Imagine a nation at a pivotal crossroads: Australia is navigating dramatic shifts in energy strategies, immigration policies, and global security alliances that could shape its destiny for generations. But here's where it gets intriguing – these changes are sparking fierce debates and internal party drama. Stick around as we break it down in our live coverage, where politics meets controversy head-on.
Key posts
- Joyce cautions aspiring challengers to take it slow
- Vanuatu and Fiji agreements on Albanese's radar (https://www.theage.com.au/national/australia-news-live-coalition-announce-joint-energy-policy-ley-says-migration-policy-imminent-albanese-sets-sights-on-security-deals-with-fiji-and-vanuatu-20251117-p5nfu8.html?post=p59j6q#p59j6q)
- Summary of yesterday's Coalition gathering (https://www.theage.com.au/national/australia-news-live-coalition-announce-joint-energy-policy-ley-says-migration-policy-imminent-albanese-sets-sights-on-security-deals-with-fiji-and-vanuatu-20251117-p5nfu8.html?post=p59j6o#p59j6o)
*
*
1 of 2
*
Like resurrecting outdated cassette tapes: Thistlethwaite criticizes Coalition's coal revival plans
By Emily Kaine
Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Matt Thistlethwaite has openly criticized the Coalition's proposal to provide financial support for coal-powered electricity plants to extend their operational life, following their unveiling of a fresh energy approach after a combined party assembly the previous day.
He remarked, 'These coal plants are nearing the end of their practical lifespan, and the business world is choosing not to invest further because they're outdated. Yet the Coalition wants to shore them up. Australians have a right to ask: how exactly will they do that? Will they purchase the facilities outright – which would be incredibly pricey – or provide subsidies?'
'That would mean spending enormous sums on obsolete tech. It reminds me of an analogy... It's like the Coalition deciding to revive the VHS tape business with taxpayer backing. Sounds absurd and impractical, but that's precisely what's happening with these coal plants,' Thistlethwaite explained during his Sky News appearance this morning.
This statement follows Opposition Leader Sussan Ley's announcement yesterday that the Coalition intends to allocate public funds to prolong the life of existing coal plants and even aid in building new ones (https://www.smh.com.au/business/the-economy/energy-giants-back-net-zero-as-coalition-reignites-climate-war-20251116-p5nfqv.html).
To clarify for newcomers to this topic, coal-fired power stations burn coal to generate electricity, but they've been phased out in many places due to environmental concerns and cheaper alternatives like solar and wind energy. Subsidizing them could mean taxpayers foot the bill, potentially delaying the shift to cleaner, more sustainable options.
And this is the part most people miss – by clinging to coal, are we sacrificing long-term progress for short-term fixes? But here's where it gets controversial: some argue that keeping coal alive ensures energy reliability and jobs, while others see it as a reckless gamble with our planet's future.
Australian Industry Group CEO emphasizes skilled worker migration
By Brittany Busch
Continuing with Australian Industry Group chief executive Innes Willox, he stressed that discussions on migration numbers must emphasize attracting skilled professionals, an area where Australia faces acute shortages.
'The primary concern for businesses regarding migration revolves around skilled workers, and we're severely lacking the expertise needed across various sectors right now – it's a critical shortage,' Willox shared with ABC Radio National.
'Every key aspect of home construction currently – from carpentry and plastering to painting, electrical work, and plumbing – appears on the government's critical skills list. We're also deficient in technical trades and abilities. Over 70% of companies report significant challenges in filling these roles.'
Willox explained that migration strategies should center on this to bolster Australia's economic health.
'At the same time, we must invest heavily in training our own workforce for current and upcoming needs,' he added.
For beginners, skilled migration typically involves bringing in workers with specific qualifications to address gaps, like in trades or IT. This isn't just about numbers; it's about matching skills to demand, ensuring the economy grows without overburdening infrastructure.
Coalition's energy shift risks deterring investments: Willox warns
By Brittany Busch
The Australian Industry Group chief executive is alerting that the Coalition's abandonment of fundamental energy transition principles could jeopardize investments in Australia.
'The current stark differences in perspectives between the major parties raise alarms, as they erode the stability businesses rely on for long-term planning,' Innes Willox stated on ABC Radio National this morning.
