Roy Morgan pops up again with one of its federal polls accumulating nearly a month’s worth of its regular weekly polling, in this case encompassing a sample of 5001 surveyed from July 28 to August 24. It finds both major parties down on the primary vote from a month ago, Labor by two-and-a-half points to 34%, the Coalition by one to 30%. The Greens are steady on 12% and One Nation is up two to 9%. Labor’s lead on the two-party preferred measure based on 2025 election preference flows duly narrows from 57-43 to 55.5-44.5, though the change on respondent-allocated preferences is more modest, from 57-43 to 56.5-43.5. The accompanying report features breakdowns by state and gender.
DemosAU has a further result from a poll that last week that produced a finding on Palestinian statehood, this one finding 56% support for “the federal government’s proposal to ban access to YouTube for children under 16 as part of a broader social media restriction”, with 29% opposed. The poll was conducted July 31 from a sample of 1079.
Nine Newspapers had follow-up questions from the Resolve Strategic federal poll on Tuesday involving matters related to the economic roundtable, which 49% knew about and 51% didn’t. Pluralities favoured a business cashflow tax (40% for, 15% against) and reducing or abolishing negative gearing (37% and 19% against) and capital gains tax concessions (41% and 21%), but predictably opposed increasing the GST rate (20% for, 51% against) and broadening its base (26% and 44%). It also found 64% support for work-at-home guarantees along the lines being pursued by the Victorian government, with only 17% opposed.
In other news, the first vacancy of the new parliament has emerged with recently elected New South Wales One Nation Senator Warwick Stacey calling it a day less than two months after being sworn in, citing “personal health issues”. The only reporting I’ve seen on who might replace him, which will be a matter for the party’s state branch, is The Australian’s observation of “speculation Senator Hanson could replace Senator Stacey with her daughter Lee Hanson or long-term One Nation staffer James Ashby”. However, “a One Nation source rejected this, saying the replacement should rightfully be a NSW resident”.
Let me guess, Hanson’s demon spawn is gonna get a job now after failing to get one at the election.
https://www.themandarin.com.au/298375-a-new-paradigm-for-government-grant-making/, measure what matters/ quadruple score card/ living standards > focused governance (fICAC/ FoI …)/ power$hift (trade, diplomacy/ AUKU$)/ climate (where’s green hydrogen at, SMR, …)/ inequality (JobSeeker, housing, childcare), health (Mixed billing/ bulk billing, Medicare Dental, fully funded MRIs …) > input/ process/ output > outcomes, duh?
It is the narrowing…..
#weatheronPB
Birds hurry to work,
under a bruised, dim, grey sky.
Their work must be done.
B. S. Fairman says:
Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at 5:49 am
It is the narrowing…..
Via One Notion preferences…
However, “a One Nation source rejected this, saying the replacement should rightfully be a NSW resident”.
Pat Farmer would have been an ideal fit for the job. Former Liberal MP who stood for One Nation. Smart.
Pity he endorsed Labor at the May election…
Not to worry, I’m sure Pauline has a long roster of Ex-Military she can call on now.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/08/25/esptein-estate-subpoena-comer-client-list/
I believe Hanson Jr. has already turned it down.
What is happening to the White House? It’s like Liberace threw up all over the oval office.
Legal luminaries flock to hear serial sexual harasser Heydon dispense his wisdom:
[‘Heydon’s heroes
Disgraced former High Court judge Dyson Heydon’s re-embrace by the higher echelons of the legal fraternity continued with an address at the Samuel Griffith Society’s annual conference in Perth on the weekend.
Heydon, found by an independent High Court-commissioned investigation to have sexually harassed six female associates, has been feted by top judges since the release of a self-published book on contract law this year.
His controversial appearance at the Perth conference, hosted by a prominent conservative legal pressure group and among his first public forays since a dramatic fall from grace in 2020, involved a speech titled A Homage to Justice [Ian] Callinan, one of many tributes to Heydon’s fellow John Howard-appointed High Court colleague delivered at the conference.
