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Australian Politics: Coalition May Help Pass Migration Bill

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Australia's Labor government is trying to pass several new laws through parliament. To do this, it needs support from other political parties.

One important bill is about migration, which covers rules on people moving to live in Australia. The Coalition, the main opposition group, has said it may work with Pauline Hanson's One Nation party to support this bill.

One Nation is a smaller political party known for strong views on immigration. Its cooperation could help the bill pass more easily.

Meanwhile, the Greens, another political party, have raised concerns about Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. They fear he is too influenced by the gambling industry, saying he may be 'under the thumb' of gambling companies.

This phrase means someone is being controlled or strongly influenced by another group. The Greens worry this could affect decisions about gambling advertising rules.

Australia has been debating whether to limit or ban gambling ads on television and other media. Critics say gambling ads can cause harm, especially to young people.

Parliament has also discussed other issues today, including interest rates set by the Reserve Bank and the NDIS, a program that supports Australians with disabilities.

Question time, when politicians ask the government direct questions, included discussion of these topics.

Labor's ability to negotiate with the Coalition and smaller parties will likely shape how quickly these laws move forward. The situation remains ongoing, with more debates expected in the coming days.

Vocabulary9 words

parliament
the group of people who make a country's laws
migration
people moving to live in another country
Coalition
the main opposition political group in Australia
Greens
a political party focused on the environment
under the thumb
controlled a lot by another person or group
gambling
risking money on games or bets
Reserve Bank
the bank that controls a country's money and interest rates
NDIS
an Australian program helping people with disabilities
question time
a part of parliament when leaders answer questions

Quiz

1. Which party might help the Coalition pass the migration bill?
2. What are the Greens worried the prime minister is influenced by?
3. What does 'under the thumb' mean in this context?

Fill-in-the-blank listening

Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.

Australia's Labor government is trying to pass several new _____ through parliament.

One important bill is about _____, which covers rules on people moving to live in Australia.

The Coalition has said it may work with Pauline Hanson's _____ party to support this bill.

The Greens fear he is too influenced by the _____ industry.

This phrase means someone is being _____ by another group.

Australia has been debating whether to limit or ban gambling _____ on television.

Parliament has also discussed other issues today, including interest rates set by the _____.

Labor's ability to negotiate with the Coalition and smaller parties will likely shape how quickly these laws move _____.

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Australian Politics: Coalition May Help Pass Migration Bill - Practice English with News