Live: Albanese heads to pre-COP meeting in Fiji

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen are heading to a pre-COP meeting in Fiji today. The event is a multi-day United Nations gathering with high-level climate talks, occurring before the main conference next month. Pre-COP is taking place in Fiji and Tuvalu, following Australia's hosting rights for COP31 being given to Turkey in exchange for Bowen becoming President of Negotiations.

Former One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce has suggested using taxpayer money to build new coal-fired power stations in Australia, citing China's approach as an example. Australian Labor MP Josh Burns dismissed the plan, calling it "mad" and accusing Joyce of wearing a "tinfoil hat." Burns argued that increasing Australian productivity and maintaining renewable energy projects were essential.

Assistant Minister Julian Hill, speaking to ABC Radio National Breakfast, emphasized the effectiveness of strong licensing laws, tougher penalties, long-term closure orders, and landlord penalties in combating illicit tobacco sales. Hill stated that Australia isn't in a "race to the bottom" or a bidding war with organised crime, and wouldn't surrender health policy to these entities.