Heydon’s attendance was slammed in an opinion article in The West Australian by Women Lawyers Association of Western Australia president Catriona Macleod, who called the whole thing “laughably out of sync with the legal profession I know”.
Except the conference drew quite a well-connected crowd, including two sitting High Court judges (Simon Steward and James Edelman), former Commonwealth attorney-general Christian Porter, ex-Coalition frontbencher turned Queensland MP Amanda Stoker and NSW Liberal leadership aspirant and arch-NIMBY Alister Henskens.’] – SMH
Confessions
Nice one!
”What is happening to the White House? It’s like Liberace threw up all over the oval office.”
Donald Trump surely knows that all this frippery won’t outlast him. Even President Vance would restore things to something more serious and “presidential”.
Australia Post has taken the extraordinary step of immediately suspending many forms of postage to the United States, as a Trump administration tariff on low-value parcels is due to come into effect within days: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-26/australia-post-commercial-shipping-suspension-us-tariffs/105696336
Good Morning. Here’s Your Daily News and Views Roundup.
As Sussan Ley tried to tear strips off Chalmers, more than half her MPs weren’t even listening to her.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/as-ley-tried-to-tear-strips-off-chalmers-more-than-half-her-mps-weren-t-even-listening-20250825-p5mpoh.html
As Coalition battles, government says it’s on track for climate cuts.
https://www.smh.com.au/environment/climate-change/as-coalition-battles-government-is-on-track-for-climate-cuts-20250825-p5mpi9.html
No room for the timid: setting Australia’s 2035 emissions target is a daring tightrope act
https://theconversation.com/no-room-for-the-timid-setting-australias-2035-emissions-target-is-a-daring-tightrope-act-263802
SMH Editorial Coalition out of step on net zero emissions
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/coalition-out-of-step-on-net-zero-emissions-20250825-p5mpkf.html
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wants new Environment Minister Murray Watt to deliver a revamped version of the controversy-plagued Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act before December – six months earlier than originally planned.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/albanese-charges-mr-fix-it-with-racing-through-green-law-overhaul-20250825-p5mpon.html
Murray Watt advised by own department to declare protection order over ‘significant Aboriginal area’, Burrup Peninsula, in WA
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/aug/25/murray-watt-advised-by-own-department-to-declare-protection-order-over-part-of-burrup-peninsula
Only quickest first home buyers to benefit from expanded 5 per cent deposit scheme.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/only-quickest-first-homebuyers-to-benefit-from-expanded-5-per-cent-deposit-scheme-20250825-p5mpi8.html
Housing is a human right, not a business activity. It’s time for Australia’s laws to reflect that.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/aug/25/housing-human-right-laws-homes-property
The Albanese government must make additional changes to the NDIS if it wants to limit the scheme’s growth from its current 10.8 per cent rate to 8 per cent by July 2026, and 5 or 6 per cent by the end of the four-year forward estimates. The government has argued that the growing cost risks costing the scheme public support.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/after-autism-changes-labor-will-still-need-to-find-billions-more-in-ndis-savings-20250825-p5mpik.html
States threatened to get on board with NDIS changes or risk hospital funding deal
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-24/state-threat-ndis-thriving-kids-funding-hospital-deal/105690568
ABC defence correspondent Andrew Greene quits after failure to disclose junket
Resignation comes after Media Watch revealed a German defence company bidding for an Australian contract paid for him to visit its shipyards
https://www.theguardian.com/media/2025/aug/25/abc-defence-correspondent-andrew-greene-quits-after-failure-to-disclose-junket
A former top Pentagon official has urged Australia to give the United States more “concrete” commitments on how it would deploy Virginia-class nuclear powered submarines in the event of war, as the Defence Minister Richard Marles arrives in Washington DC for high level meetings with the Trump administration.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-26/australia-urged-to-give-us-commitments-for-aukus/105696670
Trump hints he will change Pentagon’s name to Department of War
“I don’t want to be defense only,” the president said. “We want offense too.”
