Victorian Premier Ben Carroll has played down a poll showing Labor trailing the coalition by 10 points on a two-party preferred basis. The Newspoll, published in The Australian, shows a 10 per cent swing against Labor since 2022. Health Minister Ingrid Stitt conceded the election will be tough, while Carroll said the only poll that matters is the vote on November 28. Opposition Leader Jess Wilson said her team takes nothing for granted. Carroll also announced a pledge to hire 500 graduate nurses and midwives.
Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has returned to Venezuela after nearly a year outside the country. She posted on social media that she was back, and her press team shared images of her at a church in Lara state. US President Donald Trump said he did not know about her return and hoped she was safe. Machado has sought US support, while Trump has backed interim President Delcy Rodriguez. Former president Nicolas Maduro faces US charges, which he denies.
Opposition Leader Angus Taylor has called on Energy Minister Chris Bowen to resign following the latest cost blowout on the Snowy 2.0 pumped hydro project. Taylor has also rejected claims that he underestimated the project's likely expense when he backed it in 2019. The live coverage gathered the day's developments and reactions from the political debate, though the exact revised cost figures and the government's formal response are not clearly detailed in the available material.
AU Now app
Your suburb’s news, alerts and Shorts — in one app
Alerts, Shorts and your saved stories — free on Google Play.
Labor has held power in the ACT for 25 years, winning seven straight elections since 2001. Andrew Barr has led the territory since 2014 and says the party has renewed itself in office. Labor has mostly governed in minority, relying on independents and other parties. Former Liberal chief minister Gary Humphries says the Liberals have failed to offer a credible alternative. A University of Canberra academic says long periods in power can undermine democracy. Labor's term reaches its halfway point, and the party's rule could extend to at least 27 years.
Nationals frontbencher Bridget McKenzie has said the Coalition will oppose the Australia–European Union Free Trade Agreement. The live coverage has been compiled into a summary of the day's key events and posts.
NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane has pledged to get the economy moving in her first election video, as Labor and the Coalition face a challenge from One Nation. Voters go to the polls across NSW in March 2027. In the video, Ms Sloane accused Labor of slowing the economy and pledged to lower taxes, create jobs and deliver affordable housing. Premier Chris Minns, who has held office since 2023, is seeking to focus on housing reform and cost-of-living relief. One Nation leader Mark Newman has pledged to abolish the independent Planning Commission if his party is successful.
Opposition leader Angus Taylor has finally released the Coalition's migration policy, after One Nation and the government had already set out their positions. The plan would cut net overseas migration from just under 300,000 to 100,000 in each of the first two years, rising to 160,000 by the fourth year. One Nation leader Pauline Hanson's offering goes further, with negative net migration initially. Business groups say the cuts could deny them needed workers, and the policy's effect on international students and the economy remains unclear.
Opposition leader Angus Taylor has finally released the Coalition's migration policy, after One Nation and the government had already set out their positions. The plan would cut net overseas migration from just under 300,000 to 100,000 in each of the first two years, rising to 160,000 by the fourth year. One Nation leader Pauline Hanson's offering goes further, with negative net migration initially. Business groups say the cuts could deny them needed workers, and the policy's effect on international students and the economy remains unclear.
The Jetty Foreshore rezoning proposal in Coffs Harbour has been approved, despite strong community opposition. Bruce Weir, a vocal opponent, criticised the lack of consultation and the early-morning announcement. The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure claims the project will deliver public benefits, including improved open space and affordable housing. However, critics argue the guidelines lack clarity and ignore public feedback.
A landowner in Goolwa is defending plans for the town's first McDonald's, arguing residents should have the choice. Mick McArdle's property is under contract to the fast-food chain, pending development approval. The proposal has faced opposition from a local heritage group and Alexandrina Council, which voted to block chain-based fast-food outlets. McArdle says many locals support the plan, while the council's mayor claims most residents oppose it.
