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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Key events
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:
We 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:
They’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.
