Australia news live: Richard Marles left adrift as UK counterpart quits hours before scheduled visit to naval yard

Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers has defended his remarks about opposition leader Angus Taylor, stating that while he has no issue with wealthy individuals, Taylor appears disconnected from the struggles of ordinary Australians, particularly concerning the housing market. Chalmers argued that Taylor, having been "born at the top of the ladder," does not understand the difficulties many face in getting a foothold in the property market. He emphasized the government's responsibility to make it easier for more people to succeed.

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Not at all. I want more people to succeed in our economy and in our society... Angus Taylor talks about a ladder and the point that I’ve made about the ladder is it’s not much point in having a ladder if the first few rungs are missing. Angus Taylor was born at the top of the ladder, good on him, but I think that that means he doesn’t understand that a lot of people are struggling.

Meanwhile, the resignation of UK Defence Secretary John Healey has caused a diplomatic ripple, affecting Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles. Healey quit the Starmer government over disagreements on defense spending, which he felt did not commit sufficient resources to national defense amid rising threats.

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The point that I’m making about Angus Taylor is that not everybody is born already at the top of the ladder... Not everybody has had the same experiences that Angus Taylor has had. Our responsibility, which we embrace enthusiastically, is to make it easier for more people to do well, whether that’s at work with better wages, whether it’s helping with the cost of living and tax cuts, or whether it’s helping people get a foothold into a housing market that’s been too difficult for too long, especially for young people.

The abrupt resignation led to the cancellation of a planned visit by Marles to a naval base in Portsmouth alongside Healey. Marles expressed his regret, stating he had valued his working relationship with Healey and wished him well, while acknowledging the enduring nature of the Australia-UK defense relationship, particularly concerning AUKUS.

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I have deeply valued the close and collaborative working relationship with my good friend John Healey as Secretary of Defence, as I have with his predecessors on the Australia-UK defence relationship. I have worked closely with all of them particularly in respect of Aukus. Our defence relationship is enduring, with deep connections, values and shared interests. Acknowledging that ultimately this has been a decision for John, I wish him all the best for the future.