One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has billed taxpayers nearly $16,000 for private charter flights to travel around flood-affected Queensland, despite previously claiming the trip was at "no cost to the taxpayer."
Parliamentary expense reports published this week reveal that Hanson charged taxpayers for three private flights on January 10: between Mount Isa and Cloncurry, Cloncurry and Julia Creek, and Julia Creek to Mount Isa. The flights were taken after Hanson and Barnaby Joyce flew on Gina Rinehart's luxury Gulfstream G700 from the Sunshine Coast to Mount Isa, then traveled on charter flights to flood-affected communities around Julia Creek to meet local mayors.
Top News Highlights
In other news, the Giggle for Girls app was found to have discriminated against trans woman Roxanne Tickle, with an appeal judge doubling damages. Australia's housing affordability is expected to worsen and homelessness to soar under a fossil-fuelled future. Angus Taylor has been accused of 'dog-whistling' and marginalizing immigrants over a plan to cut benefits to non-citizens. The ABC ombudsman declared Laura Tingle's Israel analysis 'duly impartial' as complaint campaigns gain traction. A US miner is under further investigation after destroying a Western Australian habitat of black cockatoos, quokkas, and numbats. Matildas star Sam Kerr has made a decision on her club future.
Eurovision Success
Australian singer Delta Goodrem performed 'Eclipse' at the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, becoming the first Australian act to qualify for the grand final since 2023. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese celebrated her success, calling her a 'ripper' and noting that she doesn't need to do this at her stage of her career.
Political Criticism
Opposition leader Angus Taylor has faced criticism for his plans to slash immigration and restrict welfare payments to citizens only. Noura Mansour, national director of Democracy in Colour, said: "We are not in Trump's America. Angus Taylor's proposal is a race to the bottom with the far right."
Budget Discussion
Treasurer Jim Chalmers discussed criticisms of his 'reforming' and 'ambitious' budget, explaining why it did not include an increase in tax for gas exports, and how the government is addressing anxieties that lead voters to populism on the right.
Architecture Icon
The artist-owner of the Ball-Eastaway House near Sydney, designed by architect Glenn Murcutt, is preparing to pass on custodianship of the iconic home. Murcutt won the Pritzker Prize and is considered a pioneer of modern sustainable architecture.
Daily Word Game
Today's starter word is TALE. Players have five goes to get the longest word including the starter word. Play Wordiply.
