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Australia’s leaders divided on anti-corruption protocols | ticker VIEWS

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4 years ago

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Australia’s leaders divided over to anti-corruption investigation protocols

Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morrison has slammed the design of the New South Wales independent anti-Corruption investigation unit. He says it’s a flawed model that has damaged innocent people. This follows conflicting protocols that force leaders to step aside while being investigated.

Leader’s divided

On Friday, now-former Premier of Australia’s most populous state, Gladys Berejiklian resigned, amid a corruption scandal. The independent body (ICAC) who is conducting the investigation requires anyone involved to step down while it takes place.

Dominic Perreottet is now the Premier of New South Wales and has stepped in to guide the state through a critical time in its Covid-19 pandemic.

Premier for Melbourne and the state of Victoria, Daniel Andrews is now involved in his own Anti-Corruption Commission investigation but refuses to step aside, and questions have emerged about the conflicting rules and protocols for Australian leaders who are caught up in these kinds of investigations.

Mr Andrews is being investigated by The Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission in Victoria, over favourable dealings with the United Firefighters Union, in 2014.

The inquiry is dubbed Operation Richmond and is questioning witnesses in secret hearings.

Protocols change at the border

Victorian investigators, operate in private and have to meet a higher threshold before they confirm inquiries. The major difference between the two cases for the leaders is transparency.

In New South Wales, the corruption case is well known and Berejiklian gave evidence in a hearing in late 2020.

In Melbourne, the exact nature and extent of the probe have not been identified.

Should the protocols be the same for each leader?

“If he [Dan Andrews] is being investigated… he needs to be standing aside.” 

David Davis, Victorian Opposition Legislative Council

Calls for a National Watchdog

Australia’s Prime Minister has condemned the treatment of Berejiklian, arguing the system assumes people are guilty before proven they’re proven to be innocent.

With many politicians and analysts now calling for a watchdog at the Federal level as well. But, the Prime Minister has pushed back against this idea.

“We know that a strong watchdog and a spotlight beaming upon the conduct of Government Ministers…

ensure that you’re going to get a better quality of Government… it is a deterrent to corruption.”

Stephen Jones, Australian Shadow Financial Services Minister 

“The reason politicians are so scared of the NSW anti-corruption watchdog, is that it’s so effective.”

Ben O’Quist, The Australia Institute

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Hamas trusts Trump, risks hostages for peace deal

Hamas trusts Trump to broker hostage deal as gamble for peace despite past concerns over Israeli actions

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32 minutes ago

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October 11, 2025

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Hamas trusts Trump to broker hostage deal as gamble for peace despite past concerns over Israeli actions

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In Short:
– Hamas called Trump a racist but believes he may help facilitate peace with Israel.
– Ongoing negotiations are uncertain, with Hamas optimistic despite lacking formal guarantees.
Hamas has called Donald Trump a racist and a “recipe for chaos.” However, a phone call from Trump convinced Hamas that he might facilitate a peace deal with Israel, even if they surrender their hostages.
Under the agreement, which began on Friday, Hamas will release hostages without a commitment from Israel to withdraw. This decision is seen as precarious, with fears that hostilities may resume post-release, similar to events following a previous ceasefire.Banner

During indirect negotiations, Trump’s involvement reportedly reassured Hamas leaders, bolstering their confidence in a lasting ceasefire.

Future Uncertain

Negotiations continue over details such as the timetable for Israeli troop withdrawal.

The mediating role of Qatar and Turkey has been pivotal, alongside U.S. participation, in moving discussions forward.

Hamas has shifted its stance on hostage retention, viewing it as detrimental to global support for their cause. Nonetheless, they received no formal guarantees regarding the progression towards a more comprehensive agreement to end the conflict.

Despite awareness of the risks involved in their gamble, Hamas leaders seem optimistic about ongoing talks, with pressures from mediators fostering a sense of seriousness in negotiations from both sides.

Trump’s anticipated visit to the region is expected to reinforce these developments, even as complexities remain in finalising the terms of the deal.


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Trump announces 100% tariff on China amid tensions

Trump announces 100% tariffs on China, imposing export controls after Beijing’s restrictions on rare-earth minerals escalate trade tensions

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33 minutes ago

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October 11, 2025

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Trump announces 100% tariffs on China, imposing export controls after Beijing’s restrictions on rare-earth minerals escalate trade tensions

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In Short:
– Trump plans a 100% tariff on China from November 1, sparking stock declines and heightening tensions.
– U.S.-China relations are strained, with potential severe impacts on U.S. industries due to export restrictions.
President Trump announced plans to impose a 100% additional tariff on China effective November 1, along with new export controls on crucial software products.
The decision follows China’s recent restrictions on rare-earth minerals, essential for industries like semiconductors and electric vehicles. Trump expressed disbelief over China’s actions, which have escalated tensions that had ostensibly improved after months of trade negotiations.Banner

The tariff announcement sparked a significant drop in U.S. stocks, marking the worst day for the S&P 500 since April.

While some administration officials advocate restarting trade talks from scratch, there is a looming opportunity for both countries to negotiate before the tariffs take effect. Trump left room for negotiations, suggesting the timeline could allow for de-escalation.

Export Controls

The conflict between the U.S. and China underscores the volatile relationship between the two major economies. Beijing’s decision to tighten export controls aims to leverage its position and weaken Trump’s negotiating stance.

The U.S. government is evaluating additional countermeasures and sanctions in response. Observers note that while both countries have expressed a desire for dialogue, securing an enduring agreement has proven challenging, with past resolutions quickly unraveling.

The potential implications of these export restrictions could be severe for various U.S. industries. Firms have warned about significant production halts if they cannot access critical rare-earth elements from China. Analysts suggest that the situation could compel both sides to reconsider their positions to prevent further economic fallout.


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Israel and Hamas agree to landmark hostage deal

Israel and Hamas agree to release hostages in U.S.-brokered deal, marking a potential turning point in Gaza conflict.

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1 day ago

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October 10, 2025

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Israel and Hamas agree to release hostages in U.S.-brokered deal, marking a potential turning point in Gaza conflict.


In a major diplomatic breakthrough, Israel and Hamas have agreed to release all remaining Israeli hostages under a U.S.-brokered framework. The deal pairs prisoner exchanges with an Israeli troop pullback and expanded aid access, marking a potential turning point in the two-year Gaza conflict.

The agreement, set for approval by Israel’s cabinet, could pave the way for lasting peace if both sides uphold the terms. It follows weeks of negotiations led by U.S. envoys and regional mediators in Egypt, Qatar, and Türkiye.

As international agencies prepare to facilitate aid and logistics, the world watches to see whether this fragile deal can hold and bring relief to millions affected by the war.

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