Keating tapped to advise Indonesian president and $1.37trn fund
Prabowo invited Keating to take on the roles in a personal letter delivered by Indonesia's Foreign Minister Sugiono when he visited Australia earlier this year, according to people familiar with the offer but not authorised to speak to the media.
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The Advertiser
4 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Thorny issues broached as Albanese, Xi go head-to-head
Anthony Albanese has used a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping to raise concerns over China's lack of notice before it conducted military drills off the Australian coast. The live firing exercise in international waters near Australia in February, which forced the diversion of commercial flights, was among topics on the agenda during talks between the two leaders in Beijing. Speaking after Tuesday's meeting, Mr Albanese said he had secured a commitment for China to better inform Australia on military drills in the region. The prime minister noted the drills being in international waters didn't contravene international law "but that we were concerned about the notice and the way that it happened, including the live fire exercises". Australia's position on there being no unilateral change to the status quo over Taiwan was also conveyed to the president, he said. "We want peace and security in the region, that is in the interests of both Australia and China," Mr Albanese replied when asked whether he had raised China's unprecedented military build up. Mr Xi didn't raise reports the United States had asked Australia to commit to teaming up during a potential conflict with China over Taiwan, nor Labor's commitment to terminate a Chinese company's lease of the Port of Darwin, Mr Albanese added. The prime minister also raised the detention of Australian writer Yang Hengjun but said he didn't expect immediate progress on the case. Dr Yang was given a suspended death sentence in China on secretive national security charges that Australia rejects. "I raised the case, you wouldn't expect there to be an immediate outcome and that is not the way things work," Mr Albanese told reporters. In his opening remarks ahead of the meeting, Mr Xi hailed improved relations with Australia. The president was all smiles as he greeted his Australian guest in the East Hall - one of the many ornate chambers in the Great Hall of the People. "The most important thing we can learn from this is that a commitment to equal treatment, to seeking common ground while sharing differences, pursuing mutually beneficial co-operation, for our countries and peoples," he said. China's president pointed to past meetings as "in-depth discussions on the strategic overarching issues critical to the direction of China-Australia relations" "With joint efforts from both sides the China-Australia relationship has recovered from the setback and turned around," Mr Xi said. Tuesday's bilateral meetings with President Xi, Premier Li Qiang and Communist Party Chairman Zhao Leji - the three highest-ranking members of China's ruling committee - mark the centrepiece of Mr Albanese's six-day tour of the Middle Kingdom. With China and Australia's comprehensive strategic partnership entering its second decade, Mr Xi said he was ready to push the relationship further to reap greater benefits for both peoples. The meeting comes as the Chinese-Australian free trade agreement passes its 10th anniversary. Co-operation between the two nations has increased following a falling out during the COVID-19 pandemic. An article by a Chinese state media influencer suggested Beijing could restrict Australian imports as retaliation, risking financial blowback for Australian companies. It comes as Chinese security officials tried to stop Australian journalists, who were travelling with the prime minister's delegation, from leaving a tourist attraction in Beijing after filming in the area. The group of reporters had permission to film at the location, but were stopped by security officials and were told to hand over footage before police arrived. The journalists were able to leave the site with the footage, despite being followed by security. Anthony Albanese has used a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping to raise concerns over China's lack of notice before it conducted military drills off the Australian coast. The live firing exercise in international waters near Australia in February, which forced the diversion of commercial flights, was among topics on the agenda during talks between the two leaders in Beijing. Speaking after Tuesday's meeting, Mr Albanese said he had secured a commitment for China to better inform Australia on military drills in the region. The prime minister noted the drills being in international waters didn't contravene international law "but that we were concerned about the notice and the way that it happened, including the live fire exercises". Australia's position on there being no unilateral change to the status quo over Taiwan was also conveyed to the president, he said. "We want peace and security