The Australian government's optimistic start to the new parliamentary year was quickly overshadowed by a domestic security scare involving a potential terrorist attack and escalating tensions in the Middle East. The opposition seized on these issues, criticizing the government's handling of both crises. Meanwhile, the government's agenda, including plans for universal childcare access, was pushed aside as international events dominated the political landscape.
ANTHONY ALBANESE , PRIME MINISTER: Well, we begin 2025 with a great sense of optimism. I'm optimistic that Australians will respond to a positive agenda with fully costed policies.
JIM CHALMERS, TREASURER: That side of the house is focused on long lunches and cuts and conflict and culture wars. This side of the house has maintained a focus on the cost-of-living and because of that focus, inflation is down, wages are up and unemployment is low. LAURA TINGLE: With the PM away from Parliament to inspect flood damage in Townsville and the emergency response, the Opposition Leader ramped up the attack today.
It was proposing an upgrade to hate crime laws but the Coalition, once again, had already upped the ante by calling for mandatory sentences.TONY BURKE, HOME AFFAIRS MINISTER: It's a message that's best sent by us trying to secure the largest possible majority of members of parliament who are able to stand together and send a message to the nation that these forms of hatred are not who we are. I commend the bill to the House.
ANTHONY ALBANESE: I will determine, and my government will determine Australia’s position, that is consistent as well with what the world has said.KEIR STARMER, UK PRIME MINISTER: They must be allowed home. They must be allowed to rebuild, and we should be with them in that rebuild on the way to a two-state solution.
LAURA TINGLE: At least someone saw potential merit in the US President’s thoughts on the future of Gaza.
Australian Politics Anthony Albanese Peter Dutton Middle East Crisis Anti-Semitism Terrorism Childcare
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