The day that was, Wednesday 12 October
We will leave the live blog there for tonight.
Here’s what you might have missed today:
The federal government declared 27 councils in NSW eligible for disaster assistance payments after the floods in the past few weeks. Those LGAs are: Blayney, Bogan, Burke, Brewarrina, Cabonne, Cowra, Dubbo, Edward River, Forbes, Gilgandra, Glen Innes Severn, Greater Hume, Gunnedah, Gwydir, Lachlan, Lithgow, Liverpool Plains, Moree Plains, Mid-Western, Narrabri, Narromine, Tamworth, Upper Lachlan, Walgett, Warren, Warrumbungle and Weddin.
The attorney general, Mark Dreyfus has said the pursuit of Wikileaks founder Julian Assange has gone on too long but has repeated that the Australian government won’t make its case to the US in public.
Dreyfus also said he wants reforms to whistleblower protection laws in place before the National Anti-Corruption Commission is up and running.
There was a mixed reception to Tourism Australia unveiling a computer generated kangaroo, Ruby the Roo, as Australia’s new tourism mascot.
Russian and Belarusian players will be able to compete in the Australian Open in 2023, but not under their country’s flags. It comes after they were controversially banned from Wimbledon.
Former deputy New South Wales premier John Barilaro has entered a not guilty plea to assault and malicious damage after an alleged altercation with a Channel Seven camera operator in July.
The Australian government said it has signed a $322m contract with Raytheon Australia as part of upgrades to the existing Collins-class submarines.
Natasha May will be back with you in the morning. Until then, I hope you have a nice evening.
Qantas staff apply to take protected industrial action
Qantas domestic cabin crew have applied to the federal industrial umpire to take protected action over fatigue concerns and claims of outsourcing, AAP reports.
The Flight Attendants’ Association of Australia (FAAA) says Qantas management “have threatened employees that they will not have access to work on new aircraft unless they sign onto new enterprise agreements that dramatically cut conditions”.
In May, Qantas ordered 20 Airbus A321XLR aircraft as part of the first tranche of its domestic fleet renewal which will replace its Boeing 737 aircraft.
The association says the airline would extend shifts from 10 to 12 hours for crew on the new Airbuses and cut rest time between shifts.
“To force crew to work even longer and harder than they already are with no additional break between shifts would cause more to go off sick with fatigue, causing further disruption to an already chaotic Qantas flight schedule,” said the association’s general secretary Teri O’Toole.
But Qantas denies the union’s claims, saying the “grounds for taking this step towards industrial action are misleading”.
“The shift length changes we’re asking for are the same that apply to crew working at other domestic airlines in Australia,” a Qantas spokesperson told AAP on Wednesday.
They also denied any plans to outsource the attendants’ shifts.
“The FAAA signed off on these conditions as part of agreements for those airlines, so it’s bizarre they’re now claiming they’re unsafe.”
If the FAAA’s application is successful cabin crew will then vote on industrial action which Qantas says cannot take place before mid-November.
Updated
Animal Justice party says Ruby Roo ‘would have been shot’
We can add the Animal Justice Party to the list of people who are a bit bemused by Tourism Australia picking a kangaroo as its new mascot.
Animal Justice party MP Mark Pearson said:
I suppose we should be grateful to Tourism Australia for creating a CGI-animated kangaroo to promote Australia and its iconic animals, because, at the rate the Australian government is allowing kangaroos to be slaughtered for leather and pet food, cartoon kangaroos are all we will have left to show tourists and future generations.
If Tourism Australia’s brand ambassador Ruby Roo was real, she would have been shot as part of a government ‘kangaroo management plan’ and hung up by her leg on the back of a ute.
Tourism Australia’s new brand ambassador Ruby Roo is a heartrending fiction: the Australian government despises kangaroos. If Ruby Roo was real, she would have been labelled a pest and shot in the head. Where the bloody hell is your sense of hypocrisy, Tourism Australia?”
Updated
Meanwhile, in Perth.
A brave motorist has stopped in the middle of a busy Perth freeway to rescue a gaggle of ducklings who were caught in traffic.
— 9News Australia (@9NewsAUS) October 12, 2022
The driver can be seen ushering the birds off the road this morning, with her heroism resulting in a minor rear-end collision. #9News pic.twitter.com/hrHVK54CTP
High court rules legal action against BHP over Brazil dam failure can proceed
A class action against BHP over a 2015 Brazilian dam collapse that killed 19 people can proceed despite not all of the claimants being Australian residents, after a high court ruling.
AAP reports the group of more than 29,000 people held BHP shares on the Australian Stock Exchange, the London Stock Exchange and the Johannesburg Stock Exchange before the Fundao Dam failure.
The village of Bento Rodrigues was wiped out when the dam in southeastern Brazil collapsed, killing 19 and displacing 700.
The Australian class action covers a period from October 2013 until the dam failure on 9 November, 2015.
The claimants alleged they suffered losses because BHP failed to meet its stock exchange disclosure obligations and because the mining company was misleading or deceptive.
BHP argued any claimants who were non-Australian resident shareholders could not legally be part of the class action.
But Australia’s high court on Wednesday dismissed BHP’s appeal, ruling the legislation does not restrict a claimant’s geographical location or residence.
“BHP’s construction [of the law] ignores the Constitution and the legislation passed by the Commonwealth Parliament... and rewrites the Federal Court of Australia Act,” the High Court justices said in their judgment.
“BHP’s construction would signal a ‘radical departure’ from the accepted bases.”
BHP told AAP it remained committed to defending the shareholder class action in Australia.
Lawyers from Phi Finney McDonald and Maurice Blackburn, who are representing the claimants, said Wednesday’s decision promoted access to justice.
Updated
Everyone is getting along very nicely in the new parliament.
*Looks backwards nervously* pic.twitter.com/vTtPf1qVim
— Dr Monique Ryan MP (@Mon4Kooyong) October 12, 2022
Richard Boyle hearing adjourned
The hearing that will decide whether tax office whistleblower Richard Boyle is immune from prosecution has been adjourned until next Wednesday.
Boyle is facing 24 charges including for recording private phone calls and taking photographs of taxpayer information, actions he says were part of gathering evidence as he prepared to make a public interest disclosure about the Australian Tax Office’s actions.
Judge Liesl Kudelka will determine whether Boyle is protected by the Public Interest Disclosure Act. If she decides not, he faces a trial and potential prison term.
In the past week, Boyle has told the South Australian district court he grew increasingly concerned about what he called maladministration in the tax office.
He alleges employees were told to use heavy-handed tactics to recover debts from taxpayers, including by forcing third parties such as banks to hand over money.
Vulnerable taxpayers were at risk of suicide, he said, when the tax office ignored their claims of hardship and insisted on pursuing debts.
On the other hand, Boyle said, he had been told that usually the ATO wrote off about $1bn every year in debts to reduce their debt level, and that in 2017 that went up to $3bn, which was unusual. He was concerned that taxpayers were having debts written off, but were then receiving tax credits on their income tax, instead of the credit being applied to their written off debt.
He described that as a potential breach of the tax legislation.
Boyle says he tried to raise his concerns internally, then eventually turned to the media to expose them. This is the first test of the whistleblower laws, and advocates fear the hearing and possibility of a trial will have a chilling effect on other potential whistleblowers.
Nicholas Robinson KC, acting for the director of the office of public prosecutions, pressed Boyle on why he couldn’t just take notes of conversations. Boyle’s response was that a tape recording “would be unequivocal and objective evidence, rather than my hand taken notes”, and expressed scepticism that the ATO would produce the written records if needed as evidence.
Boyle has told the court that he faced “reprisals” and bullying for drawing attention to the tax office’s actions, that it constituted “psychological abuse” and had left him with post traumatic stress disorder.
Lawyers for both sides will now prepare written and oral submissions for the judge.
Updated
Richard Marles aiming to build friendship with Papua New Guinea during visit
The deputy prime minister, Richard Marles, says he will “reaffirm our close and enduring friendship with Papua New Guinea” during a visit to the country from today until Friday.
Marles, who is also the defence minister, is expected to meet with PNG’s prime minister, James Marape, and other senior ministers. The agenda includes talks about “priorities and opportunities in national security, infrastructure, agriculture, and economic cooperation”.
The government said Marles would also “take a friendship walk along part of the Kokoda Track to mark the 80th anniversary of the pivotal Kokoda Campaign during the Second World War”.
The trip comes amid efforts by the Australian government to strengthen ties with Pacific countries. Earlier today the foreign affairs minister, Penny Wong, said she would travel to the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Republic of Nauru.
Marles said:
My visit to Papua New Guinea reflects the importance Australia places on our friendship with our closest neighbour, and reaffirms the government’s commitment to partnering with Papua New Guinea through the PNG-Australia Comprehensive Strategic and Economic Partnership (CSEP).
I am looking forward to meeting with prime minister Marape and some of his ministers, to discuss our respective priorities and how we can better align our efforts, partnership opportunities, and reaffirm the importance of working with our Pacific family.
Many know that I have a close affection for PNG, and am very much looking forward to what will be one of many visits to our close neighbour.
Updated
Lidia Thorpe to lodge press council complaint over the Australian's voice report
Greens Senator Lidia Thorpe says she will be making a complaint to the Australian Press Council over what she alleges was false reporting in the Australian on Tuesday about her meeting former Liberal candidate Warren Mundine about their joint opposition to a referendum on the voice.
Thorpe said yesterday she would not be joining the “no” campaign and today confirmed said she would lodge a press council complaint over the alleged false report. She said the meeting with Mundine was a meeting of members of the crossbench to discuss the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Guardian Australia contacted News Corp Australia yesterday about Thorpe’s claim.
Blak communities don’t need more hurt. We need action through grassroots consultation. I am fighting to ensure Truth & Treaty are taken as seriously as Voice. I will not be joining a “no” campaign.