in the region, that is in the interests of both Australia and China," Mr Albanese replied when asked whether he had raised China's unprecedented military build up. Mr Xi didn't raise reports the United States had asked Australia to commit to teaming up during a potential conflict with China over Taiwan, nor Labor's commitment to terminate a Chinese company's lease of the Port of Darwin, Mr Albanese added. The prime minister also raised the detention of Australian writer Yang Hengjun but said he didn't expect immediate progress on the case. Dr Yang was given a suspended death sentence in China on secretive national security charges that Australia rejects. "I raised the case, you wouldn't expect there to be an immediate outcome and that is not the way things work," Mr Albanese told reporters. In his opening remarks ahead of the meeting, Mr Xi hailed improved relations with Australia. The president was all smiles as he greeted his Australian guest in the East Hall - one of the many ornate chambers in the Great Hall of the People. "The most important thing we can learn from this is that a commitment to equal treatment, to seeking common ground while sharing differences, pursuing mutually beneficial co-operation, for our countries and peoples," he said. China's president pointed to past meetings as "in-depth discussions on the strategic overarching issues critical to the direction of China-Australia relations" "With joint efforts from both sides the China-Australia relationship has recovered from the setback and turned around," Mr Xi said. Tuesday's bilateral meetings with President Xi, Premier Li Qiang and Communist Party Chairman Zhao Leji - the three highest-ranking members of China's ruling committee - mark the centrepiece of Mr Albanese's six-day tour of the Middle Kingdom. With China and Australia's comprehensive strategic partnership entering its second decade, Mr Xi said he was ready to push the relationship further to reap greater benefits for both peoples. The meeting comes as the Chinese-Australian free trade agreement passes its 10th anniversary. Co-operation between the two nations has increased following a falling out during the COVID-19 pandemic. An article by a Chinese state media influencer suggested Beijing could restrict Australian imports as retaliation, risking financial blowback for Australian companies. It comes as Chinese security officials tried to stop Australian journalists, who were travelling with the prime minister's delegation, from leaving a tourist attraction in Beijing after filming in the area. The group of reporters had permission to film at the location, but were stopped by security officials and were told to hand over footage before police arrived. The journalists were able to leave the site with the footage, despite being followed by security. Anthony Albanese has used a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping to raise concerns over China's lack of notice before it conducted military drills off the Australian coast. The live firing exercise in international waters near Australia in February, which forced the diversion of commercial flights, was among topics on the agenda during talks between the two leaders in Beijing. Speaking after Tuesday's meeting, Mr Albanese said he had secured a commitment for China to better inform Australia on military drills in the region. The prime minister noted the drills being in international waters didn't contravene international law "but that we were concerned about the notice and the way that it happened, including the live fire exercises". Australia's position on there being no unilateral change to the status quo over Taiwan was also conveyed to the president, he said. "We want peace and security in the region, that is in the interests of both Australia and China," Mr Albanese replied when asked whether he had raised China's unprecedented military build up. Mr Xi didn't raise reports the United States had asked Australia to commit to teaming up during a potential conflict with China over Taiwan, nor Labor's commitment to terminate a Chinese company's lease of the Port of Darwin, Mr Albanese added. The prime minister also raised the detention of Australian writer Yang Hengjun but said he didn't expect immediate progress on the case. Dr Yang was given a suspended death sentence in China on secretive national security charges that Australia rejects. "I raised the case, you wouldn't expect there to be an immediate outcome and that is not the way things work," Mr Albanese told reporters. In his opening remarks ahead of the meeting, Mr Xi hailed improved relations with Australia. The president was all smiles as he greeted his Australian guest in the East Hall - one of the many ornate chambers in the Great Hall of the People. "The most important thing we can learn from this is that a commitment to equal treatment, to seeking common ground while sharing differences, pursuing mutually beneficial co-operation, for our countries and peoples," he said. China's president pointed to past meetings as "in-depth discussions on the strategic overarching issues critical to the direction of China-Australia