Mencari Today's Rundown

Environmental Reform Impasse Threatens Critical Minerals Deal, Former Review Author Says

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Environmental Reform Impasse Threatens Critical Minerals Deal, Former Review Author Says

Mencari Team

Oct 24, 2025

Transcript

Good morning, Australia! Today is October 18 and here is your news briefing!

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Here’s what else you need to know to get going and get on with your day.

1️⃣ Coalition Opposes Environmental Reforms Despite Author’s Frustration

The National Party confronts internal upheaval as former Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce announced Thursday he will not recontest his New England seat and will sit outside the party room, citing an irreparable breakdown in his relationship with party leader David Littleproud.

Senate Leader Bridget McKenzie told Sky News that “malicious leaks” forced Joyce to announce his retirement earlier than planned, with speculation linking him to One Nation — claims publicly denied by party leader Pauline Hanson.

2️⃣ Thousands of Servicewomen Automatically Enrolled in Military Sexual Violence Lawsuit

A landmark class action has been launched in Federal Court alleging widespread and systemic sexual violence, harassment and discrimination within the Australian Defence Force. Brisbane law firm JGA Saddler anticipates thousands of women will ultimately form part of the action, which operates on an opt-out basis, automatically enrolling all women who served between November 2003 and May 2025. Lead applicants detail horrific experiences including being threatened, groped and assaulted, with former servicewoman Kate recounting a superior stating, “We rape women. We take women out the back and rape women like you, so that you follow the rules.” Director Joshua Aylward noted that “the threat of war often isn’t the biggest safety fear for female ADF personnel—it is the threat of sexual violence in their workplace.” The ADF has acknowledged the claim and stated it is implementing Royal Commission recommendations as a priority.

3️⃣ PM Albanese Launches Whitlam Biography Ahead of Dismissal Anniversary

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese officially launched a new biography of former Prime Minister Gough Whitlam this week, as Australia approaches the 50th anniversary of Whitlam’s controversial dismissal in November 1975. The book, titled “Vista of the New,” examines Whitlam’s transformative impact on Australian society through reforms including universal healthcare, free tertiary education and land rights. Albanese emphasized that Whitlam personally expressed wanting to be remembered “as an achiever, not a martyr.” The Prime Minister described the Whitlam government as “the key point in modern Australia,” creating a clear divide between pre-Whitlam and post-Whitlam eras. Albanese noted how Whitlam’s reforms, including the single parent’s pension and access to education, directly impacted his own life and enabled his path to leadership.

4️⃣ Opposition Develops Energy Policy Focused on Affordability and Reliability

The Coalition is developing its energy policy framework with two fundamental principles: delivering a stable and reliable electricity grid to provide affordable energy to households and businesses, and playing a responsible part internationally in reducing emissions. Opposition Leader Susan Lee criticized the current government’s energy policy as “a train wreck,” stating that costs continue rising and affordability worsens for Australian families. The opposition has indicated it is conducting community surveys on energy concerns, with preliminary feedback suggesting households face increasing difficulty paying energy bills and balancing family budgets under the current government, which Lee says “doesn’t care about productivity and doesn’t care about rising prices.” The Coalition’s complete energy policy framework is expected to be released ahead of the next federal election.

5️⃣ Opposition Raises Alarm Over Alleged Bribery by Union Administrator

Opposition Leader Susan Lee has raised serious concerns about ongoing corruption within the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union, alleging that an administrator appointed to address union corruption is himself now subject to bribery accusations. Lee stated, “Under Anthony Albanese’s workplace arrangements, corruption is walking through the front door,” marking a sharp escalation in rhetoric over workplace governance. The concerns follow the government’s commitment made over one year ago to address corruption, bullying and misconduct on building sites, when Prime Minister Albanese pledged to “get tough with the CFMEU.” Lee particularly highlighted past allegations of bad behavior toward women on building sites, emphasizing that “the people charged with addressing this corruption on building sites are clearly not doing their job.”

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