Queensland opposition leader flags mandatory isolation periods for children in youth detentionBen SmeeQueensland LNP leader, David Crisafulli, says the party will introduce “mandatory isolation periods” for young people who assault youth detention workers.Crisafulli has announced a new “detention with purpose” policy, which will put children in isolation for bad behaviour. He also says education in youth detention will be compulsory. Photograph: Darren England/AAPThere have been longstanding concerns about the amount of education children receive in Queensland’s youth detention system; much of that has been due to the extent that children are kept in isolation.Crisafulli said children in detention would be punished – for example having televisions removed from their cells – if they do not behave.
Access to food is a human right … access to a television is not.
It’s a privilege. And it should be earned with good behaviour, it should be a reward for good behaviour.
This policy is not about money. It’s about demonstrating a new way. It’s about showing kids they have the structure to turn their life around.
ShareUpdated at 03.19 CESTKey eventsShow key events onlyPlease turn on JavaScript to use this featureSarah Basford CanalesMurray Watt was also pressed on ABC’s Insiders this morning about the Albanese government’s appetite to change tax concessions for residential property investors.The housing debate has centred around whether changes to capital gains tax discounts and negative gearing could help get more Australians into home ownership.It was Labor’s policy between 2016 and 2021 to halve CGT discounts from 50% to 25% and to limit negative gearing to newly-built homes only. It was dumped after former leader Bill Shorten took the proposal to two federal elections and lost.The topic reared its head again this week after some federal Labor MPs suggested reducing CGT discounts could help win back voters after backlash against Anthony Albanese’s decision to buy a $4.3m waterfront home on the New South Wales Central Coast in the middle of a housing crisis.The deputy prime minister, Richard Marles, appeared to definitively rule out negative gearing on Thursday but other frontbenchers have been more cautious on their phrasing.Still, Watt wasn’t willing to budge on Sunday, despite repeated attempts by the show’s host, David Speers.Watt said it was “not part of our plan”.
I haven’t received any [department] advice to my knowledge that [CGT or negative gearing changes] will make a substantial difference to housing supply.
Asked whether he personally supported keeping the generous tax concessions, Watt said:
I haven’t put that case within government, [that] case without outside government … as the owner of one home that is heavily mortgaged to the bank, [benefitting from negative gearing and CGT concessions is] not something that I’m planning to do anytime soon. And as I say, I haven’t put that view forward to my colleagues, and I’m not aware of my other colleagues having decided to do that either.
ShareLabor senator dismisses Coalition housing policy as ‘road to nowhere’Sarah Basford CanalesThe workplace relations minister, Murray Watt, appeared on ABC’s Insiders program earlier this morning where he dismissed the opposition’s new housing policy as “pretty much exactly the same” as Labor’s.On Saturday, Peter Dutton announced a $5bn housing plan to kickstart greenfield housing developments across the country on a “use it or lose it” basis.The funding, in the form of grants and concessional loans, will go to industry and local and state governments to enabling infrastructure like water, power, sewerage – a role usually left to state and territory governments.Dutton also announced a 10-year freeze to building code changes, if elected. The opposition claims up to 500,000 houses could be built as a result of the plan.Similarly, the Albanese government’s housing support program has offered $500m to state, territory and local governments until mid-2025 as part of its pledge to build 1.2m homes by the end of the decade.Watt said on Sunday:
It’s pretty revealing that after all of this time, the only plan that Peter Dutton has put forward is pretty much exactly the same plan that we’ve had operating for months … what [Dutton]’s talking about is a road to nowhere. He’ll provide the infrastructure works – the same works that we are providing – but he won’t be providing the housing, which we’re providing, at the end of those roads.
