Rebel MP Craig Kelly quits Libs

RENEGADE MP Craig Kelly has quit the Liberal Party after refusing to accept Scott Morrison’s demands to stop spreading COVID-19 misinformation and remove an aide accused of inappropriate behaviour.

News Corp understands the Prime Minister was preparing to dump Mr Kelly (left) from his parliamentary committee roles over the weekend, after the New South Wales MP doubled down in defence of his staffer despite an active police investigation.

Mr Kelly then shocked government colleagues by resigning in Tuesday’s party room meeting, a move that has cost the Mr Morrison his working majority in the Lower House.

Mr Kelly, who said he made his decision with “the heaviest of hearts”, has promised to support the government on matters of supply and confidence.

RETAIL giant Coles will stop selling single-use plastic cutlery and tableware at all of its Australian stores from July 1 in a bid to cut waste.

The move is predicted to remove 1.5m kg of single-use plastic from landfill every year.

Plastic products including cups, plates, bowls, straws and cutlery will be banished from Coles shelves under the plan.

Coles chief executive Steven Cain said the move helped the environment and also responded to customers’ needs. Clean Up Australia chairman Pip Kiernan said single-use plastic tableware was a big problem for the environment.

Australians on average use about 130kg of plastic per person each year, yet less than a tenth is recycled.