Pauline Hanson suspended from Senate over burqa stunt as Mehreen Faruqi says parliament ‘drips in racism’

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has defended the government's directive for departments to find 5% savings, stating it is about reprioritizing spending rather than job cuts. This comes amid criticism regarding the government's previous stance against proposed public servant cuts by the Coalition during the election campaign.

A recent study by the Australian National University revealed that Peter Dutton's unpopularity has reached unprecedented levels, with voters citing a lack of inspiration and compassion as key deficiencies in his leadership. Additionally, the study indicated that voters trust the Labor party more than the Coalition to manage the economy effectively.

Pauline Hanson, a senator in Australia, faced condemnation after wearing a black burka in parliament while advocating for a ban on the garment. This act has sparked significant debate regarding cultural sensitivity and the implications of such political stunts in legislative settings.

Labor MP Ed Husic has publicly diverged from his party to advocate for measures that would curb gas exporters' profits, calling for cheaper energy prices for Australian consumers. His stance aligns with an independent MP's motion aimed at addressing escalating energy costs on the east coast of Australia.

Australian far-right senator sparked outrage by wearing a burqa to Parliament, prompting strong criticism from Greens senator Mehreen Faruqi, who labeled the act as blatant racism.

Australian senator Pauline Hanson has faced widespread condemnation for wearing a burka in parliament while advocating for a ban on the garment, an act perceived as a political stunt aimed at inciting controversy. This incident has reignited discussions about cultural sensitivity and the appropriateness of using such symbols in political discourse.

Environment Minister Murray Watt has indicated that negotiations are progressing between the Labor government and both the Coalition and the Greens regarding new environmental laws aimed at protecting nature. The discussions come amid calls for stronger protections and transparency in environmental governance, particularly following a redesign of the Bureau of Meteorology's website that raised concerns over costs and effectiveness.

The Labor government is poised to pass long-awaited nature laws this week, with negotiations ongoing with the Greens and Liberals to secure the necessary support for Senate approval. The government has indicated it can finalize a deal by Thursday, amid years of debate over environmental law reform.