Happy hump day! Former Australian prime minister Paul Keating was taking no prisoners today, blasting the Aukus submarine deal as “the worst international decision” taken by a Labor government in a century.
“Look, I’d say for the cost – $360bn – for $360bn, we’re going to get eight submarines. It must be the worst deal in all history,” he said in a blistering appearance at the National Press Club where he insulted journalists and chided his Labor colleagues for “essentially [accommodating] the strategic wishes of the United States, uncritically”.
In a stinging rebuke of the foreign affairs minister, Penny Wong, Keating said she had allowed the military to overtake foreign policy in determining the China relationship.
“Running around the Pacific islands with a lei around your neck handing out money, which is what Penny does, is not foreign policy. It’s a consular task,” he said. “The Albanese government does not employ foreign policy.”
He added that China posed no threat to Australia and that aligning with the British, after the UK had abandoned Australia’s defence in the 20th century, was “deeply pathetic”.
Read the full wrap of Keating’s comments by our chief political correspondent, Paul Karp, or watch a two-minute clip of his remarks.
Top news
Malaysia warning on Aukus | Malaysia has urged Australia, the UK and the US to refrain “from any provocation that could trigger an arms race or affect peace and security in the region”, in a statement issued in response to the Aukus deal. Meanwhile, South Australia, where the nuclear-powered submarines will be built, has pushed back on nuclear waste being left in the state. As part of the Aukus deal, Australia is responsible for any nuclear waste generated by the submarines.
Power bills to surge | Electricity bills for households in three states will rise as much as 23.7% from 1 July if the Australian Energy Regulator’s draft determination is confirmed. Prices in Victoria may rise by almost a third. The Coalition jumped on the news, accusing the Albanese government of breaking its election promise to lower power bills. The energy minister, Chris Bowen, was quick to point out that the rises would be higher were it not for the government’s price caps introduced at the end of last year, and that direct relief would come in the May budget. Queensland is already a step ahead, announcing today a rebate to come in the next financial year.
‘Violet’ Coco’s sentence quashed | The NSW district court has overturned a 15-month jail sentence imposed on the climate protester who blocked one lane on the Sydney Harbour Bridge with a truck in April 2022. The original sentencing last December drew attention to the state’s harsh anti-protest laws, including condemnation from the UN.
Catholic church abuse | The church is hoping to use the deaths of paedophile clergy to stymy more than a dozen cases brought by historical abuse survivors, an analysis of court records suggests. The strategy, largely adopted in New South Wales, relies on a key decision last year in the state’s highest court, which found the death of Father Clarence Anderson, an abuser long known to the Lismore diocese, rendered the church unable to fairly defend itself against allegations of abuse.
NSW police officer stalked woman | Joshua Alan James Wootton, 32, has pleaded guilty to stalking a woman over a period of 11 days in February 2022 and searching for details about her partner using the restricted Cops database. Wootton will face a sentence hearing on 9 June.
Tasmanian devils overwhelming possums | The introduction of Tasmanian devils to Maria Island has halved the population of brushtail possums. Don’t be alarmed – researchers say the possums had expanded beyond their usual habitat and restoring a top predator like the Tasmanian devil has helped keep them in check.
Massive EV parking fines | If you happen to park your car in an EV charging space, you could be in for a hefty fine. States and territories have been introducing fines, starting with $3,200 in the Australian Capital Territory, $2,875 in Queensland, $2,200 in New South Wales and $369 in Victoria.
The Cyclone Freddy death toll | … has passed 200 as people in Malawi and Mozambique pick up the pieces after the record-breaking storm. Rescue workers warned that more victims were likely as they scoured destroyed neighbourhoods for survivors.
Honduras to switch ties from Taiwan to China | The Central American country’s switch would leave Taiwan with formal diplomatic relations with only 13 countries. China has intensified pressure to reduce Taiwan’s international standing, and this morning flew 28 military planes across the Taiwan strait, 16 of which crossed the median line.
Full Story
The teals, farmers and traditional owners fighting Santos
The rich farmlands of NSW’s Liverpool Plains have long been coveted by fossil fuel companies. Now locals are preparing to fight Australian gas giant Santos, which holds the licences for what lies beneath. Listen to this 25-minute episode.
What they said …
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“We’ve heard so much about how tight the budget is, and it is … And we’ve heard that we can’t spend money on things that are really important to our communities and to our country. And this [Aukus] is a massive spending commitment for decades to come.” – David Pocock
The independent senator questioned how the government intends to finance the massive defence spend, calling on Labor to axe the $243bn stage-three tax cuts that will benefit the wealthy. The treasurer, Jim Chalmers, repeated his refusal to scrap the tax cuts.
In numbers
And about 42% of men reported experiencing physical violence since the age of 15, according to the latest ABS data.
Before bed read
Microwaves get a bad rap for the most part, but I for one could not live without one. And neither can writer Aicha Marhfour, who calls it “the hub of the kitchen” in this pro-microwave piece.
“Having a microwave in the house is like owning a comfort blanket. Just knowing that it’s there puts me at ease.”
My latest microwave trick – heating oat milk before pouring in a shot of coffee.
Daily word game
Today’s starter word is: STY. You have five goes to get the longest word including the starter word. Play Wordiply.
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