— Senator Lidia Thorpe (@SenatorThorpe) October 12, 2022
I’m making a complaint to the Press Council about the false reporting in The Australian yesterday. Warren Mundine met with members of the cross bench to talk about the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
— Senator Lidia Thorpe (@SenatorThorpe) October 12, 2022
If people used even half the energy they spend trying to paint me as an angry Blak woman, on taking tangible action for our communities, the fight for First Nations justice would be stronger than ever.
— Senator Lidia Thorpe (@SenatorThorpe) October 12, 2022
Updated
Disaster support announced for 27 NSW councils
The federal government services minister, Bill Shorten, and the federal emergency management minister, Murray Watt, have announced residents in 27 local government areas are eligible for the disaster recovery allowance following severe storms and flooding in NSW in September and October.
The allowance will be available from 2pm tomorrow to the following LGAs: Blayney, Bogan, Burke, Brewarrina, Cabonne, Cowra, Dubbo, Edward River, Forbes, Gilgandra, Glen Innes Severn, Greater Hume, Gunnedah, Gwydir, Lachlan, Lithgow, Liverpool Plains, Moree Plains, Mid-Western, Narrabri, Narromine, Tamworth, Upper Lachlan, Walgett, Warren, Warrumbungle and Weddin.
The allowance is available to employees and sole traders who experience a loss of income as a result of the disaster and is payable up to 13 weeks. The payment will also be available to eligible NZ citizens affected by the floods.
People can lodge claims through myGov, or call the Australian Government Emergency Information Line on 180 22 66.
Updated
Only one in eight medical students choosing general practice
The health minister, Mark Butler, tells ABC’s Afternoon Briefing patients are saying it’s never been harder to see a GP, and GPs are saying that their businesses are under real threat in terms of financial viability because of six years of Medicare rebate freezes under the former government.
He said:
It’s not just the pressure today, it’s what I described as a terrifying trend which is only one in eight medical graduates today is choosing general practice as their career. It used to be four in eight. Now it is one in eight. That pipeline of new GPs to replace the baby boomer generation of general practitioners while considering retirement today is not just there for us so that’s why want to talk to medical students themselves.
He says he wants to hear from the students what needs to change to attract them to general practice.
Updated
Tasmanians warned of wild weather
The Tasmania State Emergency Service (SES) has warned Tasmanians, particularly those in the north and north-west, to be ready for intense rainfall, damaging winds, and potential flooding from tonight.
Tasmania SES acting director, Leon Smith, said:
The state is already very wet, which means that rain over the next few days could lead to flooding in the forecast areas.
It’s imperative that Tasmanians heed the warnings and take note that intense rainfalls could lead to significant flooding within the north-west, north, and north-east areas of the state.
Of concern in the first instance, modelling shows impacts on the north-west townships of Railton, Latrobe, Wivenhoe, Burnie, and Sheffield.
This is a dynamic situation of significance that we are monitoring, but inevitably we will see flooding in some areas within the forecast areas over the coming days.
If you know that you live in a low-lying area that is prone to flooding; if you were in areas of the north-west in the 2016 floods; and you are aware that your property, or the property of someone you know, has been previously impacted by flood, there is a high chance flood impacts will be seen during this event.
Updated
Tourism Australia boss defends use of cartoon kangaroo
Tourism Australia’s managing director, Phillipa Harrison, is on ABC’s Afternoon Briefing to speak about the controversial use of a cartoon kangaroo called Ruby to sell tourism to Australia overseas.
She says Tourism Australia spent a lot of time researching what overseas markets love about Australia, and at the moment people are still staying close to home, so there needed to be an extra impetus given for people to take those long flights to Australia.
She says the research showed people recognised the kangaroo more than anything else, and people loved the “warm and welcoming” nature of Australians, so the campaign is designed to remind people Australia is open and “warm and welcoming”.
She says while Australians are very interested in how they’re represented internationally, ultimately the campaign is not marketed to Australians.
Updated
Today we commemorated the 20th anniversary of the 2002 Bali bombings. A memorial service was held today in Parliament House. My thoughts are with those whose lives were forever affected by the attacks. pic.twitter.com/YqxMIar89K
— Milton Dick (@MiltonDickMP) October 12, 2022
Disaster recovery allowance available in NSW
The federal emergency management minister, Murray Watt, has just posted that disaster recovery allowance is now available for people in 27 council locations in NSW. I am just chasing down where those councils are and will bring more for you when I have it.
We’ve announced 27 council areas across NSW are now eligible for Disaster Recovery Allowance, to help people who’ve lost income as a direct result of the extreme weather in September and October. pic.twitter.com/OKdrntNknx
— Senator Murray Watt (@MurrayWatt) October 12, 2022
Updated
And with that, I am going to hand you over to Josh Taylor who will take you through the evening!
Qantas ‘welcomes’ use of luggage trackers by passengers
A spokesperson for Qantas said the airline “welcomed” their customers using the trackers and did not have plans to change the rules around their use.
Well, that is … relieving? Full story from Royce Kurmelovs:
Updated
There have been services here and in Indonesia today to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Bali bombings. I have a video for you here:
World algae day
Did you know algae produce at least 50% of the air we breathe? Did you know today is world algae day? I’m raising one up for the slimy stuff.
It’s #worldalgaeday today! Enjoy some of these gorgeous examples from one of my local spots on the #greatsouthernreef pic.twitter.com/GjHsN9fMrC
— Dr Jacqui Pocklington (@dr_snorkel) October 12, 2022
Updated
Scientists discover ‘exciting advancement’ in potential Alzheimer’s disease treatment
Queensland researchers have forged a path to delivering Alzheimer’s drugs directly to the brain in a major scientific breakthrough, AAP has reported.
Scientists at the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute created models of the human blood-brain barrier, a wall of cells that protects the brain from pathogens and toxins, and successfully opened it.
The barrier works as a natural shield and blocks 98% of disease-fighting drugs from entering the brain.
QIMR Berghofer scientists created blood-brain barrier models using stem cells from Alzheimer’s patients and successfully unlocked the barrier using focused ultrasound.
“It’s a very exciting advancement in the therapeutic ultrasound field,” researcher Dr Lotta Oikari told AAP.
“We are able to model the blood-brain barriers of people who have a high risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease in the laboratory setting and increase the delivery of therapeutic Alzheimer’s antibodies.
Updated
Federal inquiry hears long Covid clinics inundated
Hello everyone – this is Cait Kelly, and I will be with you for the next hour or so. A big thank you to Natasha for taking us through the morning!
First up, I have this from AAP:
Long Covid clinics across the country are being inundated with requests for assessments from patients struggling with ongoing symptoms, an inquiry has heard.
Doctors told the federal parliamentary inquiry into long Covid and repeated Covid infections on Wednesday they are struggling to keep up with demand and waitlists are increasing.
At least ten million Australians have been infected with Covid and it’s estimated 3 to 5% will develop long Covid at some point.
Long Covid is characterised by long-term health issues including heart palpitations and extreme fatigue, three months from the onset of Covid, with symptoms lasting at least two months, according to the World Health Organisation.
“Our waitlist is increasing because what we’ve observed is that it can take some time for the recognition of post-COVID conditions, particularly with the fatigue-predominant types, to reach us,” Royal Children’s hospital Associate Professor Shidan Tosif told the inquiry.
Updated
Thanks for your attention, that’s it from me for today. I hand you over to the lovely Cait Kelly.
Greens senator Mehreen Faruqi has visited the Multicultural Council of Wagga Wagga (MCWW).
In a bit of mid-afternoon blog joy before I sign off, here is the MCWW’s mascot Bennie.
Councils like MCWW still need to promote the acceptance of cultural diversity, because we don’t possess the same loving acceptance as our canine friends like Bennie.
Dogs never bite me. Just humans.
First stop on my Wagga Wagga trip was to meet with Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKinnon, Ray Goodlass, and the Multicultural Council of Wagga Wagga.
— Mehreen Faruqi (@MehreenFaruqi) October 12, 2022
Special mention goes to the MCWW’s mascot Bennie! pic.twitter.com/xO7AmBhsiy
Updated
Research grants favour men, minister for women says
The minister for finance and women Katy Gallagher says the government is committing funding targets to ensure gender equality in research opporunities.
Men researchers are receiving about $95 million a year more than women in National Health & Medical Research Council Grants.
— Katy Gallagher (@SenKatyG) October 12, 2022
We're going to change that.
Next year the NHMRC will have a 50:50 funding target to give more women the opportunity to take their research forward. pic.twitter.com/jdJx2tssqe
Assange case ‘has gone on long enough’, Dreyfus says
The attorney general, Mark Dreyfus, has reaffirmed the government’s view that the pursuit of Julian Assange has “gone on long enough” and has alluded to private talks with the Biden administration about the issue.
At the National Press Club in Canberra today, Dreyfus was asked about the US attempt to prosecute the Wikileaks co-founder. Assange is fighting a US attempt to extradite him from the UK to face charges in connection with the publication of hundreds of thousands of leaked documents about the Afghanistan and Iraq wars, as well as diplomatic cables. Press freedom advocates and human rights groups have raised fears the prosecution of Assange under the US Espionage Act sets “a dangerous precedent”.
When asked today whether he thought it was in the public interest that the prosecution of Julian Assange continue, Dreyfus said:
Mr Assange’s case has gone on long enough. The prime minister has said this. The foreign minister has said this. I’ve said this. I will say it again: it has gone on long enough but we’re not going to conduct our representations to the government of the United States in public. I’ll say no more about that.
Updated
Australians attend Bali bombings memorial service in Denpasar
The assistant minister for foreign affairs, Tim Watts, has laid a wreath in Bali as part of a memorial service to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Bali bombings.
The event was held at the consulate in Denpasar’s memorial garden and attended by Australian families of those killed, survivors themselves, diplomatic members of the Australian consulate to Indonesia and members of the Australian Federal Police, who were part of the investigation after the bombing.
Watts gave a speech talking about the attack, recognising the courage of the many first responders, rescue teams and volunteers who worked for days to help people affected by the bombings. He said:
20 years later, the pain is still felt. That night remains seared into the national memories of Indonesians, Australians and so many others. We will always remember these 202 innocent people, most under the age of 40, the youngest just 13 years old. Today we pay tribute to those who died.
