What we learned today, Saturday 22 July
That’s the end of our live news blog for today. Here’s what happened:
Police in Sydney have extended a search for the tech entrepreneur Andrew Findlay who is believed to have been aboard the same fishing boat that broke up on rocks at Watsons Bay, where the body of the art dealer Tim Klingender was found on Thursday.
The NT government has begun consultations to introduce new voluntary assisted dying legislation 25 years after the territory’s pioneering VAD laws were quashed by the Howard government.
Demonstrators were rallying across the nation against Australia’s decade-long policy of offshore detention of refugees seeking asylum by boat.
The first US warship to be commissioned in a foreign port – the USS Canberra – was ushered into service at a ceremony in Sydney.
The Australian women’s football team, the Matildas, are enjoying a rest day in Brisbane before turning their sights on their next match against Nigeria on Thursday.
Technology and software billionaire Mike Cannon-Brookes is separating from his wife, Annie.
Take care everyone and thanks for being here.
Sydney Harbour search extended for entrepreneur Andrew Findlay
Police are continuing to search for a man missing after a fishing boat crashed on to rocks outside Sydney Harbour, in an accident that claimed the life of a prominent art dealer.
The body of Tim Klingender, 59, was found on Thursday, after a fishing boat was found, overturned and broken up on the rocks at the base of The Gap in Watsons Bay.
Police are still searching for the second man thought to have been on board the boat, believed to be 51-year-old Andrew Findlay.
Police superintendent Joe McNulty said it was believed the men’s rigid-hulled inflatable boat (RHIB) was capsized by large swell off the cliffs.
We are still continuing to look for the second male person from that vessel accident.
We have extended the search area out to five nautical miles, nine kilometres from the shore.
Updated
Police in NSW are expected to address the media in the next few minutes in relation to the Sydney Harbour search for the tech entrepreneur Andrew Findlay.
We’ll bring you more as we get it.
Updated
‘Focussed on their children’: tech billionaire Mike Cannon-Brookes and wife to separate
A quick return to the story earlier today of reports that the software billionaire Mike Cannon-Brookes was to separate from his wife, Annie.
A source close to the family has told Guardian Australia’s Peter Hannam:
They’re both focussed on their children as their number one priority right now. They ask that their privacy is respected.
Updated
Sydney Harbour search for entrepreneur continues after death of art dealer
Police have been joined by marine and air rescue crews in a search of Sydney Harbour for the tech entrepreneur Andrew Findlay.
Findlay was on the same boat as art dealer Tim Klingender, whose body was pulled from the water off Watson’s Bay among floating debris on Thursday.
AAP reports that marine units resumed search efforts on Saturday morning from South Head to Cape Solander near Botany Bay – an area spanning more than 20km.
Klingender, 59, was a prominent Indigenous art dealer and his death has shaken the arts world.
The Sydney gallerist Michael Reid said:
The death of Tim Klingender was an unimaginable and devastating loss to his family and indeed the Australian art-world.
The Westpac Rescue Helicopter, NSW Surf Lifesaving and Marine Rescue NSW all joined the search for Findlay on Saturday.
The Marine Rescue Insp John Murray said units resumed the search at 7.30am in light winds and benign swell allowing for good visibility.
Marine rescue vessels are working their way west towards the Harbour Bridge, after an offshore parallel line searching from South Head to Coogee and patrolling shoreline in the harbour. Murray said:
Both vessels are expected to conduct another offshore patrol at the request of the marine area command later this afternoon.
Updated
‘The best show I have ever seen’: fans remember Tony Bennett in Australia
Fans of the late Tony Bennett have been sharing their memories of seeing the singer perform during his handful of visits to Australia.
According to the Australian Concert Tour Database, Bennett only made four visits to Australia to perform across his stellar career – with a first visit coming in 1970.
Comedian and satirist Mark Humphries remembers seeing Bennett at the Sydney Opera House in 2012 and a moment when the singer turned off his microphone to fill the room with his voice.
