Hanson dismisses speculation Joyce could lead One Nation
Kate Lyons
Pauline Hanson has shut down speculation that Barnaby Joyce could replace her as leader of the One Nation party after speculation that the disgruntled former Nationals leader could defect to her party.
Speaking on Sky News last night, Hanson said:
It’s not going to happen, he’s not going to be leading the party, so that’s totally out of the question.
The former deputy prime minister announced his intention to quit the Nationals last week and not re-contest the New South Wales seat of New England, sparking discussion that he could be about to switch parties.
Hanson confirmed she had made an offer to Joyce to join One Nation, but he had not committed to joining her party and was waiting for the outcome of a bill he has introduced to parliament opposing Australia’s net zero commitment.
She said they spoke about six weeks ago and also had a phone call last weekend.
I’ve made the offer to Barnaby. I know he’s disgruntled with the National party. I know he’s passionate about getting rid of net zero. He’s introduced his bill to parliament, he doesn’t expect to get support … So it’s going to be interesting how this unfolds,.
Hanson bristled at suggestions that Joyce could be a good replacement in the event of her retirement, but said:
My attitude is, if someone can do a better job than I can, fair enough… but don’t write me off at the moment.
Key events
Good morning, Nick Visser here to pick up the blog. Let’s see what the day has in store.
Defence plans spending cuts as Aukus costs soar – report
Australia’s defence chiefs have ordered “brutal” spending cuts as the costs of the Aukus submarine deal and new frigates soar, The Australian reports this morning.
Days after Anthony Albanese met Donald Trump to hail the $367bn Aukus pact, the Australian claims that the chief of the air force, Air Marshal Stephen Chappell, has begun “reviews of capability and sustainment costs” as part of bid to “mitigate overspending” and “address budget challenges” across his service.
In addition, the paper reports, the chief of the defence force, David Johnston, has placed a limit of 150 days a year for reservists to work, down from 200.
The Australian claims it has seen a directive to air force personnel that a review of “capability priorities” would be carried out to guide air force investments and “ensure in-year affordability”.
“This may include project delays, scope reductions and divestments,” Chappell says, according to The Australian.
A second review will look at “sustainment priorities” with Chappell warning about cuts to aircraft flying hours through “reduction in rates of effort”.
“Air force must continue to implement measures to optimise ways of working, reduce cost and ensure every dollar spent focuses on delivering air force’s contribution to the integrated, focused force,” Chappell’s note says.
Military truck and car collide north of Brisbane
A military truck and a car have collided north of Brisbane, sending the defence vehicle rolling off the road and leaving the motorist injured, Australian Associated Press reports.
No defence force members were hurt but the car driver was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, Queensland police said.
The collision occurred on Samford Road at Ferny Hills, north of Brisbane, at about 3.30pm on Wednesday.
The forensic crash unit is investigating.
The Department of Defence confirmed an Australian defence force vehicle was involved in the crash.
“No injuries were sustained by ADF personnel,” a department spokesperson said.
The welfare of both the civilian and ADF members involved is a priority and Defence’s focus is on supporting those involved.
Aerial images of the scene showed the truck had rolled off the road, while the car was seen partially crushed.
The crash comes less than a week after a soldier was killed and two others injured when an armoured personnel carrier rolled during a training course near Townsville.
An investigation into that incident is under way, and involves commonwealth and army officials along with police.
Hanson dismisses speculation Joyce could lead One Nation
Kate Lyons
Pauline Hanson has shut down speculation that Barnaby Joyce could replace her as leader of the One Nation party after speculation that the disgruntled former Nationals leader could defect to her party.
Speaking on Sky News last night, Hanson said:
It’s not going to happen, he’s not going to be leading the party, so that’s totally out of the question.
The former deputy prime minister announced his intention to quit the Nationals last week and not re-contest the New South Wales seat of New England, sparking discussion that he could be about to switch parties.
Hanson confirmed she had made an offer to Joyce to join One Nation, but he had not committed to joining her party and was waiting for the outcome of a bill he has introduced to parliament opposing Australia’s net zero commitment.
She said they spoke about six weeks ago and also had a phone call last weekend.
I’ve made the offer to Barnaby. I know he’s disgruntled with the National party. I know he’s passionate about getting rid of net zero. He’s introduced his bill to parliament, he doesn’t expect to get support … So it’s going to be interesting how this unfolds,.
Hanson bristled at suggestions that Joyce could be a good replacement in the event of her retirement, but said:
My attitude is, if someone can do a better job than I can, fair enough… but don’t write me off at the moment.
Welcome
Good morning and welcome to our live news blog. I’m Martin Farrer with the best overnight stories before Nick Visser takes the reins.
Pauline Hanson has shut down speculation that Barnaby Joyce could replace her as leader of the One Nation party after speculation that the disgruntled former Nationals leader could defect to her party. Speaking on Sky News last night, Hanson warned: “Don’t write me off.” More shortly.
Australia’s defence chiefs have ordered “brutal” spending cuts as the costs of the Aukus submarine deal and new frigates soar, according to reports this morning.
And there’s a big cleanup under way today after wild winds hit Melbourne and Sydney yesterday.
