is trying to work together to build this pathway," she said.
Perth Now
6 hours ago
- Perth Now
‘Bigger problem': Boss hits back at WFH claims
The Australian boss of a major tech company says businesses that argue working from home hampers productivity need to address bigger concerns. A mandate to work from the office is unlikely to fix a 'bigger problem' of employees who won't do their jobs without a manager 'hovering over them', HP Australia director Brad Pulford has told NewsWire. Research from the Australian HR Institute shows working-from-the-office mandates have peaked in the Australian economy. Released in April, the research finds mandates for a certain number of in-person days are now falling. About one-third of Australians work from home some of the time. iStock Credit: istock Multinationals and Australia's biggest homegrown firms represent a broad spectrum of policies. Amazon, Dell and Tabcorp have ordered workers into the office five days a week. Coles has tightened the reins on its administrative staff, with one day in-person minimums becoming a three-day mandate this year. Woolworths office staff need to show up three days a week too. Commonwealth Bank and ANZ staff need to rock up for half of all working days per month. At National Australia Bank, the rank and file need to show face three times a week, and managers only get one day at home per week. On paper, the NSW public service is the biggest employer in the country. Public servants in that state were sent a memo last year saying they would 'principally' need to be in the office, but different agencies are mandating different rules. The availability of actual desks is cited online by workers as a tangible factor at each agency. Commuting to work costs the average Australian worker about $5300 each year, research from Deloitte Access Economics has found. NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw Credit: News Corp Australia Mr Pulford points to HP's own analysis, which shows 73 per cent of people think it's important that staff are empowered to work in the way that best suits their personal needs and maximises their effectiveness. However, Australian workers do not think they are entitled to flexible working arrangements, the HP analysis shows. Among Australian 'knowledge workers', 92 per cent would take a pay cut to work where and when they want, or for a better work-life balance. 'There are real and persistent concerns over team collaboration, organisational culture and performance management,' Mr Pulford said. 'Some professions require in-person creativity. Others have a physical component that can't be replicated. But these problems can be managed. 'The businesses that are going against the grain usually cite productivity as their main justification. But if your employees won't do their job without a manager hovering over them, arguably you have a bigger problem,' he said. HP employs 435 people in Australia and New Zealand. Mr Pulford said flexible working arrangements were 'not a free-for-all' at the tech firm, but an issue to be managed 'carefully and thoughtfully'. 'Our employees are at times required to connect in person at our HP sites to further business goals.' The Australian job market had clearly adapted with one-third of people working remotely at least some of the time, he said. 'We think the entire conversation around hybrid work needs to shift. If the debate hasn't been decided entirely, we think those in favour of hybrid work definitely have the upper hand at this point.' 'We should spend less time arguing about whether it's acceptable and more time thinking about how we can use it to drive growth by creating better workplaces,' Mr Pulford said.
AU Financial Review
6 hours ago
- AU Financial Review
O'Brien plans tax review, stands by nuclear power
Shadow treasurer Ted O'Brien has committed to developing a tax policy that leaves more money in the pockets of Australians after admitting Liberal values were breached by opposing Labor's income tax cuts at the devastating election loss. A defiant O'Brien, who is now deputy leader, also stood by his previous support for nuclear energy.
