CANBERRA – The Senate chamber became a flashpoint of political vitriol on Monday morning as Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young launched a blistering attack on the Labor Government, the Coalition, and One Nation, accusing them of “blindly” following Donald Trump into a global conflict that is now devastating the Australian economy.
In a fiery address, the Manager of Australian Greens Business in the Senate did not mince words, labelling the current international involvement an “illegal war” and claiming that everyday Australians are now “paying the price” for a “major-party cartel” that refused to stand up to the U.S. President.
‘The Hypocrisy is Rank’
Senator Hanson-Young’s remarks come at a time of mounting domestic pressure as the economic fallout from the conflict continues to drive up living costs. She accused both sides of the aisle of acting as a “cheer squad” for the Trump administration, only to now complain about the inevitable consequences.
“The hypocrisy in this place reeks,” Senator Hanson-Young told the chamber. “The hypocrisy from that side of politics… which has backed this bloody war, this illegal war of Donald Trump’s, since day one and is now saying it’s actually causing pain to Australians. Well, of course it is!”
She further alleged that the Government and Opposition had entered the fray without a strategy, stating they “went in blindly” to back “your mate Trump.”
Target: One Nation
While the major parties took the brunt of the systemic critique, Hanson-Young reserved a specific level of scorn for One Nation leader Pauline Hanson. Anticipating a response from the Queensland Senator, Hanson-Young dismissed any potential concerns for struggling families as “crocodile tears.”
“There’s no bigger cheerleader for Donald Trump in this country than Pauline Hanson and One Nation,” she said. “I assume we’re about to hear the Leader of One Nation stand up and wring her hands… meanwhile backing the major supporter of this rubbish, of this pain, of this suffering.”
EVs and the Culture War
The Senator tied the geopolitical crisis back to domestic policy, specifically the stalled transition to electric vehicles (EVs). She argued that while the “Trump war” shows no signs of ending, the Australian Opposition is actively hindering affordable alternatives for citizens.
The Charge: The Coalition is accused of fueling a “culture war” against EVs.
The Impact: Hanson-Young argues this makes it harder for Australians to access cheaper transport options during an economic crunch.
The Result: A government and opposition that she claims have “no plan” beyond complaining.
A Growing Divide
The speech highlights the deepening rift in the Senate as the 2026 economic landscape remains dominated by international instability. With the Greens positioning themselves as the sole voice of dissent against the “cartel” of Labor and the Coalition, the political temperature in Canberra appears set to rise alongside the cost of living.
As of Monday afternoon, neither Senator Hanson nor the Government benches had issued a formal rebuttal to the “cartel” allegations, though the chamber remains on high alert for a standard “One Nation” counter-offensive.
The air in the digital asset markets this March 2026 feels heavy, but it isn’t the frantic, oxygen-deprived panic of years past. Instead, it’s a quiet, structural grinding—a “civilised” bear market that has left investors wondering if the fireworks are over or if the fuse is just longer this time.
As we sit on the doorstep of April, the ghost of the 2021 “May 19th” crash looms large. Here is the state of the current cycle compared to that infamous spring of fire and tweets.
The Current Scene: The “Slow Bleed” of 2026
In late March 2026, Bitcoin is hovering around the $68,000 mark. To an outsider, that sounds like a dream price, but for the “Moon-boys” who bought the $126,000 top back in October 2025, it’s a cold reality. We are officially down roughly 46% from the all-time high
Unlike previous cycles, this bear market isn’t being driven by a single exchange collapsing or a billionaire’s whim. It’s being driven by “Demand Destruction.” * Retail is MIA: The smaller $10,000-and-under transactions have dried up. The “mom and pop” investors who fueled the 2024-2025 run have retreated to high-yield savings accounts.
Institutional Irony: The Bitcoin ETFs, once hailed as the ultimate safety net, have become a double-edged sword. While they prevent “zero-liquidity” death spirals, they’ve also tethered Bitcoin to the macro-economic cycle. When the Fed breathes, Bitcoin catches a cold.
