The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, has supported the NSW government’s plan to extend hours, audience capacity and volume allowance for outdoor performances at the Opera House.
As we reported earlier, the state government will increase the maximum capacity for outdoor events from 5,000 to 6,000 people for low- and medium-scale events, and from 6,000 to 7,000 for major events, as part of changes to the Sydney Opera House.
The late-night sound levels for major events will be raised to match the maximum levels allowed earlier in the day, and event hours will be extended across all days of the week.
The Opera House previously copped a $15,000 fine after residents complained about the volume of a Florence + the Machine performance in 2015.
Albanese said he had seen the English band on the forecourt, along with American rockers the Pixies.
“I’m a member of the fun faction,” he told reporters on Sunday.
double quotation markThe Opera House is an asset that should be maximised.
We should be using it, and it should be bringing in economic activity as well as joy to those people who get to go to the concert or the play or whatever other activity is taking place.
We will wrap up the live blog here for Sunday. This is what made the news:
The prime minister has declared Aukus “full-steam ahead”, while the Greens said Australia should not go down a warpath with Washington.
The confusion and mixed messaging from One Nation MPs about their housing policy is a sign of the “chaos” that the party brings, according to the Labor minister Amanda Rishworth.
The Nationals party director, Lincoln Folo, was appointed the Liberals’ new top strategist, tasked with helping to rebuild its campaign machine after two thumping federal election defeats.
The New South Wales government said it will increase the maximum capacity for outdoor events from 5,000 to 6,000 for low- and medium-scale events, and from 6,000 to 7,000 for major events, as part of changes to the Sydney Opera House.
Anthony Albanese welcomed the move, saying he is part of the “fun faction”.
Until next time, enjoy your evening.
Albanese says Aukus ‘full-steam ahead’
The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, has reiterated that Aukus is “full-steam ahead” after the Greens renewed calls to cancel the nuclear-powered submarines deal, which the minor party warned could draw Australia into a potential US war with China.
Debate over the security pact has resurfaced after the announcement that Australia would buy secondhand Virginia-class submarines from the US, rather than a mix of old and new vessels.
The Greens have seized on the development to re-prosecute the case for the government to abandon the multi-decade, $368bn agreement.
Victorian government defends new crime laws
Following our earlier post on the arrests after an alleged affray at Flinders Street station overnight, Victorian government minister Harriet Shing said the state’s new crime laws were starting to show in a drop in crime statistics.
These include a machete ban, new post-and-boast laws, changes to bail laws and the introduction of a violence reduction unit.
“What we are doing is working,” she told reporters on Sunday.
double quotation markThere’s always more work to do, but we do know that the work that police are doing is having an impact, that the machete ban is having an impact.
The government said about 18,000 weapons had been surrendered or seized and 17,000 machetes taken off shelves since the 2025 amnesty, but the opposition said knife attacks continued to escalate.
The opposition spokesperson, David Southwick, said the laws weren’t working.
double quotation markVictorians want [a] response, they want consequences, and it’s clear that the machete policies of the government [have] simply have not worked.
Chris Bowen will travel to Germany this week for a key round of international climate talks ahead of the Cop31 summit, which Australia is co-hosting with Turkey.
The Australian climate change and energy minister will lead negotiations at the Bonn climate change conference, a crucial meeting that will set the scene for the main event in November.
Bowen was appointed “president of negotiations” under a deal that will see the Pacific (Fiji and Tuvalu) host preliminary events ahead of the main summit in the Turkish resort town of Antalya.
In a statement, Bowen said:
double quotation markWe are living through the biggest energy shock in history and the world agrees that clean energy and electrification is the future for a more sovereign and secure energy system.
Australia is leading – one in three households have rooftop solar and more than 420,000 batteries have been installed in homes, taking advantage of our clean and cheap power sources that can’t be interrupted by conflicts overseas. We want to bring this experience to the world stage.
Pacific nations are on the frontline of climate change, and their leadership is critical. In Bonn, I’ll also work with Pacific partners to keep their priorities front and centre – to advance global action and help secure our region.
Bowen will also use the trip to tour INERATEC – Europe’s largest commercial sustainable aviation fuel production site.
The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, has supported the NSW government’s plan to extend hours, audience capacity and volume allowance for outdoor performances at the Opera House.
As we reported earlier, the state government will increase the maximum capacity for outdoor events from 5,000 to 6,000 people for low- and medium-scale events, and from 6,000 to 7,000 for major events, as part of changes to the Sydney Opera House.
The late-night sound levels for major events will be raised to match the maximum levels allowed earlier in the day, and event hours will be extended across all days of the week.
The Opera House previously copped a $15,000 fine after residents complained about the volume of a Florence + the Machine performance in 2015.
Albanese said he had seen the English band on the forecourt, along with American rockers the Pixies.
“I’m a member of the fun faction,” he told reporters on Sunday.
double quotation markThe Opera House is an asset that should be maximised.
We should be using it, and it should be bringing in economic activity as well as joy to those people who get to go to the concert or the play or whatever other activity is taking place.
