{"id":18479,"date":"2026-02-03T20:57:30","date_gmt":"2026-02-03T20:57:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/microvibenews.com\/?p=18479"},"modified":"2026-02-03T20:57:30","modified_gmt":"2026-02-03T20:57:30","slug":"australian-politics-live-fourfold-surge-in-home-battery-installations-after-federal-subsidy-obrien-says-liberals-can-stand-alone-australia-news","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/microvibenews.com\/?p=18479","title":{"rendered":"Australian politics live: fourfold surge in home battery installations after federal subsidy; O\u2019Brien says Liberals can stand alone | Australia news"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><\/p>\n<div id=\"liveblog-body\"><span class=\"dcr-90inr0\"><gu-island name=\"KeyEventsCarousel\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;keyEvents&quot;:[{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;698254bd8f085ffa2d6a1efc&quot;,&quot;elements&quot;:[{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;The shadow treasurer, &lt;strong&gt;Ted O\u2019Brien,&lt;\/strong&gt; says that, should the impasse between the Liberals and the Nationals not be resolved, the &lt;a href=\\&quot;https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/australia-news\/liberal-party\\&quot; data-component=\\&quot;auto-linked-tag\\&quot;&gt;Liberal party&lt;\/a&gt; has the talent on its own to take on the Albanese government.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;ca291ebb-f654-4eb8-8c4d-281612b57612&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;Speaking on the ABC\u2019s 7.30 program last night, the deputy leader of the opposition said \u201cthere\u2019s no doubt the voters want to ensure that we have a stable opposition, an effective opposition. There\u2019s just no doubt about that and I can\u2019t pretend otherwise.\u201d&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;776d7aa4-3d40-4e60-8e36-309eb4509b9f&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.BlockquoteBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;blockquote class=\\&quot;quoted\\&quot;&gt;\\n &lt;p&gt;Whether that opposition is ultimately from the Liberal party holding the government to account or a reunited Liberal-National party, well, let\u2019s wait and see.&lt;\/p&gt;\\n &lt;p&gt;Australia I think is best served by a Coalition but, if at the end of the day that\u2019s not to be, then &lt;strong&gt;I have enormous confidence in the depth of talent within the Liberal party&lt;\/strong&gt; and, yes, I do believe we can absolutely hold what is a very poor government to account.&lt;\/p&gt;\\n&lt;\/blockquote&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;4356c5ef-78e0-463e-b835-5946dd96fd5a&quot;}],&quot;attributes&quot;:{&quot;pinned&quot;:false,&quot;keyEvent&quot;:true,&quot;summary&quot;:false},&quot;blockCreatedOn&quot;:1770149460000,&quot;blockCreatedOnDisplay&quot;:&quot;20.11\u00a0GMT&quot;,&quot;blockLastUpdated&quot;:1770149498000,&quot;blockLastUpdatedDisplay&quot;:&quot;20.11\u00a0GMT&quot;,&quot;blockFirstPublished&quot;:1770149498000,&quot;blockFirstPublishedDisplay&quot;:&quot;20.11\u00a0GMT&quot;,&quot;blockFirstPublishedDisplayNoTimezone&quot;:&quot;20.11&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Liberal party can go it alone, says deputy leader&quot;,&quot;contributors&quot;:[{&quot;name&quot;:&quot;Daisy Dumas&quot;,&quot;imageUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/uploads\/2023\/12\/04\/Daisy_Dumas.jpg?width=300&amp;quality=85&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;s=bece1190594f5aa61b86d0747beae8bd&quot;,&quot;largeImageUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/uploads\/2023\/12\/04\/Daisy_Dumas.png?width=300&amp;quality=85&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;s=ba6bc0d7c37b5a21cd001a0d9edae30c&quot;}],&quot;primaryDateLine&quot;:&quot;Tue 3 Feb 2026 20.52 GMT&quot;,&quot;secondaryDateLine&quot;:&quot;First published on Tue 3 Feb 2026 20.11 GMT&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;698254878f08cce7778ed137&quot;,&quot;elements&quot;:[{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;Solar battery installations in Australia increased four-fold in the second half of 2025, compared with the same period in 2024.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;89542e30-9dd5-4ab6-8213-bff2b8ae1085&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;The Clean &lt;a href=\\&quot;https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/australia-news\/energy-australia\\&quot; data-component=\\&quot;auto-linked-tag\\&quot;&gt;Energy&lt;\/a&gt; Council\u2019s rooftop solar and storage report, released today, found more than 450,000 home batteries had been installed across Australia, by the end of last year.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;7dfe7cc6-b652-4125-a6ad-cdcf4550b195&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;Australians &lt;a href=\\&quot;https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/environment\/2026\/jan\/31\/australias-grid-now-relies-on-renewable-energy-as-much-as-coal-those-who-doubted-it-look-foolish\\&quot;&gt;continued to embrace solar&lt;\/a&gt;, with more than 139,000 systems installed in the latter half of 2025. That brought the number of households with solar to 4.3 million.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;62011527-a05b-4450-a6d1-de89b8fb4dae&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;As a result, Australia\u2019s share of rooftop solar continued to increase, making up 14.2% of the energy supplied to the grid in 2025, almost doubling since 2020, when it was 7.2%.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;b8d19646-32a3-46d2-8073-6b66ffc92365&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;CEC CEO,&lt;strong&gt; Jackie Trad,&lt;\/strong&gt; said that the figures were a testament to incentives such as the federal government\u2019s Cheaper Home Batteries program, launched in July, in tandem with other state-based programs in New South Wales and Western Australia, which had expanded Australia\u2019s longstanding love of rooftop solar.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;f3a4603a-28dd-4e97-a17b-b03ef8a62494&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.BlockquoteBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;blockquote class=\\&quot;quoted\\&quot;&gt;\\n &lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Our biggest power station now resides on the rooftops of more than 4.3 million households, which is helping to drive downward pressure on power bills for consumers and businesses, with less reliance on expensive gas or unreliable coal to power our grid.&lt;\/em&gt;&lt;\/p&gt;\\n&lt;\/blockquote&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;ef8a043c-229f-4ae3-9144-8dd7b1ec6162&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;On Tuesday, the climate and energy minister,&lt;strong&gt; Chris Bowen, &lt;\/strong&gt;told parliament that more than 218,000 home batteries had been installed under the federal government\u2019s subsidy scheme. That number was expected to climb to 2m by 2030, under an expansion of the program announced in December.