![Liberal senator Linda Reynolds.](https://media.guim.co.uk/1660cbc94d40f91c7c4e65a23e464a1700e93b99/0_0_4578_2747/1000.jpg)
What we learned today, Friday 27 January
That’s where we will leave the blog for today. Thanks to everyone who joined us throughout the day. Let’s take a look at what made headlines:
Anthony Albanese has branded leftwing opponents of the voice to parliament “radicals”, describing the government’s referendum proposal as a “mainstream” concept and urging politicians to support it to advance reconciliation efforts.
Federal senator Linda Reynolds has sent a formal defamation complaint to David Sharaz, the partner of former government staffer Brittany Higgins, over two tweets that her lawyers claim caused damage that “cannot be underestimated”.
Novak Djokovic’s father, Srdjan Djokovic, has confirmed he will watch his son’s semi-final match at home tonight, after a video emerged showing him posing at the Australian Open with fans holding Russian flags.
A former Department of Social Services official accused one of her bosses of “sitting on” damning external legal advice, a royal commission has been told.
The US investor targeting Indian conglomerate Adani Group over what it claims is the “biggest con in corporate history” has dared the company to sue, given it would open the coal producer to further scrutiny.
Environment advocates say the New South Wales government is failing to meet its promise to control feral horses in the Kosciuszko national park after numbers increased by more than 4,000 in the past two years.
We’ll be back with tomorrow. Have a great evening.
Updated
Radioactive capsule believed to have fallen off truck
WA authorities believe the radioactive capsule fell off the back of a truck that was travelling from the state’s north-west to Perth. It’s a 14,000km drive, which does present a challenge for those trying to find it before it causes any harm. Radioactive scans are now being conducted.
Here’s more from WA chief health officer Andy Robertson:
It was being transported from the Pilbara to Perth. It is believed the container it was in at the time collapsed as a result of vibrations during the trip and, unfortunately, that included the loss of a bolt that was holding it. It then fell through that bolt hole.
Updated
Radioactive capsule missing in WA
WA authorities are warning a radioactive capsule used in mining has gone missing between Perth and the town of Newman. It may have been missing since 12 January.
WA chief health officer Andy Robertson is holding a press conference on this right now. He says the capsule, which is only 6mm by 8mm, does emit a “reasonable” amount of radiation.
Here’s Robertson:
Our concern is that someone will pick it up, not knowing what it is. They may think it is something interesting and keep it, or keep it in their room, keep it in their car, or give it to someone.
Obviously we feel that it is important that we warn the community that if they do come across this source, they need to take great care.
One of the long-term risks of exposed to a source like this is cancer. That’s obviously a long-term risk.
They LOST A RADIOACTIVE CAPSULE??? pic.twitter.com/OTQt9Ggob1
— Dr. Tuk 🐞 (@TukRoll) January 27, 2023
Updated
More praise for Mia Davies after resignation
This tweet is from Victorian senator Bridget McKenzie, describing the former WA Nationals leader as someone who “smashed the ceiling to become a beacon to young women in regional Australia”.
What champion my dear friend @MiaDaviesMLA has been for @TheNationalsWA over the past 15 years. A female leader who has smashed the ceiling to become a beacon to young women in regional Australia. Wishing you all the best for the next chapter.
— Senator The Hon. Bridget McKenzie (@senbmckenzie) January 27, 2023
Department ignored robodebt legal advice, commission told
Senior government officials dismissed legal advice that labelled the controversial robodebt scheme illegal, the royal commission has been told.
As AAP reports, the commission examining the Centrelink debt recovery program was told law firm Clayton Utz prepared draft advice on the legality of the scheme in 2018 but it was not acted on.
The draft advice said using annual tax office data to calculate average fortnightly earnings and automatically issue welfare debt notices was not legal.
Former branch manager of the Department of Social Services Allyson Essex told the commission on Friday she raised concerns about the draft advice with superiors but the advice was not heeded.
I told [the deputy secretary] about the Clayton Utz advice and said ‘we’ve gotten advice that says it’s not legal’.
His response to me was ‘it’s legal - it’s really clear that it’s legal’.
Updated
‘A great leader’, McCormack says of Mia Davies
The former leader of the federal Nationals, Michael McCormack, has described Mia Davies as “a great leader and a fierce advocate”.
As we told you earlier, Davies has announced her resignation as WA opposition leader and leader of the WA Nationals. She won’t contest the next state election.
Wishing @MiaDaviesMLA all the very best for her future endeavours & thanks for what she has done for regional Australia in general & regional WA in particular. A great leader, a fierce advocate for the things she believes in & someone who always gives her all. @TheNationalsWA pic.twitter.com/Edw6RAmUG7
— Michael McCormack (@M_McCormackMP) January 27, 2023
Updated
Buying homes to attract staff could make rental crisis worse, academic warns
There are media reports today that many businesses in regional parts of Western Australia are buying houses so staff have a place to live, due to a lack of affordable housing.
Amanda Davies, the head of social sciences at the University of Western Australia, has been asked what impact this will have on the local property market.
Here’s what she told the ABC earlier today:
I think locals will see this as a commitment to trying to stabilise the skilled labour market. There has been issues across regional communities throughout not just WA, but Australia as a whole, in attracting skilled labour and housing is a massive part of that. This investment will show that leaders are seeking to do something about this long-term problem.
But Davies did say initiatives like this could make the rental crisis worse, in the short term:
It will take some property out of the commercial market for rentals in the short-term. It might escalate the existing shortage in rentals and this is a national issue. Right across regional areas we are seeing lots of demand for rental properties, particularly in the lower socio-economic space and taking housing out of that stock will likely see some short-term pressure in that area.
Linda Reynolds sends formal defamation complaint to David Sharaz
Federal senator Linda Reynolds has sent a formal defamation complaint to David Sharaz, the partner of former government staffer Brittany Higgins, over two tweets that her lawyers claim caused damage that “cannot be underestimated”.
Reynolds was defence industry minister and Higgins’s boss at the time the staffer claimed she was raped by a colleague on a couch inside Reynolds’ Parliament House office in 2019. Higgins has been highly critical of Reynolds’ response to the allegations.
In 2021, Reynolds apologised to Higgins for calling her “a lying cow”, in comments made privately but subsequently publicly reported, and agreed to pay legal costs and make a donation to a sexual assault charity as part of a confidential settlement.
Reynolds’ lawyers, Perth firm Bennett, have sent a concerns notice to Sharaz, who lives in Queensland, under Western Australia’s Defamation Act. It raises concerns about two tweets, published to Sharaz’s Twitter account in January and December 2022, which reference Reynolds.
Reynolds’ lawyers claim the tweets carried defamatory imputations that the senator bullied and continues to bully Higgins, that she interfered with the investigation and trial of criminal proceedings, and that she leaked privileged material regarding the compensation claim settled between Higgins and the federal government.
“The damage this has caused and continues to cause my client cannot be underestimated,” the notice reads.
The notice seeks an apology and retraction of the tweets, payment of Reynolds’ legal costs, and an “appropriate sum” of compensation. It notes Reynolds reserves her right to commence defamation proceedings in WA’s Supreme Court.
Sharaz is understood to be represented by Leon Zwier of Sydney firm Arnold Bloch Liebler.
Sharaz and Reynolds were contacted for comment. An Arnold Bloch Leibler spokesperson declined to comment.
