Tony Abbott Positioned to Become Next Liberal Party President

Former prime minister Tony Abbott is being positioned to become the next president of the Liberal Party's organisational wing. Abbott is expected to seek the unpaid role with the backing of the opposition leader. The move comes as the party works to regain support from voters who have shifted to other parties in recent elections.

A Liberal source said the current president is expected to step down ahead of a vote to appoint a successor later this month. They also said he could help the party reconnect with voters who have switched to One Nation. Other party members have expressed concern that Abbott's return could further distance voters who have supported independent candidates in the last two elections.

The federal government has committed to consulting with service providers, unions and other stakeholders on the design of a potential national early education and care commission. Education officials confirmed the consultations follow a 2024 Productivity Commission report that examined universal childcare and recommended establishing an independent commission.

The commission could monitor government policies in the sector and provide advice on improving outcomes. The Productivity Commission report recommended changes to the child care subsidy but did not support a 90 per cent subsidy for all families. Officials said the federal government will report back to state education ministers by the end of this year or early next year.

Linked to ISIS A group of 13 Australians linked to ISIS, consisting of four women and nine children, is expected to arrive in Sydney and Melbourne this evening on flights from Doha. The Australian Federal Police said the women have been investigated for offences including terrorism and engaging in slave trading and could face arrest on return.

A Greens spokesperson said the families had been used as political footballs and called for support to help them reintegrate. The spokesperson added that any criminal matters should be handled through the justice system. The federal government yesterday announced a $10 billion Australian Fuel Security and Resilience package that includes $3.2 billion for a government-owned fuel reserve.