Angus Taylor Rejects Racial Judgement in Immigration Debate
The opposition leader, Angus Taylor, stated he would not align with One Nation’s Pauline Hanson in evaluating individuals based on skin colour or race.
“I judge people on their character and their conduct … if she wants to judge people based on the colour of their skin or their race, One Nation needs to explain that,”
Taylor told reporters in Sydney on Thursday.
He further commented on migration policies, saying:
"Migration in this country has been too high and the standards have been too low, and that must change. But what we favour is a values-based immigration policy where people who come to this country adopt our core values, and that is regardless of race or religion or where they come from."
In her speech on Wednesday, Hanson denied accusations that One Nation is a racist party and described opposition to multiculturalism as common sense.
When asked if Australia was still at risk of being overwhelmed by Muslim migration, as she claimed in 2016, Hanson responded:
"Not if I have anything to do with it."
She accused the media of double standards and criticized them for overlooking the party’s resurgence and its representation of discontented voters.
"Australians aren’t buying this crap from the political establishment and its media supporters any more,"
she said.
Taylor acknowledged public anger but emphasized the need for credible plans in response.
"I understand people are angry. I really get this. But what we need in a response to that is a credible plan, and we didn’t get that yesterday."
Good morning, and happy Friday – Nick Visser here to round out the week with you. Let’s get to it.
Jim Chalmers Defends Capital Gains Tax Reform Adjustments
The treasurer, Jim Chalmers, defended the federal government’s recent modifications to its controversial capital gains tax (CGT) reforms, dismissing claims that Labor was compelled to retreat due to pressure from business groups.
During an appearance on ABC’s 7.30 program, Chalmers faced rigorous questioning from Sarah Ferguson after announcing an increase in the turnover threshold for small business exemptions from $2 million to $10 million. This $475 million adjustment effectively excludes 98% of active Australian businesses from the new tax measures.
Ferguson suggested that the exemption revealed a hastily developed policy and a government whose commitments were unstable. Chalmers countered that the concessions resulted from "meaningful consultation" rather than capitulation to industry demands.
"We have chosen the harder road of reform rather than the political path of least resistance,"
he said, emphasizing the broader policy’s importance in assisting young first home buyers.
Chalmers also ruled out reinstating a previously proposed gas export tax, affirming the government’s focus on legislating its current tax agenda within the next two weeks.
When questioned about whether Australia’s Asian trade partners could trust that a gas export tax was permanently off the table, given recent policy shifts, Chalmers responded:
"I understand that people will level that charge against us, but then it’s more important to us that we get the substance right rather than the politics right."
AFL Legend Tony Modra Seriously Injured in Truck Accident
AFL great Tony Modra has sustained serious injuries in a truck accident on his South Australian property, according to Australian Associated Press reports.
Modra, recognized as one of the AFL’s most talented players during his career from 1992 to 2001 with Adelaide and Fremantle, was hospitalized in serious condition with undisclosed injuries on Thursday night.
The incident occurred when Modra was driving a truck on his property at Back Valley, approximately 90 kilometers south of Adelaide, and the vehicle collided with a tree around 5:15 pm ACST (5:45 pm AEST) on Thursday.
South Australian police stated:
"Police and emergency services responded to reports that a truck had crashed into a tree at Range Road, Back Valley. The driver and sole occupant of the truck, a 57-year-old man from Waitpinga, was taken to hospital for treatment for serious injuries."
Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir, who played alongside Modra at the Dockers from 1999 to 2001, expressed shock at the news.
"He’s obviously a big part of the Freo family and all I can say is I wish him and his family well. Hopefully he can pull through. I’m thinking of him. We’re all thinking of him and his family."
Modra has resided on a beef and cattle farm at Waitpinga since 2003. A dual All Australian and five-time Adelaide Crows leading goalkicker, Modra, born in McLaren Vale south of Adelaide, scored 588 goals in 165 AFL games.
Australia Commits Additional $100 Million Support to Ukraine
The federal government has announced an additional $100 million in aid to Ukraine as it continues to resist Russia’s invasion.
Australia’s ambassador to NATO, Angus Campbell, represented the country at the Ukraine Defence Contact Group meeting in Brussels overnight, revealing plans to increase Australia’s total support for Ukraine to over $1.8 billion.
The new funding will be provided as two $50 million payments to the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List, a program Australia significantly supports.
This assistance will help secure the military equipment and capabilities Ukraine requires to defend itself, including air defence systems and munitions, the government stated.
Defence Minister Richard Marles said:
"What happens in Ukraine matters here in the Indo-Pacific, which is why it is so important for Australia to stay the course and continue to stand with Ukraine until they find peace on their terms."
Good morning and welcome to our live news blog. I’m Martin Farrer with the top overnight stories, followed by Nick Visser with the main updates.
Jim Chalmers has defended the government’s revisions to its capital gains tax reforms and rejected claims that the changes represented a backflip forced by business interests. More details will follow shortly.
Last night, the federal government announced an additional $100 million in support for Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia. Further information will be provided soon.
Additionally, AFL legend Tony Modra is hospitalized following a serious truck accident near Adelaide. More updates on this story are forthcoming.
