Live: Canavan says he would not have accepted trip after Hanson declaration

Nationals leader Matt Canavan says he would not have accepted a trip to Europe from a benefactor after Pauline Hanson declared Gina Rinehart paid for her trip to Italy.Follow all the updates in our live blog. Wed 29 Jul 2026 at 7:59amWed 29 Jul 2026 at 7:59amDan Tehan quizzed on ICAC hearing over NSW Liberal donationsThe NSW corruption watchdog has heard claims senior Liberal figures discussed seeking financial backing for a right-wing factional group from Opposition Leader Angus Taylor.Taylor is not accused of any wrongdoing.Shadow Energy Minister Dan Tehan has asked whether the story could become a distraction for the opposition leader.Speaking to ABC Radio National Breakfast, the shadow minister has sidestepped the question and accused Environment Minister Murray Watt of trying to throw mud for raising questions.Tehan deflected to the PM's attendance at an intimate dinner hosted by a billionaire family, which is facing allegations of tax office deception."I think let's see, let ICAC do its job and in the meantime, let's focus on the person who's running this country, and that's who Murray Watt should ask the questions of."Wed 29 Jul 2026 at 7:50amWed 29 Jul 2026 at 7:50amChalmers speaks with new UK counterpartTreasurer Jim Chalmers has spoken on the phone to his new UK counterpart John Healey for the first time.Last Monday, Healey was appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer (aka the UK's chief financial minister) as part of a leadership reshuffle under new Prime Minister Andy Burnham.Chalmers said the pair spoke about their shared economic and defence interests."He'd have a lot on his mind and the briefing would be really intensive so it's good of him to make time," Chalmers said in a statement."At a time of great uncertainty there's no shortage of challenges in the global economy and we are more likely to rise to the occasion when friends like Australia and the UK work together."Chalmers said he looked forward to meeting Healey in person and had heard "very good things" from his colleague Richard Marles, who had previously worked with him in the defence portfolio.Since the reshuffle, Chalmers has also been in contact a number of times with former Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who was demoted by the new PM. The ABC's been told the pair had built a close friendship.Wed 29 Jul 2026 at 7:41amWed 29 Jul 2026 at 7:41amAmanda Rishworth defends govt action on inflation ahead of CPI figures releaseReserve Bank Governor Michele Bullock has reportedly warned the labour market needs to cool further to bring inflation back to its target.The Australian Bureau of Statistics will release Australia's inflation figures today. We'll bring you that news here as soon as it drops.Workplace Minister Amanda Rishworth has been asked on Channel Seven whether the government is doing enough to bring inflation down.She says the government is doing everything in its power to provide cost-of-living relief, improve the budget and productivity."There have been global headwinds. We know that there have been difficult global circumstances. We know inflation is and was running higher than we'd like," Rishworth says.But Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie doesn't agree and says the government isn't cutting spending and doesn't have an economic plan.But asked what the Coalition would cut to rein in spending, McKenzie has nominated NDIS and not funding CFMEU infrastructure project as a start.Wed 29 Jul 2026 at 7:26amWed 29 Jul 2026 at 7:26amPat Conroy discusses China ballistic missile test during trip to the USDefence Industry Minister Pat Conroy says he raised China's ballistic missile test in the Pacific with his US counterparts.China has test-fired a nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile carrying a dummy warhead in the Pacific in early July.The nuclear-capable missile flew over multiple Pacific islands and appeared to hit waters close to Tuvalu's exclusive economic zone.The defence industry minister is in Washington where he's met with high-ranking officials n the US military.Speaking to Channel Nine, Conroy says he briefed the US about Australia and the Pacific's reaction."The United States obviously shares similar concerns about the arms race we're seeing, the build-up of Chinese military without any strategic trust or transparency you would expect," Conroy says.Wed 29 Jul 2026 at 7:16amWed 29 Jul 2026 at 7:16amCanavan says he wouldn't have accepted paid trip to Europe from large benefactorNationals Leader Matt Canavan says he wouldn't have accepted a paid trip to Europe and tickets to attend a fashion parade from a large benefactor.One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has confirmed mining magnate Gina Rinehart paid for her flights from London to Sicily, via Rome, and for her to attend a high-end fashion parade on the luxurious Italian island.Hanson updated her parliamentary register of interests on Tuesday and also confirmed she personally paid for her accommodation, meals and other daily expenses during the trip from July 11 to 16.Speaking to Channel Nine, Canavan says he wouldn't have accepted the offer."If a large benefactor offered me a holiday I'd say, 'Look, I'd prefer you just put that money into changing the government because that's what our country needs,'" Canavan says."The economy is in a really dire strait. Small businesses, some real estate agents I spoke to are just pulling their hair out. They're working really hard. They obviously can't afford these holidays over to the Mediterranean."Wed 29 Jul 2026 at 7:11amWed 29 Jul 2026 at 7:11amGood morning 👋Hello there and welcome to our federal politics live blog. It's great to have you join us here early this Wednesday morning!I'm Josh Boscaini joining you live from Parliament House in Canberra, here and ready to bring you all of today's federal politics news.I'm not really sure what today could bring us but let's get right into and see where it takes us!