Today we commemorate 20 years since the 2002 Bali bombings, which tragically took 202 lives, including 88 Australians.
— Tim Watts MP (@TimWattsMP) October 12, 2022
I am deeply moved to be in Bali today – a day of remembrance and pain for so many. pic.twitter.com/42rPL91kQe
In the wake of the attacks, Australians and Indonesians joined together - bound by tragedy, and united by friendship and cooperation.
— Tim Watts MP (@TimWattsMP) October 12, 2022
Today we mourn, we reflect and we remember, together.@dfat @KonJenBali @DubesAustralia pic.twitter.com/SR2gmcma45
Local & Australian staff at the Australian Consulate in Bali during and after the bombing gave more than could have ever been asked of them. I listened to their experiences working at the consulate during the Bali bombings and thanked them for their service. pic.twitter.com/Lx09f3yEcF
— Tim Watts MP (@TimWattsMP) October 12, 2022
Race to document ancient boab carvings
Sue O’Connor, a professor of archaeology at the Australian National University, says it’s “a race against time” to record 12 ancient boab trees bearing carvings that tell the Dreaming story of the king brown snake, or Lingka.
No one knows how old these trees are. But if they were 500 years old at the time they were carved, which is conceivable, then they may not live for that much longer.”
It’s impossible to know the age of the carvings found on the trees, in a patch of the Tanami straddling the border of Western Australia and the Northern Territory, AAP reports.
But some, high on the bulbous trunks of the slow-growing heritage trees, give a sense of how long they might have been there.
Almost all the carvings are of snakes and their location matches the Lingka Dreaming track Indigenous owners speak of, stretching from south of Broome and into the territory. O’Connor says:
The Dreaming track is where the traditional owners believe the Lingka, or king brown snake, travelled across the country.
Prof O’Connor, colleagues, traditional owners including Jaru woman Brenda Garstone and historian Darrell Lewis have just published a new paper in the journal Antiquity about their two years of field work to document the 12 trees.
The carvings on the 12 trees have been meticulously recorded using photogrammetry with the hope of staging a 3D exhibition to offer all Australians a sense of the trees’ history and power.
Prof O’Connor believes there are more carved trees yet to be found. She just hopes it’s before they are destroyed by lightning strikes or bushfires, damaged by hungry cattle that like to gnaw on boab bark, or collapse with old age.
Garstone, who was also on the mission and co-authored the paper, hopes money can be found to fund another search and save more of her family’s ancestral heritage. She said:
I think it’s really important to go to all lengths to be able to preserve this ancient icon, that is a symbol of our ancestral dreaming. It connects to the fact that it’s the oldest living culture. This is another piece of proof that this has been continuously passed down through generations.
Bureau of Meteorology releases weather update for Victoria, Tasmania and southern NSW
Severe Weather Update: Widespread heavy rain and damaging winds for Vic, Tas and southern NSW. Video current: 12:30pm AEDT 12 October 2022.
— Bureau of Meteorology, Australia (@BOM_au) October 12, 2022
Know your weather, know your risk. For the latest forecasts and warnings, go to our website https://t.co/4W35o8zIoh or the BOM Weather app. pic.twitter.com/8vNoenWM7P
Russian players allowed to compete at next Australian Open
Russian and Belarusian players will be able to compete in the Australian Open in 2023, but not under their country’s flags. It comes after they were controversially banned from Wimbledon.
At the launch event today, Australian Open director Craig Tiley confirmed the Association of Tennis Professionals’ ruling that players compete as ‘neutrals’ after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine would extend to the Open.
At this point, Russian and Belarusian players will be eligible to play in the Australian Open, and they, like every other player, will have to go through the (entry) process.
The only difference will be that they cannot represent Russia - they cannot represent the flag of Russia.
They cannot participate in any activity such as the anthem of Russia and they have to play as independent players under a neutral name.
- with AAP
Updated
Australian Open organisers will not lobby government for Djokovic visa
Australian Open tournament director, Craig Tiley, says he will not lobby on behalf of the unvaccinated Serbian player, Novak Djokovic who was dramatically deported from Australia on the eve of this year’s tournament.
The Tennis Australia (TA) boss - who was heavily involved in the saga that saw Djokovic locked up in a quarantine hotel - at the time blamed the changing Covid-19 landscape for miscommunication with federal authorities, AAP reports.
The former world No.1 is subject to a three-year ban from entering Australia but can apply for an exemption from new immigration minister, Andrew Giles.
Speaking at the launch of the 2023 tournament, Tiley said he would not be involved in the process this time. Tiley told reporters today:
At this point ... Novak and the federal government need to work out the situation and then we’ll follow any instruction after that.
It’s not a matter we can lobby on. It’s a matter that definitely stays between the two of them and then depending on the outcome of that we would welcome him to the Australian Open.
Tiley said he had so far had no communication with the federal government about Djokovic. The tournament director said he spent time with the 21-grand slam title winner at the recent Laver Cup and Djokovic told him he was keen to return to Melbourne Park.
He said that he’d obviously love to come back to Australia, but he knows it’s going to be an ultimate decision for the federal government.
He’s accepted that position. It’s a private matter between them but we’d like to welcome Novak back - he’s a nine-time champion - provided he gets the right entry requirements into Australia.
Tiley said TA had brought on external immigration specialists to help deal with the demand from players and their entourages, with double the applicants of last year.
Updated
Nine news is reporting that a man has been shot in Sydney’s west, following a separate shooting in Cabramatta last night.
Police are investigating after a man in his 20s was shot in Sydney's west.
— 9News Sydney (@9NewsSyd) October 12, 2022
The man was treated at the scene in Liverpool before being transported to hospital.
It comes after a 40-year-old man was shot outside his unit in Cabramatta last night. #9News pic.twitter.com/NgDcBJyBNv
Government considering greater transparency measures ahead of referendum, attorney general says
My colleague Josh Butler has asked the attorney general Mark Dreyfus at the National Press Club about what is happening about funding with the yes and no campaigns for the referendum on the voice to parliament.
Butler:
I wanted to ask but the Voice to Parliament, will there be public funding given to the respective sides of the debate and, related, does the Government have concerns about influx of private money into the respective campaigns, potentially from overseas political interest groups, what could the Government due to ensure that voters get transparency about who was bankrolling the respective sides of the campaign?
Dreyfus:
It’s a great question. We are looking at all of the arrangements about how this referendum on the voice is to be conducted. We have committed to accepting the generous offer made in the Uluru Statement from the Heart, I hope everyone in this room, and I hope everyone in Australia has read the Uluru Statement from the Heart, it is a wonderful national opportunity to recognise our Indigenous Australians in our Constitution and I’m looking forward to the referendum happening.
Before that we have to pay attention to the machinery that surrounds the conduct of a referendum. We haven’t had a referendum in Australia since 1999. We haven’t had a successful one since 1977. Ancient history, almost. If you are under 40 you haven’t voted in a referendum. And we need to look really hard and we are looking really hard on these deliberations now within government as to what the arrangement should be.
One of those questions is just just goes to your question, Josh, which is achieving transparency in donations, possibly to a greater level than we presently have in the electoral process. Another question, a machinery question is how to make a very antiquated referendum machinery provisions look more like the electoral process that we have in Australia, which is what Australians are familiar with. So that’s ahead. But we will see more in coming months about what the arrangements we are proposing are.
Butler reminds Dreyfus about the part of his question about whether the government has concerns about overseas groups funding campaign. He says “it is a concern” because he can’t think of a reason for overseas groups to be funding this campaign.
Speculation about soaring electricity prices brightens solar outlook
Power prices are in the news again thanks in large part to Jeff Dimery, the head of Alinta Energy warning on Monday (as noted in this blog) that electricity tariffs may rise as much as 35% next year. (Actually, it’s rather early to make so precise a figure, but anyways...)
One consequence of such chatter is that more people make inquiries about solar energy, and a portion of those go on to install panels (since the economics are pretty good - not to mention avoided carbon emissions).
And that’s what we’ve seen. According to Green Energy Markets, there was a fair uptick in installations in August and lately, September. (Commercial demand picked up even more than residential.)
Green Energy Markets has some new data showing installations of solar PV picked up in September. pic.twitter.com/w4xmxChfE2
— Peter Hannam (@p_hannam) October 12, 2022
And it’s a pattern across much of the nation. Higher prices for systems had started to hit PV installations, but we should keep in mind demand had soared during the Covid lockdowns when people were spending a lot of time staring at the ceilings at home - and apparently their rooftops.
Across the country, new solar PV installations have tend to pick up in recent months...and the speculation about future power prices increases will nudge more holdouts to get panels (or expand the systems they have). (Source: Green Energy Markets.) pic.twitter.com/ShXVuxIU2o
— Peter Hannam (@p_hannam) October 12, 2022
We look more at the market trends in this piece that has just gone live, including how Dimery’s comments have set off another spike in solar PV inquiries, according to SolarQuotes:
Separately, given that solar offers some “insurance” against higher bills, it’s worth looking at the latest size of turnover within the National Electricity Market (which serves 80% of the nation’s populace, mostly in the country’s east).
Updated NEM turnover plot 😳
— Dylan McConnell (@dylanjmcconnell) October 12, 2022
Turnover now over $30billion (...so far) - rate where going will close out the year just shy of $40bn 🤯 https://t.co/CQ5CgHgONu pic.twitter.com/kQjKsrob1W
Looks like we might be talking about electricity (and gas) prices for some time to come.
Greens question government stance on private anti-corruption hearings
We brought you what the attorney general, Mark Dreyfus, has been telling the National Press Club in Canberra a couple posts ago about the National Anti Corruption Commission (Nacc).
Greens senator David Shoebridge has taken to social media welcoming the new government’s position in contrast to the previous government, but he questions Dreyfus’s reasoning when it comes to private hearings. The criticism comes after other members of the crossbench also expressed their concerns that the hearings won’t be public.
Listening to Mark Dreyfus on integrity is a world away from the previous Government including the willingness to be part of a Government that is held to account.
