Trump lashes out at Australia over absence of allies against Iran
Donald Trump has expressed disappointment with Australia among other allies for their reluctance to engage in his conflict with Iran.
In a social media post overnight, the US president stated that his country "has been informed by most of our Nato ‘allies’ that they don’t want to get involved … despite the fact that almost every country strongly agreed with what we are doing".
"I am not surprised by their action," he said, because he always considered Nato a "one way street – we will protect them, but they will do nothing for us, in particular, in a time of need".
He further added:
"Because of the fact that we have had such military success [against Iran], we no longer ‘need’ or desire the Nato countries’ assistance – we never did! Likewise, Japan, Australia, or South Korea. In fact, speaking as president of the United States of America, by far the most powerful country anywhere in the world, we do not need the help of anyone!"
It remains unclear whether Trump has formally requested assistance from Australia. On Tuesday, Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles stated that Australia had not received any formal request for help in the Strait of Hormuz.
Chalmers says rate rise not the decision ‘Australians were hoping for’
Treasurer Jim Chalmers acknowledged that the government will continue efforts to address inflation but noted that the recent rate rise would increase financial pressure on Australians already facing a cost of living crisis.
Speaking to ABC News, Chalmers said:
"This is not the decision that a lot of Australians were hoping for, at a time when they were already under significant pressure."
He emphasized that the government is advancing cost of living relief measures, including forthcoming tax cuts, initiatives to reduce student debt, and efforts to make medicines more affordable.
"There’s a whole range of things that we’re doing in the responsible way that we can."
Regarding potential changes to the capital gains tax discount, Chalmers declined to comment but mentioned that the government is "considering its options on tax reform".
Good morning, it’s a rainy one over in Sydney. Nick Visser here to take you through the day’s news. Let’s get to it.
Victoria to release final planning controls for inner-Melbourne ‘activity centres’
The Victorian government is set to release the final planning controls for 25 activity centres located near train and tram stations in Melbourne’s inner-city suburbs.
Premier Jacinta Allan and Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny will unveil the maps for areas including North Brighton, Middle Brighton, Hampton, and Sandringham stations along the Sandringham line.
The plan was initially revealed in Middle Brighton, which prompted a notable protest led by Liberal MP James Newbury.
Five of the 25 maps were shared with the media ahead of today’s announcement. These include maps covering a significant stretch of Sydney Road from Coburg through to Brunswick, where the proposed height limit increased from 16 storeys in the draft to 20 in the final controls.
In Middle Brighton, Oakleigh, and Kew Junction, the plans remain largely unchanged from the drafts.
The government reported that it sent notifications to over 140,000 Victorians and received feedback from 12,500 individuals, which "directly shaped the final plans," including adjustments to height limits.
"For years, some of Melbourne’s best-connected suburbs have been locked up and it’s pushing young people and families out. We’re changing that. These reforms cut delays and give clear rules – so more millennials get into a home faster."
Here’s what was written when the drafts were released last year:
Cyclone Narelle forms in Coral Sea
A tropical low developing in the Coral Sea off Queensland’s coast has been classified as a cyclone.
On Tuesday afternoon, the Bureau of Meteorology confirmed that the area of low pressure, which is moving toward the state’s far north coast, had intensified into a cyclone.
It has the potential to strengthen into a category four system when it makes landfall later this week.
Narelle could cross Queensland’s Cape York as early as Friday before moving into the Gulf of Carpentaria over the weekend, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.
Following this, it is expected to head toward the Northern Territory, which has experienced record-breaking floods this month.
Chalmers downplays RBA’s warning of possible recession
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has sought to minimize concerns raised by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) regarding a potential recession following a second consecutive interest rate increase.
On Tuesday, the RBA highlighted a global energy shock that threatens to push Australian inflation toward 5%. RBA Governor Michelle Bullock stated that if inflation cannot be controlled, the central bank may have to confront the possibility of a recession.
Speaking to ABC’s 7.30 program on Tuesday night, Chalmers said:
"That’s not something that we’re anticipating or forecasting or expecting."
He added:
"We’re running a lot of scenarios at the moment as you would expect …. in the numbers we’re running right now we’re not expecting that outcome."
Chalmers emphasized that the government will do its "best" with available forecasts amid global uncertainty stemming from the Middle East conflict.
Good morning and welcome to our live news blog. I’m Martin Farrer with the top overnight stories, and Nick Visser will take over shortly.
After a day of grim headlines yesterday, with economists expressing concerns, Jim Chalmers has responded firmly, stating on 7.30 last night that "that’s not something that we’re anticipating or forecasting or expecting." in a moment.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump has named Australia among the allies he appears disappointed with for not wanting to participate in his war against Iran. However, he insisted emphatically in capital letters, "we do not need the help of anyone!"
