What we learned; Thursday 16 January
That’s where we’ll leave the blog for today, but first let’s recap the main events:
NSW commuters have again been hit with significant delays and cancellations on the rail network due to ongoing industrial disputes.
The federal government and opposition have welcomed a ceasefire deal for Gaza, with hopes it will lead to longer term peace in the region.
The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, announced a small reshuffle, to replace Bill Shorten, with four women being promoted.
Wild weather has been lashing parts of the country, including warnings from the BoM for the Gold Coast area, which is facing damaging winds, hail and heavy rainfall.
The unemployment rate rose slightly to 4% in December, but the ABS figures also showed there was strong job creation.
Updated
Australian shares rally on renewed hopes for interest rate cuts
The Australian share market has rallied after US government data showed inflation cooled more than expected in December, raising hopes the Federal Reserve will continue cutting interest rates, AAP reports.
The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index today gained 113.7 points, or 1.38%, to 8,327.0, while the broader All Ordinaries climbed 112.3 points, or 1.33%, to 8,569.1.
The Australian dollar meanwhile, approached a one-week high against the greenback, buying 62.01 US cents, from 61.88 US cents at the close of business on Wednesday.
Updated
Whereabouts of Melbourne man captured by Russian forces in Ukraine still unknown
Penny Wong was also asked about Australian Oscar Jenkins who has reportedly been killed after being captured by Russian forces.
The foreign minister says the government has spoken “very clearly” with the Russian ambassador, and has demanded information from Moscow on his whereabouts.
But Wong says they don’t yet have the information:
We have not been able to verify the facts associated with Jenkins’ whereabouts.
Wong says she’s also requested assistance from the Ukrainian government.
Updated
Gaza ceasefire an ‘important opportunity’: Penny Wong
The foreign minister, Penny Wong, is speaking to Sky News, reiterating comments by the prime minister that the government welcomes the ceasefire deal made in Gaza:
We urge all parties to make sure they respect the terms of the ceasefire …
What we want to see is the momentum from this ceasefire mean something for the longer term peace in the region.
Domestically, Wong also says the ceasefire is an opportunity to turn down the temperature on the conflict.
She called out the opposition leader, Peter Dutton, and the Greens leader, Adam Bandt, saying they both have a role in toning down their language.
Updated
Recently returned Bali Nine member arrested
A member of the Bali Nine is facing fresh criminal charges since being released from Indonesian prison, AAP reports.
Thirty-eight-year-old Matthew Norman was arrested at Waverley police station on Monday and charged with being a passenger in a stolen car on 16 March 2005.
Police allege Norman knew the white Ford had been stolen when he was in it, just one month before he was arrested in Bali.
Norman spent almost 20 years in Bali’s Kerobokan prison after being found guilty of attempting to traffic heroin, alongside Scott Rush, Martin Stephens, Si Yi Chen and Michael Czugaj, all now aged in their late 30s or 40s.
The men were released in December.
Less than a month after landing back home, Norman faced court with fresh charges over the historical incident.
He was granted bail and is set to reappear at Waverley local court on 25 February.
Updated
Greens call for a Minister for disability inclusion
Greens Senator Jordon Steele-John says the appointment of Amanda Rishworth to the NDIS portfolio, on top of her social services portfolio, was a “missed opportunity”.
The Greens spokesperson for disability rights says a minister for disability inclusion, rather than a minister for the NDIS was a recommendation of the royal commission into violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation of disabled people.
Steele-John wrote:
A Minister for Disability Inclusion would be responsible for improving the lives of all disabled Australians – not just those who are eligible for the NDIS.
A Minister for Disability Inclusion would enable us to have the cross-government action we need to improve the lives of disabled people across all areas of life.
Updated
Key event
Severe thunderstorm forecast for parts of the Gold Coast
The Bureau of Meteorology has warned of damaging winds, hail and heavy rainfall forecast for parts of the Gold Coast.
It’s warning the rain could cause flash flooding, affecting Coolangatta and Tweed Heads on the NSW border.
⚠️⛈️Severe Thunderstorm Warning (SEQ) for DAMAGING WINDS, LARGE HAILSTONES and HEAVY RAINFALL.
— Bureau of Meteorology, Queensland (@BOM_Qld) January 16, 2025
For people in parts of Gold Coast Council Area.
