Key Takeaways
- The Liberal party has accused the Labor government of trying to dodge scrutiny by reducing opposition questions in parliament.
- The Greens have pushed for the invitation of Israeli President Isaac Herzog to Australia to be revoked, citing his alleged role in inciting genocide.
- A motion condemning the attempted bombing of an Invasion Day rally in Perth has passed in the federal senate chamber.
- The Nationals have confirmed they have received a written offer from the Liberal party and will consider the details.
- Google has rolled out age assurance for under-18s across its services, including the app store, to provide age-appropriate experiences.
Introduction to the Debate
The Australian parliament has been abuzz with activity, with the Liberal party accusing the Labor government of trying to dodge scrutiny by reducing opposition questions in parliament. The Liberal chief whip, Aaron Violi, has stood up to accuse the government of hubris and attempting to avoid transparency. Violi has pointed to the lack of action on gambling reform, citing the Murphy report and statements from the member for Bennelong and the member for Macarthur. The opposition is crucial in holding the government to account, and reducing questions would hinder their ability to do so.
Leadership Challenges
There are rumors swirling around parliament about a potential leadership challenge to Sussan Ley, with some speculating that Angus Taylor may make a move soon. However, an ally of Ley, Andrew Wallace, has expressed confidence in her position, stating that she has the support of the party room. Despite this, insiders have suggested that Taylor is getting ready to make a move, and the numbers are tight, with Ley having won the leadership ballot 29 votes to 25.
The Greens’ Motion
The Greens have pushed for the invitation of Israeli President Isaac Herzog to Australia to be revoked, citing his alleged role in inciting genocide. Senator David Shoebridge has moved a motion to suspend standing orders and push the government to rescind the invitation, stating that it is immoral and wrong. However, the motion has been opposed by the government and the opposition, with the shadow foreign minister, Michaelia Cash, labeling it a stunt.
Condemning the Attempted Bombing
A motion condemning the attempted bombing of an Invasion Day rally in Perth has passed in the federal senate chamber. The motion, introduced by independent senator Lidia Thorpe, noted that the federal government has a duty to protect all people from racism and hate speech. The motion also acknowledged the harm caused by the incident and expressed solidarity with those impacted.
The Coalition’s Split
The Nationals have confirmed they have received a written offer from the Liberal party and will consider the details. The leader of the Nationals, David Littleproud, has stated that the party will take its time to consider the offer and get the settings right. Meanwhile, former Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce has called on the Coalition to get back together, stating that it is not in the best interest of the Australian people.
Google’s Age Assurance
Google has rolled out age assurance for under-18s across its services, including the app store, to provide age-appropriate experiences. The company is using AI to determine the ages of user accounts and will restrict accounts identified as being under 18. Users will have personalized advertising disabled, and Google Play will not allow minors access to adult apps. The move is part of Google’s broader commitment to keeping Australians safe online.
The Victorian Opposition’s Response
The Victorian opposition has welcomed the government’s decision to allow GPs to diagnose and prescribe medication for ADHD. However, the opposition’s health spokesperson, Georgie Crozier, has stated that the government needs to do more to address the significant shortfall of psychiatrists in regional areas. Crozier has called for the first 150 GPs to be trained to be located across the state, particularly in areas where waitlists are months and years long.
The Government’s Response
The government has defended its decision to invite Israeli President Isaac Herzog to Australia, despite protests from the Greens and other groups. The government has also defended its move to reduce opposition questions in parliament, stating that it is necessary to ensure the efficient functioning of the House. However, the opposition has accused the government of trying to dodge scrutiny and avoid transparency.
