Health experts are criticizing the recent backtrack on vaping regulations in Australia, stating that the watering down of the bill has resulted in a missed opportunity to curb the use of vaping products. Meanwhile, there are concerns about public opinion surrounding the Aukus agreement, with a Labor MP suggesting that there are "fissures" in how the public perceives the deal. In other news, NDIS Minister Bill Shorten has expressed his frustration over the Senate vote that has delayed the overhaul of the NDIS until at least August. Shorten is disappointed with the Greens and Liberals calling for further review of the changes, arguing that it would not provide any new insights beyond what has already been gathered from previous inquiries. After months of reviewing and discussing the NDIS, including public hearings and submissions, Shorten emphasized the urgency of implementing necessary changes. The opposition's stance on the issue has been described as unprecedented, reflecting the gravity of the situation.

The upcoming winter session of parliament in Australia is set to become the focal point for a heated debate on the Coalition's recent announcement regarding plans for nuclear power plant sites. The discussion is expected to intensify as various stakeholders weigh in on the issue. When asked to outline Labor's energy policy, Tanya Plibersek emphasized the party's commitment to maximizing the use of cheaper and cleaner renewable energy sources within the grid. She noted that while their target is to achieve 82% renewable energy, they acknowledge that the remaining 18% will come from other sources. Plibersek also highlighted the role of gas in the transition towards greater renewable energy adoption, particularly up to the year 2050. Critics of the Coalition's nuclear energy proposal argue that the costs associated with the transition are being exaggerated. They claim that figures such as the length of transmission lines are being inflated to mask the expensive and unattainable nature of nuclear energy implementation. The debate is expected to intensify as parliament convenes for its winter session.