Latest news with #anti-Greens
The Age
02-05-2025
- Politics
- The Age
‘What's going on?': Why the Exclusive Brethren are out in force this election
'Why are they campaigning?' Prime Minister Anthony Albanese asked on Tuesday, referring to Plymouth Brethren Christian Church members in Liberal and National Party T-shirts staffing pre-poll stations around the country. Their church was a cult, he said, adding: 'They don't vote ... but they all of a sudden have found this enthusiasm in their hundreds to travel around the country to hand out how-to-vote [cards]. What's the quid pro quo? What is going on there?' This is what's going on: a systematic, lavishly funded attempt by an organisation with a strong financial agenda to influence the federal election without disclosing who they are or what want. Its campaign is part of a long history of attempted political influence, money politics and secrecy, from the sect once known as the Exclusive Brethren. In 2004, its global leader, Sydney businessman Bruce D. Hales, feared Labor's Mark Latham might win power and urged followers to act in support of John Howard. Letters, witnesses and public documents emerged two years later showing that, within days of Hales' callout, Brethren businessmen had set up a holding company, raised hundreds of thousands of dollars from mystery sources, funded anti-Labor and anti-Greens advertising and put boots on the ground. Initially, none of this was linked to the church. The authorisations for material came from unknown individuals, sometimes using their middle names, in obscure places, or using false addresses. Confronted later, the Brethren denied any involvement, saying its members had acted independently. Taken together it was a material intervention. Its advertising spend in the 2004 Australian election exceeded $370,000 – the fifth largest of any third-party donor that year.
Sydney Morning Herald
02-05-2025
- Politics
- Sydney Morning Herald
‘What's going on?': Why the Exclusive Brethren are out in force this election
'Why are they campaigning?' Prime Minister Anthony Albanese asked on Tuesday, referring to Plymouth Brethren Christian Church members in Liberal and National Party T-shirts staffing pre-poll stations around the country. Their church was a cult, he said, adding: 'They don't vote ... but they all of a sudden have found this enthusiasm in their hundreds to travel around the country to hand out how-to-vote [cards]. What's the quid pro quo? What is going on there?' This is what's going on: a systematic, lavishly funded attempt by an organisation with a strong financial agenda to influence the federal election without disclosing who they are or what want. Its campaign is part of a long history of attempted political influence, money politics and secrecy, from the sect once known as the Exclusive Brethren. In 2004, its global leader, Sydney businessman Bruce D. Hales, feared Labor's Mark Latham might win power and urged followers to act in support of John Howard. Letters, witnesses and public documents emerged two years later showing that, within days of Hales' callout, Brethren businessmen had set up a holding company, raised hundreds of thousands of dollars from mystery sources, funded anti-Labor and anti-Greens advertising and put boots on the ground. Initially, none of this was linked to the church. The authorisations for material came from unknown individuals, sometimes using their middle names, in obscure places, or using false addresses. Confronted later, the Brethren denied any involvement, saying its members had acted independently. Taken together it was a material intervention. Its advertising spend in the 2004 Australian election exceeded $370,000 – the fifth largest of any third-party donor that year.
The Guardian
01-05-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
Election violence investigated, Trump sacks national security adviser, coal exports hit record high
Morning everyone. Political tensions have boiled over into alleged violence and acts of intimidation related to the election, prompting the New South Wales police to launch multiple investigations. We have a fascinating read on the dramatic confrontation between a police officer and the Bondi Junction killer. Plus, the US is poised to resume the sale of military equipment to Ukraine and Trump's national security adviser is facing a surprise job switch. Exclusive | The Liberal candidate for Bennelong, Scott Yung, appears to be distancing himself from the party as a paid ad tells the Chinese-Australian diaspora that he does not 'blindly follow' instructions, highlighting his previous criticism of Scott Morrison. Election battle | New South Wales police have launched multiple investigations in the past week into alleged violence, intimidation, harassment and antisocial behaviour related to the election, including the smearing of poo across a truck carrying an ad for the Liberal party. Greens targeted | A Liberal-aligned thinktank running last-minute anti-Greens advertisements targeting young voters received more than $600,000 from the coal industry during last year's Queensland election, disclosures show. Labor and the Coalition have been accused of going to the election on a 'unity ticket' to protect fossil fuels as coal exports hit a record high. Health check | Labor has made Medicare urgent care clinics the key to its election strategy but critics say there is no long-term evidence they are reducing pressure on emergency departments. Creative cut | A Coalition government would divert more than 10% of annual government funding for Creative Australia to a Melbourne