Australia news live: energy rebates will not be extended, Chalmers says; SA Liberals confirm new leader

Australia grapples with a series of significant challenges, from a tragic firefighter fatality amid widespread bushfires in NSW and Tasmania to escalating household debt. Credit card balances reached near a four-year high, prompting a federal inquiry into financial services, while government energy rebates are set to conclude. Political shifts include Barnaby Joyce joining One Nation and scrutiny over a minister's travel expenses. Concurrently, the nation reflects on the Cronulla riots' 20th anniversary, debates child online safety with a High Court challenge to a social media ban, and addresses systemic failures in child protection and public health.

Australia Confronts Escalating Challenges: From Bushfire Tragedies to Economic Pressures

Australia is navigating a complex landscape of environmental disasters, economic strains, and significant social and political shifts. The nation mourns a firefighter's death amidst an early and intense bushfire season, while households contend with rising credit card debt and the cessation of federal energy rebates. Concurrently, political movements, critical social policy debates, and legal challenges are shaping the national discourse.

Bushfire Crisis: A Nation Mourns and Mobilises

The severity of Australia's bushfire season has been starkly underscored by the tragic death of a 59-year-old National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) field officer. The veteran firefighter, who had served since 1996, suffered a suspected cardiac arrest after being struck by a falling tree while battling a blaze in Bulahdelah on the NSW mid-north coast. His colleagues performed CPR, but he could not be saved, a devastating reminder of the inherent dangers faced by emergency service personnel.

NSW Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib conveyed the profound sorrow felt across the state, stating, "It's just a reminder of the dangers that firefighters face. And these are people who put themselves in harm's way to protect community. And this particular person has made the ultimate sacrifice. It's a very, very sad day for all of us." Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Sussan Ley also extended their deepest condolences, acknowledging the immense bravery and sacrifice of those on the front lines.

Widespread Devastation and Ongoing Threats

The early onset of the bushfire season has seen hot, dry, and windy conditions fuel numerous blazes across the country. In NSW, 52 fires continue to burn, with nine still uncontained, requiring the deployment of over 500 firefighting personnel and 160 vehicles. The Bulahdelah fire, where the tragic death occurred, has grown to 3,500 hectares. On the Central Coast, the Koolewong blaze has destroyed at least 16 homes, with around 100 firefighters still working to contain it. Further north, a massive, uncontrolled fire in Milsons Gully spans approximately 11,000 hectares, posing a significant challenge to containment efforts.

Tasmania has also been severely impacted, with a bushfire near Dolphin Sands destroying 19 homes and damaging 33 others. Authorities are investigating a registered burn near the fire's origin, which was contained after overnight rain. Matthew Lowe, the Tasmania Fire Service deputy chief officer, highlighted the shared responsibility of fire prevention, encouraging community members to undertake proactive fuel reduction on their properties.

Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain urged Australians to update their emergency plans, emphasizing the critical need for preparation, communication with family, and having an evacuation kit ready. "This early bushfire onset has absolutely made clear that we need to have those things in place and ready to go," she warned, as high fire danger conditions are expected to persist.

Economic Headwinds: Debt, Rebates, and Inquiries

Australian households are facing mounting financial pressure, with new data revealing a significant surge in credit card debt. In October, Australians held nearly $18.3 billion in outstanding personal credit card debts, marking a near four-year high. This national total increased by almost $1 billion over the preceding 12 months, reaching its second-highest level since July 2021. While interest-accruing balances saw a slight dip from September's $18.4 billion, the overall trend remains concerning.

Canstar analysis indicated that total card spending for October reached $84.5 billion, an increase of over $500 million from September and $4.2 billion higher than October 2024. Despite a rise in debit card transactions, suggesting some consumers are opting for immediate payment, the persistence of high credit card debt is a red flag. Laine Gordon, a Canstar spokesperson, articulated the widespread concern: "It’s concerning to see credit card debt climbing back to levels we haven’t seen since July 2021 – a clear sign more households are leaning on plastic to get by."

Parliamentary Inquiry into Payment Systems

In response to these growing financial pressures, Labor MP Ed Husic will lead a new parliamentary inquiry into the practices of credit card companies and digital wallet providers. The House of Representatives economics committee will examine the fairness, competitiveness, and affordability of these products, offering consumers and small businesses a crucial platform to voice their concerns. The inquiry's scope extends to the evolving landscape of payment technology, including digital currencies and blockchain.

Husic underscored the inquiry's importance as Christmas spending ramps up, noting that Australians spent a record nearly $70 billion online last year, a 12% increase from the previous year. "The way credit card systems work, their costs and other impacts on everyday consumers really matters to Australians confronting cost of living challenges," Husic stated. He also highlighted the challenges faced by small businesses, who are "always looking for payment systems that can offer a better deal and make their lives easier." Submissions for the inquiry close on January 30, 2026, with a final report expected by April.