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;dc124021-ae8f-43f3-ab09-d9f822cac79c&quot;}],&quot;attributes&quot;:{&quot;pinned&quot;:false,&quot;keyEvent&quot;:true,&quot;summary&quot;:false},&quot;blockCreatedOn&quot;:1770149460000,&quot;blockCreatedOnDisplay&quot;:&quot;20.11\u00a0GMT&quot;,&quot;blockLastUpdated&quot;:1770151255000,&quot;blockLastUpdatedDisplay&quot;:&quot;20.40\u00a0GMT&quot;,&quot;blockFirstPublished&quot;:1770149493000,&quot;blockFirstPublishedDisplay&quot;:&quot;20.11\u00a0GMT&quot;,&quot;blockFirstPublishedDisplayNoTimezone&quot;:&quot;20.11&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Battery installs increase four-fold off the back of federal subsidy, report says&quot;,&quot;contributors&quot;:[{&quot;name&quot;:&quot;Petra Stock&quot;,&quot;imageUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/uploads\/2024\/08\/16\/Petra_Stock.jpg?width=300&amp;quality=85&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;s=5033daaa329042c4fdc31068bf2374f1&quot;,&quot;largeImageUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/uploads\/2024\/08\/16\/Petra_Stock.png?width=300&amp;quality=85&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;s=c4d88f2c7cf252aa3d4b386e7c15d280&quot;}],&quot;primaryDateLine&quot;:&quot;Tue 3 Feb 2026 20.52 GMT&quot;,&quot;secondaryDateLine&quot;:&quot;First published on Tue 3 Feb 2026 20.11 GMT&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;698253348f085f7f42cf1b32&quot;,&quot;elements&quot;:[{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Krishani Dhanji&lt;\/strong&gt; here with you for another busy day in parliament.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;09fdb60f-b8dd-4e3f-89a3-2e071b7e34ee&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;The government will be on the defence over the Reserve Bank\u2019s decision to increase interest rates yesterday, having previously said publicly that the economy had \u201c&lt;a href=\\&quot;https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/australia-news\/2025\/mar\/25\/australia-federal-budget-2025-economy-overview-forecast-economic-growth-surplus-deficit-inflation-interest-rates\\&quot;&gt;turned a corner&lt;\/a&gt;\u201d on inflation. There\u2019ll be plenty of reaction to that decision today.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;d7e0097d-1585-4da7-9ab5-80b85239e46d&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;There\u2019s some new data on the record number of solar batteries installed in Australian households \u2013 more on that in a moment.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;e815542f-a9ab-4935-971f-88bdb063b7f3&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;And the Liberals and Nationals are still on the outs (Beckham family style, says Labor), but \u201cconstructive\u201d talks continue \u2013 we\u2019ll keep a close eye on any movements there.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;6837672f-69ce-4c77-99f1-65ae719d6725&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;I\u2019ve got my coffee, I hope you\u2019ve got yours \u2013 let\u2019s get cracking!&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;35558e0c-f0ce-4cc3-b010-eea8e8245d81&quot;}],&quot;attributes&quot;:{&quot;pinned&quot;:false,&quot;keyEvent&quot;:true,&quot;summary&quot;:false},&quot;blockCreatedOn&quot;:1770149460000,&quot;blockCreatedOnDisplay&quot;:&quot;20.11\u00a0GMT&quot;,&quot;blockLastUpdated&quot;:1770149287000,&quot;blockLastUpdatedDisplay&quot;:&quot;20.08\u00a0GMT&quot;,&quot;blockFirstPublished&quot;:1770149460000,&quot;blockFirstPublishedDisplay&quot;:&quot;20.11\u00a0GMT&quot;,&quot;blockFirstPublishedDisplayNoTimezone&quot;:&quot;20.11&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Good morning&quot;,&quot;contributors&quot;:[{&quot;name&quot;:&quot;Krishani Dhanji&quot;,&quot;imageUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/uploads\/2025\/01\/08\/Krishani_Dhanji.jpg?width=300&amp;quality=85&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;s=bdf5a04a6ecde71861bca41ae4119e02&quot;,&quot;largeImageUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/uploads\/2025\/01\/08\/Krishani_Dhanji.png?width=300&amp;quality=85&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;s=88e85a466dde81302ee6274d3af35cd6&quot;}],&quot;primaryDateLine&quot;:&quot;Tue 3 Feb 2026 20.52 GMT&quot;,&quot;secondaryDateLine&quot;:&quot;First published on Tue 3 Feb 2026 20.11 GMT&quot;}],&quot;filterKeyEvents&quot;:false,&quot;id&quot;:&quot;key-events-carousel-mobile&quot;,&quot;renderingTarget&quot;:&quot;Web&quot;,&quot;serverTime&quot;:1770152250190}\"><span id=\"key-events-carousel-mobile\"\/><span class=\"dcr-90inr0\"><\/p>\n<p>Key events<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/gu-island><gu-island name=\"FilterKeyEventsToggle\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;filterKeyEvents&quot;:false,&quot;id&quot;:&quot;filter-toggle-mobile&quot;}\"><span id=\"filter-toggle-mobile\"\/><\/p>\n<div class=\"dcr-alru3r\"><label id=\"filter-toggle-mobile-switch_description\" data-component=\"filter-key-events\" data-link-name=\"filter-key-events-on\" class=\"dcr-rrspei\"><button id=\"filter-toggle-mobile-switch\" role=\"switch\" aria-checked=\"false\" aria-labelledby=\"filter-toggle-mobile-switch_description\" class=\"dcr-dh5oqp\"\/>Show key events only<\/p>\n<p><span>Please turn on JavaScript to use this feature<\/span><\/p>\n<p><\/label><\/div>\n<p><\/gu-island><\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"block-69825f4d8f08cce7778ed17e\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\"\/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Will the government announce some bold economic reforms in the budget?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">RN Breakfast host, <strong>Sally Sara<\/strong>, asks <strong>Katy Gallagher<\/strong> whether there will be some big, meaty economic reform come May (which is when the budget will be released).<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">The question gets a small, dry chuckle from Gallagher, but she sidesteps the question.<\/p>\n<blockquote data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-154zxly\">\n<p><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 14\" style=\"fill:var(--block-quote-fill)\" class=\"dcr-scql1j\"><path d=\"M5.255 0h4.75c-.572 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941H0C.792 9.104 2.44 4.53 5.255 0Zm11.061 0H21c-.506 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941h-8.686c.902-4.837 2.485-9.411 5.3-13.941Z\"\/><\/svg>That\u2019s why we held an economic reform roundtable as one of the first things we did on coming back to government, there was another range of ideas that came through that. And as you would expect, and I\u2019ve heard the treasurer and the PM say this in recent days around reform, that is part of our thinking in the budget process as well.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;australia-news\/live\/2026\/feb\/04\/australian-politics-live-labor-liberal-anthony-albanese-sussan-ley-leadership-challenge-coalition-littleproud-chalmers-interest-rates-rise-rba-ntwfb&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-69825f4d8f08cce7778ed17e&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-69825f4d8f08cce7778ed17e&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;Australian politics live: fourfold surge in home battery installations after federal subsidy; O\u2019Brien says Liberals can stand alone&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:0},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Australian politics live: fourfold surge in home battery installations after federal subsidy; O\u2019Brien says Liberals can stand alone&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/australia-news\/live\/2026\/feb\/04\/australian-politics-live-labor-liberal-anthony-albanese-sussan-ley-leadership-challenge-coalition-littleproud-chalmers-interest-rates-rise-rba-ntwfb?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-69825f4d8f08cce7778ed17e#block-69825f4d8f08cce7778ed17e\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container ad-slot-desktop dcr-jko40v\"\/>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container dcr-jko40v\"\/>\n<article id=\"block-69825d988f08cce7778ed174\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\"\/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Labor \u2018mindful\u2019 of government role in spending<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Finance minister <strong>Katy Gallagher<\/strong> is in the hot seat, taking on the morning media interviews today, and pressed on the government\u2019s spending which is now above 27% of Australia\u2019s GDP.