National Party leader David Littleproud faced a leadership spill motion proposed by party MP Colin Boyce today. However, most observers believe he has enough support to survive the challenge and retain leadership.

The challenge stems from recent cracks between the Nationals and the Liberal Party. The Nationals withdrew from the coalition over the government’s handling of the Hate Speech Act, causing several shadow cabinet members to resign and creating a stalemate. Boyce advocated reuniting with the Liberals, warning that continued division could lead to loss of voter support.

The leadership position of Liberal Party leader Sussan Ley is also uncertain. Some party members wish to maintain stability without undermining her, while conservative supporters could challenge her in the coming weeks.

The Nationals are set to negotiate with Ley on whether to repair the coalition or allow the split to persist. Some Liberal MPs have drafted temporary shadow cabinet arrangements, potentially filling seats that have not rejoined the coalition in the short term.

Colin Hay, former lead singer of Australian rock band Men at Work, urged opposition to the use of the band’s classic song Down Under at the recent March for Australia anti-immigration rally. He emphasized that the song was originally meant to celebrate Australia’s multiculturalism and inclusive spirit and should not be used to promote exclusion or division.

Hay wrote on social media that Down Under was written to celebrate diversity and inclusion and “is not for those trying to sow anti-immigrant sentiment.” He signed the post with his full name followed by “(immigrant)” to underscore his identity and stance.

March for Australia has become a controversial rally in recent years, organized under the banner of protecting the national holiday (January 26) and strengthening national identity, attracting participation from right-wing groups. Critics argue that the events are linked to exclusionary ideologies and extremist elements.

In addition to Down Under, other Australian musicians, including rock band Hoodoo Gurus and The Living End, have strongly condemned the use of their songs at political gatherings, stressing that their music was originally intended to unite people rather than convey political positions.

A new report from the think tank The Superpower Institute proposed that Australia impose a “polluter pays” levy on companies that extract or import fossil fuels and increase profit taxes on domestic gas producers. These measures are expected to generate an average of 35.6 billion AUD per year for the government between 2026 and 2050.

The plan aims to encourage emission reductions, improve federal budget outcomes, and ensure companies with the highest greenhouse gas emissions pay a fairer share of costs. The report also suggests taxing the extraction and import of coal, gas, and oil consumed in Australia, and raising domestic gas producers’ profit tax rate from around 30% to nearly 60%, similar to levels in major energy-exporting countries like Norway. Initial tax revenue is expected to be below 20 billion AUD, rising above 40 billion AUD after 2030.

Subsidies will be prioritized over the next decade to help households transition from gas, petrol, and diesel to clean electricity, with small businesses also receiving compensation. Polls cited in the report show about 68% of Australians support taxing major emitters. Former Treasury Secretary Ken Henry also expressed support, calling it an opportunity to implement major reforms in the current political environment.