Key events
Looks like the PM was up early this morning, judging by this 4am tweet…
Welcome
Good morning and welcome to our rolling coverage of the news day. I’m Martin Farrer and I’ve got a few overnight headlines for you on what promises to be another fast-moving day in Canberra. Amy Remiekis will then be along to guide you through the day.
The Albanese government has asked the solicitor general for advice about having another attempt to pass the Housing Australia future fund bill amid a continued standoff with the Greens about the legislation. The move could lead to a double dissolution election if the Greens reject the bill again. They want to see more progress on help for renters while the government accused them playing “juvenile” games. More on this coming up, including our Full Story podcast today.
The defence department has stopped providing details about the use of taxpayer-funded VIP jets to the nation’s independent expenses watchdog, leaving it unable to recover funds from the offices of MPs who use it to ferry electorate staff and family across the country. The lack of transparency means we can’t scrutinise how politicians are using the expensive planes, our freedom of information expert, Christopher Knaus, reports.
Three-quarters of Australians believe it is likely China will become a military threat to Australia in the next two decades but a majority say Australia should remain neutral in the event of a conflict between China and the United States. The 2023 Lowy Institute poll, which surveyed more than 2,000 Australians in March on a range of issues, also found that 82% of Australians see an alliance with the US as “very important” or “fairly important”, down five points from a record high last year.
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