Forecast to affect waters off Tweed Heads by 1:50 pm.https://t.co/vYLHCna3or pic.twitter.com/JlUackdKhv
Updated
Man charged after allegedly fraudulently inheriting $4.5m estate
A man will face court today with allegedly creating a fraudulent will, to inherit a $4.5m estate in Wollongong.
Strike Force Sarina investigated the 38-year-old man, who has been charged with 27 offences, including making a false document to obtain financial advantage, and making a false document to obtain property.
Police allege the fraud involved four homes and two bank accounts.
Officers in Wollongong received a report of a break in at a home in January 2024, which was an unoccupied deceased estate.
In September 2024, strike force officers located documents under a search warrant at the home, which they say included an original will.
Yesterday a second search warrant was executed at the same address, where officers allegedly found two rifles, four gel blasters, ammunition, methylamphetamines, cash, three motor vehicles, a jetski and a motorcycle.
The man was refused bail to appear in Wollongong local court today.
Updated
Many thanks for joining me on the blog today, Krishani Dhanji will continue bringing you the latest for the rest of the afternoon. Take care.
Medical studies tops list of most sought out courses for students in 2025
The Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) has revealed the most sought out courses for students in 2025, with medical studies continuing to top the list.
The UAC handles course applications for universities across New South Wales and the ACT.
With most domestic undergraduate students now having received their offers, data released today showed the bachelor of medical studies/doctor of medicine program at UNSW topped the list for another year, with 1,607 first preferences.
Business and commerce programs were also in demand. The bachelor of commerce at the University of Sydney claimed second place with 1,107 first preferences, narrowly surpassing the bachelor of business at the University of Technology Sydney with 1,072 first preferences.
The bachelor of commerce and bachelor of laws at the University of Sydney ranked fourth, while a straight Arts Bachelor at the university came seventh.
Overall, medical courses received the most first preferences in the top 10 with a total of four.
Updated
Coles worker allegedly stabbed on Monday out of ICU and off sedation, family confirms
The family of the woman who was allegedly stabbed in a south-east Queensland supermarket has released a statement, saying they are still trying to process what happened.
Claudia Campomayor Watt, 63, was allegedly stabbed in the back on Monday while working at a Coles in Ipswich’s Yamanto Central shopping centre. The knife was taken from the supermarket’s shelves.
A 13-year-old boy was charged with attempted murder. Coles have since announced it would no longer stock kitchen knives in its stores.
In a statement issued by Queensland police on behalf of the family, they said Watt was out of the ICU and off sedation, and they had been able to speak with her:
The incident has left us is a state of shock and we remain in the process of trying to come to terms with what has happened …
To the first responders on scene that provided crucial medical attention, we thank you. To the specialists, doctors, nurses and their team who have continued to provide expert medical care we are extremely grateful.
We would also like to acknowledge and thank those members of the public who acted quickly to assist in the apprehension of the offender.
The family said Watt was “on the road to recovery” but there is “a long journey ahead of us”. They requested privacy “as we continue to come to terms with what has happened and give Claudia the time and space she needs to make a full recovery from this traumatic event.”
Updated
Body of man found after search for missing boater in southern NSW
A body was been found in the Murray River in southern NSW.
On Tuesday night, a 23-year-old man disappeared after falling from a boat near Five Mile boat ramp, at Moama.
A multi-agency search commenced, but was suspended about 8.45pm due to poor visibility. It resumed yesterday, but there was no sign of the man.
NSW police said about 9.45am today, the body of a man was located south of the Five Mile boat ramp by police divers.
The body is yet to be formally identified, but is believed to be that of the missing 23-year-old male. A report will be prepared for the coroner, police said.
Updated
Woman charged with alleged torture over ‘baby poisoning’
A woman has been charged with torture after she allegedly gave prescription medicines to a one-year-old girl without medical approval for months, AAP reports.
Police allege the 34-year-old gave the child, who is known to her, unauthorised prescription and pharmacy medicines between August and October 2024.
The woman allegedly disregarded medical advice and went to lengths to get unauthorised medicines to give to the child, including old medications for a different person that were available at the house.
The woman filmed and posted videos to social media of the child while she was in “immense distress and pain”, police say. The videos were allegedly used to entice monetary donations and increase online followers.
Police say she concealed her efforts to give the child medicine until it was reported to police by hospital staff in Brisbane’s south when the little girl was admitted in October.
After officers were alerted to the allegations, they tested the child for unauthorised medication which returned a positive result on 7 January.