Saw Tony Bennett perform at the Sydney Opera House several years ago. Highlight of the night was when he asked for his microphone to be turned off and he filled the concert hall with his natural voice as he sang “Fly Me To The Moon”. This was that moment.https://t.co/ltrmAZmxfL
— Mark Humphries (@markhumphries) July 21, 2023
I was fortunate enough to work at the Sydney Opera House as an usher, and saw Tony Bennett and K D Lang in concert. I think that was the best show I have ever seen. Rest in Peace Tony. 🥀
— Aussie Shazza (@shazzadut) July 21, 2023
Here’s our obituary of the great singer.
Updated
Matildas enjoy rest day in Brisbane before turning sights on Nigeria clash
The Australian women’s national team, the Matildas, are enjoying a day off in Brisbane today having returned to their base camp from Sydney on Friday.
The Australians beat Ireland in their opening match of the Women’s World Cup on Thursday, but have been rocked by an injury to star striker Sam Kerr.
It’s not all bad news, though: yesterday their group B opponents Nigeria and Canada played out a nil-all draw, which bolstered the Matildas’ prospects of progressing to the round of 16.
The team returns to training tomorrow ahead of their next match, against Nigeria on Thursday in Brisbane.
The River City is hosting plenty of World Cup action in the weeks ahead, beginning with England’s clash with Haiti this evening.
Sydney 🛬 Brisbane
— CommBank Matildas (@TheMatildas) July 21, 2023
Yesterday's travel day back to base camp! #Matildas #FIFAWWC #TilitsDone pic.twitter.com/4PU7dah3wY
Updated
USS Canberra commissioned at Garden Island in Sydney
The first US warship to be commissioned in a foreign port has been ushered into service in Sydney with US and Australian navy chiefs and dignitaries on hand for the ceremony at Garden Island, AAP reports.
The USS Canberra, a littoral combat ship with a crew of 50, had its colours hoisted to the mast on Saturday as its company of service men and women cheered the addition to the fleet.
Highly agile and capable of speeds of up to 40 knots, the combat vessel is only the second in the US navy to be named after a non-American city.
The only other time a US ship has held a foreign city’s name was its predecessor, the USS Canberra heavy cruiser, launched in 1943 during Franklin D Roosevelt’s wartime presidency.
The USS Canberra’s Commander William Ashley thanked the builders who he said had given the navy a “great ship”.
She handles like a dream and meets every mission she was intended for.
Ashley said the naming of the USS Canberra further strengthened the bonds between Australia and the US as he also praised his crew.
The crew that you just saw bring this ship to life is one of the best I’ve ever served with during my 30 years in the navy. They look out for each other, they love this ship and they pour their blood, and sometimes tears, into her.
The defence minister, Richard Marles, said as part of the ongoing connection between the two countries’ navies, an Australian officer would forever be part of the USS Canberra’s crew.
Its link with Australia would also be marked by a star-spangled Kangaroo fixed to its side.
Updated
The family of a woman who fled Iran after facing the death penalty for escaping an arranged marriage has been granted the chance to stay with her in Australia.
Virtual girlfriends could ingrain beliefs underpinning gender-based violence
My colleague Josh Taylor has written this frankly terrifying piece on the use of AI-driven virtual girlfriend apps.
The story includes this warning from Tara Hunter at Full Stop Australia – a group supporting people affected by relationship and family violence.
Creating a perfect partner that you control and meets your every need is really frightening.
Given what we know already that the drivers of gender-based violence are those ingrained cultural beliefs that men can control women, that is really problematic.
Updated
‘Don’t modify it’ – fire authority warning over e-scooters after blaze
A ground-floor fire that trapped three people on their balconies has been traced to a high-performance e-scooter, sparking a warning from fire authorities.
AAP reports the warning from Fire and Rescue NSW Supt Adam Dewberry, who says the agency has seen several fires caused by attempts to modify e-scooters and e-bikes to make them go faster and run longer.
A large blaze gutted a unit in Sydney’s west on Friday trapping three residents on higher levels, forcing a ladder rescue.
