Here is a look at what is making news around the country today.
Today’s national news includes the government beginning its assisted-departure flights from Israel, Senator Thorpe backpedalling on legislated Voice support, the ACCC fines Tesla $155,460 over button battery safety breaches, and the government investing $220 million to boost local munitions production.
Nation
Australia begins assisted-departure flights from Israel
The Australian Government will begin the assisted departure of Australians affected by the situation in Israel and Gaza, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs said. The Australian Government assisted-departure flights will depart from Ben Gurion Airport starting Friday for Australians who do not already have plans to leave through commercial options. These flights will be operated by Qantas free of charge. Australians in Israel and Gaza who cannot reach Ben Gurion Airport should contact the Consular Emergency Centre for assistance.
Politics
Senator Thorpe backpedals on legislated Voice support
Independent senator Lidia Thorpe has backtracked after declaring she would back a legislated Voice to Parliament if Saturday’s referendum fails, The New Daily has reported. Ms Thorpe who is a leading voice for the so-called “progressive no” vote, said that if the Indigenous Voice was voted down it would be a win for the Black sovereign movement. She said her opposition was not to the Voice itself, but using it as a form of constitutional recognition would be “window dressing”. “I want to make it clear that I do not support the Voice proposed by the government and no representative body should be established, in any form, unless it is the product of free, prior and informed consent of the First Peoples of this country.”
Business
Tesla fined $155,460 over button battery safety breaches
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission have fined Tesla $155,460 for failing to comply with mandatory safety standards for products using button batteries, The Guardian has reported. The regulator said Tesla failed to conduct the required safety tests for three of its key fob models and two of its illuminated door sill models. It was also fined for allegedly failing to provide the mandatory safety warnings on these products, which have been required since June last year. “Button batteries can be lethal for young children, and the Australian mandatory standards are designed to reduce the risk of injury through testing of the safety of products containing them before they are sold,” the ACCC said.
Defence
Australia ups local ammunition manufacture
The Australian government is investing $220 million to boost its local munitions production, the Defense Post reported. The funding will go to infrastructure redevelopment of two government-owned factories to ensure they can support future production demands, such as 155mm artillery shells. The factories, managed by defence contractor Thales Australia, will see a 500 per cent increase in the size of rocket motors they’re able to manufacture due to the investment.
https://www.thedefensepost.com/2023/10/11/australia-boosts-ammo-production/
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