News and politics live updates: Pauline Hanson blasted for comments on domestic violence

One Nation leaders appear split over Pauline Hanson’s comments on Australia’s domestic violence “scourge”, after Ms Hanson labelled partner violence a “two-way street”.

Western Australian One Nation leader Rod Caddies says Ms Hanson’s comments wre “probably different words that I would use”.

“I’ve seen it happen both ways. However, we’re aware that there’s a larger amount of men (perpetrating) domestic violence against women,” Mr Caddies told Sky News.

“There’s programs in place and we’re well aware of the domestic violence of men against women. No one should be violent against anyone – women, children or men.”

One Nation Leader Pauline Hanson has been blasted for calling domestic violence a “two-way street” and suggesting victims could simply leave places where they were unsafe.

In the latest spotfire confronting the populist party, Senator Hanson was asked about men who abused their partners during a radio interview in Brisbane on Wednesday.

“Domestic violence is a scourge but look, I’ve been through it myself in my life. And I just feel if you’re not in a house where you feel safe, then you shouldn’t put up with it. If these women are getting abused by men out there, then don’t put up with it,” she responded.

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A leading demographer is concerned new gender identity terms in the upcoming Census to include the trans community will be too hard for the average Australian to understand leading to issues with data collection.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics has revealed the August 11 Census will collect new data including whether someone is a “cis man” or a “cis woman” to denote that their biological sex correspondents with their gender identity.

The term “cisgender” covers straight and gay men and women free of gender dysphoria, where their biological sex doesn’t align with their personal perception of gender.

The Census will collect information on whether an individual is a “trans man”, “trans woman” and “trans, not further defined” to include those who have had gender surgery or who are transitioning.

While sex has been asked at every Census since 1911, the 2026 survey will for the first time ask about an individual’s sex recorded at birth and their gender, with the options of male, female or “another term”.

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Donald Trump has reportedly agreed to a landmark nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia.

According to US officials, the move would see the US help develop the kingdom’s civilian nuclear industry under a multi-decade partnership.

The proposed pact, expected to be worth tens of billions of dollars over 30 years, would position US companies at the forefront of Saudi Arabia’s nuclear expansion and could also permit uranium enrichment within the kingdom.

But the deal, which was greenlit by Mr Trump last week and expected to be submitted to Congress for review in the coming days, could face headwinds among politicians who are against the spread of nuclear technology in the Middle East.

“The agreement could help revitalise the US nuclear industry, strengthen US-Saudi ties and deny Russia and China a strategically important role in the Saudi nuclear program,” former longtime senior State Department official Robert Einhorn said.

“But unless it contains adequate constraints, including on enrichment, it could increase nuclear proliferation risks in the Middle East and beyond.”

An alleged hacker has claimed to have accessed the personal details of around two million Origin Energy customers, prompting an urgent investigation by the energy giant following reports of a potential data breach.

Origin confirmed on Wednesday it was investigating a potential cybersecurity incident involving unauthorised access to some customer data, stressing it did not believe any customer credit card or bank account details had been compromised.

The hacker allegedly sent The Australian a sample of 50 customer records, containing names, addresses, emails, dates of birth, phone numbers and bill history.

Origin said it was working with forensic investigators to determine the extent of the incident. It is understood no ransom demand has been made.

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Millions of Australians will receive a loud emergency alert on their mobile phones next week as part of the first nationwide test of the Federal Government’s new AusAlert system.

The new warning technology is designed to deliver emergency alerts faster and to more people during disasters such as bushfires, floods, cyclones and other life-threatening emergencies.

Here is everything you need to know before the national test on Monday, 27 July.

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One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has slammed the Labor government for their handling of Australians with links to terrorist groups.

The outspoken senator wrote on X that, “ We do not want them back”; referring to so-called “ISIS brides” and the Perth-born doctor with ISIS links, Tareq Kamleh.

Her post comes after a statement was released earlier on Wednesday morning to say that terrorists would “never return” under a One Nation government.

Pauline Hanson has made her intentions to run for Prime Minister clear.

She was asked if she wanted the nation’s top job, considering her recent ratings surge.

“If you’ve got passion about what’s happening and you feel for the people out there living in poverty and the despair and everything like that, of course you’d want to be Prime Minister if you have an opportunity to actually turn it around,” Senator Hanson told 4BC.

“We won in Farrer with 40 per cent of the vote. We won seven seats in South Australia. Victoria is going to be a real tester for us as well. But it’s up to the people of Australia.”

Foreign Minister Penny Wong has demanded “justice” while confronting her Lao counterpart over Laos’ response to the deaths of Bianca Jones and Holly Morton-Bowles.

The Australian teens were among six backpackers who died after drinking methanol-laced alcohol at a hostel in Vang Vieng in late 2024.

Little has come from the lengthy local investigation, with 10 people handed suspended sentences or $185 fines and the owner of the distillery involved in the mass poisoning facing charges with a maximum penalty of four years.

“Holly and Bianca’s families deserve justice,” Senator Wong said after her meeting on Tuesday afternoon.

“I made clear that Australia expects the Lao government to ensure this investigation fully reflects the seriousness of this tragedy and that those responsible are held properly to account.

“Our advocacy for Holly and Bianca’s families is not over.”

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One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has declared if her party ever took office it would take “every conceivable step” to block the return of ISIS terrorists to Australia.

Former Perth-based doctor and Islamic State recruit Tareq Kamleh is reportedly being held in an Iraqi prison years after he was widely thought to have been killed in the Middle East.

“The Australian community’s safety must be protected,” Senator Hanson said in a statement on Wednesday.

“Australians don’t want these people coming back and they’re appalled at the Albanese Labor government’s efforts to bring them back.

“Unlike the Albanese Labor government, which cannot be honest or transparent with the Australian people about its role in facilitating the return of ISIS terrorists, a One Nation government would take every possible measure to ensure they never return.”