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Speaking to RN Breakfast, she says there are big pressures on the budget including defence, health, aged care and NDIS.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">She also defends the budget, saying the government has already found billions of dollars in savings, and last year asked the public service to find the 5% of lowest priority spending (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/australia-news\/2025\/nov\/26\/labor-government-public-sector-budget-cut-denies-job-losses\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">which came with some controversy<\/a>).<\/p>\n<blockquote data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-154zxly\">\n<p><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 14\" style=\"fill:var(--block-quote-fill)\" class=\"dcr-scql1j\"><path d=\"M5.255 0h4.75c-.572 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941H0C.792 9.104 2.44 4.53 5.255 0Zm11.061 0H21c-.506 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941h-8.686c.902-4.837 2.485-9.411 5.3-13.941Z\"\/><\/svg>We are mindful of the role of government of public spending in the economy. We\u2019ve been responsible about the decisions we\u2019ve taken. We\u2019ve found $114 billion in savings.<\/p>\n<p>If you take NDIS alone, it was growing at 22% when we came to government. We\u2019re getting it down to 8% \u2026 I think it\u2019s part of what we need to do is manage those big programs where they\u2019re growing too fast, and we\u2019re doing that. So, NDIS, aged care, but there\u2019s other areas where as finance minister, I look at all these programs and think what\u2019s happening there and how do we get some of the growth or the increasing pressure down.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;australia-news\/live\/2026\/feb\/04\/australian-politics-live-labor-liberal-anthony-albanese-sussan-ley-leadership-challenge-coalition-littleproud-chalmers-interest-rates-rise-rba-ntwfb&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-69825d988f08cce7778ed174&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-69825d988f08cce7778ed174&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;Australian politics live: fourfold surge in home battery installations after federal subsidy; O\u2019Brien says Liberals can stand alone&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:0},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Australian politics live: fourfold surge in home battery installations after federal subsidy; O\u2019Brien says Liberals can stand alone&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/australia-news\/live\/2026\/feb\/04\/australian-politics-live-labor-liberal-anthony-albanese-sussan-ley-leadership-challenge-coalition-littleproud-chalmers-interest-rates-rise-rba-ntwfb?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-69825d988f08cce7778ed174#block-69825d988f08cce7778ed174\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-69825d0d8f085f7f42cf1b6e\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\">\n<div class=\"dcr-dzkvsd\">\n<div class=\"dcr-uae6pk\"><img src=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/uploads\/2022\/03\/03\/Cait_Kelly.png?width=300&amp;quality=85&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;s=6dd53e173a29491f8c6c26ce7d0e87bc\" alt=\"Cait Kelly\" class=\"dcr-lysqes\"\/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"dcr-sa35sa\">Cait Kelly<\/span><\/div>\n<\/header>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Around 40,000 15-24 year-olds have nowhere to live in Australia each year, with only 3.1% accessing long-term housing, according to a new report from the Home Time Youth coalition.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">With only 23.6% young people accessing medium term housing each year, the majority remain homeless, and a large proportion are turned away with no help.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">The key driver of youth homelessness is domestic violence (83%), with early experiences of homelessness dramatically increasing the risk of long?term or chronic homelessness.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">The report found that Youth Homelessness costs the government $626 million each year in avoidable health and justice system costs, and every dollar invested in youth housing returns $2.60 in community benefit.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;australia-news\/live\/2026\/feb\/04\/australian-politics-live-labor-liberal-anthony-albanese-sussan-ley-leadership-challenge-coalition-littleproud-chalmers-interest-rates-rise-rba-ntwfb&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-69825d0d8f085f7f42cf1b6e&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-69825d0d8f085f7f42cf1b6e&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;Australian politics live: fourfold surge in home battery installations after federal subsidy; O\u2019Brien says Liberals can stand alone&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:0},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Australian politics live: fourfold surge in home battery installations after federal subsidy; O\u2019Brien says Liberals can stand alone&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/australia-news\/live\/2026\/feb\/04\/australian-politics-live-labor-liberal-anthony-albanese-sussan-ley-leadership-challenge-coalition-littleproud-chalmers-interest-rates-rise-rba-ntwfb?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-69825d0d8f085f7f42cf1b6e#block-69825d0d8f085f7f42cf1b6e\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/p>\n<p>Updated at\u00a0<time datetime=\"2026-02-03T20:40:26.000Z\" data-locale=\"en-gb\" title=\"Tuesday, 3 February 2026 at 20:40 Greenwich Mean Time\">20.40 GMT<\/time><\/p>\n<\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container dcr-jko40v\"\/>\n<article id=\"block-69825be58f08cce7778ed16d\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\">\n<div class=\"dcr-dzkvsd\">\n<div class=\"dcr-uae6pk\"><img src=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/uploads\/2022\/03\/03\/Cait_Kelly.png?width=300&amp;quality=85&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;s=6dd53e173a29491f8c6c26ce7d0e87bc\" alt=\"Cait Kelly\" class=\"dcr-lysqes\"\/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"dcr-sa35sa\">Cait Kelly<\/span><\/div>\n<\/header>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">The number of Australians in prison has jumped to an eight-year high, while the number of prisoners who died from unnatural causes jumped to 26, with almost half of those Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, new data from the Productivity Commission has revealed.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">The national average daily prison population increased by 5.9% in 2024-25 to reach an eight-year high of 45,526, with real net operating expenditure hitting $5.43 billion in 2024-25, an increase of 4.3% since 2023-24 and 49.3% over the last 10 years.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Across the country, 22 people died in police custody, six of whom were Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This is lower than 2022-23, when the total number of deaths in police custody was at an 18-year high of 41.