Guardian AU
Australia news live: Chalmers complains of ‘unhinged scare campaign’ against budget as Taylor calls new trust rules a ‘death tax by stealth’
Australia's treasurer Jim Chalmers is pushing back against what he calls an "unhinged scare campaign" targeting the federal budget, even as the latest Newspoll confirms Labor has taken a political hit following last Tuesday's announcement. Opposition spokesman Angus Taylor has seized on new trust taxation rules, branding them a "death tax by stealth" in a bid to stoke voter anxiety. The political fallout signals a bruising debate ahead as both sides dig in over the budget's legacy.
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Australia news live: NSW police make 993 arrests in four-day domestic violence sweep
NSW Police arrested 993 people and laid more than 2,000 charges during a four-day operation targeting individuals with a history of domestic violence. The sweep also included nearly 1,900 bail compliance checks, signaling an aggressive enforcement posture on repeat offenders. The operation underscores mounting pressure on authorities to take a harder line on domestic violence as the issue remains a national crisis.
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Federal government steps in on China-linked Northern Minerals investors
Australia's federal treasurer has ordered six more companies to divest their stakes in Northern Minerals, escalating government intervention against Chinese-linked investors suspected of attempting to gain control of the rare earths miner. The move reflects growing anxiety in Canberra over foreign influence in critical mineral supply chains. Rare earths are essential to defence and clean energy technologies, making Northern Minerals a strategically sensitive asset.
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Federal government intervenes for third time over China-linked stakes in rare earths miner
Australia's federal treasurer has ordered six more companies to divest their stakes in rare earths miner Northern Minerals, marking the government's third intervention against Chinese-linked investors in the firm. The move signals escalating concern in Canberra that coordinated efforts are underway to bring a strategically critical minerals operation under foreign influence. Rare earths are essential to defence technology and clean energy supply chains, making control of domestic producers a live national security issue.
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Israeli forces intercept Gaza flotilla with Australians on board, organisers say
Israeli naval forces have intercepted a Gaza-bound flotilla carrying Australian nationals in international waters near Cyprus, according to the mission's organizers. The ships were attempting to breach Israel's long-standing maritime blockade of Gaza, which restricts the flow of goods and people into the territory. The incident is likely to draw fresh diplomatic scrutiny on Australia and other nations whose citizens were aboard.
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