What we learned, Tuesday 2 May
That’s where we’ll leave the blog for today – thanks so much for joining us. Here is a wrap of the day’s biggest stories:
The Reserve Bank surprised most economists by lifting its key interest rate by 25 basis points to 3.85%. Treasurer Jim Chalmers said this is “a really difficult decision”, while shadow treasurer Angus Taylor said this is a “wake-up call” for the government.
The government is poised to ban the importation of nonprescription vaping products as part of the most significant tobacco and vaping control measures in the country in a decade.
Health minister Mark Butler also announced that the tax on tobacco will be increased by 5% a year over the next three years.
Chalmers defended the idea of raising jobseeker for people over 55, but stopped short of confirming it will be in next week’s budget.
Groups such as the Australian Unemployed Workers Union said the idea was “discriminatory” for young people. Labor MP Michelle Ananda-Rajah defended the targeting of this demographic, however, because women over 55 are the largest group experiencing homelessness in Australia.
Qantas announced Vanessa Hudson will replace Alan Joyce as the airline’s chief executive when Joyce retires in November.
In order to help with retention, the government will offer ADF members a $50,000 bonus if they commit to staying for three years beyond their initial period of service.
Former Victorian opposition leader Matthew Guy has blamed “faceless leakers” within the Liberal party and the media for his second state election loss.
Have a lovely evening, everyone. We will be back with you tomorrow morning bright and early.
Updated
PM lands in London ahead of King Charles coronation
Prime minister Anthony Albanese has just arrived in London ahead of the coronation of King Charles III on Saturday.
Albanese said he also intends to meet with UK prime minister Rishi Sunak to further discussions on the Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement.
I've just arrived in London - a busy agenda in the United Kingdom.
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) May 2, 2023
Ahead of the Coronation of King Charles III on Saturday, Prime Minister @RishiSunak and I will be meeting to further discussions on the Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement. pic.twitter.com/FryHPAJ62u
Albanese said:
I’ll be visiting the submarine manufacturing facility in Barrow-in-Furness to see how Aukus will boost manufacturing jobs and build our defence capability.
The training academy there shows what the future of defence manufacturing jobs will look like in Australia.
And I’ll be meeting with other world leaders to strengthen Australia’s relationships around the world.
At the coronation I’m proud to be joined by a group of eminent Australians – led by our flag bearer Sam Kerr.
Updated
