A confidential policy roadmap obtained by the Guardian reveals the Coalition intends to slash Australia's annual net overseas immigration levels to between 150,000 and 200,000, effectively halving current figures. The document also indicates that Angus Taylor is preparing for a potential early election.
Exclusive: Coalition's Immigration Target
The leaked roadmap outlines a significant reduction from the current net migration levels, which have been a key political issue. The Coalition's plan aims to curb population growth and address housing and infrastructure pressures. Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor is reportedly positioning himself for an early federal election, according to the document.
Trump Issues Fresh Ultimatum to Iran
Donald Trump has demanded Iran accept a new peace deal or face intensified US bombing, warning of strikes at a higher intensity than before. Tehran is considering the terms but accuses Washington of trying to force a surrender. The ultimatum came amid reports of progress towards an outline agreement, with China calling for a comprehensive ceasefire. Oil prices fell below $100 per barrel, and stock markets rose on the news. Analysts suggest Trump's zigzagging diplomacy reflects a weak negotiating position.
Ted Turner Dies at 87
Media mogul Ted Turner, founder of CNN, has died aged 87. Turner revolutionised television news with the 24-hour news channel. CNN's current boss described him as an 'intrepid, fearless' leader. Donald Trump paid tribute but criticised the network as 'too woke'.
Business and Economy
Staff at logistics software company WiseTech have been waiting nearly three months to learn if they are among the 2,000 employees slated for redundancy due to AI advances. Workers describe the wait as 'stressful' and 'ridiculous'. Meanwhile, our business editor advises mortgage holders to shop around and push lenders for better rates after three interest rate rises, suggesting they target the lender's 'edge of cliff' rate.
Australian Women and Children Return from Syria
A group of 13 Australian women and children recently released from detention camps in Syria are expected to arrive in Australia today. Some of the four women may face charges over alleged links to Islamic State.
World News
The Russian pavilion at the Venice Biennale was temporarily closed after Pussy Riot staged a chaotic protest against Russia's inclusion in the art festival. In Alaska, scientists believe a mega tsunami triggered by a rockslide, reaching heights comparable to the Empire State Building, narrowly missed cruise ships in a remote fjord. A Mexico City nightclub has gone viral for charging American patrons a nearly $300 cover fee, while citizens of other countries pay just $20.
Weather and Sport
A cold front is expected to bring snow to ski resorts in New South Wales and Victoria, with Victoria and Tasmania also experiencing flurries. In rugby union, the collapse of Super Rugby's Moana Pasifika and rugby league's signing spree in the Pacific threaten Rugby Australia's talent pool. Fifa president Gianni Infantino defended World Cup ticket prices, citing US laws allowing resale at thousands above face value.
In-depth: Tax and Trusts
Greg Jericho analyses data suggesting the Albanese government may curb the use of family discretionary trusts to limit tax avoidance, noting that millionaires' income structures make evasion easier.
Media Roundup
Tony Abbott is poised to become Liberal party president, according to the Sydney Morning Herald. The detective team that hunted Dezi Freeman will tackle Melbourne's nightlife crime, the Age reports. A police officer pictured hugging an Indigenous woman in Alice Springs has spoken to NT News about the viral image. The Courier Mail reports that working-class suburbs on city fringes lead electric vehicle growth amid cost-of-living pressures.
Today's Events
Westpac chief economist Luci Ellis, Barrenjoey's Jo Masters, and Grattan Institute CEO Aruna Sathanapally deliver a Women in Economics Network pre-budget address. Artists Khaled Sabsabi and Michael Dagostino unveil new work at the 61st Biennale. Vigils for Kumanjayi Little Baby will be held in Canberra, Sydney, and Melbourne.