Updated
NSW regional towns told to prepare for thunderstorms
The New South Wales State Emergency Service is urging those in many regional towns to prepare for severe thunderstorms. The towns affected include Tamworth, Glen Davis, Capertee, Kandos, Barraba and Bendemeer.
We would LOVE it if you all prepared for the storms predicted to hit this afternoon! 🧡
— NSW SES (@NSWSES) January 27, 2023
Severe Thunderstorm Warning for DAMAGING WINDS, LARGE HAILSTONES and HEAVY RAINFALL. #Tamworth, #GlenDavis, #Capertee, #Kandos, #Barraba & #Bendemeer.https://t.co/fXWLuoZQJX pic.twitter.com/ZSBhMb5kH6
We’ve been reporting on a lot of thunderstorms this week and that prompted my colleague Donna Lu to ask why they’re so common in summer. You can read her explainer here:
Updated
Brisbane streets reopen
The police operation we told you about earlier has now concluded. Streets have been reopened and a 25-year-old man has been taken into custody.
Police have revoked a PSPA declaration at Sunnybank Hills after taking a 25-year-old man into custody without incident (January 27). https://t.co/aJU5zSFA7b pic.twitter.com/erluonlKq0
— Queensland Police (@QldPolice) January 27, 2023
‘I am here to support my son only’, Djokovic’s father says
Here’s the full statement from Novak Djokovic’s father, Srdjan.
I am here to support my son only. I had no intention of causing such headlines or disruption.
I was outside with Novak’s fans as I have done after all of my son’s matches to celebrate his wins and take pictures with them. I had no intention of being caught up in this.
My family has lived through the horrors of war and we wish only for peace.
So there is no disruption to tonight’s semi-final for my son or for the other player, I have chosen to watch the match from home.
I wish for a great match and I will be cheering for my son, as always.
Updated
Djokovic’s father to avoid Australian Open match
Novak Djokovic’s father, Srdjan Djokovic, has confirmed he will watch his son’s semi-final match at home tonight, after a video emerged showing him posing at the Australian Open with fans holding Russian flags.
Earlier today, Ukraine’s ambassador in Canberra, Vasyl Myroshnychenko, told Agence France-Presse that Srdjan Djokovic’s accreditation should be revoked as a result.
Here’s part of the statement issued by Srdjan Djokovic:
So there is no disruption to tonight’s semi-final for my son or for the other player, I have chosen to watch from home.
My family has lived through the horror of war, and we wish only for peace.
Russian flags have been banned at the Australian Open. Multiple spectators were questioned by Victoria police after they unveiled flags in support of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and then threatened security guards following the men’s quarter-final match between Andrey Rublev of Russia and Novak Djokovic.
![Srdjan Djokovic](https://media.guim.co.uk/26aa7f85e99c32be71d9e7464c035aca511fbe34/0_27_3543_2125/1000.jpg)
Tennis Australia has warned players and their teams against interacting with prohibited flags:
A small group of people displayed inappropriate flags and symbols and threatened security guards following a match on Wednesday night and were evicted. One patron is now assisting police with unrelated matters.
A statement from Srdjan Djokovic in light of Wednesday night's events.
— James Gray (@jamesgraysport) January 27, 2023
Strong message that "my family has lived through the horror of war, and we wish only for peace" but that he will watch from home tonight to avoid disruption "for my son or for the other player".#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/rg9dlMLumK
Updated
Brisbane streets closed under public-safety order
Police have closed streets to pedestrians and vehicles in the Brisbane suburb of Sunnybank Hills.
According to police, officers attended an address in Bradman Street earlier today to conduct a welfare check. A man and a woman are inside the house and police negotiators are now on scene.
Nearby residents have been told to stay inside their buildings until otherwise advised by police.
Police closed the streets in accordance with the Public Safety Preservation Act.
The tweet below provides more information for those who may be nearby. We’ll bring you more on this story when we have it.
Police have made PSPA emergency declaration in Sunnybank Hills & roads are effected: Bradman St from Bellrick St to Peterkin St for all pedestrian and vehicle traffic and on Morden St in the area (pictured). https://t.co/t4YT9iGws5 pic.twitter.com/SWvwF4Tkpd
— Queensland Police (@QldPolice) January 27, 2023
Updated
‘I would like to pursue other careers’ – WA Nationals leader
Here’s bit more from that press conference with Mia Davies a few moments ago. She told reporters that she did not feel comfortable leading the party to the next election, given her reluctance to serve another term in the Western Australia parliament.
I’ve reflected on the fact that if I am to lead and be a part of those conversations that I know we will be having over the course of the next 12 months, that I really need to commit to running again.
I would like to pursue other careers. I don’t have any idea what I am going to do post-politics. There are no jobs waiting for me. My next two years will be wholly and solely focused on being the member for Central Wheatbelt and taking on any tasks that the new leadership team would like.
![Mia Davies](https://media.guim.co.uk/3c9af15c6f66b7acc7782ceb82ec1d7dbe1e16e1/0_83_6994_4199/1000.jpg)
Updated
WA Nationals leader Mia Davies resigns
As flagged earlier, Mia Davies is now announcing her resignation. She’s holding a press conference and I’ll bring you snippets of that now.
It has been an enormous privilege to lead the National party organisation that has proudly represented regional areas for over 120 years.
I think when you do this role, you have to have the energy and passion to get up and do it with everything you’ve got. And I know that it is my time.
Davies has told reporters that she will not contest the next election
In my heart, I know I don’t have another four years after the end of this term.
Updated
WA Nationals leader will soon resign – report
The West Australian is reporting the state’s opposition leader, Mia Davies, will soon announce her resignation from the role and also as WA Nationals leader.
We will bring you more on that soon. We’re yet to hear from Davies herself.
For now, it’s worth reflecting that Davies has a very different view on the Indigenous voice to parliament than her federal colleagues, who are in a separate party.
Here’s what Davies told the ABC Perth radio in November, when the federal Nationals announced they would oppose the voice:
I’m respectful of the decision their party room has made – it doesn’t necessarily align to how the Nationals in Western Australia have approached this issue.
I agree with a lot of the things that he [Nationals leader David Littleproud] said in terms of the pragmatic and the practical things that we need to do to close the gap and empower Aboriginal Australians. Where we part ways here in Western Australia is I don’t think it’s one or the other, I think we can do both.
BREAKING: Opposition Leader Mia Davies is set to announce her shock resignation from the role, as well as that of Nationals leader. https://t.co/nHrrBVzbq0
— The West Australian (@westaustralian) January 27, 2023
Updated
Deputy Liberal leader claims PM trying to ‘divide Australians’
Sussan Ley has accused Anthony Albanese of seeking to “divide Australians” with the voice to parliament debate, saying the opposition would not hand the government “a blank cheque on changing the constitution”.
Ley, the deputy Liberal leader, again backed the party’s stance that the government should release more detail about the voice proposal. She also questioned Linda Burney, the Indigenous Australians minister, who claimed the voice to parliament could have helped avoid the issues currently facing Alice Springs.
Here’s what she said:
Anthony Albanese continues to divide Australians by claiming that if you don’t support the voice, then you don’t support the advancement of Indigenous Australians. Now that claim is just plain wrong. Australians are asking for the detail, and they have every right to know that detail and to understand it.