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">However, 26 people died from \u2018unnatural causes\u2019, including suicide, drug overdose, accidental injury or homicide, in prisons in 2024-25, the highest number in five years, 10 of whom were Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;australia-news\/live\/2026\/feb\/04\/australian-politics-live-labor-liberal-anthony-albanese-sussan-ley-leadership-challenge-coalition-littleproud-chalmers-interest-rates-rise-rba-ntwfb&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-69825be58f08cce7778ed16d&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-69825be58f08cce7778ed16d&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;Australian politics live: fourfold surge in home battery installations after federal subsidy; O\u2019Brien says Liberals can stand alone&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:0},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Australian politics live: fourfold surge in home battery installations after federal subsidy; O\u2019Brien says Liberals can stand alone&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/australia-news\/live\/2026\/feb\/04\/australian-politics-live-labor-liberal-anthony-albanese-sussan-ley-leadership-challenge-coalition-littleproud-chalmers-interest-rates-rise-rba-ntwfb?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-69825be58f08cce7778ed16d#block-69825be58f08cce7778ed16d\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container ad-slot-desktop dcr-jko40v\"\/>\n<article id=\"block-69825ad78f085f7f42cf1b5f\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\"\/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Government spending too high says independent MP<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Independent MP <strong>Zali Steggall<\/strong> is also piling pressure on the government to reduce its spending, and calling for the government to take responsibility for it driving up inflation.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Speaking to the Today Show earlier this morning, Steggall says the government needs to think about where it should \u201creaddress its spending priorities\u201d. She says:<\/p>\n<blockquote data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-154zxly\">\n<p><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 14\" style=\"fill:var(--block-quote-fill)\" class=\"dcr-scql1j\"><path d=\"M5.255 0h4.75c-.572 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941H0C.792 9.104 2.44 4.53 5.255 0Zm11.061 0H21c-.506 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941h-8.686c.902-4.837 2.485-9.411 5.3-13.941Z\"\/><\/svg>We need to look at the factors that are driving inflation. Of course, the RBA have identified private sector spending being too high, but we have to be clear, government spending has now risen to 28% of GDP \u2026 What do we spend on, what is helpful and supporting Australian people? And I think that\u2019s where we really have to ask questions of the government.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Steggall is joined by Nationals senator <strong>Matt Canavan<\/strong>, who says, \u201cbad day for Australian home owners who are facing a big, big increase in their mortgage payments thanks to this mismanagement of our economy.\u201d<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;australia-news\/live\/2026\/feb\/04\/australian-politics-live-labor-liberal-anthony-albanese-sussan-ley-leadership-challenge-coalition-littleproud-chalmers-interest-rates-rise-rba-ntwfb&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-69825ad78f085f7f42cf1b5f&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-69825ad78f085f7f42cf1b5f&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;Australian politics live: fourfold surge in home battery installations after federal subsidy; O\u2019Brien says Liberals can stand alone&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:0},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Australian politics live: fourfold surge in home battery installations after federal subsidy; O\u2019Brien says Liberals can stand alone&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/australia-news\/live\/2026\/feb\/04\/australian-politics-live-labor-liberal-anthony-albanese-sussan-ley-leadership-challenge-coalition-littleproud-chalmers-interest-rates-rise-rba-ntwfb?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-69825ad78f085f7f42cf1b5f#block-69825ad78f085f7f42cf1b5f\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container dcr-jko40v\"\/>\n<article id=\"block-698258f98f085ffa2d6a1f1f\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\"\/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Coalition won\u2019t support capital gains tax reforms<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.afr.com\/politics\/federal\/changes-to-cgt-discount-under-consideration-as-reform-budget-looms-20260203-p5nz1a\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">Financial Review<\/a> is this morning reporting that the government could be considering winding back the generous 50% capital gains tax deduction for property investors.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">The Greens are currently conducting a federal inquiry into the tax deduction, with calls from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/australia-news\/2026\/jan\/13\/nsw-government-capital-gains-tax-discount-negative-gearing-australia-housing-affordability\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">NSW government that the policy should be reconsidered<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Staying with O\u2019Brien on Sky, he\u2019s asked whether the opposition would support any changes to CGT. No, is the short answer:<\/p>\n<blockquote data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-154zxly\">\n<p><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 14\" style=\"fill:var(--block-quote-fill)\" class=\"dcr-scql1j\"><path d=\"M5.255 0h4.75c-.572 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941H0C.792 9.104 2.44 4.53 5.255 0Zm11.061 0H21c-.506 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941h-8.686c.902-4.837 2.485-9.411 5.3-13.941Z\"\/><\/svg>It\u2019s what happens when you have a Labor government that\u2019s running out of money and they just want to come after more. What do they do? They tax people &#8230; We are not going to be joining with <strong class=\"dcr-in3yi3\">Jim Chalmers<\/strong> on trying to ping Australians for more money, because he can\u2019t stop his spending.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;australia-news\/live\/2026\/feb\/04\/australian-politics-live-labor-liberal-anthony-albanese-sussan-ley-leadership-challenge-coalition-littleproud-chalmers-interest-rates-rise-rba-ntwfb&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-698258f98f085ffa2d6a1f1f&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-698258f98f085ffa2d6a1f1f&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;Australian politics live: fourfold surge in home battery installations after federal subsidy; O\u2019Brien says Liberals can stand alone&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:0},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Australian politics live: fourfold surge in home battery installations after federal subsidy; O\u2019Brien says Liberals can stand alone&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/australia-news\/live\/2026\/feb\/04\/australian-politics-live-labor-liberal-anthony-albanese-sussan-ley-leadership-challenge-coalition-littleproud-chalmers-interest-rates-rise-rba-ntwfb?