Federal Energy Rebates to Conclude

Further impacting household budgets, Treasurer Jim Chalmers announced that the federal government's energy bill rebates will not be extended beyond the current three rounds. Speaking ahead of the mid-year budget update, Chalmers indicated that "difficult decisions" and "savings" would be necessary. He clarified that while the rebates were an important part of the budget, they were "not a permanent feature." Instead, Chalmers suggested that changes to federal tax rates would offer a more sustainable and equitable system to permanently assist with the cost of living.

Political Landscape in Flux: Defections, Expenses, and Leadership

The Australian political scene is experiencing considerable turbulence. Former Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce has officially joined One Nation, a move confirmed by Pauline Hanson. Joyce will serve as One Nation's sole representative in the lower house and lead the party's New South Wales Senate ticket at the next federal election. Hanson welcomed his experience, particularly his focus on farmers and regional Australia, believing his addition strengthens One Nation's parliamentary position.

However, Joyce's defection has drawn sharp criticism from his former party. Nationals leader David Littleproud condemned the move, stating that Joyce had "chosen to turn his back on the Nationals and on his electorate" and that the decision was driven by Joyce's ambition to lead a party. Treasurer Jim Chalmers also weighed in, remarking that Joyce's departure underscored how "bad" the Coalition had become, being "so divided and so divisive and so bereft of any economic credibility that they’re losing members left, right and centre."

Scrutiny Over Ministerial Travel Expenses

Meanwhile, Minister for Communications and Sport Anika Wells is facing intense scrutiny over her family travel expenses, which totaled over $8,500 for trips to Melbourne during AFL Grand Final weekends in 2022, 2023, and 2024, where she received free suite tickets. Further revelations include claims for family travel to the Boxing Day cricket test, the Thredbo ski resort, the Melbourne Formula One Grand Prix, sporting events in France, and meetings coinciding with a friend's birthday in Adelaide. Additionally, nearly $100,000 was claimed for airfares for the minister and two staff to New York City.

While Minister Wells maintains that her use of family travel entitlements was within parliamentary rules, the Coalition opposition is demanding reforms to expense rules and an inquiry by the independent parliamentary expenses authority (IPEA). This situation reignites public debate about transparency and accountability in politicians' use of taxpayer-funded entitlements.

State Leadership Changes and Housing Debates

In South Australia, Ashton Hurn has been unanimously elected as the new leader of the Liberal party, replacing Vincent Tarzia. This marks the fourth Liberal leadership change nationally in a month, reflecting a broader period of introspection and realignment within the party ahead of state elections.

On the housing front, Shadow Housing Minister Andrew Bragg is urging the Liberal party to adopt a robust policy addressing housing affordability for younger generations. Bragg acknowledged that it is "not a good thing that first homes in this country are largely unaffordable," challenging the long-held view that rising house prices are universally positive. He advocated for radical measures, including "building like mad," upzoning, and promoting "gentle density" to increase supply and construction productivity. Bragg also suggested that migration policies should prioritize bringing in skilled tradies, noting a current shortage of 80,000, with only 4,000 receiving visas last year.

Social and Legal Frontiers: Protecting the Vulnerable and Upholding Rights

Several critical social and legal issues are at the forefront of national attention, from safeguarding children to defending civil liberties.

Missed Opportunities in Paedophile Case

A new report has revealed more than a dozen missed opportunities to detect the horrific offences of paedophile childcare manager Ashley Paul Griffith in Queensland. Griffith was convicted last year of 307 charges against 70 children over two decades in Brisbane and Italy, with further allegations in NSW. Queensland Premier David Crisafulli released the findings, announcing that the government would fast-track a reportable conduct scheme to prevent future systemic failures. Attorney General Deb Frecklington criticized the former Labor government for not introducing such a scheme earlier, highlighting that Griffith's offending was repeatedly reported to police but ultimately detected through videos he posted online anonymously.

Crackdown on Nazi Symbols

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has charged three individuals across the country for allegedly displaying or distributing prohibited Nazi symbols. This action follows the implementation of new laws banning such symbols. A 43-year-old UK citizen in Queensland was charged with three counts of public display of Nazi symbols and one count of using a carriage service to menace, harass, or cause offence, after allegedly posting on X (formerly Twitter). Separately, a 21-year-old Queensland man was charged with possessing violent extremist material, and a 25-year-old Sydney man received a court attendance notice for allegedly performing a Nazi salute at a public gathering. AFP Assistant Commissioner Stephen Nutt emphasized that these actions aim to "safeguard social cohesion" and ensure individuals are aware of criminal offences.