— David Shoebridge (@DavidShoebridge) October 12, 2022
We also agree with him on the need for reforms to whistleblower protections and to support press freedom. #NPC
Dreyfus says the NACC is intended to be a standing Royal Commission but Royal Commissions hold public hearings when they think it is appropriate, they are not constrained by the "exceptional circumstances" test proposed here. Reports printed after inquiries aren't sufficient #NPC
— David Shoebridge (@DavidShoebridge) October 12, 2022
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Penny Wong to visit to the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the republic of Nauru
The minister for foreign affairs, Penny Wong, will this week travel to the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Republic of Nauru.
In the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Wong will officially open Australia’s embassy which commenced operations last year.
In a statement Wong said:
I will also be putting to air the first Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) radio program on the Republic of the Marshall Island’s national broadcaster in six years.
I look forward to meeting His Excellency President David Kabua, Foreign Minister Kitlang Kabua, other members of parliament, and community leaders to discuss climate action and enhance our security, environmental, cultural and economic partnerships.
In Nauru, I will meet newly elected President His Excellency Russ Kun to discuss our shared priorities such as climate-resilient infrastructure, connectivity, economic opportunities and pandemic recovery.
I will also launch a new partnership with Nauru and the Australian Football League to support young athletes in Nauru, Papua New Guinea and Fiji.
This will be Wong’s eighth visit to the Pacific as foreign minister, and the first ministerial visit to the Republic of the Marshall Islands since 2018.
Wong says the visit demonstrates “the priority the new Australian government places on our region” and will further strengthen Australia’s ties with “our Pacific family.”
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Major flooding likely in Victoria’s northern catchments
⚠️ #Flood Watch issued for #Victoria. Widespread minor to moderate flooding expected from Thursday. Major flooding likely across a number of northern catchments and isol in the southwest. Details at https://t.co/vYKId43ISr
— Bureau of Meteorology, Victoria (@BOM_Vic) October 12, 2022
Follow advice from @vicemergency #VicFloods @vicsesnews pic.twitter.com/sAbRjAKULE
Dreyfus wants whistleblower protection reforms in place before Nacc
The attorney general, Mark Dreyfus, is addressing the National Press Club in Canberra, and knows his audience. He moves onto what the Nacc will mean for press freedom.
Dreyfus:
Shortly I will be introducing separate reforms to the public interest disclosure act to improve whistleblower protections with the aim of having these reforms in place when the commission commenced operation.
Many of those present have a strong interest in press freedom. So do I. For this reason the legislation establishing the national anti-corruption commission contains strong safeguards to protect the identities of journalist sources and to uphold the clear public interest associated with a free press.
As attorney general I’m acutely conscious that any newly created power brought onto our statute books must not interfere with the important work of the press in holding those in authority to account.
At this point a member of the audience applauds (my colleague Josh Butler who’s in the room informs me this comes from the chief executive of the press club, Maurice Reilly.
Thank you, I thought this might be one audience that might appreciate those sentiments. There’s even more!
The legislation expressly provides that journalists and their employers will not be required to answer questions or provide information that will enable the identity of their sources to be identified.
The commission’s access to search and surveillance powers will be subject to additional safeguards to protect press freedom and the identity of journalist’s sources.
And the work does not end there… the Albanese government intends to progress further legislative reform as a priority, including responding to important reports on press freedom from the parliamentary joint committee on intelligence and security and is Senate standing committee on environment and communications both from the last parliament.
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Nacc “is not a court”, Mark Dreyfus says
Let me be clear, the national anti-corruption commission is not a court. It is an investigative body. Its primary work is rooting out and exposing corruption. At the conclusion of an investigation the commissioner will be able to publish a detailed report. That report would set out the commissioner’s findings and recommendations supported by evidence, including evidence obtained in private hearings, providing transparency and a comprehensive, public account of the commission’s investigation.
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Attorney general speaks at the National Press Club
The attorney general, Mark Dreyfus, is addressing the National Press Club this lunchtime.
He is speaking about one of the details in the government’s national anti-corruption commission (Nacc) which has proved most contentious – that most hearings will be private, with public hearings only held in exception circumstances.
The experience of state anti-corruption commissions is that a very small proportion of all hearings are actually public, including the well-known New South Wales independent commission against corruption.
There are important reasons why some hearings need to be conducted in private, including to avoid prejudicing an ongoing investigation or related criminal proceedings, to protect the privacy of witnesses or to ensure national security information is protected from disclosure.
The decision to hold hearings in public or in private will be made by the independent commissioner. The commission will use hearings to question witnesses and obtain critical evidence about alleged serious or systemic corruption on the way to making findings and recommendations. There will be times when the commission’s investigations will be done in public and other times investigations investigations will benefit from being done in private.
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Government signs contract with Raytheon Australia for submarine upgrades
The Australian government says it has signed a $322m contract with Raytheon Australia as part of upgrades to the existing Collins-class submarines.
Defence issued a press release saying the five-year contract contract will ensure “in-service support for the Collins-class submarine combat system during Australia’s transition to nuclear-powered submarines”.
Both major Australian parties have long flagged the need to extend the life of the existing submarines given that the new nuclear-powered submarines could be decades away.
The Department of Defence’s deputy secretary for naval shipbuilding and sustainment, Tony Dalton, said the support would include a life-of-type extension beginning in 2026, ongoing sustainment, and selected capability enhancements.
Dalton said in the statement:
The ongoing sustainment and upgrade of these boats will help maintain a capability advantage and ensure our fleet is ready to meet the challenges across our strategic environment. We are committed to working closely with industry to sustain our Collins class submarines, an important task that currently supports over 1600 jobs across South and West Australia.
It’s not a new role for Raytheon Australia: the government says the company “has been providing a range of support services for the Collins-class submarine combat system since its introduction into service”.
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Clive Palmer announces United Australia party’s new Victorian leader
The United Australia party founder, Clive Palmer, is trying to get some candidates up in the Victorian state election, and has announced former Liberal MP for Frankston Geoff Shaw as the party’s leader in the state.
“For many years we have suffered from policies that have destroyed families, destroyed jobs… Dan Andrews continues to fail Victorians” new United Australia Party Leader & former Liberal MP Geoff Shaw says @abcmelbourne #springst pic.twitter.com/K5l4kecuX3
— Bridget Rollason (@bridgerollo) October 12, 2022
Shaw hasn’t been in parliament for almost eight years (or two terms).
He resigned from the Liberal party in 2013, which ultimately led to the then premier, Ted Ballieu, resigning after facing internal pressure. The turmoil the Liberal party faced resulted in the party being turfed out of office after just one term, and Victoria has now had eight years of the Daniel Andrews Labor government.
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High fire danger predicted for south-west Queensland tomorrow
Warming up in the west today with temperatures expected to hit the high 30s to low 40s🥵
— Bureau of Meteorology, Queensland (@BOM_Qld) October 12, 2022
High Fire Danger forecast for southwest on Thu with warm, gusty northerly winds ahead of a trough. Temperatures then cooling off significantly as gusty southerlies sweep through behind trough pic.twitter.com/JhckXo2MS5
Kangaroo advocates criticise Tourism Australia's new campaign
Kangaroo advocates are claiming Tourism Australia is cashing in on the beloved species to lure tourists to the country, while turning a blind eye to their demise.
Tourism Australia today unveiled a computer generated souvenir kangaroom, Ruby the Roo, as the mascot for its “Come and Say G’day” campaign, voiced by Australian actor Rose Byrne.
Former Australian Test cricketer and Kangaroos Alive ambassador Jason “Dizzy” Gillespie said the federal and NSW governments are happy to use the iconic animal to promote tourism on billboards around the world, while at the same time, ignoring concerns about the commercial killing of kangaroos.
A NSW parliamentary report into the health and wellbeing of kangaroos examined the management of the commercial kangaroo industry, and found evidence of an unsustainable animal welfare crisis which forced the NSW and federal governments to admit no one is monitoring how the animals meet their end.
The inquiry recommended greater transparency of kangaroo management plans, programs and practices.
Gillespie said:
Tourism Australia even said we’re so lucky to have a globally recognisable and adorable icon in the kangaroo.
We need to learn to value these international icons and acknowledge that they are worth much more to Australia alive. Our tourist industry relies on them.
The kangaroo is on our Australian coat of arms, it’s the Australian made symbol and it is a much loved animal not just here in Australia but all over the world.
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Queensland researchers unlock Alzheimer’s barrier
Queensland researchers have forged a path to delivering Alzheimer’s drugs directly to the brain in a major scientific breakthrough, AAP reports.
Scientists at the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute created models of the human blood-brain barrier, a wall of cells that protects the brain with pathogens and toxins, and successfully opened it.
The barrier works as a natural shield and blocks 98% of disease-fighting drugs from entering the brain.
QIMR Berghofer scientists created blood-brain barrier models using stem cells from Alzheimer’s patients and successfully unlocked the barrier using focused ultrasound.
In a remarkable breakthrough, the scientists opened the barrier to drugs that can combat Alzheimer’s disease.
The group’s leader, Prof Anthony White, said:
It’s a major breakthrough in terms of understanding the way that we can deliver drugs to the brain.
We’re really on the cusp of being able to make some kind of difference in people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Stem cell researcher Dr Lotta Oikari said the results were very consistent and researchers were able to replicate the experiment a number of times.
She said the model can potentially identify previously tested drugs that might have failed and attempt to deliver them more efficiently with the new method.
Fellow researcher Joanna Wasielewska hoped the research would be a therapeutic breakthrough for Alzheimer’s patients. She said:
The very first clinical trials show its safety in human patients.
We are really at this last step of breaking the ultrasound-mediated drug delivery to patients suffering from brain disorders.
Researchers are already working on developing models for motor neurone disease and childhood dementia.
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Victoria’s severe weather warning expanded to Melbourne and north-east
Severe Weather Warning for heavy rainfall over #Victoria on Thursday has been reissued and now includes #Melbourne and NE Victoria.
— Bureau of Meteorology, Victoria (@BOM_Vic) October 12, 2022
Damaging wind gusts are also likely about central and eastern ranges during Thursday.
