Labor
Coverage of Labor in the Nexus archive.
- Labor Watch: St. John’s Sues New York, Suit Against Rutgers Unions Dismissed
St. John’s filed a lawsuit against New York, while a legal case against Rutgers unions was dismissed. Unions also secured contract victories, and faculty at Portland State University and the New School opposed layoffs.
- White House budget director advocates more funding for own agency, cuts for others
White House budget director Russell Vought advocates for increased funding for the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to modernize systems and expand staff, while the Trump administration's 2027 budget proposes cuts to multiple departments. OMB seeks $146.1 million, a 13.3% increase, and the defense budget is requested to rise to $1.5 trillion.
- White House budget director advocates more funding for own agency, cuts for others
White House budget director Russell Vought testified before a U.S. House panel advocating for a 13.3% increase in the Office of Management and Budget's annual funding to $146.1 million, citing needs for technology upgrades and staff expansion. He also highlighted proposed cuts to domestic agencies like Agriculture and Health and Human Services, alongside a $1.5 trillion defense budget request.
- Parliament has been getting frosty as winter closes in – but Labor may make one more gamble before the break
Parliament faces rising tensions ahead of the winter break, with Labor pushing reforms and the Coalition considering participation in deal-making. Conflicts include accusations against Angus Taylor for calling Anthony Albanese a liar, Andrew Hastie's remarks about One Nation, and the Greens opposing Labor's NDIS bill.
- Pauline Hanson says parental leave will force small businesses to ‘fold’ – despite no law forcing employers to pay
Pauline Hanson claims small businesses will 'fold' under the cost of paid parental leave, despite no law requiring employers to pay. Labor criticized her for not understanding the policy, noting most businesses voluntarily provide it and employees are entitled to 12 months of unpaid leave.
- Labor reaches deal with the Greens to pass changes to capital gains tax and negative gearing reforms
The Greens will support the Albanese government’s negative gearing and capital gains tax changes under a deal that delays and adjusts Labor’s planned overhaul of the national disability insurance scheme. The agreement allows Labor to pass its budget measures before federal parliament’s winter break.
- Australia politics live: Labor’s big reforms face test as parliament returns; national cabinet to debate fuel security
Australian MPs return to parliament for debates on tax and NDIS reforms before winter break. Jane Hume of the Coalition supports increased scrutiny of NDIS changes but raises concerns about addressing rorts and criminal behavior in the system. The national cabinet will also discuss fuel security.
- Protesters clash outside One Nation fundraiser while Labor says opposition parties will ‘give us chaos’
Protesters clashed with Pauline Hanson supporters at a One Nation fundraiser in Melbourne. Michael Nelson, previously fined for disrupting an Anzac Day service, was restrained by officers. Pauline Hanson stated the event was moved due to 'too many bookings,' not expected protests.
- Angus Taylor rejects One Nation seat sharing deal as cracks appear in Liberal ranks over Pauline Hanson threat
Angus Taylor rejects a proposed seat-sharing deal between the Liberal party and One Nation as internal Liberal divisions emerge over countering Pauline Hanson's influence. Tony Pasin suggests the parties should cooperate to defeat Labor, but Taylor and senior colleagues oppose the plan amid One Nation's poll surge.
- Australia news live: Drugs regulator to crack down on illegal peptides; Labor to spend $100m on arthritis research
Australia's drugs regulator will crack down on illegal peptides, now a priority concern alongside melatonin, cannabis, and weight loss medications. The Labor party has allocated $100 million for arthritis research.
- Albanese vows to cut Australian migration after rise fuels support for populist One Nation
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated migration levels are reducing amid a poll showing the One Nation party leading the governing Labor party in support. One Nation's support was 31%, ahead of Labor's 30%, according to a Newspoll in The Australian, while Albanese's net approval rating reached -24.
- Australia news live: support for One Nation edges ahead of Labor in new poll; RSV warning for older Australians
A new poll shows One Nation leading Labor in Australia, while support for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese declines. An RSV warning is issued for older Australians.
- Regrettable references and claims of ‘rigged’ election laws: why this week has reignited Jacinta Allan spill rumours
Jacinta Allan faced three major tests this week, with her handling of a parliamentary inquiry into Victoria's integrity laws and other issues prompting speculation about a possible Labor leadership change. The rumors resurfaced as the Victorian election approaches, with some MPs questioning if it's too late for a leadership shift.