Challenges to Social Media Ban and Public Powers

The NSW government is preparing to defend its new social media ban for individuals under 16 against a High Court challenge. The ban, set to take effect this Wednesday, is being challenged by two teenagers supported by the "Digital Freedom Project," who argue it infringes on implied freedom of communication. NSW Premier Chris Minns, who has been a leading advocate for stronger online protections for children, stated that his government would join South Australia in intervening in the proceedings. Minns described social media as a "giant global unregulated experiment on children," asserting that the laws place responsibility on platforms to protect young people, with consequences for failure.

In Melbourne, two Victorians, Tarneen Onus Browne and Benny Zable, have filed a legal and constitutional challenge against a police decision to designate the CBD and its surrounds as a "designated area" for six months. This designation grants police extraordinary powers, including warrantless pat-down searches and the authority to order individuals to remove face coverings. The challenge, brought by the Human Rights Law Centre, argues that these powers are not "necessary" and breach the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities, infringing on rights to peaceful assembly, privacy, freedom of expression, and freedom from arbitrary arrest. Concerns have been raised particularly about the impact on events like the Invasion Day rally and the safety of vulnerable individuals who wear masks for various reasons.

Queensland Puberty Blockers Ban Faces Second Challenge

Queensland's LGBTI Legal Service has lodged a second legal challenge against the state's controversial ban on puberty blockers for "new patients." This follows an earlier successful challenge that saw the first ban overturned by the Supreme Court due to a lack of consultation, only for the government to institute a second ban hours later. The current case is on behalf of a young person who was denied public treatment after having started gender-affirming care privately. The challenge seeks an order that anyone who began gender-affirming care before October 28 (when the second ban was implemented) should not be considered a "new patient," highlighting the lack of consultation and clarity in the ministerial direction.

Health and Environmental Integrity: Vaccine Safety and Climate Education

Public health and environmental education are also under the microscope.

Hepatitis B Vaccination: Australian Experts Reaffirm Stance

Australian health experts have expressed significant concern following the US reversal of its longstanding recommendation for all medically stable newborns to receive their first dose of hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth. In Australia, routine childhood vaccination has led to a remarkable 60% reduction in hepatitis B rates among young people. Hepatitis Australia and the Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine are strongly urging Australians to continue routine hepatitis B vaccinations for newborns.

Lucy Clynes, CEO of Hepatitis Australia, unequivocally stated, "Australia’s hepatitis B vaccination program is safe, effective and has been proven to save lives. The birth dose remains an essential part of protecting babies from a virus that can quietly cause lifelong liver damage and even fatal liver cancer. Parents should know that there is no suggestion of any change to Australian recommendations." Professor Jane Davies, an infectious diseases expert, further emphasized the risk, noting that "without vaccination, babies who are exposed to the virus have around a 90% chance of developing chronic hepatitis B."

Queensland Museum Accused of Climate Misinformation

The Queensland Museum is facing accusations of misleading teachers and children about the root causes of the climate crisis through its "Future Makers" learning program, which has been sponsored by Shell's Queensland Gas Company since 2015. A review by climate advocacy group Comms Declare alleges that the program's educational materials on climate change largely ignore the fundamental role of burning fossil fuels, including gas.

Belinda Noble, founder of Comms Declare, sharply criticized the partnership, stating, "This is climate obstruction dressed up as education. We wouldn’t let big tobacco sponsor teaching materials – fossil fuel companies shouldn’t shape how kids learn about the climate." This controversy highlights the ethical dilemmas surrounding corporate sponsorship in educational institutions, particularly from industries with significant environmental impacts.

Business and Innovation: Supporting Australian Brands

In a move to bolster Australian manufacturing and global reach, the government's National Reconstruction Fund (NRF) has lent Arnott’s Group $45 million. This funding is intended to support the iconic Australian biscuit maker in taking its beloved Tim Tams worldwide and to refinance $1.75 billion in debt earmarked for future growth capital expenditure. Tim Tams are already gaining traction in major British supermarkets, with over 5 million packets sold since their April 2024 launch.

The NRF, which manages $15 billion in taxpayer money for investing in the country's manufacturing capability, previously lent $36 million to Patties Food Group, Australia's largest meat pie maker. While Arnott's has been an iconic Australian name since 1865 and employs 2,500 people across five facilities, the company has not been Australian-owned since 1997, having been acquired by American private equity giant KKR in 2019. This investment underscores the government's commitment to supporting Australian-based production and export, even for brands under foreign ownership.