Brittany Higgins Appointed to Lead Vida Fund in Fight Against Misogyny and Far-Right Politics
Brittany Higgins, the former senator and activist, has been named executive director of the Vida Fund, a newly established organization focused on countering the rise of misogyny and far-right political movements in Australia. Higgins, who gained national attention for her advocacy against workplace harassment, will lead efforts to prioritize gender equality on the electoral agenda and support “values-aligned” independent female candidates in upcoming state and federal elections.
The Vida Fund, launched in 2023, aims to ensure gender equity remains a central political issue rather than a fleeting topic. Higgins emphasized the growing visibility of misogynistic and extremist ideologies, stating, “We are entering a period where these forces are becoming increasingly organized and visible.” The organization plans to conduct research on the role of gender in far-right movements and employ evidence-based advocacy to challenge systemic inequalities.
Albanese Criticizes Coalition for Potential One Nation Deal
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has dismissed speculation about a potential deal between the Liberal Party and One Nation, calling the idea “premature.” In a public statement, Albanese criticized the Coalition for appearing to “give up almost two years before an election,” citing concerns over the stability of the Liberal Party. The remarks come as One Nation’s polling numbers rise, with the party positioning itself as a right-wing alternative to traditional political factions.
Chalmers Accuses Opponents of Defending a “Broken Status Quo”
Treasurer Jim Chalmers accused political opponents of resisting tax reforms that aim to benefit “the biggest victims of the broken status quo.” In a speech to the Australian Labor Party’s national policy forum, Chalmers argued that the opposition’s stance reflects a “truly absurd” effort to maintain existing power structures. The government’s proposed changes to capital gains tax and negative gearing, he said, would lower housing costs and reduce tax burdens on workers.
NSW Police Report Highlights Culture of Bullying and Discrimination
A comprehensive review of the New South Wales police force revealed widespread issues of bullying, discrimination, and harassment. The report, based on interviews with 5,000 current and former officers, found that such behaviors were “unacceptable” and called for immediate reforms. Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon pledged to implement all 29 recommendations, while NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley emphasized the need for a “transparent” and “inclusive” workforce.
NDIS Changes Spark Concerns Over Disability Services
State and territory governments have warned that proposed federal changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) could leave people with disabilities in “inappropriate settings.” A joint submission to an inquiry highlighted risks of reduced access to care, arguing that the reforms prioritize cost-cutting over the original intent of the NDIS. Greens senator Jordon Steele-John stated that states “unequivocally” cannot support the changes without additional funding.
JB Hi-Fi to Refund $250,000 Over Misleading Pricing Claims
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has ordered JB Hi-Fi to refund customers over $250,000 for allegedly misleading “was/is” pricing on 17 products. The retailer admitted to system and human errors that led to false discount claims, including on items like laptops and VR headsets. JB Hi-Fi has since implemented measures to prevent similar issues, according to the ACCC.
Datacentres Emerge as “Most Contested Infrastructure” in Australia
Assistant Minister for the Digital Economy Andrew Charlton described datacentres as “one of the most contested pieces of infrastructure in the world.” He warned against repeating mistakes from the resources boom, such as overreliance on exports without securing domestic benefits. Charlton emphasized the need for policies that balance economic growth with energy and water sustainability, citing Australia’s “triple lock” framework for datacentre operations.
Mohammed Skaf Arrested Over Drug Supply Charges
Mohammed Skaf, a convicted gang rapist released from prison in 2021, has been charged with 24 drug-related offenses, including supplying prohibited substances. NSW police seized large quantities of cocaine and cash during raids in Greenacre. Skaf, who was part of a 2000 gang rape case, remains in custody and faces a court appearance.
Coalition Avoids Preference Deals with One Nation, Says James Paterson
Shadow Defence Minister James Paterson stated that any discussions about preference deals with One Nation are “premature.” He argued that the Coalition cannot finalize such agreements without knowing which candidates will run in upcoming elections. Paterson also criticized One Nation’s ability to field “appropriate candidates,” calling the party’s current state “unfit” for contesting the election.