Here is a look at what is making news around the country today.
Today’s national news includes Australia to reconsider ICC membership, Labor dumps misinformation bill, Coles refutes allegations of land banking, Man charged for making a Nazi salute at a rally supporting trans rights, and Aerial refuelling deal signed between Australia and India.
Politics
Australia to reconsider ICC membership
Shadow Attorney-General Michaelia Cash has stated that Australia now “has reasons” to reassess its membership in the International Criminal Court following the issuance of an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Sky News.com.au has reported. “Given the actions of the ICC, we certainly do have grounds now to reconsider our member of the organisation,” Ms Cash said. “Anthony Albanese, Penny Wong – pick up the phone to Prime Minister Netanyahu and tell him that he is welcome in Australia any time and that we stand with Israel, not with the Hamas terrorists.”
Labor dumps misinformation bill
Special Minister of State Don Farrell announced that the government will not pursue any legislation regarding misinformation and disinformation, following reports that the proposed bill would be abandoned, Sky News.com.au reported. The decision was made after it became evident that neither the opposition nor the Greens would support the bill in the Senate. “Unfortunately, that’s the end of it. There simply won’t be any legislation,” Mr Farrell said. “The opportunity to support that legislation was going to be this week. The Coalition and the Greens have joined forces to block it. That’s the end of it.”
Business
Coles refutes allegations of land banking
Coles executives defended the company’s ownership of a vacant lot in Maylands, Perth, during an Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) inquiry, News.com.au reported. They claimed it is not an example of anti-competitive land banking, which the ACCC is investigating. Coles has owned the lot since 2008, and previous attempts to develop it were unsuccessful. The inquiry revealed that Coles holds 42 undeveloped sites and has applications for development on 25 of them.
Coles and Woolworths both face scrutiny for allegedly restricting competition by hoarding land suitable for new stores. Coles CEO Leah Weckert stated that the company aims to invest in land that could be profitable in the future. The presence of nearby competitors, like IGA and Aldi, was cited as evidence that Coles’ land ownership isn’t hindering competition. Additionally, the ACCC is examining Coles’ subscription and loyalty programs, with concerns that they may reduce consumer choice by encouraging customers to shop primarily at Coles.
Regions
Man charged for making a Nazi salute at a rally supporting trans rights
A 20-year-old man has been charged for making a Nazi salute during a pro-trans rights rally in Sydney, The Nightly has reported. The incident occurred as LGBTQI activists gathered in Newtown to honour Trans Day of Visibility. As the rally progressed along Victoria Street in Camperdown, the man, who was not part of the event, stepped in front of the procession. He allegedly displayed a Nazi salute and made threatening comments. Police intervened immediately, arresting him and taking him to Newtown police station. He faces charges for knowingly displaying the Nazi symbol publicly and for making a Nazi salute in a public space.
Defence
Aerial refuelling deal signed between Australia and India
Australia and India have signed an arrangement allowing the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) to conduct air-to-air refuelling for the Indian Armed Forces, the Asia-Pacific Defense Reporter stated. The agreement was announced by Australian Defence Minister Pat Conroy and Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on November 21, following discussions held on November 19, where the Deputy Chief of Air Force, Air Vice-Marshal Harvey Reynolds, signed the agreement in New Delhi.
The arrangement enhances the defence relationship between the two countries. It is seen as a step towards enabling RAAF’s KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport to refuel the Indian Navy’s P-8I Neptune surveillance aircraft, thereby boosting India’s operational capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.
https://asiapacificdefencereporter.com/australia-india-sign-deal-for-aerial-refuelling/
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