Key events
Coalition ‘working methodically through’ emissions and energy policy, shadow environment minister says
The shadow environment minister, Angie Bell, has appeared on ABC Radio National this morning after new modelling commissioned by the Business Council of Australia found the Commonwealth would need up to $530bn worth of capital investment and a potential curbing of coal and gas exports to achieve a 2035 emissions target of 70% or more.
Asked why the Coalition was “dragging its feet” on their emissions and energy policy, Bell said they were “working methodically through” the process of reviewing it while continuing to “highlight the government’s failings”.
There’s lot of work in sitting weeks to look at all energy options but also the cost and I think it’s important to outline here that the Labor government are failing on all measures … We are back at the same [emissions] levels that we were at when we left government.
Asked if the Coalition would release a 2035 target, she said they would respond when Labor outlined theirs.
No modelling had been commissioned as part of the Coalition’s policy review, Bell said, but they were engaging with “various organisations when it comes to facts and figures”, particularly in the gas industry.
Queensland police seize 609 firearms in eight-month crackdown
In Queensland, police have seized 609 firearms in the state’s northern region during the first eight months of a targeted operation.
Operation Whiskey Firestorm was launched after 2024 statistics recorded more than 3,290 offences involving firearms across Queensland, including attempted murder, assault and unlawful entry.
The seizures included 108 illicit firearms and 112 firearms parts and accessories.
Townsville District detective inspector Jason Shepherd and Mount Isa District detective inspector Dave Barron said they were sending a “clear message” about the priorities when it came to firearm ownership – “safety first, secure always”.
Once a stolen firearm is in the community and in the hands of criminals, then there is real potential for it to be used to seriously harm someone or worse. Stolen firearms are often used in serious and organised crime and can cause significant harm to the community.
PM’s phone call with Trump builds on their ‘warm relationship’, minister for employment says
The minister for employment, Amanda Rishworth, says Anthony Albanese’s phone call with President Trump has built on what was already a “warm relationship” between the pair.
Appearing on Sunrise this morning, Rishworth was asked whether tariffs were discussed on the call.
She said she wasn’t on the line, but it was the fourth conversation the PM has had with Donald Trump.
I have no doubt there were a lot of important things discussed. Of course, we have the lowest trade tariffs of any country in the world when it comes to the US, but no doubt this builds on what is already a warm relationship between the two of them.
Obviously, as the prime minister’s indicated, they will meet when it’s convenient for both parties, but look, I think, clearly, there’s a connection there with four phone calls.
Coalition of the willing meeting a ‘positive sign’ for Ukraine, former ambassador says
The former Australian ambassador to Russia, Peter Tesch, has appeared on ABC News Breakfast after Anthony Albanese joined a virtual meeting with world leaders signed up to the coalition of the willing for Ukraine on Thursday night.
Around 26 of the 35 countries that are part of the coalition have formally pledged to be part of a reassurance force. But details on which nations signed up have not been revealed.
Tesch said the meeting was a “positive sign” and “further evolution of that very important demonstration of European and global solidarity with Ukraine”:”
The issue is that we are still no closer to a credible and durable peace settlement, because Moscow keeps walking both sides of the street, and that is provoking a degree of frustration. But in the absence of serious, additional pressure upon Moscow, it’s difficult to see a near-term solution here – notwithstanding Ukraine’s clear willingness to engage seriously in discussions.
And importantly, although the details are vague … President Trump at least remains engaged in that dialogue and that’s very important.
NSW nurses and midwives vote to accept 3% interim pay rise
In New South Wales, nurses and midwives have voted to accept the state government’s offer of a 3% interim pay rise and improved working conditions.
The wage increase will be paid retrospectively from 1 July 2025, plus 0.5% in superannuation and a 5% increase to the night shift penalty rate.
Alongside the pay bump, nurses and midwives will also be guaranteed two consecutive days off, no night shifts before annual leave unless requested and no changes on published roster without consultation.
The state treasurer, Daniel Mookhey, said the interim deal was an “important step towards the long-term repair of healthcare across NSW”.
The NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association general secretary, Shaye Candish, said there was a “long way to go before the pay dispute is settled”.
Our case for a 35% pay increase over three years will begin in the NSW Industrial Relations Commission later this month. As part of this case, which is one of the biggest industrial cases this state has seen, we will present evidence around the gendered undervaluation of nurses and midwives’ work and the work value changes our professions have seen over the past 16 years.
The case is set down for a six-week hearing from 30 September.
