Here is a look at what is making news around the country today.
Today’s national news includes Peter Dutton’s citizenship vow being backed by mayors, Thirty per cent of Victorian councils plan to disregard Australia Day, Politicians overlooking necessary discussions and actions regarding Islamist extremism, and NBN investment to positively impact 622,000 homes and businesses.
Nation
Peter Dutton’s citizenship vow backed by mayors
The Australian reported that mayors across the country are backing Peter Dutton’s proposal to mandate local councils to hold citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day, viewing it as a move towards unity. Dutton has pledged to enact this change within the first 100 days of his potential election while criticizing the Albanese government’s position on the day. The Australian Local Government Association, representing 537 councils, highlighted the need for flexibility in scheduling these ceremonies. Last year, 81 councils adjusted their events based on feedback from Indigenous communities. Under the previous Coalition government, councils that chose to change the date were stripped of their right to conduct the ceremonies.
Thirty per cent of Victorian councils plan to disregard Australia Day
Despite new data showing most Aussies want to celebrate January 26, more than 30 per cent of Victoria’s councils will ignore the national day, the Herald Sun reported. A recent poll by the Institute of Public Affairs found that 69 per cent of Australians support celebrating Australia Day on January 26. However, 25 Victorian councils are still avoiding the holiday. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton announced plans to mandate citizenship ceremonies on January 26 within his first 100 days in office if elected. This rule, previously in place, was repealed in 2022 to allow more flexible ceremony dates. Dutton criticized Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for downplaying the significance of Australia Day.
Politics
Politicians overlooking necessary discussions and actions regarding Islamist extremism
Sky News host Chris Kenny says the horrific terror attack in New Orleans has provided “another tragic wake-up call”. “We know the terror alert in Australia was elevated last year; we’ve seen too many attacks here in the past, and ASIO says another is as likely as not,” he said. “But politicians have avoided the tough discussions and action on Islamist extremism for decades.”
Economy
NBN investment to positively impact 622,000 homes and businesses
The Albanese government will spend an additional $3 billion on the National Broadband Network, with the money being used to upgrade ageing Fibre to the Node network across Australia, SkyNews reported. NBN Co will also tip in $800 million of its funds. The investment is expected to benefit around 622,000 homes and businesses, with more than half of those in regional areas.
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