Australia politics live: Albanese trashes Taylor’s Midwinter Ball speech; Catholic Schools NSW chief stands aside after Icac allegations

Australia's government is criticizing the Coalition for delaying social media regulation. A bill to strengthen the eSafety Commissioner's powers and raise fines on tech platforms has been sent to an eight-week inquiry. Labor argues this gives Big Tech two months to prepare their defense — and potentially destroy documents before the rules take effect. Anika Wells, speaking this morning, called the delay unjustifiable. According to The Guardian, this marks a sharp break from bipartisan support for the legislation.

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