The Regulatory Wait: Everyone is staring at the U.S. Senate, waiting for the Clarity Act to move. Until the rules of the game are signed into law, the “Big Money” is sitting on its hands.
Flashback: April & May 2021 — The “Shock and Awe”
To understand why traders are nervous about the coming weeks, you have to look back at the last major April/May pivot. In 2021, the market didn’t just “cool off”—it hit a brick wall at 100 mph.
Feature
April/May 2021 (The Shock)
March/April 2026 (The Grind)
Price Action
Peak of $64k (April) to $30k (May).
Peak of $126k (Oct ’25) to $68k (Mar ’26).
Triggers
Elon Musk’s Tesla reversal & China’s mining ban.
High interest rates, ETF outflows, and retail exhaustion.
Sentiment
Pure, unadulterated “Blood in the Streets” panic.
“Wait-and-see” boredom and structural de-leveraging.
Leverage
Massive retail liquidations on Binance/FTX.
Institutional “positioning resets” and flat funding rates.
In 2021, the drop was violent. One day, you were buying Dogecoin at the top; the next, the “May 19th” candle wiped out $1 trillion in market cap in hours. The 2026 version is different. It’s a volatility vacuum. We’ve spent four months under $100,000, and the “buy the dip” crowd is starting to look tired.
The Road Ahead: April 2026
As we transition into April, the market is “balanced on a knife-edge.”
The Support: If Bitcoin holds the $67,500 floor, analysts suggest a “spring bounce” toward $75,000 is possible as Q2 budgets open up.
The Risk: If we break below $60,000 (the local low hit in February), we could see a capitulation event that mirrors 2021’s percentage drawdowns, potentially testing the $52,000–$58,000 range.
The irony of 2026 is that the market is structurally stronger than ever—with lower exchange reserves and better custodial tech—but tactically bruised. We’ve traded the “Wild West” volatility for the “Wall Street” doldrums.
In 2021, we fell because the world was scared of what Bitcoin was. In 2026, we are falling because the world is waiting for Bitcoin to do something next.
Buy Crypto Coinspot Australia and receive $10 of Bitcoin for clicking on my link
CANBERRA – The floor of the Australian Senate witnessed one of its most explosive confrontations in years this afternoon, as Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young appeared to “crash out” during a fiery tirade directed at One Nation following their historic performance in the South Australian state election.
The exchange, which has already gone viral on social media, saw a visibly shaken Hanson-Young accuse Pauline Hanson’s party of “hating Australia” and “tearing at the very fabric of our democracy” after One Nation secured nearly 22% of the primary vote in her home state last Saturday—effectively thumping the Greens and even outpolling the Liberal Party in several key regions.
The Breaking Point
The confrontation began during a standard motion regarding South Australian regional investment but quickly devolved into a personal and ideological brawl.
Senator Hanson-Young, who has long been the Greens’ most vocal combatant against the far-right, reportedly lost her cool after One Nation Senators began taunting the Greens over their lackluster 11.5% showing in the SA poll.
“You don’t love this country; you hate it!” Hanson-Young shouted across the chamber, ignoring calls for order from the Senate President. “You hate the Australia that is inclusive, you hate the Australia that is moving forward, and you hate the fact that your vision for this nation is a miserable, regressive lie!”
The SA Election Context
The outburst follows a “political earthquake” in South Australia on March 21, where One Nation’s surge left both major parties and the Greens scrambling for answers. The results saw:
One Nation: ~22% primary vote (a record high in the state).
The Greens: ~11.5% (largely stagnant compared to previous cycles).
The Liberals: Pushed to third place in several traditionally blue-ribbon seats.
Political analysts suggest the “crashout” is a symptom of the deep frustration within the Greens’ leadership as they witness a significant portion of the “protest vote”—once their territory—shift toward One Nation’s brand of right-wing populism and economic nationalism.
One Nation’s Retort
Senator Pauline Hanson, seemingly emboldened by the weekend’s results, remained composed during the outburst, at one point simply gesturing to the public gallery and smiling.
