1. Albanese government to impose penalties for dirty car emissions
In a similar vein to the carbon emissions rules of old, the Albanese government is revisiting a plan to impose emissions rules on new vehicles to help usher in further demand for EVs. Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen will on Friday declare that “now is the time to have an orderly and sensible discussion” about the idea. (AFR)

Volkswagen Australia CEO Paul Sansom told The Australian Financial Review that an emissions standard would be “a game changer in our headquarters” in Germany.

Not having a standard puts Australia “right in the back of the queue, we just don’t get any EV supplies”.

North Sydney MP Kylea Tink aims to introduce a private member’s bill next month that would “bring fuel quality standards and vehicle emissions standards into line with international markets within two years”.

“We must keep up with the pace set by the Europeans on all pollutants, not just sulphur,” Ms Tink will say.

2. Russian embassy considers legal action over lease on Canberra land terminated
The Russian embassy has had its lease for a plot of land in Yarralumla, a leafy lakeside suburb in Canberra, terminated by the National Capital Authority (NCA) on grounds that its unfinished construction works detract “from the overall aesthetic, importance and dignity of the area reserved for diplomatic missions and foreign representation in the national capital”.

The Russian government has stated that it is considering legal action over the matter as it purchased the land in 2008 with construction approvals passed in 2011.

“The NCA, in its reasons for terminating the lease, said the Russian government had promised it would complete the new building within three years. The NCA said it had a ‘use it or lose it’ policy over diplomatic blocks, due to their limited availability,” The Guardian reports.

The Russian embassy said in a statement it was considering legal action against the “unprecedented and highly unwelcome move by the NCA”.

3. Scott Morrison cracks joke on Facebook about additional portfolios findings
Despite the backlash stemming from both sides of parliament as well as from the Australian public at large, former prime minister Scott Morrison has seen the funny side of his play to take over multiple parliamentary portfolios in secret during his time in office.

In response to a Facebook post jokingly introducing Scott Morrison as a new addition to a tree services company, Mr Morrison commented: “I’ll let you know if I need any work done. What time do you need me for my first shift”.

4. Foxtel chief executive refers to Game of Thrones star Emilia Clarke as “dump-looking girl”
Foxtel’s chief executive Patrick Delaney has apologised via a company spokesperson for his comments regarding Game of Thrones lead actor Emilia Clarke as a “dumpy-looking girl”.

Delivering a speech at the Sydney premiere, Patrick Delany told media he was initially bemused when he first started watching Game of Thrones. “I was like, ‘What’s this show with the dumpy-looking girl who walks into the flames?’” he said jovially, referring to Clarke’s lead character Daenerys.

“On behalf of Mr Delany, the Foxtel Group apologises if his remarks were misunderstood and caused any offence,” the spokesperson told Crikey.

5. ASX to rise; Cochlear dividends up 18%
ASX futures were up 25 points or 0.36% to 7045 near 6.40am AEST, with the AUD -0.3% to 69.15 US cents.

On Wall St: Dow +0.1% S&P 500 +0.2% Nasdaq +0.2%.

In Europe: Stoxx 50 +0.6% FTSE +0.4% CAC +0.5% DAX +0.5%.

10-year yield: US 2.88% Australia 3.33%.