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-698258f98f085ffa2d6a1f1f#block-698258f98f085ffa2d6a1f1f\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/p>\n<p>Updated at\u00a0<time datetime=\"2026-02-03T20:28:53.000Z\" data-locale=\"en-gb\" title=\"Tuesday, 3 February 2026 at 20:28 Greenwich Mean Time\">20.28 GMT<\/time><\/p>\n<\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-698257898f085f7f42cf1b54\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\"\/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Ted O\u2019Brien is trying to make \u2018Jimflation\u2019 happen<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Having coined the term late last year, shadow treasurer and shadow assistant treasurer, <strong>Ted O\u2019Brien<\/strong> is still trying to make \u201cJimflation\u201d happen.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">The government is feeling the heat over yesterday\u2019s rate rise, which the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/australia-news\/coalition\" data-link-name=\"in body link\" data-component=\"auto-linked-tag\">Coalition<\/a> says is a result of record high government spending.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">So what would the Coalition cut and where would they find the savings? O\u2019Brien, speaking to Sky News, won\u2019t list anything as yet:<\/p>\n<blockquote data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-154zxly\">\n<p><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 14\" style=\"fill:var(--block-quote-fill)\" class=\"dcr-scql1j\"><path d=\"M5.255 0h4.75c-.572 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941H0C.792 9.104 2.44 4.53 5.255 0Zm11.061 0H21c-.506 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941h-8.686c.902-4.837 2.485-9.411 5.3-13.941Z\"\/><\/svg>Cuts aren\u2019t the priority here. Offsets are, and they\u2019re very different things, and so the government has every right to determine what the spending priorities are, but with those rights come commensurate responsibilities, and that means finding room in the budget to pay for them.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Again, host <strong>Peter Stefanovic<\/strong> tries to push O\u2019Brien to list where those savings would come from, but the shadow treasurer keeps it broad.<\/p>\n<blockquote data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-154zxly\">\n<p><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 14\" style=\"fill:var(--block-quote-fill)\" class=\"dcr-scql1j\"><path d=\"M5.255 0h4.75c-.572 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941H0C.792 9.104 2.44 4.53 5.255 0Zm11.061 0H21c-.506 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941h-8.686c.902-4.837 2.485-9.411 5.3-13.941Z\"\/><\/svg>Basic principles. It [tax] needs to be lower, it needs to be fairer.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<figure id=\"0b0f1553-8b55-4d91-b0f9-948a2eafcf87\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.ImageBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-173mewl\"><figcaption data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-fd61eq\"><span class=\"dcr-1inf02i\"><svg width=\"18\" height=\"13\" viewbox=\"0 0 18 13\"><path d=\"M18 3.5v8l-1.5 1.5h-15l-1.5-1.5v-8l1.5-1.5h3.5l2-2h4l2 2h3.5l1.5 1.5zm-9 7.5c1.9 0 3.5-1.6 3.5-3.5s-1.6-3.5-3.5-3.5-3.5 1.6-3.5 3.5 1.6 3.5 3.5 3.5z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"dcr-1qvd3m6\">Ted O\u2019Brien during question time in the House of Representatives on Tuesday.<\/span> Photograph: Mick Tsikas\/AAP<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;australia-news\/live\/2026\/feb\/04\/australian-politics-live-labor-liberal-anthony-albanese-sussan-ley-leadership-challenge-coalition-littleproud-chalmers-interest-rates-rise-rba-ntwfb&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-698257898f085f7f42cf1b54&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-698257898f085f7f42cf1b54&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;Australian politics live: fourfold surge in home battery installations after federal subsidy; O\u2019Brien says Liberals can stand alone&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:0},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Australian politics live: fourfold surge in home battery installations after federal subsidy; O\u2019Brien says Liberals can stand alone&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/australia-news\/live\/2026\/feb\/04\/australian-politics-live-labor-liberal-anthony-albanese-sussan-ley-leadership-challenge-coalition-littleproud-chalmers-interest-rates-rise-rba-ntwfb?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-698257898f085f7f42cf1b54#block-698257898f085f7f42cf1b54\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/p>\n<p>Updated at\u00a0<time datetime=\"2026-02-03T20:32:12.000Z\" data-locale=\"en-gb\" title=\"Tuesday, 3 February 2026 at 20:32 Greenwich Mean Time\">20.32 GMT<\/time><\/p>\n<\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container ad-slot-desktop dcr-jko40v\"\/>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container dcr-jko40v\"\/>\n<article id=\"block-698255018f08cce7778ed142\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\"\/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Coalition can reform this week, under conditions: Ley<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Ley is facing two challenges, the other of course is the Coalition split. Yesterday we reported that the Liberal leader had offered the Nats a deal that would see the three former frontbenchers who crossed the floor, remain off the frontbench for six months.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">She says she expects to meet again with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/australia-news\/david-littleproud\" data-link-name=\"in body link\" data-component=\"auto-linked-tag\">David Littleproud<\/a> today.<\/p>\n<blockquote data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-154zxly\">\n<p><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 14\" style=\"fill:var(--block-quote-fill)\" class=\"dcr-scql1j\"><path d=\"M5.255 0h4.75c-.572 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941H0C.792 9.104 2.44 4.53 5.255 0Zm11.061 0H21c-.506 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941h-8.686c.902-4.837 2.485-9.411 5.3-13.941Z\"\/><\/svg>The Coalition can reform this week but under certain conditions, and those conditions are overwhelmingly supported by the majority of my party room. And they are that shadow cabinet solidarity is mandatory. That shadow cabinet and the party room have primacy of over any individual party room, and the three senators do need to face ongoing suspensions.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;australia-news\/live\/2026\/feb\/04\/australian-politics-live-labor-liberal-anthony-albanese-sussan-ley-leadership-challenge-coalition-littleproud-chalmers-interest-rates-rise-rba-ntwfb&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-698255018f08cce7778ed142&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-698255018f08cce7778ed142&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;Australian politics live: fourfold surge in home battery installations after federal subsidy; O\u2019Brien says Liberals can stand alone&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:0},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Australian politics live: fourfold surge in home battery installations after federal subsidy; O\u2019Brien says Liberals can stand alone&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/australia-news\/live\/2026\/feb\/04\/australian-politics-live-labor-liberal-anthony-albanese-sussan-ley-leadership-challenge-coalition-littleproud-chalmers-interest-rates-rise-rba-ntwfb?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-698255018f08cce7778ed142#block-698255018f08cce7778ed142\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-698255748f085f7f42cf1b47\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\"\/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Leadership rumours are \u2018ridiculous suggestions\u2019 says Ley<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Sussan Ley<\/strong> has swat away questions on her leadership, as the prospect of a spill by <strong>Angus Taylor<\/strong> lurks behind her.