Tegan George

Australia’s largest gas exporters are set to receive an unexpected $18 billion revenue windfall over the next year, due to the fallout from conflict in the Middle East, reigniting calls for the Albanese government to introduce a 25 per cent tax on gas exports. LNG export earnings are now forecast at $65 billion in real terms, compared with an earlier prediction of $47 billion in December last year.

An unlikely alliance of crossbench MPs and senators in federal parliament have accused the Albanese government of mounting an attack on Australia’s freedom of information (FOI) regime, after bureaucrats escalated an AUKUS transparency dispute to the Federal Court. Rex Patrick, a transparency campaigner and a former SA senator, is seeking details about how a site to store AUKUS nuclear waste would be selected.

Labor finished the last parliamentary week on a high. There is a feeling within caucus that the party has a plan for dealing with One Nation, helped along by the fact the Coalition is completely without one. The Liberals’ switch to Angus Taylor has put a spring in the steps of Anthony Albanese and his office. Criticising Sussan Ley had to be done in very specific terms, given the dangers of being perceived to be speaking down to, or acting aggressively to, a woman.