Global outcry over Gaza, China woos Pacific & Beatboxing nuns
Guests: Anna Henderson (SBS Chief Political Correspondent), Sione Tekiteki (Senior Lecturer Auckland University of Technology, Former Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat)
Producers: Nick Ludlam, Ali Cheevers, Billy Dahlenburg, Angelica Waite
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News.com.au
5 hours ago
- News.com.au
Hanson demands visa ban, protest crackdown after US strikes on Iran
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has called on the federal government to stop offering resettlement visas to Iranian nationals and prevent further public protests in response to recent US strikes on Iran. Senator Hanson voiced strong support for the US military action, describing its strikes against Iran over the weekend as necessary for global security. 'The world is a safer place without nuclear weapons in the hands of the Islamic Republic of Iran – a radical Islamic dictatorship,' Senator Hanson said in a statement. 'Safety of Australians should remain paramount and that is why One Nation supports the strike conducted by the United States to destroy Iran's nuclear enrichment facilities.' Her comments come after US President Donald Trump confirmed the United States had carried out an attack on three nuclear sites in Iran on Sunday. The attack follows Israel launching a surprise attack targeting Iran's nuclear program on June 13, prompting the countries to trade deadly strikes. Foreign Minister Penny Wong confirmed the government's support for the US's action on Monday morning. 'We support action to prevent Iran obtaining a nuclear weapon. And that is what this is,' she told Nine. Senator Hanson accused the federal government of being 'weak' in response to 'terrorism against Israel', calling for an end to domestic protests and a stop to resettlement visas for Iranian citizens. Protests calling for an end to Israel's blockade of Gaza have been ongoing across Australia, with recent protests also calling for Australia to pull out of AUKUS, its defence deal with the US and the UK. 'Since the Iranian regime-backed Hamas terrorist attack on Israel on October 7 2023, Australia has faced anti-Semitic protests at the Sydney Opera House, our government-funded universities, parliamentary offices, and in our suburbs,' Senator Hanson said. 'This must not be tolerated following US strikes and I request that you work with state and territory governments to prevent these protests from recommencing, 'One Nation seeks confirmation from you and your government that you will prosecute radical Islamic preachers who inspire terrorism and hatred in Australia, 'And we seek your assurance that your government will not offer additional visas to Iranians seeking resettlement in Australia.' Protesters descended on the US consulate in Melbourne and Hyde Park in Sydney on Sunday to denounce the bombing of Iran. Students for Palestine Iranian socialist Bella Beiraghi called out the Israeli and US governments for 'recycling 20-year-old lies' about Iran's nuclear weapons program at Melbourne's rally. 'They say that Iran is a mortal threat to the region, but if you just look over the past 20 months of genocide in Gaza, you can see who the real threat to the region is; it's Israel and America,' she said. Right-wing commentator Kobie Thatcher echoed Senator Hanson's call, posting a video of the gathering on 'x', labelling them 'absolutely disgraceful scenes' and calling for 'mass deportations'.
ABC News
7 hours ago
- ABC News
US 'not at war' with Iran: US Vice-President JD Vance
US Vice-President JD Vance says the end of the Iranian nuclear program was the goal of Operation Midnight Hammer.
ABC News
8 hours ago
- ABC News
Queensland treasurer promises targeted cost-of-living relief in first budget
Queensland Treasurer David Janetzki is promising cost-of-living relief for those who "need it most" as he prepares to hand down the LNP government's first budget. In an interview with the ABC, Mr Janetzki would not guarantee a return to surplus within the next four years and was also coy about how much he would cut debt. The treasurer will deliver the state budget on Tuesday — and has indicated he could unveil more cost-of-living support, as he commits to targeted relief measures. A raft of pre-election initiatives introduced by the former Labor government are set to end, including $1,000 energy bill rebates and 20 per cent vehicle rego discounts. Mr Janetzki said "vulnerable" households will still get power bill reductions. He also spruiked $30,000 concessions for first home buyers purchasing new builds as well as $200 vouchers for parents with kids playing sport. "We have a duty to support households that are under pressure, families that are under pressure, businesses that are under pressure," he said. "We're targeting cost-of-living relief at those who need it the most and I'll have more to say about that on Tuesday." In their last budget in office, Labor had projected deficits for 2024-25 and 2025-26, before forecasting surpluses for 2026-27 and 2027-28. But in the budget update handed down in January, the LNP government significantly revised those forecasts, with the budget plunged into the red for all four financial years. This included deficits of more than $9 billion in both 2026-27 and 2027-28, which the government blamed on its Labor predecessors. Mr Janetzki would not guarantee a return to surplus within the next four years, as he claimed he was left with a "serious challenge" to get the budget back in the black. "There are serious challenges that we face with the budget. We're up to it and I look forward to sharing more on Tuesday," he said. After Labor had initially projected total debt would reach $172 billion by 2027-28, the LNP government also significantly revised that figure to $218 billion in January. Mr Janetzki is vowing to reduce total debt below $218 billion, but won't say if the debt figure in Tuesday's budget will still have a two at the front. He said he was doing everything he could to maintain the state's credit rating. S&P Global currently puts Queensland's credit rating at AA+, although it revised its outlook in February from stable to negative. "The work of this budget has been taken so seriously because our rating matters," Mr Janetzki said. "And I want to make sure that we have prepared a budget and can share that budget with the ratings agencies that they see clearly that we have taken the challenges that Queensland faces seriously. "We know a downgrade means higher interest costs. The cost of borrowing increases." Mr Janetzki ruled out any asset sales or any cuts to services. He also reaffirmed the government's commitment of no new or increased taxes. In January, Shadow Treasurer Shannon Fentiman claimed the government had "juiced up" the budget figures in a way that could put the state's credit rating at risk.
