Andrew Clennell

1 week ago | skynews.com.au | Andrew Clennell |Oscar Godsell

Senior Liberal Party senators have raised internal alarms over the influence the National Party wielded in shaping key Coalition policy without going through the shadow cabinet. The revelations come as details have emerged from a policy agreement that secured the Nationals’ return to the conservative fold. These include lifting the moratorium on nuclear energy, introducing supermarket divestiture powers, and establishing a $20 billion regional future fund.

1 week ago | skynews.com.au | Andrew Clennell |Oscar Godsell

The Albanese government is not expected to announce Australia’s 2035 climate target until closer to September, Sky News can reveal. The new climate target could be put as high as a 75 per cent emissions reduction by 2035 from 2005 levels as internal deliberations and departmental advice continue. Sources have told Sky News that a 65 per cent cut is currently more likely, in line with the 65-75 range floated by the Climate Change Authority in a public consultation paper.

2 weeks ago | skynews.com.au | Andrew Clennell |Oscar Godsell

Ted O’Brien, Angus Taylor and Tim Wilson have emerged as frontrunners for the position of shadow treasurer as Opposition Leader Sussan Ley prepares to announces her shadow cabinet. It comes after the National Party quit the Coalition, leaving the Liberals with additional frontbench positions to offer as the former junior party will move to the backbench. Sky News understands that deputy Liberal leader Ted O’Brien will be offered the shadow treasurer position.

2 weeks ago | skynews.com.au | Oscar Godsell |Andrew Clennell

The Albanese government has declared its controversial superannuation tax is a matter of “fairness”, despite some state politicians being exempted from the policy. Sky News Sunday Agenda revealed that former state premiers and state parliamentarians on the old pension scheme will be exempt from the 30 per cent tax. Labor MPs have since told Sky News they have been receiving emails from constituents about the perceived unfairness in the tax.

2 weeks ago | skynews.com.au | Andrew Clennell |Oscar Godsell

Former state premiers and state parliamentarians who benefit from the previous, more generous pension scheme will be exempt from the Albanese government’s controversial super tax. The office of Treasurer Jim Chalmers confirmed the exemption with Sky News Sunday Agenda after he said that federal politicians would not be exempted. However, some former state office holders won't be hit and the treasurer's office confirmed that this includes former premiers and state members of parliament.