Australia’s Most Mentioned Issues in the News (May 14 – 20, 2016)

Editor’s Note:  Welcome to this weekly recap of Australia’s news, powered by iSentiaJarryd Hayne announced on Monday morning that he was retiring from the NFL to compete with the Fiji sevens team in the  upcoming Rio Olympics, however on Wednesday he was left out of the Fiji squad for this weekend’s London Sevens event, the last world series tournament before the games in August. The NRL Roosters have reportedly withdrawn from the race to recruit Hayne for the 2017 season.On Tuesday, Immigration Minister Peter Dutton criticized Labor and the Greens’ pledges to increase Australia’s refugee intake, describing refugees as illiterate and innumerate and “taking Australian jobs”. PM Malcolm Turnbull and Foreign Minister Julie Bishop have both voiced their support for Dutton after his comments.  The Australian Manufacturing Workers Union and the Electrical Trades Union have told media they back a Greens proposal to protect penalty rates with legislation, after Opposition Leader Bill Shorten ruled out doing so on Monday, warning against setting a precedent for government intervention. Campaign advertising for Labor does quote that the Opposition would “keep weekend penalty rates” if elected. The Federal Government has postponed removing the tax-free threshold for overseas travellers working in Australia until at least January. Independent Senator Nick Xenophon called for the backpacker tax to be completely scrapped before the election, and told ABC’s Lateline the tax would damage rural economies and “give a free kick to New Zealand”. Housing affordability remains in the media spotlight this week, after it was revealed Labor MP David Feeney failed to declare a $2.3 million house – negatively geared - on his parliamentary register of interests. His tenants in the Batman electorate of Victoria have placed a sign on the property advocating the Greens. Meanwhile, an NAB senior executive said if negative gearing were scrapped it would be unlikely to hurt housing demand in the short term. Quote of the week: “This country is built on so many pillars — including those who come from far away lands with not much more than hope and the drive for a better life for their family. They have helped make this a better place, they have helped make modern Australia.” – Nine’s Karl Stefanovic in response to Immigration Minister Peter Dutton’s comments.