๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡บ Australian Politics

July 5th, 2026

Today's top 5 stories, curated by Daily Direct.

Guardian AU

Australia news live: Albanese to target rightwing โ€˜axis of grievanceโ€™ at NSW Labor conference; first east coast bird flu case confirmed

Anthony Albanese is set to take aim at a growing alliance between the Liberal Party, Nationals, and One Nation, framing it as a rightwing "axis of grievance" in remarks at the NSW Labor conference. The attack comes as Premier Chris Minns warns the party faces a steep climb to retain power, with One Nation's rising influence casting a shadow over the gathering. The speech signals Labor's intent to make conservative populism a central battleground ahead of the next NSW election.

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ABC AU

SA government's promotion of Origin's concession scheme under attack

The South Australian government is under fire for promoting an Origin Energy concession scheme to pensioners ahead of the state election, with critics now questioning the integrity of that endorsement. The backlash has intensified following Origin's introduction of a revised pricing structure for the 2026/2027 financial year, raising concerns that the deal sold to vulnerable customers may no longer deliver the savings promised. The controversy puts the government in an uncomfortable position of having lent its credibility to a commercial offer that has since shifted in the company's favour.

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Guardian AU

Australia news live: Dan Tehan says Liberals โ€˜not entertainingโ€™ idea of coalition with One Nation; first east coast bird flu case confirmed

Australia's Liberal Party has firmly ruled out any coalition arrangement with One Nation, with senior figure Dan Tehan stating the idea is not even under discussion despite the right-wing party currently polling ahead of the Liberals. The declaration comes amid growing pressure on the opposition to define its political alliances heading into the electoral cycle. Separately, health officials confirmed the first bird flu case on Australia's east coast, marking a significant development in the country's ongoing effort to contain the spread of the virus.

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ABC AU

Woman in custody after child found dead in NSW Central Coast home

A four-year-old child has been found dead inside a home on New South Wales's Central Coast, with a woman now in police custody following the discovery. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death. The case has prompted an urgent response from local law enforcement as details continue to emerge.

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ABC AU

'Pretty rare to see clearance rates this low:' Property slump tipped to continue

Australian auction clearance rates have dropped below 50%, a threshold that typically signals a cooling market with buyers firmly in control. Experts warn the slump is not a blip โ€” further price softening is expected in the weeks ahead. For sellers, the message is clear: the days of easy wins at auction are over.

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