![Sussan Ley talking](https://media.guim.co.uk/ab5a2f59c840ddd0389b3eaae0e8b7e495a84cc9/0_427_8256_4954/1000.jpg)
Earlier this week, Burney said:
If the voice of the parliament had been established previously … we wouldn’t be where we are in terms of Alice Springs at the moment because we would be getting practical advice from people who are representative of the community in relation to these social issues
Ley, in a press conference in Albury, questioned how that would have helped.
That’s a pretty big claim to make. How would the voice be responsible in acting and changing the outcomes in Alice Springs? That’s perfectly appropriate detail to be asked for but this prime minister can provide no detail and Australians deservingly need that detail.
Updated
Shark sighting prompts Victoria beach closure
A 2.5-metre hammerhead shark has been spotted near Fairhaven beach, a popular swimming spot on Victoria’s western coast along the Great Ocean Road.
You can see the shark moving in the water in this video:
#SHARK: #Lifesaver30 has spotted a 2.5m hammerhead shark behind the patrolled area at Fairhaven.@LifeSavingVic lifeguards have closed the beach for swimming. pic.twitter.com/kQmKmH49gw
— Victorian Westpac Helicopters (@LSVWestpacHeli) January 27, 2023
Updated
Update on boy struck by lightning at beach
Earlier today we told you about the primary school-aged boy who is fighting for his life after being hit by lightning at a beach near Wollongong on Australia Day.
The nine-year-old boy was hit by the bolt while in the surf at Warilla beach at Barrack Point.
Surf Life Saving NSW’s chief executive, Steve Pearce, has given an update to the ABC:
Very visibly, he had the burns from the lightning strike.
The lifeguards were on the beach, they were able to go to his assistance straight away and started performing life-saving CPR until the paramedics and the doctors could arrive.
The boy went into cardiac arrest after being hit and suffered burns to his chest.
Surf lifesavers patrolling nearby started CPR on the boy with the help of a doctor who was on the beach with her family.
Ambulance crews and police responded soon after and paramedics took over resuscitation efforts.
Updated
Gay NBL player criticises Taipans for not wearing pride-round logo
The Australian NBL’s first active openly gay player, Isaac Humphries, has expressed his disappointment at Cairns’ decision not to wear jerseys celebrating the NBL’s inaugural pride round while the club’s major sponsor has also condemned the move.
Humphries told ESPN he was disappointed by the community-owned Taipans’ stance and that “each of us needs to ask ourselves: what kind of courage did we display when our leadership moment arrived?”.
![Isaac Humphries holds the basketball during a game](https://media.guim.co.uk/5eceb596ae63cc0cd30d7fb188d09f295b5c0d66/0_171_3455_2074/1000.jpg)
Here’s a little more of what Humphries said:
When it comes to inclusion, I will always stand up and speak out when needed for my sport, for my community, and I’m disappointed for my LGBTQ+ family of athletes and coaches who live silently in the closet.
If we are going to move forward with true equality, equity and inclusion in sport for LGBTQ+ athletes, we have to start by getting honest. We have to acknowledge there is a problem.
The first pride round still sends a strong message of inclusivity despite the reluctance of several players to wear a logo supporting the LGBTQ+ community, according to Australian national nonprofit inclusion program Pride in Sport.
– with AAP
Updated
Thank you to everyone who has followed along so far. I’m handing you over to Henry Belot for the rest of the afternoon.
Robodebt advice would cause damage: lawyer
The royal commission has heard the controversial robodebt scheme would have been fundamentally changed or stopped altogether had independent legal advice been sought on the issue, AAP reports.
The commission examining the Centrelink debt recovery scheme was told such independent advice would have “reputational damage” to the government and the departments administering the program.
Former Social Services principal legal officer Anna Fredericks told the commission that while obtaining independent legal advice on the scheme was sought, tensions between the Department of Social Services and the Department of Human Services prevented it from occurring.
She said:
If independent legal advice had been sought at the time and had full scope and awareness of the program, I have no doubt they would have come to that view [of it being unlawful].
It would have undoubtedly led to a redesign or cessation ... It would have likely caused reputational damage to those two departments but also to the government.
![Royal commission signage at the inquiry](https://media.guim.co.uk/67c05a3b16dd37e2bb432483e9138e648a79335c/0_361_5421_3253/1000.jpg)
Updated
South Australia records 14 Covid deaths and 74 people in hospital
There were 1,494 new Covid-19 cases in the weekly reporting period, and two people are in intensive care.
South Australian numbers continue to trend downwards from last week’s 2,053 cases and 22 deaths.
South Australian weekly COVID-19 update 27/01/23.
— SA Health (@SAHealth) January 27, 2023
For more information, visit https://t.co/XkVcAmeZ6V pic.twitter.com/xbixF8ABoc
Updated
Gas prices mid-2022 were almost double those of year’s start – ACCC
Circling back to the consumer watchdog’s gas inquiry report released today.
The price of gas supply offered to the east coast market increased to the highest levels the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has observed in the almost six years of undertaking its gas inquiry.
The report period extends to early December, so does not yet show the impact of the Australian government’s introduction of a temporary price cap of $12 per petajoule later in the month.
From March to August 2022, the average supply price offered by gas producers to industrial and commercial users compared to the previous six months increased by 88% to $19.77 per petajoule.
But many of these offers were not accepted and the average price of supply contracts signed by producers increased by 30% to $12.38 per petajoule.
ACCC chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said:
The average price of gas being offered to Australia’s commercial and industrial gas users around the middle of last year was almost double what it was at the start of 2022.
The government is consulting on its plan to introduce a reasonable pricing requirement for gas producers via a mandatory gas code of conduct.
Updated
Littleproud urges protections for Australian kangaroo industry in US
National party leader David Littleproud has urged Kevin Rudd to use his new position as ambassador to the US to fight the nation’s push to ban kangaroo product imports.
A bill, introduced in the US states of Oregon and Connecticut, is seeking to stop kangaroo products being used by Nike and other shoe companies. Kangaroo leather can be used to make some shoe parts.
Littleproud said:
Research shows banning the import of kangaroos to the US would result in more uncontrolled killings.
![Red kangaroos in South Australia](https://media.guim.co.uk/eb8a7c2dbca2849be07571800dbb30d3ee1b6526/206_138_2799_1679/1000.jpg)
Littleproud also urged agriculture minister Murray Watt to step up and back the kangaroo industry:
We want our kangaroo industry to continue to thrive and that means ensuring its trade success.
Our Rafqa Touma reported earlier this week on Oregon’s plan to ban the sale of kangaroo products:
Updated
US investor who accused Adani of ‘biggest con in corporate history’ dares Indian group to sue
The US activist investor targeting Indian conglomerate Adani Group over what it claims is the “biggest con in corporate history” has dared the company to sue, given it would open the coal producer to further scrutiny.
Hindenburg Research’s report has already wiped billions of dollars of value from the sprawling empire of Gautam Adani, the world’s third-richest man, and drawn in the contentious Carmichael coal and rail project in Queensland.
Hindenburg said in a statement that Adani had not responded to any of the substantive issues raised in its report that accused the company of engaging in a “brazen stock manipulation and accounting fraud scheme”.
“Instead, as expected, Adani has resorted to bluster and threats,” the statement said.
