July 2nd 2024.
The news of Prime Minister's absence from the upcoming NATO summit has caused quite a stir in the political circles. Treasurer Jim Chalmers was quick to dismiss any speculations of an early election, despite Opposition Leader Peter Dutton's warning to his fellow Coalition MPs. The decision to send Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles in place of the Prime Minister has sparked theories that he may be gearing up for an election this year. However, Chalmers assured the public that the election will be held next year, according to the usual time frame.
In an interview with Today, Chalmers clarified his stance and stated that his understanding is that the election will be held next year. He further added that this is how he is planning to operate. The next federal election is due by next May 2025, but some experts believe that it could be called earlier, possibly in March or even later this year.
Initially, it was expected that Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese would be joining other leaders at the summit, including those from Japan, South Korea, and New Zealand, to commemorate 75 years since the formation of NATO. Although Australia is not a member, it holds a partner status with the alliance. The summit is set to address several global issues, such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine, tensions between the West and China, and the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza.
Chalmers defended the Prime Minister's decision to skip the summit, stating that he had to balance his commitments. He also pointed out that the Deputy Prime Minister and the Defence Minister's presence at a defense conference is more than appropriate. In addition, the public can stay updated with all the latest news, celebrity gossip, and sports updates through a dedicated WhatsApp channel. The channel promises no comments, no algorithm, and the privacy of users' personal information.
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