What we learned today, Wednesday 18 October
We’re going to close the blog now, but let’s recap the big headlines before we call it quits and pick it up tomorrow:
Millions of Australians inspired by the yes campaign for an Indigenous voice “will not let go”, the Labor senator Jana Stewart says, as the Albanese government faces increasing pressure to outline a plan B.
The spy agency Asio says it has disrupted a plot by China’s intelligence services to “infiltrate a prestigious Australian research institution” with officials forcing an academic to leave the country before any harm was done.
Climate and transport advocates say the Albanese government’s showpiece electric vehicle strategy has achieved little and remains “hamstrung” six months after its release.
The former Qantas CEO Alan Joyce will not be forced to appear before a Senate inquiry after a Coalition proposal to extend the probe was knocked back by the Greens and David Pocock.
A potential revenue hit worth “billions” has been flagged by the New South Wales government as a result of the high court ruling striking down Victoria’s electric vehicle tax.
Farming groups are warning of a wave of job losses in rural Australia if the federal government proceeds with its plan to buy back more water in the Murray-Darling Basin.
Amy Remeikis will be back with you early tomorrow morning. Until then, look after yourselves and have a wonderful night.
Updated
Pocock welcomes return of flight monitoring by ACCC
The ACT independent senator David Pocock has welcomed the return of flight monitoring by the consumer watchdog.
The ACCC monitored flights between 2020 and 2023 and found the aviation sector was “one of the most highly concentrated industries” in Australia, resulting in “underwhelming outcomes for consumers in terms of airfares, reliability of services and customer service”.
Here’s a statement issued by Pocock a short time ago:
We have a dire lack of competition in Australia’s airline industry but also more broadly across the economy. I welcome all measures that will enhance transparency and competition and thank the government for agreeing to reinstate this monitoring.
Australians should not have to pay high prices for airfares because of a lack of competition in the market. I look forward to further reforms as part of the Aviation White Paper and broader Competition Review that is currently underway.
Updated