Regarding the company’s threats of legal action, to be clear, we would welcome it. We fully stand by our report and believe any legal action taken against us would be meritless.
We have a long list of documents we would demand in a legal discovery process.
Read the full story here:
Updated
Gas supply shortfall still possible despite improved outlook, watchdog finds
Australia’s east coast gas market has a forecast supply shortfall of 30 petajoules if LNG producers export all their uncontracted gas, the consumer watchdog’s latest gas inquiry report has found.
LNG exporters are yet to commit enough volume to address the shortfall.
The report period extends to early December, so does not yet show the impact of the Australian government’s introduction of a temporary price cap later in the month.
The report shows the supply shortfall has improved after the consumer watchdog’s forecast warned of a 56 30 petajoules shortfall in 2023.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s chair, Gina Cass-Gottlieb, said:
The east coast gas supply forecast for 2023 has improved, but the outlook remains uncertain as the LNG producers haven’t yet committed sufficient volume under firm contracts to address the risk of a domestic shortfall.
Updated
PM questioned on Djokovic’s father
Anthony Albanese was asked by a reporter in Bendigo if he supported the Ukrainian ambassador’s call to ban Novak Djokovic’s father from the Australian Open for posing with pro-Putin supporters.
The prime minister said:
I will make this point, that Australia stands with the people of Ukraine. That is Australia’s position. And Australia is unequivocal in our support for the rule of international law and we do not want to see any support given to the Russian invasion of Ukraine that is having a devastating impact on the people of Ukraine.
Updated
Marles hails ‘jewel in crown’ of Australian defence industry
Defence minister Richard Marles has spoken in Bendigo following the prime minister, saying the Albanese government understands how significant regional manufacturing is to drive growth in regional cities.
We see a perfect example of that here in Bendigo. This is really one of the jewels in the crown of Australian defence industry. This is a showcase of Australian defence industry export. We are seeing Bushmasters made here exported to the world.
Bushmasters have been saving the lives of Australian servicemen and women deployed in places like Afghanistan for many, many years now. So we understand how important the Bushmasters and the Hawkeye are.
Updated
PM inspects armoured vehicles going to Ukraine
Anthony Albanese has stepped up in Bendigo, where he’s inspecting the 90 Bushmasters the government has committed to send to Ukraine.
The prime minister said:
When I visited Kyiv and met with President Zelenskiy, he requested additional Bushmasters, because he identified the Bushmaster as being critical to supporting the Ukrainian personnel who are defending their country against the illegal invasion of Russia.
Albanese said it was a proud moment to be meeting with the workforce building the Bushmasters.
More than 10 apprentices will come into this facility during this year. And that’s the resurgence that we’re seeing in Australian skills and training. We need to make more things here. We need to add more sovereign capability here. It’s one of the key elements of the election campaign that I fought last year.
![A Bushmaster during an Australian army training exercise](https://media.guim.co.uk/f48ca054d01266723cf55328439b9e8a05330c40/0_200_6000_3600/1000.jpg)
Updated
‘Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be consulted on matters that affect them through the voice’: Albanese
The prime minister has today shared on Twitter an interview from last night reminding Australians the voice to parliament is about recognition and consultation.
It’s about two things and two things only. The first thing is recognition; to recognise in our nation’s first certificate, our Constitution, the fact that we live with the oldest continuous culture on earth that should be a source of great pride.
And secondly, it’s that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be consulted on matters that affect them through the Voice. That is all that is before the Australian people those important principles. And I must say it is fantastic that every premier and chief minister are all united in support for this going forward. It will be a unifying moment for the nation.
The prime minister was interviewed alongside NSW premier Dominic Perrottet, who added:
We need to come together as one nation and be unified. We support, as a government, the Voice.
The Voice is about two things: recognition and consultation.
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) January 27, 2023
It’s an opportunity for all Australians to unite and move our country forward. pic.twitter.com/Fhr5QujK1J
Updated
Covid cases continue downward trend
Covid cases in Australia have continued to trend downwards, with the number of virus-related hospitalisations also decreasing, AAP reports.
Federal health department data released on Friday showed an almost 27% decrease in average daily infections in the week to 24 January compared to the previous week.
The number of average daily cases was 3,168, continuing a downward trend since late December.
Covid hospitalisations and intensive care admissions were also down, with drops of 16.9% and 26.2% respectively in the week to 24 January compared to the previous week.
Covid-related deaths decreased from 131 to 94 in NSW and from 156 to 149 in Victoria.
Updated
Nine and Seven go from TV ratings spat to claims of lost ‘landmark defamation’ case
Amanda Meade’s Weekly Beast is out. It’s covering the Nine and Seven media rivalry that got personal this week and the unseemly reactions to the naming of body image activist Taryn Brumfitt as 2023 Australian of the Year.
Updated
‘Decades of neglect and underfunding has made it harder and more expensive to see a GP’: Dr Nicole Higgins
More on RACGP president Dr Nicole Higgins view on the federal governments investment to improve rural healthcare in Tasmania.
Higgins warned serious investment is needed in general practice to address the current health crisis Australia-wide.
The problem is that decades of neglect and underfunding has made it harder and more expensive to see a GP, and this has caused the crisis in our hospital system, with wait times blowing out and ambulances ramping.
The RACGP has proposed a plan for governments to address the current health crisis, with action now to stem the bleeding and long-term reform that ensures the future of GP care for all Australians.
![RACGP president Dr Nicole Higgins.](https://media.guim.co.uk/d00d4593d045a9994afda2995cfd10f505efe98d/0_124_5297_3180/1000.jpg)
Updated
RACGP welcomes government investment to improve rural healthcare
The Royal Australian College of GPs has welcomed the Albanese and Tasmanian Government’s announcement to trial a new model aimed to support GP training in rural communities.
The trial, which will begin in Tasmania in July, will involve 20 GP registrars being employed by the Tasmanian Government to ensure they don’t lose out on entitlements shifting between employers as they complete their placements.
RACGP President Dr Nicole Higgins said the trial is a step forward for improving access to GPs for rural communities, and also removing some of the barriers to choosing general practice as a specialisation.
The GP shortage in Tasmania is especially alarming for rural communities, with 99 GP positions being advertised across the state.
But rural training works. The evidence shows GPs who experience quality training in rural areas are significantly more likely to stay there and serve those communities.
The RACGP has been involved in discussions with the Tasmanian Government and the Department of Health to develop this model and we will continue to provide input to support GPs in training in Tasmania and across Australia.
Federal MP Zoe Daniel backs changing the date
Federal MP Zoe Daniel is the latest to back a discussion about changing the date of Australia’s national day, saying it should be a “day we can all celebrate”.
Daniel, independent member for Goldstein, said in a message posted to Twitter she attended a mourning reflection with Indigenous elders yesterday, on 26 January. She said her community, as well as corporate Australia and athletes, were starting to “increasingly recognise the need for change”.
We should heed the message and enter a civilised conversation about finding a day we can all celebrate.
— Zoe Daniel (@zdaniel) January 27, 2023
Updated
Albanese government supports crackdown on social media influencers
The Albanese government has welcomed the consumer watchdog’s announced crackdown on social media influencers using deceptive sales tactics or misleading claims.
Assistant treasurer Stephen Jones has said social media influencers should be disclosing commercial arrangements so that consumers can make a fair and informed decision.
