TRANSCRIPT:
- The federal government defends its decisions after handing down its third Budget on Tuesday night;
- Plans for a rally to protest a Sydney council book ban;
- Alex de Minaur knocked out of the Italian Open.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has defended the government's decision to provide cost of living relief for all Australians in his third federal budget, and not limit it to only low income households.
He says Treasury has forecast the measures - which include a $300 energy bill rebate for every household - wouldn't be inflationary.
The payments will cost the government $3.5 billion over three years, while around one million small businesses will be eligible to receive a $325 rebate on electricity costs.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has also defended his government's decision, telling Channel Nine some measures are easier to introduce if they applied to everyone.
"But as well, we've got targeted support where it's appropriate. Things like the rental support of 10% increase on top of the 15% increase last year. We have additional measures as well, the social housing support. There's a range of measures in this budget that are targeted, but there are some measures which are broad because that is the simplest, most efficient way to deliver."
.
Greens leader Adam Bandt says the government's budget fails to support renters, first home buyers or those on the lowest incomes.
The government is allocating $1.9 billion over five years to lift the maximum rates of Rent Assistance payments by a further 10 per cent, which means an increase in the maximum Rent Assistance payment for single parents or couples with one or two children by more than $70 a fortnight.
But Mr Bandt says wealthy Australians still receive a significant tax cut while renters struggle through rising rental costs, and first home buyers are restricted from entering the market.
"Labor's bandaid budget is a betrayal of renters, first home buyers and everyone doing it. Tough Labor's spending billions on a four and a half thousand dollars a year tax cut for politicians and billionaires while people are skipping meals just to pay the rent."
.
Independents and domestic violence advocates have criticised the government's budget measures to tackle Australia's domestic violence crisis.
A billion dollars will be spent on urgent crisis and transitional housing for those fleeing domestic violence, in addition to the Leaving Violence Program that was already announced ahead of last night's budget announcement.
Universities will be required to strengthen their responses to gender-based violence as the government commits nearly $19 million over four years to developing and introducing a code of conduct.
The government has also introduced funding to prevent violence against specific demographics, including university students and temporary visa holders.
But independent MP Zoe Daniels says this is insufficient to address the issue.
"Despite calling women's safety and domestic violence and national crisis, the Prime Minister has failed to step up to the plate. There was no additional funding for frontline services who are in dire need of more funding. They are turning women away on a weekly basis, and there was no additional funding for legal aid, which is a key service to ensure our justice system works and people can access the courts in a meaningful way."
.
Hundreds of people are set to rally against a western Sydney council's decision to ban books featuring same-sex parenting, a choice they say does not reflect the views of the community.
Rally organisers are calling for the council to rescind the ban and for NSW Premier Chris Minns to expel Labor council members who support the bans.
.
David McBride's legal team says they intend to appeal his five year jail term for leaking classified defence information to journalists.
Lawyer Mark Davis says an appeal could be lodged as early as this week - but McBride won't be bailed as that process gets underway.
This supporter says efforts are also continuing to lobby the Attorney General for a pardon.
"I lay responsibility for today's terrible events firmly at the feet of the federal Attorney General. The reason that he has the power to intervene in extraordinary circumstances is to prevent exactly what has happened today."
.
Australian number one Alex de Minaur has been knocked out of the Italian Open.
Stefanos Tsitsipas beat de Minaur 6-1 6-2 in under an hour to reach the Italian Open quarter-finals.
The Greek world No.8 now plays Chile's Nicolas Jarry, who defeated Alexandre Muller 7-5 6-3.
