Buckle up for a rollercoaster of political drama, global crises, and heated debates that could reshape Australia's future! From leadership shake-ups in Canberra to shocking incidents abroad, today's news roundup dives into the heart of what's dividing our nation—and sparking fiery opinions worldwide. But here's where it gets controversial: with climate policies in the spotlight and protests turning violent, are we witnessing the end of bipartisan unity, or just the start of a smarter energy revolution? Stick around, because this is the part most people miss—the behind-the-scenes battles that could define the next election.
Australia news LIVE: Potential leadership challenge brewing for Ley; Historic Roman tower crumbles, leaving worker buried under debris
Key posts
- Ten individuals taken into custody amid ongoing demonstrations at the defense exhibition
- Aussie recounts narrow escape from assailant during mass knife attack on UK train
- Seven detained as law enforcement clashes with pro-Palestine demonstrators over arms fair (https://www.smh.com.au/national/australia-news-live-hastie-leadership-threat-looms-for-ley-opposition-under-pressure-to-dump-net-zero-medieval-tower-collapses-in-rome-trapping-worker-underneath-rubble-20251104-p5n7i7.html?post=p59h9s#p59h9s)
- Trump's popularity hits a new low this term, according to CNN (https://www.smh.com.au/national/australia-news-live-hastie-leadership-threat-looms-for-ley-opposition-under-pressure-to-dump-net-zero-medieval-tower-collapses-in-rome-trapping-worker-underneath-rubble-20251104-p5n7i7.html?post=p59h9m#p59h9m)
- Betting tips for Cup Day from The Age's expert on racing (https://www.smh.com.au/national/australia-news-live-hastie-leadership-threat-looms-for-ley-opposition-under-pressure-to-dump-net-zero-medieval-tower-collapses-in-rome-trapping-worker-underneath-rubble-20251104-p5n7i7.html?post=p59h98#p59h98)
- Potential leadership threat emerging for Ley, opposition faces push to abandon net zero goals (https://www.smh.com.au/national/australia-news-live-hastie-leadership-threat-looms-for-ley-opposition-under-pressure-to-dump-net-zero-medieval-tower-collapses-in-rome-trapping-worker-underneath-rubble-20251104-p5n7i7.html?post=p59h9b#p59h9b)
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Hawke remains optimistic Coalition can reclaim teal strongholds
By Brittany Busch
Alex Hawke, who manages opposition business in the House of Representatives, insists that the Coalition is capable of regaining control of the teal seats, no matter where they stand on net zero commitments. For those new to this term, net zero refers to the goal of balancing out greenhouse gas emissions with reductions or offsets, essentially aiming for zero net impact on the climate—think of it as a global pledge to clean up our act by mid-century.
The Liberals surrendered several urban constituencies to independent candidates focused on environmental issues back in 2022, and they didn't make any progress in those areas during the most recent election.
“Every election cycle brings its own unique set of challenges. The defeats we experienced weren't solely tied to environmental concerns,” Hawke explained during an interview on ABC Radio Sydney.
He pointed out that these seats are on the knife's edge of competitiveness and could potentially swing back with strategic policies, possibly even incorporating nuclear energy options.
“In my strong conviction, nuclear power represents a groundbreaking advancement, and it's a concept I deeply champion as a liberal thinker for the years ahead. Our previous approach just wasn't the right fit. Voters weren't prepared for it, and they rejected it. Yet, that shouldn't discourage us from continuing to advocate for clever fixes to our energy landscape, including nuclear solutions down the line.”
Ten arrests stem from persistent protests at defense expo
By Jack Gramenz
The tally of demonstrators apprehended while trying to obstruct a government-backed defense expo has climbed to ten, with authorities planning to maintain control over the situation for the remainder of the day.
Police deployed capsicum spray against protesters near Sydney's International Convention Centre (ICC) as part of an operation that involved mounted officers and riot squads.
Law enforcement has been present since early morning to handle two scheduled gatherings.