More on this story here:
Updated
I’m bidding you farewell for today and handing you back to the lovely Jordyn Beazley. Have a great weekend!
57 songs in Triple J hottest 100 from Australian artists
Voting for Triple J’s hottest 100 has closed and the countdown for Australia’s biggest music poll has begun. The top 200 songs are starting to be announced today before the final 100 are revealed tomorrow.
Baker Boy’s Song 2 has come in at number 200, followed by Sofi Tukker’s Summer in New at #199, Mallrat’s Teeth at #198, Alex the Astronaut’s Teeth at #197, the Wombats’ Flip Me Upside Down at #196 and Telenova’s Why Do I Keep You? at #195.
As for the Top 100, Triple J’s Lucy Smith shared a few hints with ABC News:
23 acts will be making their Hottest 100 debut.
Six songs have been uploaded to triplej unearthed.
And 57 of the songs in the countdown are from Australian artists.
I also have to note as well, I don’t know if this is a 2022 mood, but 131 F-bombs across the countdown. That’s up 30% from 2021. So I don’t know – were we annoyed? We were angry last year? Potentially.
Updated
Victoria records 149 Covid deaths and 226 people in hospital
There were 3,446 new cases in the weekly reporting period, and 13 people are in intensive care.
Numbers continue to trend downwards from last week’s 4,912 cases and 156 deaths.
This week we reported 3,446 new cases with a daily average hospital occupancy of 226 and 13 patients in ICU.
— Victorian Department of Health (@VicGovDH) January 26, 2023
149 deaths were reported in the past 7 days.
Our thoughts are with those in hospital, and the families of people who have lost their lives. pic.twitter.com/aeHZuhXWva
NSW records 94 Covid deaths and 1,162 people in hospital
There were 7,653 new cases in the weekly reporting period, and 23 people are in intensive care.
The trend continues downwards, with this week’s cases and deaths both down from last week’s 9,062 cases and 131 deaths.
COVID-19 weekly update – Friday 27 January 2023
— NSW Health (@NSWHealth) January 26, 2023
In the 7 days to 4pm Thursday 26 January:
- 7,653 new cases of COVID-19 have been recorded: 3,498 rapid antigen tests (RATs) and 4,155 PCR tests
- 94 lives lost pic.twitter.com/evnjvEdSK2
Updated
Concerns for water quality in Broken Hill
Concerns are being raised the water in Broken Hill is not up to national standards – just take a look at the colour in this picture which ABC producer Sarah McConnell shared.
Surely Broken Hill’s water is not up to Australian drinking standard’s? 🤔🧐 pic.twitter.com/iN9STtNT0J
— Sarah McConnell (@SarahJMcConnell) January 26, 2023
The past year’s floods have caused problems of water contamination in other regional areas with the central-west town of Dubbo going a week without drinkable water in July last year.
Officials have told the ABC that ongoing flooding in the Murray River causing a change to the river’s organic composition is to blame for the discolouration.
Far-west supplier Essential Water has been testing the water at various locations in the Silver City since the issue was reported and said water would continue to meet the Australian Drinking Water guidelines throughout this period.
However, local man Michael Howarth told the national broadcaster he found it difficult to believe the water was safe to drink while it was discoloured and has invited the official from Essential Water to personally have a glass from his tap.
Updated
‘I will be voting yes in the referendum, for very good reasons’, Tasmanian premier says
The Liberal premier of Tasmania, Jeremy Rockliff, also expressed his unequivocal support for the Indigenous voice to parliament at that press conference:
I was one of the premiers in prime minister Albanese’s first national cabinet, along with every other premier and chief minister, that said yes, absolutely we support the Voice.
And I will be voting yes in the referendum, for very good reasons. In bringing this country closer together. Unity and purpose. Acknowledging the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
And ensuring that not only we recognise Indigenous Australians in our constitution but also listen to their concerns, their ideas of how we can support First Nations peoples right across the country in living a better life, closing the gap on all of those areas that for generations we have failed Indigenous Australians in so many areas.
This is about bringing the country together, every state and territory, supporting the referendum, unity and purpose, to ensure that we, as a country, support and listen to our First Nations people on how we can support them to live a better life, better access to education, better access to healthcare and better access to all the initiatives we need to on the greater sense of well being and belonging.
![Tasmanian premier Jeremy Rockliff.](https://media.guim.co.uk/0f982f84a2bddc76480892f172bcc6e3c5acad4c/0_179_5363_3218/1000.jpg)
Updated
PM to inspect Bushmaster vehicles for Ukraine
The prime minister also says he’ll be in Bendigo later today where he’ll be looking at the Bushmasters to help Ukraine:
I will be in Bendigo later today looking at the Bushmasters which Australia has provided, which have made an enormous difference.
As well as Bushmasters, a practical difference on the ground, making a difference for the people of Ukraine in their struggle, which is not just for them. They are struggling and fighting for the rule of law. They are fighting for national sovereignty. They are fighting for the right of a smaller country to not be invaded by a larger country.
We have a land war in Europe, Australia is providing Bushmasters and once more we are providing the support. Australian defence personnel currently have travelled to the United Kingdom to provide that support on the ground.
Updated
Albanese outlines timeline for voice referendum
Albanese outlines the timeline for the referendum which he says provides a “clear process of engagement and involvement and consultation further, on top of the consultation for an idea that was first raised last century and begun the process in 2012 leading to the Uluru Statement from the Heart in 2017.”
They will vote into the second half of this year.
There is a timetable that is required to say that, for those people who say that in terms of the consultation processes which are there, the clear timetable which is required under the law is that you will have the passage of the referendum machinery legislation will occur in the coming session and then you will have an introduction of a constitutional alteration bill, a parliamentary inquiry into that legislation where people have the opportunity to put forward their views.
There will be a debate on that legislation in the House of Representatives and the Senate that will involve all members and senators and then, after the passage of that legislation, a referendum can only be held on a Saturday between two months and 33 days – a bit over three months – after the bill is carried so there is a timeframe for when this can occur.
For those who say there has not been detail, the truth is, one of our major parties has already determined they will vote no, without looking at any of that.
Updated
Voice is not 'radical' so no surprise 'radicals oppose it': PM
Anthony Albanese has responded to the fact Invasion Day rallies around the country urged Australians to reject the Indigenous voice.
Albanese told reporters in La Trobe:
People have different views on this and just like any section of society, to think that it is homogenous is, I think, just not realistic. Now, I very firmly believe that the Uluru Statement from the Heart was very clear about the priority that Indigenous people, after hundreds of consultations, came together and they said they wanted Voice as the first thing.
Now, what people will vote for in the referendum, if they decide to support it, is they will vote for recognition of Indigenous Australians in our constitution and they will vote for consultation with Indigenous people on matters that affect them ...
It is about reconciliation. It’s not a radical proposition. So I’m not surprised that some radicals are opposed to it. Because this is a mainstream proposition. This is a modest and gracious request – for reconciliation by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Now, if we don’t recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in our constitution this year, when Australians will have the opportunity to do so, when will we? When will we?
Updated
Rural healthcare program will help rebuild general practice: Mark Butler
The health minister, Mark Butler, says the commitments helps deliver on the government’s promise to rebuild general practice.
We are about securing the ability to see a doctor right now.
What we been able to agree with premier Rockliff, GP registrars working in Tasmania in rural settings, the future workforce of general practice here in Tasmania will be employed by the Tasmanian system but still access Medicare.
