Australian politicians clash over gun buyback price and migrant work rights
A Nationals senator argues Australia's post-Bondi gun buyback scheme may breach the constitution, while dozens of groups urge the government to drop planned restrictions on migrant work rights.
As Australia's parliament enters its second week of this sitting fortnight, several contentious issues are dominating debate, from a gun buyback scheme to immigration policy and disability support reform.
Gun buyback and the constitution
Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie has questioned whether the deal between the commonwealth and New South Wales to buy back guns following the Bondi terror attack complies with the constitution. The scheme offers licence holders fixed compensation based on firearm type, but McKenzie said it fails to account for the cost of accessories and may breach a constitutional requirement for fair, market-value compensation. She likened the argument to one made in the film The Castle.
GST deal defended
Former finance minister Mathias Cormann, who helped design the 2018 GST deal for Western Australia, defended the arrangement against criticism that it has cost taxpayers billions. He argued the reform addressed a significant unfairness, noting that without it, WA's share of GST revenue would have fallen below 10 cents in the dollar.
NDIS reform and migration policy
NDIS minister Jenny McAllister expressed confidence that the government can reach agreement with the Coalition on overhauling the disability insurance scheme, with Senate debate beginning today. Meanwhile, nearly 150 organisations have signed an open letter to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese opposing plans to restrict work rights for temporary migrants whose protection claims have been rejected.
Separately, One Nation leader Barnaby Joyce rejected claims his party is homophobic, though he confirmed he will not attend a Mardi Gras event.
