Albanese announces Australia and Solomon Islands will progress on treaty Anthony Albanese and the Solomon Islands prime minister, Matthew Wale, are announcing steps towards a treaty, and progress on a previously stalled policing deal between the two nations. Albanese says additionally, Australia will provide a package of support to Solomon Islands. That package will include supporting recovery from tropical cyclones, the energy crisis, education and stills development. double quotation markThis treaty will allow Australia and the Solomon Islands to confront global and regional challenges as partners. This is a significant body of work [and] we have asked our foreign ministers to lead and drive this forward. We have also agreed to move to the next phase of the Royal Solomon Islands police force. Anthony Albanese and Solomon Islands prime minister Matthew Wale shake hands alongside Wale’s wife, Veronica Ruala Waletofea. Photograph: Hilary Wardhaugh/AFP/Getty Images Albanese later clarifies that the government will provide $200 million Solomon for the cost of recovery from Tropical Cyclone Ita and to deal with the current energy crisis. Key events Economic growth slowed in early 2026 Patrick Commins Real GDP growth slowed to 0.3% in the three months to March, from 0.9% in the previous quarter, according to the release of national accounts data that mostly pre-dates the expected blow from the global oil crisis. Annual growth was steady at 2.5% versus December, the Australian Bureau of Statistics figures showed. The start of the US-Israel war on Iran at the end of February triggered a surge in fuel costs that has sent inflation sharply higher and shaken household and business confidence. Climbing interest rates are also dragging on activity, and unemployment unexpectedly jumped to 4.5% in April – the highest level since late 2021. The Reserve Bank’s latest set of forecasts predicted real GDP growth will slow to 1.9% in the year to June, and 1.3% by December. A man checks meat price at Woolworths supermarket. Photograph: Ye Myo Khant/SOPA Images/Shutterstock Pauline Hanson booked for ‘leader’s address’ at National Press Club Dan Jervis-Bardy One Nation leader Pauline Hanson is scheduled to appear at the National Press Club, providing her a nationally televised platform to sell her plan for the country. Hanson has been booked to deliver a “leader’s address” to the Canberra-based institution on 17 June, according to the club’s website. The speech will mark another example of the mainstreaming of Hanson, whose rightwing populist party is the most popular in the country according to some opinion polls. Hanson on Monday fielded media questions about the possibility of becoming prime minister despite One Nation holding just two of the 150 seats in the lower house. “Do I have the ability? You bet I have,” she told 2GB on Monday. One Nation leader Pauline Hanson. Photograph: Hilary Wardhaugh/Getty Images ‘Everyone is interested in ports’: Wale Wale says there are ongoing discussions around expanding the number of external partners – including the US and Australia – to work on key projects in Solomon Islands. He gives Albanese a verbal nudge, suggesting Australia “give us some good rates so we can build critical infrastructure and have sovereign control over them.” double quotation markEverybody is interested in ports. We like it. He says that his nation will also look to the US, to speed up the ascension into the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC). The MCC is a US foreign aid agency established in 2004 by Congress. Other Pacific nations including Fiji have signed funding agreements with the MCC. Solomon Islands PM to review security pact with China Matthew Wale says he hasn’t reviewed the Solomon Islands’ security pact with China, that he previously called to be made public. That pact was signed by the former prime minister Jeremiah Manele. The Solomon Islands PM says he “had to remove certain people from key positions” in regards to the pact, but only received a copy of it the day before he flew to Australia. double quotation markI have not been afforded a copy even of that agreement until the day before I left so I have not had a good look at it. I have had a look at it, I will be honest with you, but I have not had a good look at it. Cabinet will need to have a look at these things. There is a nondisclosure clause in it so I could not show it to you right away but we are going to be reviewing, as we are reviewing the security agreements we have with many other countries. Albanese is also asked whether the document should be made public, but he says that Australia “respect the sovereignty of nations in the Pacific and we respect the decisions that will be made by the prime minister.” Solomon Islands prime minister Matthew Wale speaks to media. Photograph: Lukas Coch/AAP Australia the ‘security partner of choice’ for the region, Albanese says Australia should be the “security partner of choice” in the Pacific, Anthony Albanese says when asked whether the government would seek to limit the building of critical infrastructure with other parties. He says that the comprehensive strategic treaty will be built on mutual trust and respect. double quotation markToday is of course day one, and we’ve agreed to develop the comprehensive strategic treaty between us and we’ll work through the issues, but it will be one which identifies our mutual trust, our respect for each other, the sovereignty of both of our nations as we go forward. We have said very clearly we want Australia to be the security partner of choice in our region, and we want the Pacific