Skirmishes erupted around 6:30 AM when a faction reportedly departed from an approved assembly area and attempted to enter a secured zone, according to police reports.
Additional attempts to break through barriers occurred roughly two hours later.
Out of the ten detained, two have already been released without charges, while the remaining eight are being held at stations.
NSW Police Superintendent Paul Dunstan emphasized that officers will stay vigilant all day to safeguard attendees and the broader public.
“Those who disregard police instructions or disrupt the peace will face arrest and appropriate consequences,” he stated.
Watch: University student describes being "hit directly in the face" with pepper spray at pro-Palestine rally
By Jack Gramenz
Isabel, a student at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), shared her experience of having pepper spray applied "straight to my face" during a demonstration supporting Palestine outside a weapons expo at the ICC in Sydney today.
“The spray irritated my eyes and mouth, so I've been rinsing myself with water for the past 5 to 10 minutes,” she recounted to Kate Geraghty, the Herald's lead photographer.
“We were peacefully protesting here today. Despite not being aggressive, we were forcefully redirected away from the ICC, and now we're regrouping in Tumbalong Park.”
Joyce opts out of shared party meeting despite Nationals' abandonment of net zero
By Emily Kaine
As the combined Coalition partyroom session kicks off in Canberra, Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce has declared he won't participate, even though his party recently scrapped its commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
When questioned by Sky News this morning about his attendance, he quipped, “Well, Laura, I'm chatting with you right now.”
Pressed on whether he'd join later, he replied, “No, Laura. As I've mentioned repeatedly, we're revisiting familiar ground... Why would anyone be shocked by the passion and frustration driving me on this topic?”
“From the backbench, your options are limited... and the few you have, you hold onto tightly because I believe I've influenced the discussion more than many might credit me for. Call it ego, but I think I've made a real impact,” Joyce added.
North Korean figurehead passes away
North Korea has announced the death of its long-serving ceremonial president, Kim Yong-nam, who held the role of head of state in a largely symbolic capacity.
The Korean Central News Agency reported that Kim Yong-nam, former chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly—a body often seen as a rubber-stamp parliament—passed away on Monday at age 97.
Leader Kim Jong-un paid a visit to Kim Yong-nam's casket on Tuesday to convey heartfelt sympathies, according to KCNA.
In his ceremonial duties, Kim Yong-nam welcomed international visitors and delivered eloquent, propaganda-laden addresses at major state functions, known for his resonant voice.
He represented North Korea at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics opening ceremony amid a brief thaw in relations, though his prominence diminished afterward.
AP
Australia should uphold Paris Agreement and net zero pledge: Bragg
By Emily Kaine
Liberal Senator Andrew Bragg argues that Australia can't simply abandon its dedication to cutting greenhouse gas emissions, as his party wrestles with a conclusive stance on net zero targets.
During an appearance on ABC's News Breakfast, he remarked, “I can't fathom how we'd back out of the Paris Agreement. It's inconceivable to withdraw from our emissions reduction promises. After all, nearly every nation on the planet is part of the Paris Agreement. Almost all have pledged to hit net zero emissions.”
For beginners, the Paris Agreement is an international treaty signed in 2015 where countries agree to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, with net zero being a key tool for that goal.
“And the truth is, places like Canada and Japan, which are aiming for net zero just as Australia is, still manage to offer affordable energy. I don't see net zero as the villain here.
“The real adversary is Labor's approach to electricity generation and their reluctance to extend coal usage or explore alternatives like nuclear power. That's what's driving up our energy costs and causing industries to relocate overseas,” Bragg explained.
He stressed that adhering to a timetable for achieving net zero 'within this century'—as mandated by the Paris Agreement—is vital for Australia's credibility.
“The Paris Agreement draws the line in the sand... It's crucial for Australia to uphold this as a committed nation, especially with citizens genuinely concerned about climate issues.”
Bragg declined to specify a exact deadline for the target.