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Speaking to ABC News Breakfast this morning, Ley is asked whether she\u2019s spoken to Taylor about that not-so-secret meeting from key senior members of the right faction on Thursday before former Liberal MP <strong>Katie Allen<\/strong>\u2019s funeral.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">She says Taylor is in her leadership group, \u201cwe\u2019ve had discussions about interest [rates], about the circumstances Australians face.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">So is she concerned Taylor is plotting to replace her next week? Ley says:<\/p>\n<blockquote data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-154zxly\">\n<p><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 14\" style=\"fill:var(--block-quote-fill)\" class=\"dcr-scql1j\"><path d=\"M5.255 0h4.75c-.572 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941H0C.792 9.104 2.44 4.53 5.255 0Zm11.061 0H21c-.506 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941h-8.686c.902-4.837 2.485-9.411 5.3-13.941Z\"\/><\/svg>These are ridiculous suggestions and they\u2019re made by people in the media, not the conversations that I\u2019m having with colleagues, and they\u2019re not the focus of my team.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">She tries to pivot the conversation again to focus on interest rates and inflation.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"404b6b05-40e3-4909-bc94-1683bbe293b8\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.ImageBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-173mewl\"><figcaption data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-fd61eq\"><span class=\"dcr-1inf02i\"><svg width=\"18\" height=\"13\" viewbox=\"0 0 18 13\"><path d=\"M18 3.5v8l-1.5 1.5h-15l-1.5-1.5v-8l1.5-1.5h3.5l2-2h4l2 2h3.5l1.5 1.5zm-9 7.5c1.9 0 3.5-1.6 3.5-3.5s-1.6-3.5-3.5-3.5-3.5 1.6-3.5 3.5 1.6 3.5 3.5 3.5z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"dcr-1qvd3m6\">Sussan Ley and Angus Taylor during question time in the House of Representatives on Tuesday.<\/span> Photograph: Mick Tsikas\/AAP<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;australia-news\/live\/2026\/feb\/04\/australian-politics-live-labor-liberal-anthony-albanese-sussan-ley-leadership-challenge-coalition-littleproud-chalmers-interest-rates-rise-rba-ntwfb&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-698255748f085f7f42cf1b47&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-698255748f085f7f42cf1b47&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;Australian politics live: fourfold surge in home battery installations after federal subsidy; O\u2019Brien says Liberals can stand alone&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:0},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Australian politics live: fourfold surge in home battery installations after federal subsidy; O\u2019Brien says Liberals can stand alone&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/australia-news\/live\/2026\/feb\/04\/australian-politics-live-labor-liberal-anthony-albanese-sussan-ley-leadership-challenge-coalition-littleproud-chalmers-interest-rates-rise-rba-ntwfb?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-698255748f085f7f42cf1b47#block-698255748f085f7f42cf1b47\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/p>\n<p>Updated at\u00a0<time datetime=\"2026-02-03T20:43:52.000Z\" data-locale=\"en-gb\" title=\"Tuesday, 3 February 2026 at 20:43 Greenwich Mean Time\">20.43 GMT<\/time><\/p>\n<\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container dcr-jko40v\"\/>\n<article id=\"block-698254bd8f085ffa2d6a1efc\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\">\n<h2 class=\"dcr-1wl2b6o\">Liberal party can go it alone, says deputy leader<\/h2>\n<div class=\"dcr-dzkvsd\">\n<div class=\"dcr-uae6pk\"><img src=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/uploads\/2023\/12\/04\/Daisy_Dumas.png?width=300&amp;quality=85&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;s=ba6bc0d7c37b5a21cd001a0d9edae30c\" alt=\"Daisy Dumas\" class=\"dcr-lysqes\"\/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"dcr-sa35sa\">Daisy Dumas<\/span><\/div>\n<\/header>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">The shadow treasurer, <strong>Ted O\u2019Brien,<\/strong> says that, should the impasse between the Liberals and the Nationals not be resolved, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/australia-news\/liberal-party\" data-link-name=\"in body link\" data-component=\"auto-linked-tag\">Liberal party<\/a> has the talent on its own to take on the Albanese government.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Speaking on the ABC\u2019s 7.30 program last night, the deputy leader of the opposition said \u201cthere\u2019s no doubt the voters want to ensure that we have a stable opposition, an effective opposition. There\u2019s just no doubt about that and I can\u2019t pretend otherwise.\u201d<\/p>\n<blockquote data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-154zxly\">\n<p><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 14\" style=\"fill:var(--block-quote-fill)\" class=\"dcr-scql1j\"><path d=\"M5.255 0h4.75c-.572 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941H0C.792 9.104 2.44 4.53 5.255 0Zm11.061 0H21c-.506 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941h-8.686c.902-4.837 2.485-9.411 5.3-13.941Z\"\/><\/svg>Whether that opposition is ultimately from the Liberal party holding the government to account or a reunited Liberal-National party, well, let\u2019s wait and see.<\/p>\n<p>Australia I think is best served by a Coalition but, if at the end of the day that\u2019s not to be, then <strong class=\"dcr-in3yi3\">I have enormous confidence in the depth of talent within the Liberal party<\/strong> and, yes, I do believe we can absolutely hold what is a very poor government to account.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;australia-news\/live\/2026\/feb\/04\/australian-politics-live-labor-liberal-anthony-albanese-sussan-ley-leadership-challenge-coalition-littleproud-chalmers-interest-rates-rise-rba-ntwfb&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-698254bd8f085ffa2d6a1efc&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-698254bd8f085ffa2d6a1efc&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;Australian politics live: fourfold surge in home battery installations after federal subsidy; O\u2019Brien says Liberals can stand alone&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:0},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Australian politics live: fourfold surge in home battery installations after federal subsidy; O\u2019Brien says Liberals can stand alone&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/australia-news\/live\/2026\/feb\/04\/australian-politics-live-labor-liberal-anthony-albanese-sussan-ley-leadership-challenge-coalition-littleproud-chalmers-interest-rates-rise-rba-ntwfb?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-698254bd8f085ffa2d6a1efc#block-698254bd8f085ffa2d6a1efc\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container ad-slot-desktop dcr-jko40v\"\/>\n<article id=\"block-698254878f08cce7778ed137\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\">\n<h2 class=\"dcr-1wl2b6o\">Battery installs increase four-fold off the back of federal subsidy, report says<\/h2>\n<div class=\"dcr-dzkvsd\">\n<div class=\"dcr-uae6pk\"><img src=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/uploads\/2024\/08\/16\/Petra_Stock.png?width=300&amp;quality=85&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;s=c4d88f2c7cf252aa3d4b386e7c15d280\" alt=\"Petra Stock\" class=\"dcr-lysqes\"\/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"dcr-sa35sa\">Petra Stock<\/span><\/div>\n<\/header>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Solar battery installations in Australia increased four-fold in the second half of 2025, compared with the same period in 2024.