Hello readers, and welcome to today’s election edition of Afternoon Update. This is our last edition until Tuesday, after the Easter break.The prime minister has been shooting pool with students and holding fairy figurines with small children in Brisbane, while the opposition leader has been inspecting a dog house at a trades college in the Hunter Valley.It’s fair to say the leaders are also winding down into long-weekend mode. Ahead of the holiday, the Coalition has announced $260m for technical colleges. And the Labor camp has seized on Peter Dutton’s comments about global heating in last night’s leaders’ debate, which Anthony Albanese says left him “stunned”.Today’s big storiesView image in fullscreenPeter Dutton inspects a dog house at the Hunter Trade College in Maitland NSW.Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AAPCue a pun about Peter Dutton being in the doghouse. The opposition leader visited the Hunter Trade College in Maitland this morning, a region where the Coalition ishoping to wranglethe marginal seats of Paterson and Hunter off Labor. He used the visit to spruik anew education policy, which would establish 12 technical colleges for students from years 10 to 12, in partnership with the private sector.The Australian Education Unionslammed the policy, pointing to the Coalition voting against permanent fee-free Tafe places last year. Its federal president, Correna Haythorpe, said Australia already had a “world-class network of technical colleges – they’re called Tafes”.Speaking to reporters, Duttoninsisted he “believes in climate change”after eyebrow-raising comments in last night’s ABC debate about letting “scientists pass that judgment” on whether the impacts were worsening.Elsewhere, NT senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price doubled down on her “make Australia great again”comment made over the weekend, writing an opinion in the Australian that the media had participated in a“pile-on” and “dumbing down”of the phrase by associating it with Donald Trump – even though she wasphotographed wearing a Maga hat.Independent MP Zoe Daniel has said her campaign team had nothing to do with a phone surveythe Coalition has criticised as “push polling”, a criticism rejected by the company responsible for launching it on behalf of Climate 200.And questions have been raised over whether the female Liberal diasporais in any better a place than in 2022, when the Coalition conceded it had a “women problem”.What they saidView image in fullscreenShadow finance minister, Jane Hume.Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AAP“Well I personally believe in climate change.”Speaking on the ABC after Peter Dutton declined to state whether the impacts of climate breakdown were getting worse during last night’s debate,Jane Hume saidthe opposition leader “listens to the scientists”, as did she – adding that was why the Coalition had a target and pathway to net zero by 2050.Dutton later clarified his comments, telling reporters “I believe in climate change and that is a reality”.How social media saw itView image in fullscreenPhotograph: Malcolm Turnbull/ XThe former prime minister, Malcom Turnbull, has made a fresh pitch for his 720-page memoir on X, in a post revealing his Coalition government considered negative gearing reform.Jim Chalmers was questioned today as to whether Labor asked Treasury for advice on negative gearing and capital gains tax or if it was unsolicited. The party’s policy to reform the practice was scrapped following Bill Shorten’s defeat in 2019. The treasurer said seeking a view wasdifferent to commissioning modelling, and ruled out changes to Labor’shousing policies.Turnbull said negative gearing wasexamined “by every government”, with “many pages” in his memoir devoted to it.skip past newsletter promotionSign up toAfternoon Update: Election 2025Free daily newsletterOur Australian afternoon update breaks down the key election campaign stories of the day, telling you what’s happening and why it mattersEnter your email addressSign upPrivacy Notice:Newsletters may contain info about charities, online ads, and content funded by outside parties. For more information see ourPrivacy Policy. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and the GooglePrivacy PolicyandTerms of Serviceapply.after newsletter promotionThe big pictureView image in fullscreenAnthony Albanese and the Labor candidate for Bonner, Kara Cook, play with kids at a daycare centre in Wishart, Queensland.Photograph: Lukas Coch/AAPEaster poses a wonderful opportunity for politicians to show their sensitive side. The prime minister joined Labor candidate for Bonner, Kara Cook (pictured), to play with kids during a visit to Goodstart Early Learning in Brisbane’s southern suburbs on Thursday.The seat is currently held by the LNP’s Ross Vasta on a margin of 3.4%.Albanese clutched onto a figurine duck as his little new friend talked him through a toy rabbit. Happy Easter, everyone.Watch1:52'I'm not a scientist': Dutton responds to climate change question in ABC leaders' debate – videoIf you thought the world had moved on from debating whether climate change is real, think again! When asked duringWednesday night’s leadership debatewhether he accepted we were already seeing the impacts of a changing climate, Peter Dutton said “there’s an impact” but the real question was what Australia could do about it.Pressed further,Dutton said “I don’t know” and “I’m not a scientist”when asked if he was willing to say “this is climate change happening right now”.Albanese said he was“stunned” by the comments, and that the “science is very clear”. Scientists at the Climate Council have said they are“ready and willing”to brief Dutton on the facts.And in other news …Sydney hospital where two children died recently is at risk of failure, scathing report findsScientists hail ‘strongest evidence’ so far for life beyond our solar systemAustralia to woo US’s ‘smartest minds’ disfranchised by Trump research cuts‘Who is going to face Mr Trump’: Canada leaders’ debate dominated by US crisisMary Fowler’s injury leaves Matildas facing up to Asian Cup without key weapon‘Book brigade’: US town forms human chain to move 9,100 books one-by-oneDaily word gameView image in fullscreenPhotograph: The GuardianToday’s starter word is:ELM.You have five goes to get the longest word including the starter word.Play Wordiply.Sign upIf you would like to receive this Afternoon Update: Election 2025 briefing to your email inbox every weekday,sign up here, or start your day with a curated breakdown of the key stories you need to know withour Morning Mail newsletter. You can follow the latest in US politics by signing up forThis Week in Trumpland.