Government stands firm on no regrets for purchasing Israeli military gear
By Matthew Knott
Defense Industry Minister Pat Conroy asserts that the federal administration has no regrets about procuring equipment from Israeli defense firms, amid pro-Palestinian rallies outside a significant maritime conference and arms show in Sydney.
Prominent Israeli companies Elbit Systems and Rafael Advanced Defence Systems are displaying products at the Indo-Pacific International Maritime Exhibition in Darling Harbour through Thursday.
Elbit has secured major deals to supply the Australian Defence Force (ADF), such as a 2024 agreement for enhanced protection, combat features, and sensors on infantry vehicles.
“First off, we haven't supplied arms or munitions to Israel in at least five years, particularly since the Gaza conflict erupted,” Conroy told journalists at the event this morning.
“As for them equipping our ADF, we're unapologetic about securing top-tier gear for our armed forces.
“We're proud to ensure our troops, sailors, and pilots have the finest tools to defend Australian interests and deter threats in our neighborhood. That means sourcing components globally.”
On exports to Israel, Conroy noted that “the only approved export licenses currently are for ADF items heading to Israel for repairs, upgrades, or manufacturing that returns to Australia.”
When asked for a message to the protesters outside, he said: “In a thriving democracy, everyone deserves the right to voice dissent peacefully, but I urge respect for the ADF and the 100,000 Australians employed in our defense sector.”
Wilson: ‘Liberals won't become mere echoes of the Nationals’
By Emily Kaine
Opposition spokesperson on industrial relations Tim Wilson declared this morning that the Liberal Party won't be dictated by the Nationals when finalizing their net zero policy.
“The Liberals will craft our own approach. We're not simply mimicking the Nationals. We'll decide independently and advocate for our beliefs on energy and environmental matters,” Wilson told Sky News.
Questioned on how the party would handle potential voter backlash if they choose to drop net zero, Wilson responded, “I've long believed there's a way to bridge this divide and bring the whole nation together, but it demands proactive leadership rather than just reacting to critics.”
A joint partyroom discussion is underway in Canberra today to debate net zero.
Australian describes evasion from assailant in UK train stabbing spree
By Jack Gramenz
Matt Kingston, an Australian resident, was heading back to his London home after checking out a dog breeder in Yorkshire when the stabbings erupted on his express train.
“The train wasn't overly crowded... but suddenly, several passengers bolted down the aisle,” Kingston shared with 2GB on Tuesday.
“I yanked out my earbuds and heard shouts... 'He's armed with a knife, flee!'”
The rampage on a southbound train last Sunday (AEDT) left 11 injured.
Kingston joined the rush through the cars, taking refuge in the train's lounge area.
“It was absolutely terrifying.
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“There was an unexpected extra person in the bar before we sealed the door, and that individual actually confronted the attacker,” Kingston recounted.
“We watched him stroll by calmly.”
“It felt incredibly unsettling afterward.”
“He appeared composed, not out of place, but he was brandishing a huge kitchen blade,” Kingston described.
Australians ‘deserve more from conservatives’: Ryan
By Emily Kaine
On ABC's News Breakfast this morning, independent MP Monique Ryan stated that citizens expect higher standards from the right-wing political spectrum, in light of the Nationals' decision to discard their net zero emissions goal, and as the Liberal Party grapples with internal rifts over their own climate stance.
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“We're witnessing the Liberals and Nationals tearing each other apart and navel-gazing,” Ryan commented.
“Voters crave a robust conservative agenda... Without a capable opposition, what do we get? A subpar administration that runs unchecked. Australians merit better—they need an effective check on power. I hope the Coalition can unify sufficiently to fulfill that role.”
Ryan warned that the Liberals' self-absorption and policy voids could spell disaster at the polls.
“I sense people questioning what the Liberals stand for, their priorities, and core values. Right now, it looks like their only focus is on salvaging their electoral chances, which seem doomed given their recent antics.”
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What do you think—should Australia stick to net zero, or is it time to rethink our energy priorities? Does buying from Israeli defense firms cross a moral line, especially with global conflicts raging? And with protests turning physical, how far should free speech go? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let's debate!
