Haines and Ryan rule themelves out from potential teal party Well we now know which independents are definitely not going to be joining any teal party – Helen Haines and Monique Ryan. Ryan has just released a statement saying that she made a commitment to her electorate of Kooyong in inner Melbourne to represent them as an independent. double quotation markRepresenting the people of Kooyong in Canberra has been one of the biggest honours of my life. I will continue to do that in the capacity in which I was elected: as a community independent, voted for and answerable to the people of Kooyong. Monique Ryan in 2025. Photograph: Joel Carrett/AAP A spokesperson for Haines also confirmed to Guardian Australia that she will not be joining any party, and will remain as an independent. Haines was an early community independent after being elected to the regional Victorian seat of Indi in 2019, succeeding the OG community independent, Cathy McGowan, who held that same seat from 2013 and retired in 2019. Key events Show key events only Please turn on JavaScript to use this feature Luca Ittimani House prices slipping as auction and open home interest fades Australia’s house prices are slipping as the market slows, with auction success rates and open home attendance stuck at their recent lows The national auction clearance rate was 58.2% in the week to Sunday, Cotality reported. It has held below 60% for much of the past two months, indicating housing has become more of a buyer’s market. Sydney and Melbourne auction success rates picked up from last week but are still lower than they were a year ago, respectively at 56.9% and 60.2%. Brisbane recorded a preliminary 45.7%, meaning more than half of reported auctions failed. Domain data for the week to Saturday found Brisbane’s rate was even lower, at 22%, with almost four in five auctions failing. Real estate group Ray White reported interest is falling, with the number of people attending open homes staying at low levels. Ray White’s chief economist, Nerida Conisbee, said: double quotation markThe most important signal remains open home attendance. Nationally, attendance averaged 2.1 attendees per property, broadly in line with last week, but well below 3.5 at the same time last year. This shows buyer foot traffic has not recovered after the sharp fall seen in recent weeks … With policy uncertainty still settling, interest rates higher and buyer attendance materially lower than a year ago, this softer demand environment is likely to persist for some time. Cotality home value data shows the median home price in Australia’s five biggest cities has been falling since 10 May, with growth slowing in Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth. Sydney and Melbourne prices have been falling for months. Taylor bats off teal party speculation The Liberal party leader, Angus Taylor, says the teals have acted like a party for years, laughing off any concerns that moderates from his party would defect and join their ranks. Standing up in Canberra alongside deputy Jane Hume, Taylor says: double quotation markThe teals have already acted like a party for years. I don’t know what’s here, they act like a political party, but I tell you what, we are the one party or coalition that is fighting the Labor party every day. Taylor’s also asked about the threat to the Liberals on the other side (and arguably now the bigger threat to the party), and comments from Barnaby Joyce this morning that the Liberals are “splitting the One Nation vote”. Taylor laughs awkwardly for a moment and says: double quotation markSorry, look, honestly, if you want to fight the Labor party, support the Liberal and National parties. We are the ones fighting the Labor party every day. Haines and Ryan rule themelves out from potential teal party Well we now know which independents are definitely not going to be joining any teal party – Helen Haines and Monique Ryan. Ryan has just released a statement saying that she made a commitment to her electorate of Kooyong in inner Melbourne to represent them as an independent. double quotation markRepresenting the people of Kooyong in Canberra has been one of the biggest honours of my life. I will continue to do that in the capacity in which I was elected: as a community independent, voted for and answerable to the people of Kooyong. Monique Ryan in 2025. Photograph: Joel Carrett/AAP A spokesperson for Haines also confirmed to Guardian Australia that she will not be joining any party, and will remain as an independent. Haines was an early community independent after being elected to the regional Victorian seat of Indi in 2019, succeeding the OG community independent, Cathy McGowan, who held that same seat from 2013 and retired in 2019. Ben Doherty Spy boss to appear at antisemitism royal commission Asio’s chief, Mike Burgess, will be the first witness to appear Monday morning at the start of Block 2 of public hearings of the royal commission on antisemitism and social cohesion. The second fortnight block of hearings will focus of what police and intelligence agencies knew leading up to the Bondi terror attack, and how information was shared between security agencies. Asio’s director general, Burgess, will give evidence, followed by Australian Federal Police assistance commissioners Stephen Nutt (global operations) and Leanne McCusker (counter-terrorism and special tactics). Their evidence will be followed by two pseudonymised witnesses from the CSG Jewish community security organisation. Among the issues under scrutiny will be security arrangements for the Hanukah by the Sea event that was targeted by two gunmen on 14 December and what was known by counter-terrorism agencies and police about the shooters before the attack. Fifteen people were killed by the two gunmen, who targeted members of the Jewish community as they celebrated Hanukah at a beachside park. While some of the commission’s proceedings will be open to the public, significant parts of the evidence of the second hearing block will be heard behind closed