Hanson Faces Scrutiny Over Taxpayer-Funded Expenses as Fire Bans Grip NSW,Myanmar Citizens Advised to Return
SYDNEY – one Nation senator Pauline Hanson is under fire following revelations of significant taxpayer-funded expenses,as New South Wales grapples with total fire bans across Sydney and the central West,and the United States government urges citizens in Myanmar to leave the country.
Details released today show scrutiny of Senator Hanson’s office expenditure, adding to a week of political debate over cost of living and government accountability. Simultaneously, a total fire ban is in effect for Greater Sydney and the Central West Plains due to hot and windy conditions, raising concerns for communities and emergency services. The bans prohibit all outdoor fires and restrict activities that could spark a blaze. Separately, the U.S. State Department issued a statement advising American citizens in Myanmar to depart the country instantly, citing escalating violence and the risk of arbitrary arrest.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers today criticized the Coalition’s policy to maintain all coal-fired power plants operational for a decade from 2028, stating it would cost the budget over $17 billion. Appearing on ABC Radio National, Chalmers labelled the opposition’s net zero approach “hare-brained,” arguing it would “push up power prices and swing a wrecking ball through the budget and the economy.” He further explained that the increasing cost of energy is linked to the unreliability of aging power sources, not the introduction of renewable energy. “the reason why it is indeed insane from an economic point of view is as it says that the most expensive part, or the biggest part of the upward pressure on power prices…they want to extend that for longer and put people under pressure for longer,” Chalmers said.
The NSW Rural Fire Service is urging residents to remain vigilant and adhere to fire safety guidelines during the total fire ban. Conditions are expected to remain hazardous throughout the day. The U.S. State Department’s warning to citizens in Myanmar follows a recent surge in conflict between the military junta and pro-democracy forces, with increasing reports of civilian casualties and human rights abuses. The department has limited ability to provide assistance to those remaining in the country.