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/08/25/trump-pentagon-name-change-00523335
CCTV trial for hundreds of childcare centres to be rolled out later this year
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-22/cctv-trial-childcare-centres-rolled-out-october-or-november/105686460
Dinner or a shower? Elderly people fear tough choices when Australia’s new aged care changes are rolled out
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/aug/26/dinner-or-a-shower-elderly-people-fear-tough-choices-when-australias-new-aged-care-changes-are-rolled-out
In his first address to the LNP state convention as Queensland Premier on Sunday, David Crisafulli said vocal sections of the party must drop their campaigns on culture wars, environment and immigration and instead focus on issues discussed at kitchen tables.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/queensland/crisafulli-s-direct-threat-to-lnp-party-faithful-20250825-p5mpkj.html
Queensland’s peak social service body will meet with Youth Justice department officials next week seeking changes to new contract terms it says will result in the “gagging” of frontline groups from speaking with media.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/queensland/peak-body-to-push-back-on-state-s-gagging-of-youth-justice-groups-20250822-p5mp5o.html
Housing targets falling short in nearly all Victorian council areas.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/victoria/housing-targets-falling-short-in-nearly-all-victorian-council-areas-20250808-p5mlek.html
How jailed rapist Gareth Ward is making thousands from his cell
https://www.smh.com.au/cbd/how-jailed-rapist-ward-is-making-thousands-from-his-cell-20250825-p5mpmq.html
Tough-on-crime reforms dominate CLP government’s first year in the NT
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-26/nt-clp-government-one-year-on-from-being-elected-crime-reform/105693154
Benjamin Netanyahu says Israeli strike on Nasser Hospital a ‘tragic mishap’ as condemnation grows
(I call bs on that)
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-26/global-condemnation-of-israeli-strike-on-nasser-hospital/105696968
Israel’s attack on hospital in Gaza may constitute a war crime on many fronts. (Hence the fauxpology)
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/25/israel-attack-gaza-hospital-may-constitute-war-on-many-fronts
Putin’s dislike of Zelensky is holding up meeting, Trump says. Hard cheese, Vlad!
https://www.smh.com.au/world/europe/putin-doesn-t-like-zelensky-and-it-s-holding-up-their-meeting-trump-says-20250826-p5mprm.html
Why Trump built a staff of incompetent sycophants. Leaders who value loyalty above all else have a symbiotic relationship with those unable to succeed on their own merits. By Robert Reich
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/aug/25/trump-staff-incompetent-sycophants
5 Wars That Experts Fear Could Start in the Next 5 Years
https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2025/08/25/next-five-wars-conflicts-00511704
Forget the deteriorating US economy, rates are going to be cut. By Ian Verrender
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-26/forget-the-deteriorating-us-economy-rates-are-going-to-be-cut/105695076
They toppled a dictator, now Bangladesh’s young protesters are vying for power
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-26/bangladesh-student-protesters-seeking-power-in-election/105686430
Lithuania gets new ruling coalition
The government reshuffle was triggered by the resignation of Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas.
https://www.politico.eu/article/lithuania-ruling-coalition-social-democrats-dawn-of-nemunas-lithuanian-farmers-and-greens-union/
French government risks collapse after Bayrou calls high-stakes confidence vote
The prime minister is trying to get lawmakers to agree to a painful budget squeeze to help balance France’s books.
https://www.politico.eu/article/fance-pm-francois-bayrou-hold-high-stakes-confidence-vote-budget-debate/
Elon Musk sues Apple and ChatGPT maker for ‘conspiring’ against him. Lawfare for the rich.
https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/elon-musk-sues-apple-chatgpt-maker-for-conspiring-against-him-20250826-p5mprn.html
Dems brace for battle over 2028 primary calendar to ‘explode’
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/08/25/dnc-2028-primary-states-iowa-new-hampshire-00521488
Streamer Kick’s failure on guidelines riles Australian web watchdog.
