Australia news live: Pauline Hanson says ‘don’t write me off’ amid Barnaby Joyce leadership speculation | Australia news

Hanson rejects speculation Joyce could lead One Nation
Kate Lyons
Pauline Hanson shut down speculations about Barnaby Joyce He could replace him as leader of the One Nation party, after speculation the disgruntled former National Party leader might defect to his own party.
Speaking on Sky News last night, Hanson said:
That’s not going to happen, he won’t be running the party, so it’s completely out of the question.
The former deputy prime minister last week sparked talk he may be about to switch parties by announcing his intention to quit the Nationals and not re-contest for the New England seat of New South Wales.
Hanson confirmed he had made an offer to Joyce to join One Nation, but Joyce had not committed to joining his party and was awaiting the outcome of a bill he introduced to parliament opposing Australia’s net zero commitment.
He said they spoke about six weeks ago and had a phone conversation last weekend.
I made an offer to Barnaby. I know you are dissatisfied with the National Party. I know you are passionate about getting rid of net zero. He has submitted his bill to parliament, he does not expect to receive support… So it will be interesting how this develops.
Hanson was angered by suggestions that Joyce would be a good replacement if he retired, but said:
My attitude is: If someone can do a better job than me, that’s fair enough… but don’t write me off right now.
important events
Defense plans spending cuts as Aukus costs rise – report
Australia’s defense chiefs have ordered “draconian” spending cuts as the costs of the Aukus submarine deal and new frigates rise. The Australian reports this morning.
days later Anthony Albanese i met Donald Trump Australian air force chief Air Marshal to hail $367 billion Aukus deal Stephen ChappellIt has begun “reviews of talent and sustainability costs” as part of a bid to “reduce excessive spending” and “address budget challenges” across its service.
Additionally, the newspaper states that the chief of the defense force stated: David JohnstonIt reduced the working limit of reserves from 200 days a year to 150 days.
The Australian claims to have seen an instruction to air force personnel that a review of “capability priorities” would be undertaken to guide air force investment and “ensure affordability later in the year”.
“This could include project delays, scope reductions and divestitures,” Chappell says, according to The Australian.
A second review will examine “sustainment priorities” and Chappell will warn against cuts to aircraft flying hours due to “reduced effort rates”.
“Air forces should continue to implement measures to optimize operating methods, reduce costs, and ensure that every dollar spent is focused on ensuring the air force’s contribution to the integrated, focused force,” Chappell’s memo says.
Military truck and car collided north of Brisbane
A military truck and a car collided north of Brisbane, leaving the defense vehicle off the road and injuring the driver. Australian Associated Press reports.
Queensland police said no members of the defense force were injured but the driver of the vehicle was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The collision happened on Samford Road in Ferny Hills, north of Brisbane, at about 3.30pm on Wednesday.
The forensic collision unit is continuing the investigation.
The Department of Defense has confirmed that an Australian defense force vehicle was involved in the crash.
“There were no injuries sustained by ADF personnel,” a department spokesman said.
The welfare of the civilians and ADF members involved is a priority and Defence’s focus is on supporting those involved.
In the aerial images of the scene, it was seen that the truck left the road and the car was partially crushed.
The crash comes less than a week after one soldier was killed and two others were injured when an armored personnel carrier rolled over during a training course near Townsville.
The investigation into this incident is ongoing and involves government and military officials as well as police.
Hanson rejects speculation Joyce could lead One Nation

Kate Lyons
Pauline Hanson shut down speculations about Barnaby Joyce He could replace him as leader of the One Nation party, after speculation the disgruntled former National Party leader might defect to his own party.
Speaking on Sky News last night, Hanson said:
That’s not going to happen, he won’t be running the party, so it’s completely out of the question.
The former deputy prime minister last week sparked talk he may be about to switch parties by announcing his intention to quit the Nationals and not re-contest for the New England seat of New South Wales.
Hanson confirmed he had made an offer to Joyce to join One Nation, but Joyce had not committed to joining his party and was awaiting the outcome of a bill he introduced to parliament opposing Australia’s net zero commitment.
He said they spoke about six weeks ago and had a phone conversation last weekend.
I made an offer to Barnaby. I know you are dissatisfied with the National Party. I know you are passionate about getting rid of net zero. He has submitted his bill to parliament, he does not expect to receive support… So it will be interesting how this develops.
Hanson was angered by suggestions that Joyce would be a good replacement if he retired, but said:
My attitude is: If someone can do a better job than me, that’s fair enough… but don’t write me off right now.
Welcome
Good morning and welcome to our live news blog. I Martin Farrer with the best night stories before Nick Visser takes the reins.
Pauline Hanson shut down speculations about Barnaby Joyce He could replace him as leader of the One Nation party, after speculation the disgruntled former National Party leader might defect to his own party. Speaking on Sky News last night, Hanson warned: “Don’t write me off.” In less time.
Australia’s defense chiefs have ordered “draconian” spending cuts as the costs of the Aukus submarine deal and new frigates rise, according to news this morning.
A major clean-up is taking place today after strong winds hit Melbourne and Sydney yesterday.




