What we learned today, Tuesday 21 January
That’s it for today, thanks for reading. Here are the day’s main stories:
National cabinet met to discuss antisemitism after a Sydney childcare centre was set alight.
NSW police announced a series of arrests over alleged antisemitism, and the AFP revealed it was investigating whether there were overseas links to incidents.
A second child died after a house fire in Tasmania.
Queensland launched an inquiry into “Australia’s worst paedophile”.
The Bureau of Meteorology warned of a heatwave set to hit Western Australia, Queensland, the Northern Territory and NSW in coming days.
Australia should be “realistic” about Donald Trump’s America First agenda, the foreign minister, Penny Wong, said.
The NSW transport minister, Jo Haylen, confirmed that negotiations with rail unions had failed, meaning the government will proceed with a case before the Fair Work Commission to end a long-running industrial dispute.
Enjoy the rest of your evening. We will see you again on Wednesday.
Updated
Kershaw said that Special Operation Avalite was targeting high-harm antisemitism and the AFP-led Operation Ardvarna investigated the display of prohibited symbols. He said both operations had made arrests and more were expected soon.
Avalite received 166 reports since it was established in December last year, but Kershaw said many of those reports were duplicates, already under investigation by state police, or did not meet the threshold of a crime.
Avalite was investigating 15 serious allegations, he said.
All lines of inquiry are open to the investigations – including what anonymising technology, such as dedicated encrypted communication devices, have been used to commit these crimes.
We are looking into whether overseas actors or individuals have paid local criminals in Australia to carry out some of these crimes in our suburbs.
We are looking at if – or how – they have been paid, for example in cryptocurrency, which can take longer to identify.
We are looking into whether any young people are involved in carrying out some of these crimes, and if they have been radicalised online and encouraged to commit antisemitic acts.
Kershaw said he would meet with state police commissioners on Wednesday.
Updated
AFP investigating if foreign actors paid local criminals to carry out antisemitic attacks
The AFP commissioner, Reece Kershaw, has revealed his officers are investigating if “overseas actors” are paying local criminals to commit acts of antisemitism, which he described as a “disease” that “needs to be aggressively attacked”.
Kershaw, who said there was no doubt antisemitism was escalating and that it was having an impact on social cohesion “and crime in general”, also revealed that there were 15 serious incidents under investigation.
Kershaw’s statement was published about the same time as he addressed a national cabinet meeting on the issue.
He said:
Antisemitism is a disease in our community, and it needs to be aggressively attacked because history shows what happens when action is not taken against those who fuel fear and terrorise others.
I know many people feel they want more action to go with words.
Updated
National cabinet agrees to new database to track antisemitic crimes
The snap national cabinet meeting on antisemitism has ended, but seemingly without a great deal of news or new initiatives.
The only new initiative, according to a statement shared by Anthony Albanese’s office, is “a new national database to track antisemitic crime and other antisemitic incidents and behaviours”.
“The commonwealth will work with states and territories on the development of the database,” Albanese said.
“The purpose of one national reporting system is to better inform and coordinate responses to antisemitic incidents.”
The statement says that state and territory leaders were “united in working together to stamp antisemitism out – and keep it out”. The meeting heard from the AFP commissioner, Reece Kershaw, who earlier gave an update that its Operation Avalite targeting antisemitism had received 166 reports, with 15 under investigation.
The statement goes on to outline that 36 people had been charged with “antisemitic related offences” in NSW, and 70 arrests had been made in Victoria.
“The prime minister reaffirmed that the full resources of the AFP and federal intelligence agencies stand ready to assist the efforts of Strike Force Pearl, Operation Shelter and Operation Park, and actions by other state and territory governments, as has been occurring to date,” Albanese’s statement said.
The meeting also agreed that “commonwealth, state and territory attorneys general will work to ensure best practice is shared across jurisdictions with Victoria and New South Wales leading this work”.
“The prime minister, state premiers and chief ministers unequivocally condemn antisemitism and reaffirmed to stamp it out in Australia.”
Updated
Stalemate between rail unions and NSW government
A spokesperson for the NSW transport minister, Jo Haylen, has confirmed that negotiations with rail unions have failed, meaning the government will proceed with a case before the Fair Work Commission to end a long-running industrial dispute.
A hearing in the case is expected tomorrow.
The spokesperson said:
Unfortunately despite best efforts over the last two days, the government has not been able to reach agreement with the combined rail unions.
The government has put a reasonable package in response to the combined rail unions.
That package has not been accepted but remains available.
The government is continuing with the 424 application to be heard tomorrow.
Updated
NSW police double size of strike force investigating antisemitism
The NSW police commissioner, Karen Webb, has announced she has doubled the number of officers investigating antisemitic incidents in Sydney.
She said in a statement:
Today I have allocated an additional 20 investigators to Strike Force Pearl. This effectively doubles the investigative capacity of Strike Force Pearl, which continues to work tirelessly to identify and arrest those responsible for the recent antisemitic incidents in Sydney and put them before the courts.
I have also significantly increased proactive taskings aimed to disrupt this type of criminal activity around significant sites and places of worship across Sydney.
This boost in resources allocated to Strike Force Pearl reflects the seriousness of these crimes and the importance of putting those responsible before the courts as soon as possible. These acts are despicable and have no place in our society.
Updated
We’re still waiting on updates out of national cabinet, but there has been some other news in the meantime, so we’re firing this back up.
National cabinet is meeting at 5pm, and we will bring you updates as soon as we can. We will pause the blog in the meantime. See you soon!
And here’s a video from NSW police regarding the arrests we mentioned earlier for alleged antisemitic incidents:
Eight people charged over alleged antisemitic incidents in Sydney
NSW police have charged eight people with 59 offences in relation to a spate of alleged anti-Israel and antisemitic incidents in Sydney in recent months.
One of those people was 34-year-old Tammie Farrugia, who appeared before court today after she was charged in relation to an incident in Woollahra in December which saw a home spray-painted with anti-Israel graffiti, and a car set alight.
Farrugia has been charged with participating in a criminal group to contribute to criminal activity and destroying or damaging property. She will appear before court again on 5 February and has made no application for bail.
It comes after a childcare centre in Sydney’s east was vandalised with antisemitic graffiti that read “Fuck the Jews” and was set alight. It is the sixth antisemitic attack in Sydney in two months, with counter-terrorism police called in to investigate after a Sydney synagogue was spray-painted with red swastikas earlier this month. There have also been previous attacks on synagogues and suburban streets in Sydney.
NSW police said in a statement on Tuesday that eight people had been arrested under Strike Force Pearl, which was set up in the wake of a spate of antisemitic and anti-Israel graffiti. This included:
Three men – 20,19 and 21 – have been charged after 10 vehicles and buildings were allegedly deliberately damaged in Woollahra in November 2024.
Four men – 31, 27, 40 and 26 – have been charged following allegedly suspicious fires at two businesses in Bondi in October 2024.
Updated
Commissioner says Guardian inquiry shows ‘inadequacy’ of Australia’s approach to slavery
On Monday, we revealed that thousands of imports were coming into Australia from Chinese companies blacklisted in the US over their alleged links to forced Uyghur labour.
Former Labor minister and Australia’s new anti-slavery commissioner, Chris Evans, has issued a strong statement about the Guardian’s findings.
Evans said the revelations demonstrate “the inadequacy of Australia’s current approach to addressing modern slavery risks in supply chains”.
While the government’s commitment to reform is welcome, the pace of implementation remains concerning given the serious nature of these human rights violations.
Many businesses have been asking for clearer guidance to help address this issue. No business can address this level of complexity alone. However, these findings show many are simply ignoring the facts, relying on outdated strategies that are not fit for purpose. Clearly, both government and business must do more and we must start now.
Evans was appointed last year and commenced his role last month. The government has committed to reforming modern slavery laws, including to consult on a model allowing it to make written declarations that particular regions, industries, products or suppliers are regarded as high-risk for modern slavery.
