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Opposition leader Angus Taylor has rejected calls from a Nationals MP to scrap Question Time.
All sides of parliament are being urged to consider ways to reduce heat in Australia's political environment, after an attack on independent MP Helen Haines outside her electorate office in Victoria.
Nationals MP and Opposition Assistant Minister for Social Services Pat Conaghan said he wants Question Time removed entirely, saying it's designed to raise the temperature.
The Opposition leader says this would undermine the democratic principles of Australia's political system.
"Well, I don't agree with him on this, we need that vigorous and rigorous debate, which has characterised our democracy since it was formed. Our democracy was built on the Westminster system, which requires vigorous and rigorous debate. But it should never cross the line. And what we saw of course in Wangaratta a few days ago was a serious and terrible crossing of that line."
A man has been charged after allegedly making threats at a Western Australian electorate office, while armed with what police are calling an improvised martial arts weapon.
WA police responded to reports of a man making a disturbance at the office of state MP Hannah Beazley in the suburb of Victoria Park on Wednesday afternoon.
Police say there are reports the man was making verbal threats while in possession of what have been described as 'nunchucks'.
The man has been charged with being armed in a way that may cause fear, making a threat to unlawfully do an act, and possessing cannabis.
He is expected to face Perth Magistrates Court later today, after his bail was refused.
In the wake of the attack on Dr Haines, a number of MPs have come forward about their own experiences with harassment and threats.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says around 20 charges have been laid against people over threats directed at him, and says he doesn't look at comments made on his own social media account to protect his mental health.
Finance Minister and Labor MP Katy Gallagher told the Nine Network she has previously reported violent threats to the Australian Federal Police.
"I think whilst men and women get it in politics, I think the nature of the threats and the violence towards women or threats of violence toward women are different. They are often sexualised, it is about rape, sexual assault, physical harm they want to do to you or your children. So, I think, the nature of the threats towards women are different. I can't pretend women across the parliament aren't concerned about this - they are."
Economists say Australians should be prepared for another rate rise when the Reserve Bank meets next month.
This week, the RBA indicated the inflation outlook has not improved, raising concerns of a fifth consecutive hike that would bring the cash rate from 4.6 to 4.85 per cent.
Christian Bayliss is the founder of Fortlake Asset Management.
He told Channel Seven that reducing inflation to within the 2-3 per cent target band in Australia is crucial.
He says inflation has been running at nearly double that since 2021, with the average Australian household paying 14-thousand dollars more in expenses this year than last year.
"That is the tangible cost, that's the number we need to shine a light on when people feel angry, when people feel upset and they can't understand what it is that is wrong with the economy, that's the tangible number. That 14 thousand dollars, every household is spending that and they shouldn't have to be spending it and that's the issue."
US President Donald Trump has defended his call to pause sanctions on Russian exports in the face of heavy criticism, as he claims it is a sensitive moment for peace negotiations with the Kremlin.
Overnight, Russia confirmed it will participate in reinstated trilateral peace talks between the US and Ukraine, after US envoy Steve Witkoff met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and senior Kremlin officials.
President Trump says now is not the time for the US to impose penalties on Russia.
"We're negotiating with Russia right now on Ukraine. We are maybe close to a deal for the first time in a long time. We're maybe close a deal. When you're close to deal and you have very delicate negotiations, you don't put sanctions on."
The United Nations is reporting at least 80 people have been killed and 27 others injured, in attacks on South Sudan, including a drone strike on a fuel depot.
Stephane Dujarric, a spokesperson for the UN Secretary General, called on both governments to “take all possible steps to prevent further attacks.
He says UN affiliated agencies and peacekeepers continue to evacuate casualties and provide medical assistance in Abyei.
“The UN Mine Action personnel are also assessing the affected areas for any unexploded ordnance. The mission has also doubled its patrols in the affected areas to help deter further violence and is engaging with community leaders to encourage restraint and prevent retaliation.”
Drivers are preparing for tough conditions at the Gold Coast 500 from tomorrow (Fri), with heavy rain forecast all weekend.
Competition at the supercars event is expected to be tight and only the top seven drivers will progress to the Sandown 500.
Heading into the race weekend, Matt Payne is top of the ladder, followed close by Broc Feeney and Will Brown - but Brodie Kostecki - who is fourth in the field this season - is widely tipped to come out with a win.
Fan signing events are running today in Surfers Paradise - with entertainment running throughout the next few days.