https://www.smh.com.au/technology/streamer-kick-s-failure-on-guidelines-riles-australian-web-watchdog-20250825-p5mpnx.html
Australians worn down by poor service, bill shock and data breaches from their phone and internet providers could soon see greater protections as the Albanese government moves to dramatically strengthen penalties against misbehaving telcos.
https://www.smh.com.au/technology/scams-outages-rip-offs-clampdown-on-misbehaving-telcos-20250825-p5mpn8.html
The fossil of a 7.1-metre marine reptile found in western Queensland has been donated to the Australian Age of Dinosaurs museum at Winton. It is believed to be one of the most complete ichthyosaur fossils uncovered in Australia.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-26/near-complete-ichthyosaur-fossil-found-in-western-queensland/105693176
Universities have lost their way, but cost-cutting and consultants are not the answer.
https://theconversation.com/universities-have-lost-their-way-but-cost-cutting-and-consultants-are-not-the-answer-263728
Buckling rails and lines underwater: how Australia’s ageing train networks are crumbling as the climate changes
https://theconversation.com/buckling-rails-and-lines-underwater-how-australias-ageing-train-networks-are-crumbling-as-the-climate-changes-263796
From that WH picture it looks like Trump has decided to ditch the makeup over the bruising on his right hand.
‘GFY2 says:
Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at 6:34 am
And here’s one for BW, https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44439974-how-the-old-world-ended, then … dynamism
#BoyzFromRome #Protestants #Confusianism’
=================
Thanks. For someone who grew up with an appreciation of both english AND dutch history and whose life experience was deeply formed by the tail end of the english and dutch empires as well as the rise of the American century, the headline para is really nothing much new.
Thanks, c@t
‘Buckling rails and lines underwater: how Australia’s ageing train networks are crumbling as the climate changes
https://theconversation.com/buckling-rails-and-lines-underwater-how-australias-ageing-train-networks-are-crumbling-as-the-climate-changes-263796‘
===================
We need to develop and implement a national climate change adaptation policy to add to our national decarbonization policy.
This is both urgent and important.
‘5 Wars That Experts Fear Could Start in the Next 5 Years
https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2025/08/25/next-five-wars-conflicts-00511704‘
==========================
I would have thought that some non state actors starting wars might have got a guernsey.
Thanks, C@t.
The main domestic story for the day seems to be the fast tracking of the EPBC reforms:
“A major overhaul of the federal environmental protection regime will be put to parliament this year, the minister, Murray Watt, has promised, as he warns further delays risk causing more “environmental destruction” and stalled investment.
After last week’s economic reform roundtable agreed to fast-track the original 18-month timeframe, Watt will on Tuesday confirm that legislation to re-write the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC) will be introduced before parliament rises for the year in late November.”
The major sticking point will probably be:
“Major mining and business groups have previously argued the EPA’s powers should be limited to compliance and enforcement of nature laws, with no role in approving projects.
In contrast, green groups such as the Australian Conservation Foundation insist the independent watchdog must have decision-making powers.”
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/aug/26/environment-law-overhaul-to-be-put-to-australian-parliament-in-2025-minister-says
If the minister is removed from the approval process, the potential for perceived and actual corruption will be as well.
“We need to develop and implement a national climate change adaptation policy to add to our national decarbonization policy.
This is both urgent and important.”