For more see: https://t.co/HLs2UYFQyQ pic.twitter.com/DOtSjSZdYm
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Indonesian ambassador speaks at Canberra memorial, paying tribute to victims and partnership between two nations
Indonesia’s ambassador to Australia, Siswo Pramono, has spoken at the memorial in Canberra marking the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks in Bali.
Twenty years ago today a hideous crime struck and it was one of the saddest days in Indonesian history. Twenty years ago a group of terrorists tried to enforce their belief on to others by way of violence, which resulted in 202 people were killed and 209 people were injured.
Pramono acknowledged the Australian and Indonesian victims of the attack, as well as the “overwhelming grief” their loved ones were left with. However, he said that the terrorists couldn’t take away “our love and compassion to others and the idea of people are equal in rights and freedoms”.
Pramono also spoke about the cooperation between the nations in the aftermath of the attack to bring the perpetrators to justice:
In the days that followed the attacks, Indonesian law enforcement officers assisted by the Australian police put in a relentless effort to bring the perpetrators to justice. Indonesia and Australia are nations of resilience and vigilance rising out of the terrorist attack we have a better and stronger bond among us.
Indonesia and Australia developed the Jakarta Centre for Law Enforcement Cooperation. This reflects the determination of both governments to build a better law enforcement institution and system in Indonesia and other countries as well. This initiative wins active support from partner governments and international law enforcement agencies.
The relations between Indonesia and Australia improve from strength to strength. In the latest development, the two countries have managed to further strengthen the bilateral ties and politics on economics, defence, culture, and people to people. The visit of Prime Minister Albanese to Indonesia and the delegation last June has further strengthened this strategy partnership. Indonesia and Australia are not just neighbours, but most importantly we are also partners.
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Australia considers offering to train Ukraine troops
As the prime minister, Anthony Albanese, did his media rounds this morning, he revealed Australia is considering offering training to Ukraine troops.
We brought you some of his comments earlier on the blog, and now my colleagues in Canberra Amy Remeikis and Daniel Hurst bring you the full story here:
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Severe weather warning for NSW expanded to include Alps
#NSW Severe Weather Warning has been updated and expanded to include the risk of damaging winds about the NSW Alps. Check details here: https://t.co/eBHNbHxaMq pic.twitter.com/W1DawWxOMP
— Bureau of Meteorology, New South Wales (@BOM_NSW) October 12, 2022
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Intense rain and flood warnings for Tasmania
People in Tasmania have been urged to prepare for widespread heavy rain and potentially dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding in parts.
A severe weather warning is in place for the island state’s north and central regions, and the east coast, which is tipped to be hit by dangerous winds.
.@BOM_Tas has issued a Severe Weather Waring for Intense Rainfall and Damaging Winds - Furneaux Islands, North East, North West Coast, Central North and parts of Western,
— TasALERT (@tasalert) October 12, 2022
South East, East Coast, Central Plateau and Midlands Forecast Districts.
More Info: https://t.co/Y3tNUTeMgJ pic.twitter.com/3h3DrAtB6i
Heavy rain is expected from Wednesday evening to Friday, with the north expected to cop the worst, including intense local falls.
The Bureau of Meteorology says 24-hour totals on Thursday are expected to reach 60 to 120 millimetres, with isolated totals up to 180mm over higher terrain.
Potentially dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding, with 100mm of rain falling within six hours, is possible in the Great Western Tiers.
The SES says widespread minor or moderate flooding is likely from Thursday and major flooding is possible at some locations. Acting director Leon Smith said:
People are encouraged to be aware of the forecast and prepare their property before the rain arrives.
This means knowing your flood risk and understanding whether your property is prone to flooding.
With the ground being saturated in many areas of Tasmania, rivers will rise quickly over coming days.
Heavy rain is tipped in Australia’s east and south in coming days.
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Sarah Hanson-Young says she will support ‘yes’ vote in voice referendum
Readers following the political debate around the voice to parliament will be aware there’s been some confusion over the past 24 hours or so about the Greens. On Tuesday, a report in the Australian newspaper suggested the party’s First Nations spokesperson, Lidia Thorpe, had telegraphed backing the no case to businessman Warren Mundine. Thorpe later told my colleague Sarah Martin that report was false. She would not be backing the “no” case.
Throughout this debate, the Greens have signalled it is important for the government to act on the three elements of the Uluru statement – voice, truth and treaty. Thorpe repeated that view yesterday. Today, Thorpe’s colleague Sarah Hanson-Young was asked to clarify the Greens position. Hanson-Young again articulated the party’s position on the three elements, but also made it abundantly clear she and “my colleagues” would be supporting the yes campaign for the voice to parliament. Here, for the record, are her comments in full.
Hanson Young:
As Lidia Thorpe has said, she is not going to be backing the no campaign and the Greens support the full implementation of the statement from the heart, and we want the parliament to respond to that request from First Nations people to act, to give voice, to give treaty, to give truth. Our party is committed to backing the Uluru statement and doing everything we can to make sure First Nations people are listened to and responded to in the way they have asked [for] out of that statement of the heart. That’s a really important message to the rest of the Australian community.
As Lidia Thorpe has said, she’s not backing the no campaign, and I am looking very much forward to supporting the yes campaign. I’m going to be supporting the yes campaign, my colleagues are going to be supporting the yes campaign and we need to make sure this delivers for First Nations people. There are a lot of issues First Nations people deal with every day that this parliament has not dealt with and we need to and our leaders need to.
I want to be really clear about this: I support the yes campaign and I’ll be doing everything I can to support it.
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Penny Wong recognises first responders to Bali bombings
The minister for foreign affairs, Penny Wong, has spoken at the Canberra memorial. She acknowledged the 202 lives “so callously taken” including 88 Australians, 38 Indonesians and citizens of 20 other countries.
As well as the victims, Wong acknowledged the contribution of first responders in attempting to save the lives of victims as well as the Australian government in acts like arranging the last phone calls of victims with loved ones.
Ultimately, the terrorists failed. Because, while an act of terror might shake us, it cannot change us. Those who attacked us wanted to divide Australia and Indonesia, to shatter the bonds between two great democracies, painstakingly built on multi-faith, multicultural foundations. And to strike at what makes us all human.
But the worst of humanity brought out the very best. Out of that dark acts, were bored such radiant acts of courage and of love. The story of that night is also one of great courage and resilience, a story that many of you here know so well.
Survivors became saviours, somehow overcoming their pain. First responders, among them medical staff, police, embassy and cultural officials, and local volunteers, ran towards the devastation. Rescuing everyone they could. Going back time and time again to help the injured and comfort the dying.
In the face of exhaustion and horror, hospital staff in Bali worked around the clock to save lives and treat catastrophic injuries. There were outstanding contributions that night and afterwards from across the Australian government. People like Australia’s consular general advice consul David Chaplin both with us today. They were among the first of the scene. They comforted the victims, including those who could not be saved, desperately arranging phone calls so loved ones could speak with them in their final moments.
Civilian and military aircraft mobilised to transport the victims regardless of nationality to Perth, Darwin and other specialised bird units. Australian medical staff including Dr Fiona Wood undertook life-saving surgery at medical treatment on the many dozens of seriously injured victims, keeping them alive when hope seemed lost, and blessing them through their pain.
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Attack failed to drive Australia and Indonesia apart: John Howard
At the same time as that memorial in Sydney, another is taking place in Canberra.
Former prime minister John Howard, who was the country’s leader at the time of the Bali bombings, has reiterated the message of solidarity with Indonesia like Anthony Albanese.
Former PM John Howard reflects on the Bali bombing tragedy, speaking at the National Memorial Service in Canberra.
— Reece D'Alessandro (@R_DAlessandro9) October 11, 2022
“Their goal included driving a wedge between Australia and Indonesia, and that failed.
It’s a reminder that evil is always there.” @9NewsAUS #auspol pic.twitter.com/IXRink3q8D
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‘We will never let them fade’: PM remembers victims of Bali bombings
Albanese returns to the heavy toll the attack took and the difficulty of grief which does not abate with time, 20 years after the attacks.
But they did take life. They left survivors to rebuild themselves physically and mentally. They left families and friends struggling with loss. For them, and for so many people here today, the world could never be the same again. 20 years on, so pretty hearts are still tethered to that cool night. Every beach tempered by an abiding sorrow. Many currents were stopped in the great river of life that night. Some are still stranded on the back, unable to walk away.
Grief is its own creature. Grief does not travel in straight lines. Grief may soften with time, but it does not fade.
As my predecessor Julia Gillard put in a decade ago, “Bali is a place like London and Gallipoli were something of the Australian spirit dwells upon another shot.”
It is a beloved shore. Indonesian people have reached out to generations of Australians as friends and neighbours. They felt our great pain that night and we felt there … families, friends and community. Its three parts are bowed in sorrow but they hold each other because, it unity, we find strength and we find hope, and we find love. We find each other. And that is how we come together, including today.
Our hearts filled with everyone who never came home and card to be with us. It feels also with everyone who never came home the same, everyone who still carries the loss and every survivor that we have lost since. We hold onto their names and faces, and we will never let them fade. Let them live in eternal peace.
After Albanese’s speech, Coogee local Joe Sullivan performed You will never walk alone, with many in the audience at the memorial breaking down in tears at the emotional rendition.
Updated
Bali bombing terrorists could not defeat Australian ideals, PM says
Albanese goes on to pay tribute to those people who stepped up amid the horror:
We think of those who survived, and we think of those who helped. What they saw that night will never leave them. In a minute, all the very worst of circumstances brought out the very best in people. It brought out compassion, selflessness, it brought out heroism.
That night, the terrorists could not achieve their aim stop what they struck, they could not defeat, because what they struck at was the idea of us. The great fabric of dreams and ideals and compassion and fairness that make us who we are as Australians. Indonesians, Australians, people from all over the world, they struck at the friendship between us, they struck at the joy of a free people. They struck at humanity, but we remain.