'Companies require as much predictability as possible to invest confidently at a large scale, and that's been a hurdle in energy investments historically due to policy uncertainties.'
He noted that while debates are healthy, basic consensus is essential.
'When core guidelines are discarded or altered, it prompts businesses to question future developments.'
He mentioned that energy costs are a top worry for enterprises, yet more details on the Coalition's approach are needed to confirm if it will actually reduce prices.
'Clearly, the Coalition is making that case, and we'll observe its implementation,' he concluded.
To make this clearer: Energy policy certainty means businesses can plan massive investments, like in renewable energy farms. Without it, they might hold back, fearing sudden changes could wipe out profits.
But here's where it gets controversial – prioritizing renewables for climate goals versus coal for immediate cost savings. Is stability in energy policy worth more than ideological battles?
Canavan claims youth prioritize living costs over emissions
By Emily Kaine
Nationals senator Matt Canavan stated this morning that young Australians are more worried about rising living expenses than carbon emissions and climate issues, as he defended the Coalition's decision to abandon net zero targets.
When questioned on how the Coalition intends to appeal to younger voters focused on environmental action, Canavan argued that this isn't their top concern.
On Sky News, he said, 'We'll address emissions eventually, but when I chat with youth across the country, their main anxiety is lacking the same opportunities as their parents.'
'They fear not affording homes or starting families due to stagnant living standards back at 2011 levels, which hits young people hardest.'
The Coalition revealed its rejection of net zero carbon goals yesterday after their joint meeting.
For those new to this, net zero means balancing emitted greenhouse gases with those removed, aiming for no net increase by 2050 to combat climate change. Ditching it could mean slower progress on global warming, but supporters say it frees up resources for economic issues.
And this is the part most people miss – while climate action is crucial for future generations, immediate financial pressures like housing might feel more urgent. But here's where it gets controversial: is prioritizing affordability over emissions a pragmatic choice or a dangerous oversight?
Labor's migration numbers off-target, Ley insists, offers no specifics
By Brittany Busch
Continuing with Ley, the opposition leader claims Labor has misjudged migration levels but refused to specify what a suitable figure would be under Coalition rule.
'I won't propose figures,' she told Sunrise. 'Different migration pathways into Australia... plus the permanent migration cap set by the government, and I've stated that needs reduction, with plans to refine the subcategories.'
'Labor consistently gets this wrong. Each time they announce a number, it's incorrect,' Ley asserted, prompting host Natalie Barr to ask how she can be sure without her own benchmark.
Ley responded: 'Because they're in power with access to all visa and migration data, while we're not. What I see in reality is strained infrastructure, requiring a strategy to restore balance – one I'm developing.'
To simplify: Migration policy involves caps on how many people can enter permanently. Getting it 'right' means balancing economic needs with community impacts, like housing and services.
Ley champions affordability in Coalition's energy strategy
By Brittany Busch
Opposition Leader Sussan Ley is busy with multiple breakfast TV and radio interviews today following the Coalition's net zero reversal yesterday. (https://www.theage.com.au/link/follow-20170101-p5nfqg)
She's emphasizing cost-effectiveness, claiming her strategy will cut energy expenses. When referencing the CSIRO's view that renewables are the cheapest new energy source, Ley questioned:
'If that's true... why have prices risen by 40%?'
'I won't debate report excerpts. I'm focusing on real-world facts and realities.'
ABC Radio National's Sabra Lane noted: 'You're overlooking factors like the Ukraine conflict and post-COVID effects that drove inflation.'
'We've moved beyond that era,' Ley countered.
CSIRO, for context, is Australia's top science agency, and renewables include sun and wind power, which are often cheaper long-term despite higher upfront costs.
But here's where it gets controversial – attributing price hikes solely to renewables ignores global events. Is this a fair critique, or a deflection?
And this is the part most people miss – energy prices are influenced by many factors, from wars to supply chains, not just policy.
Tehan evades queries on Coalition funding for new coal plants
By Emily Kaine
Opposition energy spokesperson Dan Tehan sidestepped inquiries about whether the Coalition's latest energy plan would involve public funds for new coal-powered plants.