family to look after our security in this region. Solomon Islands prime minister Matthew Wale, who as we noted below has taken a far more cautious approach compared to his predecessor on China, also says, “the first reference point in these matters is within the region, that I think is very important going forward”. Anthony Albanese and Solomon Islands prime minister Matthew Wale speak to media. Photograph: Lukas Coch/AAP ‘Solomon Islands is Australia’s friend’, prime minister Wale says The Solomon Islands prime minister, Matthew Wale, begins his address to the media saying he expected it to be colder, to which Albanese quickly chimes in saying, “it’s cold enough!” On a more serious note, Wale acknowledges that there have been issues in the past in the relationship between Solomon Islands and Australia. As prime minister, Wale is taking a different approach to Australia and China compared to his predecessor, Jeremiah Manele, who was voted out of office after a no-confidence motion on his leadership. Wale has advocated for a more cautious approach to Beijing. Wale says that Australia and Solomon Islands are now resetting their relationship. double quotation markWe have sought to reset in this relationship. We acknowledge there have been problems in the last few years, I will be honest. And we thank the honourable prime minister that we are able to elevate our relationship to a comprehensive strategic one where both sides will benefit by having trust in each other’s decision-making and that would be good also for the region. Albanese announces Australia and Solomon Islands will progress on treaty Anthony Albanese and the Solomon Islands prime minister, Matthew Wale, are announcing steps towards a treaty, and progress on a previously stalled policing deal between the two nations. Albanese says additionally, Australia will provide a package of support to Solomon Islands. That package will include supporting recovery from tropical cyclones, the energy crisis, education and stills development. double quotation markThis treaty will allow Australia and the Solomon Islands to confront global and regional challenges as partners. This is a significant body of work [and] we have asked our foreign ministers to lead and drive this forward. We have also agreed to move to the next phase of the Royal Solomon Islands police force. Anthony Albanese and Solomon Islands prime minister Matthew Wale shake hands alongside Wale’s wife, Veronica Ruala Waletofea. Photograph: Hilary Wardhaugh/AFP/Getty Images Albanese later clarifies that the government will provide $200 million Solomon for the cost of recovery from Tropical Cyclone Ita and to deal with the current energy crisis. ‘I wouldn’t overdramatise it’: Sharma on Trump-Netanyahu call Liberal senator and former ambassador to Israel, Dave Sharma, says he wouldn’t “overdramatise” the reports of a tense call between Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu. Speaking to Sky News, Sharma says the two nations while working closely together on “Operation Epic Fury” (as the Trump administration calls it), they have different national interests which is “bound to cause some friction”. Sharma suggests that Trump has blow ups with “all sorts of leaders” but those relationships remain in tact. double quotation markI wouldn’t overdramatise it … In an operation of this intensity and scale of course there’s going to be points of difference and disagreement but fundamentally I think they’re still in alignment, we’re talking about tactical decisions there that are causing points of difference. This is part of the modus operandi for the Trump administration … I don’t think this is a rupture or the crisis. Liberal senator Dave Sharma. Photograph: Lukas Coch/AAP Today marks the 34th anniversary of landmark Mabo case Today – 3 June – marks Mabo day, in honour of the legacy of Torres Strait Islands man Eddie Koiki Mabo, who with five others launched a land rights claim in court in 1982, AAP reports. Five months after his death aged 55, the high court on 3 June 1992, recognised Mer Islanders had continuing rights to their land, paving the way for land rights claims across Australia. The Mabo decision overturned the legal fiction of terra nullius, or “land belonging to no one”, a concept used by British settlers to justify their taking of land. Following the Mabo decision, federal parliament passed the Native Title Act 1993, which established a legal framework for native title claims by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. A free Mabo day celebration concert is being held in Melbourne on Wednesday, hosted by the Koorie Heritage Trust in partnership with the City of Melbourne and Federation Square. Cait Kelly Employment department details three streams as part of jobseeker reforms There hasn’t been a lot of extra information so far this morning on the government’s reforms to mutual obligations in Senate estimates. But the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations has said the three streams will be broken down to: Stream one – for jobseekers who need no extra assistance in applying for a job. Stream two – for jobseekers who are “a little bit more distant” from the labour market and may need more training. Stream three – for Australians who are longterm unemployed and have more “challenging circumstances”, who would start with connection to a job provider. Asked if outcome payments for employment jobseekers find independently would still be paid to providers, first assistant secretary Bronwyn Field said: double quotation markWe would see job outcome payments continuing to be a feature of the streams, but