Laws on the right to switch off come into force; Aviation Regulatory Authority announces; Israel and Hezbollah exchange blows

Speaking from Brisbane, Peter Dutton responded to the government's aviation announcements by criticising the government's relationship with former Qantas CEO Alan Joyce and the cost of living crisis.

“Don't forget the friendship, the very close friendship between Alan Joyce and Anthony Albanese, which has reduced competition,” Dutton said of the Transport Minister's rejection of talks with Qatar Airways about expanded routes to Australia.

“Less competition means higher prices and unfortunately Australians are paying more and more for airline tickets. We should have more competition.”

“Consumers should pay less for airline tickets when there are more consumers willing to buy those tickets, rather than having prices continue to rise under the Albanese government.”

Dutton was in the Brisbane electorate of Ryan to support the campaign of Maggie Forrest, the LNP candidate seeking to oust first-term incumbent Elizabeth Watson-Brown.

Watson-Brown won the seat for the Greens by 8.7 percent over the LNP in the 2022 federal election.

Dutton used the opportunity to attack the Greens' political platform, characterising it as not even remotely in line with the concerns of Brisbane voters.

“The Greens are for the abolition of private health insurance, which will destroy our public system and drive up the cost of private health insurance for families,” Dutton said. “They want to legalise hard drugs, which will drive up crime rates.”

The Green Party's political program aims at abolishing private health insurance premiums and legalizing cannabis, but decriminalizing other drugs.