- Australian housing was already cooling before the budget – but how cold it gets depends on two key factors
Australian housing prices may rise again as economists predict eventual increases due to chronic undersupply once interest rates ease and tax changes take effect. The government's property tax reforms, including negative gearing and capital gains tax adjustments, have become a contentious political issue, drawing criticism for potentially harming home values.
- Australia news live: Julian Hill claims Labor has ‘won the debate’ on housing tax changes; homelessness soars in NSW
Julian Hill claims Labor has 'won the debate' on housing tax changes as homelessness rises in NSW. John Howard and lawmakers signed an open letter urging stronger gambling reforms, criticizing the Albanese government's current proposals as insufficient.
- Labor’s NDIS overhaul faces delay as Coalition and Greens consider teaming up to slow bill’s passage
Labor's plan to fast-track NDIS and tax reforms faces potential delays as the Greens and Coalition consider collaborating to extend Senate inquiries. The Greens demand a longer review process for proposed NDIS cuts, while the government seeks support for its tax and housing changes.
- Albanese calls Taylor ‘Temu Abbott’ as bitter fight rages over budget tax changes
Anthony Albanese mocked Angus Taylor as 'Temu Abbott' amid a heated debate over budget tax changes. The Greens, whose support is needed to pass the legislation, expressed concerns that the government's proposal could grant excessive discretionary powers. The government aims to expedite the first phase of its budget legislation through the lower house and Senate.
- Ombudsman penalizes Likud, Labor for irregularities in their financial reports for 2024
The Ombudsman penalized Likud and Labor for irregularities in their 2024 financial reports. The state comptroller cited inadequate oversight of membership fees and found 10 current parties and 9 defunct parties owe the state $45 million.
- Lurie and labor are on a collision course. Tuesday’s election may determine when it comes.
Lurie and labor are in conflict, with Tuesday’s election potentially determining the timing of their confrontation. The election could result in voters rejecting Prop. D or removing current supervisors.
- Labor to highlight ‘risk’ of One Nation to cost of living in bid to dent Pauline Hanson’s popularity
Labor aims to challenge One Nation's influence by emphasizing its opposition to cost-of-living support for workers. A Labor MP suggested considering further income tax cuts to assist under-pressure workers.
- Jim Chalmers says budget changes allowing first home buyers to ‘have a crack’
Auction clearance rates in Australia dropped to 54.5% in late May, leading Treasurer Jim Chalmers to suggest this may benefit first home buyers by reducing competition from investors. Chalmers noted that falling home prices and declining auction participation indicate broader market shifts, though he stated Labor's property tax reforms are not the sole cause.
- Students would save $3bn over a decade if Labor changed Hecs indexation date by five months
University graduates could save over $3bn over a decade if the government adjusts the HECS indexation date by five months. Independent MP Monique Ryan criticized the current system as 'broken,' while HECS debts are set to increase by $1bn on Monday due to a 2.8% indexation.
- Ed Husic calls on Labor to establish ‘red line’ on Israel’s actions, including treatment of flotilla activists
Labor MP Ed Husic urges Australia to establish a 'red line' against Israel's actions, including sanctions, ending defense cooperation, and blocking F-35 parts. He cites mistreatment of Global Sumud Flotilla activists, the death of Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom, and destruction of Australian war graves as examples of Israel's poor behavior under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
- MPs urged to ignore fearmongering and pass Labor’s ‘long overdue’ negative gearing and CGT changes
Australia's housing and community groups are urging Parliament to quickly pass Labor's proposed negative gearing and capital gains tax reforms. The government plans to introduce the legislation in the coming parliamentary sitting with support from the Greens, with advocates arguing the changes would improve fairness for renters and young homebuyers.
- Has Labor’s tax reform killed ‘rent-vesting’ for young Australians seeking a foothold in the housing market?
Labor's tax reform may kill 'rent-vesting' for young Australians seeking a foothold in the housing market. The strategy involves renting in a preferred area while buying a cheaper property elsewhere. Experts warn that changes to capital gains tax and negative gearing will make this strategy less attractive.
- Coalition vows to repeal Labor’s ‘toxic’ negative gearing and capital gains tax budget changes
The Coalition vows to repeal Labor's proposed changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax if they win power. A future Coalition government would reinstate more generous rules for property investors. The proposal sets up a major fight before the next election over key tax reform measures.
- Aukus costs balloon with more cash and staff for submarine agency amid ongoing search for nuclear waste dump
The Australian Submarine Agency's budget will increase to $512m in the next financial year, a jump of $127m, amid concerns about the Aukus deal and the search for a nuclear waste dump. The agency's funding has ballooned by over $430m in four years. The increased budget will support staffing and securing nuclear-powered submarines.
