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

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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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Tesla’s robotaxi reveal sparks excitement

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Analysts and investors are eagerly awaiting Elon Musk’s big reveal—a fully functional autonomous vehicle that could revolutionise ride-hailing.

Tesla’s stock has soared 52% since Musk first announced the event in April, reflecting high hopes for the launch of its much-anticipated robotaxi.

The vehicle, dubbed the “Cybercab,” is said to be a sleek, two-seater without a steering wheel or pedals—straight out of the future.

Tesla also teased a ride-hailing app that will summon these driverless cars to pick up riders at their chosen locations.

Not convincing

But not everyone is convinced—some analysts warn that while Musk’s vision is bold, the timeline for these innovations may not deliver immediate results.

Musk has a history of overpromising on autonomous tech, and this event might be more about grand ideas than tangible products.

Tesla first floated the robotaxi idea in 2016, with Musk hinting at a future where owners could lease their cars to others for extra income.

If the software keeps pace with Musk’s ambitions, the future of driverless Teslas might be closer than we think.

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Inflation creeps up as core CPI rises in September

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The core consumer price index (CPI) climbed 3.3% year-over-year in September, signalling continued inflationary pressure in the U.S.

 

Month-over-month, the increase was 0.3%, slightly higher than the expected 0.2%, raising concerns about the Federal Reserve’s ability to ease policy.

This latest inflation data narrows the Fed’s room to manoeuvre, making a significant rate cut at their next meeting less likely.

In other economic news, weekly U.S. unemployment claims have risen to 258,000.

Latest numbers

Ticker’s Ahron Young spoke with Steve Gopalan from SkandaFX about the latest numbers.

Steve Gopalan discusses the impact of rising unemployment claims, inflation, and geopolitical tensions on the market, including the potential effects of Israeli strikes on Iran and China’s policies.

He also addresses expectations for the Fed reserve rate cut and near-term risks affecting the Australian economy and talks about how traders are preparing for China’s Finance Minister news conference on fiscal policy.

The increase in claims is partly attributed to the impact of Hurricane Helene and furloughs at Boeing.

Economists are closely watching how these factors will play into broader economic trends.

With inflation rising and unemployment numbers fluctuating, the economic outlook remains uncertain.

 

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Middle East tensions rise as Iran issues warnings

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Tehran is threatening to target oil-rich Gulf states and other U.S. allies if their territories are used in any attack on Iran, Arab officials reveal.

Israel has warned Tehran of severe consequences after a recent barrage of Iranian ballistic missiles hit the country. In response, Iran vows to strike Israel’s civilian infrastructure and any Arab state that aids in the assault.

Countries like Jordan, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar have already expressed concerns to the Biden administration, saying they don’t want to be part of any offensive actions against Iran.

These Gulf states, traditionally under U.S. protection, fear Iran could target their vital oil facilities if the conflict escalates.

With U.S. troops stationed across the region, officials are on high alert as Tehran’s threats loom over an area packed with American military personnel.

Tensions between Israel and Iran continue to rise, with both sides exchanging warnings of devastating consequences.

The energy-rich Persian Gulf, known for its stability under U.S. protection, could now be at risk as the situation remains tense.

The eyes of the world are focused on the region, as threats of conflict keep mounting.

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