ShareUpdated at 04.06 CESTHow the king’s visit to NSW parliament unfoldedSeveral hundred people lined Macquarie Street to watch King Charles’s arrival at NSW state parliament. He stepped out of his black car wearing a beige suit and a pale pink pocket square, and was greeted at the entrance by the NSW governor, Margaret Beazley, and state parliament dignitaries.He was visiting to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the NSW upper house.First, he was led by the legislative council president, Ben Franklin, to a new painting in the parliament’s lobby by Gumbaynggirr and Bundjalung artist Kim Healey, which was commissioned to mark the legislative council’s bicentenary. It features the Southern Cross, to guide both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. It’s the first Indigenous artwork in parliament.The king asked whether it was painted; Franklin answered in the affirmative.The king was led by the legislative council president, Ben Franklin, to a new painting in the parliament’s lobby by Aboriginal artist Kim Healey. Photograph: Aaron Chown/ReutersHe then moved to the dining room, where the premier, Chris Minns, the chief justice, Andrew Bell, and parliamentarians were waiting.Police trumpeters played as he walked into the room. He was introduced as the King of Australia, and as someone shouted, “hooray”, one of the guests laughed. Many of the parliamentarians held up their phones to photograph him as he walked to the lectern. He spoke to a few as he walked into the room.King Charles was introduced by Franklin, who described the monarch’s visit as a privilege.The king then addressed the gathering.After departing, he stopped for a moment to greet people in the crowd, shook hands with several of them and thanked them for their good wishes.– Jordan Baker, pool reporterKing Charles meets members of the public outside the New South Wales Parliament House in Sydney. Photograph: Aaron Chown/PAShareUpdated at 04.03 CESTCaitlin CassidyKing Charles said democracy had an “extraordinary capacity for innovation, compromise and adaptability, as well as stability”.The king first visited Australia six decades ago, and he said it had continued to uphold “strong representative tradition”.In the spirit of marking the “passage of time”, he presented an hourglass speech timer to the parliament, to “bear witness” on parliament’s next chapter.ShareUpdated at 03.45 CESTKing Charles: ‘Democratic systems must evolve to remain fit for purpose’King Charles continued to reflect on how original council members were “squeezed into the old government house” and moved into borrowed rooms in the current building.
From that vantage point, regardless of their optimism, it was no doubt impossible to imagine what is now the vast and vibrant state of New South Wales, which has grown and evolved alongside this legislature, to reflect on the story of this institution and this state is to see the promise and power of representative democracy.
Generations of voices have been brought together throughout discussion and debate, grappling with each day’s challenges and opportunities, holding power to account and driving meaningful change. Democratic systems must evolve, of course, to remain fit for purpose, but they are nevertheless essentially sound systems.
King Charles III gives a speech an event to celebrate the bicentenary of the New South Wales legislative council. Photograph: Aaron Chown/PAShareUpdated at 03.39 CESTKing Charles praises democracy and legacy of governmental process in speech to NSW parliamentCaitlin CassidyKing Charles wasted no time at NSW parliament today, arriving at the bicentenary luncheon and departing in less than 10 minutes.The guests stood for his arrival and departure and were instructed to remain seated throughout proceedings, with many eagerly filming the event on their iPhones and iPads (yes, someone brought their iPad).His speech celebrated democracy and the legacy of Australia’s governmental process, with some reminiscing on his previous trips to the nation before he became sovereign.
Having been with you for your 150th anniversary, I am delighted and proud to be able to return to the parliament of New South Wales in order to celebrate the occasion of your bicentenary.
It is fascinating, I think, to reflect back to 200 years ago, and thinking about those times makes me wonder what that inaugural handful of members of the New South Wales legislative council would make of this parliament today, and of how this great state has progressed.
King Charles addresses a lunch to celebrate the bicentenary of the NSW legislative council Photograph: Aaron Chown/ReutersShareUpdated at 03.50 CESTKing Charles gifts speech timer hourglass to NSW parliamentKing Charles has given a short address to the New South Wales parliament where he presented a gift to the chamber.
It is, in fact, an hourglass. A speech timer …
[laughter]
… to sit in the chamber and bear witness to the legislative council’s next chapter.
So with the sands of time encouraging brevity …
[laughter]
… it just remains for me to say what a great joy it is to come to Australia for the first time as sovereign and to renew a love of this country and its people which I have cherished for so long.
President of the legislative council, Ben Franklin, watches as King Charles III presents an hourglass as a gift to mark the bicentenary of the NSW parliament. Photograph: Aaron Chown/PAShareUpdated at 03.36 CESTCrowds queue for glimpse of royals at Sydney churchAs the king and queen left the church, they were greeted by hundreds of cheering people, all hoping to catch a glimpse or snap a photo.Among them were Helen Hetrelezis and her brothers, who arrived at the church at 7.45am – almost three hours before the church service. Their efforts paid off and Hetrelezis was granted a few moments with Camilla after church.
We spoke about her visit, I asked the queen about her stay, she said she was enjoying Sydney very much.
In an unplanned moment, the king and queen went to greet the crowds on the other side of the church, with police scrambling to ensure they were protected.Archbishop Kanishka Raffel said it was a “delight” to have the royal couple attend the local service.
It has been a great pleasure and privilege. It was lovely for this local church to welcome the sovereign King Charles and Queen Camilla.