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">The Clean <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/australia-news\/energy-australia\" data-link-name=\"in body link\" data-component=\"auto-linked-tag\">Energy<\/a> Council\u2019s rooftop solar and storage report, released today, found more than 450,000 home batteries had been installed across Australia, by the end of last year.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Australians <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/environment\/2026\/jan\/31\/australias-grid-now-relies-on-renewable-energy-as-much-as-coal-those-who-doubted-it-look-foolish\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">continued to embrace solar<\/a>, with more than 139,000 systems installed in the latter half of 2025. That brought the number of households with solar to 4.3 million.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">As a result, Australia\u2019s share of rooftop solar continued to increase, making up 14.2% of the energy supplied to the grid in 2025, almost doubling since 2020, when it was 7.2%.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">CEC CEO,<strong> Jackie Trad,<\/strong> said that the figures were a testament to incentives such as the federal government\u2019s Cheaper Home Batteries program, launched in July, in tandem with other state-based programs in New South Wales and Western Australia, which had expanded Australia\u2019s longstanding love of rooftop solar.<\/p>\n<blockquote data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-154zxly\">\n<p><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 14\" style=\"fill:var(--block-quote-fill)\" class=\"dcr-scql1j\"><path d=\"M5.255 0h4.75c-.572 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941H0C.792 9.104 2.44 4.53 5.255 0Zm11.061 0H21c-.506 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941h-8.686c.902-4.837 2.485-9.411 5.3-13.941Z\"\/><\/svg><em>Our biggest power station now resides on the rooftops of more than 4.3 million households, which is helping to drive downward pressure on power bills for consumers and businesses, with less reliance on expensive gas or unreliable coal to power our grid.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">On Tuesday, the climate and energy minister,<strong> Chris Bowen, <\/strong>told parliament that more than 218,000 home batteries had been installed under the federal government\u2019s subsidy scheme. That number was expected to climb to 2m by 2030, under an expansion of the program announced in December.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;australia-news\/live\/2026\/feb\/04\/australian-politics-live-labor-liberal-anthony-albanese-sussan-ley-leadership-challenge-coalition-littleproud-chalmers-interest-rates-rise-rba-ntwfb&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-698254878f08cce7778ed137&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-698254878f08cce7778ed137&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;Australian politics live: fourfold surge in home battery installations after federal subsidy; O\u2019Brien says Liberals can stand alone&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:0},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Australian politics live: fourfold surge in home battery installations after federal subsidy; O\u2019Brien says Liberals can stand alone&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/australia-news\/live\/2026\/feb\/04\/australian-politics-live-labor-liberal-anthony-albanese-sussan-ley-leadership-challenge-coalition-littleproud-chalmers-interest-rates-rise-rba-ntwfb?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-698254878f08cce7778ed137#block-698254878f08cce7778ed137\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/p>\n<p>Updated at\u00a0<time datetime=\"2026-02-03T20:40:55.000Z\" data-locale=\"en-gb\" title=\"Tuesday, 3 February 2026 at 20:40 Greenwich Mean Time\">20.40 GMT<\/time><\/p>\n<\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container dcr-jko40v\"\/>\n<article id=\"block-698253348f085f7f42cf1b32\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\">\n<h2 class=\"dcr-1wl2b6o\">Good morning<\/h2>\n<div class=\"dcr-dzkvsd\">\n<div class=\"dcr-uae6pk\"><img src=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/uploads\/2025\/01\/08\/Krishani_Dhanji.png?width=300&amp;quality=85&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;s=88e85a466dde81302ee6274d3af35cd6\" alt=\"Krishani Dhanji\" class=\"dcr-lysqes\"\/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"dcr-sa35sa\">Krishani Dhanji<\/span><\/div>\n<\/header>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Krishani Dhanji<\/strong> here with you for another busy day in parliament.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">The government will be on the defence over the Reserve Bank\u2019s decision to increase interest rates yesterday, having previously said publicly that the economy had \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/australia-news\/2025\/mar\/25\/australia-federal-budget-2025-economy-overview-forecast-economic-growth-surplus-deficit-inflation-interest-rates\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">turned a corner<\/a>\u201d on inflation. There\u2019ll be plenty of reaction to that decision today.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">There\u2019s some new data on the record number of solar batteries installed in Australian households \u2013 more on that in a moment.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">And the Liberals and Nationals are still on the outs (Beckham family style, says Labor), but \u201cconstructive\u201d talks continue \u2013 we\u2019ll keep a close eye on any movements there.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">I\u2019ve got my coffee, I hope you\u2019ve got yours \u2013 let\u2019s get cracking!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;australia-news\/live\/2026\/feb\/04\/australian-politics-live-labor-liberal-anthony-albanese-sussan-ley-leadership-challenge-coalition-littleproud-chalmers-interest-rates-rise-rba-ntwfb&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-698253348f085f7f42cf1b32&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-698253348f085f7f42cf1b32&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;Australian politics live: fourfold surge in home battery installations after federal subsidy; O\u2019Brien says Liberals can stand alone&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:0},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Australian politics live: fourfold surge in home battery installations after federal subsidy; O\u2019Brien says Liberals can stand alone&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/australia-news\/live\/2026\/feb\/04\/australian-politics-live-labor-liberal-anthony-albanese-sussan-ley-leadership-challenge-coalition-littleproud-chalmers-interest-rates-rise-rba-ntwfb?