twyno avatar@twyno8dWong condemns 'horrific use of violence' as Australia imposes fresh sanctions on Iran | SBS NewsAustralia has imposed new sanctions on 20 Iranian individuals and three entities, citing repression and human rights abuses. Foreign Minister Penny Wong condemned the 'horrific use of violence' by the Iranian regime, including the killing of thousands of protesters and internet blackouts. The sanctions target senior figures and organizations linked to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, reaffirming Australia's commitment to standing with the Iranian people.
twyno avatar@twyno8dFederal parliament condemns attempted bombing at Perth/Boorloo Invasion Day rally - ABC NewsFederal parliament has officially condemned the attempted bomb attack at Perth's Invasion Day rally, acknowledging the harm caused to the First Nations community. Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe moved the motion in the Senate and called on parliament to commit to urgent action. The motion is expected to be raised in the House of Representatives.
twyno avatar@twyno9dGina Rinehart’s company donated almost $900k to rightwing group Advance, political donations data shows | Australian political donations | The GuardianGina Rinehart’s Hancock Prospecting donated almost $900,000 to rightwing political campaign outfit Advance last financial year, while Clive Palmer was the country’s largest single donor, giving his own Trumpet of Patriots just over $53m.
twyno avatar@twyno8dOne Nation condemned for 'spot the Westerner' video - ABC NewsOne Nation's Victorian state secretary, Bianca Colecchia, has been criticised for a video she filmed in Melbourne's CBD on New Year's Eve, asking viewers to 'spot the Westerner'. Colecchia claims the city no longer looks like a 'Western nation', sparking backlash from multicultural groups and politicians. Colecchia believes multiculturalism is a 'failed concept' and wants Australia to limit its intake of migrants from 'non-culturally cohesive countries'. However, multicultural groups and politicians have rejected the suggestion of a hierarchy of migrants, and believe migration is foundational to Australia's success.
twyno avatar@twyno9dLey and Littleproud hold 'civil' talks but yet to agree terms for Coalition reunion - ABC NewsSussan Ley and David Littleproud held eleventh-hour crisis talks to resolve the split between the federal Liberal and National parties but have yet to reach an agreement. The talks were described as civil and cooperative, with proposals for a reunion including guardrails for managing future disputes. The split began when three Nationals frontbenchers voted against Labor's bill to ban hate groups, leading to their resignations and a dispute over the coalition's future.
twyno avatar@twyno9dThe economy should be the focus but Coalition incompetence is a gift to Labor - ABC NewsThe article discusses how the Coalition's internal strife has inadvertently bolstered the Labor party's standing, allowing Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to regain confidence and project an image of competence. The article highlights the contrast between the Coalition's leadership issues and the Labor party's focus on economic challenges, suggesting that the Coalition's incompetence is a gift to Labor.
twyno avatar@twyno9dFederal Voting Intention: ALP maintains big two-party preferred lead as One Nation support surges to 25%
twyno avatar@twyno9dClive Palmer denies Steve Bannon’s claim he was behind billionaire’s controversial 2019 Australian election ad strategy | Steve Bannon | The GuardianAustralian billionaire Clive Palmer denies claims by Steve Bannon that he was behind Palmer’s $60m advertising strategy at the 2019 federal election. Text messages released by US authorities in connection with Jeffrey Epstein suggest Bannon made the claim. Palmer’s spokesperson dismissed the claim as 'bullshit'.
twyno avatar@twyno9dWhy the Voice referendum failed – and what the government hasn’t learned from itThis article explores the reasons behind the failure of the Voice referendum in Australia and critiques the government's lack of preparation and respect for the reform process. It highlights the need for sustained civics education, regulatory reform, and a more inclusive approach to constitutional change.
PooholePuncher avatar@PooholePuncher9dFrom cute dogs to Turning Point: the journey of an influencer aiming to breathe rightwing Christian values into Australian politics | Australian politics | The GuardianThis article from The Guardian explores the journey of George Mamalis, an influencer who has shifted from posting about cute dogs to leading the Australian branch of Turning Point, a conservative Christian organization. Emboldened by successes in the US and UK, Turning Point Australia aims to breathe rightwing Christian values into the political ecosystem, expand across the country, and influence elections. Mamalis, who has worked with several rightwing politicians, is now a vocal advocate for issues like 'mass migration', net zero, and trans issues. Experts express concern about the increasing transnational cooperation between rightwing groups and the mainstreaming of fringe ideas.