News and politics live updates: Richard Marles rejects Cabinet split over Tony Burke migration speech delay

Foreign Minister Penny Wong has flagged that a Pacific-wide security pact is likely to be a key topic of discussion as regional leaders prepare to meet later this year, following Australia’s recent defence agreement with Fiji.

Speaking ahead of the Pacific Islands Forum foreign ministers’ meeting in Fiji, Senator Wong said Australia was continuing to strengthen security ties across the region and remained focused on expanding partnerships.

“We’ve announced that we do want to engage with and negotiate with both Tonga and Solomon Islands. Obviously, there’ll be a lot of work there that we want to do with them in partnership,” she said.

Senator Wong added that discussions around a broader regional security arrangement were likely to feature as Pacific nations continue to deepen cooperation.

Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles was forced to defend Labor’s proposed gambling advertising reforms, insisting the Government’s legislation strikes the right balance despite growing calls from within its own ranks for tougher restrictions.

Labor MP Alicia Payne has urged the Government to strengthen the bill, calling for “tweaks” to inducement rules and an “opt-in” approach to gambling advertising.

Speaking to ABC Radio National Breakfast, Mr Marles said the Government would continue negotiating with crossbenchers and other parties to secure the legislation’s passage.

“We have a proposition that we think strikes the right balance. We always speak to parties across the parliament in order to have legislation passed,” he said.

“But we have a proposition in front of the parliament that is a very strong proposition, which we believe does strike the right balance and that’s the proposition that we are talking to other parties about.”

Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles has dismissed reports of a cabinet split over Tony Burke’s proposed migration crackdown, insisting suggestions of internal division are “not right”.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke postponed a National Press Club address this week where he was expected to unveil sweeping migration reforms, including tougher family visa rules, limits on backpackers and tighter restrictions on asylum seekers.

Speaking to Channel Nine, Mr Marles denied reports the measures had caused tension within cabinet and said the speech would be delivered soon.

“I’ve seen those reports. I don’t know where they come from but they’re not right. I’m not going to go into cabinet discussions,” he said.

“Tony will be speaking to the National Press Club at the earliest opportunity. It’s not unusual for dates to be moved around.”

The Coalition has accused Labor of failing to protect the integrity of its 5 per cent deposit scheme, claiming potential loopholes are allowing people who own property overseas or investment properties to benefit from taxpayer-funded support.

Deputy Opposition Leader Jane Hume said the scheme had become “a balls up from go to whoa” under Labor, arguing it should prioritise Australian citizens.

But Health Minister Mark Butler pushed back, saying applicants are required to declare all assets held in Australia and overseas, and anyone with sufficient wealth to fund a standard 20 per cent deposit is not eligible.

“Applicants for this scheme have to declare all of their assets, whether they’re held in Australia or held overseas,” he said, adding he was unaware of any examples that breached the program’s rules.

The Federal Government was foreced to defend cooling house prices, arguing the shift is finally helping first-home buyers compete against investors after years of being locked out of the market.

Speaking on Sunrise, Health Minister Mark Butler said Labor’s housing policies were deliberately designed to give aspiring homeowners a better shot at auctions.

“First home buyers are now taking centre stage in auctions on Saturday afternoons, rather than having to compete time and time again with investors who have the benefit of a tax break,” he said.

Mr Butler acknowledged buying a home remained difficult, but said Labor’s 5 per cent deposit scheme and broader housing reforms were aimed at giving young Australians “a fair crack” at home ownership.

Coalition deputy leader Jane Hume rejected the Government’s approach, accusing Labor of “cheering” falling house prices while making Australians poorer through higher taxes and interest rates.