relations" "With joint efforts from both sides the China-Australia relationship has recovered from the setback and turned around," Mr Xi said. Tuesday's bilateral meetings with President Xi, Premier Li Qiang and Communist Party Chairman Zhao Leji - the three highest-ranking members of China's ruling committee - mark the centrepiece of Mr Albanese's six-day tour of the Middle Kingdom. With China and Australia's comprehensive strategic partnership entering its second decade, Mr Xi said he was ready to push the relationship further to reap greater benefits for both peoples. The meeting comes as the Chinese-Australian free trade agreement passes its 10th anniversary. Co-operation between the two nations has increased following a falling out during the COVID-19 pandemic. An article by a Chinese state media influencer suggested Beijing could restrict Australian imports as retaliation, risking financial blowback for Australian companies. It comes as Chinese security officials tried to stop Australian journalists, who were travelling with the prime minister's delegation, from leaving a tourist attraction in Beijing after filming in the area. The group of reporters had permission to film at the location, but were stopped by security officials and were told to hand over footage before police arrived. The journalists were able to leave the site with the footage, despite being followed by security. Anthony Albanese has used a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping to raise concerns over China's lack of notice before it conducted military drills off the Australian coast. The live firing exercise in international waters near Australia in February, which forced the diversion of commercial flights, was among topics on the agenda during talks between the two leaders in Beijing. Speaking after Tuesday's meeting, Mr Albanese said he had secured a commitment for China to better inform Australia on military drills in the region. The prime minister noted the drills being in international waters didn't contravene international law "but that we were concerned about the notice and the way that it happened, including the live fire exercises". Australia's position on there being no unilateral change to the status quo over Taiwan was also conveyed to the president, he said. "We want peace and security in the region, that is in the interests of both Australia and China," Mr Albanese replied when asked whether he had raised China's unprecedented military build up. Mr Xi didn't raise reports the United States had asked Australia to commit to teaming up during a potential conflict with China over Taiwan, nor Labor's commitment to terminate a Chinese company's lease of the Port of Darwin, Mr Albanese added. The prime minister also raised the detention of Australian writer Yang Hengjun but said he didn't expect immediate progress on the case. Dr Yang was given a suspended death sentence in China on secretive national security charges that Australia rejects. "I raised the case, you wouldn't expect there to be an immediate outcome and that is not the way things work," Mr Albanese told reporters. In his opening remarks ahead of the meeting, Mr Xi hailed improved relations with Australia. The president was all smiles as he greeted his Australian guest in the East Hall - one of the many ornate chambers in the Great Hall of the People. "The most important thing we can learn from this is that a commitment to equal treatment, to seeking common ground while sharing differences, pursuing mutually beneficial co-operation, for our countries and peoples," he said. China's president pointed to past meetings as "in-depth discussions on the strategic overarching issues critical to the direction of China-Australia relations" "With joint efforts from both sides the China-Australia relationship has recovered from the setback and turned around," Mr Xi said. Tuesday's bilateral meetings with President Xi, Premier Li Qiang and Communist Party Chairman Zhao Leji - the three highest-ranking members of China's ruling committee - mark the centrepiece of Mr Albanese's six-day tour of the Middle Kingdom. With China and Australia's comprehensive strategic partnership entering its second decade, Mr Xi said he was ready to push the relationship further to reap greater benefits for both peoples. The meeting comes as the Chinese-Australian free trade agreement passes its 10th anniversary. Co-operation between the two nations has increased following a falling out during the COVID-19 pandemic. An article by a Chinese state media influencer suggested Beijing could restrict Australian imports as retaliation, risking financial blowback for Australian companies. It comes as Chinese security officials tried to stop Australian journalists, who were travelling with the prime minister's delegation, from leaving a tourist attraction in Beijing after filming in the area. The group of reporters had permission to film at the location, but were stopped by security officials and were told to hand over footage before police arrived. The journalists were able to leave the site with the footage, despite being followed by security.