Detectives went to a home, southeast of Brisbane, and arrested the woman today. She has been charged with five counts of administering poison with intent to harm, three counts of preparation to commit crimes with dangerous things, and one count each of torture, making child exploitation material and fraud.
The 34-year-old will face Brisbane Magistrates Court tomorrow.
Lifeline 13 11 14
RTBU accuses NSW government of ‘shifting blame of its own failure to negotiate with workers’
The Rail, Tram and Bus Union has responded to the state government’s indication it would apply to stop protection industrial action under the Fair Work Act, labelling this a “desperate attempt to shift the blame for its own failure to negotiate with workers.”
The union said the government has “failed to engage in a single bargaining meeting” for 44 days, and “continues to drag its feet and refuse to negotiate in good faith.” The statement from the union continued:
If the NSW government truly cared about its essential workers … it would have come to the table long ago with a fair offer for these important workforces. Instead, it engages in cheap political tricks designed at achieving headlines, pays law firms top dollar to bring bogus legal cases, and anything else it can to avoid sitting at the bargaining table.
Now, instead of negotiating, the government is scapegoating rail workers, blaming them for economic disruption they themselves caused. The real cost to the economy isn’t the industrial action—it’s the government’s refusal to negotiate a fair deal.
The workers of NSW are asking for basic, fair wages, safer conditions, and job security … The longer the government refuses to take this seriously, the longer this dispute will drag on.
Updated
Shorten releases statement ahead of resignation next Monday
Bill Shorten has released a statement, confirming he will stand down as MP for Maribyrnong and from the cabinet from next Monday, 20 January.
The outgoing NDIS minister will begin his role as vice chancellor and president of the University of Canberra from that date, as we flagged earlier in the blog.
Shorten said this allows him time to start his new role before students commence the 2025 academic year, and because his resignation is within 120 days of a federal election, “there will be no need for a byelection in Maribyrnong.”
My six terms and more than 17 years as a member of the Australian Parliament have been an extraordinary experience and I leave knowing I have tried my hardest every day for the voters of Maribyrnong and indeed for every Australian. Leading the great federal Labor party for six years has been a particular privilege of my service in Parliament.
I thank the people of Maribyrnong and the people of Australia for their tremendous support from 2007. It’s been an honour to serve and I’m proud of all we have achieved together.
He described the new appointments as part of today’s cabinet reshuffle as “excellent appointments” that “show the strength and depth of the Albanese Labor government.”
Updated
Greens issue statement on ceasefire deal: ‘welcome and overdue’
Greens leader Adam Bandt and foreign affairs spokesperson Jordan Steele-John have released a statement on the ceasefire deal – which they described as “welcome and overdue”.
The pair said over the past 15 months “we’ve witnessed unimaginable tragedy as Gaza – an area half the size of Canberra with a population of more than two million – has been invaded and tens of thousands of people have lost their lives.”
The Greens are want Labor to call for a permanent ceasefire “that sees the end of the occupation of Palestine by the state of Israel”, and to end the two-way arms trade between Australia and Israel.
The party is also calling on Labor to sanction members of the Israeli government “directly involved in war crimes”, and for Australia to “formally intervene” on behalf of South Africa at the ICJ and commit to uphold ICC warrants.
It is a testament to the millions of people who have peacefully protested week-on-week over the past year, including here in Australia, that we’re seeing news of a ceasefire today …
We must ensure international humanitarian law is upheld and those who have committed war crimes are held to account. And we must recognise the right to self-determination, the statehood of Palestinians, and the right of both Palestinians and Israelis to live in peace.
Updated
More details on NSW, Queensland forecasts today
In New South Wales, the Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting severe thunderstorms in the far north-east, likely over the northern rivers.
Storms are possible over the broader north-east area.
In Queensland, severe storms are possible south of Bowen, and in the north-east. The bureau said “isolated, very dangerous” storms were possible near the NSW border.
Elsewhere in the state, firefighters are working to tackle a bushfire west of Mount Isa, believed to have been started by a lightning strike on Tuesday. The Queensland Fire Department said:
[It] is in a similar spot to a fire which affected Mt Isa in 2023 … Crews in the far north west of the state will continue to monitor several fires burning in the Mt Isa area today.
