π¦πΊ Australian Politics
June 18th, 2026
Today's top 5 stories, curated by Daily Direct.

Sydney Morning Herald
Pauline Hanson spoke for 90 minutes. We fact-checked her key claims
Pauline Hanson delivered a marathon 90-minute address packed with claims that don't all hold up to scrutiny. A detailed fact-check of the One Nation leader's major talking points reveals a pattern of misleading statistics and contested assertions. For voters parsing her policy positions, the gap between rhetoric and evidence matters.
Read article βGuardian AU
Australia news live: migration lower than 2019 as arrivals fall; press gallery βstrongly objectsβ to One Nation threats to ban journalists
One Nation's threats to ban journalists from its media events have drawn a formal rebuke from the parliamentary press gallery, while the Coalition has used the moment to call for greater scrutiny of the minor party amid its rising poll numbers. The controversy was compounded by a GetUp activist stunt at Pauline Hanson's Press Club address, which critics say backfired by generating sympathy for Hanson rather than undermining her. Separately, new migration data shows arrivals have fallen below 2019 levels, signaling a continued cooling of Australia's post-pandemic population surge.
Read article βABC AU
The new detail in the US-Iran ceasefire deal
Iran's enriched uranium stockpiles and the cessation of hostilities in Lebanon take center stage in the newly released official text of the US-Iran ceasefire agreement. The document provides more granular detail than previously disclosed, offering clarity on how Tehran's nuclear material will be managed going forward. The fine print matters β it will determine whether the deal holds up under scrutiny from hawks on both sides.
Read article βABC AU
Breaking: US and Iran sign memorandum aimed at ending war
The United States and Iran have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at ending hostilities and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments. The agreement marks a significant diplomatic breakthrough between two nations long defined by mutual antagonism. If implemented, the deal could stabilize energy markets and reshape the balance of power across the Middle East.
Read article β
Sydney Morning Herald
Chalmers winds back ministerial powers in bid to clear CGT Senate hurdle
The Albanese government has revised its capital gains tax discount legislation, with Treasurer Jim Chalmers scaling back ministerial powers in an attempt to secure crossbench support in the Senate. The amended proposal would allow businesses with annual turnover up to $10 million to claim a 50 per cent CGT discount. The concession signals the government's willingness to compromise on the bill's design to get it across the line.
Read article βGet this delivered every morning
Join thousands of readers who get the world's most important stories, curated daily.
Start reading free β