What we learned: Thursday, 30 October
We will be leaving it there, thanks for joining us. Here’s what we covered today:
The Albanese government introduced its bill for the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act to the House of Representatives.
The shadow environment minister, Angie Bell, said it was “not our job to make a bad bill better” amid opposition to the changes. The Greens leader, Larissa Waters, said “you could drive a mining truck” through loopholes in the reforms.
Anthony Albanese said a meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping was a “positive development”.
The treasurer, Jim Chalmers, ruled out any further economic policies until the budget next year in May.
Barnaby Joyce denied allegations of a “verbal tirade” after a formal complaint by a Nationals staffer.
Former Adelaide MP Kate Ellis was elected ALP national president.
The energy minister, Chris Bowen, predicted lower electricity prices for consumers after wholesale prices fell nearly 40% from the previous quarter.
Victoria’s voluntary assisted dying laws passed through the lower house with the state government forced to reply on support from One Nation.
Prison guards across New South Wales declared a state-wide strike over the assault of four guards earlier this year.
The environmental group Rising Tide painted a large message on the side of a coal ship in Newcastle reading “TAX ME”.
Updated
Controversial former Townsville mayor Troy Thompson referred to Queensland corruption commission again
Controversial former Townsville mayor Troy Thompson has been referred to Queensland’s Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) a second time.
Mark Furner referred Thompson to the commission this morning, alleging he revealed confidential proceedings from the parliamentary crime and corruption committee, which oversees the commission.
He announced the decision and tabled the referral in parliament.
Thompson was referred to the CCC last year, including for claims he allegedly misled the electorate at the 2024 local government election.
CCC chairperson Bruce Barbour told parliament at the time that there was no impediment to him running again; Thompson has since announced as a candidate for mayor. The report has yet to be made public pursuant to CCC rules.