While the majority of Queensland remains on flood and storm watch this week, the folk in Mt Isa are keeping their eyes on a completely different threat. 🔥
— Queensland Fire Department (@QldFireDept) January 16, 2025
A fire burning to the west of the township is believed to have started from a lightning strike on Tuesday, and is in a… pic.twitter.com/a91kgq9B4A
Updated
1,300 jobs left to clear for NSW State Emergency Service
The NSW SES has provided an update on social media about the storm damage overnight, and further forecasts for the day ahead:
☔ It's been a busy 24 hrs for the NSW SES.
— NSW SES (@NSWSES) January 16, 2025
There have been 2,500+ incidents logged with around 1,300 of those jobs to be cleared up today.
We're expecting follow up storms today and further rainfall over the next 24 hrs in the Mid North coast and North East regions of the NSW pic.twitter.com/gq7qFKLUgk
Updated
Body of missing swimmer in Victoria found after large-scale search
Police have located the body of a missing swimmer in Mildura, near the NSW border, after a large-scale search.
Police say a multi-agency search commenced after reports a 54-year-old man had failed to return after going for a swim in the Murray River on Tuesday afternoon.
The search included NSW and Victoria police, SES vessels and a rescue helicopter. Searchers located the body today in waters nearby.
A report will be prepared for the coroner.
Updated
ACTU calls for RBA to cut rates after jobs data
The Australian Council of Trade Unions is again calling for interest rates to be lowered, after a small increase in the jobless rate from 3.9% in November, to 4% in December.
The ACTU president, Michele O’Neil, says she’s concerned that not lowering the interest rate will threaten more jobs, and waiting for unemployment to rise before dropping the rate would be “harsh” and “unnecessary”:
Today’s softening jobs figures provide yet more evidence of the need for an urgent rate cut.
Yet the Reserve Bank has stuck to the view that unemployment needs to go up further, before interest rates can come down. That view is outdated, flawed and will put more workers’ livelihoods at risk.
The RBA board will next meet in mid-February.
Updated
90% of power outages across NSW from lightning strikes: Ausgrid
Electricity network company Ausgrid said approximately 90% of the outages that occurred last night across NSW were due to lightning strikes, with more than 300,000 strikes reported across the state.
The situation had been further exacerbated by high winds, falling trees and continuing bad weather.
About 89,000 customers remained without power, with northern Sydney, the Hunter and Newcastle regions hardest hit.
Ausgrid said crews had worked through the night to restore power to 50,000 homes and businesses, and were focused on returning power to remaining customers as quickly and safely as possible:
Please always stay at least 8 metres away from fallen powerlines and if you are in the Ausgrid network area, report electrical hazards by calling 13 13 88 or visiting ausgrid.com.au/hazards.
Updated
Services may worsen in the afternoon: Sydney Trains CEO
The Sydney Trains’ chief executive, Matt Longland, said like yesterday, service disruptions may worsen in the afternoon:
We do expect that we’ll see that again today, hopefully not to the same extent as yesterday.
He said disruptions were worse in the inner west and services that connect through the Blue Mountains and Parramatta.
Updated
Minns defends ability to work with unions
A reporter asked if this situation is proof the state Labor government is “not as good at working with unions as you thought”, after running on a platform of public sector pay rises.
Chris Minns said “we never promised” there would not be industrial issues:
We were going to have them, every Labor government’s had them – every Labor government in NSW has had them. What I did promise in the election campaign is that when they occurred, we would always act on behalf of the interests of people, the people of NSW and I believe that’s what we’ve done.
Minns ‘looking at’ compensation for yesterday’s disruptions
People are asking for their money back off the back of yesterday – is the state government open to that?
Chris Minns said he was “looking at it”, but his main focus is “ending the dispute so that we can get certainty when it comes to public transport.”
Updated
Minns defends decision of state government
Chris Minns continued to defend the move the state government has taken, telling reporters that putting the offer to employees would “mean me facing a situation where I would have, say, 50% of trains canceled every single day for a month, while we wait to see … whether the membership vote up the government wages offer or not”.
We’re going to do the work in the background anyway, because we don’t know what the 424 application will be. But you put this in context – if you’re a carer who works [on] the other side of Sydney … you’d be furious waiting a month to see whether the rail union employees would vote up a wages offer or not. We just can’t wait that long.
Updated
Putting offer to workforce would take too long, Minns says
Why not put the offer of 15% out for a vote to the rail workforce without agreement of the union, and test the workforce?
Chris Minns said it was possible, but “I made a decision on the basis of looking at the hundreds and thousands of people that were massively disrupted because of industrial chaos in NSW yesterday”.