it’s the relative loading we put on that. Because that really incentivises the providers and the support. We’re looking at a range of things like blended funding models, which may be a mix of flat fee for service, job outcome payments and may also look at progress payments. A previous Guardian Australia investigation revealed many job services providers were hounding jobseekers for payslips. A man walks into a Centrelink office. Photograph: Jason Reed/Reuters ‘Pause and take a breath’ on budget legislation, Spender says Allegra Spender wants changes to the capital gains tax but she argues the government is rushing through its legislation, and should “slow down”. Speaking to Sky News, the independent MP – who has been a key advocate for tax reform – says that there are known problems with the capital gains tax reform model, and the government should look at other models before ramming the bill though the House. The legislation was introduced yesterday and the government aims to pass it through the House tomorrow. Spender says that she does believe that the government has been “genuinely” consulting with the tech and venture capital sectors, saying “there is effective engagement with them”. double quotation markIt should not be rushed through like this. The government can’t say on the one side that this is some of the most significant tax reform in 25 years and then push it through the parliament as it is doing at the moment I think they’re [Labor] really aware of those issues but my frustration is they know that there are those issues but they still want to push through this legislation and deal with those in the future and I just don’t think that’s the right way to do it. Pause, take a breath, look at the model they’ve chosen, and take a look at other models. Independent MP Allegra Spender. Photograph: Lukas Coch/AAP Solomon Islands PM arrives at Parliament House The Solomon Islands prime minister, Matthew Wale, has arrived at Parliament House ahead of a meeting with Anthony Albanese. Wale received a welcome ceremony outside parliament with service men and women, before being greeted by school students inside. The two leaders will shortly meet, with discussions of a treaty very likely on the agenda. They’ll address the media a little later this morning. The Solomon Islands prime minister, Matthew Wale, inspects a guard of honour during a welcome ceremony outside Parliament House. Photograph: Lukas Coch/AAP Matthew Wale waves to schoolchildren as he enters Parliament House with Anthony Albanese. Photograph: Hollie Adams/Reuters Anthony Albanese with Solomon Islands prime minister Matthew Wale and his wife, Veronica Ruala Waletofea. Photograph: Hollie Adams/Reuters Melissa Davey Impact of PHI changes ‘modest’ for over 65’s An estimated 44,000 people are projected to come off private health insurance in 2028-29 under the federal government’s plan to reduce private health insurance rebates for those over 65, Senate estimates has heard. It’s the same number the health minister, Mark Butler, referenced when he made the announcement at the National Press Club in April. Health officials said the money saved could be reinvested into aged care. Labor anticipates the move could increase private health insurance costs for the cohort by up to $250 a year. Department of Health, Disability and Ageing assistant secretary Paul McBride, under questioning from Senator Anne Ruston about the impact on pensioners, said: double quotation markI don’t think it’s fair to say we haven’t considered the impact. The modelling we do looks at how people behave to price changes and other changes in private health insurance, and how they will react to that … based on that modelling, we think very few people will actually choose not to take out private health insurance because of the value proposition to them. He said most people over 65 derive “far more in terms of private health insurance benefits than they pay in premiums”. double quotation markSo we think the impact on them of this measure will be modest. Read more: Liberals must offer ‘a blue sky horizon of hope’, Wilson says Tim Wilson, who loves regularly raiding the thesaurus to craft a flowery turn of phrase, is at it again, while telling us it’s not his plan for the Coalition to join with One Nation. Speaking to Sky News this morning, the shadow treasurer was asked about recent polling showing the minor rightwing party overtaking both the Coalition and Labor in its primary vote. Asked whether the rise of Pauline Hanson’s party is remaking the right, Wilson says it’s not, but it’s a challenge for the Liberal party to “do better”. double quotation markThe pathway for us to win is to make sure we’re offering a blue sky horizon of liberal hope. It’s not simply to wallow in the orange paddock of despair. That’s not my plan [to join One Nation]. My plan is to see a Liberal-led Coalition government with the National party storm to victory, remove the worst government in Australian history, one that’s built on a house of broken promises and lies. And what the orange paddock decides is up to them. Shadow treasurer Tim Wilson. Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AAP Benita Kolovos ‘I have confidence in all my ministers’: Allan The Victorian premier, Jacinta Allan, says she has confidence in her minister, Luba Grigorovitch, who has admitted to writing character references for six individuals that she now regrets. The individuals include a taxi driver who assaulted female passengers, two men accused of family violence and a supporter of former Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Grigorovitch admitted she took each request for a reference on “face value” and neither she nor her office searched for further information on the individuals prior. Asked whether she had confidence in Grigorovitch, Allan said: double quotation markWell, I have confidence in all of my ministers. Minister Grigorovitch yesterday did acknowledge she made a mistake, she shouldn’t have done what she did, she’s apologised for that and has processes in place to ensure that that will not be happening again. Allan say she’d never given a reference to “criminals”: double quotation markIf I can give an example, when a student does work experience in my office … I’ll vouch for the time they’ve been in my office. On the very rare occasion, I am asked as a local member of parliament to provide a letter of support for people’s order of Australia nominations, and I do so for those people who I know. ‘Rewriting of history’ on Aukus caucus vote, defence industry minister says The defence industry minister, Pat Conroy says there’s been a rewriting of history on how the Labor caucus came to support Aukus in 2021, telling RN Breakfast this morning that the Virginia class submarines weren’t even in the picture at the time. Labor MP Ed Husic yesterday called for a fresh caucus vote on Aukus, saying the terms of the deal had changed, after defence minister Richard Marles announced that Australia would be getting three second-hand submarines, rather than two used and one new (and the government has since argued that that was always the preferred option). Conroy today says that in fact, the Virginia class submarines only came into the picture more than a year later in late 2022. double quotation markThere’s a bit of a sort of misunderstanding or rewriting of history around the caucus vote. The caucus vote in late 2021 was in response to the Morrison announcement of an intention to build nuclear-powered submarines in Adelaide. There was no mention of Virginias because that wasn’t part of the plan. The Morrison government had no plan on how to bridge the capability gap that they’d left us by chopping and changing submarines so much. So the Virginias only came on the picture in late 2022. So, the caucus vote was about Aukus as a broad approach. Defence industry minister Pat Conroy. Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AAP Later, on Sky News, Conroy added that any claims that any change in approach to the Virginia class “undermined” the caucus vote in 2021 has “no resemblance to reality”. double quotation markWhat I can say to you is the caucus cabinet national conference have overwhelmingly endorsed this [pact]. Benita Kolovos Victorian government to fast-track donation laws through parliament this week The Victorian premier, Jacinta Allan, is holding a press conference to outline new donation laws the government will try to fast-track through parliament this week. There have been no limits on political donations or any disclosure requirements since the high court struck down the state’s donation laws in April, removing the previous cap of $4,970 over a four-year term. After the judgment, Allan promised to “immediately move to restore Victoria’s electoral integrity regime” with fast-tracked legislation. But the government had been struggling to reach an agreement with either the opposition or the Greens and other crossbenchers for weeks. Today, she’s announced a bill which Guardian Australia understands will have the support of the crossbench. Under the proposed new laws: Political donations will be capped at $7,500 per donor over four years – though new candidates and parties will be able to receive $15,000 All foreign donations will be banned Donations above $1,250 must be disclosed in real time The laws will also be retrospective. Allan says: double quotation markI’ve always said, since that decision of the high court in mid-April, that the legislation I’d be bringing to the parliament would be effective as of the date of the high court decision, and that all donations that have been made since that time will be required to comply with these new rules. That’s why the laws around donations aspects of the laws will apply from the 15th of April. These changes make sure that elections are determined by voters – not big money, not billionaires. Victorian premier Jacinta Allan. Photograph: James Ross/AAP Post navigation জোশ তুরেক আইওয়া সিনেটের যুদ্ধক্ষেত্রে ডেমোক্র্যাটিক প্রাইমারি জিতেছেন থমকে যাওয়া যুদ্ধবিরতি আলোচনার মধ্যেই নতুন হামলা শুরু করেছে যুক্তরাষ্ট্র, ইরান
Albanese announces Australia and Solomon Islands will progress on treaty Anthony Albanese and the Solomon Islands prime minister, Matthew Wale, are announcing steps towards a treaty, and progress on a previously stalled policing deal between the two nations. Albanese says additionally, Australia will provide a package of support to Solomon Islands. That package will include supporting recovery from tropical cyclones, the energy crisis, education and stills development. double quotation markThis treaty will allow Australia and the Solomon Islands to confront global and regional challenges as partners. This is a significant body of work [and] we have asked our foreign ministers to lead and drive this forward. We have also agreed to move to the next phase of the Royal Solomon Islands police force. Anthony Albanese and Solomon Islands prime minister Matthew Wale shake hands alongside Wale’s wife, Veronica Ruala Waletofea. Photograph: Hilary Wardhaugh/AFP/Getty Images Albanese later clarifies that the government will provide $200 million Solomon for the cost of recovery from Tropical Cyclone Ita and to deal with the current energy crisis.
