What we learned, Thursday 24 July
Parliament was all about the beef today, and a bit about beer. You’ve made it through the first sitting week, and so have we. Here were today’s major updates:
Australia will lift longstanding restrictions on the import of US beef, removing a key reason from the Trump administration to place tariffs on Australian agriculture. The agriculture minister said the department is satisfied the US has strengthened biosecurity measures, adding Australia would “never compromise” on them.
The Coalition is demanding assurances after the deal, with Nationals leader David Littleproud saying he’s “suspicious” about the speed of the decision. Labor has denied it was made to appease Donald Trump, noting it’s the result of a five-year process.
Labor and the Greens condemned One Nation senators for turning their backs on acknowledgments of country in parliament this week. Malarndirri McCarthy called the acts “incredibly childish stunts”.
Richard Marles said Australia is “not making weapons for Israel” after a question from independent MP Helen Haines. “It’s as clear as that”, he said.
RBA governor Michele Bullock said there wouldn’t have been an interest rate cut this month even if the central bank knew the unemployment rate was set to jump.
Barnaby Joyce says he is no chaos agent on net zero, saying he would not challenge Littleproud for the leadership of the Nationals.
The government introduced a proposal to pause the beer tax indexation for two years, a Labor promise from earlier this year. Anthony Albanese has previously called the plan a “win for beer drinkers” and brewers, but a 48-litre keg of mid-strength beer would only see a saving of roughly 18 cents.
See you tomorrow.
Updated
Malarndirri McCarthy criticises One Nation ‘stunts’ in acknowledgment of country debate – video