_______________________________
The National Adaptation Plan will be released within weeks.
https://minister.dcceew.gov.au/bowen/transcripts/interview-patricia-karvelas-abc-afternoon-briefing
https://www.pollbludger.net/2025/08/26/morgan-56-5-43-5-to-labor-open-thread/#comment-4589566, and looking at what worked for the ‘Anglo – Dutch – American Archipelago’ then, others since (or not, Middle Kingdom, Napoleon France, USSR, One Thousand Year Reich et al, Boer to Brexit come to mind), it seems even more obvious TDJT 2.0 is opening up opportunities for BRICS/ non-aligned/ former allies and partners and ‘interests’
World News & Politics:
Parts of Russia face gasoline shortages after Ukraine struck refineries: https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/parts-russia-face-gasoline-shortages-after-ukraine-struck-refineries-2025-08-21/
Norway to allocate about US$8.5 billion to support Ukraine in 2026: https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2025/08/25/7527721/
Russia’s Foreign Minister Struggles to Defend Civilian Deaths in Ukraine: https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/russias-foreign-minister-civilian-deaths-ukraine-1235414554/
News agencies ‘devastated’ by deaths of journalists in Gaza: https://www.rte.ie/news/middle-east/2025/0825/1530016-gaza-israel/
Netanyahu says Israel regrets ‘mishap’ at Gaza hospital: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/netanyahu-says-israel-regrets-mishap-gaza-hospital-2025-08-25/
Reform UK’s attack on renewables could wipe £92bn off economy: https://neweconomics.org/2025/05/reform-uks-attack-on-renewables-could-wipe-92bn-off-economy
Donald Trump Issues Order Defying Supreme Court Precedent: https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-issues-order-defying-supreme-court-precedent-2118806
Supreme Court to Decide If ICE Can Arrest Based on ‘Apparent Ethnicity’: https://www.newsweek.com/supreme-court-ice-arrest-based-apparent-ethnicity-2118753
Donald Trump, Pete Hegseth Ready to Change Defense Department’s Name: https://www.newsweek.com/trump-hegseth-department-defense-name-change-war-2118837
President Donald Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. are allegedly planning to ban the COVID vaccine “within months”: https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-rfk-covid-vaccine-hhs-2118816
DNC chair: Democrats can’t be ‘the only party that plays by the rules anymore’: https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/5468951-dnc-chair-texas-redistricting/
Trump Calls For ‘Fake News’ Networks To Have Licenses Revoked by FCC: https://www.newsweek.com/trump-media-nbc-abc-fcc-license-revoked-fees-2118632
Trump, 79, Invents Fake Governor in Embarrassing Senior Moment: https://www.thedailybeast.com/trump-79-invents-fake-governor-in-embarrassing-senior-moment/
Federal judge rules Alabama Senate district violates Voting Rights Act, orders new map: https://apnews.com/article/redistrict-alabama-elections-redistricting-legislature-e4c083a9bbf59dc32294b892065ab41d
Judge strikes down Minnesota law banning religious tests for college credit program: https://apnews.com/article/religious-freedom-schools-lgbtq-discrimination-minnesota-b185fbfdadd16c14d32979703d90d218
Caribbean Island 7 Miles from Venezuela Endorses U.S. Navy Deployment if Maduro Attacks Neighboring Country: https://www.latintimes.com/caribbean-island-7-miles-venezuela-endorses-us-navy-deployment-if-maduro-attacks-neighboring-588756
Cartoon Time!
Alan Moir
First Dog On the Moon
Net zero! It’s not even a real thing so why does everyone hate it?
Ben Jennings on the journalists killed in Gaza
Cathy Wilcox
Matt Golding
https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_0.31711409395973156%2C$multiply_1.9259%2C$ratio_1%2C$width_378%2C$x_209%2C$y_0/t_crop_custom/q_86%2Cf_auto/b61e6e551f6a732c7b39f7718a5ba945d6898370
Wrt Captain Cook’s Cottage
Marija Ercegovac
From the Internet
Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett
@crockett.house.gov
Let’s be clear: deporting Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Uganda makes no sense—it’s not his home country. Nothing about this process has been fair. ICE is targeting him with cruelty. This is the weaponization of government, not justice.
Enjoy!
BREAKING: Trump administration is signalling in draft notice that a 50% tariff will be imposed on Indian products on the 27th of August, according to Bloomberg report.
