On the 50th anniversary of one of Australia's most significant political events, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has delivered a powerful condemnation of the dismissal of Gough Whitlam, labelling it not a constitutional crisis but a 'calculated plot' to remove a democratically elected government.
A Watershed Moment in Australian Politics
Speaking at a commemorative event at Old Parliament House in Canberra, the Prime Minister reframed the historic event of 11 November 1975. He argued that the removal of the Whitlam government by Governor-General Sir John Kerr was a partisan ambush, a deliberate act that subverted the will of the Australian people.
The dismissal continues to provoke intense debate five decades later, representing a pivotal moment that reshaped the nation's political landscape and its understanding of constitutional power.
Domestic News: Policy, Protest, and Public Transport
In other Australian news, Deputy Liberal leader Sussan Ley is navigating a complex political challenge. She faces significant internal pressure, balancing National party and right-wing opposition to net zero policies against the potential loss of support from party moderates.
In a separate development, Liberal Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price has withdrawn as the headline speaker for an upcoming anti-immigration protest. The planned rallies, inspired by recent right-wing demonstrations in the UK, are scheduled across several Australian cities.
A major public transport overhaul has been proposed for Melbourne. The state's independent infrastructure adviser recommends ramping up train services in the city's north and west, extending eight tram routes, and creating six new express bus services. This ambitious plan is proposed for implementation within the next five years.
Meanwhile, New South Wales is taking a hardline approach against the illicit tobacco trade. Under new planned legislation, landlords who knowingly allow their tenants to sell illegal tobacco and vapes could face fines of up to $165,000, a year in prison, or both.
International Headlines: Climate Warnings and Legal Threats
Overseas, the COP30 climate summit has commenced in the Brazilian Amazon city of Belém. The UN's climate chief issued a stark warning, stating that governments failing to transition to a low-carbon economy will be held responsible for famine and conflict abroad, while facing economic stagnation and rising inflation at home.
In the United States, Donald Trump has threatened to sue the BBC for over $1 billion. This legal threat follows an admission from the broadcaster's chair that the misleading editing of a speech by the former president was an 'error of judgment'. In a related move, Trump has pardoned close political allies, including Rudy Giuliani, for their roles in attempts to overturn the 2020 election results.
Parts of the Democratic caucus have reacted with fury after seven of the party's senators backed a bill to end the federal shutdown. These senators are accused of abandoning the party's negotiating position and surrendering leverage to the Trump administration.
A tragic car explosion near the historic Red Fort in Delhi, India, has killed at least eight people and injured several others, causing a major fire that damaged nearby vehicles.
In a lighter international story, seasoned knitters from Shetland are demanding an apology from UK's Channel 4. They allege the reality show 'Game of Wool: Britain's Best Knitter', which uses Shetland's Fair Isle technique, is littered with errors and constitutes cultural appropriation.
