Opposition Leader Peter Dutton demands an independent inquiry into why Prime Minister wasn't informed about explosives-laden caravan find. Government agrees to mandatory minimum sentences for terror offences to pass tougher hate crimes laws. Question Time in Parliament dominated by cost of living debate and criticism of government's handling of various issues.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has renewed calls for an independent inquiry into why the Prime Minister was not notified over the discovery of a caravan packed with explosives in Dural, in Sydney’s north. It comes as the government has agreed to legislate mandatory minimum sentences for terror offences in a bid to pass tougher hate crimes laws.
The Prime Minister was not informed about the discovery of the explosives-laden caravan in Dural, Sydney's north, last month, prompting calls for an independent inquiry from the opposition. Dutton argues that the public deserves to know why the Prime Minister was kept in the dark about such a significant security threat. Meanwhile, the government has conceded to the opposition's demands and agreed to legislate mandatory minimum sentences for terror offences. This move is seen as an attempt to secure support for tougher hate crimes laws. 'The Prime Minister has made clear on several occasions that our position, the Australian position remains support of a two-state solution,' said a government spokesperson. They further emphasized the importance of allowing time for discussions and clarifications to unfold before reacting to every report. Question Time (QT) in the Australian Parliament saw a flurry of inquiries focused on the cost of living. Both the Coalition and Labor used the opportunity to highlight their respective positions. The Coalition emphasized gas prices, housing costs, and inflation, while Labor shifted the focus to attack the Coalition's proposal to allow small businesses to claim client lunches as a tax deduction. The debate also touched upon Labor's dumped nature laws and the government's support for a federal environmental protection agency. The government defended its stance, stating that the opposition, along with the Greens, had obstructed progress on environmental reforms, including the establishment of a federal EPA. The opposition, meanwhile, accused the government of inaction on key issues like insurance costs and electricity bill relief. A heated exchange ensued, with the opposition questioning the government's commitment to addressing these concerns. The government countered by pointing to its efforts to combat inflation and accusing the opposition of obstructing their progress. Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles assured the families of two Melbourne teenagers who died from methanol poisoning that the government remains in contact with Lao authorities and is offering assistance with their investigation. Marles emphasized the desire for answers and accountability, stating, 'What is understandable is a desire on their part, as you have raised here, to find out more information, but ultimately to find out who did this terrible act and to see the perpetrators of this crime brought to justice and held to account.' The government's approach to the issue has been criticized by some for lacking sufficient urgency and transparency
Politics Australia Labor Coalition Peter Dutton Prime Minister Terrorism Hate Crimes Cost Of Living Question Time Parliament Environmental Protection Agency
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