Australia politics live: Labor’s big reforms face test as parliament returns; national cabinet to debate fuel security

Australian Labor MPs are navigating a delicate political landscape as house prices cool in some capital cities. The government faces questions about its housing policies, needing to balance its commitment to helping young people enter the market with concerns about existing homeowners seeing their property values decline.

Despite potential dips, some government figures, like Murray Watt, view a cooling market positively. "Allowing young Australians, in particular, to get into the housing market for the first time, was the central focus of our budget," Watt stated, adding that he was "not surprised to see some level of cooling in auction markets." Treasury modeling, he noted, suggested that while prices might see a short-term impact, they would continue to grow over time.

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Allowing young Australians, in particular, to get into the housing market for the first time, was the central focus of our budget, and that’s why we put forward those changes around both negative gearing and capital gains tax. We’re not surprised to see some level of cooling in auction markets. And if that makes it more possible for Australians to get into the housing market for the first time, that’s a good thing. So our modelling from Treasury did suggest that there may well be a short-term impact in housing prices, but that they would continue to grow over time.

Meanwhile, Environment Minister Murray Watt addressed concerns about a potential bird flu outbreak. He confirmed that a wild migratory bird in Western Australia tested positive for the H5N1 virus. "There’s no doubt... that if we were to have a widespread outbreak of this deadly strain that would have a very significant impact on wildlife in Australia," Watt said, emphasizing that the government is working closely with the industry and is "as well prepared as we possibly could be for this."

In other news, Attorney-General Michelle Rowland has initiated the search for new leaders of the National Anti-Corruption Commission. Applications are now open for a new commissioner and deputy commissioner, who will be selected through an open, competitive, and merit-based process. An eminent panel will assess applications and present a shortlist to the Attorney-General for consideration.

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There’s no doubt, James [Glenday], that if we were to have a widespread outbreak of this deadly strain that would have a very significant impact on wildlife in Australia. There’s no evidence at all, that this has affected poultry stocks in Australia. It’s a wildlife matter at this point in time. In terms of the species, As I say, we know that bird flu can not only impact on birds, but also mammals as well … We are as well prepared as we possibly could be for this, but it is a risk that we need to take seriously.