Dewberry said battery fires can lead to thermal runaway. He said the public should only buy products with lithium batteries from reputable manufacturers and use them as intended. He said:
Don’t modify it. We are seeing some people who’ve bought a product, they want it to go a bit faster and longer and changing the battery with something that is not compatible.
We are seeing a number of fires caused by this. Take it into the shop, get it serviced or upgraded. It could save your life.
Updated
It’s day two of Byron Bay’s famous three-day Splendour in the Grass music festival.
Here’s our picture gallery from a sun-soaked day one, where American artist Lizzo headlined.
Murder charges after body of man found in Melbourne street
A man and woman will face court today in Melbourne accused of murder after the body of a man in his 40s was found in a city street, AAP reports.
Police say the charges follow an alleged incident at a home near Glen Waverley train line in Binalong Avenue, Chadstone on Tuesday, where a man in his 40s was fatally assaulted.
Emergency crews were called to a fire at the address about 9pm. The body of a man, yet to be formally identified, was located around the corner in Railway Parade in Chadstone on Friday afternoon following a search by officers.
This followed the arrest of 36-year-old woman in Seaford on Thursday evening. A 35-year-old man was also apprehended by detectives in Carrum Downs on Friday afternoon. Both are from Chadstone.
Police believe the parties involved were known to each other.
Updated
NT to start work on voluntary assisted dying laws
The Northern Territory government is starting work on new voluntary assisted dying laws more than 25 years after its pioneering legislation was struck down by the government of John Howard.
NT chief minister Natasha Fyles has announced the territory will form an expert committee to lead consultation to create the new VAD laws.
Former territory administrator Vicki O’Halloran and current president of the NT Bar Association Duncan McConnel will co-chair the consultation panel.
AAP reports the NT was the first Australian jurisdiction to make voluntary euthanasia legal in 1995 – laws struck down by the Howard government two years later. Since then all six states have passed their own laws. Fyles said:
It can be a sensitive and confronting topic for many people so it is important that any future legislation is done through intensive and thorough consultation with all Territorians.
O’Halloran said:
This is an imperative step forward for the Territory and I am honoured to play my part in this important consultation process.
Updated
Man dead after alleged stabbing in Sydney’s inner-west
A man thought to be in his 60s has died after an alleged stabbing in Sydney’s inner west.
AAP reports police found the man with injuries to his torso after responding to reports of an assault on Forbes Street in Newtown shortly after 7pm on Friday night.
Ambulance paramedics treated the man, not yet formally identified by police, at the scene but efforts to save him were unsuccessful.
A crime scene has been established and investigations are ongoing into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Yes campaign events
The voice to parliament yes campaign will hold a street corner meeting with the federal social services minister, Amanda Rishworth, and South Australian MP Erin Thompson at Federation University in Mount Helen, Victoria, today.
And there’ll be a Q&A with Indigenous leader Noel Pearson and constitutional lawyer Dr Shireen Morris at Beecroft Community Centre in Sydney this morning from 10:30am-12pm, and later in West Pennant Hills between 4pm-5:30pm.
Updated
Watch Aussie golfer’s British Open hole-in-one
It’s a big weekend of sport, with four games in the FIFA Women’s World Cup today and another nail-biter in The Ashes cricket in Manchester.
Aussie golfer Travis Smyth failed to make the cut for the final two rounds of the British Open golf, but he still leaves the Royal Liverpool course with a shot he’ll remember for the rest of his life. A hole-in-one on the 17th.
A shot i’ll remember for the rest of my life! Pretty cool! https://t.co/XhXlA9upzy
— Travis Smyth (@travsmythg) July 21, 2023
Updated
Billionaire Mike Cannon-Brookes to seperate from wife Annie - reports
Technology and software billionaire Mike Cannon-Brookes is separating from his wife Annie, according to a report from the Australian Financial Review.
Cannon-Brookes, the co-founder of Atlassian, is also known for his climate change activism.
The Guardian has contacted Atlassian and Cannon-Brookes’ investment company Grok and both replied they had “no comment” on the reports of the split.
