That’s a wrap. Thanks for following the AFR’s live coverage this Thursday, April 17 2025.
We will have more for you in our next coverage.

Here are some of the stories we covered today:

• Dutton draws on Howard history: Peter Dutton has promised to be the party of lower taxes after pledging to reform income tax, if the Coalition is elected.

• ‘Does he believe in gravity?‘: PM slams Dutton’s climate change response: Anthony Albanese says Peter Dutton had plenty of opportunity to provide his view on climate change last night, but he did not.

• Labor doesn’t commit to 30pc childcare wage rises: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Treasurer Jim Chalmers have not committed to funding the Fair Work Commission’s recommendation of increasing childcare wages by 30 per cent.

• Coalition would have to compensate rail loop builders: A future Coalition government in Victoria that cancelled the controversial $100 billion Suburban Rail Loop would have to compensate builders for missed profits, overheads, and money invested in the megaproject, according to contract documents.

• Ryan denies knowledge of Teal ‘push polling’: Independent MP Monique Ryan says she is not aware of Climate 200 using robocalls in her seat, and she does not think it is a great idea.