Snow season begins in alpine areas
As my colleague Tory Shepherd reported yesterday, the snow season has begun on Australia’s slopes.
Both Mt Buller and Perisher have reported 27cm and 25cm of snow in the past week, respectively.
Mt Buller officials said the snow resulted in a flurry of bookings before the first chairlift on Saturday morning.
The Buller ski lifts general manager, Noel Landry, said it was a smooth start, and staff were thrilled to have fresh snow this long weekend.
double quotation markIt’s also great to see so many familiar faces, loyal locals and, of course, the many folks from Melbourne who have such a close connection to ‘their’ mountain. I look forward to welcoming everyone for a real winter experience up here this season – whether it’s part of a family snow tradition or your first time experiencing the magic of snow.
The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast maximum temperatures in single digits for much of the alpine areas, and a sunny day or mild cloud cover.
Experts have warned, however, that climate change and the El Niño weather pattern expected to arrive in the coming weeks could mean it is a poor season for skiers.
Peter V’landys plays kingmaker of Australian TV with NRL broadcast deal
The outcome of NRL broadcast negotiations in the coming weeks will be a seismic moment in Australian TV history, as the colourful rugby league administrator Peter V’landys threatens to end the reign of Foxtel over Australian sport or quell Nine Entertainment’s expansion as a major subscription player.
For years, observers have ridiculed the potential for the NRL to exceed the AFL’s $4.5bn deal struck in 2022. A perfect storm, however, has propelled the NRL towards an outcome few thought possible. V’landys and the outgoing chief executive, Andrew Abdo, have been in meetings with broadcasters in recent weeks, and their decision will have wide-reaching ramifications.
Queensland government accused of operating secret agenda to purge Indigenous representation
Queensland’s LNP government has been accused of having a secret agenda - nicknamed “project invisibility” by public servants - that has systematically purged the public sector of First Nations officials, policies and programs.
Joshua Creamer, a prominent Indigenous barrister has accused the government of implementing an “organised strategy” to eliminate, remove and reduce the role of Indigenous people within government.
Australian borrowing personal loans in record amounts
Australians are borrowing record amounts in personal loans as a long-term buildup in living costs wipes out savings buffers.
New personal loans issued by banks reached a record $5.1bn in the first three months of 2026, according to Australian Bureau of Statistics data.
While personal loans can be used to fund big-ticket items such as weddings, overseas trips or home renovations, they are also used to pay off regular bills or other debts.
Six arrested after alleged affray at Flinders Street station
Victoria police have arrested six people after an alleged affray at Flinders Street station in Melbourne’s CBD on Saturday night.
Witnesses told police up to 10 people, some allegedly armed with machetes, were seen fighting in the concourse area about 10pm.
Four people who boarded a train were arrested after protected service officers allegedly found them armed with machetes, while another two were arrested in the precinct.
A 17-year-old was injured and was taken to hospital with a laceration to his arm.
A 22-year-old has been charged with affray, reckless cause injury, assault with a weapon and possessing a prohibited weapon. He has been bailed to appear in the Melbourne magistrates court on 27 November.
The remaining five, a 13-, 14-, and 15-year-old and two 16-year-olds, have been released pending further inquiries.
The incident remains under investigation, police said.
A 33-year-old man was wounded in his torso after reports of an assault in Bondi this morning, NSW police said.
Police were called out to Bondi Road at 6.45am following the reports. The incident occurred at a unit on Imperial Avenue.
The man was assisted by members of the public before being treated by paramedics and taken to hospital in a stable condition.
Police said a crime scene has been established and investigations had commenced. People with information have been urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Myki goes contactless from today
In exciting news for those of us in Victoria, Myki is going contactless from today on rail lines.
As my colleague Benita Kolovos reported yesterday, from today, commuters on the Cranbourne-Pakenham, Frankston and Stony Point, Sandringham, Sunbury, Werribee and Williamstown lines, as well as Bendigo, Gippsland and Geelong V/line services, will be able to bypass using a physical Myki card in favour of paying via a debit or credit card, smartphone or smartwatch.
The technology only supports full adult fares, so seniors, students and healthcare card holders must stick to their concession Myki cards if they wish to still receive their discounted rates.
The Alamein and Glen Waverley, Belgrave and Lilydale, Mernda and Hurstbridge lines will switch on next Sunday.
Trams and buses are still TBA, so you will need to keep your Myki card for a little while longer on those forms of transport (unless you use the Android version of Myki which has allowed such payments for a while).
Greens call for longer inquiry into NDIS changes
The Greens senator David Shoebridge says the Greens would like a longer inquiry than the one currently before the parliament into the NDIS cuts in the federal budget.
He told ABC’s Insiders program he had not seen any offer from the government to support a longer inquiry in exchange for passing tax changes the but Greens would like a longer inquiry than the one currently on hand.
double quotation markTens of billions [of dollars are] being taken away from families, from people who desperately rely [on it], and we are absolutely committed to getting a longer inquiry.
The Coalition and Labor and One Nation joined together to do this short inquiry.
I think it’s June it’s due to report, which is, what, late next week?
That way you can get to the bottom of the impacts of taking tens billions of dollars of support away from people in an inquiry time.
