Australia news live: Anthony Albanese praises Sally McManus and Michele O’Neil as ‘giants’ as they step down from ACTU

Prime minister pays tribute to secretary and president of the Australian Council of Trade Unions after surprise announcement. Follow updates live Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast Resources minister says government still hasn’t ruled ‘anything out’ on fuel excise cut extension Madeleine King, the federal resources minister, said the government remains concerned about the impact of fuel prices on Australians, but wouldn’t commit to any extension of the fuel excise discount, which is due to expire later this week. I know that time is coming right at us. But as we all are aware, this conflict in the Middle East and appears to be sadly spreading just continues to cause instability in that global energy market and those oil prices. … But the government is very much aware of the pressure increase in fuel prices does put on Australian families. And we have taken action in the past and we’ll continue to monitor how these prices do affect people and seek to deliver that kind of relief as best we can. Continue reading...