The Latest Breaking News from Simon Birmingham

Afternoon Update: Australia to impose coal and gas price limits; NSW blocks Byron Bay short-term housing cap; and UK airports ease liquids rule

Labor’s energy bill passes parliament including price caps

The Guardian - AU · Dec 15, 2022

Coalition should have heeded calls from Pacific to raise climate targets, Simon Birmingham says

Liberal senator says Australia’s approach to emissions debate had not been ‘ideal’ for Pacific relations

The Guardian - AU · Dec 15, 2022

Australian politicians arrive in Palau, one of the few Pacific nations to diplomatically favour Taiwan over China

The tiny nation of Palau, which continues to defy pressure from Beijing to drop diplomatic ties with Taiwan, has welcomed a bi-partisan delegation from Australia as concerns grow over China's rising presence in the Pacific.

ABC News · Dec 14, 2022

Bipartisan group to visit Pacific nations

A bipartisan delegation of federal MPs will visit Pacific island nations this week, the first time such a trip has taken place since COVID-19.

AAP · Dec 11, 2022

Federal Liberal MPs urged to support voice

Federal Liberal Party MPs are being urged by a senior state colleague to support a yes campaign for the referendum on an Indigenous voice to parliament.

AAP · Dec 5, 2022

Australian Parliament censures former prime minister

Australia’s former Prime Minister Scott Morrison has listed his achievements in government including standing up to a “bullying" China as he unsuccessfully argued against being censured by the Parliament for secretly amassing multiple ministerial powers

The Independent UK · Nov 30, 2022

Coalition calls for sanctions on Chinese officials over Uyghur human rights abuses in Xinjiang

The president of the World Uyghur Congress says he appreciates Australia's work to increase pressure on China over human rights abuses in Xinjiang, but worries Australia will soften its stance as it tries to slowly rebuild ties with Beijing.

ABC News · Nov 24, 2022

Marles in China Pacific security talks

Defence Minister Richard Marles has met with his Chinese counterpart as Beijing holds police co-operation talks with some Pacific island nations.

AAP · Nov 23, 2022

Anthony Albanese accuses Peter Dutton of ‘dog-whistling’ after attack on Cop27 climate damage fund

PM says opposition leader’s claim that climate aid is ‘giving away’ Australians’ money boosts re-election chances of independents and Greens over Liberals

The Guardian - AU · Nov 21, 2022

Sanctions support over human rights abuses

Foreign countries committing human rights abuses against their own citizens as well as Australians, would face sanctions under a push by the coalition.

AAP · Nov 20, 2022