Guardian AU
Australia news live: Ben Roberts-Smith denies war crimes allegations in first public statement since arrest; free public transport in Victoria extended
Ben Roberts-Smith has broken his silence following his arrest, publicly denying war crimes allegations in his first statement since being taken into custody. Meanwhile, Australia's Defence Minister Richard Marles pushed back against US President Donald Trump's criticism of Australia's stance on Iran, arguing that the US-Australia alliance is built on decades of shared history that transcends any single leader or administration.
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Australia news live: Ben Roberts-Smith makes media statement; free public transport in Victoria extended
Australia's defence minister Richard Marles has moved to reassure the public that the US-Australia alliance remains solid, arguing its strength transcends any single administration on either side of the Pacific. The comments come as President Trump publicly pressures Canberra over its lack of involvement in the Iran conflict. The statement signals growing diplomatic tension between the two allies ahead of what is shaping up as a defining foreign policy test for the Albanese government.
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Australia news live: free public transport in Victoria extended; man charged with murder in NSW
Victoria's free public transport offer has been extended, giving commuters additional relief as the state manages ongoing transit demand. Meanwhile, a man has been charged with murder in New South Wales as police continue investigations into the case. In Melbourne, the Supanova Comic Con and Gaming convention is pressing ahead despite a fatal incident outside the venue, in which one person was killed and another seriously injured departing the event.
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Sydney Morning Herald
CGT like its 1999: Chalmers leans toward scrapping Howard-Costello tax discount
Treasurer Jim Chalmers is signalling a potential overhaul of the capital gains tax discount introduced under the Howard government, a move that would significantly increase the tax burden on investment property and share owners. The reform is being framed around "intergenerational equity," targeting a concession long criticised for inflating asset prices and favouring wealthy investors. With the May 12 budget approaching, the change could mark the most consequential shift in Australia's tax settings in a generation.
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Labor accused of ignoring anti-racism plan as documents reveal repeated pleas to take action
Federal Labor is facing criticism for failing to act on a national anti-racism strategy, with Senate documents revealing repeated internal pleas for government action over 18 months since the human rights commission delivered its recommendations. The government has pointed to an upcoming royal commission and the work of its Islamophobia and antisemitism envoys as evidence of its commitment to the issue. Critics argue these measures fall short of a comprehensive systemic response.
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