Later, a One Nation spokesperson released a brief statement: “The Senator is clearly having a difficult time coming to terms with the fact that South Australians prefer our vision of ‘Australia First’ over her agenda of ‘Globalism First.’ We suggest she takes a long walk on a beach in Adelaide—if she can find one where the locals haven’t voted for us.”
The Senate has adjourned early last night, with several members from both Labor and the Coalition reportedly “stunned” by the intensity of the exchange. With federal polling now showing One Nation on an upward trajectory nationally, the tension in Canberra is expected to reach a boiling point before the winter recess.
Greens Senator Hanson-Young just had a complete crashout in Federal Parliament after One Nation thumped them in South Australia. She accused One Nation of hating Australia.
CANBERRA – Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe has ignited a fresh national controversy after reportedly labelling supporters of the One Nation party as “the filth of this country” during a heated exchange outside Parliament House.
The remarks, which surfaced late yesterday, have triggered a wave of condemnation from across the political spectrum, reigniting a fierce debate over parliamentary standards, the limits of free speech, and the escalating racial tensions that have defined the first quarter of 2026.
The Incident
The confrontation reportedly occurred following a Senate session where Thorpe, along with Senators Fatima Payman and Mehreen Faruqi, had been pushing for an official government response to the National Anti-Racism Framework. Witnesses claim Thorpe was approached by a group of protesters carrying One Nation banners when she made the comments, accusing the group of perpetuating “vile racism” and describing them as “the filth of this country.”
Thorpe has not retracted the statement. In a brief post to social media this morning, she doubled down on her stance:
“I will not be silent about the hate that is being directed at my people. If you stand for the dispossession and dehumanization of First Nations people, I have no respect for you. Truth-telling isn’t always polite.”
A Divided Reaction
The fallout was immediate. One Nation leader Pauline Hansonled the charge for a Senate censure, describing Thorpe’s language as “incendiary” and “beneath the dignity of the office.”
One Nation: Senator Hanson accused Thorpe of “radicalising” political discourse and called for her immediate suspension from the chamber.
The Coalition: Opposition figures have slammed the comments as a “new low,” arguing that labeling thousands of voters as “filth” is an attack on democratic participation itself.
The Government: While Labor frontbenchers have distanced themselves from the “filth” remark, they remain under pressure from Thorpe and the Greens to act on the Anti-Racism Framework, which has sat unaddressed since late 2024.
The timing of this clash is particularly sensitive. Australia is still reeling from the January 26 bombing attempt at an Invasion Day rally in Perth, which was recently classified as a terrorist act. In a Senate urgency motion on March 11, Thorpe argued that the “element of hate” in Australia is reaching a breaking point.
Critics of the Senator argue that her rhetoric only adds fuel to the fire, while her supporters maintain that her “unfiltered” approach is a necessary response to the systemic racism highlighted by recent events, including the neo-Nazi presence at Camp Sovereignty earlier this year.
The Debate on Accountability
The incident has forced a return to the “Respect at Work” standards and the parliamentary code of conduct.
Free Speech: Supporters argue Thorpe is exercising her right to call out extremism.
Respect: Opponents argue that such language delegitimizes the Senate and alienates the public.
Accountability: There are growing calls for the Race Discrimination Commissioner to weigh in on whether the comments cross the line from political speech into vilification.
The atmosphere at the One Nation election night headquarters in Kent Town was nothing short of electric last night as the results confirmed a seismic shift in South Australian politics. While the Malinauskas Labor government secured a second term, the real story of the night was the “Orange Earthquake” that saw One Nation surge to become the state’s second-most popular party by primary vote.
For a party that has often been viewed as a peripheral force in the south, yesterday’s results represent a historic breakthrough and a clear mandate from a disillusioned electorate.
A New Political Order
In what analysts are calling the “disintegration of the two-party system,” One Nation achieved its best result in nearly 30 years. By the time counting paused in the early hours of Sunday morning, the party had secured approximately 22% of the primary vote, effectively pushing the Liberal Party into a devastating third place.
Party
Primary Vote (Approx.)