Updated
Teacher’s aide charged with allegedly engaging in child prostitution
A teacher’s aide in NSW has been charged with allegedly engaging in child prostitution.
Police will allege in court the man met children online who he paid to film them engaging in sexual acts with him. Police will also allege he had a number of fraudulent online profiles which he would use to extort young children.
Last September, officers commenced an investigation into the activities of an 18-year-old Picton man.
On 24 November, detectives executed a search warrant in Picton and allegedly located and seized electronics relevant to the investigation.
About 8.45am today, detectives returned to the address and arrested an 18-year-old man. He was taken to Narellan police station and charged with two counts of acting as a client with a child aged 14-18 in prostitution, producing child abuse material and possessing child abuse material.
He was refused bail to appear in Moss Vale local court today. Police said investigations continue.
Updated
Jewish group backs national cabinet meeting on antisemitism
The Executive Council of Australian Jewry has welcomed the announcement of today’s snap national cabinet meeting on antisemitism, calling for a “whole of government approach” to the issue.
Anthony Albanese is convening state and territory leaders at 5pm AEDT. We’ll expect some news shortly after that meeting. ECAJ co-chief executive Peter Wertheim said the Jewish community wanted to see concrete action, and noted his peak community group had been calling for such a meeting since late 2024. He said in a statement:
We welcome the Prime Minister’s announcement today that he will be convening the National Cabinet to deal with the crisis of antisemitism in Australia. This is a step which we called for in early December.
It is deeply saddening that the announcement comes in the wake of an arson attack on a child care centre. We look forward to National Cabinet providing Federal, State and Territory governments with the leadership and direction needed for them to attack the problem of antisemitism with a co-ordinated whole of government approach.
ECAJ in December had called for uniform policing guidelines, law reform and public campaigns on antisemitism, including asking police to enforce existing laws on protests at schools and places of public worship.
The group also urged tougher bail and sentencing laws for antisemitic offences, as well as urging mandatory education against antisemitism, hatred and extremism in schools.
Updated
Second child dies after house fire in Tasmania
A 5-year-old girl who was involved in a fatal house fire in Tasmania has died, authorities have confirmed.
The girl’s 22-month-old sister died on Sunday after the fire at Rokeby.
The Tasmania fire service and Tasmania police said in a statement that:
Our thoughts are with the girls’ family and loved ones at this difficult time.
A 30-year-old remains in a stable condition in the Royal Hobart hospital.
A 16-month-old, 10-year-old, and 14-year-old have been discharged from hospital, police said.
A fire investigation has determined there were no suspicious circumstances regarding the fire, which started in the lounge room.
A report will be prepared for the Coroner who will determine the cause of the deaths.
You can read more on the fire here:
Updated
Queensland launches inquiry into 'Australia's worst pedophile'
Queensland’s government has kicked off an inquiry into the state’s response to child sexual abuse. It comes in the wake of the conviction of former childcare worker Ashley Paul Griffith over 307 offences committed over 20 years in 2024. He was sentenced to 27 years in jail.
The attorney general, Deb Frecklington, said Griffith was “one of the nation’s – or world’s – worst paedophiles operating here with children in the state”.
And that’s why we need to have these terms of reference to enable us to have a review that can look into broad-ranging topics to enable that we get to the root of the problem and we keep our children safe.
The inquiry will be led by child death review board head, Luke Twyford. Twyford said the inquiry would be broader than just the small fraction of child abuse that takes place in institutions, and would also investigate how to prevent it in the home.
We do want to look at, particularly the Australian child maltreatment study that was released two years ago, looking at the prevalence of child sexual abuse. Absolutely, I want to produce a report that identifies how Australia and particularly Queensland, can prevent child sexual abuse that will be part of that Terms of Reference.
The study found that more than one-in-three girls suffer sexual abuse as a child.
It’s terms of reference include establishing a timeline of conduct by Griffith to understand what laws, policies, procedures and practices could or should have enabled earlier identification, investigation and prosecution, and an examination of the policies and legislation that applied while he was offending.
Twyford will also be tasked with identifying best practice internationally for protecting children from sexual abuse, identifying perpetrators and responding to abuse. The inquiry is due to be completed later this year.
Updated
Many thanks for joining me on the blog today, Nino Bucci will be here to take you through the rest of our rolling coverage. Take care.
Three-year-old child bitten in Queensland dingo attack
A three-year-old child was reportedly bitten on the leg in a dingo attack on K’gari in Queensland at the weekend.
The island, previously known as Fraser Island, is home to a colony of dingoes which are believed to be the most pure strain of animal in the east of the country. They are protected under Australian law.
The attack took place at about 5pm on Saturday 18 January, according to a spokesperson for Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service.
While walking with family on the beach near Kingfisher Bay, the child was bitten on the back of the leg by a tagged dingo. Despite efforts to scare the animal away, it wasn’t deterred.
People on two nearby yachts came to assist, with one using a kayak paddle to attempt to fend off the animal. The dingo kept a distance but was not deterred.
A spokesperson said QPWS rangers will attempt to identify the dingo involved, and additional safety signage was installed in the area.
Updated
Bandt labels Trump a ‘danger’, says Dutton is using his election playbook as ‘how-to guide’
The Greens leader, Adam Bandt, has labelled Donald Trump a “danger” to democracy and peace, and says in Australia Peter Dutton is “treating Trump’s election playbook as a how-to guide”.
In a post to X, Bandt wrote that Trump “emboldens hate and will make the lives of women, people of colour, and queer people harder”.
He will work to undo hard-fought climate action. Today will be grim for many. But we mustn’t lose hope.
Here in Australia, Dutton is treating Trump’s election playbook as a how-to guide. Stoking fear and division while protecting corporate profits and big polluters. To stop Trumpism coming here, vote Greens to keep Dutton out.
Updated
Faeces and E coli found in ball-shaped debris that closed nine Sydney beaches
The Northern Beaches council has released further test results from the mysterious grey ball-shaped debris which closed nine beaches earlier this month.
It said it had passed the latest results on to the Environmental Protection Authority for further analysis, to help “locate the source of the pollution incident.”
In addition to the hydrocarbons identified during testing last week, the council said the latest results “indicate the presence of saturated fatty acids, along with faecal coliforms and E coli.”
Northern Beaches mayor Sue Heins said she hoped the source could be identified to this “can stop this from happening at other beaches”.
We are continuing to conduct regular inspections of our beaches and encourage the community to report any sightings.
Council said a small number of “marble-sized balls mixed in with pumice” had been cleaned up from harbour beaches this week, including at Little Manly and West Esplanade, and that it continues to monitor and clean up as needed.
Updated
Misinformation warning ahead of federal election
Voters have been warned to expect more disinformation being used at the upcoming federal election, AAP reports.
Australia’s Election Integrity Assurance Taskforce has urged voters to be wary of claims being spread online in the lead-up to the poll, while also expressing concern about the threat of foreign interference.
In a report published ahead of the election, the taskforce said the national poll could be undermined by cyber criminals in Australia and overseas – and that while foreign actors could seek to disseminate misinformation during the campaign, the bulk of it was likely to come domestically.
While disinformation directed covertly by a foreign power is foreign interference, most disinformation does not involve a foreign power. The shifting online environment involves the use of inauthentic activity to try and influence public debate, and generative artificial intelligence to produce false narratives
The taskforce said globally elections were not immune from interference, and Australia may not be an exception.
Foreign interference is a more prolific threat than ever before. Individuals or groups engaging in these actions, and those assisting them are often difficult to identify, and their links to foreign powers may not be immediately apparent.
Mental health ward closures begin in NSW
Mental health ward closures have already begun in NSW following the mass resignation of psychiatrists, but the industrial relations hearing won’t take place until March.
The directions hearing of the NSW Industrial Relations Commission arbitrating the workforce crisis and the resignation of more than 200 psychiatrists in the public system has just taken place.