We couldn’t wait that long. We’re talking about an industrial road show, the government and the union presenting it to the workforce. It would take potentially weeks for the information to be presented to the workforce and then for a vote to take place at all members, all employees.
Updated
‘I’m not going to take anything off the table’: Minns
Chris Minns said there had only been a few 424 applications, and he wouldn’t pre-judge the decision of the Fair Work Commission.
We want to treat the Fair Work Commission with respect, and we’ve got an application in front of the Fair Work Commission to make a determination. I’m going to let them judge that and make a decision before we talk about next steps. But I’m not going to take anything off the table.
Updated
Economic impact of industrial action ‘incalculable’: NSW premier
The New South Wales premier, Chris Minns, is now taking questions. Asked about the economic impacts of the industrial action from the rail unions, he said it was “incalculable”.
It’s incalculable. We don’t know how many small businesses have been smashed as a result of 50% of train services not operating in NSW. We don’t know how many businesses had employees ring up today and say, ‘I’m not battling the public transport in NSW’.
It’s not possible for the government to collect all of that data, but we will be going to the court tomorrow or today and explaining in as minute detail as we possibly can the economic impacts.
Updated
More rain coming on Friday, SES commissioner says
Tomorrow, Mike Wassing said thunderstorms would continue, with rainfall potentially up to 100 to 2oomm:
The Bureau of Meteorology have issued a flood or potential minor flooding. That would basically mean that we’re not going to see any inundation of homes. We’re not going to see any evacuations, but it does mean that low-lying areas are at risk in terms of minor flooding.
Updated
Storms ‘anywhere north of Newcastle up to Queensland border’ forecast
The New South Wales State Emergency Services commissioner, Mike Wassing, is now providing an update on the severe weather and storms across the state overnight, and today.
He said yesterday there were more than 2,500 incidents, and about 50% of these had already been cleared by volunteers:
Most of those incidents have been fallen debris, trees down … we’ve also had some impact on homes and the like …
It’s been a tremendous effort, as I say, in terms of the cleanup operations, We continue to have hundreds of volunteers and staff across the state working to clear those jobs, but … we’re not out of the woods yet.
He said there was still the potential for storms in the north-west, plus “anywhere north of Newcastle, right up to the Queensland border”.
We’ll continue to see rainfall through many parts of New South Wales, anything up to between 50 and 80mm of rain we’ll continue to see, but our focus really is on the areas of Newcastle, Central Coast, north coast, and up into the north-east parts of [the state].
Updated
More than 1000 train services expected to be cancelled by the end of today
The Transport for New South Wales secretary, Josh Murray, echoed comments from Jo Haylen – that they expect more than 1,000 trains to be cancelled by the end of today:
By the end of last night, during that intense storm period, we ended up with 1,900 trains canceled during the course of the day. That is about 50% of the total train load on a day in Sydney on the normal day working day in Sydney. So you can see the huge impact that the combined bands had on trying to run the rail network.
He said passengers had shown “extreme patience and understanding and overwhelmingly have followed the advice”.
We have low passenger loads across Sydney trains. The patronage count on initial figures is down 40% on buses, it is up 15% and on Sydney Metro, it has increased by 44% on normal running – but all those numbers have been accommodated without any overcrowding.
Updated
Only 28% of services running on time today: Jo Haylen
The New South Wales transport minister, Jo Haylen, said so far this morning 402 train services had been cancelled, and the number of services running on time is at 28%.
On the action the state government is taking with the Fair Work Commission, she said:
We have put a very fair and reasonable offer on the table, and the deadline for the union’s response is today. However, unfortunately, their commentary in the media and elsewhere has been that they are not supportive of that fair and reasonable offer.
Of course, we’re still preparing to take that to the employees, but ultimately, we need [to] this resolve now, this situation across our rail network is intolerable. People need to be able to get to work, to get to the services that they need. And that’s why the government is acting to protect passengers and to provide certainty.
Updated
Minns argues state government had ‘sat in good faith with the unions for a long time’
Chris Minns continued, arguing the state government had “sat in good faith with the unions for a long time” and had “come to the table with a good faith offer”.
We’ve made that offer public to NSW employees in the transport system. We’ve done everything we possibly can to get an agreement with the rail unions. They’ve continued to hold out.