Updated
Morning. Graham Readfearn here taking over our live news coverage for the morning.
USS Canberra to be commissioned in Sydney today
The American warship USS Canberra will officially enter service at 10am today with a historic ceremony at Garden Island, Sydney, featuring a blend of Australian and US traditions.
The littoral combat ship arrived in Sydney on Tuesday after a month-long journey from its home base in San Diego.
Named after the first HMAS Canberra, which was sunk during the second world war, the vessel is only the second US naval ship to be named after a non-American city.
The only other time a US ship has held a foreign city’s name was its predecessor, the USS Canberra, launched in 1943 during Franklin D Roosevelt’s war-time presidency.
The commissioning also marks the first time a US ship has entered service in a foreign port.
The ship will also host the opening ceremony of Exercise Talisman Sabre, the military training activity between Australia, the US and regional partners including Japan, Indonesia, France and the United Kingdom, among others.
A procession of Australian and US Navy officers in Canberra will mark the ship’s commissioning on Sunday.
Updated
Rallies against 10 years of offshore detention
Demonstrators will rally across the nation today against Australia’s decade-long policy of offshore detention of refugees seeking asylum by boat, Australian Associated Press reports.
Human rights activists are calling on the Albanese government to shutter detention centres in Nauru and Papua New Guinea that incarcerated refugees in a deal struck by then prime minister Kevin Rudd in July 2013.
More than 3,000 people have been detained on the Pacific island nations over the past decade.
Lieke Janssen, of Refugee Action Collective Victoria and an organiser of Melbourne’s rally, believes the government has a responsibility to act. She said:
It was a Labor government that actually introduced this policy.
This 10-year anniversary marks the perfect moment to demand the current Labor government gets rid of these policies once and for all.
Speakers slated to share testimonies include Iranian-Kurdish artist Farhad Bandesh, who was detained on Manus Island in PNG for six years.
Other rallies are planned on Sunday including in Sydney, Brisbane and Canberra.
Sanmati Verma, managing lawyer at the Human Rights Law Centre, described the Australian offshore detention regime as “a system of calculated cruelty which is now being exported to other parts of the world to torture and punish people seeking safety”.
Australia removed all asylum seekers from Nauru last month but will keep the empty centre open at a cost of $350 million per year.
About 80 asylum seekers remain in PNG.
Updated
Welcome
Good morning and welcome to our rolling news coverage of the day ahead. I’m Martin Farrer and I’ve got some top overnight stories coming your way before Graham Readfearn slips into the hot seat.
Our top story this morning is an exclusive about parliamentary documents that reveal the Morrison government signed a “confidential bilateral agreement” with Papua New Guinea in December 2021, paying the Port Moresby government to provide welfare and support for refugees forcibly sent there by Australia.
The Albanese government is refusing to say how much it is paying for the secret agreement which involves about 75 refugees and asylum seekers being held in Port Moresby. It comes as protesters are preparing to rally today against Australia’s decade-long policy of offshore detention of refugees seeking asylum by boat. More coming up.
Police rescue teams are continuing to scour Sydney Harbour this morning for a man missing after a boating accident on Thursday that also claimed the life of Sydney art dealer Tim Klingender. The missing man is believed to be Andrew Findlay, a 51-year-old IT entrepreneur.
The pair were believed to have been on a Brig 7.8-metre inflatable boat with a centre console in or near the water around Watsons Bay on Thursday. Police are planning to hold a media conference at midday today to give more details. We’ll have any developments as soon as they happen.
A man found guilty in absentia of downing the Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 over eastern Ukraine in 2014 has been arrested in Russia, according to reports. Igor Girkin, a former battlefield commander of Russian proxy forces in east Ukraine, was convicted by a Dutch court last year over the shooting down of MH17, with the death of 298 people on board – including 38 Australians.
But the families of those victims will not be any nearer seeing justice because Girkin has been arrested on extremism charges probably fuelled by his criticism of the Russian war effort in Ukraine.
Updated
