Key events
Show key events only
Please turn on JavaScript to use this feature
Barnaby Joyce says ‘obviously’ relationship with David Littleproud ‘less than spectacular’
Barnaby Joyce said his decision to quit the Nationals came amid a relationship with party leader David Littleproud that was obviously “less than spectacular”, saying it was “healthier for all if it’s not working for you to get out”.
Joyce spoke to RN Breakfast this morning:
Obviously the relationship with David was less than spectacular. I mean, I think if we say anything else, it’s not being truthful. …
I wish people all the best. I just, I’m not going to leave sort of bitter and twisted and angry. I just, you know, honestly, I wish people all the very best. That’s what I actually do. Like most things, you feel a lot better when you’re not angry. So I’m not angry now because I’ve said I’m getting out.
Barnaby Joyce (left) and David Littleproud. Photograph: Lukas Coch/AAP
Joyce said he would not comment on speculation he would join One Nation, but said the party had done a “good job” on some issues, including its stance on net zero.
Let’s just pull the horse on this one up straight away. No decisions have been made, and that’s where we are right now.
Updated at 16.53 EDT
Sarah Basford Canales
Draft of new laws on supermarket price gouging to come today
The federal government will today release a draft of proposed new laws to crack down on supermarkets price gouging promised during the federal election campaign.
In March this year, the prime minister said supermarkets would be liable for “heavy fines” if found to be charging excessive prices for products with the consumer watchdog, the ACCC, tasked with finding the best model to determine what constitutes price gouging.
Photograph: Darren England/AAP
The ACCC earlier this year found major supermarket chains had increased their profit margins through the costs of household profits. The watchdog described Australia’s biggest chains – Coles, Woolworths and Aldi – as among the most profitable supermarket businesses in the world.
The draft bill will be open for submissions until 3 November.
Read more:
Updated at 16.46 EDT
Albanese en route to Washington DC after brief refuelling stop in Hawaii
Josh Butler
After a brief refuelling stop before sunrise in Honolulu, the prime minister, Anthony Albanese, continues on to Washington DC for his meeting with the US president, Donald Trump.
The two men will have their first formal bilateral meeting, after a few phone calls and a brief encounter in New York City last month. The meeting is expected to occur in the very early hours of Tuesday morning, Australian time.
Albanese stepped on to his official plane on Sunday, right after arriving back from an overseas holiday. We will look forward to hearing from the PM after we land in Washington DC later today.
Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese. Photograph: Lukas Coch/AAP
Albanese is accompanied on this trip by the resources minister, Madeleine King, and industry minister, Tim Ayres – underscoring the likelihood that critical minerals will be a key point of discussion for the Trump-Albanese meeting, alongside issues around Aukus, defence and trade.
Albanese said in a written statement before departure he was looking forward “to a positive and constructive meeting with President Trump at the White House”.
The defence minister, Richard Marles, is acting as prime minister until Tuesday night, then the foreign affairs minister, Penny Wong, will act as PM from Tuesday night until Albanese’s return later in the week.
Updated at 16.34 EDT
Good morning
And welcome to Monday. The sky is falling! Nick Visser here to guide you through the morning’s news. Here’s what’s on deck.
Suspected space debris was discovered near a mine site in Western Australia this weekend after workers found a burning object near a remote access road. Early assessments indicate it was made of carbon fibre and may be some kind of pressure vessel or rocket tank.
The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, had a brief stop in Honolulu, Hawaii, a few hours ago before continuing on his way to Washington DC for his meeting with the US president, Donald Trump. Their first formal meeting will be very early tomorrow morning Australian time.
The federal government is set to release a draft of proposed laws to crack down on supermarket price gouging. The prime minister said earlier this year companies could be liable for “heavy fines” if found to be charging excessive prices.
Stick with us.