Good afternoon. The Nationals could backflip on their commitment to net zero emissions by 2050 if a push led by Barnaby Joyce at the party’s federal conference this weekend succeeds.
A motion submitted by Joyce’s federal electorate council in New England calls on the parliamentary party room to “abolish its policy of net zero by 2050” – a push that has alarmed moderate Liberals and is seen internally as an attempt to destabilise the leadership of David Littleproud.
The Nationals agreed to net zero in October 2021 after pressure from then prime minister Scott Morrison.
Top news
Labor under fire over Qatar Airways decision | Catherine King, the transport minister who rejected Qatar Airways’ request for more services to Australia, has defended her decision amid sustained criticism from the Coalition. The minister said the Qatari request was “unprecedented”, adding that more services would not have brought down domestic air fares. But she made no mention of international air fares, which the Coalition argues could have become more competitive had the request been approved.
Australians spending more on essentials as rate rises bite | The latest GDP figures show the economy slowed to 2.1% growth in the June quarter, down from 2.4% in March. The federal treasurer, Jim Chalmers, noted an economic slowdown in China and the impact of interest rates as the main challenges to the economy. The data also showed Australians were spending less on discretionary items (down 0.5%) and more on essentials (up 0.5%).
NSW hikes coal royalties to raise $2.7bn | The move seeks to take advantage of windfall profits in the coal sector following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, with the state treasurer promising to “plow back” money raised into essential services and cost-of-living relief. The Greens criticised the royalty increase of 2.6 percentage points as not going far enough.
Albanese in Jakarta | Asean is “vital to Australia’s future” and deepening engagement with south-east Asia is “a priority for Australia”, the prime minister said in a speech at the Asean Indo-Pacific Forum. A new strategy paper has recommended Australia expand flights to key south-east Asian markets as one way to boost ties.
Sharks attack yacht near Cairns | Three people – two Russians and a French citizen – have been rescued in the Coral Sea after their catamaran was damaged during several shark attacks.
US warns North Korea on supporting Russia | North Korea will “pay a price” if it supplies Russia with weapons to use in Ukraine, the US has warned, adding that arms negotiations between the two states were actively advancing.
UK to declare Wagner group a terrorist organisation | A draft order will be laid in the British parliament to make it illegal to be a member of or support the Russian group in the UK.
Far-right leader jailed for US Capitol attack | Former Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio has received the longest jail sentence yet for the January 6 Capitol attack – 22 years. In remarks to the court in Washington, Tarrio said he was sorry for the attack. “What happened on January 6 was a national embarrassment,” he said.
Full Story
Can Alan Joyce’s departure save Qantas?
Transport and urban affairs reporter Elias Visontay tells Laura Murphy-Oates whether Joyce’s departure can save the airline’s reputation and what it means for the future of what was once one of Australia’s most-loved companies. Listen to this 25-minute episode.
What they said …
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“Most people don’t know that of the Aboriginal estate and Torres Strait Islander estate – the lands and waters in which we have rights and interests – one quarter has been entirely devoted to environmental and biodiversity conservation. That is a larger contribution than any other group in Australia. And that shows you what our values are.” – Prof Marcia Langton
Langton, who has been heavily involved in the voice, criticised the no campaign’s “clever falsehoods” that have “deceived” Australians.
In numbers
Carlton tops the list, raking in $19.1m.
Before bed read
Sydney property developers are buying blocks of units, knocking them down and replacing them with fewer luxury apartments or homes, a trend that is reducing dwelling numbers amid a statewide housing crisis.
“Sooner or later there’s only going to be luxury homes in this area,” a resident said. “You can’t have a suburb where only rich people live, it can’t function without a mix.”
Daily word game
Today’s starter word is: LOR. You have five goes to get the longest word including the starter word. Play Wordiply.
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