Tasmanian Labor Faces Setback in Government Bid
Tasmanian Labor’s no-confidence motion against the Rockliff government is expected to fail, with the Greens confirming they won’t provide the crucial votes necessary to succeed. Greens Leader Rosalie Woodruff stated her party reached a “united decision” not to support Labor’s initiative. She expressed doubt about Labor’s recent actions under Dean Winter, saying, “We have not found anything in Labor over the past four weeks that gives us confidence they would bring significant change on the issues we promised to fight for.”
Labor required five Green votes and three crossbenchers to secure a majority in the lower house after the state election, which resulted in 14 seats for the Liberals and 10 for Labor. Governor Barbara Baker has recommissioned the Rockliff government and scheduled a parliamentary session for August 19, during which Rockliff will test the government’s numbers.
Danielle Wood Calls for Australia’s Economic Growth Mindset
Danielle Wood, chair of Australia’s Productivity Commission, has urged governments to regain a “growth mindset” for faster economic expansion. In her National Press Club address, she emphasized incorporating growth considerations into every policy decision. “This includes addressing trade-offs, improving program delivery, and reducing administrative burdens,” she noted.
Australia’s productivity levels currently lag behind many developed nations, with the Reserve Bank now forecasting a productivity growth rate of 0.7%, down from the historical average of 1.6%. Treasurer Jim Chalmers is set to host a three-day economic reform roundtable, emphasizing resilience, productivity, and fiscal sustainability.
Wood highlighted generational challenges, particularly for Australians born in the 1990s, who entered the job market during a period of slowing economic progress. She pointed to the rising costs of climate change, an aging population, and diminished policy prioritization of growth as key concerns. “Growth has simply fallen down the list of priorities in policymaking,” she remarked.
Volodymyr Zelensky Responds to Trump’s Comments on Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed former U.S. President Donald Trump’s suggestion that the ongoing war with Russia could be resolved “almost immediately.” In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Zelensky reiterated that peace depends on Russian President Vladimir Putin ending the conflict. Zelensky, who has arrived in Washington for talks with global leaders, stated, “We all share a strong desire to end this war quickly and reliably. Peace must be lasting and just.”
Zelensky expressed gratitude to the U.S. and other allies for their steadfast support, adding that any resolution must guarantee Ukraine’s security and sovereignty. Trump earlier suggested on Truth Social that Ukraine could achieve peace by relinquishing certain demands, including NATO membership aspirations and claims to Crimea.
Mass Protests in Israel Demand Hostage Deal
Israeli citizens staged one of their largest protests in recent years, demanding the government secure a deal to free hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. Organizers, representing hostage families, reported that tens of thousands of protesters blocked highways, lit bonfires, and shut down parts of major cities. Frustration mounts as the government plans military offensives in Gaza’s populated regions, which many fear endangers hostages further.
“Our government refuses to prioritize the lives of our children being held in Gaza,” said Yehuda Cohen, a protest participant whose son is among the hostages. Critics, including former military officials, are calling for immediate negotiations to secure a deal with Hamas.