The doctors union says there has been an agreement with the government to seek expedited arbitration which will occur from 17 March, over 5 days.
Dr Pramudie Gunaratne, chair of the NSW branch of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, says as the majority of psychiatrists resignations are taking place today, ward closures have already begun.
At Cumberland hospital its acute mental health ward and rehabilitation mental health wards have closed, Gunaratne said.
I anticipate far more closures.
Updated
Cheap loans for farmers under green bank scheme
Farmers will soon be able to take out loans discounted by the government-owned green bank to cover the cost of planting native trees and shrubs on their land to draw down carbon.
As AAP reports, the concessional loans courtesy of the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) and Rabobank are intended to cover the upfront cost of planting native trees on their properties before the vegetation starts sequestering carbon dioxide and paying itself off via carbon credits.
The agribusiness financier will kick in 0.15% of the discount and the government-owned green bank 1%, with the latter committing $200m towards the endeavour.
CEFC head of natural capital, Heechung Sung, said environmental planting sequestration had not been as popular as the lower cost techniques, such as human-induced regeneration methods that involve letting pastures regenerate and running fewer cattle and sheep.
By providing concessional loans and leveraging Rabobank’s relationship with agribusiness clients to educate them on the opportunity, Sung is hopeful more farmers will take the leap and produce more of the high-quality environmental planting credits.
While farmers have no regulatory obligation to produce carbon credits, Sung said customers were demanding change and companies were under pressure to decarbonise their supply chains.
Updated
Faith Affairs Council to ‘review stronger legislation’ in NSW
The NSW Faith Affairs Council said it would be working with the state government in coming weeks to review stronger legislation, after the attack of a childcare centre in Maroubra overnight.
In a statement, the council said that to specifically target a childcare centre and “threaten the safety of innocent children is horrifying”.
Acts of hatred are not acts of religion. We condemn antisemitism. We condemn hatred directed against any community in Australia.
We call on religious and community leaders to condemn this anti-religious act of violence, and proactively promote harmony and understanding across our multicultural and multifaith communities.
We will be working with the NSW government over the coming weeks to review stronger legislation.
Updated
Conservation Foundation urges strong climate action from government as Trump withdraws from Paris agreement
The Australian Conservation Foundation has reacted to the US president, Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw the US from the Paris climate agreement.
Climate policy adviser Annika Reynolds said the move was “deeply concerning” but “not a surprise”, and would “not halt the push for climate action in the US or around the world.”
Around the world, governments, businesses and communities will continue to push for action to tackle climate change, irrespective of what the US president does.
The US emits around 14% of global emissions. The Paris agreement covers around 97% of global emissions. Even after the US withdraws the agreement will still cover about 83% of the world’s climate emissions.
It is up to Australia and the other remaining 193 nation signatories to the Paris agreement to accelerate decarbonisation efforts and build up the clean energy trade relationships that will be the foundation of future global stability.
Reynolds urged the Albanese government to see the US withdrawal as an “opportunity to ramp up its Future Made in Australia agenda and commit to a strong 2035 emissions reduction target”.
Updated
Heatwave warnings across the country for days ahead
There are heatwave warnings in place for a number of states and territories in the coming days. In Western Australia, the Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting temperatures from the high 30s to the mid 40s.
Severe heatwave conditions are expected to persist over much of the southern and inland WA this week, and gradually ease over the west coast by the weekend.
In NSW, severe heatwave conditions are expected to build over north-east parts of the state before easing later in the week and over the weekend.
The NSW RFS said windy conditions would lead to elevated fire dangers between Wednesday and Friday, with several parts of the state forecast to reach a high danger rating.
The @BOM_au has forecast heatwave conditions for parts of the state over coming days, with inland temperatures to reach the mid-40's. Windy conditions will lead to elevated fire dangers between Wednesday and Friday, with several parts of the state forecast to reach High. pic.twitter.com/qQfZ0MDot8
— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) January 21, 2025
Severe heatwave conditions are expected to build over broad areas of southern and central Queensland this week and persist until at least the weekend.
And in the Northern Territory, maximum temps in the low to mid 40s are forecast, with severe heatwave conditions building over southwest parts, expected to persist for at least the remainder of the week.
Updated
NSW psychiatrists Industrial Relations Commission hearing under way
An urgent hearing is now taking place at the NSW Industrial Relations Commission that the state government has asked to arbitrate the workforce crisis involving the resignation of more than 200 psychiatrists in the public system.
The doctors union with Dr Pramudie Gunaratne, chair of the NSW branch of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, will be holding a press conference after the decision at 1pm AEDT outside the commission in Parramatta.
I’ll be bringing you the latest from that conference here on the blog so stay tuned.
Updated
Australian dollar slides as traders react to Trump tariff comments
The Australian dollar has been whipsawed as investors react to mixed messages concerning Donald Trump’s plans to impose tariffs on its trading partners.
The Aussie rose 1.2% overnight to 62.60 US cents, and continued its ascent after Asian markets opened to trade just under 63 US cents by lunch time in Australia after Trump stopped short of imposing tariffs on his return to the presidency.
Instead, he directed federal agencies to evaluate US trade relationships with the potential targets of his tariffs, which are China, Canada and Mexico.
Given tariffs are widely seen as inflationary, any signs of a pull-back from the tough tariff rhetoric that marked the US election campaign should deflate the value of the US dollar.
But the Australian dollar, and other non-US currencies, then fell sharply after the US president told reporters he was thinking of imposing 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico.
He said the action could come on 1 February, according to Reuters.
The Australian dollar dropped immediately to 62.1 US cents before recovering slightly, while global stock markets also shed value.
Faruqi says spate of racist hate ‘should never be tolerated’
Greens senator Mehreen Faruqi says the “appalling” attack on a Maroubra childcare centre in Sydney is “completely unacceptable and has no place in our society.”
In a statement, she said the “spate of Islamophobia, antisemitism and anti-Palestinian hate are racist and should never be tolerated”.
Many of these attacks bear the mark of neo-Nazi ideology which is a threat to all of us. Racism needs to be tackled at its root cause, without politicisation or weaponizations. My thoughts are with the communities who have been targeted.
Updated
PM says Labor will continue to act on climate crisis despite Trump’s Paris call
Anthony Albanese was asked again about Donald Trump‘s inauguration, saying he’s “optimistic” Australia will be able to avoid tariffs from the US.
Albanese said he had a “warm” first conversation with the president to congratulate him.
If you look at the changes that are occurring in the global economy, Australia is really well positioned. We have all of the mineral resources that will power the world this century, and as well we have a skilled workforce.
On whether Trump’s position on climate action will impact Australia’s policies, Albanese said we’re a “sovereign nation”.
[We] will continue to take action on climate change, not just because we have an interest in meeting the challenge. We know that Australia’s particularly been adversely affected by extreme weather events... We know that we’re particularly vulnerable.
Updated
AFP to brief national cabinet meeting: PM
The prime minister has spoken to Channel 7 about the antisemitic attack at a childcare centre in Sydney overnight, and his decision to call a national cabinet meeting tonight.
Anthony Albanese said the federal police would brief state and territory leaders this evening:
We are seeing action … It’s very important that people know that this morning they went through the number of people who’ve not just been arrested, they’ve been charged, they’ve been denied bail.
Albanese said the penalties are already tough, and NSW and Victorian governments have signalled further changes to their legislation.
We, of course, have introduced legislation outlawing terror symbols like Nazi symbols, like the flag of terrorist organisations like Hezbollah. So we will continue, though, I mean, the law isn’t something that’s stagnant.
It’s something that must be consistently monitored to make sure that community standards are kept up.
Albanese wouldn’t say whether the acts should be designated as domestic terrorism, saying it’s up to the police to make that decision.