In the end, they reminded us of what is so important to us, and to not take for granted what we have built and nurtured over generations. They sought to create terror, but people around towards the terror to do what they could for friends and strangers alike, because what drove them was a higher, more human instinct than those who attacked them.
What the architects of this slaughter achieved was to make us reflect on what we must truly value, and to hold onto its more tightly than ever before. No terrorist could take this from us.
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Anthony Albanese speaks at Bali bombings memorial in Sydney
The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, is speaking in Sydney where a commemorative service is being held on the 20th anniversary of the Bali bombings.
He acknowledges the other leaders who are present, including opposition leader Peter Dutton, but says he wants particularly to acknowledge the family and friends of those who lost loved ones 20 years ago today.
Albanese highlighted the effects the attack had on many Australian sporting clubs whose members were in Bali during the attacks. The service in Sydney is being held in Coogee, where the rugby league club the Coogee Dolphins lost six members.
20 years ago, the shock waves from Bali reached our shores. 20 years ago, and acts of malice is calculated depravity robbed the world of 202 lives, including 88 Australians. 20 years on the ache does not diminish.
For most of us, what happens on that fateful night is beyond imagining. The sudden, terrible light followed by the sudden, terrible darkness. The awful postscript of fire, alongside the local workers and residents were teammates, enjoying the end of season holiday.
Members of the Kingsley football club, the Sturt football club, the Southport Sharks and the players from my electorate. I know that Debbie Borgia’s husband is here today who lost his wife, and the youngest victim, his daughter, in that tragedy, Abbey Borgia.
And of course the Coogee Dolphins, in an act of remembering teammates. We think of them with the ache of knowing that they should still be here. That senses filled with everything that we feel now. The salty tang of the air, the sea, in its ancient rhythm, primary against beach and cliff, the tapestry of voices for which they were all such an electrical part. So many futures were stolen on that night. We think of every conversation ever had, every moment of love never known.
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Nine News have some images of how bad flooding is in Victoria.
Communities in Victoria are being told to prepare for up to 72 hours of isolation when flooding begins. @ChristineAhern #9News pic.twitter.com/ZGcIhf2LMH
— 9News Melbourne (@9NewsMelb) October 11, 2022
Meteorologist Jane Bunn posted this map which shows the extent of the further heavy the deluge on the way for the state:
Rain spilling over the great divide into Melbourne this morning (rather than from afternoon as models suggested). 2-10mm today.
— Jane Bunn (@JaneBunn) October 11, 2022
Rain increases THU - heaviest THU night. Why? That's when the front hits, so we have high confidence in the timing of that part.
35-70mm total. pic.twitter.com/6Qo8Jwneqr
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Man dies in NSW flood waters
The body of a missing man has been found in his submerged car in the state’s central west following flooding.
The death of the 46-year-old comes as much of New South Wales braces for further inundation, with more than 100 flood warnings in place, AAP reports.
The man was last seen at Essington, south of Bathurst, about 11am on Sunday, with a search launched when he failed to return home on Monday.
About 10.30am on Tuesday a police helicopter crew found his car fully submerged in Campbells River at Charlton and State Emergency Service crews recovered the vehicle with his body inside.
Parts of already sodden NSW are predicted to cop as much as another 65mm of rain by week’s end.
The Bureau of Meteorology says a trough approaching from the west is expected to bring thunderstorms to the central and southern inland on Thursday and Friday as it crosses the state.
Senior forecaster Jonathan How said from late Thursday into Friday, heavy rain would push into Victoria’s north-east and across the western slopes of NSW.
A very wet end to the week for #Victoria as a cold front crosses the State 🌧️⛈️
— Bureau of Meteorology, Victoria (@BOM_Vic) October 11, 2022
Heavy rainfall, localised flash flooding, & renewed river rises expected, with THURSDAY the peak day. #SevereWeatherWarning & #FloodWatch already current.
Warning details: https://t.co/UDgr0jG4FS pic.twitter.com/FYCVFuyVWp
This may cause renewed flooding along rivers in parts of the central west and southwest from Friday, many of which are already full due to heavy rain in recent months. How told ABC TV today:
But thankfully for those flood-affected communities including Bathurst, Gundagai and Forbes ... the heaviest rain will be further south.
But of course, we are expecting to see some local creek and river rises.
SES volunteers have responded to more than 1,000 calls for help since Friday evening.
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RBA outlines how it determines elusive ‘neutral’ interest rate
The Reserve Bank of Australia this morning has opened up on how it works out the “neutral” interest rate. It’s effectively the Goldilocks rate that is neither contractionary for the economy nor expansive, Luci Ellis, an assistant governor, says.
But we’re not at the neutral rate just yet. The cash rate is at 2.6% after last week’s surprisingly small rise of 25 basis points rather than the 50 basis points most economists expect.
Investors have been again lifting their expectations of how high the rate will go, and are toying with a 4% rate in about a year’s time.
Anyway, back to that Nirvana of cash rate neutrality – the RBA targets that elusive level over time. Given the expectations of where inflation is going lately, it’s good that they take a long lens.
The RBA this morning is explaining how it determines its 'neutral' rate. Importantly, they note it is a long term goal, which judging by inflation expectations, is just as well. https://t.co/XfxhIX41bu pic.twitter.com/qqvdrTQp35
— Peter Hannam (@p_hannam) October 11, 2022
Ellis says:
Current inflation is very high, and expected to stay high in the short term.
But beyond the next year, inflation expectations remain well anchored inside the target range, both here and overseas.
If that anchor were to loosen, that’s another story.
In recent decades, the neutral rate has been sinking, for some interesting if unclear reasons. One issue, post global financial crisis, is that prospects for global growth over time have dimmed, so businesses saw little incentive to invest in expansion (and bought back their own stock instead).
(If China ends up in a real estate derived funk, there goes the dynamo that kept Australia and much of the world’s economy humming after the GFC.)
Ellis says economic theory tells us the neutral rate is “real” because inflation-adjusted interest rates matter for people’s saving and investment decisions.
People look through the expected inflation component of nominal rates; lenders expect to be compensated for it, and borrowers expect to have to provide that compensation.
The RBA's 'neutral' rate has been trending down for a while...but as lately been trending up. Since the rate is also 'real' - as in more than inflation over time - how much further it might increase will hinge on how successful RBA is in containing and then reducing inflation. pic.twitter.com/iktARFbS9W
— Peter Hannam (@p_hannam) October 11, 2022
Not surprisingly, there is no magic number that tells us what the neutral rate is, or will be, since conditions are always shifting.
So where does it leave us? To the RBA, the neutral rate is just “a pole-star to guide us”.
“[A]s we navigate the narrow path to our intended goal, we welcome any faint light that those stars may cast,” Ellis says.
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John Barilaro pleads not guilty to assault and malicious damage
Former deputy New South Wales premier John Barilaro has entered a not guilty plea to assault and malicious damage after an alleged altercation with a Channel Seven camera operator in July.
In a brief hearing at Manly local court on Wednesday morning, at which Barilaro was not required to appear, his lawyer, Danny Eid, entered a not guilty plea on his behalf.
Barilaro was charged with assault and malicious damage following an alleged run-in with the cameraman, Matt Costello, at Manly on 23 July.
Outside court on Wednesday Eid said Barilaro would “definitely” be defending the charges. He said:
We’re not laying low on this one.
Despite reports Barilaro also faced a civil suit brought by Costello over the alleged damage of his camera equipment, no case has yet been brought, and Eid said he was “not aware of any civil proceedings”.
The case is due to return to the court early next year.
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Australian leaders pay tribute to Bali bombing victims and survivors
Like many Australians, I remember that terrible morning 20 years ago all too well.
— Chris Bowen (@Bowenchris) October 11, 2022
When recently in Indonesia, I signed the Bali Bombing condolence book.
Although many years have passed, our nation’s sense of loss and grief is undiminished. pic.twitter.com/CArPUTqCx4
Today is the 20th anniversary of the Bali Bombings, an horrendous act of terrorism that took the lives of 202 people including 88 Australians. It's a day to reflect on this tragedy & remember the bravery shown by many that night. My thoughts & love are with all those affected
— Dr Sophie Scamps MP (@SophieScamps) October 11, 2022
It is 20 years since the shockwaves from Bali reached our shores.
— Richard Marles (@RichardMarlesMP) October 11, 2022
88 Australians lost their lives in an act of terror and cowardice, of the 202 people from around the world who lost their lives.
Today, I want to say thank you to the ADF whose response was integral 20 years ago.
Updated
Linda Burney warns against misinformation in voice referendum
The minister for Indigenous Australians, Linda Burney, will say in a major speech tonight that opponents of a voice to parliament will make “false claims” and peddle misinformation ahead of the referendum on a voice to parliament.
Speaking about the voice to parliament and why it matters to Australians, Burney will use a keynote speech to the 25th anniversary dinner of Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation to outline the steps ahead for enshrining the voice in the constitution in this term of government, including proposed changes to the Referendum Machinery Act.
Burney said she is often asked what the voice is, and that fundamentally it “means consulting with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people about the matters that affect us”.
It’s a once in a generation opportunity to create lasting change
Burney said there was already misinformation about the voice in the media, pointing to “myths” that it will operate as a third chamber to parliament and have veto powers.
Let me warn you, our opponents will make more false claims about the voice to parliament as we get closer to the referendum.
Burney will also say that the referendum working group and referendum engagement group, made up of more than 60 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, will meet again in late October in Canberra to consider changes to the Referendum Machinery Act 1984 and the wording of the question that will be put to the Australian people.
The act needs changing to “modernise how we conduct referendums in this country”, she will say, with the law pre-dating the internet age, and including provisions for written pamphlets for each side of the campaign.
Burney will say the critical question to answer is “why” the voice is needed, pointing to the omission of Indigenous Australians in the constitution as something that can not be accepted.
The constitution is our founding document, the rule book for how we are governed, and since its inception in 1901 it has not included Indigenous Australians.
Despite inhabiting this land for more than sixty thousand years – we have no place in the constitution. It’s like we never existed. Never mattered. Never counted.
