First Dubai to Sydney Flight Scheduled for This Morning
Penny Wong has informed ABC AM that the inaugural flight from Dubai to Sydney may depart this morning (Australia time), contingent upon prevailing circumstances.
The foreign minister continues to assert that commercial flights represent the most viable option for Australians seeking to return home.
Wong stated that the government is actively engaging with countries in the region, particularly the United Arab Emirates, which hosts approximately 24,000 Australians. In total, there are about 115,000 Australians in the broader Middle East region.
She described the situation as a significant consular crisis, surpassing any previous challenges Australia has faced in terms of the number of people involved.
"Obviously, it’s very unpredictable. And I understand there is a flight scheduled from Dubai to Sydney. We are looking at all contingencies that are possible, but I again say what I’ve said over the last two days. When you have as many Australians as we have in, particularly in the Emirates, but broadly in the region, so it’s 115,000 Australians in the broader region, 24,000 in Emirates … That volume of traffic will really need to see commercial flights resume even if only sporadically, to get people home."
‘Boss Move’ from PM to Table Liberal Review, Says Hastie
Andrew Hastie, shadow minister for industry and sovereign capability, appeared on RN Breakfast and described Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s decision to table the Liberals’ post-election review as a "boss move."
Hastie noted that the Liberal Party had attempted to shelve the review, but it was leaked to the media prior to reaching the prime minister.
He acknowledged that the party and its new leadership have recognized some errors made during the election.
"[Albanese] likes theatre. He had a twinkle in his eye when he did that. Obviously, it was leaked, and there was a bit of stagecraft from him … But we’re not going to live in the past, we’re going to live in the future, and our mission is to restore Australian standard of living. We’re going backwards under Labor and also to protect our way of life. And that’s why we’ve been pursuing the ISIS sympathiser case this week because our way of life is being challenged."
Host Sally Sara questioned Hastie on why the party is focusing on women and children detained in a Syrian camp instead of prioritizing the economy. Hastie responded that the issue aligns with the party’s core platform pillars: restoring the standard of living and protecting the way of life.
"… just because commentators might not like the question time strategy, it doesn’t mean it’s wrong."
‘Alarming Parallels’ with Iraq 2003, Says Wilkie
Andrew Wilkie, independent MP and former senior intelligence analyst with the Office of National Assessments, criticized the US and Israel for "exaggerated" justifications for strikes on Iran and accused former President Donald Trump of employing "political tricks" to boost Republican polling ahead of midterms.
Wilkie highlighted "alarming parallels" between the current situation and the 2003 US invasion of Iraq, which followed the 2002 US midterm elections.
He also noted inconsistencies in US statements regarding Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
"In both cases there was a failure to secure the approval of the United Nations. In fact, this time around, the United States hasn’t even attempted to get the approval of the United Nations. Back in 2003, that was just after the 2002 congressional midterm elections when the Republicans had really beaten the drums of war and they did well in those congressional midterms. But by that stage they were on an inevitable course to have the conflict. Same this time around. The Republicans are doing poorly at the moment, their polling is poor, president Trump’s polling is poor, so they start to beat the drums of war again. It’s a political trick as old as countries themselves."
Farrell Says $15bn of Trade Could Be Impacted by War
Labor’s trade minister, Don Farrell, stated that a "relatively small" portion of Australia’s exports transit through the Middle East amid escalating regional conflict.
Speaking on ABC News Breakfast, Farrell mentioned his plans to meet with 40 of Australia’s largest trade organisations to ensure the industry remains resilient.
He refrained from speculating on the conflict’s duration.
"A relatively small amount, about $15bn worth of trade goes through the Middle East. Obviously, that’s very important for those companies that are trading there. Our trade is, in fact, increasing in the Middle East. We now have a free trade agreement with the United Arab Emirates. Already, our beef trade has doubled in the six months that that trade agreement has been in operation. But of course, all of that gets affected by this uncertainty of the war in the Middle East."
Wong Avoids Questions on Legality of Strikes on Iran
The Australian government has refrained from commenting on the legality of US and Israeli strikes on Iran, stating that these matters are for the respective nations to address.
ABC AM host Melissa Clark pressed Foreign Minister Penny Wong on the issue following US President Donald Trump’s statement about preemptive strikes against Iran.
Wong declined to engage directly but emphasized the longstanding nature of the conflict and Iran’s role in antisemitic attacks in Australia.
"The legal basis of these strikes is ultimately a matter for the United States and Iran, sorry, and Israel, is ultimately a matter for the United States and Israel. We know Iran has failed to comply with UN security council resolutions on its nuclear program. We know what Iran has been doing over many years. I think it is important for us to remember this has not started with these strikes. This has been going on for decades, including in Australia."
‘Give Us an Ad Break’ Campaign Calls for Curbs on Marketing of Harmful Products
A new national public health campaign launched today urges the government to restrict the pervasive advertising of alcohol, gambling, and unhealthy food.
The "give us an ad break" campaign advocates for a "harmful products marketing act" modeled on Australia’s tobacco legislation to regulate advertising across all platforms, including online, aiming to reduce children’s exposure to ads linked to cancer and chronic diseases.
Over 130 health organisations support the campaign, including the Alliance for Gambling Reform, the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (Fare), the Food for Alliance, and VicHealth.
A nationally representative survey commissioned by Fare in February found that four in five Australians support reducing advertising for these products.