Economic growth slowed in early 2026 Patrick Commins Real GDP growth slowed to 0.3% in the three months to March, from 0.9% in the previous quarter, according to the release of national accounts data that mostly pre-dates the expected blow from the global oil crisis. Annual growth was steady at 2.5% versus December, the Australian Bureau of Statistics figures showed. The start of the US-Israel war on Iran at the end of February triggered a surge in fuel costs that has sent inflation sharply higher and shaken household and business confidence. Climbing interest rates are also dragging on activity, and unemployment unexpectedly jumped to 4.5% in April – the highest level since late 2021. The Reserve Bank’s latest set of forecasts predicted real GDP growth will slow to 1.9% in the year to June, and 1.3% by December. A man checks meat price at Woolworths supermarket. Photograph: Ye Myo Khant/SOPA Images/Shutterstock
Pauline Hanson booked for ‘leader’s address’ at National Press Club Dan Jervis-Bardy One Nation leader Pauline Hanson is scheduled to appear at the National Press Club, providing her a nationally televised platform to sell her plan for the country. Hanson has been booked to deliver a “leader’s address” to the Canberra-based institution on 17 June, according to the club’s website. The speech will mark another example of the mainstreaming of Hanson, whose rightwing populist party is the most popular in the country according to some opinion polls. Hanson on Monday fielded media questions about the possibility of becoming prime minister despite One Nation holding just two of the 150 seats in the lower house. “Do I have the ability? You bet I have,” she told 2GB on Monday. One Nation leader Pauline Hanson. Photograph: Hilary Wardhaugh/Getty Images
‘Everyone is interested in ports’: Wale Wale says there are ongoing discussions around expanding the number of external partners – including the US and Australia – to work on key projects in Solomon Islands. He gives Albanese a verbal nudge, suggesting Australia “give us some good rates so we can build critical infrastructure and have sovereign control over them.” double quotation markEverybody is interested in ports. We like it. He says that his nation will also look to the US, to speed up the ascension into the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC). The MCC is a US foreign aid agency established in 2004 by Congress. Other Pacific nations including Fiji have signed funding agreements with the MCC.