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-698253348f085f7f42cf1b32#block-698253348f085f7f42cf1b32\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<p><gu-island name=\"LiveBlogEpic\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"idle\" props=\"{&quot;sectionId&quot;:&quot;australia-news&quot;,&quot;shouldHideReaderRevenue&quot;:false,&quot;tags&quot;:[{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;australia-news\/australia-news&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Keyword&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Australia news&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;australia-news\/australian-politics&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Keyword&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Australian politics&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;australia-news\/series\/australian-politics-live-with-krishani-dhanji&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Series&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Australian politics live with Krishani Dhanji&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;australia-news\/australian-foreign-policy&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Keyword&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Australian foreign policy&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;australia-news\/anthony-albanese&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Keyword&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Anthony Albanese&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;australia-news\/labor-party&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Keyword&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Labor party&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;campaign\/email\/breaking-news-australia&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Campaign&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Breaking News Australia (newsletter signup)&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;australia-news\/sussan-ley&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Keyword&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Sussan Ley&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;australia-news\/liberal-party&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Keyword&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Liberal party&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;australia-news\/national-party&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Keyword&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;National party&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;australia-news\/david-littleproud&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Keyword&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;David Littleproud&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;australia-news\/energy-australia&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Keyword&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Energy&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;business\/australia-economy&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Keyword&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Australian economy&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;australia-news\/interest-rates-australia&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Keyword&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Interest rates&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;australia-news\/coalition&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Keyword&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Coalition&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;type\/article&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Type&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Article&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;tone\/minutebyminute&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Tone&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Minute by minute&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;tone\/news&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Tone&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;News&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;profile\/krishani-dhanji&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Contributor&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Krishani Dhanji&quot;,&quot;bylineImageUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/uploads\/2025\/01\/08\/Krishani_Dhanji.jpg?width=300&amp;quality=85&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;s=bdf5a04a6ecde71861bca41ae4119e02&quot;,&quot;bylineLargeImageUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/uploads\/2025\/01\/08\/Krishani_Dhanji.png?width=300&amp;quality=85&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;s=88e85a466dde81302ee6274d3af35cd6&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;profile\/cait-kelly&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Contributor&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Cait Kelly&quot;,&quot;bylineImageUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/uploads\/2022\/03\/03\/Cait_Kelly_2.jpg?width=300&amp;quality=85&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;s=751235203147002395bcb8b0bbf5a645&quot;,&quot;bylineLargeImageUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/uploads\/2022\/03\/03\/Cait_Kelly.png?width=300&amp;quality=85&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;s=6dd53e173a29491f8c6c26ce7d0e87bc&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;profile\/daisy-dumas&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Contributor&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Daisy Dumas&quot;,&quot;bylineImageUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/uploads\/2023\/12\/04\/Daisy_Dumas.jpg?width=300&amp;quality=85&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;s=bece1190594f5aa61b86d0747beae8bd&quot;,&quot;bylineLargeImageUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/uploads\/2023\/12\/04\/Daisy_Dumas.png?width=300&amp;quality=85&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;s=ba6bc0d7c37b5a21cd001a0d9edae30c&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;profile\/petra-stock&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Contributor&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Petra Stock&quot;,&quot;bylineImageUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/uploads\/2024\/08\/16\/Petra_Stock.jpg?width=300&amp;quality=85&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;s=5033daaa329042c4fdc31068bf2374f1&quot;,&quot;bylineLargeImageUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/uploads\/2024\/08\/16\/Petra_Stock.png?width=300&amp;quality=85&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;s=c4d88f2c7cf252aa3d4b386e7c15d280&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;tracking\/commissioningdesk\/australia-politics&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Tracking&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Australia Politics&quot;}],&quot;isPaidContent&quot;:false,&quot;contributionsServiceUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/contributions.guardianapis.com&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;australia-news\/live\/2026\/feb\/04\/australian-politics-live-labor-liberal-anthony-albanese-sussan-ley-leadership-challenge-coalition-littleproud-chalmers-interest-rates-rise-rba-ntwfb&quot;,&quot;keywordIds&quot;:&quot;australia-news\/australia-news,australia-news\/australian-politics,australia-news\/australian-foreign-policy,australia-news\/anthony-albanese,australia-news\/labor-party,australia-news\/sussan-ley,australia-news\/liberal-party,australia-news\/national-party,australia-news\/david-littleproud,australia-news\/energy-australia,business\/australia-economy,australia-news\/interest-rates-australia,australia-news\/coalition&quot;,&quot;renderingTarget&quot;:&quot;Web&quot;}\"\/><\/div>\n<p>#Australian #politics #live #fourfold #surge #home #battery #installations #federal #subsidy #OBrien #Liberals #stand #Australia 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