Unfairness and discrimination was built into our systems – that’s how they were designed.
The voice to parliament will mean that governments of all persuasions will need to consult and listen to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people on the issues that affect them.
I want to take this country forward – opponents of the voice want to hold Australia back.
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Teachers protest pay in New South Wales
Teachers around New South Wales are today protesting against the state government’s plans for a new three-year award, which they say amounts to a tangible wage cut.
In a statement released this morning, the NSW Teachers Federation president, Angelo Gavrielatos, said the government wants to secure pay increases of 2.53% a year at the Industrial Relations Commission. However, the new award would be “far below” the rate of inflation running at around 6%.
Gavrielatos pointed to a NSW upper house committee survey that showed 60% of teachers want to leave in the next five years because of the “crippling workload” combined with uncompetitive salaries.
The amazing Albury teachers rally outside office @jclancyliberal this morning to protest @Dom_Perrottet failure to act on uncompetitive salaries and crippling workloads - deepening the classroom crisis facing our kids, teachers and community. @TeachersFed #NoTeachersNoFuture pic.twitter.com/pWXe5u1t4S
— AFlohm (@AFlohm) October 11, 2022
@TeachersFed members at Lakemba PS are in their red today asking for #MoreThanThanks - @Dom_Perrottet your time is up!
— Hope Atkins (@hatk66) October 11, 2022
Uncompetitive pay and unsustainable workloads mean teacher shortages. That means kids missing out.#NoTeachersNoFuture pic.twitter.com/2eWgwvKMar
Teachers from Coffs Harbour are joining in on the Day of Action. They’re protesting the Perrottet gov’s failure to act on their falling wages and growing workloads #MoreThanThanks pic.twitter.com/SGvdxelbUT
— Teachers Federation (@TeachersFed) October 11, 2022
Teachers are burning out and kids are missing out #MoreThanThanks @nswteachers @IEUNSWACT @unionsnsw @unionsaustralia pic.twitter.com/0P1nvFKd6I
— Andrew Charlton (@Charlton_AB) October 11, 2022
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Water market reforms broadly supported
While the federal government will introduce legislation and a mandatory code of conduct to deliver integrity safeguards, the states will still maintain some responsibility and will need to take action to ensure transparency.
Daryl Quinlivan said that in his consultations with basin states, the advisory group and affected stakeholders, the reforms were broadly supported, despite the adjustments that will be needed.
As part of the reforms the Bureau of Meteorology will design new data standards and a new national water data hub and website, which will automatically capture, transfer, and publish existing and new data to improve transparency and inform trade-related decisions in water markets.
The inspector general of water compliance will take on responsibility for the regulation of water market data. The federal water minister, Tanya Plibersek, said on Tuesday:
We want to ensure that the markets are fair for buyers and sellers, that there is clear information, and that water is going where it should be – that the market is not dominated by speculators buying up water in the hope of making a quick buck.
The water market reforms are likely to be the least controversial of the agenda items at the meeting, which will also be discussing the future of the Murray-Darling Basin plan and the likely failure of NSW and Victoria to meet their obligations.
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Federal takeover of water trading markets
Unlike Australia’s financial markets, water markets, which trade about $2bn of water entitlements each year, are poorly regulated and lack the features that make comparable trading markets work effectively and transparently.
For example, unlike in financial markets, there is no regulation around broker behaviour, insider trading, no prohibitions against market misconduct, and few reporting obligations.
This lack of regulation, transparency and data means that farmers and irrigators are unable to be sure that they are dealing with brokers who are acting in their best interests. There are also few penalties for bad behaviour.
A report by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission identified failings in the market in 2020 and suggested a federal takeover of water markets. The government then asked Daryl Quinlivan to design a roadmap to implement the findings.
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Federal government seeks states' support for water reform
Water trading markets will be pulled into line with the standards of other financial markets after the federal government committed to reforms designed to ensure greater transparency, better broker behaviour and fairer markets.
The federal water minister, Tanya Plibersek , said she had agreed to all 23 recommendations of former bureaucrat Daryl Quinlivan, and will seek the support of states and territories to implement the shared recommendations at the Murray-Darling Basin ministerial council meeting today.
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Victoria and NSW prepare for heavy rainfall
The New South Wales Bureau of Meteorology says Thursday will be the day of heaviest rainfall over a wet next four days, which will see renewed river rises.
Victoria’s emergency management commissioner, Andrew Crisp, has warned Victorians, particularly north of the divide, to prepare for the deluge.
Total rainfall over the next 4 days, with the wettest day for much of the area in #NSW expected on Thursday. Renewed river rises are expected from the forecast rainfall and a #SevereWeatherWarning and #FloodWatch are current.
— Bureau of Meteorology, New South Wales (@BOM_NSW) October 11, 2022
Monitor Warnings: https://t.co/EkYC8MCGuL pic.twitter.com/XJoQsVa8a4
It’s time to prepare for heavy rainfall over the next few days, particularly north of the divide, on Thursday. Know your risk and prepare accordingly. Remember, download the VicEmergency app. Good information will always lead to good decisions. Take care https://t.co/2VdfMc0mfp
— Andrew Crisp AM APM (@CommissionerEMV) October 11, 2022
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Bali bombings to be commemorated in Canberra, Indonesia and Sydney
Government ministers will today be commemorating the Bali bombings at different services across the country for the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks.
The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, will attend a service at Coogee in Sydney, while the minister for foreign affairs, Senator Penny Wong, will host a memorial service at Parliament House in Canberra.
In Canberra, victims’ families, survivors and first responders will be joined by the governor general, David Hurley, and John Howard, who was the prime minister at the time of the attacks.
The assistant minister for foreign affairs, Tim Watts, will attend a commemorative ceremony at the Australian consulate general in Bali.
In a joint statement, Albanese, Wong and Watts said:
We recommit to the ongoing work shared by Australia and Indonesia to counter the scourge of violent extremism, and reaffirm the respect and cooperation between our peoples.
The attorney general, Mark Dreyfus, has also paid tribute to the 88 Australians and 38 Indonesians were among the 202 people murdered, as well as the many who survived and still live with the scars of those bombs.
Those suffering horrific burns were flown to Darwin for life saving treatment, in what was our largest aero-medical evacuation since the Vietnam war.
— Mark Dreyfus (@MarkDreyfusKCMP) October 11, 2022
Twenty years on, 12 October remains a day marked not only by the senseless violence humans can inflict upon each other, but also the good we can all do when confronted with another’s anguish.
— Mark Dreyfus (@MarkDreyfusKCMP) October 11, 2022
We will not forget.
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‘We renew our resolve to thwart acts of terrorism’, Peter Dutton says
The leader of the opposition, Peter Dutton, has released a statement paying tribute to the victims of the Bali bombings on 12 October 2002, the largest loss of Australian lives from a single terrorist attack. As well as remembering the victims, Dutton highlighted the role played by Australian health professionals, police, the department of foreign affairs and the defence force.
As a place of holidaying became hell, strangers of all nationalities helped care for the wounded and transport them to Indonesian hospitals.
Australians in the AFP, Dfat and the ADF provided support on the ground and from home, working hand-in-hand with their Indonesian counterparts. Doctors and nurses in Australian hospitals, especially in Darwin and Perth, worked heroically around the clock to treat patients and conduct life-saving procedures. Those darkest hours forged new collaborations and enduring friendships.
To the families who lost loved ones, and to the survivors of the Bali bombings: Most Australians will never be able to comprehend what you have gone through, what you are going through today, and what you will endure for the rest of your lives. But we are inspired by how you have lived your lives in spite of your suffering, your loss and your heartbreak.
Every day of endurance is a magnificent blow to an odious ideology. Every year of courage is the confident roar of freedom in defiance of cowardly evil. And every decade of achievement is a triumph over terrorism.
On this 20th Anniversary of the Bali Bombings, through remembrance we pay our respects to those Australians who tragically lost their lives. Through commemoration we commit to never forgetting this national tragedy. And through tribute we renew our resolve to thwart acts of terrorism whatever form they take.
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Training Ukraine troops would take place ‘outside of Ukraine in Europe’: Albanese
As mentioned earlier on the blog, the prime minister, Anthony Albanese, has spoken with Ukraine’s leader, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, overnight. Ukraine’s president urged Australia to provide more security assistance to his country, including a request Australians help train Ukrainian soldiers.
Albanese told ABC News Breakfast:
Well, the suggestion isn’t going into Ukraine. The suggestion is whether Australians could provide support for training outside of Ukraine in Europe, and we’ll give consideration to that as we’ll give consideration to the other requests.
President Zelenskiy asked for me to convey the thanks of him and the Ukrainian people for the Australian bush masters, for the other support that Australia has given up to now.
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New Australia Tourism campaign draws on tradition of g’day-themed ads
The tourism and trade minister, Don Farrell, earlier told ABC Radio that Tourism Australia’s new mascot, Ruby the Roo, is “the new Paul Hogan”.
I’m not sure how Hogan would feel about being compared to a computer generated kangaroo, but Farrell might have been drawing on the fact the two ads use the same g’day tagline.
Hogan urged tourists to “come and say g’day” – though it was the “shrimp on the barbie” line that stuck, of course.
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US security expert says chances of Putin using nuclear weapon are “small”
During his visit to Canberra, the chief executive of the Washington-based thinktank the Center for a New American Security, Richard Fontaine, weighed in on the US president, Joe Biden’s recent comments that the world could face “Armageddon” if Russia’s Vladimir Putin uses a tactical nuclear weapon to try to win the war in Ukraine.
Biden said last week that Putin was “not joking when he talks about potential use of tactical nuclear weapons or biological or chemical weapons because his military is, you might say, significantly underperforming”.
Fontaine said:
I seriously doubt that anybody handed the president a set of written talking points that had the word Armageddon on it. On the other hand, there is very grave concern about the rattling of the nuclear sabre, because the chances, I think, of Russia using even a tactical nuclear weapon are small, but they’re higher than they were. And they’re probably higher than any time since 1962 with the [Cuban] missile crisis.