As the royal couple were whisked away in their motorcade, their staff carried dozens of flowers and gifts, while crowds cheered.ShareUpdated at 03.26 CESTQueensland stabbing victim’s family join LNP election campaign launchBen SmeeThe family of stabbing victim Vyleen White has helped the Queensland Liberal National party to launch its election campaign.The LNP is promising to introduce “adult time for adult crime” amid claims of a youth crime “crisis” in the state.White’s death in February was one of several incidents that has pushed law and order issues to the forefront of the campaign.White’s daughter, Cindy Micaleff, told the crowd of LNP candidates and members in Ipswich she spoke to both the premier, Steven Miles, and the opposition leader, David Crisafulli, after her mother’s death.She said Crisafulli came alone, with no cameras, and listened to her father.
In our family’s hour of need, both men came to our home. But there was only one who is a true leader.
We as a family will not allow her death to be in vain.
ShareUpdated at 03.12 CESTQueensland opposition leader flags mandatory isolation periods for children in youth detentionBen SmeeQueensland LNP leader, David Crisafulli, says the party will introduce “mandatory isolation periods” for young people who assault youth detention workers.Crisafulli has announced a new “detention with purpose” policy, which will put children in isolation for bad behaviour. He also says education in youth detention will be compulsory. Photograph: Darren England/AAPThere have been longstanding concerns about the amount of education children receive in Queensland’s youth detention system; much of that has been due to the extent that children are kept in isolation.Crisafulli said children in detention would be punished – for example having televisions removed from their cells – if they do not behave.
Access to food is a human right … access to a television is not.
It’s a privilege. And it should be earned with good behaviour, it should be a reward for good behaviour.
This policy is not about money. It’s about demonstrating a new way. It’s about showing kids they have the structure to turn their life around.
ShareUpdated at 03.19 CESTCaitlin CassidyGuests are filtering in for the NSW parliament’s bicentenary luncheon, and it’s quite an affair, with native floral bouquets and branded royal chocolates on the tables. Among them is the premier, Chris Minns, and a number of state MPs lucky enough to nab an invite. A logo created for today’s events encourages attenders to:
Reflect, celebrate, imagine.
ShareUpdated at 03.04 CESTMore from royal couple’s Sunday service at Sydney churchKing Charles III and Queen Camilla were greeted by warm weather as they made their first public appearance in Australia during an intimate Sunday morning service at St Thomas’ Anglican church in North Sydney.Upon arrival, the royal couple were greeted by crowds that wrapped around the church’s property, hoping to catch a glimpse of them.As Charles and Camilla made their way to the front of church, children waving Australian flags cheered and shook hands with the couple. The queen, wearing a pale green Anna Valentine dress and straw hat, was given flowers by the church minister’s wife, Ellie Mantle, as she proceeded into the church.Upon arrival at the church, King Charles passed by the corner stone of the church that was unveiled in 1881 by his great-grandfather, King George V. Once inside, the royal couple were bathed in sunlight that poured through the door and stained glass windows. Dozens of phones pointed in their direction, while excited whispers echoed through the room.The church’s minister, Michael Mantle, thanked the king and queen for their attendance and said it was an honour to host them. Photograph: Toby Melville/ReutersDespite the important guests, Sunday’s service was restricted to the local congregation, with only a few special guests allowed to attend, such as Australia’s governor-general, Sam Mostyn, and the governor of New South Wales, Margaret Beazley.Bishop Christopher Edwards delivered a prayer, asking for the protection of the king and queen, along with a hope the upcoming commonwealth heads of government meeting in Samoa would be prosperous.He also asked for world peace and an end to wars.The service also featured serval hymn, prayers and several readings from the Old and New Testaments (Isaiah 52:13-53:12 and Acts 8:26-40).Finally, the church’s minister, Michael Mantle, thanked the king and queen for their attendance and said it was an honour to host them.The king and queen also signed two bibles in black pen, including one that belonged to Australia’s first minister, Richard Johnson, who was also the chaplain on the first fleet.– Laura Chung, pool reporterShareUpdated at 03.03 CESTAffluent areas along train lines to be rezoned in Victorian government housing pushThe Victorian Labor government is set to seize planning control of some of Melbourne’s most affluent suburbs in an effort to build thousands more homes, setting the stage for a fight with the opposition and local governments.The premier, Jacinta Allan, will announce an overhaul of planning rules in 50 inner-Melbourne areas located near public transport, including in Brighton, Malvern and Toorak, to allow for greater density.She will argue young people are now “locked out” of these areas – despite being close to jobs, transport and services – due to low availability and high property prices.Twenty-five of the 50 new “activity centres” to be unveiled on Sunday include Armadale, Hawksburn, Malvern and Toorak stations on the Frankston railway line, Auburn, Hawthorn and Glenferrie on