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Australia News: Ryan’s Parliamentary Focus, MH17 Ruling, and Economic Warnings
This live news blog covers key events in Australia, including Monique Ryan’s priorities for the upcoming parliament, the UN ruling on the MH17 crash, and economic forecasts from Jim Chalmers.
Monique Ryan’s Agenda for the Next Parliament
Newly re-elected, Monique Ryan has outlined her key areas of focus for the next three years in parliament, emphasizing the importance of an effective opposition. Her agenda will prioritize:
- Housing Affordability
- Tax Reform
- Climate Action
Ryan stated that she intends to hold the government accountable on these issues, ensuring they address the concerns of communities like Kooyong, which also include the cost-of-living crisis.
Ryan on the Need for an Effective Opposition
Ryan emphasized the necessity of a strong opposition in Parliament, stating:
“So far since the election, what we’ve seen is both the Liberals and the Nationals kind of turn on each other, and they’re obviously engaged in leadership battles this week. They’ve got some significant issues, I think, to deal with, and one of them is the fact that they didn’t take adequate policy to the federal election.”We need an effective opposition in the House of Representatives. That’s extremely important. And we need the government to be held to account on the things that communities like Kooyong care about, which are tax reform, housing affordability, climate, and the cost-of-living crisis, and so that will be my job, to hold the government to account on those things.
Ryan to Push for Electrification and Net Zero Transition
Addressing real action on climate change, Ryan urged the government to accelerate progress. She emphasized the necessity for rapid electrification and greater clarity for regions on its implementation.
“Well, they need to move more quickly with the net zero transition and we need to have greater clarity for the regions about how electrification will proceed. Rewiring Australia has been held up, and that’s costing us all.”“We need to have greater clarity around how electrification can work in the suburbs and how homes and businesses can be assisted to get off fossil fuels and to electrify in a way that’s quick and effective, which brings down their energy costs quickly but also takes pressure off the grid.”
“They’re all big-picture issues where government policy will make a big difference, and they are things that I’ll be pushing for in the next three years.”
UN Rules Russia Responsible for Downing of MH17
The United Nations aviation council has determined that Russia bears responsibility for the 2014 downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 over Ukraine. The incident resulted in the deaths of 298 individuals, including 38 Australian citizens, according to Reuters.
ICAO to Consider Reparations
The Council of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) will deliberate on the appropriate form of reparations in the upcoming weeks. Australia is expected to request an order for Russia to negotiate regarding these reparations.
Penny Wong Calls for Accountability on MH17 Downing
Penny Wong issued a statement following the MH17 decision, asserting:
“This is a historic moment in the pursuit of truth, justice and accountability for the victims of the downing of flight MH17, and their families and loved ones.”“The ICAO council found that Russia breached the prohibition under international law on the use of weapons against civil aircraft in flight and is responsible for the loss of 298 innocent lives, including 38 who called Australia home.”
“The Australian government welcomes the ICAO council’s decision and urges it to move swiftly to determine remedies for this violation. We call upon Russia to finally face up to its responsibility for this horrific act of violence and make reparations for its egregious conduct, as required under international law.“
“Our thoughts remain with those who lost their lives as a result of Russia’s actions, their families and loved ones.”
Economic Outlook: Chalmers Warns of Global Dislocation
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has cautioned Australians to prepare for economic volatility, citing potential risks from international trade policies and global economic uncertainty.
Chalmers stated that managing global uncertainty is a vital precondition for strengthening the economy, enhancing productivity, and fostering competitiveness.
Other News in Brief
- Murray-Darling Basin: The Murray-Darling Conservation Alliance welcomed Murray Watt’s appointment as environment minister.
- Victorian Prison Funding: The Victorian government will allocate $700 million in the upcoming state budget to expand prison capacity in anticipation of increased demand due to stricter bail laws.
- Monash Seat: The Liberal party is expected to maintain its hold on the Victorian seat of Monash.
- Sydney Shooting: A truck driver was shot in an ambush in Sydney’s southwest, with police investigating potential links to subsequent car fires.