Updated
Vandalism and racist attacks in Sydney ‘have no place in our community’: Shoebridge
Greens senator David Shoebridge says the vandalism and racism across Sydney this past week has “no place in our community”, after the latest attack on a childcare centre at Maroubra. In a post to X, he wrote:
The vandalism and racism across Sydney over the past week, from Wiley Park to Dover Heights, and now the appalling attack on a childcare centre in Maroubra, have no place in our community.
The Nazi graffiti, fires, antisemitic, anti-Arab and racist attacks are despicable. Everyone deserves to be safe, these attacks make us all feel less safe and make it harder to reach the goal of peace with justice both here and abroad.
Updated
Spender to bring forward legislation to strengthen federal hate speech laws
The Independent MP for Wentworth, Allegra Spender, has welcomed the prime minister’s move to hold a national cabinet meeting this afternoon to combat antisemitism. In a post to X, she said:
Now is also the time to strengthen federal laws against hate speech and vilification, which I will put forward when parliament returns in February.
Australian government reacts to Trump inauguration
Here’s our full story taking in the Australian government’s reaction to Donald Trump’s inauguration this morning:
Updated
Canavan on net zero and Paris climate agreement
Queensland Liberal National senator and known coal advocate, Matt Canavan, has never been one to shy away from his position on climate change and renewable energy.
This morning, as Donald Trump began signing a series of executive orders at his inauguration, Canavan reiterated his position against the Coalition’s policy to support net zero emissions by 2050. Canavan wrote in a post to X:
Net zero is dead, buried and cremated.
As one of his first acts as president, Trump signed an order he would pull the US out of the Paris agreement once more.
Last November, the climate change minister, Chris Bowen, declared the global agreement – to curb emissions and keep the rise in temperatures to below 2C above preindustrial levels – was working as it had brought the world back from “the brink of catastrophic 4C warming”. Canavan said on X:
There is no reason Australia should remain in Paris when China, India, Indonesia, and now the US, are not.
Updated
Childcare centre CEO ‘shocked and horrified’ by attack
Anna Learmouth, CEO of the Only About Children childcare centre in Maroubra, spoke with ABC TV about the attack on the centre overnight. She said:
We are shocked and horrified to see the damage that has been occurred at our service, and obviously our immediate thoughts are with the community. We have been focused on ensuring our team, our families and the children are safe and aware of what is going on, and we have been in communication with them this morning.
Albanese fields questions on potential of tariffs from US
On tariffs, Anthony Albanese pointed out – as others have today – that the US has a trade surplus with Australia, and has done so since the Truman presidency.
The US is a major investor here in Australia, and we have significant relationships in economic terms, in defence and national security terms, and I look forward to working with the Trump administration.
Albanese was asked: what is your message for farmers, miners and businesses that rely on trade as a Trump becomes president again?
The PM repeated his comments that Australia has “an important economic relationship with the US, and I look forward to working constructively with the US administration”.
Updated
Albanese says he has ‘highly constructive dialogue’ with Trump
Earlier this morning, the foreign affairs minister, Penny Wong, said Australia should be “realistic” about Donald Trump’s America First agenda
Asked if he had received assurances from Trump that his America First policy would not have an impact on Australia, Anthony Albanese said he had a “highly constructive dialogue” with the US president.
I congratulate president Trump on his inauguration, it is a significant achievement to be elected president of the United States of America, not once but twice now, and I look forward to having a constructive engagement with him.
Updated
Albanese says national cabinet will meet on antisemitism and ‘a couple of other issues’
Circling back to the prime minister’s press conference in western Sydney, where he has been taking questions about this afternoon’s national cabinet meeting.
Anthony Albanese said the national cabinet would convene on antisemitism and “there are a couple of other issues today”.
We will discuss the agenda when it comes through with the premiers …
The PM said that “what is more important, is action”, pointing to the press conference he gave this morning alongside Chris Minns where they outlined a number of arrests that have been made.
Updated
Wesfarmers to wind down online retailer Catch
Perth-based conglomerate Wesfarmers is winding down its e-commerce platform, Catch, after years of underperformance by the once promising online retailer.
Wesfarmers said in a statement that Catch’s e-commerce fulfilment centres will be transferred to Kmart Group, which houses the Kmart and Target businesses. Wesfarmers managing director Rob Scott said in a statement:
The recent increase in competitive intensity in the Australian e-commerce sector has affected Catch’s financial performance and growth prospects.
We thank the Catch team for their hard work improving the operating performance of the business and building valuable capabilities for the group. Where possible, opportunities for redeployment within the group will be offered to affected team members.
Wesfarmers bought Catch, known for its online Catch of the Day deals, from its founders in 2019 for $230m as part of its expansion into digital retail. But revenue soon started to drop as shoppers moved their business elsewhere, including Wesfarmers’ revamped Kmart stores.
Wesfarmers said it would provide an update to shareholders on the wind down at a strategy briefing in May.
Local MP condemns targeting of childcare centre in his electorate
The MP for Kingsford Smith in Sydney – which includes Maroubra, the suburb where a childcare centre was targeted with antisemitic graffiti and set alight overnight – has issued a statement on the incident.
Matt Thistlethwaite said the attack “is a disgusting and cowardly act of antisemitism that I strongly condemn”.
The targeting of an early child education facility is horrific.
I offer my full support to members of our Jewish community and the staff, parents and children of the school. Please feel free to contact me if you need assistance.
There is no place for these hateful and cowardly acts of antisemitism.
Updated
Sussan Ley says Albanese has ‘finally bowed to pressure’ to convene national cabinet
As Josh Butler confirmed earlier, Anthony Albanese will convene national cabinet this afternoon to address antisemitism in Australia.
The deputy leader of the Liberal party, Sussan Ley, has posted a video to social media, saying the prime minister has “finally bowed to pressure” and called the meeting.
But that’s not enough. He must act.
Updated
Albanese addressing media in western Sydney
The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, is addressing reporters in western Sydney. He is announcing more than half a billion dollars for two projects in the region, including:
$345m from the federal government to upgrade stage one of Townson Road and Burdekin Road at Schofields.
$235m to deliver the early works and property acquisitions to support the upgrade of 3.2km of Garfield Road West between Richmond Road, Marsden Park and Denmark Road, Riverstone.
The PM said the announcement was “$580m from the commonwealth in total to safeguard a region that is growing.”
Updated
National cabinet to meet this afternoon to discuss antisemitism in Australia
National cabinet will meet this afternoon to discuss antisemitism in Australia, Guardian Australia has confirmed.
Government sources said Anthony Albanese would convene a virtual meeting of state and territory leaders at 5pm AEDT today. It comes after the latest antisemitic attack on a Sydney childcare centre overnight, which Albanese described as “a hate crime” and “an act of vile, antisemitic violence”.
We’ll bring you more shortly. Albanese is holding a press conference in western Sydney.
Updated
More reactions from Maroubra locals to childcare attack
Andrew Golabek, 64, a local business owner, said that he thought “fighting overseas shouldn’t get involved in Australia”.
This is a peaceful country. Why do they attack the childcare? Why do they attack children? They have no morals and ethics.
Pro-Palestinian Jewish advocate and former member of the synagogue, Michelle Anna Berkon, said that “racism is horrific”.
It’s a terrible thing. This is a really awful thing to happen in the Jewish community I grew up in.
Graffiti daubed on the centre could not be seen late this morning, with earlier footage from the scene showing the words “Fuck the Jews” written on a wall beside the burning building.
Updated
Maroubra community members react to targeting of local childcare centre
Nick Klein, an accountant, lives two streets from the synagogue and is due to celebrate his son’s barmitzvah there on Saturday. He said it was “very close to home”.
To smell the fire here, it’s shocking. The fact that it’s a childcare centre – how low can you go? I just think it’s disgusting, it’s a disgrace. These people are deliberately targeting the Jewish community. It’s a crime, it’s clearly a racist crime.
A member of the synagogue’s congregation, who wished to remain anonymous, said he was “rattled, shocked, but also disgusted that this could happen in our community.”