Solomon Islands PM to review security pact with China Matthew Wale says he hasn’t reviewed the Solomon Islands’ security pact with China, that he previously called to be made public. That pact was signed by the former prime minister Jeremiah Manele. The Solomon Islands PM says he “had to remove certain people from key positions” in regards to the pact, but only received a copy of it the day before he flew to Australia. double quotation markI have not been afforded a copy even of that agreement until the day before I left so I have not had a good look at it. I have had a look at it, I will be honest with you, but I have not had a good look at it. Cabinet will need to have a look at these things. There is a nondisclosure clause in it so I could not show it to you right away but we are going to be reviewing, as we are reviewing the security agreements we have with many other countries. Albanese is also asked whether the document should be made public, but he says that Australia “respect the sovereignty of nations in the Pacific and we respect the decisions that will be made by the prime minister.” Solomon Islands prime minister Matthew Wale speaks to media. Photograph: Lukas Coch/AAP
Australia the ‘security partner of choice’ for the region, Albanese says Australia should be the “security partner of choice” in the Pacific, Anthony Albanese says when asked whether the government would seek to limit the building of critical infrastructure with other parties. He says that the comprehensive strategic treaty will be built on mutual trust and respect. double quotation markToday is of course day one, and we’ve agreed to develop the comprehensive strategic treaty between us and we’ll work through the issues, but it will be one which identifies our mutual trust, our respect for each other, the sovereignty of both of our nations as we go forward. We have said very clearly we want Australia to be the security partner of choice in our region, and we want the Pacific family to look after our security in this region. Solomon Islands prime minister Matthew Wale, who as we noted below has taken a far more cautious approach compared to his predecessor on China, also says, “the first reference point in these matters is within the region, that I think is very important going forward”. Anthony Albanese and Solomon Islands prime minister Matthew Wale speak to media. Photograph: Lukas Coch/AAP
‘Solomon Islands is Australia’s friend’, prime minister Wale says The Solomon Islands prime minister, Matthew Wale, begins his address to the media saying he expected it to be colder, to which Albanese quickly chimes in saying, “it’s cold enough!” On a more serious note, Wale acknowledges that there have been issues in the past in the relationship between Solomon Islands and Australia. As prime minister, Wale is taking a different approach to Australia and China compared to his predecessor, Jeremiah Manele, who was voted out of office after a no-confidence motion on his leadership. Wale has advocated for a more cautious approach to Beijing. Wale says that Australia and Solomon Islands are now resetting their relationship. double quotation markWe have sought to reset in this relationship. We acknowledge there have been problems in the last few years, I will be honest. And we thank the honourable prime minister that we are able to elevate our relationship to a comprehensive strategic one where both sides will benefit by having trust in each other’s decision-making and that would be good also for the region.
Albanese announces Australia and Solomon Islands will progress on treaty Anthony Albanese and the Solomon Islands prime minister, Matthew Wale, are announcing steps towards a treaty, and progress on a previously stalled policing deal between the two nations. Albanese says additionally, Australia will provide a package of support to Solomon Islands. That package will include supporting recovery from tropical cyclones, the energy crisis, education and stills development. double quotation markThis treaty will allow Australia and the Solomon Islands to confront global and regional challenges as partners. This is a significant body of work [and] we have asked our foreign ministers to lead and drive this forward. We have also agreed to move to the next phase of the Royal Solomon Islands police force. Anthony Albanese and Solomon Islands prime minister Matthew Wale shake hands alongside Wale’s wife, Veronica Ruala Waletofea. Photograph: Hilary Wardhaugh/AFP/Getty Images Albanese later clarifies that the government will provide $200 million Solomon for the cost of recovery from Tropical Cyclone Ita and to deal with the current energy crisis.
‘I wouldn’t overdramatise it’: Sharma on Trump-Netanyahu call Liberal senator and former ambassador to Israel, Dave Sharma, says he wouldn’t “overdramatise” the reports of a tense call between Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu. Speaking to Sky News, Sharma says the two nations while working closely together on “Operation Epic Fury” (as the Trump administration calls it), they have different national interests which is “bound to cause some friction”. Sharma suggests that Trump has blow ups with “all sorts of leaders” but those relationships remain in tact. double quotation markI wouldn’t overdramatise it … In an operation of this intensity and scale of course there’s going to be points of difference and disagreement but fundamentally I think they’re still in alignment, we’re talking about tactical decisions there that are causing points of difference. This is part of the modus operandi for the Trump administration … I don’t think this is a rupture or the crisis. Liberal senator Dave Sharma. Photograph: Lukas Coch/AAP
Today marks the 34th anniversary of landmark Mabo case Today – 3 June – marks Mabo day, in honour of the legacy of Torres Strait Islands man Eddie Koiki Mabo, who with five others launched a land rights claim in court in 1982, AAP reports. Five months after his death aged 55, the high court on 3 June 1992, recognised Mer Islanders had continuing rights to their land, paving the way for land rights claims across Australia. The Mabo decision overturned the legal fiction of terra nullius, or “land belonging to no one”, a concept used by British settlers to justify their taking of land. Following the Mabo decision, federal parliament passed the Native Title Act 1993, which established a legal framework for native title claims by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. A free Mabo day celebration concert is being held in Melbourne on Wednesday, hosted by the Koorie Heritage Trust in partnership with the City of Melbourne and Federation Square.