doors, to avoid revealing sensitive national security information and impacting the ongoing criminal prosecution of the surviving shooter, Naveed Akram. The royal commission’s interim report has already detailed that, in the lead-up to the 14 December attack at Bondi, NSW Police were warned by CSG that a heightened atmosphere of antisemitism made a terror attack on the community likely. CSG told police in an email in November: double quotation markA terrorist attack against the NSW Jewish Community is likely and there is a high level of antisemitic vilification. Police planned to provide a high-visibility presence at the event, but they noted internally there was “no need to stay the entire duration” and ultimately only four officers and one area commander attended the event at various times. Melissa Davey Government concerned as diphtheria cases continue to grow The federal health minister, Mark Butler, told ABC News Breakfast on Monday that diphtheria “case numbers are continuing to grow particularly in the NT and the north of WA, so we are very concerned about this”. There are almost 250 cases associated with the outbreak, the latest national surveillance data shows, including 146 in the NT and 89 in WA. “We’re supporting Aboriginal medical services who really are on the frontline here and are deeply trusted in their community, so providing that support will also help containment,” Butler said. Support includes a $7.2m federal government package for vaccines, a health worker surge workforce and community outreach. On Friday, the chief medical officer, Prof Michael Kidd, declared diphtheria a Communicable Disease Incident of National Significance. double quotation markThis is the largest outbreak since national records began in 1991. If you are unsure whether your vaccinations are up to date, please check with your GP, Aboriginal Medical Service, pharmacy or local health clinic. Vaccination is the strongest protection against diphtheria, especially for children, older adults needing boosters, and people living in or travelling to higher-risk areas. Read more: Abbott ‘clearly a masochist’, says Turnbull on Liberal presidency Malcolm Turnbull has been arguing that the Liberals have been listening to too much Sky After Dark and not enough to what the Australians want – and believes that they will make the same mistake when they confirm Tony Abbott as the Liberal party president. Abbott will run for the presidency unopposed after the former foreign minister Alexander Downer withdrew from the race, aiming to run for vice-president instead. Turnbull says, good for Tony: double quotation markHe’s clearly a masochist. But anyway, he’s got a strong commitment to politics, so good on him. For the Liberal party, I think the problem is that if you look at what Tony has been saying and what [Sky News host] Peta Credlin has been saying and the News Corp sort of columnists that are close to them are saying is, they’re basically arguing that the Liberal party’s mistake has been not being right-wing enough. They’ve been saying this, despite every election sending them the message that a significant part of the electorate feel they have gone too far to the right. Liberal party ‘validating’ One Nation platform, says Turnbull Malcolm Turnbull says the Liberals in Australia are making the same mistakes as the UK’s Conservative party by legitimising One Nation’s platform. Turnbull has some choice words for the party he once led (no surprises there, it’s his favourite pasttime), telling RN Breakfast that the Liberals shouldn’t keep chasing Pauline Hanson to the right and abandoning the centre. He says that Australians “historically have preferred to see the contest to be at the centre”: double quotation markIf you’re the Liberal party leader … and say you essentially legitimise and validate One Nation’s platform, people will always go for the real deal. And this is exactly the mistake the Tories have made in the UK with Reform. I was talking to [Reform UK leader] Nigel Farage about this in London just recently. It’s a real phenomenon. I mean, if centre-right parties abandon the centre, they will get overwhelmed by the party that is to their right. And so it’s a mistake happening in both countries, in the UK and Australia. He says that both the Liberals and Conservatives in the UK are “seeing their vote dwindle at the expense of a competitor on the populist right”. Turnbull denies active involvement in setting up teal party The former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull has denied any involvement in the talks between the teals to set up a party, but says that there “is a vacuum for an alternative centre party” which the teals could be a part of. Turnbull’s name has been swirling around the rumour mill in recent days on the issue. He has previously talked up Allegra Spender’s credibility as an economic voice. Joining the ABC’s RN Breakfast, Turnbull says: double quotation markI think there is a vacuum in Australian politics at the moment because the Liberal party has moved so far to the right and in doing so is diminishing. It’s done itself enormous damage. I think there is a vacuum for an alternative centre party. The teals would be obvious people to be part of that or to do that. And I’ve talked to them about that publicly. I mean, going back some years. But whether they actually decide to do so is up to them. So I’m not involved with any plans to set something up. Tim Wilson on teals: ‘No one actually takes this party seriously’ Over on the other side of the political debate, the shadow treasurer, Tim Wilson, has shut down the idea of Liberal moderates joining a potential teal party. Speaking to Nine earlier this morning, the moderate – who won his seat back from the teal independent Zoe Daniel at the last election – said no one would take the group seriously. His colleague Jane Hume, a fellow moderate, said that the teals have acted as a party for a while, with the same funding and same campaign teams (“if it walks like a duck and it quacks like a duck”… she