Here is a look at what is making news around the country today.
Today’s national news includes the government introducing new legislation giving monetary experts more responsibility in setting interest rates, Australia starting sea and air patrols in the South China Sea, a top bureaucrat fired by PM Albanese over an influence probe, and climate protesters arrested at Australian coal port.
Economy
New legislation to give monetary specialists more sway
The Australian government will introduce legislation that would give the central bank’s independent expert members more responsibility for setting interest rates with a new specialist monetary policy board, Reuters reported. The bill would implement the recommendations of a review of the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) released in April that requires legislation enacted by parliament. The review outlined a range of reforms including a separate RBA board for day-to-day operations, fewer policy meetings and a simpler dual mandate of price stability and full employment, bringing it more in line with other major central banks.
Politics
Australia commences sea and air patrols in the South China Sea
The Philippines and Australia began their first joint sea and air patrols in the South China Sea on Saturday as Pacific nations warily eye an increasingly assertive China, Reuters has reported. “Australia and the Philippines are firmly committed to the peaceful, secure and prosperous region, where sovereignty and agreed rules and norms are respected,” Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said. “The first joint patrol between the Australian Defence Force and the Armed Forces of the Philippines demonstrates this commitment,”
Top bureaucrat fired by PM Albanese over influence probe
Australia’s top civil servant in its interior ministry was sacked on Monday after an inquiry found he breached impartiality rules. Michael Pezzullo, the powerful head of the department responsible for internal security, stepped aside in September while the investigation was conducted. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the inquiry found breaches of the Australian Public Service Code of Conduct, which requires bureaucrats to be impartial, apolitical, and avoid conflicts of interest. The inquiry followed a joint investigation by two Australian newspapers and a TV programme that alleged Pezzullo had intervened in politics to promote favoured politicians, attack opponents and push for media censorship, Reuters reported.
Environment
Climate protesters arrested at Australian coal port
More than 100 climate activists have been arrested after staging a floating blockade of Australia’s largest coal port, Barron’s has reported. A fleet of kayaks blocked shipping traffic over the weekend at the Port of Newcastle on Australia’s east coast, imploring the government to end the country’s long reliance on fossil fuel exports. Authorities agreed to let the protest run for 30 hours, but police boats started closing in when the deadline passed and crowds of activists refused to leave the water. Australia has long been one of the world’s largest coal producers and a string of new coal mines, oil fields and gas projects are currently in government planning pipelines.
https://www.barrons.com/news/police-arrest-109-climate-protesters-at-australian-coal-port-654e480e
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