Australia Morning Mail: Greens Leader Quits, RBA Rates, SpaceX Launch 2026

Australia news today is dominated by Larissa Waters quitting as Greens leader due to ill health, while the Reserve Bank is expected to raise interest rates again this afternoon to curb inflation.

Greens Leader Larissa Waters Steps Down

In a shock announcement last night, Larissa Waters declared she is standing down as leader of the Australian Greens due to ill health. The party room will meet next week to choose her successor. Deputy leader Mehreen Faruqi and senators Sarah Hanson-Young, David Shoebridge, and Nick McKim are contenders to take over.

Waters' departure marks a significant moment for the Greens, who have been a strong progressive voice in Australian politics. Her leadership has been marked by advocacy on climate action, social justice, and integrity in government.

Reserve Bank Expected to Hike Interest Rates

All eyes will be on the Reserve Bank of Australia at 2:30 pm today when it is widely expected to lift interest rates again. Economists predict a rise of 25 basis points as the RBA attempts to curb inflation.

Experts warn that two or even three more hikes would be "devastating" for the property market, but housing would still remain unaffordable as higher borrowing costs outweigh lower prices.

Impact on Australian Households

For homeowners with mortgages, each rate rise adds hundreds of dollars to monthly repayments. First-home buyers face a double-edged sword: while prices may soften, borrowing capacity shrinks.

One Nation's High Turnover of MPs

Guardian Australia analysis reveals that more than half of One Nation MPs elected to state or federal parliaments have left the party before the end of their term. Of the 51 people elected under Pauline Hanson's banner, 28 have either resigned midterm or been expelled.

This high turnover raises questions about party stability and internal discipline. It also highlights the challenges minor parties face in maintaining cohesion.

Sydney Datacentre Scrapped

In a blow to Australia's tech infrastructure, a major datacentre project in Sydney has been scrapped. The decision comes amid rising construction costs and energy concerns. The project was expected to boost local cloud computing capacity and create jobs.

SpaceX Rocket Blasts Off

SpaceX successfully launched another rocket overnight, continuing its rapid cadence of missions. The launch carried payloads for various commercial and government customers. This success further cements SpaceX's dominance in the commercial space industry.

Key Takeaways from Today's Australia News

• Greens leadership change: Larissa Waters steps down due to ill health; party room to elect new leader next week.
• RBA rate decision: Another hike expected today, with warnings of more to come.
• One Nation turnover: Over half of elected MPs have left the party midterm.
• Datacentre cancelled: Sydney project scrapped due to costs and energy issues.
• SpaceX launch: Successful mission adds to busy launch schedule.

Comparing Australia's Political Landscape

FAQ

Why did Larissa Waters quit as Greens leader?

Larissa Waters announced she is stepping down due to ill health. She stated that she needs to focus on her recovery and will continue to support the party from the backbench.

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What will the RBA decide on interest rates today?

The Reserve Bank is expected to raise the official cash rate by 25 basis points at 2:30 pm today. Economists predict further hikes could follow in the coming months.

How many One Nation MPs have left the party?

According to Guardian analysis, 28 out of 51 One Nation MPs elected to state or federal parliaments have left the party before the end of their term, either by resigning or being expelled.

Stay tuned for more updates on these developing stories throughout the day.

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