For Griff and rhwombat,
A cardiac specialist believes that the bruising on Trump’s hands (it’s started on the left hand as well now), is due to his need for Spironolactone or Frusemide infusions to counter what he believes is Trump’s Congestive Heart Failure:
https://youtu.be/arII_KYvxHU?si=_M2SjEolTJc26Dxo
Morning all. Thanks for the roundups Cat and HH. The Israeli “double tap” strike in Gaza is pretty egregious. Russia has used exactly this tactic as a terror method in Ukraine. Its a war crime no matter who does it.
Either Netanyahu has lost control of hardline elements of the IDF or he has ordered the use of terror tactics, on top of the very deliberate use of starvation.
AI LIve
“In just the third sitting week of the Albanese Government’s second term, the Parliament is spending a fair chunk of time debating climate change.
Not a bold new plan from the government. Not ambitious new targets.
But rather, a private member’s bill from a backbencher from the Opposition’s junior party, the Nationals, that would abandon Australia’s already inadequate climate target.
So why is the Parliament spending precious time debating the bill? Because the Labor Government sees political advantage in doing so – to further divide the Liberal–National Coalition and accelerate its slide into irrelevancy.
Should the Parliament spend its time debating private members’ bills?
Yes. Private members’ bills often include good ideas that have been neglected by the government.
And while it’s rare that the specific bill becomes law, it can spur change. For example, after independent MPs Cathy McGowan and Helen Haines and the Greens put forward private members’ bills for an anti-corruption commission, Labor committed to a similar model.
The issue with the anti-net zero bill is that it’s been chosen for debate by the Government for party-political reasons, not because of the quality of ideas it contains. The Australia Institute’s Democracy Agenda for the 48th Parliament instead recommends a regular slot for private members’ bills to be debated and voted on.
If that were implemented, then the anti-net zero bill could get in line behind bills that would achieve truth in political advertising, “no jobs for mates”, stopping political spam and lower university fees, some of which have been waiting years to be debated. “
More NEM records.
Highest ever battery discharge in QLD:
https://openelectricity.org.au/records/au.nem.qld1.battery_discharging.power.interval.high?datetime=2025-08-25T18_15_00&offset=10_00&focus=1756109700000
Highest ever battery discharge over a day in NSW:
https://openelectricity.org.au/records/au.nem.nsw1.battery_discharging.energy.day.high?datetime=2025-08-25T00_00_00&offset=10_00&focus=1756044000000
Highest ever battery charge over a day in NSW:
https://openelectricity.org.au/records/au.nem.nsw1.battery_charging.energy.day.high?datetime=2025-08-25T00_00_00&offset=10_00&focus=1756044000000
Peg’s nasty slagathon.
Stoogey Lurker’s facts.
Which to choose?
TAI would have more credibility if it could get basic details right. For example:
“Australia’s continued reliance on 240v electricity”
https://theconversation.com/friday-essay-the-dangers-of-centrism-in-a-time-of-crisis-262961
1. There is no such thing as 240v electricity.
2. Since 2000, Australia has had 230V electricity.
David Lindenmayer
Cutting through the spin – Ten logging ‘myths’ in the new ABARES report
https://johnmenadue.com/post/2025/08/cutting-through-the-spin-ten-logging-myths-in-the-new-abares-report/
“Australia’s native‑forest debate has long been characterised by falsehoods generated by industry and arms of industry such as parts of government.
The Australian Government’s latest Insights report repeats many of them. Below I set out each claim in the latest report as a myth and summarise the peer‑reviewed science and economics that shows why it doesn’t stack up.
:::
The weight of modern science tells a consistent story: ending industrial native‑forest logging is a triple dividend – for biodiversity, the climate and regional economies that can pivot to plantation timber, carbon stewardship and tourism. Clinging to myths to support ongoing native forest logging only delays that transition and deepens the ecological and economic debt we leave future Australians.”
I was wondering what was happening with the Bradfield case in the court of disputed returns.