Afternoon Update Election 2025: Dutton says he ‘believes’ in climate change; Price accuses media of Maga pile-on; and a human book chain
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Political Leaders Address Education and Climate Change Ahead of Election 2025"
The Guardian
7.5
TruthLens AI Summary
In the lead-up to the Easter break, Australian political leaders are engaging in various public activities, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton showcasing contrasting campaign strategies. Dutton visited a trades college in Maitland to promote a new education policy aimed at establishing twelve technical colleges for students in years 10 to 12. This initiative, backed by private sector partnerships, has faced criticism from the Australian Education Union, which argues that the Coalition had previously voted against permanent fee-free TAFE places, highlighting a perceived inconsistency in their education policy approach. Dutton's visit and comments regarding climate change have stirred controversy, particularly following his remarks during a recent leaders' debate, where he seemed hesitant to fully acknowledge the immediate impacts of climate change. Albanese expressed his surprise at Dutton's comments, emphasizing the clarity of scientific consensus on climate issues and suggesting that Dutton may benefit from a briefing by climate experts to better understand the situation.
Additionally, NT Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price has sparked debate with her recent statements on the phrase "Make Australia Great Again," which she claims has been misinterpreted by the media, despite her past association with the slogan. This controversy comes amid broader discussions regarding the representation of women within the Liberal Party, which has faced scrutiny since the last election. Meanwhile, Independent MP Zoe Daniel has distanced her campaign from a controversial phone survey labeled as "push polling" by the Coalition. The political landscape remains dynamic as leaders prepare for the upcoming election, with the Coalition attempting to regain ground in marginal seats while Labor seeks to solidify its position. As both parties navigate these challenges, their public engagements reflect their strategies to connect with voters during a critical period in the electoral calendar.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights key developments in the lead-up to the 2025 election in Australia, focusing on the contrasting approaches of the Prime Minister and the opposition leader, Peter Dutton. It captures the political atmosphere as these leaders engage in activities that suggest a winding down before the Easter holiday. Dutton's remarks on climate change and a new education policy are significant points of contention, while Jacinta Nampijinpa Price's comments about media criticism reveal underlying tensions within the political landscape.
Political Climate and Public Perception
The narrative sets the stage for a political landscape that is sensitive to public opinion, particularly regarding climate change. Dutton's insistence that he "believes in climate change" might be an attempt to align with a more progressive stance, especially after his previous ambiguous comments. The opposition is likely capitalizing on this moment to paint Dutton as inconsistent, which could shape public perception of his leadership capabilities.
Media Influence and Controversy
Price's reaction to media portrayal indicates that the political discourse is not only about policy but also about how narratives are constructed and disseminated. Her claim of a "pile-on" by the media suggests an ongoing battle for narrative control, which could resonate with audiences who feel misrepresented or overstated in their opinions.
Education Policy and Economic Implications
Dutton's announcement regarding funding for technical colleges signals an attempt to appeal to the working-class demographic, particularly in marginal seats. However, the backlash from the Australian Education Union highlights the potential pitfalls of this strategy. The Coalition's history of voting against fee-free TAFE placements raises questions about the authenticity of their commitment to education, which could further alienate voters who prioritize educational access.
Potential Manipulation and Trustworthiness
The article does not appear overtly manipulative, but it does reflect a strategic selection of events and statements that could influence public sentiment. The framing of Dutton's comments and the juxtaposition of his policy proposals with criticisms may lead readers to question his credibility. While the report is based on verifiable events, the interpretation and selection of quotes can guide reader perception, thus impacting the overall trustworthiness of the information presented.
Community Response and Support Bases
Dutton's efforts may resonate more with conservative and working-class communities that prioritize technical education and economic opportunities. On the other hand, responses from the education sector and progressive voters may lean toward skepticism, suggesting a divided electorate that could influence election outcomes.
Broader Economic and Political Context
While the article focuses on domestic politics, the implications of education policy funding and climate change discussions are significant. These issues can affect labor markets and economic forecasts, potentially influencing investor sentiment and market stability.
Implications for Future Developments
As the election approaches, the dynamics of public opinion will likely shift based on how effectively both parties communicate their messages and policies. The discourse around climate change, education, and media portrayal will be crucial in shaping voter decisions and could have broader implications for the future political landscape in Australia. In conclusion, the article serves to highlight the current state of Australian politics as it relates to key electoral issues, while also revealing deeper tensions and narratives at play. The manipulation potential lies in how the information is framed and perceived by the public, making it essential for readers to critically assess the underlying motives behind such news coverage.