The Albanese Government today announces the appointment of Aftab Malik as Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia in Australia.

Every Australian, whatever their race or religion, should be able to feel safe and at home in any community, without prejudice or discrimination.

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues to deeply affect communities across Australia.

The appointment of Mr Malik is a crucial part of the Government’s strategy to ensure all Australians feel safe and included, and follows extensive consultation with the community.

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Well, thanks everyone. Last week, of course, we had the inflation figures down to 2.7 per cent from 3.5 per cent, and it's been a big effort to deliver that whilst we've been delivering on cost of living relief for people. Today, we have the figures where Jim and Katy will be out there in a little while announcing the surplus of $15.8 billion. That follows the $22 billion surplus achieved last year, the largest back-to-back surpluses on record.

BRENDAN O’CONNOR, MEMBER FOR GORTON: Can I start by thanking the Prime Minister for being here today, and of course, being here with my successor candidate, Alice Jordan-Baird. Can I say, two months ago, I announced my resignation from the Cabinet and my impending retirement from Parliament after spending more than 20 years in this electorate. And I just want to again record my deep gratitude to the constituents of Gorton for supporting me for so very long.

The Albanese Labor Government is committed to ensuring Australians are paying a fair price for their groceries and our farmers are getting a fair price for their hard work, with the Government today releasing the ACCC’s Supermarkets Inquiry Interim Report.

When families are doing it tough, they need a Government that's on their side and a tough consumer cop on the beat – and that’s the important role the ACCC is playing.

ANDY TAYLOR, HOST: Well, we got a phone call just now to say that the Prime Minister of Australia would like to chat to you, Hobart. So, we've got him on the line right now. Good morning to the Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese. Good morning to you.

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Good morning, how are you?

PETER STEFANOVIC, HOST: Well, joining us live now is the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese. PM, good to see you. Thanks for your time this morning.

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: G’day Peter.

STEFANOVIC: So, let's start off with trying to get some clarity because investors do need it. Will you guarantee that you won't touch negative gearing and capital gains tax concessions?

The situation between Lebanon and Israel since October 8th, 2023 is intolerable and presents an unacceptable risk of a broader regional escalation. This is in nobody’s interest, neither of the people of Israel nor of the people of Lebanon.

It is time to conclude a diplomatic settlement that enables civilians on both sides of the border to return to their homes in safety.

Diplomacy however cannot succeed amid an escalation of this conflict.

BRIDGET BRENNAN, HOST: Plenty to unpack now with the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, who's taking shelter from the rain at Kirribilli House in Sydney. Good morning, Prime Minister. Welcome back to News Breakfast. A pretty rainy morning there in Sydney.

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: It is. G'day, Bridget, and congratulations on the new gig. I hope you enjoy those early mornings.

SARAH ABO, HOST: Well, Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, is this morning at the centre of a fresh housing debate, refusing to rule out changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax. For more, we're joined by the Prime Minister himself, live from Kirribilli in Sydney. Good morning to you, PM. All right, this is your chance to clear things up. Are you going to curb negative gearing and capital gains tax deductions or not?

NATALIE BARR, HOST: I took a cab into work this morning and on the way in, I asked the driver, ‘If you could speak to the Prime Minister today, what would you say to him?’ He said, ‘I've been a Labor voter my entire life, but for the first time, I think I'll vote differently at the next election’. He told me things have become too expensive. He's having to work two jobs and he just doesn't believe the government is doing anything about it. I want to bring in Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, now. Good morning to you, Prime Minister. This is your biggest problem.