The Advertiser
4 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Polestar boss says new Australian emissions regulations 'didn't kill the weekend'
Polestar Australia managing director Scott Maynard says the 'scaremongering' that took place ahead of the implementation of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) has failed. The NVES was introduced on January 1, 2025, and limits the overall carbon-dioxide emissions across a brand's lineup – with automakers facing financial penalties if they exceed the targets. Penalties came into effect on July 1, 2025, and fleet emissions targets will get more stringent every year until 2029. When asked if perhaps NVES could have been pitched better by the politicians who were publicly in favour of it, Mr Maynard was positive. "It turns out it didn't kill the weekend," the Polestar boss said. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. ABOVE: Polestar Australia managing director Scott Maynard "We got it through, so I don't think I'm a good enough politician to say that they went about the wrong way. "I do think that there was perhaps some scaremongering whipped up from some of its opponents that did land a few blows, and some of the benefits of a market that responds to NVES legislation – like cleaner air and a move towards vehicles that that are cheaper to run – were perhaps lost in some of that messaging." Former opposition leader Peter Dutton had pledged to scrap the NVES – which he called a 'ute tax' – if the Coalition won last November's federal election (which it didn't). "We will abolish Labor's tax on family cars and utes. Saving you thousands when buying a new car," Mr Dutton posted on social media. "Labor's new car and ute tax will hit families and small businesses with thousands in extra costs." The Australian Government proposed three iterations of NVES – A, B and C options – in February 2024 for feedback from industry bodies and automakers. Of the three, the "fast but flexible" B proposal was the government's preferred option. Though it wasn't the most stringent of the three, the B proposal was criticised by some Australian car companies, with Toyota – the best-selling brand here since 2008 – saying it would force new vehicle prices up and hurt 'middle Australia'. Sean Hanley, Toyota Australia vice president of sales and marketing, said the company didn't have the model range available globally on hand to replace popular vehicles like the LandCruiser. Mr Hanley also said sales of smaller, lower-emission Toyota models would not be enough to offset fines from sales of larger vehicles. Similar objections were voiced by other car companies, such as Mitsubishi Australia CEO Shaun Westcott who also appealed to 'middle Australia'. "We do want a standard, we're not against a standard," Mr Westcott told CarExpert. "What we want is a standard that is practical and achievable against the pace of technology, aligned with what consumers want and what consumers can afford." The Australian Government subsequently made key concessions to automakers ahead of introducing the legislation to parliament in March 2024, including changing how large off-roaders were categorised – something which Toyota had called for. Both Toyota and Mitsubishi are members of the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), which issued statements critical of NVES – something that saw Polestar and rival electric car brand Tesla quit the industry body. Mr Maynard recently said the brand is no closer to rejoining the FCAI, saying the industry body is less progressive than when Polestar left it in protest in March 2024. When asked by CarExpert if Polestar Australia could better effect change by being a member of the FCAI, Mr Maynard was blunt. "If I thought that the volume of vehicles that we sell – [Polestar] being a premium and relatively exclusive player – would give us a fair voice inside the FCAI, then perhaps that logic would run. "But I think it's still the case that the FCAI services those members that fund it, and I can understand why they would do that. They're a representative body of the manufacturers that sit inside it, and so no, I think I'd probably get sent out of the room." MORE: Everything Polestar MORE: What the first federal emission standard means for Aussie car buyers MORE: Mitsubishi boss slams federal emissions regulations, "naivety" around EVs MORE: Polestar won't rejoin Australia's top auto industry body Content originally sourced from: Polestar Australia managing director Scott Maynard says the 'scaremongering' that took place ahead of the implementation of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) has failed. The NVES was introduced on January 1, 2025, and limits the overall carbon-dioxide emissions across a brand's lineup – with automakers facing financial penalties if they exceed the targets. Penalties came into effect on July 1, 2025, and fleet emissions targets will get more stringent every year until 2029. When asked if perhaps NVES could have been pitched better by the politicians who were publicly in favour of it, Mr Maynard was positive. "It turns out it didn't kill the weekend," the Polestar boss said. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. ABOVE: Polestar Australia managing director Scott Maynard "We got it through, so I don't think I'm a good enough politician to say that they went about the wrong way. "I do think that there was perhaps some scaremongering whipped up from some of its opponents that did land a few blows, and some of the benefits of a market that responds to NVES legislation – like cleaner air and a move towards vehicles that that are cheaper to run – were perhaps lost in some of that messaging." Former opposition leader Peter Dutton had pledged to scrap the NVES – which he called a 'ute tax' – if the Coalition won last November's federal election (which it didn't). "We will abolish Labor's tax on family cars and utes. Saving you thousands when buying a new car," Mr Dutton posted on social media. "Labor's new car and ute tax will hit families and small businesses with thousands in extra costs." The Australian Government proposed three iterations of NVES – A, B and C options – in February 2024 for feedback from industry bodies and automakers. Of the three, the "fast but flexible" B proposal was the government's preferred option. Though it wasn't the most stringent of the three, the B proposal was criticised by some Australian car companies, with Toyota – the best-selling brand here since 2008 – saying it would force new vehicle prices up and hurt 'middle Australia'. Sean Hanley, Toyota Australia vice president of sales and marketing, said the company didn't have the model range available globally on hand to replace popular vehicles like the LandCruiser. Mr Hanley also said sales of smaller, lower-emission Toyota models would not be enough to offset fines from sales of larger vehicles. Similar objections were voiced by other car companies, such as Mitsubishi Australia CEO Shaun Westcott who also appealed to 'middle Australia'. "We do want a standard, we're not against a standard," Mr Westcott told CarExpert. "What we want is a standard that is practical and achievable against the pace of technology, aligned with what consumers want and what consumers can afford." The Australian Government subsequently made key concessions to automakers ahead of introducing the legislation to parliament in March 2024, including changing how large off-roaders were categorised – something which Toyota had called for. Both Toyota and Mitsubishi are members of the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), which issued statements critical of NVES – something that saw Polestar and rival electric car brand Tesla quit the industry body. Mr Maynard recently said the brand is no closer to rejoining the FCAI, saying the industry body is less progressive than when Polestar left it in protest in March 2024. When asked by CarExpert if Polestar Australia could better effect change by being a member of the FCAI, Mr Maynard was blunt. "If I thought that the volume of vehicles that we sell – [Polestar] being a premium and relatively exclusive player – would give us a fair voice inside the FCAI, then perhaps that logic would run. "But I think it's still the case that the FCAI services those members that fund it, and I can understand why they would do that. They're a representative body of the manufacturers that sit inside it, and so no, I think I'd probably get sent out of the room." MORE: Everything Polestar MORE: What the first federal emission standard means for Aussie car buyers MORE: Mitsubishi boss slams federal emissions regulations, "naivety" around EVs MORE: Polestar won't rejoin Australia's top auto industry body Content originally sourced from: Polestar Australia managing director Scott Maynard says the 'scaremongering' that took place ahead of the implementation of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) has failed. The NVES was introduced on January 1, 2025, and limits the overall carbon-dioxide emissions across a brand's lineup – with automakers facing financial penalties if they exceed the targets. Penalties came into effect on July 1, 2025, and fleet emissions targets will get more stringent every year until 2029. When asked if perhaps NVES could have been pitched better by the politicians who were publicly in favour of it, Mr Maynard was positive. "It turns out it didn't kill the weekend," the Polestar boss said. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. ABOVE: Polestar Australia managing director Scott Maynard "We got it through, so I don't think I'm a good enough politician to say that they went about the wrong way. "I do think that there was perhaps some scaremongering whipped up from some of its opponents that did land a few blows, and some of the benefits of a market that responds to NVES legislation – like cleaner air and a move towards vehicles that that are cheaper to run – were perhaps lost in some of that messaging." Former opposition leader Peter Dutton had pledged to scrap the NVES – which he called a 'ute tax' – if the Coalition won last November's federal election (which it didn't). "We will abolish Labor's tax on family cars and utes. Saving you thousands when buying a new car," Mr Dutton posted on social media. "Labor's new car and ute tax will hit families and small businesses with thousands in extra costs." The Australian Government proposed three iterations of NVES – A, B and C options – in February 2024 for feedback from industry bodies and automakers. Of the three, the "fast but flexible" B proposal was the government's preferred option. Though it wasn't the most stringent of the three, the B proposal was criticised by some Australian car companies, with Toyota – the best-selling brand here since 2008 – saying it would force new vehicle prices up and hurt 'middle Australia'. Sean Hanley, Toyota Australia vice president of sales and marketing, said the company didn't have the model range available globally on hand to replace popular vehicles like the LandCruiser. Mr