I’ve called Australia home all my life and this is really testing what I thought of my country. I know this is a minority but it needs to be stamped out. It’s hard for everyone here, it’s not just the Jewish community.
Updated
Maroubra residents shocked after attack on local childcare centre
Maroubra residents have expressed shock after an antisemitic attack on a local childcare centre.
Only About Children on Storey Street was firebombed and daubed with graffiti before 1am this morning. It is close to the Maroubra synagogue and the Mount Sanai college, but is understood not to have religious affiliations.
Later this morning, extensive fire damage in the lower level of the two-storey building was clear, with the smell of burning in the air.
Anthony Albanese visited the centre at about 8.30am and arson detectives remain at the scene.
A local mother who walks past the centre on her school commute and wished to remain anonymous said that Maroubra was “a close and diverse community, where people of all cultures, religions and backgrounds live together in harmony and help each other out.”
This kind of hate has no place here, and we will continue to resist it with all our hearts.
Updated
Police appeal for information after gun found in backpack at sporting event last year
NSW police are appealing for information after a man allegedly found a pistol hidden inside a backpack at a sporting event last year.
Police said on 6 October, a 37-year-old man attended the event at Thomas Dalton park at Fairy Meadow and found a grey Puma backpack. Police allege that inside was a black pistol wrapped in a sock, inside a clear zip-lock resealable bag.
The man reported the find to officers, who commenced an investigation. The pistol was subject to a forensic examination by specialist police.
Police have today released images of the firearm, urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers.
Updated
Extreme heat, heavy rainfall across WA as conservation council calls on government to reject fossil fuel expansion
The Conservation Council of Western Australia says Perth was approaching record temperatures yesterday, as Tropical Cyclone Sean flooded the Pilbara with record rainfall.
Perth recorded 44C yesterday, in what it said was a “clear signal that climate change is here and now”. At the same time, Karratha was hit with 270mm of rain in less than 24 hours.
Anna Chapman, the fossil fuels program manager at the CCWA, said these “weather extremes offer a taste of our future if we continue to drive climate change by expanding gas extraction and processing.”
The state government’s continued support for the expansion of fossil fuel projects, including extending the North West Shelf gas processing facility at Woodside’s Burrup Hub, directly contributes to the escalating climate crisis. The pollution generated by gas projects will only exacerbate the extreme weather events we are already witnessing.
She called on the WA government to reject new fossil fuel developments – such as Woodside’s Browse gas proposal, “where there are plans to drill 50 gas wells around the pristine Scott Reef”.
Instead, WA could be a world leader in creating a clean, renewable energy future.
Updated
No more warnings for misbehaving telcos as government increases penalties for breaches
Misbehaving telecommunication companies will no longer be warned before being slapped with new multimillion-dollar fines for breaching their obligations to customers.
As AAP reports, the federal government has scrapped the two-step process that can lead to major fines for telcos that breach industry standards or codes of conduct.
Currently, the Australian Communication and Media Authority must first issue a warning to encourage the company to comply no matter how serious the breach. If there is further noncompliance then the agency can act to issue a fine.
Under the changes, the agency can act quickly to hold the companies to account and will no longer be tied to issuing a warning before cracking down on serious breaches.
To align telcos with other sectors like energy and banking, the maximum penalties for breaches of industry codes and standards will also increase from $250,000 to $10m. Courts will also be able to determine the fine amount based on the financial turnover of the telco and the scale of the breach to ensure the penalty is proportionate to the harm caused.
A Carriage Service Provider registration scheme will also be established to increase the visibility of telecommunication retailers in the market. The scheme also means the enforcement agency can stop providers from operating in the market when they’ve been found to pose “unacceptable risk to consumers or have caused significant consumer harm”.
Updated
Australia among top five countries for trust in scientists
Most people trust scientists and believe they should engage more in policymaking, a survey of nearly 72,000 people in 68 countries has found.
Out of the countries surveyed, Australia ranked equal fifth with Bangladesh for trust in scientists, behind Egypt, India, Nigeria and Kenya.
Study co-author Dr Mathew Marques, of La Trobe University, said in western countries people with rightwing political views trusted scientists less than those with leftwing political views, with Australia as an exception:
Unlike in North America and many western European countries, in Australia having a right-wing versus left-leaning political orientation didn’t seem to matter. This could mean political polarisation around science is not as much of an issue in Australia as it is for specific scientific issues like climate change.
Study co-author Dr Zoe Leviston of the Australian National University said most people believed scientists should spend more time trying to improve public health outcomes, reduce poverty, and develop clean energy technologies, adding:
68% of Australians agree or strongly agree that scientists should communicate their findings to politicians, while 80% believe scientists have a responsibility to communicate about science with the general public. Globally, 78% of respondents perceive scientists to be qualified, while 57% perceive scientists to be honest.
Updated
More details on graffiti and fire at Sydney childcare centre
AAP has more details on the targeting of the Only About Children centre in Maroubra in Sydney’s east overnight.
The centre was allegedly set on fire shortly after midnight, while the words “Fuck the Jews” were sprayed in black paint on a wall.
The site is a block away from Maroubra synagogue, and the attack marks the latest in a string of alleged antisemitic arson and graffiti incidents in the city’s east, which is home to a large Jewish community.
Before their press conference, the prime minister, Anthony Albanese, and NSW premier, Chris Minns, both attended the site.
The ground floor of the childcare centre was well alight by the time firefighters arrived on the scene, NSW police said. The blaze was put out but the building sustained extensive damage. There were no reports of injuries and the property was empty at the time.
Scorch marks could be seen around broken windows of the childcare centre hours later and the burnt smell of the overnight firebombing was still evident nearby.
Updated
What is 93Z under the NSW Crimes Act?
Just circling back to some legislation changes that the NSW premier, Chris Minns, flagged during that press conference.
He flagged potential changes to 93Z of the Crimes Act. This section outlines the “offence of publicly threatening or inciting violence on grounds of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or intersex or HIV/AIDS status”.
You can read more details on the act here.
In late 2023, the NSW parliament amended section 93Z to make it easier for police to prosecute anyone “recklessly or intentionally” threatening or inciting violence against others on a range of issues, including on the basis of race, religion and sexual orientation.
Updated
Woman arrested in relation to alleged December antisemitic attack in Woollahra
At the press conference just minutes ago, acting police commissioner, Peter Thurtell, said a 34-year-old woman was arrested in relation to an alleged antisemitic attack on Magney Street in Woollahra in December.
He said other people were being investigated, and police were also looking at “all the other matters to see whether they’re linked”.
The female – we’re investigating whether there’s other people involved with her. We won’t stop. We’ve obviously got good leads that we’re going through.
Asked if she was alleged to be a “main player”, Thurtell said that matter was before court today:
We’re alleging that she was part of a criminal group that was involved in that. So, yes, we do believe that she was a significant player in that incident.
Updated
Ryvchin says ‘we need national cabinet to deal with national emergency’
Co-CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry Alex Ryvchin has again called for national cabinet to meet to deal with the increase in antisemitic attacks, which he labelled a “national emergency”.
Ryvchin’s former home in Sydney was vandalised last week. He told reporters after the attack it would be “one hell of a coincidence” if he was not the target.
In a post to X this morning, Ryvchin said that to firebomb a childcare centre “requires a depth of savagery that is difficult to imagine”.
Today, families will be having conversations about whether it’s safe to send their children to the places where they should be safest. Places of worship, homes and now preschools have all been targeted …
Antisemitism consumes everything. It is the disease that is destroying our country. We need national cabinet to deal with what is a national emergency.
Updated
Albanese to discuss convening national cabinet this afternoon
Taking some final questions, the prime minister was asked if he would convene national cabinet after two antisemitic attacks in four days.
Anthony Albanese said “we’ll have a discussion this afternoon”.
We met, last week, the premier of Victoria and the acting premier of NSW.