Trend
Labor
38%
Steady
One Nation
22%
Record High (+19%)
Liberal
19%
Record Low
Greens
12%
Steady
Gemini said
The atmosphere at the One Nation election night headquarters in Kent Town was nothing short of electric last night as the results confirmed a seismic shift in South Australian politics. While the Malinauskas Labor government secured a second term, the real story of the night was the “Orange Earthquake” that saw One Nation surge to become the state’s second-most popular party by primary vote.
For a party that has often been viewed as a peripheral force in the south, yesterday’s results represent a historic breakthrough and a clear mandate from a disillusioned electorate.
A New Political Order
In what analysts are calling the “disintegration of the two-party system,” One Nation achieved its best result in nearly 30 years. By the time counting paused in the early hours of Sunday morning, the party had secured approximately 22% of the primary vote, effectively pushing the Liberal Party into a devastating third place.
Key Milestones from the Night
The Second Force: For the first time in South Australian history, One Nation outpolled the Liberal Party statewide.
Upper House Success: State leader Cory Bernardi secured a seat in the Legislative Council, ensuring the party a powerful platform to review and contest government legislation.
Lower House Breakthrough: One Nation is currently leading the count in the regional seat of Hammond (Murray Bridge) and remains in a tight “three-cornered” preference battle for Mackillop and Ngadjuri.
“The Voice of the Regions”
The surge was driven largely by a massive “orange wave” across regional South Australia and the outer suburbs of Adelaide. Speaking to a jubilant crowd, federal leader Pauline Hanson described the result as a “new beginning” for the state.
“There is a movement. There is an undercurrent, and it’s people saying we’ve had a gutful. We want our country back, and tonight, South Australians finally have a real voice in their parliament.”
Cory Bernardi echoed this sentiment, noting that the “foundations of uni-party politics” have been rattled. The party’s strategy focused heavily on cost-of-living pressures and regional neglect, a message that clearly resonated with voters who felt abandoned by the traditional major parties.
What This Means for South Australia
With a significant presence in the Upper House and potentially several seats in the House of Assembly, One Nation is no longer just a “protest vote”—they are a formidable legislative force.
Premier Peter Malinauskas acknowledged the result in his victory speech, noting that the significant vote for One Nation “deserves recognition and credit.” As the state moves into this new four-year term, the “landmines” (as Hanson colourfully put it) laid by One Nation will ensure that the government is held to a much higher standard of accountability, particularly on issues affecting regional and working-class families.
1. The Regional Surge
Outside of Adelaide, the shift was stark. In regional South Australia, One Nation’s primary vote reached 27-28%, effectively pushing the Liberal Party into third place in several of its traditional heartland seats.
Hammond: This has become the “ground zero” of the One Nation surge. Incumbent Liberal Adrian Pederick is in a fight for his political life. As of the latest count, the seat is on a knife-edge (roughly 51-49), with One Nation poised to potentially snatch it as the final postal votes arrive.
MacKillop & Ngadjuri: These were true “three-cornered” battles. In both seats, the Liberal incumbents (Rebekah Rosser and Penny Pratt) are leading, but their margins have been slashed to roughly 54% on a two-candidate preferred basis. The “threat” here wasn’t just Labor, but a massive primary swing of 15–20% away from the Liberals toward One Nation.
2. Preference Flows: The Great Realignment
The traditional “leakage” of preferences has completely changed in 2026. Here’s how the numbers moved:
The Liberal Strategy: In a desperate bid to hold regional seats, the Liberal Party directed preferences to One Nation ahead of Labor. While this helped keep Labor out of the final count in seats like Hammond, it backfired by legitimizing One Nation as the primary alternative to the government.
The One Nation Factor: One Nation ran “open tickets” (no directed preferences), but their voters were highly disciplined. In the three-way contests, roughly 70% of One Nation preferences flowed back to the Liberals, which is the only reason the Liberals are still holding any regional seats at all.