Now, holding out is fine. We don’t mind negotiating with the union if it didn’t mean that, literally, nearly every family in Sydney is affected by public transport outages.
But when the union says negotiations, what they really mean is that they’re going to continue to put a noose around the public transport system while demanding more and more and more money from the New South Wales government.
Updated
NSW premier addressing media on rail disruptions, negotiations with union
The New South Wales premier, Chris Minns, is addressing the media amid the train disruptions across the state.
He said nearly 2,000 services were cancelled across the network yesterday, and today more than 1,000 were expected to be cancelled:
Now you think about the economic activity that has been smashed as a result of that massive, wide-scale industrial action, and think about the incalculable cost on the NSW economy, of having a major international city’s public transport system completely rendered, or next to rendered, useless.
Minns said the government would make an application in the Fair Work Commission to end protected industrial action and move to an arbitrated decision by the Fair Work umpire:
We will ask for that decision to be expedited and made urgently by the commission, and we’re hopeful that the commission could step in at this point and end wide scale industrial disruption that’s affecting hundreds and hundreds of thousands of people.
Updated
Fatal house fire in Melbourne’s west being investigated as homicide
Authorities have provided an update on the fatal house fire in Truganina, in Melbourne’s west, overnight (you can read more earlier in the blog here).
A Victoria police spokesperson said a 27-year-old woman called triple zero just after 2am, saying she was trapped in the three-storey townhouse – where she was housesitting. She lost her life.
They said a vehicle had parked in the vicinity of the address and alleged that accelerant was poured inside the home, which engulfed the premises.
I know the question is going to be the why, and that’s something we’ll have to work through. It’s very early days. What I can say is this: This individual is completely innocent and should not have died. We have no history on this individual, nor the family.
Police speculated the alleged offenders may have targeted the wrong address, “which is nothing short of a tragedy.” He said the investigation would be complex:
I hope for the family’s sake, we can bring this to a conclusion to give a sense of comfort. Unfortunately, what I would say to the offenders, whether they meant this or not, we are investigating a homicide now …
[She was the] type of girl who doesn’t leave home very much. You know, probably her first time really away and by herself. House-sitting for her brother who is on a honeymoon, and she’s been subjected to the most appalling, despicable act one could imagine.
Updated
Strong jobs creation in December, data shows
While the unemployment rate increased, there was also strong jobs creation in December, with an additional 56,300 people employed.
Updated
Jobless rate increased to 4% in December: ABS
Australia’s jobless rate increased to 4% in December, the Australian Bureau of Statistics data revealed today, increasing expectations of an interest rate cut next month.
Before the data, investors were pricing in a 73% chance of a quarter percentage point rate cut to 4.1% when the RBA board next meets in February.
Updated
Executive Council of Australian Jewry welcomes news of ceasefire
The Executive Council of Australian Jewry has welcomed news of a ceasefire in the Middle East, saying Australia’s Jewish community is relieved and eager to see the return of Hamas-held hostages.
The ECAJ president, Daniel Aghion, said:
For the past 15 months, we have watched in dismay as civilian hostages have been held and used as a bargaining chip to achieve Hamas’ evil ends. We congratulate the Israeli government for achieving a ceasefire and we hope and fervently pray that the deal will stick and the hostages will be returned.
The ECAJ is Australia’s peak body representing the Jewish community. Aghion continued:
There is still the question of Hamas control of Gaza, which will need to be dealt with if the Palestinians are to have any chance of self-determination in the Gaza Strip. For now, however, we are pleased to see a resolution and we hope that this difficult war will soon come to a permanent end with peace for all peoples of the region.
Updated
NSW premier to address media on weather, train disruptions soon
We’re expecting a doorstop press conference at 11.30am AEDT from the New South Wales premier, Chris Minns, the transport minister, Jo Haylen, and transport representatives to discuss the weather and ongoing train disruptions.
We’ll aim to bring you the latest from. In the meantime, here are some photos from across the train network this morning:
Updated
Watch: Albanese says Gaza ceasefire ‘must mark beginning of a new chapter’
In case you missed it earlier, here is what the prime minister, Anthony Albanese, had to say about the ceasefire deal when he addressed the media this morning:
And for everything that we know about the deal so far, you can have a read below:
Updated
Spender welcomes news of ceasefire deal
The independent MP for Wentworth, Allegra Spender, has welcomed news of a ceasefire deal. In a post to X, she wrote:
Like so many around the country and the globe, I warmly welcome this ceasefire deal. The return of hostages, the end to the fighting and the chance, I hope, to start laying the foundations for a safe and prosperous future for Israelis and Palestinians.
