A dispute has erupted over the European Union trade deal negotiations, with the Nationals leader rejecting claims he walked out of a meeting with the trade minister. The minister had previously stated that the opposition figures left while he was explaining the deal, but the Nationals leader insists the discussion ended abruptly by the minister and expressed willingness to revisit concerns. Meanwhile, the government has clarified changes to the Digital Duty of Care legislation, removing a controversial provision that allowed ministers to define new harms, while emphasizing user choice in social media content. The exchange highlights ongoing tensions between political factions over trade policy and digital regulation.
Follow the day’s news liveGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe Nationals leader, Matt Canavan, has disputed the trade minister’s claims he walked out of a meeting on the European Union trade deal, suggesting Don Farrell might be “under a lot of pressure”.Farrell told the ABC yesterday afternoon that Canavan and shadow foreign affairs minister, Ted O’Brien, had walked out on him while he was explaining the deal.I can understand that Don is under a lot of pressure, because there are barely any friends of his dud European deal. I am happy to meet with Don anytime, but he ended our discussion, not me.I have written to Don with practical suggestions about how the deal can be improved and I remain open to discuss my concerns at any time.In response to concerns we heard during the exposure draft consultation and to make this abundantly clear, we have removed the ministerial rule-making power to define new harms in the final bill.We must shift the burden from the shoulders of victims to the companies that are creating the environments where harms occur.The Digital Duty of Care gives Australians choice... If someone wants their feed filled with friends and creators they follow, the social media platforms must give them that choice. And if you’re happy to stick with your algorithm – you can do so. Continue reading...