This is a level of cooperation between the Tasmanian state government and our government at a national level you have not seen in the past.
And it will significantly lift the attractiveness of general practice to those medical graduates who want to come and work in a beautiful part of Australia like north-west Tasmania, but they want to enjoy the same conditions that you see in the hospital system as well.
Updated
Rural healthcare program ‘will make a difference’: PM
Albanese says he’s “convinced this [program] will make a difference” because it helps rural people establish a long-term relationships with general practitioners ensuring health issues are diagnosed early.
[GPs] can provide care from both right through the system of life and provide the day-to-day update which will make a difference to people’s healthcare.
The reason why primary healthcare is so important and GPs are so important is that if you get that knowledge of care between a doctor and their patient, it’s more than just a transaction, it’s a relationship for life. It’s a relationship which is about making sure that health issues are diagnosed early, that intervention happens as soon as possible.
And of course we know that if that happens, it will cost less because we’ll have less people who have acute health issues.
Updated
Federal government gives $8m for Tasmanian GPs’ training
The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, is in La Trobe with Tasmanian premier, Jeremy Rockliff, announcing $8m for a program to encourage rural and regional GPs.
The health minister, Mark Butler, explains the initiative involves GP registrars being directly employed by the Tasmanian health system, to ensure they don’t lose out on entitlements shifting between employers as they complete their placements.
We're making it easier for people to see a GP in Tasmania.
— Mark Butler MP (@Mark_Butler_MP) January 26, 2023
This will provide our medical graduates with guaranteed income and entitlements and give them the best opportunity to build their career in Tasmania. And importantly it will make it easier for Tasmanians to see a doctor close to home.
— Mark Butler MP (@Mark_Butler_MP) January 26, 2023
Albanese said the federal government intends to roll out similar programs Australia-wide, and will be discussed at national cabinet next week.
Updated
Tasmania becomes first state to take up federal grants to improve rural primary healthcare
The prime minister Anthony Albanese is in Latrobe where he’s announced that Tasmania has become the first state government to take up the commonwealth’s funding to deliver a program to improve regional healthcare.
The federal government’s $100m commitment in the October budget came from state ministers’ suggestion at a national cabinet meeting last year.
Albanese said this morning:
We said we would allocate $100m around the country to make sure we focused on the way that the hospital system worked with the primary healthcare system and addressing workforce issues in order to address the challenges there with the healthcare system going forward.
I’m very pleased and I congratulate Jeremy and his government for being the first government in the country to deliver a program which is innovative here in Tasmania. This program will be Tasmania-wide and deliver some $8m to make a difference here, to make sure people who are working through the hospital system can get the training that will enable them to become GPs, particularly in rural communities.
This is about boosting primary care in taking pressure off the hospital system. In addition to that, Tasmania will contribute $5m over four years to improve capital works for the rural medical workforce centre right here and $1 million a year to support mandatory rural medical officer rotations.
Updated
Universities call for cost of living assistance for students
The Australian Technology Network of Universities (ATN) has submitted its pre-budget paper to the federal government, calling for cost of living assistance for students and an overhauled strategy for international education.
The ATN represents six universities including Curtin University, Deakin University, RMIT, the University of Newcastle, the University of South Australia and the University of Technology Sydney.
Among nine recommendations were providing income support during placements, re-engaging with the Asia-Pacific, targeted support for disadvantaged students and an additional temporary loading for under-funded courses.
The ATN said the former government’s job-ready graduates reform reduced the overall loading funding to teach courses by up to 16% and didn’t succeed in encouraging students to study in “priority fields”.
While we hope the Universities Accord will result in a complete overhaul of these skewed funding arrangements starting in 2025, we also know that every year is crucial to a strong pipeline of students. That is why we are calling for … a temporary loading in 2024 for affected priority courses to increase the resources available for teaching these courses without constraining universities’ capacities to offer extra places.
The ATN said financial assistance was needed to address access problems compounded by housing stress and rising inflation:
Australia’s world class income contingent loan system helps make university affordable, but students are still faced with immediate and unavoidable study and living costs that are not covered by the system.
It also called for re-engagement in the Asia-Pacific, including improving lengthy visa processing times and providing affordable housing to international students.
Updated
One in three Victorian paramedics injured on job
Paramedics in Victoria have a higher rate of work-related injuries than other Australian workers, new research shows.
About one-third of the state’s paramedics have suffered injuries on the job and psychological issues are the main reason why they have taken time off.
A recent study by Monash University found 7591 paramedic injuries were reported over a six-year period, 28% of which led to work absences.
Manual handling, followed by psychological stressors, were the leading mechanisms of injury, the paper published in the journal Prehospital Emergency Care said.
It comes as Victoria’s healthcare system continues to buckle under pressure as ambulance wait times and hospital demand soar.
About 65% of critical ambulance dispatches are attended within the first 15 minutes, compared to 73 per cent in 2014, government data shows.
Last year, Premier Daniel Andrews proposed a $26m package to add 40 mobile intensive care paramedics across the state, increasing the total number to 640.
- AAP
Plibersek hints at return of soft plastic recycling to supermarkets
The assistant treasurer Andrew Leigh has this morning handed the environment minister Tanya Plibersek a petition from grade four students concerned about soft plastics recycling.
In response, Plibersek hinted at some good news to come for families affected by the collapse of the REDcycle soft plastics recycling program:
I’m so pleased that Harrison school kids are writing to us about this because recycling plastics is a real priority for our government. I’m hoping to say something very soon about getting soft plastics recycling back into supermarkets because we know a lot of families really want to do that.
But hard plastics as well. We’re only recycling about 16% of plastic in Australia at the moment there is nowhere near good enough. And we’ve kids like this, recognising how important it is as an issue.
We’re going make sure as a government that we give families the opportunity to do what they want to do, which is recycle their plastic at home.
A class of grade four students at Harrison School wrote to ask what our government is doing on soft plastics recycling. So I took their letter to Environment Minister @Tanya_Plibersek #auspol pic.twitter.com/1CBVA0GzD9
— Andrew Leigh (@ALeighMP) January 26, 2023
The problem of soft plastic recycling was brought to the fore at the end of last year when REDcycle collapsed and Australians were left with nowhere to recycle their soft plastics.
Updated
Thanks for your attention on the blog this morning! Natasha May will be with you for the next few hours.
Call for NSW screen addiction studies fund
Understanding screen addiction and its impact on children’s developing minds would be improved by a $2.5m research fund under a NSW Labor proposal, AAP reports.
Opposition leader Chris Minns said a lack of consistent data about the impact of screens, video games and mobile phones on young people and their learning had concerned him.
Screen addiction is a relatively new phenomenon parents are dealing with, and I’m worried we don’t have enough research to know what the full impact is on young people, and their developing minds.
The $2.5m research fund, reliant on Labor winning the 25 March election, would be part of the education department’s annual grants budget.
Screen dependency disorder, internet gaming disorder (IGD) and other emerging addictions related to screens are estimated to affect about one in 50 Australians.
![Teenager playing video game on PC.](https://media.guim.co.uk/ee1c2fe50eb784cf8e6edb8b3c0066edfb3fc6f5/0_277_6016_3609/1000.jpg)
Updated
‘We encourage all Australians not to be swayed by the noisy few’: Pat Anderson
Here’s some more detail on the news we brought you earlier on the poll that surveyed First Nations views on a voice to parliament.