Labor’s “Kind” Approach: Interestingly, Labor’s strategy of “reaching out” to disaffected regional voters (as seen in Malinauskas’ victory speech) helped them pick up enough primary support (24% in the regions) to stay relevant in seats they usually ignore, further squeezing the Liberal base.
3. Why It Happened: The “Unrepresented” Voter
According to exit polling (YouGov/Roy Morgan), the swing wasn’t necessarily a sudden love for One Nation policies, but a massive protest:
52% of One Nation voters cited “feeling unrepresented by major parties” as their primary motivator.
Only 10% cited specific party policies.
Party
Statewide Primary Vote (Approx.)
Regional Primary Vote (Approx.)
Labor
38%
24%
One Nation
22%
27%
Liberal
19%
21%
The Result
The Liberal Party has been effectively reduced to a “regional rump,” holding perhaps only 4 to 8 seats statewide, while Cory Bernardi’s entry into the Upper House for One Nation signals a long-term shift in the state’s conservative balance of power.
Ripple continues to distance itself from its “legal battle” era, focusing instead on its role as a global payments infrastructure provider.
RLUSD Milestones: Ripple’s U.S. dollar-backed stablecoin, RLUSD, has crossed $1.6 billion in market cap. On March 12, the digital asset finance platform Bitwave completed the first real-world B2B payment to Ripple using RLUSD, proving its utility for enterprise accounting and settlement.
Major Partnerships: New integrations with LMAX Group and Deutsche Bank have further solidified Ripple’s “Internet of Value” vision. LMAX is now using RLUSD as a central collateral asset for institutional trading, while Deutsche Bank has reportedly integrated Ripple’s tech for cross-border FX settlements.
“The SEC’s failure to provide clarity is over,” stated SEC Chair Paul Atkins. “We are now implementing a token taxonomy that recognises the unique nature of these digital commodities.”
Looking Ahead
The market is now watching the $1.54 resistance cluster. If XRP holds its current levels, technical analysts eye $1.80 as the next psychological target by the end of March. However, some caution remains; with the CLARITY Act still facing a final Senate vote, any legislative delays could lead to a “sell-the-news” correction.
📈 XRP Price Targets: The Road to $2.10
Following the reclaim of the $1.52 level, technical indicators and market sentiment suggest a tiered move upward. While some extreme forecasts (social media “moon” targets) suggest $5.00 or higher, institutional analysts are focused on more structural levels.
Short-Term Projections (March 2026)
Support Level ($1.42 – $1.46): This is the current “floor.” As long as XRP stays above the 20-day EMA (~$1.46), the bullish structure remains intact.
Primary Target ($1.80): Analysts at 21Shares and Standard Chartered see this as the “base case” for the end of March, representing a roughly 20% gain from today’s price.
The “Bull Confirmation” ($2.00 – $2.10): Reaching the $2.10 mark would signify a break above the 200-day EMA. This is considered the “gatekeeper” level; a weekly close above $2.10 could trigger a parabolic run toward the 2025 highs of $3.00+.
🏛️ The CLARITY Act: Where It Stands Now
The Digital Asset Market CLARITY Act is the “holy grail” for XRP because it would move jurisdiction from the SEC to the CFTC, legally cementing XRP as a digital commodity.
The Legislative Timeline
House Phase (Completed): Passed in July 2025 with strong bipartisan support (294-134).
Senate Agriculture Committee (Completed): Advanced its portion on January 29, 2026.
Current Hurdle (Senate Banking Committee): Senator Angela Alsobrooks has targeted a late-March window for a committee vote.
The Sticking Point: The “Yield Dispute.” Congressional leaders and the White House are still debating whether crypto platforms can pay interest on stablecoins. If a compromise is reached this week, the bill could move to the full Senate floor by early April.
Why it matters for you
If the CLARITY Act passes the Senate, it removes the “regulatory risk premium” that has suppressed XRP’s price for years. This would likely trigger the launch of multiple Spot XRP ETFs (currently being filed by firms like Bitwise and Canary Capital), bringing massive institutional liquidity into the asset.
