Australia news LIVE: Israeli president Isaac Herzog’s visit inflaming tensions; Bill Gates denies ‘false’ Epstein accusations as ex-wife speaks on latest tranche of files

Staying with Marles, the deputy prime minister has been asked whether he agrees with Labor MP Ed Husic’s remarks about Israeli president Isaac Herzog’s upcoming visit to Australia, after Husic said in question time yesterday he was “very uncomfortable” with the prospect of Herzog’s visit.

“He’s been invited by both the prime minister and the governor-general as an honoured guest in our country. It’s important in terms of the bilateral relationship between Australia and Israel, but it is particularly important in the wake of the Bondi massacre, for Australia’s Jewish community.

“And I know that his presence here will be deeply meaningful for Jewish Australians. So this is a very significant visit. That’s obviously the context in which this visit is occurring, and President Herzog, when he comes to Australia, will be a welcome guest,” Marles told Sky.

Herzog’s visit has been a point of contention within the Labor Party, as well as between the government and advocacy groups who have urged Albanese to rescind the invitation.

Pro-Palestine activists are preparing large demonstrations during the trip to protest the way Israel waged the war in Gaza.

Defence Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles has not ruled out making changes to capital gains tax, following reports the government is considering scaling back the 50 per cent tax come the May budget.

Capital gains tax is a tax on the profit (capital gain) you make when you sell or dispose of an asset that has increased in value, such as property.

Marles dodged repeated questions on whether the government planned to cut capital gains tax.

“Our housing policies are really clear. The tax arrangements around our housing policies are clear, and they haven’t changed. And it’s as simple as that,” he told Sky this morning.

Asked if he would rule out any changes to the tax, he refused to concede any answers, repeating, “The tax arrangements in relation to housing haven’t changed.”

Billionaire philanthropist Melinda French Gates said fresh allegations related to her ex-husband, tech billionaire Bill Gates, in the latest instalment of the Epstein files are “beyond heartbreaking”.

Speaking to NPR’s Wild Card podcast on Tuesday, French Gates said the allegations contained in the latest tranche of documents, released by the US Justice Department, had rekindled memories of a difficult time in her life.

“I think we are having a reckoning as a society – no girl should ever be put in the situation they were put in by Epstein. It’s beyond heartbreaking.”

The 3 million pages of documents released mention a host of wealthy and influential individuals, including Microsoft founder Gates.

Gates has said he regrets ever having a relationship with Epstein.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s upcoming visit to Australia has continued to inflame tensions within the Labor Party, as protest and advocacy groups have urged Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to rescind his invitation to Herzog.

Peak Muslim bodies and Palestinian advocacy groups wrote to Albanese, calling on him to revoke the invitation, arguing the visit could undermine Australia’s international legal obligations and further inflame domestic tensions.

The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils, Australia Palestine Advocacy Network, Australian Muslim Advocacy Network and Muslim Votes Matter said yesterday they had sent a letter to Anthony Albanese, which highlighted Herzog’s statements asserting collective responsibility for the civilian population of Gaza.

During question time yesterday afternoon, Labor MP Ed Husic said he was “very uncomfortable” with the visit.

“I find it hard to reconcile the images I’ve seen of him signing bombs that were then dropped on Palestinian homes,” he told parliament.

Albanese has maintained that Herzog’s visit is welcomed by the government. He is set to touch down in Australia on Sunday.

Good morning and welcome to our national news live blog for Thursday, February 5. My name is Emily Kaine, and I’ll be helming our coverage this morning. Here’s what is making news today.

• The Liberals and Nationals remain split while Nationals leader David Littleproud is fast running out of time to accept the terms of Liberal leader Sussan Ley’s deal to reform the Coalition. Ley has given Littleproud until the end of this week to agree to the conditions and reform the Coalition, or risk a permanent split.
• Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s upcoming visit to Australia has continued to inflame tensions within the Labor Party, as protest and advocacy groups have urged Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to rescind his invitation. Yesterday, during question time, Labor MP Ed Husic said he was “not comfortable” with the visit. Herzog is set to touch down in Australia on Sunday.

• Billionaire philanthropist Melinda French Gates said fresh allegations related to her ex-husband, tech billionaire Bill Gates, in the latest instalment of the Epstein files are “beyond heartbreaking”. Speaking to NPR’s Wild Card podcast on Tuesday, French Gates said the allegations contained in the latest tranche of documents, released by the US Justice Department, had rekindled memories of a difficult time in her life. Bill Gates has said he regrets his relationship with Epstein.

• Australia should be willing to risk a backlash from Beijing by deepening defence and economic ties with the self-governing island of Taiwan, a group of leading foreign affairs and national security experts has urged. Most of the experts agreed that the Australia-Taiwan relationship is underdeveloped and falling behind that of like-minded nations such as Japan.

• Mogul skiers Jakara Anthony and Matt Graham will be the Australian flag-bearers for the opening ceremony of the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics.

Follow along as we bring you the latest live news updates throughout the day.