Australia politics live: speculation teals may form new party; Gaza flotilla activists arrive home

Allegra Spender and Zali Steggall said to be exploring ways independents can work more closely together. Follow today’s news live Treatment of Australians by Israeli forces and minister ‘disgraceful’: Butler The health minister, Mark Butler , says the government has raised “in the strongest possible way” its concerns with the Israeli government over the treatment of Australian and international activists detained by Israel after their flotilla was intercepted in international waters. We have [raised these issues] in the strongest possible terms, both in Israel itself, but also with the Israeli ambassador to Australia here in Canberra. The treatment of those Australians and people from many other countries as well has been disgraceful, particularly the behaviour of Minister Ben Gvir.

We’ve raised our concerns in the strongest possible way. We’re really glad that the Australians are starting now to return home and reunite with their families, but this has been a particularly concerning event. They’ve [teal independents] obviously made inroads in particular communities in Australia. They’ll make their own assessment about whether that works for them. There obviously is a lot of flux in the non-Labor parts of politics right now, so to see speculation like that’s perhaps not a surprise. Continue reading...