Hanley also said sales of smaller, lower-emission Toyota models would not be enough to offset fines from sales of larger vehicles. Similar objections were voiced by other car companies, such as Mitsubishi Australia CEO Shaun Westcott who also appealed to 'middle Australia'. "We do want a standard, we're not against a standard," Mr Westcott told CarExpert. "What we want is a standard that is practical and achievable against the pace of technology, aligned with what consumers want and what consumers can afford." The Australian Government subsequently made key concessions to automakers ahead of introducing the legislation to parliament in March 2024, including changing how large off-roaders were categorised – something which Toyota had called for. Both Toyota and Mitsubishi are members of the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), which issued statements critical of NVES – something that saw Polestar and rival electric car brand Tesla quit the industry body. Mr Maynard recently said the brand is no closer to rejoining the FCAI, saying the industry body is less progressive than when Polestar left it in protest in March 2024. When asked by CarExpert if Polestar Australia could better effect change by being a member of the FCAI, Mr Maynard was blunt. "If I thought that the volume of vehicles that we sell – [Polestar] being a premium and relatively exclusive player – would give us a fair voice inside the FCAI, then perhaps that logic would run. "But I think it's still the case that the FCAI services those members that fund it, and I can understand why they would do that. They're a representative body of the manufacturers that sit inside it, and so no, I think I'd probably get sent out of the room." MORE: Everything Polestar MORE: What the first federal emission standard means for Aussie car buyers MORE: Mitsubishi boss slams federal emissions regulations, "naivety" around EVs MORE: Polestar won't rejoin Australia's top auto industry body Content originally sourced from: Polestar Australia managing director Scott Maynard says the 'scaremongering' that took place ahead of the implementation of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) has failed. The NVES was introduced on January 1, 2025, and limits the overall carbon-dioxide emissions across a brand's lineup – with automakers facing financial penalties if they exceed the targets. Penalties came into effect on July 1, 2025, and fleet emissions targets will get more stringent every year until 2029. When asked if perhaps NVES could have been pitched better by the politicians who were publicly in favour of it, Mr Maynard was positive. "It turns out it didn't kill the weekend," the Polestar boss said. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. ABOVE: Polestar Australia managing director Scott Maynard "We got it through, so I don't think I'm a good enough politician to say that they went about the wrong way. "I do think that there was perhaps some scaremongering whipped up from some of its opponents that did land a few blows, and some of the benefits of a market that responds to NVES legislation – like cleaner air and a move towards vehicles that that are cheaper to run – were perhaps lost in some of that messaging." Former opposition leader Peter Dutton had pledged to scrap the NVES – which he called a 'ute tax' – if the Coalition won last November's federal election (which it didn't). "We will abolish Labor's tax on family cars and utes. Saving you thousands when buying a new car," Mr Dutton posted on social media. "Labor's new car and ute tax will hit families and small businesses with thousands in extra costs." The Australian Government proposed three iterations of NVES – A, B and C options – in February 2024 for feedback from industry bodies and automakers. Of the three, the "fast but flexible" B proposal was the government's preferred option. Though it wasn't the most stringent of the three, the B proposal was criticised by some Australian car companies, with Toyota – the best-selling brand here since 2008 – saying it would force new vehicle prices up and hurt 'middle Australia'. Sean Hanley, Toyota Australia vice president of sales and marketing, said the company didn't have the model range available globally on hand to replace popular vehicles like the LandCruiser. Mr Hanley also said sales of smaller, lower-emission Toyota models would not be enough to offset fines from sales of larger vehicles. Similar objections were voiced by other car companies, such as Mitsubishi Australia CEO Shaun Westcott who also appealed to 'middle Australia'. "We do want a standard, we're not against a standard," Mr Westcott told CarExpert. "What we want is a standard that is practical and achievable against the pace of technology, aligned with what consumers want and what consumers can afford." The Australian Government subsequently made key concessions to automakers ahead of introducing the legislation to parliament in March 2024, including changing how large off-roaders were categorised – something which Toyota had called for. Both Toyota and Mitsubishi are members of the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), which issued statements critical of NVES – something that saw Polestar and rival electric car brand Tesla quit the industry body. Mr Maynard recently said the brand is no closer to rejoining the FCAI, saying the industry body is less progressive than when Polestar left it in protest in March 2024. When asked by CarExpert if Polestar Australia could better effect change by being a member of the FCAI, Mr Maynard was blunt. "If I thought that the volume of vehicles that we sell – [Polestar] being a premium and relatively exclusive player – would give us a fair voice inside the FCAI, then perhaps that logic would run. "But I think it's still the case that the FCAI services those members that fund it, and I can understand why they would do that. They're a representative body of the manufacturers that sit inside it, and so no, I think I'd probably get sent out of the room." MORE: Everything Polestar MORE: What the first federal emission standard means for Aussie car buyers MORE: Mitsubishi boss slams federal emissions regulations, "naivety" around EVs MORE: Polestar won't rejoin Australia's top auto industry body Content originally sourced from:
The Advertiser
4 hours ago
- The Advertiser
'Revolting' abuse allegations against Latham disputed
"Disturbing and disgusting" claims of abuse have been made against a former prime ministerial candidate turned state MP, who has rejected the allegations as "ridiculous". Mark Latham took to social media on Monday night after news reports detailed some of the allegations. The claims were reportedly contained in an application for an apprehended domestic violence order made before a local court in Sydney. But the 64-year-old rejected an initial report published by The Australian, which outlined claims made by former partner Nathalie Matthews alleging a "sustained pattern" of abuse and manipulation. He described the allegations as "comically false and ridiculous". "I have scores of documents to show that and will rely upon them to defend myself," he posted on X. Mr Latham also said NSW Police had not contacted him about the abuse claims. The former federal Labor leader sits as an independent MP in NSW parliament's upper house. Ms Matthews lodged the private AVO application with the NSW Local Court and the case is listed for its first mention on July 30. The local court has refused media applications for the documents as they contain untested allegations. AAP has also contacted Ms Matthews for comment. The NSW government's leader in the upper house Penny Sharpe said she would not comment specifically on the matter before the court but described the reported allegations as "revolting". "These are very disturbing and frankly disgusting allegations that are being made," she told reporters on Tuesday. "The Labor government has been calling out Mark Latham ... in relation to his behaviour on a whole range of different things." Premier Chris Minns called the outspoken MP a "shameful bigot" during question time in June. Mr Latham ran in 2004 against coalition leader John Howard, who went on to become prime minister for another term. He resigned from parliament in early 2005 and subsequently left Labor before being elected to the NSW upper house in 2019 as a One Nation member. He quit that party in 2023, becoming an independent. In a separate court dispute, Mr Latham was ordered to pay $140,000 to independent MP Alex Greenwich in September 2024. Mr Greenwich sued over a sexually explicit and homophobic social media post ahead of the 2023 state election. The Federal Court found Mr Latham's tweet exposed Mr Greenwich, who is gay and a prominent LGBTQI community advocate, to a torrent of hateful abuse including death threats. 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) Lifeline 13 11 14 Men's Referral Service 1300 766 491 "Disturbing and disgusting" claims of abuse have been made against a former prime ministerial candidate turned state MP, who has rejected the allegations as "ridiculous". Mark Latham took to social media on Monday night after news reports detailed some of the allegations. The claims were reportedly contained in an application for an apprehended domestic violence order made before a local court in Sydney. But the 64-year-old rejected an initial report published by The Australian, which outlined claims made by former partner Nathalie Matthews alleging a "sustained pattern" of abuse and manipulation. He described the allegations as "comically false and ridiculous". "I have scores of documents to show that and will rely upon them to defend myself," he posted on X. Mr Latham also said NSW Police had not contacted him about the abuse claims. The former federal Labor leader sits as an independent MP in NSW parliament's upper house. Ms Matthews lodged the private AVO application with the NSW Local Court and the case is listed for its first mention on July 30. The local court has refused media applications for the documents as they contain untested allegations. AAP has also contacted Ms Matthews for comment. The NSW government's leader in the upper house Penny Sharpe said she would not comment specifically on the matter before the court but described the reported allegations as "revolting". "These are very disturbing and frankly disgusting allegations that are being made," she told reporters on Tuesday. "The Labor government has been calling out Mark Latham ... in relation to his behaviour on a whole range of different things." Premier Chris Minns called the outspoken MP a "shameful bigot" during question time in June. Mr Latham ran in 2004 against coalition leader John Howard, who went on to become prime minister for another term. He resigned from parliament in early 2005 and subsequently left Labor before being elected to the NSW upper house in 2019 as a One Nation member. He quit that party in 2023, becoming an independent. In a separate court dispute, Mr Latham was ordered to pay $140,000 to independent MP Alex Greenwich in September 2024. Mr Greenwich sued over a sexually explicit and homophobic social media post ahead of the 2023 state election. The Federal Court found Mr Latham's tweet exposed Mr Greenwich, who is gay and a prominent LGBTQI community advocate, to a torrent of hateful abuse including death threats. 