Midday News Bulletin 15 November 2024

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TRANSCRIPT
In this bulletin;
Spending caps for political parties across the country proposed for the first time;
Australia backs a UN resolution to recognise the permanent sovereignty of Palestinian people;
And in sport, Nick Kyrgios confirms he’ll make his long-awaited return to competitive tennis.
Politicians will face spending caps for the first time under sweeping electoral reforms to be introduced to Parliament next week.
Candidates will only be able to receive $20,000 from any one donor each year, with a total limit of $600,000 for political donations each year for individuals, businesses, unions, and other groups.
Real time disclosure will be introduced, and the limit on disclosures will be dropped to $1000.
Special Minister of State Don Farrell says it will strengthen the political system.
“Australia’s political system is strong but it can and should be stronger. Since 2016 I have advocated and campaigned for changes to our electoral system to tackle the issues that threaten our democracy.”
The changes would not come into effect until after the next election.
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Australia has backed a United Nations resolution to recognise the permanent sovereignty of Palestinian people for the first time in two decades.
Australia has joined 158 other countries in the UN committee to vote in favour of the resolution to recognise the permanent sovereignty of the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
Seven voted against the resolution, including the United States, Canada and Israel. Eleven abstained.
Education Minister Jason Clare told Channel 7 action needs to be taken to put an end to the suffering.
“You can’t bomb your way to peace. I think the last 12 months have shown us that. The bombing has killed tens of thousands of people in Gaza, in Lebanon, more than a thousand people murdered in Israel as well. What this is about is building momentum to a two state solution. We need to end the killing and start the talking.”
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Pro-Palestinian activists have dropped plans to disrupt Myer’s famed Christmas window unveiling after they were accused of politicising the tradition.
Activist group Disrupt Wars was going to Crash the Christmas Windows on Bourke Street in Melbourne’s CBD on Sunday, with banners, flags, placards, noisemakers and props.
However, their plans changed following backlash from the state’s premier who was angry Myer had to cancel the annual event for families on safety grounds.
Premier Jacinta Allan told 3AW she does not support the protest plans, which have since been cancelled.
“These protests are unacceptable and I’m really furious. Seen a pretty small group have chosen to politicise what is a beautiful community event at a time of year when we have a chance to reflect on what makes us strong and cohesive. Not cause further division, it’s just unacceptable.”
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New research suggests 6 in 10 older people in New South Wales say they’re experiencing loneliness.
The Council on the Ageing report has found half of those older than 50 feel socially isolated, undervalued by society and struggling to connect.
It comes as a parliamentary inquiry into the prevalence, causes and impacts of loneliness begins in the state today.
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And in sport,
Nick Kyrgios has confirmed he will make his long-awaited return to competitive tennis at the Brisbane International after playing only one Tour match in more than two years.
The 29-year-old has been mostly sidelined with career-threatening wrist and knee injuries since the 2022 US Open quarter-finals.
That run came six weeks after reaching the Wimbledon decider when he came closest to a major crown before falling in four sets to Novak Djokovic.
Also stating his intentions to play in the 2025 Australian Open, Kyrgios will be a headline act at the Brisbane International, which gets underway on December 29.