Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers has cautioned progressive politicians against mocking or condescending to voters drawn to One Nation's message, arguing instead that the government must address the genuine pressures facing communities. Speaking at the Bernie Fraser oration at the Shine Dome in Canberra, Chalmers acknowledged that a significant portion of the electorate finds appeal in One Nation's nostalgic vision of returning to "the good old days", even as he dismissed the party itself as unfit to govern.
While Chalmers described Pauline Hanson's party as "inexperienced, incompetent and incapable of managing the economy or our international reputation", he stressed that dismissing voters who support such movements is counterproductive.
Our role as progressive people is not to scold those who see appeal in that message. It's not to mock them, dare I say cancel them, or talk down to them.He further noted that hoping One Nation "goes away or implodes" is not a strategy, and that Labor must instead demonstrate its capacity to govern and address community concerns.
Chalmers identified the core appeal of far-right messaging as a desire to return to a simpler past, but argued that emotional resonance cannot be countered by facts alone.
The far right strategy is to divide people and it's working; their goal is to talk down our economy so that their endless negativity becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. Their core message is often clear and sometimes very appealing: let's just go back to a more nostalgic version of the world we remember. We have all the facts to push back on this, but facts don't beat feelings. Feelings are as real as facts.He called on the government to genuinely acknowledge the pressures people face and deliver tangible measures to improve their circumstances.
What is Frydenberg signalling about his political future?
Former treasurer Josh Frydenberg has continued to leave the door open to a return to frontline politics, appearing on the ABC's 7:30 program to discuss his memoir, A Grateful Son. When pressed by host Sarah Ferguson on whether he would consider running for office again, Frydenberg indicated that a return would depend on several conditions being met.
I haven't closed the door to reentering politics. That would involve running for a seat, winning it, joining the party room and then proceeding after that. So there are a lot of steps.
Frydenberg stated that any decision to contest an election would likely occur at the next federal poll, though he emphasised that no final determination has been made.
If I was to run, it would be at the next election, but it's not a decision that I have taken.When asked whether he possessed the qualities needed to lead the country, he deflected by emphasising the importance of clear values and consistent policy direction aligned with Liberal Party philosophy. According to his interview comments, Frydenberg noted that the next federal election was not expected for another 18 months and expressed support for current Liberal Party leader Angus Taylor.
How will the new domestic gas reservation scheme work?
Resources Minister Madeleine King will introduce amended legislation requiring gas exporters to set aside a portion of their production for domestic use, marking a significant shift in Australia's energy policy. The revised scheme reportedly changes the requirement from a fixed 20% of production to "up to 20%", with existing long-term export contracts exempt from the new rules.
Under the legislation, the Australian Energy Regulator will gain authority to enforce a target of 110% of annual demand each year, while ministerial discretion will be curtailed and the previous Turnbull-era domestic gas security mechanism will be replaced. In remarks to be delivered at the National Press Club, King will emphasise that a successful energy transition depends on maintaining "a guaranteed supply of affordable gas" for households, renewable energy development, and the processing of critical minerals and rare earths. She will also stress that Australia must continue exporting traditional commodities, including gas and coal, as part of its economic strategy.
The government is due to introduce the gas reservation legislation to Parliament on Wednesday, 14 October 2026, with the policy scheduled to take effect in July 2027. However, the industry has raised concerns about the proposal. According to Australian Energy Producers chief executive Samantha McCulloch, the scheme could crowd out domestic-focused producers, reduce competition and discourage investment. Meanwhile, Greens deputy leader Steph Hodgins-May is advocating for a steeper 25% gas export tax instead.
The policy draws on the model established in Western Australia, which has operated a domestic gas reservation scheme since October 2006, requiring exporters to reserve 15% of production for local users.
What is the government's position on the planned execution livestream?
Mark Dreyfus, who serves as Australia's special envoy for international human rights, has issued a warning to social media platforms regarding a scheduled execution planned for December that is proposed to be livestreamed. Dreyfus emphasised Australia's longstanding opposition to capital punishment and flagged concerns about the distribution of such content to Australian audiences.
Australia opposes the death penalty in all circumstances, for all people ... the proposed livestreaming of an execution is deeply distressing. Platforms have a responsibility to prevent this disturbing content from being shown to Australians.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has similarly condemned the proposal, describing it as
completely abhorrent, and pledging that the government would pursue all available options to prevent the broadcast. However, Albanese acknowledged that the government's capacity to directly block such content is limited, as social media platforms operate under their own regulatory frameworks.
If there is something, anything we can do, we will do. I assure you of that.The government is currently receiving legal and policy advice on potential courses of action to address the matter.