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) Lifeline 13 11 14 Men's Referral Service 1300 766 491 "Disturbing and disgusting" claims of abuse have been made against a former prime ministerial candidate turned state MP, who has rejected the allegations as "ridiculous". Mark Latham took to social media on Monday night after news reports detailed some of the allegations. The claims were reportedly contained in an application for an apprehended domestic violence order made before a local court in Sydney. But the 64-year-old rejected an initial report published by The Australian, which outlined claims made by former partner Nathalie Matthews alleging a "sustained pattern" of abuse and manipulation. He described the allegations as "comically false and ridiculous". "I have scores of documents to show that and will rely upon them to defend myself," he posted on X. Mr Latham also said NSW Police had not contacted him about the abuse claims. The former federal Labor leader sits as an independent MP in NSW parliament's upper house. Ms Matthews lodged the private AVO application with the NSW Local Court and the case is listed for its first mention on July 30. The local court has refused media applications for the documents as they contain untested allegations. AAP has also contacted Ms Matthews for comment. The NSW government's leader in the upper house Penny Sharpe said she would not comment specifically on the matter before the court but described the reported allegations as "revolting". "These are very disturbing and frankly disgusting allegations that are being made," she told reporters on Tuesday. "The Labor government has been calling out Mark Latham ... in relation to his behaviour on a whole range of different things." Premier Chris Minns called the outspoken MP a "shameful bigot" during question time in June. Mr Latham ran in 2004 against coalition leader John Howard, who went on to become prime minister for another term. He resigned from parliament in early 2005 and subsequently left Labor before being elected to the NSW upper house in 2019 as a One Nation member. He quit that party in 2023, becoming an independent. In a separate court dispute, Mr Latham was ordered to pay $140,000 to independent MP Alex Greenwich in September 2024. Mr Greenwich sued over a sexually explicit and homophobic social media post ahead of the 2023 state election. The Federal Court found Mr Latham's tweet exposed Mr Greenwich, who is gay and a prominent LGBTQI community advocate, to a torrent of hateful abuse including death threats. 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) Lifeline 13 11 14 Men's Referral Service 1300 766 491 "Disturbing and disgusting" claims of abuse have been made against a former prime ministerial candidate turned state MP, who has rejected the allegations as "ridiculous". Mark Latham took to social media on Monday night after news reports detailed some of the allegations. The claims were reportedly contained in an application for an apprehended domestic violence order made before a local court in Sydney. But the 64-year-old rejected an initial report published by The Australian, which outlined claims made by former partner Nathalie Matthews alleging a "sustained pattern" of abuse and manipulation. He described the allegations as "comically false and ridiculous". "I have scores of documents to show that and will rely upon them to defend myself," he posted on X. Mr Latham also said NSW Police had not contacted him about the abuse claims. The former federal Labor leader sits as an independent MP in NSW parliament's upper house. Ms Matthews lodged the private AVO application with the NSW Local Court and the case is listed for its first mention on July 30. The local court has refused media applications for the documents as they contain untested allegations. AAP has also contacted Ms Matthews for comment. The NSW government's leader in the upper house Penny Sharpe said she would not comment specifically on the matter before the court but described the reported allegations as "revolting". "These are very disturbing and frankly disgusting allegations that are being made," she told reporters on Tuesday. "The Labor government has been calling out Mark Latham ... in relation to his behaviour on a whole range of different things." Premier Chris Minns called the outspoken MP a "shameful bigot" during question time in June. Mr Latham ran in 2004 against coalition leader John Howard, who went on to become prime minister for another term. He resigned from parliament in early 2005 and subsequently left Labor before being elected to the NSW upper house in 2019 as a One Nation member. He quit that party in 2023, becoming an independent. In a separate court dispute, Mr Latham was ordered to pay $140,000 to independent MP Alex Greenwich in September 2024. Mr Greenwich sued over a sexually explicit and homophobic social media post ahead of the 2023 state election. The Federal Court found Mr Latham's tweet exposed Mr Greenwich, who is gay and a prominent LGBTQI community advocate, to a torrent of hateful abuse including death threats. 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) Lifeline 13 11 14 Men's Referral Service 1300 766 491
