Australia news and politics live: Dan Andrews breaks silence over attendance at Victory Parade in China

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You can read tonight’s edition of The Nightly below:

Former Victorian Premier Dan Andrews has broken his silence on his attendance at the Victory Parade in China.

“I’ve said for years that a constructive relationship with China, our largest trading partner, is in Australia’s national interest and hundreds of thousands of Australian jobs depend on it. That hasn’t changed.

“It was a chance to meet and engage with regional leaders – like former New Zealand Prime Ministers John Key and Helen Clark, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and of course Chinese President Xi. We also shared in an official photograph.

“And just so there’s no confusion, I have condemned Putin and his illegal war in Ukraine from day one. That’s why he banned me from Russia last year.

“Further, my support for Israel and Australia’s Jewish community has been outspoken and unwavering, and I unequivocally condemn Iran for its attacks on Australia, Israel and elsewhere around the world.”

A public safety emergency has been declared after an armed man made threats against police in Cairns.

Residents have been advised to stay indoors and avoid the area after the emergency declaration under the Public Safety Preservation Act (PSPA) was broadcast due to the ongoing situation.

Police were called to the incident just after midday on Brophy Street at around 12.30pm on Thursday after reports a man was making threats using a weapon.

A Queensland Police statement said that at this time there has been “no report of injuries or shots fired”.

An exclusion zone has been established, encompassing Lennon Street, Tills Street, Dylan Street and Given Street.

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Labor MP Anne Stanley has asked Attorney-General Michelle Rowland about the outcome of the Robodebt class action during Question Time.

The Attorney-General said that the compensation amount reflects the “disastrous and illegal” scheme.

“Today the government has agreed to settle the Knox matter which, subject to Federal Court approval, would see the Commonwealth pay $475 million in compensation,” she said.

“This would be the largest class action settlement in Australian history. The size of which reflects the farm and harm caused to vulnerable Australians by the policies of the former government.”

In Question Time, Labor MP Joanne Ryan asked Multicultural Affairs MP Dr Anne Aly what the Labor Government is doing to support multicultural Australia and social cohesion.

“As long as we treat people with a gritted teeth tolerance instead of mutual respect our social cohesion will remain fragile,” Dr Aly said.

She went on to say Indian communities have felt unsafe following Sunday’s anti-immigration rallies.

“Comments by some political leaders have exacerbated their fear and shattered their sense of security,” Dr Aly said.

“I want to say to Indian Australians, this is our message. You do not have to justify your belonging in this country.

“The scapegoating of Indian communities designed to undermine their sense of safety and belonging is wrong.”

Asked about the Labor Government’s commitment to aged care reform, Aged Care MP Sam Rae has said the sector has responded enthusiastically to the incoming implentation of the Aged Care Act.

“These reforms are about reshaping aged care so it delivers more care sooner and closer to home,” Mr Rae said.

“Every older Australian should be able to live with dignity and independence, supported by the care they need. That’s what our reforms are designed to deliver and the passage of this legislation is the latest milestone in our relentless pursuit of aged care transformation.”

Liberal leader Sussan Ley has asked Anthony Albanese what message it sends when the Prime Minister of Australia “doesn’t have the spine” to condemn Dan Andrews after he posed in group photos with the Iranian President at China’s military parade.

Mr Albanese said the Liberal party is in “de-lu-lu” if they are going to criticise the Labor Government’s action on Iranian interference, after they intially gave bi-partisan support.

“We stand unequivocally in condemning the Iranian regime,” he said.

“My position is very, very clear. Which is we did not send any government representative (to China) because it would not have been appropriate.”

Question Time has kicked off, and Liberal leader Sussan Ley has asked Prime Minister Anthony Albanese if he would condemn Dan Andrews’ attendance at China’s military parade yesterday.

Mr Albanese’s response circled around the visit, but the PM said Australia stands for democracy, human rights and liberty.

“I haven’t, and never will, meet Vladimir Putin. I haven’t and never will meet the leader of North Korea as well, and we will give every support to people fighting for democracy right around the world. That’s my government’s approach,” he said.

Crossbencher Jacqui Lambie has questioned if Dan Andrews damaged “his head” when he famously fell down stairs at his holiday home four years ago as the former Victorian premier weathers a firestorm for attending a mega military parade in China.

Mr Andrews, who once house-shared with Anthony Albanese, was filmed shaking hands with Xi Jinping and even posed for photos with some of the world’s most ruthless autocrats, including North Korea’s Kim Jong-un.

“Why would you go and put yourself in that sort of a situation when you’ve been a premier, I just don’t understand,” Senator Lambie told Sky News on Thursday.

“It’s just stupidity.”

She went on to say Home Affairs should go “through him with a fine tooth comb”.

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Former Victorian Premier Dan Andrews is yet to comment on controversy surrounding his attendance at a Chinese military parade.

North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin were among high-profile leaders in Beijing for the parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second Sino-Japanese War, and World War II on Wednesday.

Mr Andrews was photographed shaking hands with Chinese leader Xi Jinping and joined other world leaders in group pictures.

Though he has not commented on his appearance, his successor Jacinta Allan has backed the move.

“It is good for Victoria that Daniel Andrews is held in such high regard by the people of China,” she said in a statement on Thursday.

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