Obviously, like in other places at this time of the year, people have been on leave. I know that the premier came back here in NSW, so we’ll have that discussion this afternoon.
Updated
Minns flags potential changes to both criminal and sentencing laws
Asked whether the NSW government would be reforming the Crimes Act or the Sentencing Act, Chris Minns said “potentially both.”
This is, in some measures, a question of … aggravating factors … at sentencing, but also changes to 93Z [under the Crimes Act] …
I think it’s reasonable for the government to produce the legislation, take it to cabinet, then release it to the public – and I’ll talk more about it when it’s ready to go.
Updated
Asked whether the antisemitic attacks are considered acts of terror, Chris Minns said this designation activates more laws police need to conduct an investigation.
Police will not hesitate to make that designation if they believe it’s appropriate to conduct the investigation. But right now, we’ve got strong laws in NSW.
A reporter put to Chris Minns said there is “no sign that police have got this under control” – a notion which the premier rejected.
I want to push back on the idea that no-one’s been arrested for vicious attacks throughout Sydney.
Minns denies he has ‘lost control of this crisis’
Chris Minns was asked if he had “lost control of this crisis” despite his strong rhetoric against the antisemitic attacks. The premier said “I don’t believe so”, and said he was able to “detail in specifics where arrests have taken place in NSW”.
But Minns said it would not be appropriate for him to “promise the end of this kind of violence”.
We are seeing a wave of antisemitic attacks in our community. It’s deeply distressing. As I said earlier, it breaks your heart that we have animals in our city that are prepared to burn down a childcare centre to make this point.
But what I can promise is that the resources of the NSW police and the [state] government and the commonwealth government are directed at this today and tomorrow and, as long as it takes to catch the people who are responsible for it.
Updated
Rise in antisemitic attacks a ‘major concern' for NSW, Minns says
Asked why the police commissioner and the deputy commissioner are both on leave, Chris Minns assured “resources are going in to fight this crime”.
That can happen during a holiday period or in the middle of July or late in the year. The public needs to have confidence – and they should have confidence – that the resources are going in to fight this crime.
Minns said authorities were not trying to push “anything … under the carpet, or downplay their significance, or suggest to the public that they’re not serious”.
They are. The rise in antisemitic attacks in NSW is a major concern for the state – the primary concern for NSW. I want to make sure that the public are aware that the full resources will be deployed.
Updated
Triple-zero call alerted police to childcare centre fire
Acting NSW police commissioner, Peter Thurtell, said a triple-zero call alerted emergency services to the fire at the Only About Children childcare centre in Maroubra.
We are now in the process of forensically examining the premises, including any CCTV in the area … This matter will be investigated by Strike Force Pearl, which has been operating for quite some time. And that strike force will have its resources increased as of today.
Thurtell said Operation Shelter, the overarching operation NSW police has conducted since October 2023, had arrested over 180 people, 40 for alleged antisemitic offences.
Updated
Albanese says targeting of childcare centre ‘horrifying’, would ‘lead to action’
Anthony Albanese said the childcare centre that was targeted has a mural done by members of the local Jewish community, as well as Catholics and people of other faiths, who came together to promote “the sort of harmony that enriches Australia”.
This is a place for children and families, and it should never have been denigrated by this despicable and horrifying crime.
The PM said he had spoken with the antisemitism envoy, Jillian Segal, and the AFP commissioner, Reece Kershaw, about the incident.
This is something that people in this great multicultural city of Sydney should never wake up to, and this news will lead to action.
As the premier has said already, people have been rounded up and caught, and are being prosecuted, denied bail and, indeed, federally as well, under Operation Avalite – which is responsible for coordinating the action between the commonwealth and the state police jurisdictions – the first arrest occurred last Thursday.
Updated
Albanese speaking about childcare centre attack
The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, is also addressing reporters after the targeting of the childcare centre overnight. He said this was the “latest in a series of antisemitic hate crimes”.
And it is a crime, a vicious crime … How you could think that something like this would advance any alleged cause that people might have. The only objective which will be achieved by this crime is the fulfilment of these people being caught, charged, and facing the full force of the law.
Updated
No one trying to downplay seriousness of attacks, Minns says
Chris Minns said there was a “long way to go” to addressing antisemitism, but that “no one” in the NSW government, police, or the federal government was “trying to downplay the seriousness of these attacks.”
It needs a full and comprehensive police response. It needs proper coordination between the states and the commonwealth, between our police agencies and intelligence agencies at the federal level. But I want to make it clear that’s exactly what is happening right now.
Updated
Minns addressing reporters in Sydney
The NSW premier, Chris Minns, is speaking to reporters in Sydney after a childcare centre in Sydney was targeted with antisemitic graffiti and set alight overnight.
He said this was “appalling behaviour”, with the centre located on the same block as a synagogue.
I want to make it clear that this is atrocious. Right now, NSW police are conducting a major investigation into who is responsible for this vicious hate crime …
I think we know enough already, without knowing the identities, to know the kind of people that we are dealing with – the kind of people that would burn down a childcare centre on the day children are meant to be returning to the classroom, the kind of people that would burn it down because it’s located next to a synagogue … It is completely disgusting, and these bastards will be rounded up by NSW police.
Updated
Zionist Federation of Australia says targeting of childcare centre ‘horrifying’
Jeremy Leibler, president of the Zionist Federation of Australia, said the targeting of a childcare centre in Sydney with antisemitic graffiti was “horrifying”. In a statement this morning, he said:
The fact that anyone would target a place where young children learn and play is a chilling escalation of the antisemitic hate we have seen growing in this country. This is not just graffiti. This is not just vandalism. This is a deliberate attempt to instil fear in a Jewish community that has already endured well over a year of intimidation and violence.
Leibler said it could not be “dismissed” as an isolated incident and “unless our leaders act decisively, it will get worse”.
We call on authorities to treat this attack with the gravity it deserves and ensure that those responsible are held to account.
Updated
How is NSW government planning to strengthen hate speech laws?
Asked how the New South Wales government was planning to strengthen hate speech laws, as it had previously flagged, Chris Minns outlined as follows:
In NSW, if someone vilifies an individual, then it has to be a private prosecution. It’s against the law, but the police don’t take care of that prosecution. In Western Australia, and soon to be in Victoria, these are criminal offences.
And as a result of that, the individual has to put their own name on it. They might have to expose themselves and say … ‘I think you’re responsible for vilification in our community’. Eventually, that vilification could lead to violence, and I’m going to take a stand.
I don’t think we should be expecting members of our community to take up that responsibility. I think that’s the state’s role, and that’s part of the legislation.
Updated
Minns says graffiti, fire at childcare centre ‘sophisticated attack’
Earlier, the NSW premier, Chris Minns, spoke with 2GB about the antisemitic targeting of a childcare centre in Maroubra overnight.
He said it was “not just malicious damage or random graffiti” but a “sophisticated attack”.
We are very alarmed and concerned about it. Police are putting resources into it as we speak. They will track down these people …
I don’t think that this begins and ends with somebody launching an attack in a street in Sydney. I think it begins with language. And I think that the incendiary language that’s heard in different parts of Sydney can eventually lead, maybe a month or two months down the line, to someone committing a violent attack on someone.
Updated
Albanese congratulates Trump on inauguration
Earlier this morning, the prime minister, Anthony Albanese, congratulated Donald Trump on his inauguration, writing on X:
Congratulations [Donald Trump] on your inauguration as 47th President of the United States. The United States is a great friend of Australia’s. Our Alliance has never been stronger. I look forward to working with you on the opportunities and challenges ahead.
The foreign minister, Penny Wong, also shared a photo from Washington DC, alongside Quad foreign ministers at the inauguration. She wrote:
The United States is Australia’s closest ally. I look forward to working together with the new Administration to deliver on our shared interests.
Today I joined Quad Foreign Ministers to represent Australia at President Trump’s inauguration.
