Australia Diesel Prices Surge, Ski Fields Hit July Temperature Records; Political Row Over Multiculturalism
Diesel prices in Australia have risen 15 cents per litre in five days, multiple ski fields recorded likely July temperature highs, and a political debate over multiculturalism continues.
Political Row Over Multiculturalism
Liberal Senator Andrew Bragg has strongly disagreed with former Prime Minister Tony Abbott's claim that multiculturalism has 'failed in Australia'. Speaking on ABC’s Insiders, Bragg argued that liberalism created multiculturalism by providing a framework for freedom of religion, thought, and conscience. He highlighted the Liberal Party's proud record, from the Menzies government post-war opening, the Holt government abolishing parts of the White Australia policy, to Malcolm Fraser’s promotion of multiculturalism and creation of SBS. Deputy Liberal leader Jane Hume condemned Pauline Hanson's comments at the CPAC conference in London as 'un-Australian' and divisive. Hume stressed that Australia is a proud migrant nation with a strong multicultural history. Labor frontbencher Andrew Charlton also criticised Hanson, calling her remarks 'incredibly divisive' and not contributing to solving national challenges like housing or cost of living.
Ski Fields Record July Temperature Highs
On Saturday, several ski fields in the Australian Alps recorded temperatures likely to be July records. Mount Hotham reached 11.1°C, surpassing the previous July record of 8.7°C set in 1994. Falls Creek hit 11.5°C, topping its previous July high of 9.8°C from 1992. Perisher in New South Wales recorded 11.9°C, also a likely new July record. Dr Andrew Watkins from Monash University noted that slow-moving high-pressure systems and climate change contributed. In June, the Bureau of Meteorology had forecast poorer snow conditions with a warmer, drier winter.
Diesel Prices Surge
Diesel prices in Australia have risen 15 cents per litre in five days, reaching 209.9 cents per litre in Melbourne (up from 192.8 cents). Prices also rose in Brisbane (207.1), Sydney (205.1), Adelaide (204.3), and Perth (201.5). Unleaded petrol prices increased by 7 cents per litre over a week. The surge is attributed to Donald Trump's war in Iran, which lifted global oil prices. Brent crude oil, which fell to nearly $70 per barrel after the US-Iran peace deal in mid-June, has risen to $88 after over a week of strikes. AMP chief economist Shane Oliver warned that fuel prices could rise another 10 cents, and oil could reach $150 per barrel if the conflict continues and the Strait of Hormuz remains closed. The federal government’s partial fuel relief expires on 2 August, which could add another 16 cents, though Oliver expects the excise cut to be extended. Rising prices add to inflation, increasing the chance of an interest rate hike. Markets on Friday priced in a 65% chance of a hike by December, up from 50% a week earlier.
