Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has caused political controversy over gay rights, gender equality, and religious freedom by vowing to shelve changes to discrimination laws unless he secures Coalition support.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton seized on the government’s changing attitude, accusing Albanese of attempting to abandon the election commitment.

Without the modifications, religious institutions would still be allowed under federal law to fire gay teachers and expel transgender students, though several states and territories have prohibited them from doing so.

According to The Sydney Morning Herald, the disagreement reignites heated debates about religious discrimination, as former Prime Minister Scott Morrison attempted to establish rules for people of faith in 2018 and 2022 but was thwarted both times by Liberals seeking to safeguard gay or transgender teachers and students.

With church leaders and school communities vying for the ability to employ and dismiss teachers based on religious beliefs, including sexuality, the conflict has the potential to create a cultural debate that will last until the next federal election.

Albanese said during a Labor caucus meeting in Parliament House on Tuesday that he had told Dutton he would only proceed if the opposition leader could promise bipartisan support for the change.

Source: The Sydney Morning Herald

Archbishop Makarios of Australia welcomed Melbourne’s Greek Consul General, Emmanuel Kakavelakis at the offices of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese in Melbourne on Tuesday, March 17.

During the meeting, issues of mutual interest were discussed, with a focus on preparations for the 1821 Greek Revolution anniversary celebrations.

The reception for Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew was also addressed, which is planned for his Apostolic Visit to Melbourne in October.

Source: Orthodox Times

The fierce battle for the state’s most marginal seat has taken a new turn as legal advice offered to Labor raises concerns about the Liberal candidate’s assertions about connections to a failed family firm.

According to Adelaide Now, Dr Finizio, a lawyer, has been embroiled in controversy over applying for a Labor job and “airbrushing” involvement in a family business before it collapsed two years after she left.

State government ministers criticised comments she was a “director on paper” and had “no involvement in” the firm that would owe more than $22m.

Ahead of Saturday’s Dunstan by-election, Labor issued new legal advice from one of the country’s leading lawyers, who decided that there was “no room for a ‘sleeping’ director.”

Labor’s manager of government business, Transport Minister Tom Koutsantonis said the “explosive” legal advice raised new questions.

“This legal opinion is a damning repudiation of (Dr) Finizio’s claim she was a director ‘on paper’ of a company, which subsequently collapsed,” Koutsantonis said.

In a letter to Mr Koutsantonis, who complained to the corporate watchdog, an ASIC spokeswoman stated that the misconduct team was reviewing his concerns and would advise whether a formal inquiry would be opened.

Source: Adelaide Now

A Greek-owned supramax bulker “Anikitos” was driven aground after devastating winds and torrential rain pounded north Australia.

Cyclone Megan slammed the region on Monday, roughly 400 miles east of Darwin, with gusts gusting to 105 mph. According to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), the Greek-flagged vessel was beside the Alyangula dock when the cyclone struck.

“The owners and insurers of the vessel are corresponding with tug providers to arrange tugs to assist the vessel with shifting from its current location alongside the wharf to a safe anchorage,” an AMSA spokesperson said.

Source: Tradewindsnews