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TRANSCRIPT
Nationals MP Colin Boyce says his leadership challenge against David Littleproud aims to prevent the National Party from facing what he is calling 'political oblivion.'
The Member for Flynn argues that running for the next election alone risks losing the Nationals crucial seats in Victoria and New South Wales.
He says his colleagues need several days to contemplate the future of the Coalition before the spill motion occurs next week.
Mr Boyce told Sky a change in leadership is the only way to rebuild the alliance with the Liberal Party and move forward effectively.
"If we go to the Federal election as a stand alone entity, the National Party, it's highly likely that you'll face political oblivion, or at least the National party will. The National party senators in Victoria and New South Wales, it's highly likely that they won't even get enough quota to hold a Senate seat."
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Shadow Minister for finance James Paterson says the Liberal party stands behind Sussan Ley’s leadership.
Speaking to the ABC, Mr Paterson defended the current leadership while emphasising the importance of shadow cabinet solidarity.
He also suggested the Coalition announce acting shadow ministers before Parliament resumes to maintain a clear frontbench presence.
Mr Paterson says Ms Ley continues to enjoy majority support despite ongoing speculation about internal divisions.
"Well, I can't predict what all of my colleagues may or may not do, but I can say that in my assessment, Susan continues to enjoy the support of the majority of the party room."
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The Prime Minister says a man accused of throwing an improvised explosive device into a large crowd of protesters should face 'the full force of the law'.
The 31-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been charged over the attack at Monday's Invasion Day rally in Perth.
Police on Tuesday revealed the device was designed to 'explode on impact', saying it was simply good luck it did not detonate.
The PM says the incident was 'shocking'.
The accused faced Perth Magistrates Court on Tuesday charged with an unlawful act or omission with intent to do harm, and with making or possessing explosives under suspicious circumstances.
He did not apply for bail and the matter was adjourned until February 17th.
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In the United States, Democratic US Representative Ilhan Omar says she is okay after a man charged at her and sprayed a foul-smelling liquid on her during a town hall event.
The incident took place in Minneapolis, where tensions over federal immigration enforcement have come to a head after agents fatally shot an intensive care nurse and a mother of three this month.
Senators condemned the attack, including Republican Eric Schmitt.
"I don't -- I think political violence or those sort of confrontations should be condemned across the board. I don't support any of that."
Police have arrested 55-year-old Anthony James Kazmierczak and charged him with third-degree assault.
The FBI is now leading the investigation into the incident.
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty says preliminary reports indicate the liquid was non-toxic.
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India's alcohol retailers and consumers have welcomed the India-European Union trade agreement.
The deal has resulted in sharp cost cuts on imported wines and spirits by lowering tariffs across several key sectors.
It aims to boost two-way commerce and reduce reliance on the United States amid growing global trade tensions.
Chief Executive of International Spirits and Wines Association India, Sanjit Kumar Padhi, says the deal benefits business and consumers.
"It's on a cornerstone of something very important. Globally, I think all alcohol companies are committed to responsible drinking, which means we actually encourage people to drink less, drink better. So, from an overall perspective this is something good and anytime any trade agreements are done, what it does is it improves a lot of interaction between two trading blocs, the EU and India."
The EU accord with India opens up the South Asian nation's vast and highly guarded market, with New Delhi lowering tariffs on alcoholic beverages like wines to 75 per cent immediately from the previous 150 per cent.
That will be lowered to gradually to 20 per cent.
The EU says its tariffs on spirits will be lowered to 40 per cent.
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To sport and in football,
Three Australians are in line to play for Arsenal when they take on Corinthians in the final of the inaugural FIFA Women's Champions Cup.
Matildas players Caitlin Foord, Steph Catley and Kyra Cooney-Cross were part of the Arsenal line-up that secured a 6-nil semi-final victory over the Moroccan side AS Far in London.
Stina Blackstenius opened the scoring in the eighth minute, and goals from Frida Maanum and Olivia Smith either side of a Mariona Caldentey penalty gave the Gunners a 4-nil lead by the break.
The Matildas three are on track to become the first Australians to be crowned football world champions.