Jewish cultural project and unspecified broadcasting programs if elected. On a lighter election note, however, our brilliant sports cartoonist David Squires casts the election as the playoff final between the Reds and the Blues, and we ask: 'Was the campaign fun?' Last Waltz | Donald Trump's national security adviser, Mike Waltz (pictured), and his deputy, Alex Wong, will be leaving their posts after they lost the confidence of other administration officials and found themselves without allies at the White House. Art of the deal | The Trump administration will approve its first sale of military equipment to Ukraine since Donald Trump took office, in an indication that the minerals deal signed by the two countries this week may open a path to renewed weapons shipments. Tariff talks? | The US has approached China seeking talks over Trump's 145% tariffs, a social media account affiliated with Chinese state media has said, potentially signalling Beijing's openness to negotiations. Trump acknowledged that his tariffs could result in costlier products, saying American children might 'have two dolls instead of 30 dolls'. If he wants a new Xbox, he will definitely have to pay more. Wildfire warnings | Israel declared a national emergency as wildfires continued to threaten swathes of forest and fields and there are also fire warnings in the UK after the sunniest April on record. Words of wisdom | Ethel Caterham, a 115-year-old British woman who lives in a care home in Surrey, has become the world's oldest woman, crediting her longevity with 'never arguing with anyone' and doing 'what I like'. Newsroom edition: have Labor or the Coalition done enough to earn your vote? Bridie Jabour talks to editor Lenore Taylor and head of newsroom Mike Ticher about the choices progressive voters face as they head to the polls. Sorry your browser does not support audio - but you can download here and listen $ 'I've got eyes on him … and I'm in foot pursuit.' Backed up by a carpenter and construction worker wielding bollards, that was the dramatic last radio message sent by NSW police inspector Amy Scott just before before she came face to face with the Bondi Junction killer, Joel Cauchi. Moments later she shot him dead, the inquest into the mass stabbing heard this week. But, asks Daisy Dumas, could more have been done to stop him? Despite regular fears about his health, Ozzy Osbourne (pictured with his wife, Sharon) has insisted he will perform in July at what is being billed as his final concert, fronting the original lineup of the heavy metal band Black Sabbath. Speaking exclusively to the Guardian about the concert in the band's hometown of Birmingham, he said: 'I'll be there, and I'll do the best I can. So all I can do is turn up.' Sign up to Morning Mail Our Australian morning briefing breaks down the key stories of the day, telling you what's happening and why it matters after newsletter promotion Rugby league | New South Wales overpowered a mistake-prone Queensland side 32-12 in a one-sided Women's State of Origin opener in front of a record crowd at Suncorp Stadium last night. Basketball | The LA Lakers' bold pairing of Luka Dončić and LeBron James has fallen flat after they were outclassed by the Timberwolves in the NBA playoffs. Football | This morning sees the biggest game of Ange Postecoglou's tenure at Tottenham Hotspur as they host Bodø/Glimt in the Europa League semi-final first leg. Manchester United travel to Athletic Bilbao in the other semi. One of the Australian's conservative commentators slams the Coalition's costings as a 'joke' and asks 'Am I being pranked?'. RecipeTin Eats founder Nagi Maehashi reveals to the Sydney Morning Herald trolls are combing her books for possible plagiarising after she accused another cook of taking her recipes. A group of 16 people including a young baby stranded without food or water on a remote Torres Strait islet have been saved by a ship's crew, the Cairns Post reports. The Courier Mail finds Bob Katter in a combative mood as he prepares for his 12th federal election. Hobart | Launch of world's largest battery-electric ship. Melbourne | Committal mention for a man who posed as a woman online and is charged with incitement to rape and stalking. Sydney | First case management hearing in Taylor Auerbach v Seven. Enjoying the Morning Mail? Then you'll love our Afternoon Update newsletter. Sign up here to finish your day with a three-minute snapshot of the day's main news, and complete your daily news roundup. And follow the latest in US politics by signing up for This Week in Trumpland. And finally, here are the Guardian's crosswords to keep you entertained throughout the day. Until tomorrow. Quick crossword Cryptic crossword If you have a story tip or technical issue viewing this newsletter, please reply to this email. If you are a Guardian supporter and need assistance with regards to contributions and/or digital subscriptions, please email
The Guardian
01-05-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
Australia election 2025 live: leaders enter final day of campaign with Albanese narrowly ahead in polls