- Budget 2026 Australia: Jim Chalmers announces capital gains tax and negative gearing reform for housing
The Australian government has announced tax reforms as part of the federal budget, including changes to capital gains tax and negative gearing to help first home buyers. The reforms aim to promote intergenerational fairness and revive the dream of home ownership. The changes will scale back tax breaks for landlords.
- Jim Chalmers says budget to address economic anxieties ‘driving’ Australians to One Nation
The Australian government's budget is influenced by the rise of One Nation, a right-wing populist party, as many Australians feel economic anxieties and are locked out of the housing market. The party's historic win in Farrer has cast a shadow over the federal budget. Treasurer Jim Chalmers acknowledges the threat posed by the party.
- Changing tax rules for investors won’t shrink housing supply or raise rents. Just look at Victoria
The Albanese government is preparing to unveil a budget that will recast housing as shelter rather than a financial tool, sparking warnings that rents will rise and housing supply will be curtailed. However, these warnings are believed to be unfounded. The changes aim to make Australia's housing more equitable.
- Australia news live: Ley urges Liberals to accept Farrer loss to One Nation with ‘humility’, saying ‘voters never get it wrong’
One Nation won its first lower house seat at the Farrer byelection, with candidate David Farley finishing in a two-party contest against independent Michelle Milthorpe. The result is seen as stunning and marks a shift in Australia's political order. Pauline Hanson declared her party is coming after Coalition and Labor seats around Australia.
- Communications minister Anika Wells repays $10,000 in incorrect travel expenses
Communications minister Anika Wells has repaid over $10,000 for incorrect travel claims, following an audit by the Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority. The mistakes were identified in her claims dating back to Labor's 2022 election victory. Anthony Albanese has rejected calls for Wells to resign.
- Philip Morris uses secret Senate hearing to warn illegal tobacco in Australia could wipe out legal trade by 2030
Tobacco giant Philip Morris warned a secret Senate hearing that illegal tobacco trade in Australia could wipe out legal products by 2030. The company pushed for lower excise and claimed threats from organised crime warranted secrecy. Critics argue Philip Morris has no interest in public health or safety.
- Victoria state budget 2026: state back in black forecasting two back-to-back surpluses
Victoria state has recorded a $700m surplus in the 2025-26 financial year and is forecasting another surplus for the next financial year. This marks the first time the state has been in surplus since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. The 2026-27 budget will be handed down on Tuesday afternoon.
- Queensland government in ‘integrity crisis’ over alleged undisclosed affair between two ministers, opposition says
The Queensland government is facing an integrity crisis over an alleged undisclosed affair between two ministers, Tim Mander and Amanda Camm. The opposition has accused the government of failing to address potential conflicts of interest. The ministers deny being in a relationship when they were sworn in.
- Barnaby Joyce blames campaign ‘pressure’ after One Nation Farrer candidate contradicts party on immigration
Barnaby Joyce attributes David Farley's contradiction of One Nation's immigration policy to campaign pressure, as Farley endorsed Labor's higher migration intake. Joyce also downplayed concerns over Gina Rinehart's donation to One Nation.
- Australia news live: NDIS savings to fund better aged care including showers, minister says; fourth man charged over alleged Baghsarian kidnapping murder
Australia's NDIS savings will be redirected to improve aged care services, including better shower facilities, according to a government minister. A fourth man has been charged in connection with the alleged kidnapping and murder of Chris Baghsarian.
- Labor to tighten child NDIS eligibility to curb spending as Queensland MP warns change is ‘failing kids’
The Australian government plans to tighten eligibility rules for children under 18 in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and implement mandatory character checks for service providers to curb spending. Health Minister Mark Butler faces backlash from states, particularly Queensland, which accuses federal Labor of abandoning families reliant on long-term care.
- States on edge about NDIS cuts as Chalmers flags they will be ‘easily the most important’ part of budget savings
Australian states are anxious over Labor's plan to cut NDIS spending in the upcoming budget, with Treasurer Jim Chalmers stating these cuts will be 'easily the most important' part of savings. Health Minister Mark Butler is being asked to clarify the savings before a major speech.
- Mom's labor turns into fight for life after 1 symptom: "I think I'm about to die"
Casey Gould, who had a smooth pregnancy, experienced a sudden alarming symptom that led her to fear she was about to die, turning her labor into a life-threatening fight.