Canavan says Trump’s threats have ‘gotten out of hand’
Nationals leader Matt Canavan expressed concern over former US President Donald Trump’s threats towards Iran, emphasizing the need for Australia to encourage de-escalation of rhetoric from the United States.
I think it’s incumbent on us to implore our friends in the United States to de-escalate this and de-escalate it fast. It’s gotten out of hand very quickly.
Now’s the time for Australia and the prime minister to make it very clear that we can’t support this type of approach to any kind of conflict … we’ve got to try and find an off-ramp here, both for the people of the Middle East and also for the world that’s suffering the horrific consequences of this conflict.
Canavan is scheduled to speak at the National Press Club later today.
Trump’s deadline on Iran expires at 10am
Donald Trump issued a deadline to Iran, set for 8pm EDT (10am AEST), demanding compliance with his terms or warning that an entire civilisation could face destruction "tonight". This statement has drawn condemnation from Democrats, concern among some Republicans, and widespread anticipation.
Updates on Australian responses will be provided as events unfold. Readers can also follow developments via the Middle East liveblog.
Minister says Australia has received assurances from foreign trading partners over fuel supplies
Matt Thistlethwaite, assistant minister for foreign affairs and trade, discussed a recently signed statement of understanding between Australia and Singapore regarding fuel deliveries. He noted that the government has also received assurances from other countries.
When asked about potential agreements with additional fuel suppliers such as South Korea, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Japan, in preparation for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s upcoming visit to Singapore, Thistlethwaite commented on the situation.
Obviously, the potential of the conflict to destabilise the deliveries is a concern. So we’re seeking assurances from nations regarding supply. And thankfully, we’ve been receiving those assurances.
Those assurances do give us confidence. And obviously, those nations that we’re meeting with want to know from Australia’s perspective that many of our exports will continue to get through as well.
Nick Visser took over the blog this morning to continue coverage.
Canavan calls for tariff-led ‘manufacturing renaissance’
Matt Canavan, the new Nationals leader, addressed the National Press Club in Canberra outlining his "Patriot Agenda for an Australian Economic Revival." The plan focuses on five key areas, including fostering an Australian "manufacturing renaissance."
Canavan proposed achieving this through protecting key industries from unfair competition and advocated for the use of all available tools, including reintroducing tariffs.
He also called for Australia’s borders to be closed to "mass migration," the abandonment of net zero carbon emissions policies by 2050, and the initiation of a national works program, construction of new cities, and encouragement of a new baby boom.
I don’t agree with Donald Trump that ‘tariff’ is the most beautiful word in the English language, but it’s not a dirty word either,
A tariff is just a tool – a tool we already use when we apply anti-dumping actions, albeit in an ad hoc way.
Other countries are trying to steal our jobs and our industries. We must respond with a more permanent approach to protecting the industries that are crucial to our sovereign capability.
Albanese and Chinese premier discuss energy security in phone call
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese spoke with Chinese Premier Li Qiang by phone to discuss energy security amid efforts to secure fuel supplies from Asian nations.
Albanese confirmed plans to travel to Singapore this week to finalize fuel import agreements.
The Prime Minister’s office stated that the two leaders agreed to enhance communication and ensure both Australia and China work collaboratively to support regional energy security. China is a significant exporter of jet fuel to Australia.
The government described engagement with China as "central to a mature, stable and constructive relationship."
Ben Roberts-Smith to appear in court this morning
Ben Roberts-Smith, Australia’s most decorated living soldier, is scheduled to appear in a Sydney local court today.
The former SAS corporal and Victoria Cross recipient was arrested by the Australian Federal Police on Tuesday and charged with unlawful killings during Australia’s military operations in Afghanistan.
Roberts-Smith was held overnight at Silverwater Correctional Centre as a high-profile detainee, assigned a single cell though not technically in solitary confinement.
He is expected to apply for bail at the hearing. Roberts-Smith has consistently denied any wrongdoing during his deployment in Afghanistan.
The charges follow a landmark civil ruling in 2023. In a defamation case initiated by Roberts-Smith against the Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, and The Canberra Times, a federal court judge found, to the civil standard of substantial truth, that Roberts-Smith was involved in four murders while serving in Afghanistan.
However, the defamation trial is separate from the criminal proceedings, which require proof beyond reasonable doubt, a higher standard than the balance of probabilities used in civil cases.
The findings included the 2009 killing of a handicapped man at a compound known as Whiskey 108 and the 2012 incident involving the kicking of a handcuffed prisoner, Ali Jan, off a cliff in Darwan.
Martin Farrer opened the live news blog with these top stories overnight, followed by Nick Visser handling the main coverage. Albanese’s conversation with Chinese Premier Li Qiang on energy security and Ben Roberts-Smith’s court appearance remain key developments today.