A new Ipsos poll has found that 80% of Aboriginal and Islander people surveyed are in favour of a First Nations voice enshrined in the Australian constitution.
However, the poll was conducted 20-24 January and surveyed 300 First Nations people around Australia – before yesterday’s Invasion Day rallies.
One-in-ten Aboriginal and Islander people surveyed are undecided. Ten per cent said they did not support the voice.
Alyawarre woman and Uluru Dialogue co-chair Pat Anderson AO said:
It’s clear. Overwhelmingly, First Nations People support a Voice – a chance to have a say in the policies and laws that impact us.
Too often grass roots First Nations voices are drowned out by one or two outspoken people, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, who claim to speak for us. This is exactly why we need a Voice. To make sure the voices of First Nations people in our communities are heard.
As we move towards the referendum, we encourage all Australians not to be swayed by the noisy few but to be reassured that when they place their vote for yes, they walk alongside most First Nations People who want a better future for our country.
Updated
Young boy critical after lightning strike
A young boy that was struck by lightning on a beach near Wollongong yesterday is in a critical but stable condition after his heart stopped, AAP reports.
NSW Ambulance chief inspector Terry Morrow said the boy was believed to be in the water at the time of the strike, which caused his heart to go into cardiac arrest and his breathing to stop.
The boy also suffered burns to his chest in the incident, Insp Morrow told Seven’s Sunrise program on Friday.
Surf lifesavers patrolling nearby commenced CPR on the nine-year-old with the help of a doctor who was on the beach with her family at the time.
Ambulance crews and police responded shortly after and paramedics took over resuscitation efforts.
Updated
‘Anti-semitism is on the rise, but it will not find a home here’: Anthony Albanese
Anthony Albanese has marked International Holocaust Remembrance Day by sharing a message on Twitter honouring keeping alive the memory of those who died, and those who survived.
Many survivors of the Holocaust found refuge here after the war and their stories are importantly preserved in Holocaust museums. As we’re starting to lose the last generation of Holocaust survivors, the work of documenting their lives has never been more important. Their stories carry the dark weight of sorrow and they also carry the important message: never again.
Anti-semitism is on the rise, but it will not find a home here. Australia will always denounce it and reject it utterly, just as we do all forms of racism and prejudice. We owe it to our country. We owe it to our Jewish community, and we owe it to our survivors.
On International Holocaust Remembrance Day, we keep alive the memory of those who died, and those who survived.
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) January 26, 2023
And we make sure that generations to come know their stories.
They carry the important message: never again. pic.twitter.com/0SzLcvMnzL
Updated
NSW drivers asked to offset emissions
NSW drivers are being given the option to buy carbon credits to offset their car’s yearly emissions when paying their registration, AAP reports.
Treasurer Matt Kean today said the average car generated about 2.4 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year but that could be fully offset with $80 of carbon credits.
NSW is the first state to offer this option, with all money going directly into Australian carbon offset projects. No international credits will be purchased.
The voluntary scheme will allow drivers to purchase Australian carbon credit units, generated through abatement projects around the country.
Corporate Carbon Advisory has been appointed as the offset provider partner.
![Hundreds of commuters lay stranded in traffic after an accident banked up traffic on Sydney's Harbour Bridge.](https://media.guim.co.uk/8b79665ec5cfed556070e4e1db74c0323c4f371b/0_9_2300_1381/1000.jpg)
Updated
Antisemitic incidents are on the rise around Australia
Antisemitic incidents are on the rise around Australia, according to the latest research by the Executive Council of Australian Jewry.
The council’s annual report into antisemitism found there were 478 antisemitic incidents lodged with the group in the year to September 2022, up from 447 in 2021.
There were 180 more incidents compared with the 2013 to 2021 annual average.
The biggest increase across all categories of incidents was in posters – including banners, clothing, leaflets and flyers – believed to be in part due to Covid protests, according to researcher Julie Nathan.
She said:
The Covid regulations ... produced mass street protests, particularly in Victoria, and the antisemitic conspiracy theories associated with the anti-vaxxer, anti-lockdown camp, resulted in large numbers of antisemitic placards at protests and antisemitic stickers on the streets.
Secondly, there was an increase in neo-Nazi activity, propagating antisemitic propaganda material in the form of posters, stickers and the like.
Nathan said the annual report captured just the “tip of the iceberg” of what was happening around the country.
Updated
Voice to parliament the way forward to alleviate disadvantage: Pat Anderson
Anderson says people rallying a “no” vote to the voice to parliament at yesterday’s Invasion Day rallies need to realise that it is the way forward to alleviate disadvantage.
As part of consultations, she said delegates spoke to those who are voiceless and not only those “with megaphones”.
First Nations people around the country who participated in the regional dialogues and the delegates that they elected to come to the convention issued the Uluru Statement from the Heart to the Australian people, which was a culmination of all their work over many over many weeks and months.
So, the Uluru statement from the heart is a way forward to do away with this continuing disadvantage which … continues to plague our families and communities across the country.
Updated
‘This is the most important decision this generation is going to make,’ says Pat Anderson
Voting on the voice to parliament is one of the most important decisions many Australians will make, Anderson tells ABC RN.
It’s really up to the Australian public as well to not be passive here, to inform themselves because this is the most important decision this generation is going to make. It will speak to what kind of country we are, what are our values, and what do we stand for? So this is not just us, the future of the nation and who we are in the world is at stake here.
Updated
‘We’re not going to be around for another 200 years unless something is done now’: Pat Anderson
Anderson says an Indigenous voice to parliament is “the only thing that’s left open” to First Nations people to overcome entrenched disadvantage.
Speaking on ABC RN, she said.
What the people said at the regional dialogues is to use their big law and that big law is the constitution because we’ve been talking for a long time, for generations, and successive governments refuse to hear or to listen. They just move on to the next to the next thing. That’s got to stop. This is the torment of our powerlessness.
This is what those of us that support a voice to the to the parliament say is the only thing that’s left open to us. There’s no other place for us to go to begin to deal with this disadvantage that plagues us
Nothing has worked. We’ve still got Alice Springs and all the other places around the country. And it’s just got to stop. We’re not going to be around another 200 years unless something is done now.
Updated
‘Clamour for detail is disingenuous’: Pat Anderson
Uluru Dialogue co-chair and member of the Referendum Working Group Pat Anderson says the Coalition’s “clamour for detail is disingenuous”.
Speaking on ABC RN this morning, Anderson said:
As the prime minister has been saying we will have enough information to make an informed vote, and there’s a lot of working being done being the scenes to make that happen.
Of course the Australian public will get some detail.
![Pat Anderson, Uluru Dialogue co-chair and member of the Referendum Working Group.](https://media.guim.co.uk/0bacbd9fd841f85c7dd4af6aed97ad3342db3663/0_52_1556_934/1000.jpg)
Updated
Ukrainian loss would embolden leaders in Pacific region, ambassador says
The ambassador of Ukraine to Australia and New Zealand, Vasyl Myroshnychenko, stresses that the reason Australia’s assistance needs to continue is because it’s in Australia’s interests to support the Ukraine:
The reason why we need to keep up and step up that assistance because this war in Ukraine is disrupting everything. It’s really undermined security, regionally, globally.