Show key events only Please turn on JavaScript to use this feature Has either major party earned your vote? – podcast With one day to go before the election, the polls paint a rosy picture for Labor. Governing with a majority is still a live option for the incumbent government – but pollsters have been wrong before, and a late night surprise is not off the table. So, after a long campaign which left many voters frustrated with the lack of big promises and big policy – have the major parties earned your vote? In our Full Story podcast Newsroom edition, Bridie Jabour talks to editor Lenore Taylor and head of newsroom Mike Ticher about the choices progressive voters face as they head to the polls. Listen here: Share Good morning and welcome to our live news blog. I'm Martin Farrer with some of the best overnight stories before Krishani Dhanji will take you through the last full day of campaigning. It seems like political tensions have boiled over in some areas with New South Wales police launching multiple investigations in the last week into alleged violence, intimidation, harassment and antisocial behaviour related to the election. This has included the smearing of poo across a truck carrying an ad for the Liberal party. More coming up. A Liberal-aligned thinktank running last-minute anti-Greens advertisements targeting young voters received more than $600,000 from the coal industry during last year's Queensland election, disclosures show. At the same time, Labor and the Coalition have been accused of going to the election on a 'unity ticket' to protect fossil fuels. In what might well be the last poll before the one that really counts, Labor has a two-point lead over the Coalition on a two-party preferred basis. The Fin Review/Freshwater Strategy poll shows that Labor is on 51.5% to the Coalition's 48.5%. If replicated tomorrow that puts Labor on track for a minority government. More campaign reaction coming up. Share
The Guardian
01-05-2025
- Business
- The Guardian
Liberal-aligned thinktank running anti-Greens ads received $600,000 from coal industry in Queensland election
A Liberal-aligned thinktank running last-minute anti-Greens advertisements targeting young voters received more than $600,000 from the coal industry during last year's Queensland election, disclosures show. On Monday evening, the Australian Institute for Progress released a 'Can you afford the Greens?' video advertisement pushing claims, based on its own commissioned research, that the Greens' housing policies would lead to increased rents. Emails to supporters from the AIP executive director, former Queensland Liberal vice-president Graham Young, seeking donations to push anti-Greens advertisements show the campaign is specifically aimed at helping elect Liberal National party candidates Trevor Evans and Maggie Forrest in the seats of Brisbane and Ryan. 'We believe that with a properly-funded and targeted campaign we can reduce [the Greens'] total numbers by 50%,' Young wrote to supporters. Sign up for the Afternoon Update: Election 2025 email newsletter 'While other campaigns we have heard of are targeting older Greens voters … our campaign bores in on financial self-interest – one of the strongest drivers of behaviour – and younger, even first-time, Greens voters,' he said. Queensland electoral disclosures show the vast majority of the Australian Institute for Progress's declared donations during the past year have come from the coal industry group Coal Australia. The lobby group gave $613,500 to the AIP in September and October last year, before the Queensland election campaign. The AIP's return shows it spent more than $680,000 on the state campaign, where it ran online anti-Labor advertising in close seats, including Capalaba and Redlands. Asked who was funding the AIP's anti-Greens advertisements in the week before the federal election, Young said the thinktank did not disclose its donors 'except as required by law' but that it had not received any money from Coal Australia specifically for its federal campaigning, or since the state election. The AIP is one of several third-party groups running well-funded campaigns designed to oust Greens from their three inner-Brisbane electorates and against independent 'teal' MPs in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. One of those groups, Australians for Prosperity, has also declared $725,000 from Coal Australia. Another, Advance Australia, has been actively involved in anti-renewables campaigns. Young said the AIP decision to focus on housing was because it was 'a serious issue' for the group. 'If you look at our website you will find that housing, which is the focus of our current campaign, has been a concern of ours from our inception,' he said. 'When the Greens advocated taxation policies that would hurt renters, as well as create housing shortages, we decided to run a campaign against them. In our view the Greens advocate a range of policies that are not in the interest of Australia, or of the people who vote for them.' Max Chandler-Mather, the Greens MP for the Brisbane seat of Griffith and the party's housing spokesman, said 'coal and gas billionaires' were campaigning against the party 'because the Greens are the party prepared to stand up to them, make them pay their fair share of tax, and stop opening new coal and gas projects that are cooking the planet'. 'Coal billionaires desperately want Peter Dutton to be prime minister and they know that the Greens in Brisbane are the ones standing in the way,' he said. 'Having now failed to stop the Greens through scaremongering to conservative voters, now they've resorted to lying to young voters and renters. That won't work either.' In his emails to supporters, Young said contributions to the anti-Greens campaign below the federal threshold did not need to be disclosed. 'The rules that applied to the last state election do not apply to this Commonwealth election,' Young told supporters. 'It is only until you have donated $16,900 in total that you need to disclose your donation and there are no prohibited donors.'