The use of nuclear weapons is one of these low probability, extremely high consequence events. So even if the probability is relatively small, the consequences would be so grave. If they were to do this, we would wake up in a different world the next day.
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US would welcome Australia training Ukraine's troops, expert says
A former senior US national security official says Washington would welcome a move by Australia to help train Ukrainian troops.
The defence minister, Richard Marles, said yesterday that training Ukraine’s military forces was “one option that’s on the table” for further Australian support – effectively repeating comments he made more than a month ago during a visit to the UK. In an exisiting operation conducted in the UK, a number of nations including New Zealand are assisting with training.
The opposition leader, Peter Dutton, said if there were to be a training mission it would not involve Australian troops going into Ukrainian territory. Dutton said the Coalition would support Australian trainers going to “adjoining or adjacent countries or third countries otherwise, where we could deliver assistance to Ukraine soldiers and to those on the ground to help them get the most out of the equipment that we are delivering to try and keep people safe in that part of the world”.
The chief executive officer of the influential Washington-based thinktank the Center for a New American Security, Richard Fontaine, said during a visit to Canberra that further Australian contributions “would be welcomed in a significant way”.
Fontaine is a former foreign policy advisor to the late Republican senator John McCain and has worked at the State Department, the National Security Council and on the staff of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
Asked whether Washington would welcome Australia stepping up in into the role of training Ukrainian troops, Fontaine said:
Yes, absolutely. Every country really has a dog in this fight, because what we’re talking about here is a violation of the fundamental rules of international order, the cardinal element of which is the prohibition against territorial conquest by force. And that’s exactly what we’re seeing here.
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Tourism Australia says new brand ambassador will help country ‘stand out’
The new Tourism Australia’s global campaign ‘Come and Say G’day’ has been unveiled to the world on a major digital billboard in Tokyo, kick-starting a world tour introducing the new brand ambassador, CGI kangaroo Ruby the Roo.
Tourism Australia’s managing director, Phillipa Harrison, said the new campaign will support the tourism industry as it rebuilds post-pandemic by “converting the pent-up demand for an Australian holiday.”
We know that Australia consistently ranks high on people’s consideration list but we need to get travellers to take that critical next step and book their holiday to Australia to experience everything we have to offer.
Harrison said this new instalment of Tourism Australia’s “There’s Nothing Like Australia” global brand platform “will cut through and make Australia stand out today and in the long term”.
Tourism Australia’s chief marketing officer, Susan Coghill, said the campaign will remind travellers of Australia’s iconic destinations and friendly faces.
Why a CGI kangaroo?
The use of an animated character in Ruby was a deliberate move that aims to cut through the clutter of destination marketing internationally and it is backed by research.
In Australia, we’re so lucky to have a globally recognisable and adorable icon in the kangaroo and to bring that to life through CGI animation creates a uniquely Australian brand ambassador in Ruby, who translates across both English and non-English speaking countries.
If it’s looking familiar, there is a passing resemblance to this classic tourism campaign from the 1980’s “G’day from WA”.
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New tourism mascot Ruby the Roo unveiled
A computer generated kangaroo is following in the footsteps of Paul Hogan, Lara Bingle and Chris Hemsworth. Ruby the Roo, voiced by actor Rose Byrne, has been unveiled as Australia’s new tourism mascot.
Ruby the Roo, Tourism Australia’s new brand ambassador https://t.co/qyxlpcPEsa pic.twitter.com/fw5XJVNyI3
— australian kitsch 🦘 (@OzKitsch) October 11, 2022
The trade and tourism minister, Don Farrell, is speaking to ABC Radio about the news:
Ruby the roo is, if you like, the new Paul Hogan. We have in the past had very, very successful campaigns to attract overseas tourists to Australia. We now need to do that again.
Farrell is speaking from Japan, where he says Ruby is already featuring on billboards in the country newly opened up to tourists but that the “full official launch” will be in New York next week.
Farrell says the price for US tourists coming to Australia remains a barrier, but is one of a “combination of issues” seeing less tourists from America.
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Angela Lansbury dies aged 96
Former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull has paid tribute to his cousin Angela Lansbury after the beloved stage and screen actress died, aged 96.
Thank you Angela for the joy & love you have shared with all the world all your life. You first dazzled me when I was 4 & you were Aunty Angela making a movie in Australia. In later years we always had politics & showbiz to talk and laugh about. Rest In Peace dear Angie. https://t.co/DOKRcn0hw9
— Malcolm Turnbull (@TurnbullMalcolm) October 11, 2022
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Australia may need fleet of merchant ships, report finds
The Australian defence force does not have the capacity to rapidly deploy its planned new infantry fighting vehicle to overseas conflicts, a report warns.
The army wants to acquire up to 450 infantry fighting vehicles at a total cost probably between $18bn and $27bn. The government is expected to decide in coming months between proposals from German contractor Rheinmetall and South Korean contractor Hanwha.
Dr Albert Palazzo, an adjunct professor at the University of New South Wales Canberra and formerly a director of war studies for the Australian Army, looks at the project in a report published by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute today.
He says the government faces “a big decision” on the project – known as LAND 400 Phase 3 – because the vehicle chosen and the number purchased “will affect the combat capability of the army for a generation”.
The project aims to replace the army’s fleet of ageing light armoured vehicles, including the M113 armoured personnel carrier. The army has used the M113 since 1965 – including in the Vietnam war – but this older vehicle is now “hopelessly obsolete for contemporary combat conditions”, the report says.
Palazzo raises broader logistical challenges associated with the project. He says the ADF “lacks significant sea and air lift with which to deploy the army” and it may need to obtain additional capacity from hired commercial vessels or from the US.
But there’s no guarantee that the US will be able to meet such a request because it will naturally meet its own needs first ...
To guarantee the availability of shipping, one option would be for Australia to create a national fleet of merchant ships suitable for conversion to military use and at call for government service. The ships would be available for take-up by the government, as was done in the two world wars and the Vietnam War.
It’s hard for a defence force to predict how it will fight in the future, because a nation never knows the kind of war it will face. Wars come in a multitude of forms with many levels of intensity and danger, ranging from the risk of nuclear annihilation to wars such as those fought in Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iraq. What’s consistent is that no one ever gets the war they want or expect. Those who believe that Australia will never need to fight a major war against a peer competitor are likely to be wrong; no one would want a resumption of the Korean War, but the potential for the conflict’s resumption can’t be ignored.
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Budget to see spending cuts some could consider ‘risky’, Albanese says
On ABC radio RN, Anthony Albanese says there will be spending cuts in the budget and concedes that some, as the treasurer said yesterday, could be considered “risky”. He said:
Well, of course any cut is a risky decision and there will be spending cuts in the budget.
It will be a responsible budget.
As we’ve consistently said we’ve gone through line by line in order to ensure that what you don’t need at this time is monetary policy and fiscal policy working against each other.
And and that’s why in the inflationary period, which is a global inflationary period that we’re seeing we’ve seen the fastest synchronised tightening of monetary policy that we’ve seen from central banks in decades. And that of course, is is a response to those international circumstances and the Australian government has to respond to that as well in a way that’s consistent.
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Australians more conscious of terrorism threat after Bali bombings – PM
October 12 is the 20th anniversary of the Bali bombings, an event Anthony Albanese said made Australians much more conscious of the threat of terrorism. He said:
The ache hasn’t dimmed from that 20 years on.
Albanese told Patricia Karvelas the “nature of the threat has changed but the need to be diligent has not”.
There are still of course, threats from the terrorist organisations that you’ve named but there are so many others offshoots and we see a rise as well of the individual act.
Getting information online putting together weapons and carrying out these cowardly attacks against humanity. What has occurred over the 20 years is that our security agencies really have done a remarkable job to keep us safe.
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Albanese sends condolences to Ukraine in overnight meeting with president
The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, spoke with the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, overnight in what he said was a “very good discussion”.
There have been reports Australia could help train Ukrainian soldiers. Albanese did not confirm that but said Australia is considering “all requests”.
I conveyed to him but the condolences of the Australian people for the quite horrific actions that were taken against civilian targets by Russian forces in recent days. And I also conveyed to him our ongoing commitment to give every support that we can to Ukraine will give consideration to all requests that are made.
This is a struggle not just about Ukraine and its sovereign borders. This is a struggle about the international rule of law, about whether it is respected. And that is why the struggle of the Ukrainian people is so inspirational against a much larger country with a much larger military, but they are determined to defend their nation and they are making great sacrifice to do so. And that’s why democracies both in Nato and outside of Nato are providing training.
On the request for additional Bushmasters, the armoured vehicles Ukraine forces have been using as part of their defences against Russian invaders, Albanese said a decision would be made in the coming days.
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Good morning!
The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, has spoken with the president of the Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, overnight. Albanese did not confirm reports Australia could help train Ukrainian soldiers, but said Australia is considering “all requests” on ABC Radio this morning.
The request is about training and we’ll give consideration to that and make an announcement at an appropriate time.
I conveyed to @ZelenskyyUa Australian ongoing commitment to stand with the courageous people of Ukraine 🇦🇺🇺🇦 https://t.co/iWVrRIBiZQ
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) October 11, 2022
The prime minister also paid tribute on the 20-year anniversary of the Bali bombings, ahead of attending a memorial service in Sydney. He said the attack’s shockwaves “reached our shores” making Australians more conscious of the threat of terror.
Commemorations will be held in Bali, Canberra and Perth, as well as other memorial services around the country.
Water ministers will meet in Canberra today to finalise the Murray-Darling Basin plan where it is expected that South Australia will call on the government to buy back water.
More data from the 2021 census was released today. Taken during the pandemic, the second release of its results showed more Australians were working from home. You can read about some of the other more surprising trends to emerge from my colleague Caitlin Cassidy here:
A new report from the Australian Strategic Policy Institute warns the Australian defence force does not have the capacity to rapidly deploy its planned new infantry fighting vehicle to overseas conflicts, suggesting our country may need its own fleet of merchant ships. My colleague Daniel Hurst will bring you more on that shortly.
It’s a busy day so let’s get going!
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