It’s having a major impact on your partners here in the region. Look at Indonesia. I mean, they are really suffering from the lack of food that can get on their market. They have 275 million people to feed and they really rely on grain from Ukraine, which now they have a hard time getting hold of as the prices have surged. We’ve seen the impact on the energy markets on the volatility of the commodity markets.
So it’s really in the interest of Australia to help Ukraine win and to help Ukraine be rebuilt because at the end of the day, it’s in the interest of Australia and your immediate partners here in the region.
So the focus that Australia has chosen to focus on the Pacific and Asia is clearly and directly linked to how this war is going to play out in Europe. Because otherwise if we lose, it will embolden many other leaders here in the region. It will really undermine the whole international rule based order.
Updated
Relations with Australia have never been so high, Ukrainian ambassador says
This morning as Russia has launched another series of deadly air strikes across Ukraine, the ambassador of Ukraine to Australia and New Zealand, Vasyl Myroshnychenko, has spoken to ABC Radio.
Myroshnychenko said the latest strikes are “definitely a response from Russia” to Ukraine securing dozens of powerful western tanks from the US and Germany.
He said the Ukraine would welcome Australia joining “the tanks coalition, as we call it” and choosing to send more Bushmasters, but also expresses his gratitude for the help already provided:
What’s important is that Australia continues to support Ukraine. We are truly thankful for what Australia has done so far, especially the last package which was announced in October where another 30 Bushmasters were allocated and the troops which are now in Britain have already been able to train Ukrainian soldiers. It’s really a big help.
Myroshnychenko flagged that, with Penny Wong and Richard Marles being briefed by their European partners on developments in the continent during their visit to France, he hopes that they may submit another proposal to cabinet close to the one year anniversary of the war.
He says that Australia and the Ukraine’s bilateral relations has “never been at this high level,” especially since the prime minister Anthony Albanese visited Ukraine last year.
Updated
Poll: 80% of First Nations people back the voice to parliament
A survey shows overwhelming support for a voice to parliament despite fierce criticism at Invasion Day rallies yesterday, the Sydney Morning Herald reports.
The polling, carried out by Ipsos, showed 80% of the 300 First Nations people surveyed want the reform.
Uluru Dialogue co-chair Pat Anderson said:
We’re not going to chuck the towel in now because we’ve got people on Invasion Day speaking loudly – that’s fine, it’s a democracy.
Hopefully, they will be convinced over the next little while, but there’s a rusted-on group in Australia – about 10 per cent, it goes up and down – and it doesn’t matter what you say, they’re not going to change their opinion, they’re always going to say the same.
Updated
West Sydney prison guards to strike again
Prison officers at one of the most dangerous maximum security jails in NSW will strike for two days, demanding an improvement in safety conditions, AAP reports.
More than 150 officers from Parklea Correctional Centre in northwest Sydney will strike at 6am today over what they say is the lowest pay in the country in a jail, with some of the worst assault records in the state. It is the second strike in as many months.
Community and Public Sector Union NSW assistant general secretary Troy Wright said officers at the privately run prison suffered the highest number of serious assaults in the state.
We know of prison officers being king-hit from behind, having shivs held to their throats, being punched in the face, and having faeces thrown on them.
Wright blamed MTC, a US-based firm that also runs a detention centre housing refugees on Nauru, for failing to protect officers at Parklea – one of only two private jails in NSW.
The business model of MTC is to make their money from their own prison officers.
Updated
Man suffers serious leg injury in crocodile attack in Northern Territory
A man has suffered serious injuries during a crocodile attack at a remote Northern Territory cattle station, AAP reports.
The incident happened on Thursday near Daly River, about 220km south of Darwin.
The man suffered a serious but non life-threatening wound to his right leg, a police spokesperson said.
Updated
Consumer watchdog to crackdown on social media influencers
The consumer watchdog revealed it is taking a close look at more than 100 social media influencers after receiving tip offs that they might not be disclosing sponsored content.
The chair of the ACCC, Gina Cass-Gottlieb, told ABC News this morning:
We put our own Facebook post up and asked consumers to come forward and give us tip-offs. We got over 1,000 responses, likes, shares, and tip-offs, that asked us to look at particular influencers and the areas those influencers were in were fashion and beauty, lifestyle and parenting.
We are also going to look at gaming, electronic equipment, sometimes they even promote financial products. So, we’re looking quite broadly at up-and-coming influencers and also very well established millions-of-followers influencers.
Our reporter Josh Taylor has more on the story here:
Updated
Why a voice to parliament won’t impact First Nations sovereignty as Lidia Thorpe fears
Yesterday’s Invasion Day rally drew thousands of Australians, and swung the debate from changing the date to an Indigenous voice to parliament. In many locations First Nations speakers made a case against an Indigenous voice to parliament being enacted before a treaty.
At the Melbourne rally, the Greens senator Lidia Thorpe has vowed not to support the Indigenous voice to parliament unless she is “satisfied that First Nations sovereignty is not ceded”.
Our Paul Karp has spoken to two experts who explained why the two questions are entirely separate.
Royal comission into robodebt scheme resumes
Good morning, Jordyn Beazley on deck with you this morning. Thanks to Martin for kicking things off today.
Senior welfare officials will be grilled over their involvement with robodebt when a royal commission into the unlawful scheme resumes, AAP reports.
The latest evidence centres on what department officials knew about the potential illegality of the scheme and how they communicated that information with the government, other staff and independent watchdogs.
Government solicitor James Carter will appear before the commission on Friday along with three senior officials from the Department of Social Services, which delivered the scheme.
Among them will be Allysson Essex and Kristin Lumley, two former officials involved with payment integrity within the department, as well as the department’s former principal legal officer Anna Fredericks.
The voice and the media
Guardian Australia’s editor, Lenore Taylor, takes a look today at the growing clamour around the voice debate to make a plea for responsible media reporting on what is a very complex matter.
Lenore writes:
This is a discussion where different views need to be heard, not just from politicians and pundits but in particular from the Indigenous communities who have the most at stake.
In this discussion the media has a particular responsibility to help readers understand the facts and the historical, political and legal context, to call out falsehoods and to avoid fuelling an ideological outrage cycle. It’s just too important for that. Every Australian needs to engage with the details over the next six months, and it’s our job to help them.
Here’s her full article:
Welcome
Good morning and welcome to our rolling coverage of the day’s news. I’m Martin Farrer bringing you the main overnight developments before Jordyn Beazely takes to the keyboard.
Our top story this morning concerns the voice to parliament and a dilemma for the Greens. The party’s Indigenous spokesperson, Lidia Thorpe, used rallies yesterday to push her position that she will vote no unless First Nations sovereignty is not ceded. That stance will be further complicated after it emerged that she initially backed an inquiry into Indigenous bodies that has been driven by anti-voice Coalition senators. The Guardian’s Paul Karp writes that she withdrew support after an intervention by party’s leader, Adam Bandt, but her support for a sovereignty settlement rather than voice has been criticised as conflating two separate matters.
Meanwhile, Adani Group has held meetings with bond investors overnight to reassure them in the wake of an analysts’ report that accused the Indian conglomerate of “brazen stock manipulation and accounting fraud”. The company, whose assets include its controversial coalmine in Queensland, hit back at the report by Hindenburg, calling it bogus and saying it will give a detailed response on Friday.