said). Wilson said: double quotation markI don’t think there’s any chance of that because I think no one actually takes this party seriously. It’s about them achieving their own survival, not the good of the nation. Were the teal party conversations sparked by the government’s electoral reforms? Yes and no, Allegra Spender and Zali Steggall say. Earlier on RN Breakfast, Steggall said that she had a “showdown” with the special minister of state, Don Farrell, over the changes, which she said were “rigged” towards the major parties. She said that the changes forced her to look at the “setup and the disadvantage there is in being a community independent versus [being a] a major party”. double quotation markThere are many things that favour major party structures, and again, the public was incredibly cynical about that move, that it’s yet again major parties trying to rig the game for their benefit. Spender said that it was a factor in the discussions but that the talks are “beyond just campaign financing”. Spender confirms teal party conversations Both Zali Steggall and Allegra Spender have fronted up to the media this morning to confirm conversations are taking place for a potential teal party, but both aren’t promising anything and say there’s nothing yet to announce. Spender has joined ABC Radio Sydney, saying that people have come up to her saying they’re worried about the political landscape and want to see change. She’s asked whether the discussion was sparked by changes to electoral donation laws that benefit parties over independents, and says that the changes were a consideration but the idea goes beyond just that. She adds that things might look a little different in their corner compared to other established parties. double quotation markI have had conversations over a period of time about how politics could evolve because people keep on coming to me and say they really worried about the times that we’re in. The question is: look, are there ways to better collaborate to evolve and how we work together or how some of us work together so that we can more explicitly align on certain areas and then where our communities and where we fundamentally disagree to have that freedom. I don’t think people want a party like we’ve seen it with the sort of major parties. I think if any evolution [it] wants to be something quite different. Sarah Basford Canales Menopause national awareness campaign launches A nation-first campaign to spread awareness about the symptoms of menopause and perimenopause will launch today. The federal government campaign, which will run to the end of the year, is designed to lift the lid on how women experience symptoms and direct them to health information and treatment options. The campaign is the result of a Senate inquiry in 2024, which found many women entered this stage of life lacking information about the impact of symptoms and where to get help. The women’s minister, Katy Gallagher, said: double quotation markMenopause should not come as a surprise, but for too long silence and stigma have left too many women in the dark … It is important that this campaign reflects the different experiences of perimenopause and menopause, because no two women experience it the same way, and every woman deserves to feel seen and supported. Read more: ‘They have learnt nothing’: Steggall criticises Abbott’s appointment as Liberal party president Zali Steggall says the public wants rational policies not “culture wars”, criticising Tony Abbott’s impending appointment as Liberal party president. Abbott was the only nominee for the presidency after the other contender – former foreign minister Alexander Downer – chose to instead run for one of the vice-president’s positions. Steggall tells RN Breakfast says the appointment shows the party has “learned nothing”. double quotation markThe Australian public, the sensible public, wants rational policies. They don’t want culture wars. They don’t want blame game. They want something constructive. The Coalition currently wants to repeal net zero, which means taking Australia out of the Paris agreement … They want to blame migrants who have actually built Australia … The divisiveness is toxic, putting Tony Abbott in charge just shows they have learned nothing. ‘There are conversations’, Steggall confirms independents in talks One of the MPs at the centre of the teal party whispers, Zali Steggall, has confirmed to the ABC’s RN Breakfast that there are conversations going on between the group of independents on forming a party. Steggall says the discussions are looking at how they can work in a “collaborative way to be more effective in holding government to account” Steggall ousted former Liberal prime minister, Tony Abbott in 2019 in the Sydney seat of Warringah. The independent says that she’s considering different options but warns that not all the speculation in the media is correct – ruling out that she’s had conversations with other Liberals. double quotation markThere are conversations [with independents]. That’s about all I can say at this point … I’ve worked with my fellow members on the crossbench a lot across both houses, the Senate and the House. And I can really see how we find efficiencies, we work together in supporting one another. I’ve had discussions with David [Pocock], as I have with many others. Only independents, though, speculation about discussions with Liberals … I certainly have not had those discussions. Steggall also says that she’s spoken to Malcolm Turnbull during her time as a parliamentarian, but not about this potential venture. Sarah Basford Canales Wong departs for Quad meeting in India Penny Wong will head to India today to meet with foreign ministers from India, Japan and the United States for the third Quad meeting in 18 months. It’s expected energy security will be among the hot topics the four countries discuss amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The foreign minister noted the Quad partnership was “vital” in “uncertain times”. She said: double quotation