⚠️ Potential “Sell-the-News” Risks
Despite the optimism, there is a risk of a correction if:
The Senate Banking Committee delays the markup past the March 30 Easter recess.
The Federal Reserve issues a “hawkish” surprise in their upcoming meeting, strengthening the USD and cooling off risk assets like crypto.
As of Wednesday, March 18, 2026, the conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran—now entering its third week—has reached a critical new phase following high-level assassinations and intensified strikes on Iranian energy and missile infrastructure.
The war, dubbed “Operation Epic Fury” by the Trump administration and “Roaring Lion“ by Israel, began on February 28 with a massive decapitation strike that killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
🔴 Latest Developments (March 17–18, 2026)
Killing of Top Leadership: Iranian state media confirmed yesterday the deaths of Ali Larijani, a top security official and advisor to the Supreme Leader, and Gholamreza Soleimani, commander of the Basij force. Israel has claimed responsibility for these precision airstrikes.
Strikes on the Strait of Hormuz: U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced it deployed 5,000-pound “deep penetrator” munitions against hardened Iranian missile sites along the coastline. These sites were reportedly being used to target international shipping and U.S. naval assets
Bushehr Nuclear Plant Hit: Reports emerged this morning of a projectile striking the Bushehr nuclear power plant. While Iranian officials claim there is no significant damage or radiation leak, the incident has sparked global alarm
Retaliatory Barrages: In the last 24 hours, Iran and its “Axis of Resistance” (primarily Hezbollah) have launched dozens of missile and drone attacks. Impacts were reported in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, and rockets continue to target the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad’s Green Zone.
Category
Status / Impact
Iran’s Leadership
Mojtaba Khamenei has succeeded his father as Supreme Leader, though he is reportedly wounded. The IRGC is currently believed to be “calling the shots.”
Energy Crisis
Kharg Island, which handles 90% of Iran’s oil exports, has been largely razed by U.S. strikes. Global oil prices have surged past $100 per barrel.
Maritime Status
The Strait of Hormuz remains closed due to Iranian mining and anti-ship missile threats. Most NATO allies have so far declined President Trump’s request to send warships to help reopen the passage.
Humanitarian
The UN estimates 3.2 million people are displaced within Iran. Neighboring countries like Turkey, Iraq, and Pakistan are bracing for a massive refugee influx.
🏛️ Political Landscape
President Trump stated yesterday that while he is not “ready to leave Iran yet,” the U.S. footprint will diminish once objectives are met. However, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth emphasised that the mission remains “ruthless precision” until Iran’s missile industry and nuclear capabilities are completely dismantled
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts are stalled. Though Oman attempted to mediate earlier this month, the White House maintains that Iran’s current terms for a ceasefire are “not good enough.”
📉 Impact on Global Financial Markets
The “Operation Epic Fury” campaign has triggered what economists are calling the most significant energy shock since the 1970s.
Oil Prices: Brent Crude has surged past $110 per barrel, up from roughly $70 just before the February 28 strikes. With the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed by Iranian mines and anti-ship batteries, roughly 20% of the world’s oil supply is offline
Stock Market Volatility: Global indices are in a tailspin. The Dow Jones saw a 400-point drop early this month, but the hardest hits are in Asia. Japan’s Nikkei and South Korea’s KOSPI have faced double-digit percentage declines due to their heavy reliance on Gulf energy.
Safe Havens: Gold has hit record highs as investors flee equities. Conversely, airline and tourism stocks have cratered following the closure of airspace over the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait.
Inflationary Fears: Analysts warn that if the “energy blockade” lasts through the second quarter, global inflation could rise by an additional 0.8% to 1.2%, complicating interest rate decisions for central banks already on edge.
🚢 Latest Troop Movements & Military Posture
The U.S. and Israel have ramped up their presence to levels not seen since the 2003 invasion of Iraq
Two-Carrier Deployment: The USS Abraham Lincoln (CSG-3) and the USS Gerald R. Ford (CSG-12) are now both operational in the North Arabian Sea. This “two-carrier” posture is designed to provide continuous air cover for strikes while defending against Iranian drone swarms.
