Last month in politics: protests, new leaders and global mourning

Not much more could be packed into September, it was a month full of protests, political upheaval, and global mourning.

Internationally, Italy voted in their first female Prime Minister after far-right Giorgia Meloni’s Brothers of Italy party was declared victorious, Japan held a state funeral for their assassinated former Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, and NASA celebrated their successful attempt to move an asteroid.

Closer to home, the federal government has supported the G7 imposing a price cap on Russian oil, Prime Minister Albanese’s Climate Bill passed the Senate, the McGowan Government announced the end of WA’s state of emergency, and WA Nationals candidate Merome Beard won the North-West Central. by-election.

Following six months of relief at the bowser, the price of fuel is set to jump by up to 25.3 cents a litre after the temporary cut to the fuel excise came to an end, while the long-awaited federal anti-corruption commission legislation was introduced to the lower house, with crossbenchers already calling for changes to provide greater scrutiny.

Amendments to WA’s Mining Act 1978

The McGowan Government’s Mining Amendment Bill 2021 passed Parliament on September 21.

The amendments will improve application processes and the assessment of mining activities, as well as reducing the administrative burden and supporting best environmental practices.

The Bill introduces a Mining Development and Closure Proposal that will remove duplication of information required under the current process.

It also includes a single approval instrument for activities and relevant environment conditions among various tenements.

With the Bill passing both houses, consultation will now begin on developing the necessary regulations. Amendments are expected to commence in mid-to-late 2023.

Final Budget Outcome 2021-22

Prior to The Albanese Government’s first budget on October 25, the Final Budget Outcome (FBO) for 2021-22 was released on September 28, revealing slight, but short-term, improvements. Key figures and points from the FBO included:

• The 2021-22 Budget deficit was $32 billion, an improvement of the $47.9 billion that was initially expected
• The improvement follows higher-than-expected revenues of $27.7 billion and lower than budgeted payments of $20.1 billion
• The country’s gross debt sits at $895.3 billion, $10.7 billion lower than estimates in the Budget, and net debt was $515.6 billion
• Since June, the two-week average on iron ore and met coal have decreased by 20 per cent and 25 per cent respectively
• Since the end of June, the Albanese Government has had to make cost provisions of $5.5 billion that were not previously budgeted for, mostly around pandemic and flood payments

Britain’s new Prime Minister

On September 6, Liz Truss was sworn in as Britain’s 56^th Prime Minister, marking the official end of Boris Johnson’s time in office. Ms Truss became the leader of the Conservative party after defeating former chancellor of the exchequer Rishi Sunak, winning 57 per cent of the vote. Ms Truss is the 15^th, and final, Prime Minister of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign.

After travelling to Scotland to ask the Queen to form government, Ms Truss gave her maiden speech, promising to help overcome the major issues facing the country. She outlined her main priorities: growing the economy through tax cuts, providing relief against increasing energy bills, and improving the National Health Service.

Passing of Queen Elizabeth II

On the evening of September 8, Queen Elizabeth II, the UK’s longest-serving monarch passed away.

The Queen assumed the throne in 1952 at the age of 25 and reigned for 70 years, celebrating her Platinum Jubilee in June. The Queen’s reign was marked by a strong sense of duty and determination to dedicate her life to the throne and service to her people.

The United Kingdom entered a state of mourning as the end of her reign marked a transition for the royal family, and the Commonwealth, as King Charles III became monarch.

Following the King’s Proclamation in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries, the Queen’s nine-day journey from Balmoral to Westminster Abbey began. After periods of rest at both St Giles’ Cathedral and Westminster Hall, where the public had the opportunity to pay their respects, the Queens’ funeral took place on September 19.