markThe Albanese government will continue to strengthen Australia’s relationships and work even harder in new and existing coalitions like the Quad as we keep building Australia’s future in an ever less stable world. At the last meeting in July 2025, the countries agreed to work together to diversify the global supply of critical minerals in response to concerns about China’s market dominance. ‘If it walks like a duck …’ Hume calls teal party the worst kept secret in Canberra The Liberal deputy leader, Jane Hume, says that the teals in party talks has been the “worst-kept secret” in Canberra, arguing the group have acted like a party for a while. She tells Sky News the move would be good for Labor and the Greens because the teals vote with them “70% of the time”. Indulge me for a second to bring you some facts on this. It’s a claim the Coalition have made a lot, particularly during the last parliament and during the 2025 election campaign. If you want to see how often the community independents actually voted with Labor or the Greens versus the Coalition – have a read of this very in depth fact check by my colleague, Nick Evershed: Now back to Hume: double quotation markThis is probably the worst-kept secret in Canberra, isn’t it? For a number of years, we’ve been saying that if it walks like a duck and it quacks like a duck, it’s a duck. The teals have been a party since they began. They’ve had the same funding sources, they’ve had the same campaign teams, they’ve worn the same colours, but worse than that, they had the same slogan, and the slogan was about integrity, and that integrity has now simply been gone out the window. Hume is asked whether she has been approached to join the new party, she says “absolutely not” and adds: double quotation markI think changing political parties is a little bit like changing football teams. I can’t understand why people would even consider it. Treatment of Australians by Israeli forces and minister ‘disgraceful’: Butler The health minister, Mark Butler, says the government has raised “in the strongest possible way” its concerns with the Israeli government over the treatment of Australian and international activists detained by Israel after their flotilla was intercepted in international waters. He singled out Israeli minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir who was condemned internationally after posting a video of himself abusing the activists captured. Butler told the ABC: double quotation markWe have [raised these issues] in the strongest possible terms, both in Israel itself, but also with the Israeli ambassador to Australia here in Canberra. The treatment of those Australians and people from many other countries as well has been disgraceful, particularly the behaviour of Minister Ben Gvir. We’ve raised our concerns in the strongest possible way. We’re really glad that the Australians are starting now to return home and reunite with their families, but this has been a particularly concerning event. Teal party speculation ‘not a surprise’ says cabinet minister Mark Butler says he’s not surprised to see speculation that the community teal independents could form a party – with the political spectrum in “flux” right now. Speaking to ABC’s News Breakfast this morning, the health minister says (rather unsurprisingly) that it’s “a matter for them”. There’s speculation this morning that Allegra Spender and Zali Steggall could be leading talks for a grouping of the independents. Independent senator David Pocock yesterday said he was open to a party forming to help counter One Nation. Butler says: double quotation markThey’ve [teal independents] obviously made inroads in particular communities in Australia. They’ll make their own assessment about whether that works for them. There obviously is a lot of flux in the non-Labor parts of politics right now, so to see speculation like that’s perhaps not a surprise. Welcome Krishani Dhanji Good morning, Krishani Dhanji with you for a busy sitting week ahead. There’s lots on the agenda this week; the government is working on implementing its budget promises, which could see changes to capital gains tax discounts after widespread backlash from industry and investor groups. The teal independents could band together to form a new party, says David Pocock. There are whispers conversations are happening behind the scenes – reportedly led by Zali Steggall and Allegra Spender – and that a new party could push back against the growing influence of One Nation. Australian activists on board the latest Gaza flotilla are returning home after being detained in Israel. The group have alleged mistreatment and abuse by Israeli forces. And it’s Senate estimates this week, which means department officials will face a grilling from pollies – and we’ll be watching eagerly. We’ll bring you all the juicy details as they come. Post navigation হরমুজ প্রণালী পুনরায় চালু করতে ইরানের সাথে মার্কিন চুক্তির দিকে অগ্রসর হওয়ায় অপরিশোধিত তেলের পতন ইরানের সঙ্গে সম্ভাব্য চুক্তির খবরে তেলের দাম কমেছে
Haines and Ryan rule themelves out from potential teal party Well we now know which independents are definitely not going to be joining any teal party – Helen Haines and Monique Ryan. Ryan has just released a statement saying that she made a commitment to her electorate of Kooyong in inner Melbourne to represent them as an independent. double quotation markRepresenting the people of Kooyong in Canberra has been one of the biggest honours of my life. I will continue to do that in the capacity in which I was elected: as a community independent, voted for and answerable to the people of Kooyong. Monique Ryan in 2025. Photograph: Joel Carrett/AAP A spokesperson for Haines also confirmed to Guardian Australia that she will not be joining any party, and will remain as an independent. Haines was an early community independent after being elected to the regional Victorian seat of Indi in 2019, succeeding the OG community independent, Cathy McGowan, who held that same seat from 2013 and retired in 2019.