On ABC's News Breakfast early today, Tehan explained, 'Our approach lets the market decide, as outlined in our affordable and emission-responsible strategy. That's our overarching vision.'
However, he didn't confirm if subsidies for coal would be included, despite heated discussions among MPs at yesterday's meeting.
Liberals sought clarity on replacing a renewables-focused subsidy with one potentially covering coal, as some state governments do, but Tehan declined, per attendees.
Coal subsidies could mean taxpayer money propping up fossil fuels, a hot-button issue in climate debates.
Joyce advises potential leadership contenders to proceed cautiously
By Jack Gramenz
Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce is advising prospective challengers to Liberal leader Sussan Ley to avoid hasty moves toward a leadership change amid ongoing Coalition tensions.
Migration appears poised as the next internal debate after their net zero consensus yesterday.
Liberal moderate Andrew Hastie, who resigned from cabinet for freer speech, has garnered some support.
Meanwhile, Angus Taylor, who narrowly lost a prior leadership vote to Ley, shared election priorities in a News Corp interview over the weekend.
'It seems individuals are maneuvering into position,' Joyce remarked on Channel Seven's Sunrise Monday.
'This is a marathon, so be cautious about early positioning,' he added.
Joining him, Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek observed the Coalition was 'self-absorbed and squabbling while the government delivers.'
Nationals senator Matt Canavan affirmed on Sky News that Ley was 'definitely' the ideal leader.
Unions urge PM to restrict property investor tax breaks
By Shane Wright
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese faces renewed union calls to significantly limit tax benefits for property investors, with the ACTU highlighting how negative gearing and capital gains tax discounts are harming the economy.
With a rise in loans for existing homes by investors, the ACTU proposes capping these benefits to one property, noting they cost the government around $25 billion in lost revenue in 2022-23.
The Greens have initiated a Senate investigation into the 50% capital gains tax reduction for assets held over a year, exploring productivity and wealth effects.
ACTU secretary Sally McManus argued current rules fuel speculation by 'professional landlords' on old properties instead of new builds.
'As a nation, we pour enormous resources into real estate – massive sums – but it's misguided, worsening housing access for workers,' she stated.
She recommended targeting changes to those with multiple investments. Of 2.3 million taxpayers claiming these in 2022-23, 1.6 million owned one property, while 19,389 had six or more.
To explain: Negative gearing lets investors deduct losses on properties from taxes, encouraging flips. This might boost short-term gains but can inflate prices, hurting first-time buyers.
But here's where it gets controversial – is curbing these perks unfair to investors, or essential for fairer housing?
What's making news today
By Emily Kaine
Good morning and welcome to our live national news blog for Monday, November 17. I'm Emily Kaine, guiding the early coverage. Here's the latest buzz.
- The Coalition convened yesterday for a joint session on energy (https://www.smh.com.au/national/australia-news-live-liberals-nationals-to-meet-on-net-zero-albanese-wants-deals-with-fiji-vanuatu-20251116-p5nfqi.html), focusing on costs while skirting net zero and Paris Agreement talks. In a quick remark at the presser, Opposition Leader Sussan Ley hinted at an upcoming migration policy.
- Major Australian energy firms support the government's 2050 net zero goal (https://www.smh.com.au/business/the-economy/energy-giants-back-net-zero-as-coalition-reignites-climate-war-20251116-p5nfqv.html) and caution that shunning renewables will inflate bills, countering the Coalition's push to soften climate efforts. *
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese aims to secure a security partnership with Fiji and revive one with Vanuatu (https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/albanese-puts-deals-with-vanuatu-and-fiji-next-on-the-agenda-20251114-p5nflu.html), two months after talks faltered during his Pacific trip. He's building on a landmark Indonesian defense accord that experts say has altered Asian power dynamics, and remains optimistic about averting Taiwan-China clashes.
*
*
1 of 2
*
Most Viewed in National
Loading
What do you think? Should Australia double down on traditional energy sources for affordability, or embrace renewables for a sustainable future? Is migration reform about skilled workers, or broader community impacts? And are these security deals a smart step in global tensions? Share your thoughts, agreements, or disagreements in the comments – let's spark a conversation!