“Deep Penetrator” Munitions: CENTCOM confirmed the use of GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrators (MOP)—5,000-pound “bunker busters”—against Qeshm Island and other underground missile fortresses along the Iranian coast.
The Strait Standoff: President Trump has been vocal in his frustration with NATO allies, Australia, and Japan, lashing out at their “lack of skin in the game” after they declined to send warships into the contested Strait of Hormuz. Currently, the U.S. is largely going it alone in its attempt to “forcibly reopen” the shipping lanes.
Regional Bases: While some Gulf allies have restricted the use of their bases for offensive strikes, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth indicated that “access, basing, and overflight” agreements are being utilised for “defensive” precision strikes, including HIMARS launches from forward positions in the region.
SYDNEY – The NSW Government has released a comprehensive policy outlining the protocols for identity verification involving full and partial face coverings. The policy seeks to balance the state’s security needs with the personal, cultural, and religious freedoms of its citizens.
The Balance of Privacy and Security
The policy acknowledges that while individuals are free to express their identity through garments like helmets, masks, scarves, veils, niqābs and balaclavas, collective safety requires cooperation. Face recognition remains the primary method for day-to-day identification in New South Wales, from sitting for exams to accessing government services.
Key Policy Requirements
Under the new guidelines, individuals may be required to remove face coverings in specific high-stakes environments:
Law Enforcement: When requested by police or court security officers with legislative power.
Licensing: During the taking of photographs for official permits and licenses.
Government Services: When accessing identity-dependent facilities or having documents witnessed by a Justice of the Peace.
Medical Procedures: When necessary for health and safety.
Protocols for Respectful Identification
The government has mandated that requests for removal must be handled with “respect and consideration.” Key safeguards include:
Duration: Coverings should only be removed for the time strictly necessary to establish identity.
Gender Privacy: Where feasible, those wearing coverings for modesty should be identified by an officer of the same gender in a private area.
Limited Scope: Requests should not extend to hair coverings if the face is already visible.
Implementation
This policy falls under the Multicultural NSW Act 2000, which requires public authorities to respect diverse cultures and religions. All NSW agencies providing public services are now required to integrate these provisions into their official multicultural plans.
1. Core Principle: The “Balance”
Staff must balance the legal requirement for identification with the individual’s right to privacy and religious expression.
Definition of “Face”: The area from the chin to the forehead and ear-to-ear.
Hair Coverings: Do not request the removal of hijabs or other hair coverings if the face is already visible.
2. When to Request Removal
Identification is only required when “circumstances compel,” specifically:
Issuing government licenses or permits (e.g., Driver’s License).
Accessing secure government facilities or identity-dependent services.
Witnessing documents (Justices of the Peace).
Verifying proof of age or performing medical procedures.
3. Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
To ensure a respectful process, follow these steps:
Authorized Personnel Only: Only staff with specific identity-verification authority should make the request.
Explanation: Clearly explain why the removal is necessary and the service consequences if they decline (e.g., denial of access).
Minimum Exposure: The covering should only be removed for the duration needed to confirm the identity.
Privacy & Gender: Where operationally feasible, identity should be verified by a staff member of the same gender and in a private area out of public view.
4. Cultural Sensitivity & Compliance
Under the Multicultural NSW Act 2000, all agencies must:
Incorporate these protocols into their Multicultural Plan.
Consider alternative identification methods (e.g., biometric or secondary docs) if appropriate for the situation.
Respect legitimate medical or safety reasons for wearing a covering (e.g., masks for health).
‘Sick, Obscene Politics’: Greens Slam Labor’s New Refugee Curbs Amid Middle East Conflict
CANBERRA – Senator Sarah Hanson-Young has launched a blistering attack on the Albanese government, accusing Labor of “slamming the door” on Middle Eastern refugees while simultaneously backing military escalation in the region.
Speaking in the Senate on Tuesday, the South Australian Senator condemned the government’s introduction of sweeping new powers designed to prevent those fleeing conflict in Iran and across the Middle East from seeking asylum in Australia.