Luca Ittimani House prices slipping as auction and open home interest fades Australia’s house prices are slipping as the market slows, with auction success rates and open home attendance stuck at their recent lows The national auction clearance rate was 58.2% in the week to Sunday, Cotality reported. It has held below 60% for much of the past two months, indicating housing has become more of a buyer’s market. Sydney and Melbourne auction success rates picked up from last week but are still lower than they were a year ago, respectively at 56.9% and 60.2%. Brisbane recorded a preliminary 45.7%, meaning more than half of reported auctions failed. Domain data for the week to Saturday found Brisbane’s rate was even lower, at 22%, with almost four in five auctions failing. Real estate group Ray White reported interest is falling, with the number of people attending open homes staying at low levels. Ray White’s chief economist, Nerida Conisbee, said: double quotation markThe most important signal remains open home attendance. Nationally, attendance averaged 2.1 attendees per property, broadly in line with last week, but well below 3.5 at the same time last year. This shows buyer foot traffic has not recovered after the sharp fall seen in recent weeks … With policy uncertainty still settling, interest rates higher and buyer attendance materially lower than a year ago, this softer demand environment is likely to persist for some time. Cotality home value data shows the median home price in Australia’s five biggest cities has been falling since 10 May, with growth slowing in Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth. Sydney and Melbourne prices have been falling for months.
Taylor bats off teal party speculation The Liberal party leader, Angus Taylor, says the teals have acted like a party for years, laughing off any concerns that moderates from his party would defect and join their ranks. Standing up in Canberra alongside deputy Jane Hume, Taylor says: double quotation markThe teals have already acted like a party for years. I don’t know what’s here, they act like a political party, but I tell you what, we are the one party or coalition that is fighting the Labor party every day. Taylor’s also asked about the threat to the Liberals on the other side (and arguably now the bigger threat to the party), and comments from Barnaby Joyce this morning that the Liberals are “splitting the One Nation vote”. Taylor laughs awkwardly for a moment and says: double quotation markSorry, look, honestly, if you want to fight the Labor party, support the Liberal and National parties. We are the ones fighting the Labor party every day.
Haines and Ryan rule themelves out from potential teal party Well we now know which independents are definitely not going to be joining any teal party – Helen Haines and Monique Ryan. Ryan has just released a statement saying that she made a commitment to her electorate of Kooyong in inner Melbourne to represent them as an independent. double quotation markRepresenting the people of Kooyong in Canberra has been one of the biggest honours of my life. I will continue to do that in the capacity in which I was elected: as a community independent, voted for and answerable to the people of Kooyong. Monique Ryan in 2025. Photograph: Joel Carrett/AAP A spokesperson for Haines also confirmed to Guardian Australia that she will not be joining any party, and will remain as an independent. Haines was an early community independent after being elected to the regional Victorian seat of Indi in 2019, succeeding the OG community independent, Cathy McGowan, who held that same seat from 2013 and retired in 2019.
