The Victorian government is urged to enhance public transport services in Melbourne, coinciding with significant political reflections on the 50th anniversary of Gough Whitlam's dismissal. Meanwhile, severe storms have wreaked havoc in Queensland, causing damage and power outages.

Transport Expansion in Melbourne
Infrastructure Victoria has proposed a comprehensive plan to improve public transport across Melbourne. Recommendations include increasing train services in the northern and western suburbs, extending eight tram routes, and introducing six new express bus services within the next five years. The independent advisory body aims to address the challenges posed by global heating and population growth. Additionally, the plan suggests making off-peak public transport cheaper and collaborating with the federal government to implement a road user charge.

Political Reflections on Gough Whitlam
On the 50th anniversary of the dismissal of former Prime Minister Gough Whitlam, current Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the event as a "calculated plot" to remove a democratically elected government. Albanese's comments reflect ongoing discussions about the implications of the dismissal and its impact on Australian democracy. Former Prime Minister John Howard also weighed in, emphasizing the importance of a durable constitution that allows the Australian people to decide their governance.

Challenges for Sussan Ley
As the Liberal Party faces internal divisions, Shadow Defence Minister Angus Taylor has downplayed speculation about a leadership challenge against Sussan Ley. Ley is navigating a complex political landscape, balancing opposition to net-zero emissions with the risk of alienating moderate party members. The situation remains precarious as Ley attempts to unify the party amid differing opinions on climate policy.

Severe Weather Warnings in Queensland
Queensland is currently under severe weather warnings as large hailstones, measuring up to 8 centimeters, have been reported in regions such as Esk. The Bureau of Meteorology has cautioned residents about the potential for flash floods, destructive winds, and tornadoes. Thousands of households have experienced power outages due to the extreme weather conditions, which have also impacted parts of Victoria, leading to "terrifying" wind events following one of the wettest days of the year.

Wrap-up
The call for enhanced public transport services in Melbourne comes at a time of political reflection and severe weather challenges across Australia. The discussions surrounding Gough Whitlam's dismissal highlight ongoing concerns about democracy, while the severe storms in Queensland serve as a reminder of the pressing need for infrastructure resilience in the face of climate change.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team