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This week, the Nationals’ decision to abandon their 2050 net zero emissions commitment sent shockwaves through the Coalition and reignited one of the most divisive policy battles in conservative politics. David Littleproud framed the move as a “pragmatic” reset – favouring “aspirational” targets aligned with OECD averages rather than binding long-term goals. The decision has thrown the Coalition’s climate position into further chaos and put Sussan Ley’s leadership on the line.
Sussan Ley is under growing pressure to hold together a party room now deeply split along ideological and electoral lines. Moderates warn that walking away from net zero will alienate city voters and imperil seats in Sydney and Melbourne, while conservatives insist the policy has become politically toxic and economically unrealistic. Reports suggest that Ley will announce the Liberal Party’s stance on net zero when Parliamentarians meet in Canberra next Wednesday.
On the social media front, Anika Wells announced an expansion of the under-16 social media ban to include platforms such as Reddit and Kick. Wells described the ban as operating on a “dynamic list”, allowing new platforms to be added as the online landscape evolves. Platforms must take “reasonable steps” to block under-16 users or face fines of up to $49.5 million. Yet, doubts persist about how the policy will work in practice. Critics point to unresolved consultation issues, weak enforcement mechanisms, and questions around age verification, warning that the policy could prove more symbolic than effective.
Together, these developments capture a week of political turbulence. The Coalition is mired in internal conflict over its climate direction and leadership stability, while the government faces its own test – whether its bold digital regulation can deliver real-world results.
Stay tuned.
Top talking points
Social Media Update: Anika Wells expanded Australia’s under-16 social media ban to include Reddit and Kick.
Coalition Developments: The Liberal Party is experiencing internal tension following the Nationals’ move to abandon Australia’s 2050 net zero emissions target.
ASIO Chief Lowy Address: Mike Burgess warned that at least three nations are willing and capable of carrying out an assassination on Australian soil.
Cash Rate Steady: The RBA held the cash rate at 3.6 per cent following a recent rise in inflation.
Polling Update: Labor leads the Coalition 57–43 on a two-party-preferred basis, while One Nation’s primary vote has risen to 15 per cent.
Making headlines this week
Private Credit Woes?
Payday Superannuation Moves
The Treasury Laws Amendment (Payday Superannuation) Bill 2025 passed the Federal Parliament. From 1 July 2026, all Australian employers must pay the compulsory Superannuation Guarantee at the same time as employees are paid, whether wages are weekly, fortnightly, or monthly, replacing the current quarterly payment system. The reform aims to strengthen employees’ retirement savings and reduce instances of unpaid or delayed super contributions. Employers who fail to make payments on payday will face penalties of up to 60 per cent of the shortfall, and daily interest will accrue on any amount not received within seven days. The ATO will monitor compliance under a new risk-based enforcement framework.
Things to watch
10 November: COP30 will be held in Brazil.
10 November: CEDA will discuss the future of aged care in Melbourne.
10 November: The ABS will release building approvals data.
11 November: The New South Wales, South Australian, Western Australian, and Tasmanian Parliaments will sit.
11 November: The ASFA will hold its 2025 conference.
12 November: The Victorian Parliament will sit.
12 November: ASIC will hold its 2025 Annual Forum in Melbourne.
13 November: The ABS will release labour force data.
13 November: The AFR will host the 2025 Infrastructure Summit.
Household Spending, Productivity Inquiry and ASIC Updates
Following a flat result in August, household spending rose by 0.2 per cent in September, driven by increased spending on non-discretionary items.
The Senate will establish a Select Committee on Productivity in Australia to inquire into the current state of productivity and identify opportunities to drive future growth. The final report will be presented in September 2026.
ASIC will work closely with Cboe during the sale of its Australian markets business. The move aims to identify a suitable buyer and promote competition in Australia’s securities markets.
Overseas Ministerial Visits and MOU Signing
Richard Marles met with Japanese and US counterparts in Malaysia for the fifth meeting of the four defence leaders in the last three years. Discussions focused on security in the Indo-Pacific region and support for the rules-based order.
Anthony Albanese travelled to Korea for the 2025 APEC Summit, where he and President Lee Jae Myung signed an MOU to strengthen bilateral trade and investment ties between Australia and Korea.
Pat Conroy travelled to Shanghai to lead a record delegation of 256 Australian businesses at the China International Import Expo. The delegation showcased a wide range of products, including packaged foods, dairy, meat, seafood, wine, beverages, healthcare, and consumer goods.
Electricity Moves, COP30 and Sydney Water Appointments
Chris Bowen announced Solar Sharer, a new Default Market Offer requiring electricity retailers to provide three hours of free midday power. The measure aims to reduce system costs and ease pressure on the grid during evening peak demand.
Josh Wilson will travel to COP30 in Brazil to meet with ministerial counterparts at the World Leaders’ Climate Action Summit. The visit aims to advance Australia’s bid to host COP31 and reinforce the nation’s commitment to supporting global emissions reduction efforts.
Former New South Wales Premier Bob Carr has been appointed to the board of Sydney Water. Mr Carr was appointed alongside former NSW Teachers Federation President Maree O’Halloran AM. Both will serve three-year terms.
Content Streaming, Optus, and Greens Inquiry Developments
Anika Wells introduced legislation requiring platforms with over one million local subscribers to invest at least 10 per cent of local expenditure or 7.5 per cent of revenue in new Australian content. The policy aims to boost domestic production and support Australia’s arts industry.
Optus executives appeared at a Senate inquiry into the recent triple-0 outages linked to three deaths. The inquiry is examining the events, responses, and the government’s role in public safety. Anika Wells pledged new laws this week to give regulators stronger powers to hold telcos accountable when they fail Australians.
The Greens will hold separate inquiries into the capital gains tax (CGT) discount and intergenerational housing inequality. Nick McKim said the CGT discount is “fueling” property prices by turning homes into “financial assets rather than places of shelter and community.”
Paid Parental Leave, CDC, and Aged Care Senate Inquiries
Baby Priya’s Bill passed the Federal Parliament, introducing an amendment to prevent employers from cancelling paid parental leave in the tragic event of a stillbirth or a child’s death. The Parliament rejected amendments from One Nation and Liberal Senator Alex Antic, which proposed an exemption for stillbirths resulting from late term abortions.
An Australian Centre for Disease Control will now be established following the passage of legislation through Federal Parliament. Labor and the Greens rejected amendments from the Coalition, which proposed changes to strengthen transparency and privacy protections.
Two additional Senate inquiries have been established into the Albanese Government’s aged care reforms. The inquiries will focus on the government’s planned rollout of the Commonwealth Home Support Program and the accessibility of care under the new Support at Home program. These reviews follow concerns that the reforms could increase the cost of essential care and shift the sector toward a profit-driven model.