Ben Doherty Spy boss to appear at antisemitism royal commission Asio’s chief, Mike Burgess, will be the first witness to appear Monday morning at the start of Block 2 of public hearings of the royal commission on antisemitism and social cohesion. The second fortnight block of hearings will focus of what police and intelligence agencies knew leading up to the Bondi terror attack, and how information was shared between security agencies. Asio’s director general, Burgess, will give evidence, followed by Australian Federal Police assistance commissioners Stephen Nutt (global operations) and Leanne McCusker (counter-terrorism and special tactics). Their evidence will be followed by two pseudonymised witnesses from the CSG Jewish community security organisation. Among the issues under scrutiny will be security arrangements for the Hanukah by the Sea event that was targeted by two gunmen on 14 December and what was known by counter-terrorism agencies and police about the shooters before the attack. Fifteen people were killed by the two gunmen, who targeted members of the Jewish community as they celebrated Hanukah at a beachside park. While some of the commission’s proceedings will be open to the public, significant parts of the evidence of the second hearing block will be heard behind closed doors, to avoid revealing sensitive national security information and impacting the ongoing criminal prosecution of the surviving shooter, Naveed Akram. The royal commission’s interim report has already detailed that, in the lead-up to the 14 December attack at Bondi, NSW Police were warned by CSG that a heightened atmosphere of antisemitism made a terror attack on the community likely. CSG told police in an email in November: double quotation markA terrorist attack against the NSW Jewish Community is likely and there is a high level of antisemitic vilification. Police planned to provide a high-visibility presence at the event, but they noted internally there was “no need to stay the entire duration” and ultimately only four officers and one area commander attended the event at various times.
Melissa Davey Government concerned as diphtheria cases continue to grow The federal health minister, Mark Butler, told ABC News Breakfast on Monday that diphtheria “case numbers are continuing to grow particularly in the NT and the north of WA, so we are very concerned about this”. There are almost 250 cases associated with the outbreak, the latest national surveillance data shows, including 146 in the NT and 89 in WA. “We’re supporting Aboriginal medical services who really are on the frontline here and are deeply trusted in their community, so providing that support will also help containment,” Butler said. Support includes a $7.2m federal government package for vaccines, a health worker surge workforce and community outreach. On Friday, the chief medical officer, Prof Michael Kidd, declared diphtheria a Communicable Disease Incident of National Significance. double quotation markThis is the largest outbreak since national records began in 1991. If you are unsure whether your vaccinations are up to date, please check with your GP, Aboriginal Medical Service, pharmacy or local health clinic. Vaccination is the strongest protection against diphtheria, especially for children, older adults needing boosters, and people living in or travelling to higher-risk areas. Read more:
Abbott ‘clearly a masochist’, says Turnbull on Liberal presidency Malcolm Turnbull has been arguing that the Liberals have been listening to too much Sky After Dark and not enough to what the Australians want – and believes that they will make the same mistake when they confirm Tony Abbott as the Liberal party president. Abbott will run for the presidency unopposed after the former foreign minister Alexander Downer withdrew from the race, aiming to run for vice-president instead. Turnbull says, good for Tony: double quotation markHe’s clearly a masochist. But anyway, he’s got a strong commitment to politics, so good on him. For the Liberal party, I think the problem is that if you look at what Tony has been saying and what [Sky News host] Peta Credlin has been saying and the News Corp sort of columnists that are close to them are saying is, they’re basically arguing that the Liberal party’s mistake has been not being right-wing enough. They’ve been saying this, despite every election sending them the message that a significant part of the electorate feel they have gone too far to the right.
Liberal party ‘validating’ One Nation platform, says Turnbull Malcolm Turnbull says the Liberals in Australia are making the same mistakes as the UK’s Conservative party by legitimising One Nation’s platform. Turnbull has some choice words for the party he once led (no surprises there, it’s his favourite pasttime), telling RN Breakfast that the Liberals shouldn’t keep chasing Pauline Hanson to the right and abandoning the centre. He says that Australians “historically have preferred to see the contest to be at the centre”: double quotation markIf you’re the Liberal party leader … and say you essentially legitimise and validate One Nation’s platform, people will always go for the real deal. And this is exactly the mistake the Tories have made in the UK with Reform. I was talking to [Reform UK leader] Nigel Farage about this in London just recently. It’s a real phenomenon. I mean, if centre-right parties abandon the centre, they will get overwhelmed by the party that is to their right. And so it’s a mistake happening in both countries, in the UK and Australia. He says that both the Liberals and Conservatives in the UK are “seeing their vote dwindle at the expense of a competitor on the populist right”.
Turnbull denies active involvement in setting up teal party The former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull has denied any involvement in the talks between the teals to set up a party, but says that there “is a vacuum for an alternative centre party” which the teals could be a part of. Turnbull’s name has been swirling around the rumour mill in recent days on the issue. He has previously talked up Allegra Spender’s credibility as an economic voice. Joining the ABC’s RN Breakfast, Turnbull says: double quotation markI think there is a vacuum in Australian politics at the moment because the Liberal party has moved so far to the right and in doing so is diminishing. It’s done itself enormous damage. I think there is a vacuum for an alternative centre party. The teals would be obvious people to be part of that or to do that. And I’ve talked to them about that publicly. I mean, going back some years. But whether they actually decide to do so is up to them. So I’m not involved with any plans to set something up.
