Guardian AU
Tony Abbott to become new Liberal Party president in former PM’s return to political frontlines
Tony Abbott is set to become federal Liberal Party president, running unopposed after rival contender Alexander Downer stepped aside to contest a vice-presidential role instead. The appointment marks a significant comeback for the conservative former prime minister, seven years after he lost his Sydney seat of Warringah. Abbott's return to a prominent party role signals a potential shift in the Liberal Party's internal direction as it continues to rebuild following successive electoral defeats.
Read article →Guardian AU
Australian government plans for ‘worst-case scenario’ retail fuel rationing, documents reveal
Australia is quietly preparing for emergency fuel rationing, with government documents revealing plans to impose daily purchase limits on motorists as global oil supplies tighten. The measures come as the International Energy Agency warns oil markets will hit a critical "red zone" by August. The Albanese government's contingency framework signals how seriously officials are treating the prospect of a near-term supply crisis.
Read article →Guardian AU
Australia news live: Plibersek condemns Israeli minister’s ‘disgraceful’ treatment of flotilla activists; Guzman y Gomez pulls out of US
Eleven Australians detained by Israeli forces after the Global Sumud flotilla was intercepted have sparked a diplomatic response, with Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek labelling the treatment of the activists "disgraceful." The incident adds pressure on the Australian government to take a firmer stance toward Israel. Meanwhile, Mexican-themed fast food chain Guzman y Gomez is abandoning its US expansion after the venture failed to meet financial targets, marking a significant strategic retreat for the Australian-listed company.
Read article →Guardian AU
News live: Australian flotilla activists released by Israel arrive in Istanbul and claim they were denied food and water
Israeli forces detained over 400 pro-Palestine activists aboard the Global Sumud flotilla, including eleven Australians, who have now arrived in Istanbul following their release. Detainees allege they were denied food and water during their detention, contradicting Israel's ambassador to Australia, Dr Hillel Newman, who insisted no one in custody was harmed. The incident has drawn further scrutiny after a far-right Israeli minister posted video of himself verbally abusing bound activists.
Read article →ABC AU
Tony Abbott returns to political life as Downer drops out of race for Liberal Party president
Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott is set to reclaim a prominent role in Australian conservative politics, stepping in as the unopposed nominee for federal president of the Liberal Party after Alexander Downer withdrew from the race. The position would hand Abbott significant influence over the party's organisational direction at a critical moment for the Liberals. His return signals an ongoing appetite within the party for figures who defined its recent past.
Read article →Get this delivered every morning
Join thousands of readers who get the world's most important stories, curated daily.
Start reading free →