Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has agreed to a challenge by Opposition Leader Peter Dutton and has referred himself to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) over claims that his personal relationship with Qantas’s ex-CEO Alan Joyce may have influenced government decision-making about the aviation sector.

“I can confirm that I have referred myself to the NACC,” a jovial Mr Albanese told reporters at an early morning news conference.

“Once Peter Dutton made that challenge I couldn’t wait. I personally tapped out a letter of referral at The Lodge last night. (main picture)

“I admit it took a bit longer than I thought it might because I couldn’t stop laughing. But sure, I thought, I’ll refer myself to the NACC. No trouble whatsoever.

“I even personally ran down to the Commission’s office in the early hours of this morning and slipped it under its door as soon as I could.

“I guess that’s the last we’ll all hear of those allegations,” Mr Albanese said between guffaws.

***

Donald Trump’s campaign has strongly criticised several of the celebrities who appeared on stage at his Madison Square Garden rally in New York City this week, saying they did not align with the former President’s personal values.

A statement by the campaign expressed disappointment at the racist remarks and jokes by several of those who were invited to speak such as comedian Tony Hinchcliffe.

“The Trump campaign has been very disappointed by a number of the guests at the New York rally,” the statement said.

“We feel that the remarks made by most of them were not racist enough and as such did not align with President Trump’s values.

“We hope and expect that at any rallies in the days left before the November 5 election day we can step up the racist remarks and tropes that are expected by Mr Trump’s base,” the statement said.

***

The Israeli Government has agreed with a statement by the French Government issued in the wake of Israel’s announced ban on the UN food agency.

The Knesset has passed laws banning the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) from working on Israeli soil.

UNRWA has been a major player in relief efforts in Gaza in the face of Israel’s genocidal military tactics there.

A statement by France’s Foreign Ministry said: “Implementation of these laws would have very serious consequences for the humanitarian situation in Gaza, which is already catastrophic, but also all of the Palestinian territories.”

A spokesperson for the Israeli Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the government fully agreed with the French statement.

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