Tim Wilson on teals: ‘No one actually takes this party seriously’ Over on the other side of the political debate, the shadow treasurer, Tim Wilson, has shut down the idea of Liberal moderates joining a potential teal party. Speaking to Nine earlier this morning, the moderate – who won his seat back from the teal independent Zoe Daniel at the last election – said no one would take the group seriously. His colleague Jane Hume, a fellow moderate, said that the teals have acted as a party for a while, with the same funding and same campaign teams (“if it walks like a duck and it quacks like a duck”… she said). Wilson said: double quotation markI don’t think there’s any chance of that because I think no one actually takes this party seriously. It’s about them achieving their own survival, not the good of the nation.
Were the teal party conversations sparked by the government’s electoral reforms? Yes and no, Allegra Spender and Zali Steggall say. Earlier on RN Breakfast, Steggall said that she had a “showdown” with the special minister of state, Don Farrell, over the changes, which she said were “rigged” towards the major parties. She said that the changes forced her to look at the “setup and the disadvantage there is in being a community independent versus [being a] a major party”. double quotation markThere are many things that favour major party structures, and again, the public was incredibly cynical about that move, that it’s yet again major parties trying to rig the game for their benefit. Spender said that it was a factor in the discussions but that the talks are “beyond just campaign financing”.
Spender confirms teal party conversations Both Zali Steggall and Allegra Spender have fronted up to the media this morning to confirm conversations are taking place for a potential teal party, but both aren’t promising anything and say there’s nothing yet to announce. Spender has joined ABC Radio Sydney, saying that people have come up to her saying they’re worried about the political landscape and want to see change. She’s asked whether the discussion was sparked by changes to electoral donation laws that benefit parties over independents, and says that the changes were a consideration but the idea goes beyond just that. She adds that things might look a little different in their corner compared to other established parties. double quotation markI have had conversations over a period of time about how politics could evolve because people keep on coming to me and say they really worried about the times that we’re in. The question is: look, are there ways to better collaborate to evolve and how we work together or how some of us work together so that we can more explicitly align on certain areas and then where our communities and where we fundamentally disagree to have that freedom. I don’t think people want a party like we’ve seen it with the sort of major parties. I think if any evolution [it] wants to be something quite different.
Sarah Basford Canales Menopause national awareness campaign launches A nation-first campaign to spread awareness about the symptoms of menopause and perimenopause will launch today. The federal government campaign, which will run to the end of the year, is designed to lift the lid on how women experience symptoms and direct them to health information and treatment options. The campaign is the result of a Senate inquiry in 2024, which found many women entered this stage of life lacking information about the impact of symptoms and where to get help. The women’s minister, Katy Gallagher, said: double quotation markMenopause should not come as a surprise, but for too long silence and stigma have left too many women in the dark … It is important that this campaign reflects the different experiences of perimenopause and menopause, because no two women experience it the same way, and every woman deserves to feel seen and supported. Read more:
‘They have learnt nothing’: Steggall criticises Abbott’s appointment as Liberal party president Zali Steggall says the public wants rational policies not “culture wars”, criticising Tony Abbott’s impending appointment as Liberal party president. Abbott was the only nominee for the presidency after the other contender – former foreign minister Alexander Downer – chose to instead run for one of the vice-president’s positions. Steggall tells RN Breakfast says the appointment shows the party has “learned nothing”. double quotation markThe Australian public, the sensible public, wants rational policies. They don’t want culture wars. They don’t want blame game. They want something constructive. The Coalition currently wants to repeal net zero, which means taking Australia out of the Paris agreement … They want to blame migrants who have actually built Australia … The divisiveness is toxic, putting Tony Abbott in charge just shows they have learned nothing.
‘There are conversations’, Steggall confirms independents in talks One of the MPs at the centre of the teal party whispers, Zali Steggall, has confirmed to the ABC’s RN Breakfast that there are conversations going on between the group of independents on forming a party. Steggall says the discussions are looking at how they can work in a “collaborative way to be more effective in holding government to account” Steggall ousted former Liberal prime minister, Tony Abbott in 2019 in the Sydney seat of Warringah. The independent says that she’s considering different options but warns that not all the speculation in the media is correct – ruling out that she’s had conversations with other Liberals. double quotation markThere are conversations [with independents]. That’s about all I can say at this point … I’ve worked with my fellow members on the crossbench a lot across both houses, the Senate and the House. And I can really see how we find efficiencies, we work together in supporting one another. I’ve had discussions with David [Pocock], as I have with many others. Only independents, though, speculation about discussions with Liberals … I certainly have not had those discussions. Steggall also says that she’s spoken to Malcolm Turnbull during her time as a parliamentarian, but not about this potential venture.