Nothing on the ABC but this update from the Guardian reports a Judge has determined a schedule for each side to examine the 792 disputed ballots and to identify which ballots they are disputing and the reasons for that as per this order
https://www.comcourts.gov.au/file/Federal/P/NSD1383/2025/4026437/event/32443967/document/2574045
A hearing will be held on 2nd October.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/aug/22/bradfield-election-vote-count-nicolette-boele-gisele-kapterian
Israel’s call-up of 130,000 reservists raises legal risks for dual citizens and their home countries
https://theconversation.com/israels-call-up-of-130-000-reservists-raises-legal-risks-for-dual-citizens-and-their-home-countries-263783
“Senior Israeli Defence Force (IDF) officials have announced that around 130,000 reservists will take part in Israel’s planned military operation to take over Gaza City. Fighting is expected to continue well into 2026.
The first set of 40,000–50,000 reservists are due to show up for duty on September 2.
Our research, to be published in a forthcoming book, shows the call-up plans raise significant legal issues for countries that permit their dual-Israeli nationals to serve in the IDF — whether through voluntary enlistment programs such as Mahal and Garin Tzabar, or compulsory reserve duty.”
Stoogey Lurkersays:
Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at 7:58 am
Thanks, C@t.
The main domestic story for the day seems to be the fast tracking of the EPBC reforms.
_____________________
The main domestic story is the NDIS.
It’s a mess. My sister works in the industry, says the fraud and mismanagement is as bad as its ever been.
I wonder how the six associates whom Heydon sexually harassed are feeling after seeing that two sitting HC judges – Steward and Edelman – attended a lecture in Perth given by Heydon? They were young women who were taken advantage of by a man who enjoyed a huge power imbalance. It was, of course, unsurprising that Porter attended.
Steward & Edelman erred & should accordingly apologise to Heydon’s associates.
On this story, regardless of whether you are for or against AUKUS, I can’t agree with Australia giving commitments to future conflicts. Sovereignty over.
“A former top Pentagon official has urged Australia to give the United States more “concrete” commitments on how it would deploy Virginia-class nuclear powered submarines in the event of war, as the Defence Minister Richard Marles arrives in Washington DC for high level meetings with the Trump administration.”
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-26/australia-urged-to-give-us-commitments-for-aukus/105696670
Southwest Airlines is set to introduce a new policy requiring passengers unable to fit between their seat’s armrests to purchase an additional seat in advance, marking a significant shift for the budget carrier.
This change, effective from 27 January, coincides with the airline’s move to assigned seating, a departure from its long-standing open-seating model. Under the current system, plus-size travellers have the option to pay for an extra seat upfront and apply for a refund at a later date, or request a complimentary additional seat at the airport. However, the updated policy will make refunds possible but no longer assured.
In a statement released on Monday, Southwest confirmed it is updating its policies in preparation for the introduction of assigned seating next year. The airline stated: “To ensure space, we are communicating to Customers who have previously used the extra seat policy that they should purchase it at booking.”
https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/southwest-airlines-new-policy-changes-b2813830.html
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-26/australia-urged-to-give-us-commitments-for-aukus/105696670
It’s terrifying to think what Marles is going to sign us up to.
Socrates says:
Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at 8:54 am
On this story, regardless of whether you are for or against AUKUS, I can’t agree with Australia giving commitments to future conflicts. Sovereignty over.
_____________________________________________
I have to agree with this.
Stoogey Lurker @ #30 Tuesday, August 26th, 2025 – 8:29 am
Not quite sure what you are saying there with regards 240v.
Whilst I predominantly use off grid power, I still have the grid connected for backup.
I have data logs going back 5 years of the grid providing 240v. My inverters however spit out 230v.
I love your posts – they are full of facts presented in an easy to absorb manner. I could do with a little clarification on this one, however.
