Australia news live: ski fields reach July temperature high; diesel prices surge

Australia's ski fields experienced record high temperatures for July on Saturday, coinciding with a significant surge in diesel prices. The nation is grappling with rising fuel costs, which economists warn could lead to further increases and potentially influence interest rate decisions by the Reserve Bank.

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Australia is a multicultural country.

In the political arena, One Nation leader Pauline Hanson faces criticism from the Labor party. Assistant Minister Andrew Charlton described Hanson's remarks on migration and multiculturalism as "incredibly divisive" and unproductive for national political debate. He emphasized Australia's multicultural identity, stating that such comments do not address the country's real challenges like housing or cost-of-living.

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Waves of migrants have added a huge amount to our country, and I just think it’s incredibly divisive to be saying that some groups should be here and suggest that other groups shouldn’t be here.

Meanwhile, fuel prices are a growing concern. Diesel prices have jumped 15 cents per liter in five days, reaching their highest levels in over a month. This increase is attributed to rising global oil prices, partly driven by the conflict in the Middle East. Experts predict further price hikes, especially as the federal government's fuel excise cut is set to expire on August 2, though the government may extend the relief.

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Now that’s divisive, and importantly, I just don’t think it takes us anywhere as a nation. It doesn’t address any of the real challenges that we have in this country. It’s not building new homes. It’s not helping people with cost-of-living. It’s not reforming our tax system.