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Today's reading time is 7 minutes. - Miko Santos
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Liberal moderates question party direction after climate reversal: Senator Holly Hughes departed Liberal Party while MP Andrew Bragg warned constituents about party “disintegration” following Coalition’s net zero policy backflip. Liberal MP Melissa McIntosh acknowledged members are losing confidence amid turmoil but called for unity, saying communities are “almost desperate” for opposition to unite. MP Andrew McLaughlin continues publicly questioning net zero decision despite party room agreement. Internal divisions threaten center-right political stability heading into election year.
Albanese abandons $2 billion climate conference amid cost-of-living criticism: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese withdrew bid to host major climate conference after opposition labeled spending “pure insanity” during economic crisis. Nationals leader David Littleproud said government has been “shamed into giving up,” noting power bills increased $800 contrary to Labor’s promised $275 reduction from 2022 levels. Albanese now proposes scaled-back Pacific leaders’ meeting on climate financing, which opposition also opposes. Issue highlights political sensitivity around government spending during household financial pressure.
Wage growth slows to 3.4% annually as private sector lags public: Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows Wage Price Index rose 0.8% in September quarter, with annual growth at 3.4%—steady from June but lower than previous year. Public sector wages grew 3.8% annually while private sector recorded 3.2% growth, marking third consecutive quarter public wages outpaced private. State government pay rises contributed 82% of public sector wage growth. Fair Work Commission’s 3.5% annual wage increase from July 2025 was lower than 3.75% awarded in 2024.
Triple zero failure results in death as outdated Samsung software blocks emergency call: TPG Telecom confirmed Sydney customer died after software prevented Samsung phone from connecting to triple zero, occurring approximately two months after Optus outages also resulted in deaths. Liberal MP Melissa McIntosh called for independent investigation into entire triple zero ecosystem including networks, telcos, infrastructure and handsets. Communications Minister issued statement but has not addressed media publicly. Government custodian established in department in March has not prevented subsequent fatalities.
Girmish Singh elected NSW Nationals leader after Saunders’ family-focused departure: New South Wales Nationals selected Girmish Singh as leader following Dougal Saunders’ resignation to prioritize family matters. Federal Nationals leader David Littleproud described Singh as “quintessential Australian story,” noting his grandfather immigrated to Australia and established berry and macadamia farm at Coffs Harbour. Littleproud praised Saunders for courage to prioritize family over political leadership. Singh’s elevation represents generational shift in rural conservative politics.
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