— Senator Penny Wong (@SenatorWong) January 20, 2025
The United States is Australia’s closest ally. I look forward to working together with the new Administration to deliver on our shared interests. pic.twitter.com/rjeQbze2MB
Updated
US energy policy could impact prices across the world, Sinodinos says
Arthur Sinodinos said his message to Australians following Trump’s inauguration was that there would be “risks and there will be opportunities”.
He said “certain sectors will benefit … more than others” from Trump cutting regulation, and that Australia could do more with the US when it comes to critical minerals.
They’re obviously going to compete with us on energy. Trump is wanting to produce even more oil and gas, and as part of his anti-inflationary policy, reduce energy prices in the US and export a lot of energy abroad, which will have a broad impact on energy prices across the world.
Updated
Trump visit to Australia should include broader Indo-Pacific, Sinodinos says
On the prospect of Donald Trump visiting Australia, Arthur Sinodinos said this should be part of a broader trip across the Indo-Pacific:
He didn’t attend many of the summits in the Indo-Pacific in his last time in office. This time, we’ve got to encourage him to do that, because the best way to get him to Australia is as part of a trip where he also does a sweep through other important countries in the region.
I think the important thing is not whether he comes here on the state visit or not. He fought for years whether he engages in the region, and he seemed to engage, and in that way, is giving his presidential imprimatur to a set of coordinated policies that we have in the Indo-Pacific, or have had to date.
Updated
Former ambassador says US needs to remember ‘they need us’
Another former Australian ambassador to the US, Arthur Sinodinos, spoke with ABC RN after Trump’s inauguration this morning.
He pointed to a number of meetings the foreign minister, Penny Wong, will hold in the coming days in the US and said “the message to the Americans has to be they need us”.
We need to remind the Americans of how much Australia brings to the table when it comes to defence, not just in terms of levels of spending, but where that money is spent. It’s about Aukus. It’s about forced posture initiatives in the north of Australia. It’s about Pine Gap. It’s about North West Cape. All the other stuff we do which is integral to American security – they have to be reminded, I think the extent to which their security is based on what other countries do and help.
Updated
Social changes in US will have flow-on effect to Australia, Hockey says
Joe Hockey said he was “not so worried” about the impact on Australia of tariffs as he is on “the impact on Australia of change in America”.
America is the biggest economy in the world. When they cut company taxes, if Australia doesn’t follow, we become massively uncompetitive. If they cut personal income tax, it’s going to have an impact in Australia. If they get rid of regulation – and God, there’s so much red tape here – then it’s very hard to do business in Australia rather than in America.
So I think what you’re going to see is that the second round impact of decisions that Trump makes in America are going to have the big impact on Australia, and they’re going to force policy change in Australia.
In particular, Hockey said social change in America would impact Australia – pointing to the comments Trump made about gender and the Paris climate agreement.
He’s already said he’s going to tear up the Paris climate agreement, so you can see business already moving in a different direction here in the United States. And I mean, the social changes here are going to have an impact in Australia as well. So, you know, I think … that’s where the impact will be most keenly felt.
Updated
Trump ‘has no handbrake’ and is ‘going to be off the leash’ – Hockey
The former Australian ambassador to the US, Joe Hockey, also spoke with the Today show from Washington DC earlier this morning, after Trump’s inauguration.
Asked for his thoughts, Hockey said it was “expected” and that Donald Trump “has no handbrake” because “he’s not worried about re-election.”
He’s not worried about what the media says. He’s not worried about the courts. He’s not worried about whether he has a financial future after he finishes as president, he’s going to be off the leash and it’s all going to unfold pretty quickly.
Hockey said that usually an incoming president would give a speech and then “disappear for 24 to 48 hours, gets on with it”.
Whereas Donald Trump not only goes on to give another speech, he’s actually going to an arena and giving another speech again. So he’s very much unfiltered.
Updated
‘We know there is a lot of work’: Wong on the reconstruction of Gaza
Finally, asked if Australia would provide support for the reconstruction of Gaza, Penny Wong pointed to humanitarian assistance Australia had already committed.
And we certainly will look at what the international community seeks in terms of further support for stability in the region. We know there is a lot of work.
Australia should be ‘realistic’ about Trump’s America First agenda, Wong says
Asked if Donald Trump’s second term would include more disruption than the first, Penny Wong again declined to wade into commentary.
But she said “President Trump has made it very clear he’s going to do things differently”.
He’s made it clear is going to implement an America First agenda, and we should be realistic about that. We should also be confident in who we are, in our values, our place in the world, and our ability to deliver on our national interests, and that’s what we will be focused on in these coming weeks and months.
Updated
Wong declines to comment on domestic US policy amid visit to Washington
Let’s circle back to Penny Wong, who also spoke with ABC RN as part of her breakfast program rounds this morning.
The foreign minister was asked about some comments Donald Trump made during his inauguration – that the official policy of the US government would be there are only two genders, male and female.
Asked for the Australian government’s position on this, Wong said she wouldn’t wade into US domestic matters as foreign minister:
I think the prime minister was asked this in the campaign. I’ll refer you to his answer, but I don’t intend – particularly while I’m here in Washington – to comment on President Trump’s domestic policy announcement …
I have a job to do here in Washington, and that is to advocate for Australia’s interests, our security interests and our economic interests. And that’s what I’ve been doing.
Updated
Minns and NSW police to address media later this morning
The NSW premier, Chris Minns, is expected to address reporters on the antisemitic graffiti and fire at a childcare centre in Sydney later this morning.
NSW police said they would also speak about the arrest and charging of a woman yesterday over a separate incident, as investigations continue into the alleged malicious damage of vehicles and buildings at Woollahra last month.
Updated
NSW multiculturalism minister condemns ‘unconscionable’ targeting of childcare centre
The NSW minister for multiculturalism, Steve Kamper, has described the antisemitic graffiti on a childcare centre in Maroubra overnight as “unconscionable” and “heartbreaking”.
He said the centre is located less than 200m from a synagogue, saying in a statement:
This despicable act has no place in our society. Antisemitism must be unequivocally condemned.
The cowardly thugs who perpetrated these acts deserve to be met with the full force of the law, they are a blight on our multicultural society.
We will be meeting with the NSW Faith Affairs Council prior to the next parliament sitting to review stronger legislation.
Updated
Albanese condemns alleged 'evil hate crime' in Maroubra overnight
The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, has commented on the damage and antisemitic graffiti caused to a childcare centre in Sydney’s east overnight.
I utterly condemn this evil hate crime. My government will support NSW police to hunt down the offenders and ensure they face the full force of the law through Operation Avalite.
It comes a day after Peter Dutton and the Coalition promised tougher penalties and mandatory minimum jail sentences for antisemitic attacks.
Updated
Wong says Albanese would have opportunity at appropriate time to meet Trump
The foreign minister, Penny Wong, has been making the rounds on breakfast TV after Donald Trump’s inauguration early this morning, also appearing on ABC News Breakfast.
Asked if Anthony Albanese would meet with Trump before the federal election, or if Trump may visit Australia during his second term, Wong said:
This is all interesting discussion, but the president has only just been inaugurated … In terms of future meetings, I’m sure that the prime minister will have the opportunity at the appropriate time to meet the president.
Updated
Wong confident on Aukus and Kevin Rudd’s future
On the Aukus deal, Penny Wong said commentary from the secretary of state, Marco Rubio, during his confirmation hearings were “very positive”.
He talked about this being an example of how you can make sure alliances and partnerships expand our collective strength in support of peace and deterrence.
She also defended Kevin Rudd’s role as ambassador to the US, following comments he had made in the past about Donald Trump, and said Rudd was “central to the invitation” for the Australian government.
He’s been central to the opportunity I have to meet with the national security adviser and the secretary of state, and he’s been central to the bipartisan support for Aukus that we have seen. Kevin has been doing an excellent job, and he’s certainly developed very strong relationships across the aisle with both Republicans and Democrats to the benefit of our country.
Updated
When will Australia get clarity on tariffs?
