What we learned: Tuesday, 4 June
With that, we will wrap up the blog for the evening. Here are today’s major developments:
Foreign nationals will be eligible for the defence force from July 2024. The defence minister, Richard Marles, said as part of the plan to grow the ADF (which is having issues with recruitment and retainment) New Zealanders who live in Australia will be able to apply.
Australian officials say they have repeatedly been blocked from having consular access to Gordon Ng, a Hong Kong-Australian dual national detained in Hong Kong.
Labor ministers have presented a united message on the issue of a $300,000-a-year speechwriter for the NDIS minister, Bill Shorten. Julianne Stewart, a former speechwriter for four prime ministers was contracted to write speeches for the minister and his agency, Services Australia. The workplace relations minister, Tony Burke, said “labour shortages” were behind her hiring.
And Labor backbencher Fiona Phillips will take extended leave after being admitted to hospital to have an oral tumour removed.
Our fabulous Canberra team will be back first thing will be back first thing tomorrow morning to bring you all the latest in the world of Senate estimates.
Updated
Penny Wong calls for a ceasefire in Gaza, saying ‘this war must end’
In a short statement released tonight, foreign minister said it was now “six months since Australia voted with 152 countries for a ceasefire at the United Nations”.
“The human suffering in Gaza is unacceptable.” she posted on X.
Australia repeats our support for President Biden’s ceasefire proposal and we are pleased to see growing international support, including from G7 leaders.
— Senator Penny Wong (@SenatorWong) June 4, 2024
Australia is working with countries that support peace to press all parties to agree to the terms immediately. pic.twitter.com/J9glJmJGBj
Australia repeats our support for President Biden’s ceasefire proposal and we are pleased to see growing international support, including from G7 leaders.
Australia is working with countries that support peace to press all parties to agree to the terms immediately.
Civilians must be protected, the catastrophic humanitarian situation must be addressed, and the hostages must be released.
Any delay will only see further lives lost.
Updated
