Australian news and politics live: PM announces Jay Weatherill as Australia’s new High Commissioner to the UK

Anthony Albanese won’t commit to extending energy rebates, playing coy with reporters in Canberra on Monday.

“The rebates that are in place are the ones that are in place,” the PM told a press conference.

“We’ll continue to focus, though, each and every day, on things that Australians are concerned about.

“I’ve said the rebates won’t be a permanent feature. We will always look, though, at the cost of living as our number one priority.

“We have a range of cost-of-living measures out there as well, some of which began just in the last week and a bit.

“We are also working on making sure the budget is in place. It’s getting the balance right.”

It comes ahead of the Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO) which could be an opportunity to extend the subsidies.

Anthony Albanese says international partners are urging Turkiye to drop their COP bid to allow for Australian and Pacific partners to joint-host the climate conference.

It comes as Australia’s negotiations with Turkiye are down to the wire to host COP next year with hope the diplomatic stalemate will be resolved at the UN climate conference beginning in Brazil.

The Prime Minister expressed hope on Monday the issue would be put to bed soon.

“They are doing that,” the PM said when asked if other nations were making the case to Turkiye.

“I believe that a majority of countries clearly support Australia’s bid and countries are making their position very clear, including countries in the Pacific and western Europe.

“That is not the system. If the system were a vote, I would be far more confident about putting forward what the support is. I certainly have received confident, positive statements from not just obviously the countries in the Pacific, but other countries, for example, in western Europe.”

The delay in finalising the host has not stopped Adelaide from making extensive security and accommodation preparations for the 2026 event.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has taken a swipe at this rivals, labelling the Coalition “self-obsessed”.

“We’re focused on the big picture of servicing the needs and aspirations of the Australian people. The Coalition are focused on themselves,” Anthony Albanese told reporters in Canberra on Monday.

“They will have three meetings in the next week about themselves.

“We’re not having meetings about our internal affairs but on the needs of the Australian people and we will continue to.”

It comes as Opposition leader Sussan Ley will hold a series of high-stakes meetings this week to settle the Coalition’s position on net zero emissions.

Anthony Albanese has personally urged Australia’s to prepare for the upcoming high-risk weather season.

The Prime Minister said his Cabinet had received a briefing from Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain and the head of NEMA on Monday morning.

He said while Government planning was important to prepare for severe summer weather, he urged Australians to take personal responsibility.

“I just thought it was worthwhile to get that message across… to say to the Australian public - the Government is preparing, you need to prepare, too,” he said.

“If you are in an area that is vulnerable to fire or flooding or other natural and extreme weather events, clear your getters, do the things that you know need to be done. Don’t wait.

“Don’t wait until there is an extreme weather warning heading your way.

“Make sure you use this period, while things are relatively calm, to make sure you are fully prepared.”

Anthony Albanese says his “number one focus” is the cost of living crisis in Australia.

Speaking in Canberra on Monday, the Prime Minister was asked a range of questions about his first six months in office, including improving the budget line or delivering cost-of-living relief.

“We want an economy that works for people, not people working for the economy,” he said.

“There’s a difference between the approach that my government has had. We’ve had considerable cost-of-living relief across the board.

“We will continue to focus, though, each and every day, on things that Australians are concerned about. Our number one focus is always on cost of living and on the economy and making a difference to people’s pockets.”

Anthony Albanes has announced Australian former politician Jay Weatherill’s appointment as Australia’s new High Commissioner to the UK.

Speaking in Canberra on Monday, the Prime Minister denied the appointment was a “jobs for mates” situation.

“He is an entirely appropriate appointment,” the PM said.

“He served as South Australia’s 45th Premier for over six years.

“I do thank the outgoing High Commissioner, for his service. Stephen Smith has done a remarkable job, across security and defence matters in particular. He’s taken a leading role in Australia’s work with the Coalition of the Willing, convened by Prime Minister Starmer and President Macron.”

The Prime Minister has paid tribute to Australian Labor Party figure Graham Richardson after he passed on Saturday.

Anthony Albanese gave a nod to his political achievements and legacy in environmental protection, while announcing a state funeral would be held.

“He was, of course, a formidable character in machine politics in the Labor Party,” he said.

“He had a real impact. He - more than anyone else, I think - is responsible for Labor being the party of the natural environment and protecting the natural environment.”

“I had a call very early on Saturday morning from Amanda. My heart goes out to Amanda and Darcy (wife and son).

“Amanda has, this morning, been in contact with me. She has accepted the offer of a state funeral for Graham.”

Anthony Albanese has paid tribute to long-running radio host John Laws, acknowledging his influence, legacy, and connection with audiences across Australia.

The Prime Minister told a Canberra press conference on Monday the late Mr Laws, who passed on Sunday, was a voice which “resonated throughout our nation”.

“He was a permanent feature of our media landscape,” he said.

“I enjoyed quite a few lunches with John Laws, and he was always engaging, someone who had a real insight into the Australian character, both in our cities, but also - importantly - in the bush.

“He’s someone who is particularly attracted towards people in regional Australia, and they warmed to him as well.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called for families to embrace Australia’s under-16s social media ban as Monday marks one month until its implementation.

The ban will come into effect on December 10 and so far, includes nine platforms: Facebook, Threads, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, X, YouTube, Kick and Reddit.

“We do argue, very strongly, though, that this is the Government of Australia setting down what we expect to happen - including reminding social media companies that they have a social responsibility, and that they need to be conscious about their social licence,” Mr Albanese said.

“It is inspirational, the fact that parents have taken what is often a devastating personal tragedy and channelled that trauma into helping others and making sure that other parents and siblings don’t go through what their tragic experience has been.”

The Canberra Liberals, who have languished in opposition for twenty-four years, have lost another leader with Leanne Castley announcing she’s stepping down following a turbulent 12 months in her party’s top job.

Last year the Labor party won its seventh consecutive election victory in the ACT Assembly, with the Liberals not having been in power since former Chief Minister and Senator Gary Humphries was defeated by Jon Stanhope at the 2001 territory polls.

On Monday, Canberra Liberals leader Leanne Castley and her deputy Jeremy Hanson announced they would be stepping down to make way for a new team, with former radio announcer and current ACT Speaker Mark Parton expected to take the leadership.

“To give the Canberra Liberals the best possible chance of success in the 2028 election, we have made the decision to step down from leadership,” the pair said in a joint statement.

“A vote will soon be held to elect a new leadership team, and neither of us will be contesting any leadership positions. We extend our full support and best wishes to those who will take on these important roles.”

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