Penny Wong said the new US administration had just been sworn in and “I’m sure they will work through their agenda”.
Other governments, and certainly the Australian government, will continue to engage, to put our view and to work through any announcements that are made in relevant areas in the days to come.
US-China relationship a matter for them, Wong says
Asked how Australia can “tread carefully” when it comes to the US-China relationship, Penny Wong said those two nations’ relationship was a matter for them.
The foreign minister said her focus was on “making this relationship between China and Australia more stable”.
We’re pleased that the trade impediments have been removed, and that’s obviously been of benefit to Australian jobs. I’ve also been clear, as has the prime minister, that there are things on which we are simply going to disagree on and those things are not going to change.
Updated
Wong highlights 'two-to-one' benefit to US of Australia trade relationship in tariff talks
The foreign affairs minister, Penny Wong, says it was a “privilege and honour” to be the first Australian foreign minister to “be invited and to attend an inauguration on behalf of our country”.
She spoke with the Today show from Washington DC, where she attended Donald Trump’s inauguration.
Wong said Trump made it clear during his speech he was “going to do things differently”. She said she would meet tomorrow with the secretary of state, Marco Rubio, and the national security adviser “in the near future”.
On the long list of executive orders Trump will sign in the coming hours, and how worried she is about the prospect of tariffs on Australia, Wong said:
My message here in Washington to those I meet is to point out the reality of the economic relationship between Australia and the United States, that there is a surplus in America’s favour. There has been for decades. In fact, it’s about two to one. And of those exports from Australia that come here, about half of them go into the US production.
Updated
McKenzie says ‘Australia not the target’ of Trump’s tariff agenda
Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie also spoke with the Today show about Donald Trump after his inauguration, and argued “Australia is not the target” when it comes to his tariff agenda.
As we know, the Wall Street Journal is obviously reporting, now [Trump is] going to review the trade situation and then look at what sort of tariff changes need to be made.
We need to make sure that our foreign affairs ministry, our trade minister and our ambassador are deeply engaged in that review process to make sure our national interest is upheld.
Updated
Rishworth says Australia will work ‘incredibly closely’ with Donald Trump
The social services minister, Amanda Rishworth, says the Australian government will be working “incredibly closely” with US president Donald Trump – after his inauguration early this morning.
Speaking with the Today show, Rishworth said:
I have to say from Australia’s perspective, we want to make sure that we’re working very closely with him. This, of course, is the most closest global partner we have in America, and the most important strategic ally. So we as a country will be working incredibly closely with him.
Asked how worried she is about the establishment of tariffs, the minister said “we think that we can have a very constructive relationship when it comes to this”.
Importantly, the Australian-US trade relationship is one that is mutually beneficial. So in fact, the US has a trade surplus with Australia.
So we’ll be working in our national interest. We think that we can have a very constructive relationship when it comes to this. And the prime minister no doubt will be putting forward just how mutually beneficial that this trade relationship is, which I think is important to recognise.
Updated
Childcare centre targeted with antisemitic graffiti in Sydney
NSW police have confirmed a childcare centre in Sydney’s south-east was targeted with antisemitic graffiti and set alight overnight.
Just before 1am emergency services were called to the centre in Maroubra where firefighters extinguished the blaze, but the building was “significantly damaged”, police said.
The building was unoccupied at the time and there were no reports of injuries. Offensive graffiti has been located on an external wall.
Officers have established a crime scene and an investigation was commenced. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
Updated
Good morning
Emily Wind here, signing on for blogging duties. I’ll be taking you through our live coverage for most of today.
As always, feel free to reach out with any story tips, feedback or questions via email: emily.wind@theguardian.com. Let’s go.
Funding injection for Aukus defence industry
The government has announced $262m in another round of funding for local defence industry, to develop Australia’s Aukus submarine supply chain capacity.
Labor says the funding will support about 125 businesses across the country, to build industry capacity, and help get domestic products into US and UK supply chains.
The Aukus agreement, signed in August last year, officially came into force over the weekend, which will see US Virginia-class submarines transferred to Australia from the 2030s.
The defence minister, Richard Marles, said in a statement:
We are continuing to build and invest in an Australian submarine industrial base capable of supporting our future nuclear-powered submarine fleet and underpinning a strong local economy over the coming decades … This is a further demonstration that Aukus is happening now.
Updated
Mysterious grey debris which closed Sydney beaches similar to that found last year
The Northern Beaches council says early test results show mysterious grey ball-shaped debris which closed nine beaches are similar to those which washed up on eastern suburbs beaches last year.
The council is waiting on the full analysis of the testing it commissioned but the preliminary results show traces of hydrocarbons and other materials which appear to be consistent with some of the chemicals found in debris at other eastern suburbs beaches last year.
Those balls were revealed by testing coordinated with the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) to be consistent with human-generated waste.
The EPA has also commissioned its own analysis of the balls on the northern beaches. Read more about what experts think is to blame here:
Updated
Albanese says Trump promised ‘perfect’ relationship
Australia has not received any explicit assurance from president-elect Donald Trump that Australia will not suffer any adverse tariff actions ahead of the inauguration, but Anthony Albanese told the ABC he is “confident” the two countries can work through economic issues.
I had a very constructive discussion with the incoming president when I wished him well on his election. I made the point to President Trump that the United States has enjoyed a trade surplus with Australia since the Truman presidency.
It’s been there for a long time, and the United States is, of course, a major investor here in Australia, and the relationship between our two economies is so important. So I’m very confident that we will work these issues through, because they’re in the interests of both Australia and the United States.
Laura Tingle:
But no explicit assurance at this stage, by the sounds of things?
Albanese:
Well, to be fair, he hasn’t been through the inauguration yet, but very clearly it was a positive discussion that we had. He said that we will have a perfect relationship, and I expect that the relationship between Australia and the United States will remain strong.
Updated
Albanese welcomes hostage release
The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, has welcomed the release of Israeli hostages, and wants to see more aid into Gaza “as quickly as possible”.
Speaking to ABC’s 7.30 program Monday evening, Albanese said “this is a fragile situation, but it is a step forward.”
The government continues to be concerned about the escalation of antisemitism here in Australia, he said, especially serious attacks such as the fire that was deliberately lit at the Adass synagogue in Melbourne and the attempted fire at the synagogue in Newtown.
Asked about the calls for a national cabinet meeting about the rise in antisemitism, Albanese said:
The important discussions that are taking place, the ones between the security and police agencies every day, and we’re also speaking with the premiers and chief ministers right around the country. We had a coordinated report through with the New South Wales acting premier and the Victorian premier, along with the AFP commissioner, because that is where the events, these incidents of violence and of criminal activity, have been concentrated.
Asked about Peter Dutton’s proposal for tougher anti-terror laws in response, including mandatory jail time of six years for anyone who attacks a place of worship, Albanese said it had the potential to be counterproductive.
Updated
Welcome
Good morning and welcome to our live news blog. I’m Martin Farrer with the top overnight stories and then it’ll be Emily Wind with the main action.
Rupert Murdoch was among the parade of tech billionaires and influential business figures in Washington DC to mark the inauguration of Donald Trump. The media tycoon was spotted at a church service on the morning of the event – as well as the Amazon founder, Jeff Bezos, Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg, Apple’s Tim Cook, Google’s Sundar Pichai and Fifa’s Gianni Infantino – and in the select audience at the inauguration itself.
Hours before Trump was sworn in, Anthony Albanese told 7.30 that he had not received any explicit assurance from his camp that Australia would not suffer any adverse tariff actions. But Albanese said he was “confident” the two countries can work through economic issues. More coming up.
Australians are feeling more optimistic in 2025 about the fortunes of the economy and their families, our latest Essential poll shows, delivering Albanese a welcome boost. The prime minister’s approval was strongest among young voters, with 54% of those aged 18-34 giving the prime minister a positive rating, compared to only 36% of those over 55.
Updated