We are committed to doing what we can actually use that time to some of these brutal Labor’s proposing on NDIS.
He said the Greens were pressuring the government to wind back some of the existing tax benefits that have been grandfathered in for those who already benefit from them.
double quotation markEverybody who already owns property, whether they have five, 10, or 100 investment properties, they keep all of their tax benefits and young people, renters, people with nothing, they get absolutely nothing out of this budget.
Australia should have ‘realistic’ view of China, Shoebridge says
The Greens’ defence spokesperson, senator David Shoebridge, has said Australia should have a realistic view of China, its military force and have a frank and honest relationship about human rights and trade.
He told ABC’s Insiders program Australia should not “go down a warpath with Washington” against China.
double quotation markI see a role for us working with our neighbours and working and prevent global conflicts shutting regions.
Shoebridge said Australia does not need nuclear-powered submarines, criticising the Aukus program.
double quotation markWhy are we inviting ourselves to a US war with China by buying platforms and making our defence force an interoperable part of the US?
He said underwater drones and crewed platforms for a defensive purpose could do the job.
One Nation housing confusion a sign of party ‘chaos’: Rishworth
The confusion and mixed-messaging from One Nation MPs about their housing policy is a sign of the “chaos” that the party brings, according to the Labor minister Amanda Rishworth.
In an embarrassing 24-hours for the rightwing populist party, MPs struggled to explain if it wanted to force permanent residents to sell their homes after Barnaby Joyce initially suggested it did.
After what was described as a “train-wreck” radio interview on 2GB, the One Nation senator Sean Bell eventually clarified that permanent residents would not be affected.
Instead, One Nation wants to ban foreigners and temporary visa holders from buying properties and give existing owners two years to sell-up.
Speaking to Sky News on Sunday, Rishworth said:
double quotation markLook, it really demonstrated to me just the confusion that One Nation has and the chaos potentially that One Nation will bring. I mean, we didn’t just have Barnaby Joyce, there were other members of One Nation that couldn’t answer the question, couldn’t tell us how much it’s going to cost, excuses about why that couldn’t be costed. So, to be honest, I think if One Nation wants to be taken seriously, they’ve got to do the work and, unfortunately, what we saw here was One Nation being able to identify a problem but be absolutely chaotic in what that solution could look like.
Rishworth also took aim at Pauline Hanson after she claimed – incorrectly – that One Nation was unable to use the Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO) to cost its policies before the last election because it didn’t have enough members to be considered a formal party.
double quotation markIf One Nation wants to be taken seriously they need to act like a serious party, just not making things up on the run.
NSW government proposes extending Sydney Opera House outdoor hours
The New South Wales government has said it will increase the maximum capacity for outdoor events from 5,000 to 6,000 people for low and medium-scale events, and from 6,000 to 7,000 for major events as part of changes for the Sydney Opera House.
The late-night sound levels for major events will be increased to be consistent with maximum levels allowed earlier in the day and event hours will be increased across all days of the week.
The NSW government said this will increase community engagement and participation by supporting major events, and improve audience experience, and the commercial viability for concerts.
The proposed changes will be out for public exhibition from today until 7 July.
The minister for the arts and night-time economy, John Graham, said:
double quotation markNo longer will noise levels at the Sydney Opera House forecourt be dictated by the bedtimes of the residents at ‘the Toaster’.
Over the decades it became a Sydney sport to move in next door to a pub and then campaign to close it down. We are putting an end to that and the same approach should apply to the world’s greatest performance venue.
The Sydney Opera House is everyone’s house and these changes make sure the experience matches the epic setting.
Liberals appoint new top strategist
The Nationals party director, Lincoln Folo, has been appointed the Liberals’ new top strategist, tasked with helping to rebuild its campaign machine after two thumping federal election defeats.
Folo was late on Friday announced as the replacement for Andrew Hirst, who stepped down after three elections in the role.
In a statement announcing the appointment, the new Liberal party president, Tony Abbott, said:
double quotation markLincoln brings extensive experience in political campaigning, organisational leadership and party administration. He has earned a strong reputation as a capable and effective operator, committed to the values and principles that have long underpinned our party.
Abbott thanked Hirst for this “sterling service” to the Liberal party, which included masterminding Scott Morrison’s surprise win in 2019.
Good morning and welcome to the live blog for Sunday, 7 June.
I’m Josh Taylor, and I’ll be bringing you the news for today.
The Liberals have appointed a new top strategist as the new federal president, Tony Abbott, begins to make his mark on the party.
Australians have borrowed $5.1bn in personal loans from banks in the first three months of this year, a tripling since 2021.
The Queensland LNP government is being accused of purging First Nations officials, policies and programs in what is being dubbed “project invisibility” by public servants.
The NSW government is planning to expand the capacity for outdoor events at the Sydney Opera House, increase noise levels and operating hours, in what the state government says will increase community engagement and be a better audience experience at the venue.
And the Socceroos have drawn 1-1 with Switzerland in their final World Cup warm-up in San Diego.
Let’s get into it.
Source: Guardian - World News