VicHealth chief Professor Anna Peeters emphasized the importance of reducing children’s exposure to harmful marketing as a means to improve long-term health.
"Limiting advertising for alcohol, gambling and unhealthy food would significantly reduce the burden of cancer, liver disease, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and financial harm across the community. By reducing children’s exposure to alcohol, gambling and junk food advertising, we can prevent chronic illness before it starts and ease pressure on families and the health system. This is a practical, evidence-based opportunity for the federal government to reshape the environments our children grow up in. If we act now, we can create a future where fewer Australians experience preventable cancer and chronic disease."
Parliamentary Watchdog ‘Does Not Have the Power to Make a Real Difference,’ Thorpe Says
Senator Lidia Thorpe criticized the parliamentary watchdog for its limited authority following its first public statement last week.
The Independent Parliamentary Standards Commissioner (IPSC) named Victorian senator Ralph Babet for "offensive, disrespectful and harmful" remarks made on social media in November 2024. Babet was sanctioned to attend one-on-one behaviour training and to refrain from similar comments but failed to comply, leading to the public statement.
Thorpe, who was censured on the same day for protesting King Charles’s visit to Canberra, described the investigation as vague and lacking real impact.
Under current law, the IPSC can make public statements if sanctions are not followed. More serious breaches can be referred to a parliamentary privileges committee, which can impose fines or suspensions.
"This outcome is confusing, and the public has no real insight into how it was decided. With the way the major parties set up the IPSC to conceal deliberations, we may never know … In this first case that has been made public, it seems the only outcome was naming the senator involved. We have no way of knowing whether stronger sanctions were considered by the IPSC or the Privileges Committee, or even if the committee discussed the matter at all … The public deserve to know how this decision was made, what role the IPSC played, what role politicians played, and why the outcome looks like this. We warned that a closed-door process dominated by Labor and the Coalition would compromise transparency, accountability, and public confidence … Everyone should be safe at work, and we need strong accountability processes around bad behaviour. But this workplace still has deep problems, especially when it comes to racism and the treatment of women. Much more needs to be done, and unfortunately the IPSC still does not have the power to make a real difference."
Good morning, Krishani Dhanji here with you, thanks to Martin Farrer for getting us started.
We’ve got another very busy day today so let’s get straight into it!
NSW Investment Body Backs Renewable Projects, Two Hotels, and Gas Pipeline
The New South Wales government has announced the first round of projects endorsed through its Investment Delivery Authority (IDA), including over a dozen clean energy and battery storage projects, two hotels, and one gas pipeline.
The IDA, established in this year’s state budget, does not directly invest but offers companies a "concierge service" to expedite processes such as planning approvals and infrastructure delivery.
NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey, appearing before budget estimates today, stated the IDA ensures major investment proposals receive necessary attention.
The 16 projects, valued at $34.4 billion, include 13 renewable energy or battery storage sites, such as AGL’s Hunter energy hub and various wind and solar farms. The Hunter Gas Pipeline Pty Ltd, acquired by Santos in 2022, owns an approved gas pipeline route from Wallumbilla in Queensland to Newcastle, near Santos’ controversial coal mine.
The other endorsements are two hotel projects valued at $482 million combined. One is the Vuez Eco Resort, described as a "future-focused eco-tourism destination on the shores of Lake Jindabyne," emphasizing sustainable design and year-round alpine experiences.
The other is a redevelopment of a heritage-listed warehouse near Sydney’s Central station, which was gutted by fire. The government plans to announce data centre proposals to the IDA later, considering the sector’s significant energy and water infrastructure needs.
Victorian Premier Reveals Start Date for Legal Right to Work from Home
Victoria’s Premier Jacinta Allan will announce today that the right to work from home two days per week will be enshrined in the state’s Equal Opportunity Act, with legislation planned to take effect before the state election.
Following her announcement yesterday regarding the right to work from home, Allan will confirm the government’s intention to introduce legislation in July, with an effective date of 1 September.
Last year, Allan pledged to legislate this right for those who can "reasonably" work from home, making it a central part of Labor’s re-election platform ahead of the November poll.
The right is intended to apply to both public and private sector workers, though enforcement remains complex due to industrial relations powers being transferred to the federal government for private sector workers.
The government plans to make it unlawful to discriminate against employees who work from home two days a week, except for those whose roles prevent remote work.
"Only Labor has new solutions to make life easier, safer and more affordable. That’s why we will protect work from home in law from 1 September."
Albanese Talks to UAE Leader About Stranded Australians
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese spoke last night with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, president of the United Arab Emirates, regarding Australians stranded in the Middle East.
Approximately 24,000 Australians reside in the UAE, many unable to leave due to flight disruptions caused by bombings by the Iranian regime in retaliation for recent US and Israeli strikes.
The leaders exchanged views on the Middle East situation, with Albanese expressing gratitude for the UAE’s support for stranded Australians.
They also discussed the urgent need to resume commercial flights as soon as possible.
Albanese also held discussions with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, focusing on the Middle East and consular challenges arising from the conflict.
Good morning and welcome to our live news blog. I’m Martin Farrer with the top overnight stories, followed by Krishani Dhanji with the main updates.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has engaged with the UAE president concerning Australians stranded amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran. Further details will follow.
A new national public health campaign urges the government to restrict advertising of alcohol, gambling, and unhealthy food. More information will be provided shortly.
Victoria’s premier has announced plans to legally guarantee Victorians the right to work from home two days a week starting 1 September.
