Australian politics live: Hastie denies rift with Taylor over windfall gas tax; RBA recommends removing card surcharges

Foreign Minister Penny Wong has ruled out lifting sanctions on Russian oil as part of Australia's energy policy, while Queensland Premier Curtis Crisafulli has criticized Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's four-stage fuel security plan. More than 10,000 Australians have returned from the Middle East since conflict escalated in the region, with the government urging those still there to leave while commercial travel remains available. Australian authorities are also investigating Meta, TikTok, Snapchat and YouTube for compliance with the country's social media ban for minors. The developments underscore competing pressures on the government—managing geopolitical relationships and energy security while addressing both child safety online and the safety of citizens abroad.