Richard Marles Wishes John Healey Well Following Sudden UK Defence Secretary Resignation
John Healey, the United Kingdom's defence secretary, has unexpectedly resigned from the Starmer government, marking another challenge to the Prime Minister's fragile leadership. According to UK reports, the resignation stemmed from disagreements over a new defence spending plan, which Healey believed failed to "commit the resources that the nation needs to defend the country at this time of rising threats."
This development also affected Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles, who was attending the Aukmin summit of defence and foreign ministers in the UK. Marles had planned to visit a naval base in Portsmouth alongside Healey, but the event was cancelled following Healey's departure.
Subsequently, Marles issued a statement expressing his sentiments:
I have deeply valued the close and collaborative working relationship with my good friend John Healey as Secretary of Defence, as I have with his predecessors on the Australia-UK defence relationship. I have worked closely with all of them particularly in respect of Aukus.
Our defence relationship is enduring, with deep connections, values and shared interests.
Acknowledging that ultimately this has been a decision for John, I wish him all the best for the future.
Despite the cancellation, Marles proceeded to Portsmouth to meet with the Royal Navy, where he was hosted by a junior defence minister.
Earlier, Marles had conveyed "a sense of confidence" regarding the UK's commitment to the Aukus submarine project.
NSW Police Discover Human Remains in Ongoing Investigation of 2018 Disappearance
New South Wales police have uncovered human remains during a prolonged investigation into the disappearance of Nadire Sensoy, 71, who went missing from her Prospect home in December 2018. The case had been subject to a coronial inquest in 2023, which was suspended following the emergence of new evidence.
Later in 2023, authorities arrested a 47-year-old man in Wagga Wagga, NSW, charging him with murder. Police have stated that the man was known to Sensoy and that they allege he was responsible for her death.
During a search of a property in Seven Hills, Sydney, this week, officers located human remains that have yet to be formally identified.
Jim Chalmers Defends Comments on Angus Taylor's Background
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has defended his recent remarks about Opposition Leader Angus Taylor, clarifying that he has no objection to wealthy Australians but maintains that Taylor is disconnected from the realities of the housing market.
In a speech on Thursday, Chalmers stated that Taylor was born "at the top of the ladder." On the ABC's 7.30 program, host Sarah Ferguson questioned Chalmers about whether he had an issue with wealthy Australians.
Not at all. I want more people to succeed in our economy and in our society...
Angus Taylor talks about a ladder and the point that I’ve made about the ladder is it’s not much point in having a ladder if the first few rungs are missing. Angus Taylor was born at the top of the ladder, good on him, but I think that that means he doesn’t understand that a lot of people are struggling.
When pressed on whether individuals who inherit wealth should be subject to criticism—given that Labor has historically had wealthy figures such as Paul Keating and Kevin Rudd—Chalmers responded:
The point that I’m making about Angus Taylor is that not everybody is born already at the top of the ladder... Not everybody has had the same experiences that Angus Taylor has had.
Our responsibility, which we embrace enthusiastically, is to make it easier for more people to do well, whether that’s at work with better wages, whether it’s helping with the cost of living and tax cuts, or whether it’s helping people get a foothold into a housing market that’s been too difficult for too long, especially for young people.
Live News Update
Good morning, this is Martin Farrer with the top overnight stories before Nick Visser takes over the live news blog. The day began with significant news from the UK, where Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles was attending a ministerial summit. His visit was overshadowed when his British counterpart, John Healey, abruptly resigned over defence funding disagreements. Further updates will follow shortly.
