Opposition reacted to the upcoming vote on a censure motion against Scott Morrison as a consequence of his secret self-appointment to several ministries during his time as Prime Minister. Nationals M-P Barnaby Joyce called the motion "theatre", saying "I'm very interested in power, but not the power of a former prime minister, I'm interested in power prices." Nationals leader David Littleproud echoed that sentiment when he said the parliament should "focus on Australians and focus on the cost of living pressures".
Pressure is mounting on the government to put a cap on wholesale gas prices, amid rising energy costs and a cost-of-living crisis. The Australian Council of Social Service and the Australian Workers' Union are calling for market regulation, warning that businesses could collapse. The peak organisations want to see prices set at the five-year average spot price of $8 to $10 per gigajoule - prices are currently three times that in most markets. ACOSS CEO Cassandra Goldie says there should be price caps on coal and electricity as well as strategies to enhance energy efficiency in households and businesses.
Australian federal and state governments reacted to the United Nations report that found Australia's plans for the Great Barrier Reef are inadequate and recommended its status be changed to 'in danger'. Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek, Special Envoy to the Reef Senator Nita Green, and Queensland's Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon have released a joint statement which says much of the report's conclusions stem from the inaction of the previous Coalition government. During a press conference with Senator Green, Ms Plibersek has stressed the role played by traditional owners of the land in protecting the Great Barrier Reef.
Former player Craig Foster commented on the political aspects of the World Cup, after a "pitch invader" carrying a rainbow flag interrupted the match between Portugal and Uruguay. Mr Foster noted the protester also carried symbols of support for Ukraine and for Iranian women, addressing several current issues.
