Welcome to this week’s update on federal politics, where Courtney Gould provides insights into the latest developments from Parliament House.<\/p>\n
If we consider imitation as a form of flattery, then John Howard and Pauline Hanson may be feeling quite pleased with the Coalition’s recently announced migration policy. Angus Taylor openly drew parallels between the new policy and Howard’s past statements, asserting that Australia\u2019s migration system ought to “discriminate based on values.” He echoed sentiments from Howard’s 2001 campaign launch, stating that Australia should determine who is eligible for protection and under what conditions such protection is offered. Taylor also suggested enhancing social media monitoring for visa applicants and did not dismiss the idea of establishing a force similar to ICE to address visa overstayers.<\/p>\n
This is not the first instance of Howard\u2019s language being referenced; Scott Morrison had previously adopted similar rhetoric during his campaign in 2019, prompting smiles from Howard in attendance. However, like One Nation’s policies, the Coalition’s proposal appears to be heavy on rhetoric but lacking in specifics. Taylor and his team have struggled to clarify the plan despite repeated inquiries, as he promotes the connection between migration and housing in various Queensland communities.<\/p>\n
As Maani Truu noted, the specifics may not be the focal point; instead, the aim appears to be to reassure Coalition supporters who might be considering a vote for One Nation due to its anti-immigration stance. Hanson, who narrowly lost a Senate seat to the Nationals in Queensland back in 2001, expressed satisfaction when asked about Taylor’s address, immediately claiming credit for the ideas presented. She remarked, “If they want to adopt my policies, good luck to you,” indicating her belief that Taylor’s approach diverges further from Howard’s than it did 25 years ago. She suggested that the Coalition is increasingly concerned about losing votes to One Nation, stating, “They’re not kittens anymore. They’re cats,” emphasizing the seriousness of the political landscape.<\/p>\n
This political maneuvering is occurring in the context of the Farrer by-election scheduled for May 9. The ballot drew this week, with the Liberals securing the number one position. Current polling suggests that merely a few donkey votes may not suffice to retain the seat previously held by Sussan Ley since 2001. Notably, One Nation is currently concentrating its campaign efforts in the rural seat on water policy rather than immigration, aligning with prominent independent candidate Michelle Milthorpe. Both factions are advocating for a royal commission into the Murray-Darling Basin Plan, while the Coalition is proposing a more limited inquiry.<\/p>\n
While migration dominated the discussions this week, the government has primarily directed its attention toward fuel-related issues. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is on a diplomatic mission in Asia, donning hard hats during visits to refineries and fertilizer facilities, and signing agreements with Brunei and Malaysia to secure Australia\u2019s supply lines amidst ongoing domestic fuel shortages exacerbated by the conflict in Iran.<\/p>\n
Energy Minister Chris Bowen cautioned that a recent fire at one of Australia’s operational oil refineries could have lasting impacts on domestic petrol production. Energy analyst Kevin Morrison warned of potential short-term price spikes in Victoria as a result of the incident. Meanwhile, Treasurer Jim Chalmers visited Washington for discussions with international finance ministers on the same day the International Monetary Fund (IMF) released a bleak economic outlook, predicting a global recession and inflation rates reaching up to 6 percent if the Iran conflict continues.<\/p>\n
Chalmers acknowledged that the upcoming budget he plans to present in four weeks will differ from the one he envisioned in February; however, he maintains that it will still be ambitious. Situated in the second year of Labor’s term, this budget presents a crucial opportunity for the government. There appears to be a willingness to consider modifications to the capital gains tax discount as well as the possibility of a windfall tax on gas exports, despite the resources minister’s reservations about the latter.<\/p>\n
Additionally, the government has avoided questions regarding increasing fuel reserves; Bowen deflected inquiries by stating, “It’s not budget day, mate.” However, it is confirmed that the government plans to increase defense spending over the next decade. Defense Minister Richard Marles addressed the National Press Club, outlining a new defense strategy that emphasizes greater self-reliance, while still recognizing the importance of maintaining a relationship with the United States.<\/p>\n
Marles refuted claims that the existing global rules-based order, which the U.S. has played a pivotal role in establishing, is obsolete, asserting that despite its shortcomings, the world has benefited more from it than without it. He cautioned that its dissolution would be a significant loss globally.<\/p>\n
In a lighter moment, Greens senator David Shoebridge’s press event in Parramatta was humorously interrupted by automated cleaning technology, highlighting the intersection of politics and modern technology.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Welcome to this week’s update on federal politics, where Courtney Gould provides insights into the latest developments from Parliament House. If we consider imitation as a form of flattery, then John Howard and Pauline Hanson may be feeling quite pleased with the Coalition’s recently announced migration policy. Angus Taylor openly drew parallels between the new […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":10163,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[43,2119,883,530,532,531,452,1989,1825],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-10164","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-australia","category-au-australian-federal-elections","category-au-elections","category-au-federal-government","category-au-federal-parliament","category-au-government-and-politics","category-au-liberal-party-of-australia","category-au-pauline-hanson-s-one-nation","category-au-political-parties"],"yoast_head":"\n