Taylor Proposes Laws Against Flag Burning, and to Enshrine 26 January
In a significant escalation of the cultural debate, the federal opposition has proposed legislation to criminalise the burning of the Australian flag, with penalties of up to ten years in prison. Alongside this, the opposition aims to enshrine 26 January as Australia Day in law, a move that is expected to reignite intense national debate. Opposition leader Angus Taylor stated that he would not “be shy in standing up for the national pride that we should all feel for our great country”:
double quotation markOur flag represents the country we love. Our war memorials honour Australians who put their lives on the line. Australia Day is our national day that unites us all.
These things belong to the Australian people and they should not be torn down, smashed, desecrated, or quietly stripped of their significance.
Updated at 19.07 EDT
Key Events and Policy Debates
Shadow home affairs minister Jonno Duniam is set to appear on *Insiders* this morning to discuss the opposition’s policy agenda. When asked about the evidence supporting the opposition’s proposed excise cut on cigarettes, Duniam explained that they modelled the proposal with the Parliamentary Budget Office and “saw a real change in behaviour of consumers at the 80% price point”:
double quotation markOf course, it’s important to point out that it’s not just about cutting excise. If you bring down a legal product to a competitive price point, people will stay a premium for a legal product.
You can read the background to the proposed cuts here:
Athletic Achievements and Sports Updates
High jumper Eleanor Patterson wins Diamond League final
Australian high jumper Eleanor Patterson has won the Diamond League final in Brussels, with her compatriot Nicola Olyslagers coming third. Patterson’s win follows victory by Australia’s Cameron Myers in the 1500m Diamond League final on Saturday. “I’m a little bit numb honestly,” Patterson said after clearing 2.01m. “I know it’s not easy to win a Diamond League, but to win a Diamond League final feels incredible.
“I knew I was in incredible shape, but you have to allow that to come to fruition.
“I am really, really content with how today turned out.”
Jessica Hull finished third in the 1500m event.
Infrastructure Investment in Victoria
More money for the Western Freeway
The Victorian government has committed another $550m to the upgrade of the Western Freeway. The money will go to interchange upgrades and new lanes across Melbourne’s west, and adds to a $1bn federal investment. The Victorian premier, Ben Carroll, said:
double quotation markWe have listened to the community. Better local roads in growing areas are my priority.
I want to help working people in the west spend less time on the road and more time where they need to be.
Updated at 19.10 EDT
Weather Warnings and Fire Bans
Fire ban as Sydney swelters
Sydney is bracing for extreme heat, with temperatures reaching 33C yesterday, while contrasting weather conditions, including snow, were reported in the southern parts of the state.
Meteorologist Tom Saunders noted that temperatures this weekend could be 13C above average, adding:
double quotation markTemperatures this spring will average as much as three degrees above the baseline from recent decades, potentially the hottest spring on record.
Read all about it here:
Updated at 19.14 EDT
Opposition Legislative Agenda Overview
In a continuation of the opposition’s legislative agenda, Taylor proposes laws against flag burning, and for 26 January. The News Corp papers are reporting that the opposition wants to criminalise flag burning, with up to 10 years in prison as punishment. They also want to enshrine 26 January as Australia Day in law, which will spark a new round of that old culture wars battle. Leader Angus Taylor said he would not “be shy in standing up for the national pride that we should all feel for our great country”:
double quotation markOur flag represents the country we love. Our war memorials honour Australians who put their lives on the line. Australia Day is our national day that unites us all.
These things belong to the Australian people and they should not be torn down, smashed, desecrated, or quietly stripped of their significance.
Updated at 19.07 EDT
Welcome to the Sunday News Digest
Good morning, all – Tory Shepherd here to kick off your Sunday. Happy Father’s Day if that is a happy time for you, and if (like me) it’s a bit of a sad one, I see you.
We’ll be keeping an eye on the ongoing tragedy in Nepal, where they’ve found more survivors but the situation is still so, so dire.
Closer to home, and every day there’s another AI story. If you’re a Victorian (and even if you’re not) you may have seen these rather alarming social media posts. Benita Kolovos and Henry Belot have had a look behind the scenes.
There’s an increasing amount of smoke (and yes, there have been fires) around the tobacco wars, and naturally the lobbyists are on the move.
Need a break from the news cycle? Sian Cain’s 10 Chaotic Questions with Luke McGregor will help you reset.
And in a bit we’ll have Insiders, and host David Speers says we’ll be hearing more about the government’s plans for the manosphere, with renewed concern about how it’s affecting boys.
Updated at 19.03 EDT