A Study in Contrast
Hanson-Young highlighted what she termed “sheer hypocrisy,” noting that the restrictive measures arrived on the same day the Prime Minister offered protection to the Iranian women’s soccer team.
“On the very same day that the Prime Minister is offering protection to the Iranian women’s soccer team, this government is now slamming the door shut for anybody else,” Hanson-Young said. “What have we become?
Geopolitical Fallout
The Greens’ Manager of Business in the Senate further linked domestic migration policy to Australia’s foreign alignment, accusing the government of backing a “bloody war” led by the Trump administration while deserting the victims of that same violence.
The Senator argued that Labor is currently “locked in a race to the bottom” with the Liberal Party and One Nation, describing the legislative rush as “sick, obscene politics.”
Humanitarian Crisis
The remarks come amid reports of intensifying violence in the Middle East, with schools and hospitals being destroyed. Hanson-Young argued that the government was “cheering on” the bombing while denying safety to those displaced by it.
“War kills people. Wars create refugees,” Hanson-Young concluded, labeling the government’s actions as “disgusting.”
The government has yet to formally respond to the Senator’s characterization of the new powers, which the Greens claim represent a fundamental abandonment of Australia’s humanitarian obligations.
“The Hormuz Halt”: Australian Fuel Prices Skyrocket as Middle East Conflict Closes Vital Strait
SYDNEY / CANBERRA — Australian motorists are facing a “brutal” week at the bowser as global oil prices surged past US$114 per barrel following the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The crisis has reignited fierce debate over Australia’s fuel security, with the nation currently holding only 34 to 36 days of petrol and diesel reserves.
The “Strait” of Emergency
The crisis hit a breaking point on March 2, 2026, when Iranian officials confirmed the closure of the Strait of Hormuz—the world’s most critical energy chokepoint.
For Australia, the impact is structural. While the conflict is far away, 90% of Australia’s refined fuel is imported, largely from Singaporean and South Korean refineries that rely almost exclusively on Middle Eastern crude moving through that single waterway.
Chaos at the Bowser
In Australia’s major cities, the “fuel price cycle” has been upended. Typically, prices fluctuate in a predictable wave, but motoring groups warn that retailers are using the international crisis to “jack up margins” prematurely.
City
Average Price (91 RON)
Status
Sydney
$2.23
Extreme High
Melbourne
$2.19
Extreme High
Brisbane
$2.18
Extreme High
Perth
$1.89
Rising
Adelaide
$1.85
Rising
NRMA spokesman Peter Khoury described the $2.20+ prices in Sydney and Melbourne as “unjustifiable,” noting that the international price spike usually takes 7–10 days to reach Australian pumps. “Oil companies are using the Middle East crisis as an excuse to rip off the community while they’re already doing it tough with cost-of-living pressures,” Mr. Khoury said.
Federal Government Response
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressed the nation this morning, announcing a defensive military deployment to the Gulf.
Diesel Priority: Energy Minister Chris Bowen urged calm, specifically addressing farmers and the transport industry. While demand has spiked, he insisted that “every scheduled arrival of diesel has landed,” and there is currently no need for panic buying.
Military Aid: Australia is deploying an E-7A Wedgetail surveillance aircraft and advanced air-to-air missiles to the UAE to help secure regional airspace.
ACCC Warning: Treasurer Jim Chalmers has formally instructed the ACCC to “name and shame” any retailers found price-gouging beyond the legitimate increase in wholesale costs.
The “36-Day” Warning
The crisis has exposed Australia’s thin fuel buffer. Unlike many G7 nations that hold 90 days of supply, Australia’s strategic reserve remains “non-compliant” with international standards.
“This isn’t a distant geopolitical drama; it’s a direct threat to our supermarket shelves and emergency services,” warned Jake Field, National Secretary of the Maritime Union of Australia.
As of March 10, 2026, the RBA has warned that if oil remains above US$110, another interest rate hike remains a “live” possibility to combat the resulting inflationary spike.
