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Will taxpayers foot the bill for the Port of Darwin?

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As tensions between China and Australia continue to escalate, Australian taxpayers could be the latest victims of the deteriorating bilateral relationship between the two nations.

The Australian government is launching a review into the Port of Darwin, in the country’s north, which is currently owned by Chinese company, Landbridge.

If the review finds that ownership of the Port needs to be given up, taxpayers could be forced to foot the multimillion-dollar compensation bill that follows.

The Chinese company, owned by billionaire Ye Cheng, may have to give up the port if it’s found to be in breach of the so-called critical infrastructure laws which were enacted in 2018.

But experts fear the costs associated with this takeover could soar beyond $500 million dollars, if the 99-year lease is torn up.

“Landbridge acquired the lease to Darwin Port in good faith following a transparent process in 2015,” says Landbridge vice-president Mike Hughes.

“Our involvement was reviewed by both the Foreign Investment Review Board and the Department of Defence at the time and it has been subject to a Senate inquiry.”

Australia’s leader Scott Morrison says:

“If there is advice from the Defence Department or our security agencies that change their view about the national security implications of any piece of critical infrastructure, we have legislation now which is dealing with critical infrastructure.”

For a long time, Darwin has been seen as a “strategic frontline for Australia”, and the handing over of such a vital infrastructure lease to a Chinese-backed company in 2015 has baffled many politicians.

As tensions between China and Australia continue to grow, it will be interesting to see how the federal government responds.

Accordingly, if the lease is broken, one would expect a fairly animated response from Beijing in response.

William is an Executive News Producer at TICKER NEWS, responsible for the production and direction of news bulletins. William is also the presenter of the hourly Weather + Climate segment. With qualifications in Journalism and Law (LLB), William previously worked at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) before moving to TICKER NEWS. He was also an intern at the Seven Network's 'Sunrise'. A creative-minded individual, William has a passion for broadcast journalism and reporting on global politics and international affairs.

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Mysterious drone sightings spark concern in New Jersey

Mysterious drones spotted over New Jersey; officials debate safety and origins, with some citing potential foreign threats.

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Drones of unknown origin have been spotted in New Jersey over the past month, eliciting varying reactions from lawmakers.

The state’s governor insists that the drones are safe, while Congressman Jeff Van Drew suggests they may be part of an Iranian “mothership.”

Recent meetings with Homeland Security officials aimed to address the increasing number of sightings, particularly near military installations and Donald Trump’s golf course.

Drones are lawful in New Jersey but must adhere to local regulations and FAA guidelines.

Reports indicate some of the observed drones are SUV-sized, exceeding typical hobbyist drones.

‘Misidentified planes’

Although there are numerous sightings, officials note that many could be misidentified planes or repeat sightings of the same drone.

Governor Phil Murphy reassured the public that there is no direct threat to safety.

The FBI is gathering information from residents who may have evidence of the drones.

Some officials are advocating for tighter restrictions on drone operations, with one proposing a temporary ban.

Van Drew maintains that there is potential for foreign involvement, despite Pentagon assurances rejecting that possibility.

Legislators have met with DHS and state police to discuss concerns, but clarity on the situation remains limited.

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Trump named Time’s 2024 Person of the Year

Trump named Time’s 2024 Person of the Year, following election win, assassination attempt survival, and felony conviction.

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Donald Trump has been named Time magazine’s Person of the Year for 2024.

This designation follows Trump’s win in the US presidential election and his survival of an assassination attempt, as well as his conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records.

He is set to be sworn in as the 47th president of the United States on January 20, 2025.

Time’s editor-in-chief, Sam Jacobs, noted that selecting Trump was straightforward, given his significant impact over the past year.

 

Trump expressed gratitude for the honor during a Wall Street event, marking his second selection as Person of the Year, the first being in 2016.

Throughout 2024, Trump experienced notable events, such as the attempted assassination at a Pennsylvania rally, which garnered global media attention.

Additionally, his conviction in May made him the first American president to be labeled a convicted felon, although he has yet to be sentenced.

Upcoming term

After a successful campaign, Trump celebrated his presidential election victory in November, promising to enhance the country during his upcoming term.

With this latest recognition, Trump, who has been featured on Time covers numerous times since his first in 1989, reaffirms his relationship with the publication despite past controversies, including displaying fake covers at his golf clubs.

Trump remains a prominent figure in American politics with his upcoming return to the Oval Office.

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Coalition’s nuclear plan cheaper than Labor’s renewable rollout

Coalition’s nuclear plan to save $263 billion compared to Labor’s renewables, promising cheaper electricity and lower emissions by 2050.

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The Coalition claims its nuclear power plan will save $263 billion compared to Labor’s renewable energy strategy by 2050, resulting in lower electricity costs.

Economic modelling conducted by Frontier Economics estimates the Coalition’s plan, which aims for net zero emissions by 2050, will cost $331 billion.

In contrast, Labor’s renewable energy plan is projected to cost $594 billion according to the modelling.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton plans to share these findings, stating that the analysis supports their position that Australians will benefit from the Coalition’s approach.

Dutton claims that fewer hidden costs and reduced infrastructure expenses will lead to lower energy prices.

He noted that many advanced economies are increasing their nuclear capabilities and urged Australia to do the same.

Seven plants

The Coalition’s model includes seven nuclear power plants, with renewable energy still providing 54% of the National Electricity Market by 2050 and nuclear contributing 38%.

Labor’s strategy anticipates that 94% of power generation will come from renewable energy by the same year, with 90% of coal-fired power exiting the system by 2034.

However, coal may need to operate longer in the Coalition’s scenario until nuclear power is online.

The Coalition’s plan also suggests a reduced reliance on gas due to a lower number of renewables needing stabilisation.

Dutton committed to constructing and operating seven nuclear plants, with the first expected to be operational as early as 2036.

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