Australia's Opposition Pledges to Cut Housing Construction Rules

Australia's federal opposition has proposed scrapping housing standards and cutting back construction rules, arguing the changes would speed up home building. The plan was set out in a radio interview and drew attention to how rules affect the pace and cost of new housing.

Separately, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese faced questions over a gesture involving melons, which Japan played down after being asked about it. The exchange drew criticism at home, with one analysis calling his answer to a question about a "crap gift" a misstep.