Good morning. Welcome to our live news coverage, bringing you the most significant overnight developments from the political and social spheres.
Political Rift Over Net Zero Target
In a widely anticipated move that threatens to fracture the political coalition, NSW Nationals MPs have officially abandoned their commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050. This decision mirrors the stance already taken by their federal counterparts and places immediate pressure on the state's embattled opposition Liberal leader, Mark Speakman.
The move creates a significant policy schism within the Coalition, setting up a critical test for Speakman's leadership as he navigates the conflicting priorities within the partnership. The abandonment of the climate goal signals a major shift in the state's environmental policy direction.
Police Commissioner Admits Protest Oversight Failure
In a separate development, New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon has revealed he was not consulted on the decision to allow a neo-Nazi protest to proceed in Sydney on Saturday. Speaking to the 7.30 programme, Commissioner Lanyon stated he would have sought legal advice on objecting to the demonstration in the supreme court had he been involved in the process.
Lanyon attributed his lack of involvement to an internal "communication error" and expressed understanding for the "distress" caused to the Jewish community by the event. The admission raises serious questions about the internal decision-making protocols within the police force regarding sensitive public demonstrations.
Keating Pays Tribute to Radio 'King' John Laws
Meanwhile, former Labor Prime Minister Paul Keating has paid a heartfelt tribute to talkback radio pioneer John Laws, who passed away yesterday at the age of 90. Keating hailed Laws as the undisputed "king" of radio in the pre-digital era.
The former PM credited Laws with having "partnered with" him to educate "middle ground" Australia on complex economic matters, stating the broadcaster leaves behind a legacy "to be proud of". The tribute underscores the significant influence Laws wielded in shaping public opinion during his long and storied career.
