**Morrison Testifies in Reynolds’ Defamation Case; Keating Addresses Pelosi’s Comment**
**Parliament’s Powerful Intelligence Committee Urges Action in Southern Lebanon**
Parliament’s powerful intelligence committee has called for Foreign Minister Penny Wong to consider taking the dramatic step of designating the Hezbollah-controlled area of southern Lebanon a “declared” area, meaning it would be illegal for Australians to be present there. This move comes in light of the recent escalation in operations by the listed terrorist organization Hezbollah in the southern area of Lebanon. The committee believes there would be merit in the government proactively seeking advice from relevant security agencies regarding a declaration under section 119.3 of the Criminal Code of Hezbollah-controlled areas of Lebanon south of the Litani River, consistent with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701. While Foreign Minister Wong has urged Australians to leave southern Lebanon due to the risk of conflict with Israel, she has not indicated any plans to label it a declared area.
**Free TV Chief Calls for Balanced Approach to Gambling Ad Reform**
Australia’s free-to-air broadcasters are facing challenges with falling advertising revenue, prompting Free TV Australia chief executive Bridget Fair to advocate for a balanced approach to gambling ad reform. Fair emphasized the importance of considering the impact of limiting gambling ads on free-to-air broadcasters, who rely on advertising revenue for their operations. Regional broadcasters, in particular, are experiencing greater concerns about ad revenue decline compared to metropolitan broadcasters. Fair highlighted the competition from global streamers with unregulated advertising tiers as a factor contributing to the stress on the sector. She emphasized the need to balance social considerations with the long-term viability and sustainability of the commercial broadcasting sector.
**Calls for Climate Trigger to Protect Australia’s Natural Assets**
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people whose lands are under threat have called on the government to introduce a climate trigger to prevent corporations from destroying Australia’s natural assets. The proposal would require coal and gas projects to undergo a thorough assessment of their impacts on the climate. Traditional custodians and individuals affected by climate disasters have urged politicians to take action, citing concerns about projects such as Adani’s Carmichael coal mine in Queensland and the Narrabri gas project run by Santos. These projects are expected to have significant environmental impacts, leading to calls for stronger measures to protect the land and water from further degradation. The push for a climate trigger underscores the urgent need to address the threats posed by industrial activities on Australia’s natural resources.
**Temple & Webster’s Success Amid Retail Sector Slowdown**
Amid a broader slowdown in the retail sector, online furniture and homewares seller Temple & Webster has defied the odds with a significant increase in revenue. The company reported a 26% uplift in revenue to nearly half a billion dollars for the 2024 financial year, driven by repeat customers and a focus on offering quality products at competitive prices. Temple & Webster’s success highlights the shifting consumer preferences towards more affordable furniture options in response to cost-of-living pressures. The company’s performance, particularly in categories like bedroom furniture and larger items, reflects the growing demand for value-driven products in the market. By prioritizing quality and affordability, Temple & Webster has positioned itself as a competitive player in the online retail landscape.
**Rowland Accuses Daniel of Spreading Misinformation on Gambling Ad Bans**
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland has called out teal independent Zoe Daniel for disseminating incorrect information about gambling advertisement bans. In a heated exchange during question time, Rowland refuted claims made by Daniel regarding the minister’s interactions with gambling executives. Rowland emphasized the importance of facts in the ongoing discussions about gambling ad reform and urged stakeholders to engage in a constructive and evidence-based dialogue. The exchange underscores the contentious nature of the debate surrounding gambling advertisements and the need for accurate information to inform policy decisions.
**Health Minister Pressed on Gambling Ad Ban**
Independent MP Sophie Scamps has pressed Health Minister Mark Butler on the government’s stance on a full ban of gambling advertisements in light of compelling evidence linking such ads to negative impacts on young people’s mental health. Scamps highlighted the unanimous call from the public health community for a complete ban on gambling advertising to protect children from harmful exposure. Despite mounting pressure and evidence supporting a ban, the government’s position on implementing comprehensive restrictions on gambling ads remains uncertain. The exchange underscores the growing public concern over the influence of gambling advertisements on vulnerable populations and the need for decisive action to address this issue.
**MPs Booted from Question Time Over Housing Data Dispute**
Tensions flared in Parliament as Coalition housing spokesman Michael Sukkar and Labor MP Peter Khalil were ejected from question time for disruptive behavior. Sukkar’s accusation that Housing Minister Clare O’Neil cited incorrect data during a previous interview led to his removal from the chamber. The dispute over housing data highlights the contentious nature of policy debates and the importance of accurate information in shaping government decisions. The exchange underscores the need for constructive dialogue and evidence-based policymaking to address critical issues like housing affordability and availability.
**Greens and Coalition Criticize O’Neil Over Housing Data Error**
The Greens and the Coalition have criticized new Housing Minister Clare O’Neil for inaccurately citing housing data during a recent interview. O’Neil’s misattributed figures regarding Treasury modeling for Labor’s build-to-rent scheme have sparked backlash from political opponents. The Greens’ housing spokesman Max Chandler-Mather questioned the validity of O’Neil’s claims and raised concerns about the impact of misleading information on policy discussions. The exchange underscores the challenges of maintaining transparency and accuracy in public statements and the need for accountability in government communications. O’Neil’s response to the criticisms highlights the complexity of housing policy debates and the importance of factual accuracy in shaping public policy decisions.
