Welcome to your weekly briefing from Parliament House, where Brett Worthington brings you up to speed with the latest twists in federal politics.
From Political Pensions to Post-AUKUS Profits
There was a time when Australia’s cushy “defined benefits” super scheme was the golden ticket for politicians post-retirement. But in today’s political landscape, it’s the AUKUS alliance — and the business opportunities it has created — that’s proving to be the new pot of gold.
The landmark defence pact struck by Scott Morrison with Joe Biden and Boris Johnson has given rise to lucrative roles for former politicians like ambassadors Joe Hockey and Arthur Sinodinos, and ex-defence ministers Christopher Pyne, Joel Fitzgibbon, and Brendan Nelson. While none have been accused of wrongdoing, their ventures highlight how deep political connections to AUKUS run — well beyond the current government.
Now, the $368 billion deal to acquire second-hand US nuclear submarines is facing scrutiny, as Donald Trump’s administration launches a snap review to ensure it aligns with his “America First” doctrine.
Old PMs, New Opinions
Defence Minister Richard Marles, who delivered an $800 million down payment earlier this year, insists the review is routine. But former prime ministers Malcolm Turnbull and Paul Keating remain sceptical, describing AUKUS as a rushed and flawed agreement.
“AUKUS was a deal scribbled on the back of an envelope,” Keating said, attacking the trio of Morrison, Johnson, and Biden who brokered it.
Despite his role in forming AUKUS, even Morrison echoed the government’s reassurance, arguing the review shouldn’t be overblown — even though it’s being led by a known critic of the pact.
With no backup plan and billions already on the table, Australia finds itself in a risky position, waiting to see whether Trump will attempt to renegotiate what he sees as his predecessor’s flawed legacy.
Sanctions Tensions and Diplomatic Snubs
Even before the AUKUS review was announced, diplomatic tensions with Washington had cooled Albanese’s chances of securing a meeting with Trump.
This week, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio slammed Australia and its allies (Canada, the UK, New Zealand, and Norway) for imposing sanctions on two Israeli ministers. He called the move counterproductive to peace efforts — despite US uncertainty over Palestinian statehood.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong didn’t hold back, labelling the Israeli ministers “extremists” who promote illegal settlement activity and incite violence. The opposition, however, is demanding a full briefing and claims Labor is misusing sanctions against democratically elected officials.
Productivity Roundtable: Reform or Rhetoric?
Anthony Albanese is convening a new productivity roundtable this August, bringing together business leaders, unions, and public servants in the hope of tackling economic growth challenges.
While some have drawn comparisons to Kevin Rudd’s 2020 summit (complete with endless butcher’s paper), Albanese’s supporters argue this effort is critical to boosting national productivity — or in simple terms, getting more output from fewer inputs.
However, business groups remain sceptical after Labor’s previous Jobs and Skills Summit, which they felt was skewed in favour of unions and lacked genuine collaboration.
Legal Watch: Bradfield Recount May Go to High Court
The federal election in Bradfield may not be over just yet. After a recount, teal independent Nicolette Boele claimed victory by just 26 votes over Liberal candidate Gisele Kapterian.
The Liberal Party is considering a legal challenge — the first of its kind for a Lower House seat in nearly two decades. They have until July 22 to lodge an appeal with the High Court.
Victorian Liberals in Disarray
Despite leading a government burdened by debt and dwindling popularity, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan continues to evade political fallout — largely thanks to the implosion of the state Liberal Party.
With just one term in power in the last 25 years, the Liberals were hoping to gain ground. Instead, they’re mired in internal disputes and legal battles.
This week, controversial MP Moira Deeming offered to drop bankruptcy proceedings against former leader John Pesutto if she was guaranteed preselection for the next election. By Thursday, she was referred to anti-corruption authorities over the offer.
If Pesutto is declared bankrupt, he’ll lose his seat, opening the door for a potential independent win — further complicating the Liberals’ path to recovery.
