Liberal Leadership Crisis Deepens as Taylor Steps Down
Angus Taylor has dramatically resigned from the Liberal shadow cabinet, declaring the party is in its worst position since 1944 and setting the stage for an imminent leadership challenge against Sussan Ley. In a statement last night, Taylor asserted that Ley is "not in a position to be able to lead the party as it needs to be led", with political analysts predicting her nine-month tenure as leader is now doomed.
Wealthy Australians Advocate for Higher Taxes
In a surprising development, three mega-rich Australians – Dick Smith, Graham Marr, and Richard Barnes – have publicly called on the Albanese government to introduce wealth and inheritance taxes. They argue that reforming capital gains concessions is essential to address Australia's widening inequality, marking a rare instance of affluent individuals advocating for increased taxation on the wealthy.
Climate Warning for Southern Right Whales
Scientists have issued a stark warning about southern right whales, reporting a climate-driven decline in breeding rates after decades of recovery. Researchers describe this trend as a "warning signal" about profound changes occurring in the Southern Ocean ecosystem, highlighting broader environmental concerns.
Global Environmental and Political Developments
Internationally, scientists warn the world is closer to a "point of no return" for runaway global heating than previously thought. Meanwhile, support for Donald Trump's immigration policies has plummeted following public revulsion over violent scenes involving ICE agents in Minneapolis.
Sports Updates: Winter Olympics Disappointment
Australia's Winter Olympic hopes suffered a blow as freestyle skiing champion Jakara Anthony sensationally crashed out during her final run in the moguls event, failing to defend her title at the Milano Cortina Olympics. In cricket news, Steve Smith is set for a shock T20 World Cup appearance in South Africa after Mitch Marsh's injury, though Australia comfortably defeated Ireland by 67 runs in their latest match.
Queensland Political Landscape Shifts
The Queensland government under David Crisafulli faces growing challenges as the electoral threat of One Nation strengthens. While the administration has reversed years of LNP dysfunction through pragmatic governance, cracks are appearing around proposed tougher abortion and gun laws, testing the coalition's stability.
Additional News Highlights
- Indigenous Address: Anthony Albanese will acknowledge the "shock and fear" of First Nations people following the alleged Perth terrorist attack in his Closing the Gap speech to parliament.
- International Crime: French police have made a rare international appeal for victims and witnesses in a case involving a 79-year-old former teacher accused of sexually assaulting 89 children across five continents.
- Media Roundup: NSW protest laws raise concerns about police brutality, Victorian parents increasingly fund school basics amid funding shortfalls, and a multimillion-dollar winery announces its closure.
Today's agenda includes Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit to Melbourne, RBA's Sarah Hunter speaking on full employment in Perth, and a Wuthering Heights screening in Sydney attended by Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi.
