Australian politics live: Victoria Labor promises free abortion care if re-elected; Albanese criticises Hanson’s ‘monoculture’

Free abortion care pledge

Victoria Labor said it would provide free abortion care if it wins re-election. The party said abortion care is healthcare and described the pledge as a way to protect women’s right to choose.

Albanese rejects monoculture claim

Anthony Albanese criticised Pauline Hanson’s use of the term “monoculture.” He said Australia’s migration story had developed over many generations. Albanese said he wanted people to feel proud of what they contribute to the country. He called for celebration of heritage and faith, alongside connection to both ancestral roots and Australia.

AI and election information

The Australian Electoral Commission said people getting voting information from AI was an emerging concern. It is investing in modernising its website so AI tools can draw factual information directly from the commission’s pages. The commission said this could reduce the risk of AI relying on other sources that may be inaccurate.

Digital rules and responsibility

The final digital bill removes a ministerial power to define new harms, following concerns raised during consultation on an exposure draft. The change was presented as a clarification of the bill’s scope.

The Digital Duty of Care was described as shifting responsibility from victims to companies whose platforms create environments where harm occurs. It would also give users a choice between feeds based on followed accounts and algorithmic recommendations.