Sarah Basford Canales Wong departs for Quad meeting in India Penny Wong will head to India today to meet with foreign ministers from India, Japan and the United States for the third Quad meeting in 18 months. It’s expected energy security will be among the hot topics the four countries discuss amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The foreign minister noted the Quad partnership was “vital” in “uncertain times”. She said: double quotation markThe Albanese government will continue to strengthen Australia’s relationships and work even harder in new and existing coalitions like the Quad as we keep building Australia’s future in an ever less stable world. At the last meeting in July 2025, the countries agreed to work together to diversify the global supply of critical minerals in response to concerns about China’s market dominance.
‘If it walks like a duck …’ Hume calls teal party the worst kept secret in Canberra The Liberal deputy leader, Jane Hume, says that the teals in party talks has been the “worst-kept secret” in Canberra, arguing the group have acted like a party for a while. She tells Sky News the move would be good for Labor and the Greens because the teals vote with them “70% of the time”. Indulge me for a second to bring you some facts on this. It’s a claim the Coalition have made a lot, particularly during the last parliament and during the 2025 election campaign. If you want to see how often the community independents actually voted with Labor or the Greens versus the Coalition – have a read of this very in depth fact check by my colleague, Nick Evershed: Now back to Hume: double quotation markThis is probably the worst-kept secret in Canberra, isn’t it? For a number of years, we’ve been saying that if it walks like a duck and it quacks like a duck, it’s a duck. The teals have been a party since they began. They’ve had the same funding sources, they’ve had the same campaign teams, they’ve worn the same colours, but worse than that, they had the same slogan, and the slogan was about integrity, and that integrity has now simply been gone out the window. Hume is asked whether she has been approached to join the new party, she says “absolutely not” and adds: double quotation markI think changing political parties is a little bit like changing football teams. I can’t understand why people would even consider it.
Treatment of Australians by Israeli forces and minister ‘disgraceful’: Butler The health minister, Mark Butler, says the government has raised “in the strongest possible way” its concerns with the Israeli government over the treatment of Australian and international activists detained by Israel after their flotilla was intercepted in international waters. He singled out Israeli minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir who was condemned internationally after posting a video of himself abusing the activists captured. Butler told the ABC: double quotation markWe have [raised these issues] in the strongest possible terms, both in Israel itself, but also with the Israeli ambassador to Australia here in Canberra. The treatment of those Australians and people from many other countries as well has been disgraceful, particularly the behaviour of Minister Ben Gvir. We’ve raised our concerns in the strongest possible way. We’re really glad that the Australians are starting now to return home and reunite with their families, but this has been a particularly concerning event.
Teal party speculation ‘not a surprise’ says cabinet minister Mark Butler says he’s not surprised to see speculation that the community teal independents could form a party – with the political spectrum in “flux” right now. Speaking to ABC’s News Breakfast this morning, the health minister says (rather unsurprisingly) that it’s “a matter for them”. There’s speculation this morning that Allegra Spender and Zali Steggall could be leading talks for a grouping of the independents. Independent senator David Pocock yesterday said he was open to a party forming to help counter One Nation. Butler says: double quotation markThey’ve [teal independents] obviously made inroads in particular communities in Australia. They’ll make their own assessment about whether that works for them. There obviously is a lot of flux in the non-Labor parts of politics right now, so to see speculation like that’s perhaps not a surprise.
Welcome Krishani Dhanji Good morning, Krishani Dhanji with you for a busy sitting week ahead. There’s lots on the agenda this week; the government is working on implementing its budget promises, which could see changes to capital gains tax discounts after widespread backlash from industry and investor groups. The teal independents could band together to form a new party, says David Pocock. There are whispers conversations are happening behind the scenes – reportedly led by Zali Steggall and Allegra Spender – and that a new party could push back against the growing influence of One Nation. Australian activists on board the latest Gaza flotilla are returning home after being detained in Israel. The group have alleged mistreatment and abuse by Israeli forces. And it’s Senate estimates this week, which means department officials will face a grilling from pollies – and we’ll be watching eagerly. We’ll bring you all the juicy details as they come.