National news LIVE: Coalition accuses Labor of rorting grant scheme; PM speaks with King Charles; UK unity threatened by pact

Max MaddisonUpdated September 15, 2026 — 7:01am,first published 6:45amKey PostsWhat you need to know todayBy Max MaddisonWelcome to our rolling live coverage of all the latest news and developments around Australia and the world this Tuesday, September 15.Here is what’s making news today.The Coalition has accused Labor of rorting an invite-only $20 million fund to install CCTV networks across electorates that were held or targeted by the government before the 2025 federal election.A Resolve Political Monitor survey of 1800 voters found nearly half believe the current level of permanent migration remains too high, with a majority believing the government is handling immigration in “an unplanned and unmanaged way”.As the war in Iran approaches its seven month, fuel suppliers are warning motorists could face another petrol and diesel shock after a vital Middle Eastern pipeline was forced offline. The worsening situation has some local industry executives thinking the government may have to cut the fuel excise for the second time.The blockbuster evidence of Sydney developer Jean Nassif, who dialled in via video link to give evidence at the Independent Commission Against Corruption yesterday lived up to the billing, writes Kate McClymont. Within minutes of swearing to tell the truth, Nassif was making wild allegations against his political nemesis, former police minister David Elliott, whom he claimed was “a racist person … a corrupt politician”.The luxury Bahamas wedding celebrations of Donald Trump’s eldest son and Bettina Anderson were partially bankrolled by an ally of Vladimir Putin. But Anderson has taken to Instagram to insist there was nothing wrong with the “extraordinarily generous wedding gift”.Latest Posts7.01amHanson comments ‘ugly, divisive, politics’: Labor frontbencherBy Max MaddisonHousing Minister Clare O’Neil says Pauline Hanson is denigrating the values that make Australia great, condemning her remarks about Indigenous Australians as “ugly, divisive, politics”.Hanson was taking Australia down the “road of Americanising our politics”, which O’Neil described as “awful”, saying the nation’s myriad problems wouldn’t be solved by “punching down”.Housing Minister Clare O’Neil.Alex Ellinghausen“You know Pauline Hanson and One Nation say that they stand up for Australia being great, but they’re denigrating the things that are brilliant about our country,” O’Neil said on Nine’s Today show on Monday morning.“That’s not the approach that I take as a politician. We should celebrate what’s brilliant about Australia, and we shouldn’t resort to this kind of like ugly, divisive politics.”Criticism of Hanson continued on Tuesday her appearance on a little-known podcast last September resurfaced yesterday, which saw her attacking Indigenous Australians as the “the most primitive race on Earth.”6.41amUK’s unity threatened by pact between Wales, Scotland and Northern IrelandBy The leaders of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland signed a pact overnight that threatens to lead to the break-up of the United Kingdom.The first ministers of the three semiautonomous regions of the UK told Prime Minister Andy Burnham and his government to prepare for constitutional change and that their future lies with the European Union.“For people watching across these islands – for people watching around the world – there could be no clearer sign that Westminster’s time is coming to an end,” they said in a memorandum of understanding, referring to the parliament.Prime Minister Andy Burnham leaving 10 Downing Street for parliament last week.APThe announcement came about 48 hours after US President Donald Trump waded into the waters of the politically contentious issue when he said he would “love to see” a reunified Ireland during a trip to visit his golf course hosting the Irish Open.6.38amPM and King Charles speak in phone callBy Max MaddisonAnthony Albanese has spoken with King Charles in a call overnight.In a post on X, Albanese said the 77-year-old King’s “affection for the Australian people remains strong”.“A privilege to speak with His Majesty King Charles III this evening. His affection for the Australian people remains strong. I extended Australia’s best wishes to His Majesty and the Royal Family,” the post on the prime minister’s official account said.What you need to know todayBy Max MaddisonWelcome to our rolling live coverage of all the latest news and developments around Australia and the world this Tuesday, September 15.Here is what’s making news today.The Coalition has accused Labor of rorting an invite-only $20 million fund to install CCTV networks across electorates that were held or targeted by the government before the 2025 federal election.A Resolve Political Monitor survey of 1800 voters found nearly half believe the current level of permanent migration remains too high, with a majority believing the government is handling immigration in “an unplanned and unmanaged way”.As the war in Iran approaches its seven month, fuel suppliers are warning motorists could face another petrol and diesel shock after a vital Middle Eastern pipeline was forced offline. The worsening situation has some local industry executives thinking the government may have to cut the fuel excise for the second time.The blockbuster evidence of Sydney developer Jean Nassif, who dialled in via video link to give evidence at the Independent Commission Against Corruption yesterday lived up to the billing, writes Kate McClymont. Within minutes of swearing to tell the truth, Nassif was making wild allegations against his political nemesis, former police minister David Elliott, whom he claimed was “a racist person … a corrupt politician”.The luxury Bahamas wedding celebrations of Donald Trump’s eldest son and Bettina Anderson were partially bankrolled by an ally of Vladimir Putin. But Anderson has taken to Instagram to insist there was nothing wrong with the “extraordinarily generous wedding gift”.1 of 1