the Belgrave-Lilydale line and North Brighton, Middle Brighton, Hampton and Sandringham on the Sandringham line.For more on this story, read the full report from Guardian Australia’s Benita Kolovos:ShareUpdated at 02.45 CESTCaitlin CassidyKing Charles to address NSW parliamentKing Charles is fresh off a church service and about to address the NSW legislative council on his third day down under. Australia’s first parliament is celebrating its bicentenary as the oldest parliament in Australia, and what better occasion is there to welcome our monarch?His Majesty won’t be eating, but the luncheon program is quite a showstopper, with entrees of chargrilled asparagus and marinated octopus followed by barramundi or confit of duck and lemon meringue pie with native desert lime. Reporters are being offered triangle sandwiches and complimentary mints.Formalities will be held with King Charles, followed by an address from the winner of the inaugural NSW parliament regional public speaking competition, Sophia Huckel, chair of Australian history at the University of Sydney, Prof Kirsten McKenzie, and leader of the government in the legislative council, Penny Sharpe.After his address, the king will be off to receive the governor-general, followed by the governor of NSW.ShareUpdated at 02.27 CESTQueensland LNP launches election campaignBen SmeeThe Queensland LNP’s campaign launch is about to get under way.The polls appear to be tightening, but most still predict that the opposition leader, David Crisafulli, will be elected premier in a week’s time.Pro-choice and union protesters gathered outside the LNP’s Queensland election campaign launch event at Ipswich. Photograph: Ben Smee/The GuardianAbortion rights have become a key campaign issue, and pro-choice and union protesters have gathered outside the event at Ipswich, which is normally Labor heartland.Some protesters have been calling out at LNP candidates asking them “how are you going to vote?”, amid the prospect of a conscience vote on abortion, and party candidates refusing to outline personal views.Voters go to the polls on 26 October.ShareUpdated at 02.41 CESTACT Labor extends record run to hold government in territory electionAustralia’s “forever government” has lived up to its name, with Labor retaining power to extend its record reign in the ACT beyond a quarter of a century.The ACT Labor leader, Andrew Barr, already the longest-serving political leader in the country, fended off a negative swing and an independent surge to win his third election as chief minister.While there was still more counting to be done, he told supporters he was confident he could once again form a progressive government with the support of a five-member crossbench.The ACT chief minister, Andrew Barr, has won his third election. Photograph: Mike Bowers/The Guardian“We will take the progressive, practical and proven policies we have taken to this election and enact them in government with the support, I hope, of a progressive crossbench that sees value in investing in public housing, public health and public education,” he said after triumphing in Saturday’s election.With more than three-quarters of votes tallied, the ABC’s election guru, Antony Green, predicted Labor would cling on to their 10 seats while the Greens would hold three, amounting to the 13 needed to form government in the 25-member legislative assembly.The Liberals were on track to pick up one seat under their leader Elizabeth Lee, matching Labor on 10, but still saw their share of the vote decline by 0.7%.For more on this story, read the full report:ShareUpdated at 02.16 CESTRoyals visit Sydney church as Australian tour beginsKing Charles and Queen Camilla have made their first public appearance in Australia.The royals briefly met with children outside St Thomas Anglican Church in North Sydney, before attending a church service.The couple flew into Australia on Friday but spent two days recovering from the flight, making Sunday morning their first appearance.Crowds turned out for a chance to meet the king and queen ahead of an official meet-and-greet at 11.30am.The couple was also met by a small group of protesters, with one holding a sign that read “decolonise”.The trip marks King Charles’s first trip to Australia since becoming King. The itinerary has been heavily pared back due to the king’s cancer diagnosis – the treatment for which has been stopped to enable the trip.King Charles III arrives for a visit to St Thomas’ Anglican Church in Sydney. Photograph: Dean Lewins/AAPProtesters near the royal couple’s Sydney event. Photograph: Dean Lewins/AAPThe king and queen greet visitors outside St Thomas’ Anglican Church. Photograph: Dean Lewins/EPAThe royal couple attended a church service officiated by Anglican Archbishop of Sydney, Reverend Kanishka Raffel. Photograph: Toby Melville/ReutersShareUpdated at 02.08 CESTGood morningAnd welcome to another Sunday Guardian live blog.King Charles and Queen Camilla are kicking of their first visit to Australia since the coronation in 2022. The itinerary, which was tightened after the king’s cancer diagnosis, began on Sunday with a church service at St Thomas’ Anglican Church in North Sydney.Labor has declared victory in the ACT election, extending the party’s two-decade hold over the nation’s capital despite a swing against it. The ACT chief minister, Andrew Barr, retains the position he has held since 2014 and his party will secure power with the Greens, who have held on to three seats, with another two going to independents.I’m Royce Kurmelovs and I’ll be taking the blog through the day.With that, let’s get started …ShareUpdated at 01.52 CEST