There are some very interesting names mentioned in this article about the DNC Primaries for the 2028 POTUS election. Some of whom I didn’t expect to see:
South Carolina’s many summer visits included multiday swings from California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and Khanna. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore has keynoted speeches in Michigan and South Carolina. Pritzker, Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Gallego dropped into New Hampshire — with Khanna and Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkin set to follow. Nevada hosted Pritzker and Khanna this month. Even Iowa saw some action, drawing town halls from Gallego and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/08/25/dnc-2028-primary-states-iowa-new-hampshire-00521488
I’d say that some of the younger names are angling to ultimately be the VPOTUS candidate.
CHICAGO — Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker pushed back Monday on a threat by President Donald Trump to deploy federal troops in Chicago to fight crime, calling it “unconstitutional and unamerican,” and designed more for theater than public safety.
Pritzker, speaking at a news conference along with top Democratic officials from across the state and with the iconic Chicago skyline in the background, said there is no justification for Trump to use soldiers to patrol the city.
“We have crime like other cities do, but let’s be clear, we are actually in better shape than the 30 biggest cities across the United States,” the governor said. “It’s important to understand that the president of the United States is doing this for theatrics.”
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/08/25/chicago-federal-troops-pritzker-00523796
Labor shines light on National Party climate denial insanity through a parliamentary debate.
Peg, Labor hates doing anything about climate change…
People talk about Trump or Greens Derangement Syndrome, but really go find a mirror.
timbo @ 9:24
The Australian Standard for electricity supplied to the home changed in the year 2000 from 240V to 230V*. However, most distribution networks supply electricity above 230V. Perhaps, because they make more money that way.
* Technically, (iirc) anywhere between 216-253V is permitted.
Edit: Tbh, I was probably a bit too pedantic in that post.
Unadulterated gobbledegook from Bowen …
https://minister.dcceew.gov.au/bowen/transcripts/interview-patricia-karvelas-abc-afternoon-briefing
… and …
… and …
September certainly will be an interesting month for those concerned about the accelerating climate crisis.
What was that Chinese curse? … oh, yes … “May you live in interesting times” 🙁
C@tmomma @ #25 Tuesday, August 26th, 2025 – 8:17 am
Possibly – though it would be IV FUROSEMIDE infusions, not SPIRONOLACTONE which is usually (and is more effective for CCF) given orally. He’s probably on both, but the focus on his swollen ankles (and the unmasking of the “lifts” in all of his shoes) is kryptonite for Il Douche because it proves that he is a sick old man who won’t last any distance. What would be interesting would be to find out why he has chronic cardiac failure. Either they have managed to keep evidence of coronary artery disease very quiet or it’s amphetamine-associated CCF.
Socrates @ #36 Tuesday, August 26th, 2025 – 8:54 am
I agree with your sentiments, but I am not too worried about it. We will never see any nuclear submarines under Australian command, so the issue will never arise.
Stoogey Lurkersays:
Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at 9:47 am
timbo @ 9:24
The Australian Standard for electricity supplied to the home changed in the year 2000 from 240V to 230V*. However, most distribution networks supply electricity above 230V. Perhaps, because they make more money that way.
* Technically, (iirc) anywhere between 216-253V is permitted.
Edit: Tbh, I was probably a bit too pedantic in that post.
中华人民共和国
AHHH. You’ve solved something for me. Then it’s the same in Thailand. Most appliances sold here are rated at 230v and the house my mate built I saw that his new Electric Meter said 230v.
I always thought Oz was 240v and was surprised at the difference. Thank Lord Lurker. I understand.
JD Vance’s claim that all major conflicts since World War 2 ended in negotiation doesn’t hold water. Plenty of conflicts ended when one side over ran the other. For example, Vietnam ended with the North over running the south. Likewise, the Ethiopian civil war ended that way.
I thought PP would be along by now to tell about the rising share prices in Chumpistan. Of course the reason is a “possible” future interest rate reduction being announced and that old Chumpy has poured $billions of taxpayers money into some tech companies.
Meanwhile here where we have the steady hand of a Labor Government, The Australian share market has made history, surpassing 9,000 index points for no other reason that investors have confidence in the way the country is managed.