Guardian AU
Bernardi vows to pay for flights taken with Hanson on Rinehart’s plane amid confusion about SA’s donations ban
Bernardi has pledged to personally cover the cost of flights taken alongside Pauline Hanson aboard a plane registered to Gina Rinehart's company, following questions over whether the arrangement breaches South Australia's landmark political donations ban. The controversy arrives as the state heads to its first election since the world-leading laws took effect, with the political status of both Bernardi and Hanson adding further legal complexity. The case is shaping up as an early test of how far the new rules extend and whether they can withstand scrutiny in edge cases involving non-traditional political figures.
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SA Liberals hope preferencing One Nation will give them a fighting chance – but is the brand damage worth it?
South Australia's Liberal Party has abandoned the Howard-era principle of placing One Nation last on preference cards, instead directing votes toward the far-right party ahead of this weekend's state election. The tactical shift reflects a desperate bid to cobble together enough support to challenge a dominant Labor government. The question now is whether the short-term electoral math is worth the long-term cost to a party brand already struggling to define itself.
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Iranian government official levels allegations at Australia, US and Israel
Iran's deputy foreign minister Esmaeil Baghaei has accused the United States of committing "terrorist acts" and warned Australia it risks standing on the wrong side of history, in a sweeping set of allegations targeting Western nations and Israel. The remarks signal Tehran's escalating diplomatic rhetoric as regional tensions remain high. For Australia, the warning represents an unusual direct rebuke from Iranian leadership, raising questions about the bilateral relationship.
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Breaking: ACCC investigating claims of anti-competitive conduct by fuel suppliers
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has launched an investigation into major fuel suppliers over alleged anti-competitive behaviour in regional and rural markets. The probe targets areas where residents already face limited choice and higher prices, making fair competition particularly critical. If substantiated, the findings could trigger significant enforcement action against some of the country's largest energy retailers.
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Gold-tier health policies will rise as much as 25 pc next month
Premium hikes of up to 25 percent are hitting Australian private health insurance holders next month, with gold-tier policy holders bearing the brunt of the increases. The figures, drawn from CHOICE analysis, underscore the mounting financial pressure on those who opted for top-level coverage. For many households already stretched by cost-of-living pressures, the timing could prompt a serious rethink of their cover level.
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