Question time is under way in parliament with a welcome to a key leader

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has defended the increase in the monthly inflation rate which has raised pressure on the Reserve Bank to lift interest rates at its August meeting.

Fresh monthly inflation figures released by the Bureau of Statistics on Wednesday showed headline CPI accelerated to 4 per cent in the year to May, outpacing April’s increase of 3.6 per cent and economists’ estimates of 3.8 per cent.

Dr Chalmers told question time that while the government hoped inflation would fall faster, he pointed to the volatility of the monthly CPI indicator which does not provide a full read of goods and services costs across the economy.

“As we have said many times, the monthly numbers bounce around, (it doesn’t) compare the same goods and services,” Dr Chalmers said.

“The variance in other countries is that inflation doesn’t always moderate in a straight line and the last mile is the hardest and that is why we seek core inflation going up in Canada and in the Euro area as well.”

Taking aim at the opposition, Dr Chalmers said the latest inflation reading was still lower than when the Coalition lost office in 2022.

“Inflation at 4 per cent is too high but it is much lower than the 6.1 per cent that we inherited from those opposite, and it is less than half its peak a couple of years ago,” Dr Chalmers added.

Albanese welcomes the end of the Assange ‘saga’

Mr Albanese has welcomed Julian Assange’s expected return to Australia after the WikiLeaks founder entered a plea deal with US prosecutors which has allowed him to walk free after a long running legal saga to avoid extradition to the US over espionage charges.

“Regardless of your views about his activities – and they will be varied – Mr Assange’s case has dragged on for too long,” Mr Albanese told the chamber in response to a question from Assange campaigner and independent MP Andrew Wilkie.

“I have said repeatedly that there was nothing to be gained by his continued incarceration.

“I am pleased that he is on his way home to Australia to reunite with his family here.”

Mr Albanese pointed to his government’s diplomatic efforts to lobby for Mr Assange’s release.

“We have used all appropriate channels, this outcome has been the product of careful, patient and determined work. Work I am very proud of,” he said.

“This is what standing up for Australians around the world looks like. It means getting the job done, getting results and getting outcomes.”

Mr Assange is expected to land in Canberra early Wednesday evening.

PM’s State of Origin diplomacy move

Anthony Albanese has welcomed the new Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands. Jeremiah Manele, to Canberra, building the relationship with a key player in the Pacific region.

“We are honoured you have chosen Australia as your first official visit,” Mr Albanese said at the start of question time attended by Mr Manele.

“We also warmly welcome the fact that on your election, he recently said Australia remained Solomon Islands’ partner of choice and you want to see our relationship grow to new heights.

“Australia is with you on both counts.”

He also said Mr Manele would attend the second State of Origin clash between NSW and Queensland at the MCG with the Minister for Internationals Development and the Pacific Pat Conroy on Wednesday night.

“We wish you well at the MCG tonight and what will be an important Australian cultural event,” Mr Albanese, a diehard rugby league fan who won’t be attending, said.

“And I note, Prime Minister, your diplomatic skills were on show Tuesday when you will indicated you would be neutral this evening. That is a wise thing.”

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton also welcomed Mr Manele.

“Thank you very much for prioritising your visit here to Australia,” Mr Dutton said.

“It means an enormous amount to us and is a continuation of many decades of the relationship between the Solomon Islands and Australia.”

Watered down vaping Bill passes Senate

The Senate has passed the government’s watered down vaping Bill.

Instead of previous laws that would prohibit adults from buying a vape unless they had a prescription, the Bill has been amended to drop the classification of nicotine vapes from a schedule 4 substance (prescription only), to a schedule 3 (pharmacist only).

The legislation will make pharmacies the only legal outlet to buy vapes, with prescriptions required for adults until October, when they will become available behind the counter.

Health Minister Mark Butler has said pharmacists won’t be forced to sell vapes after backlash from the industry over a deal with the Greens to water down vaping reforms.

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The Bill passed with amendments will now need to head to the lower house for the final sign off.