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Federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton says his plan for nuclear power will complement existing infrastructure.
Mr Dutton is not yet revealing exactly where he proposes to put nuclear power plants.
But he says, unlike the government's policies, his plan will make use of existing power poles and wires.
He claims the government's policies don't make sense on either environmental or economic grounds.
"I've said that we'll look at places where there is an existing coal-fired power station coming to an end of life. The reason that that is important that you've got poles and wires already there to distribute the power that's generated from the small modular reactor, or the rector that's there. Under Labor, your power prices are going to through the roof. There's going to be less reliability, and they're not going to meet their net zero by 2050 commitment. And I want to have a 24-7 baseload power that can firm up renewables in the system."
The Sydney Morning Herald is reporting the coalition's proposed nuclear sites include the Hunter Valley in New South Wales, the Latrobe Valley in Victoria, Collie in Western Australia, and Port Augusta in South Australia.
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The life of Australia's largest coal-fired power station will be extended for at least two years under a deal that could cost New South Wales taxpayers more than $200 million annually.
Origin Energy has been in talks with the New South Wales government about extending the life of the Eraring power station after a review warned the scheduled August 2025 retirement could result in electricity shortfalls and price hikes.
New South Wales Energy Minister Penny Sharpe says the agreement is temporary and targeted in order to guarantee a minimum supply of electricity until the new expected closure date.
"This agreement is a responsible step to ensure that a plan is in place as we deliver the transition that New South Wales needs, but we make sure that people of New South Wales centre the energy that they need, that we don't have blackouts, and that prices are stabilised while we move to cleaner, cheaper renewable energy."
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Australia's first national battery strategy has been released, with the government to invest half a billion dollars in the sector.
As part of the government's Future Made in Australia plan, the strategy aims to sure up Australia's position as a battery manufacturer, reducing reliance on other countries.
Global demand for batteries is set to quadruple by the end of the decade with increased demand for power storage for mobile phones, vehicles, and electricity grids.
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The Foreign Minister Penny Wong says Australia remains supportive of a two-state solution in the Middle East.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has denounced a decision by Ireland, Norway and Spain to soon recognise a Palestinian state, adding Israel would be undeterred from winning the Gaza war.
Ireland, Spain and Norway announced they will recognise a Palestinian state on May 28 and say they hope other Western countries will follow suit, prompting an angry response from Israel which recalled its ambassadors from the capitals of those three countries.
Earlier this month, Australia voted in favour of Palestine becoming a full member of the United Nations.
Senator Wong told SBS News she's previously outlined Australia's position.
"Australia has a position where we will be prepared to look to recognition as part of a peace process. Our test must always be is our action going to contribute to the cause of peace."
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French President Emmanuel Macron is in the Pacific island of New Caledonia for talks aiming to turn the page on deadly riots triggered by a contested electoral reform.
Six people have died amid the chaos and almost 300 people have been arrested.
The protesters fear the electoral reform, already passed by lawmakers in mainland France some 20,000 km away, will dilute the votes of indigenous Kanaks, who make up 40 per cent of the island's population of 270,000 people.
Mr Macron says the first priority of the visit is to help restore order to the troubled island then looking at the root causes of the unrest.
"We will obviously look into matters such as economic recovery, support and rapid response. And also the most delicate political matters, in order to discuss about the future of New Caledonia. I will now go to the High Commissioner's office to listen to institutional, economic and political forces, and at the end of this day, we'll take some decisions and we'll make some announcements."
Meanwhile, another plane load of passengers has touched down in Brisbane from Noumea as efforts to repatriate stranded Australians continue.
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The leader of the United Kingdom's main opposition Labour Party has welcomed the announcement by the prime minister that a fresh election will be held in July.
Sir Keir Starmer says the election was an opportunity for change and promised that his party would offer economic and political stability.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak set July 4 as the date for a national election that will determine who governs the United Kingdom.
Sir Keir, leader of the opposition Labour Party says the country is in need of political change.
"Now it will feel like a long campaign. I'm sure of that. But no matter what else is said and done, that opportunity for change is what this election is about."
Mr Sunak’s Conservative party has seen its support dwindle steadily after 14 years in power.
It has struggled to overcome a series of crises including an economic slump, ethics scandals and a revolving door of leaders in the past two years.
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Commonwealth Bank transaction data shows people aged in their mid-to late-20s continue to feel the weight of cost-of-living pressures.
The data reveals the pressure of high rents and other elevated living expenses have seen younger people cut spending by more than seven per cent in the year to March when adjusted for inflation.
The figures are based on analysis of de-identified Commonwealth Bank transaction data.
While a cut to discretionary purchases is expected in a strained financial environment, those in their 20s were also spending less on essentials at about the same rate.
Sharp declines were recorded across health insurance, utilities and spending at the supermarket for the group.
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In the National Rugby League, New Zealand international Isaiah Papali'i [[puppa-lee-ee]] will leave the Wests Tigers for the Penrith Panthers.
He's signed a three year contract with the defending champions, starting next year.
25-year-old Papali'i made his reputation playing for Parramatta, but since leaving them for the Tigers at the end of 2022, his form has declined.
Panthers Chief Executive Matt Cameron says Papali'i is a world-class player who has proven himself at the highest level, and will bring a wealth of experience and leadership to his club.
Tigers Chief Executive Shane Richardson says Papali'i is being let go purely on financial grounds, as the club prepares to bring in Penrith five-eighth Jarome Luai [[loo-eye]] on a large salary next season.
