Australia news LIVE: Albanese apologises for crude hot mic moment with Bowen during climate talks; Senate to vote on new domestic gas reservation laws

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By Emily Kaine

Hello and welcome back to our live coverage of national and world news this Monday, November 16. Here’s what is making news today.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has apologised for remarks he made about “dicks” and phone radiation during “light-hearted banter” with Energy Minister Chris Bowen, which was captured by a hot mic during climate talks in Turkey last week. Asked whether he regretted the comments, which were picked up by cameras, Albanese said: “Of course I regret that”.
Australia will ramp up its investment in drones and other defence measures in a pact with the Philippines to protect important trade routes and increase maritime surveillance as Beijing extends its reach over the South China Sea. The agreement comes as the PM visits Manila to co-chair the sixth annual ASEAN-Australia Summit.
And the Coalition says the outlook for the housing market is so dire the government should immediately repeal its property tax reforms. Shadow treasurer Tim Wilson said it was becoming clear Labor’s budget underestimated the effect of reforms on market sentiment.