Cait Kelly Employment department details three streams as part of jobseeker reforms There hasn’t been a lot of extra information so far this morning on the government’s reforms to mutual obligations in Senate estimates. But the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations has said the three streams will be broken down to: Stream one – for jobseekers who need no extra assistance in applying for a job. Stream two – for jobseekers who are “a little bit more distant” from the labour market and may need more training. Stream three – for Australians who are longterm unemployed and have more “challenging circumstances”, who would start with connection to a job provider. Asked if outcome payments for employment jobseekers find independently would still be paid to providers, first assistant secretary Bronwyn Field said: double quotation markWe would see job outcome payments continuing to be a feature of the streams, but it’s the relative loading we put on that. Because that really incentivises the providers and the support. We’re looking at a range of things like blended funding models, which may be a mix of flat fee for service, job outcome payments and may also look at progress payments. A previous Guardian Australia investigation revealed many job services providers were hounding jobseekers for payslips. A man walks into a Centrelink office. Photograph: Jason Reed/Reuters
‘Pause and take a breath’ on budget legislation, Spender says Allegra Spender wants changes to the capital gains tax but she argues the government is rushing through its legislation, and should “slow down”. Speaking to Sky News, the independent MP – who has been a key advocate for tax reform – says that there are known problems with the capital gains tax reform model, and the government should look at other models before ramming the bill though the House. The legislation was introduced yesterday and the government aims to pass it through the House tomorrow. Spender says that she does believe that the government has been “genuinely” consulting with the tech and venture capital sectors, saying “there is effective engagement with them”. double quotation markIt should not be rushed through like this. The government can’t say on the one side that this is some of the most significant tax reform in 25 years and then push it through the parliament as it is doing at the moment I think they’re [Labor] really aware of those issues but my frustration is they know that there are those issues but they still want to push through this legislation and deal with those in the future and I just don’t think that’s the right way to do it. Pause, take a breath, look at the model they’ve chosen, and take a look at other models. Independent MP Allegra Spender. Photograph: Lukas Coch/AAP
Solomon Islands PM arrives at Parliament House The Solomon Islands prime minister, Matthew Wale, has arrived at Parliament House ahead of a meeting with Anthony Albanese. Wale received a welcome ceremony outside parliament with service men and women, before being greeted by school students inside. The two leaders will shortly meet, with discussions of a treaty very likely on the agenda. They’ll address the media a little later this morning. The Solomon Islands prime minister, Matthew Wale, inspects a guard of honour during a welcome ceremony outside Parliament House. Photograph: Lukas Coch/AAP Matthew Wale waves to schoolchildren as he enters Parliament House with Anthony Albanese. Photograph: Hollie Adams/Reuters Anthony Albanese with Solomon Islands prime minister Matthew Wale and his wife, Veronica Ruala Waletofea. Photograph: Hollie Adams/Reuters
Melissa Davey Impact of PHI changes ‘modest’ for over 65’s An estimated 44,000 people are projected to come off private health insurance in 2028-29 under the federal government’s plan to reduce private health insurance rebates for those over 65, Senate estimates has heard. It’s the same number the health minister, Mark Butler, referenced when he made the announcement at the National Press Club in April. Health officials said the money saved could be reinvested into aged care. Labor anticipates the move could increase private health insurance costs for the cohort by up to $250 a year. Department of Health, Disability and Ageing assistant secretary Paul McBride, under questioning from Senator Anne Ruston about the impact on pensioners, said: double quotation markI don’t think it’s fair to say we haven’t considered the impact. The modelling we do looks at how people behave to price changes and other changes in private health insurance, and how they will react to that … based on that modelling, we think very few people will actually choose not to take out private health insurance because of the value proposition to them. He said most people over 65 derive “far more in terms of private health insurance benefits than they pay in premiums”. double quotation markSo we think the impact on them of this measure will be modest. Read more:
Liberals must offer ‘a blue sky horizon of hope’, Wilson says Tim Wilson, who loves regularly raiding the thesaurus to craft a flowery turn of phrase, is at it again, while telling us it’s not his plan for the Coalition to join with One Nation. Speaking to Sky News this morning, the shadow treasurer was asked about recent polling showing the minor rightwing party overtaking both the Coalition and Labor in its primary vote. Asked whether the rise of Pauline Hanson’s party is remaking the right, Wilson says it’s not, but it’s a challenge for the Liberal party to “do better”. double quotation markThe pathway for us to win is to make sure we’re offering a blue sky horizon of liberal hope. It’s not simply to wallow in the orange paddock of despair. That’s not my plan [to join One Nation]. My plan is to see a Liberal-led Coalition government with the National party storm to victory, remove the worst government in Australian history, one that’s built on a house of broken promises and lies. And what the orange paddock decides is up to them. Shadow treasurer Tim Wilson. Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AAP
Benita Kolovos ‘I have confidence in all my ministers’: Allan The Victorian premier, Jacinta Allan, says she has confidence in her minister, Luba Grigorovitch, who has admitted to writing character references for six individuals that she now regrets. The individuals include a taxi driver who assaulted female passengers, two men accused of family violence and a supporter of former Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Grigorovitch admitted she took each request for a reference on “face value” and neither she nor her office searched for further information on the individuals prior. Asked whether she had confidence in Grigorovitch, Allan said: double quotation markWell, I have confidence in all of my ministers. Minister Grigorovitch yesterday did acknowledge she made a mistake, she shouldn’t have done what she did, she’s apologised for that and has processes in place to ensure that that will not be happening again. Allan say she’d never given a reference to “criminals”: double quotation markIf I can give an example, when a student does work experience in my office … I’ll vouch for the time they’ve been in my office. On the very rare occasion, I am asked as a local member of parliament to provide a letter of support for people’s order of Australia nominations, and I do so for those people who I know.
‘Rewriting of history’ on Aukus caucus vote, defence industry minister says The defence industry minister, Pat Conroy says there’s been a rewriting of history on how the Labor caucus came to support Aukus in 2021, telling RN Breakfast this morning that the Virginia class submarines weren’t even in the picture at the time. Labor MP Ed Husic yesterday called for a fresh caucus vote on Aukus, saying the terms of the deal had changed, after defence minister Richard Marles announced that Australia would be getting three second-hand submarines, rather than two used and one new (and the government has since argued that that was always the preferred option). Conroy today says that in fact, the Virginia class submarines only came into the picture more than a year later in late 2022. double quotation markThere’s a bit of a sort of misunderstanding or rewriting of history around the caucus vote. The caucus vote in late 2021 was in response to the Morrison announcement of an intention to build nuclear-powered submarines in Adelaide. There was no mention of Virginias because that wasn’t part of the plan. The Morrison government had no plan on how to bridge the capability gap that they’d left us by chopping and changing submarines so much. So the Virginias only came on the picture in late 2022. So, the caucus vote was about Aukus as a broad approach. Defence industry minister Pat Conroy. Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AAP Later, on Sky News, Conroy added that any claims that any change in approach to the Virginia class “undermined” the caucus vote in 2021 has “no resemblance to reality”. double quotation markWhat I can say to you is the caucus cabinet national conference have overwhelmingly endorsed this [pact].
Benita Kolovos Victorian government to fast-track donation laws through parliament this week The Victorian premier, Jacinta Allan, is holding a press conference to outline new donation laws the government will try to fast-track through parliament this week. There have been no limits on political donations or any disclosure requirements since the high court struck down the state’s donation laws in April, removing the previous cap of $4,970 over a four-year term. After the judgment, Allan promised to “immediately move to restore Victoria’s electoral integrity regime” with fast-tracked legislation. But the government had been struggling to reach an agreement with either the opposition or the Greens and other crossbenchers for weeks. Today, she’s announced a bill which Guardian Australia understands will have the support of the crossbench. Under the proposed new laws: Political donations will be capped at $7,500 per donor over four years – though new candidates and parties will be able to receive $15,000 All foreign donations will be banned Donations above $1,250 must be disclosed in real time The laws will also be retrospective. Allan says: double quotation markI’ve always said, since that decision of the high court in mid-April, that the legislation I’d be bringing to the parliament would be effective as of the date of the high court decision, and that all donations that have been made since that time will be required to comply with these new rules. That’s why the laws around donations aspects of the laws will apply from the 15th of April. These changes make sure that elections are determined by voters – not big money, not billionaires. Victorian premier Jacinta Allan. Photograph: James Ross/AAP