Australian senator and One Nation leader known for anti-immigration stances
A cross-party APPG on local government has urged England’s incoming PM to create new council tax bands for high-value homes, arguing this would modernise the system ahead of a full revaluation. The plan would not be a new tax but could shift more of the burden to wealthier homeowners as a mansion tax looms on properties worth £2m+ from 2028. Critics warn higher bands alone won’t fix fairness and could trigger more appeals.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has secured support from his caucus in a confidence vote amid declining polls and internal party questions. The vote was held privately, and Luxon has declared his leadership is confirmed, as the country prepares for the upcoming November election.
Indigenous protocols are being defended by leaders who label Welcome to Country as a long-standing cultural practice, while disruptions at Anzac Day dawn services in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth are condemned by veterans and politicians. Opposition figures suggest the ceremony is overused, triggering debates about national identity. The events are shaping by-election discourse in NSW’s Farrer seat.
A British Social Attitudes survey shows Reform UK supporters are defined by conservative cultural views on immigration, transgender rights and diversity. While the party has risen in polls, experts caution there may be a ceiling, with support tied to ideological alignment rather than broad public service dissatisfaction.
Australia’s World Cup campaign has opened with a 2-0 win over Turkey, highlighted by Nestory Irankunda’s goal and a young, refugee-rich squad. The team has released a video promoting multiculturalism, featuring players born in refugee camps, as a statement amid rising anti-immigrant rhetoric.
Pauline Hanson has declared Australia cannot be multicultural and must be monocultural, warning migration is driving up housing costs and eroding national identity. Her National Press Club address has intensified debate over immigration, with supporters praising a tough stance and opponents warning of risks to social cohesion.
ASIO has disclosed that an Iran-based Australian citizen orchestrated a Bondi firebombing and a former Australian resident in Iraq directed a Melbourne synagogue attack. Burgess links these incidents to the IRGC and warns of a broader danger, urging tolerance to curb antisemitism and violence.
Nine Entertainment has moved Karl Stefanovic from Today and will terminate his network contract immediately, after a contentious interview on his independent podcast with far-right activist Tommy Robinson. Stefanovic says he is now free to pursue independent projects as Nine faces a tense period while navigation a new media strategy.
Australian actor Paul Hogan has dismissed Pauline Hanson’s monoculture proposal as out of step with the country’s diverse society. Hanson’s National Press Club address has triggered polling swings, with Labor gaining in Newspoll and Redbridge, while One Nation’s popularity slips. Experts say Hanson’s monoculture concept misreads Japan’s demographics and ignores Australia’s own diversity.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has apologised unequivocally for comments made on the Bush Deep podcast in which he said he would marry, shag and date Kylie Minogue. The remarks have drawn criticism from opponents and support from some allies. The government defends its record on gender equality as scrutiny continues.