Good morning, Caitlin Cassidy here to take you through today’s news.
Let’s get going!
PM praises homeless healthcare organisation at fundraising launch
Anthony Albanese has paid tribute to Street Side Medics, an orgainisation helping homeless people access healthcare, as it launched its nationwide launch with a fundraising gala night in Sydney.
The prime minister said that while his government was ploughing ahead with its schemes to help the homeless and to build 55,000 social housing dwellings, he said Street Side medics “makes a world of difference in breaking down those barriers to a healthier life for those who are doing it tough”.
The organisation was “making sure the most vulnerable in our community don’t fall through the cracks and miss out on the healthcare they need and deserve”.
This is a tribute to the hard work of a dedicated organisation focused on lifting people up, and should be a source of immense pride.
The work you do together is one of the greatest example of the Australian tradition of giving back, and it is one that I am proud to support tonight – and into the future.
For another angle on the rallies, our editors have been discussing in today’s podcast how to cover stories about the far right without amplifying hate.
Indian diaspora bewildered by animosity
In a week with so much discussion about the anti-immigration rallies, our reporters have been out talking to members of the Australian Indian community who are bewildered by the hostility towards them.
As one puts it:
What do we have to do to be Australian? We celebrate Australia Day, we give back, we volunteer … it’s a whole process to come into Australia, it’s not just like you get a ticket one day and come in.
Read the full article here:
PM joins Ukraine allies in virtual call
Anthony Albanese also joined a virtual meeting with world leaders signed up to the coalition of the willing for Ukraine last night.
Australia stands with Ukraine in its fight against Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion.
Today I took part in another Coalition of the Willing virtual meeting, hosted by President @EmmanuelMacron and Prime Minister @Keir_Starmer alongside President @ZelenskyyUa and other…
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) September 4, 2025
The meeting was convened by French president, Emmanuel Macron, and UK prime minister, Keir Starmer, alongside the Ukrainian president, Volodymr Zelenskyy.
Other leaders from Europe, New Zealand and Canada also joined the call.
The group discussed continued support for Ukraine in its fight against Russia’s aggression, and the coalition of the willing’s commitment to stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.
A government readout from the meeting said: “Australia stands with Ukraine in its fight against Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion. With our partners we will keep working towards just and lasting peace for Ukraine on its own terms.”
Two dead after being hit by car while trying to rescue injured animal
Two women have died after being hit by a car while trying to help an injured animal on the Hume Freeway in Melbourne’s north.
Victorian police said emergency services were called to reports two females had been struck by a car just after 7.30pm.
It is believed the pair had stopped to assist an injured kangaroo before they were struck, police said.
A 30-year-old woman died at the scene and another 30-year-old woman was airlifted to hospital but died shortly afterwards.
The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene and assisted police. The exact circumstances of the collision are being investigated, police said.
Albanese discusses trade and security with Trump
The prime minister was on the phone to Donald Trump last night in what Albanese called “another warm and constructive conversation”.
Tonight I had another warm and constructive conversation with President @realDonaldTrump.
We discussed our trade and economic relationship as well as areas for growth including critical minerals.
We also discussed shared US-Australia security interests.
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) September 4, 2025
In their fourth call since the president was re-elected, the pair discussed economic cooperation between Australia and the United States, according to Albanese’s office.
They also spoke about opportunities to work together on trade and critical minerals in the interests of both nations.
The leaders also discussed “the strength of our relationship and the importance of our shared security interests”.
It comes ahead of what the Australian government hopes will be a face-to-face meeting between the two leaders when Albanese travels to New York later this month for the UN general assembly. The two were expected to see each other in June on the sidelines of a G7 summit in Canada, but the meeting was cancelled as Trump returned to the US early.
The deputy prime minister, Richard Marles, met the US vice president, JD Vance, in Washington DC last week, as well as the defence secretary, Pete Hegseth – though the White House initially said there was no meeting with Hegseth.
Welcome
Good morning and welcome to our live news blog. I’m Martin Farrer with the top overnight stories before your morning blogger gets into the chair.
Anthony Albanese said he had a “warm and constructive conversation” with Donald Trump last night in which they discussed trade and shared security interests. The prime minister is hoping to have an in-person meeting with Trump when he travels to New York later this month for the UN general assembly.
In a busy evening for Albanese, he also joined a virtual meeting with world leaders signed up to a new coalition of the willing for Ukraine.
Plus: a tragic story from Melbourne, where two women have died after being hit by a car while trying to help an injured animal. More on that soon.
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