Updated
Ceasefire must include return of all hostages: Attorney general
The attorney general, Mark Dreyfus, is visiting Israel on a diplomatic trip.
He shared an image from Tel Aviv and commented on the ceasefire deal, saying:
Today I met with Ella and Daniel in Tel Aviv. Both had family members taken as hostages by Hamas terrorists on 7 October 2023. 467 days later they speak for all of us when they demand the return of all hostages to their families. The ceasefire must make that a reality.
Today I met with Ella and Daniel in Tel Aviv. Both had family members taken as hostages by Hamas terrorists on 7 October 2023. 467 days later they speak for all of us when they demand the return of all hostages to their families. The ceasefire must make that a reality. pic.twitter.com/fT5Wcm7mub
— Mark Dreyfus (@MarkDreyfusKCMP) January 15, 2025
Updated
Photos from scene of fatal house fire in Melbourne’s west
Earlier, we brought you news of a fatal house fire in Truganina, in Melbourne’s west, overnight. Photos from the scene this morning show the extent of the damage:
Updated
Patrick Stephenson fined for driving offences
The man accused of killing missing Victorian woman Samantha Murphy has pleaded guilty to drink and drug driving, months before the alleged murder.
Patrick Stephenson, 24, appeared in the Ballarat magistrates court this morning via video link. He was fined $2,500 for drink and drug driving charges related to a single-vehicle motorcycle crash in October 2023.
Stephenson allegedly returned a blood-alcohol reading of .148 and tested positive for MDMA after he fell off his motorcycle in Ballarat, the court heard.
Two of the five charges had been withdrawn, with Stephenson pleading guilty to the remaining charges for the single-vehicle motorcycle crash, which also included careless driving.
Stephenson’s defence lawyer, Moya O’Brien, said Stephenson had attended an AFL grand final party on the day of the crash.
Magistrate Guillaume Bailin imposed a total fine of $2,500, with conviction, for the three charges.
In November, Stephenson pleaded not guilty to the murder of Murphy, opting to have the case fast-tracked to the Victorian supreme court.
Updated
Thousands still without power across NSW
Let’s check in on the power outages across NSW, following on from last night’s storms.
Ausgrid says power has been restored to 50,000 homes and businesses, after 140,000 customers were affected overnight.
Customers have reported more than 560 electrical hazards including fallen wires, trees and branches on powerlines.
Essential Energy said 15,600 of its customers are without power, the most being in Wagga (2,390), Queanbeyan (1,290) and Mudgee (1,245).
Essential Energy crews will be working to restore power as soon as it is safe and possible to do so.
And Endeavour Energy says it has 403 active outages, affecting 25,961 customers.
Updated
Mortgage holders brace for jobs data
The latest Australian jobs data is due out late morning, and the results will help determine whether there is an interest rate cut next month.
Given core inflation has been drifting towards the Reserve Bank’s 2-3% inflation target, a resilient labour market has emerged as one of the major hurdles to a rate cut.
In other words, the Reserve Bank is looking for signs of a weakening jobs market before stimulating the economy through a lower cash rate.
Australia’s jobless rate recorded a surprise drop in November to 3.9%, amid robust employment growth. Economists expect that growth continued in December, with an additional 15,000 jobs, while the unemployment rate could tick slightly higher to 4%.
If the figures come in stronger, a rate cut will be less likely next month while weaker than expected numbers will fuel calls for interest rate relief.
Before the December data, investors are pricing in a 73% chance of a quarter percentage point rate cut to 4.1% when the RBA board next meets in February.
Weaker jobs data would typically weigh on the Australian dollar, which has been under pressure this year.
Updated
WorkSafe charges Northern Health over patient suicide
Victoria’s Worksafe regulator has charged a Melbourne health service over the 2023 suicide of an involuntary patient in its psychiatric facility.
In a statement, WorkSafe Victoria says Northern Health faces three charges in breach of the Occupation Health and Safety Act. The regulator alleges the health services failed to ensure that people, other than employees, were not exposed to health and safety risks.
The patient took their life at the Northern hospital in July 2023.
The health service is due to face the Melbourne magistrates court on 4 February.
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Shoebridge: ‘There must be peace with justice’
Greens senator David Shoebridge says “there must be peace with justice” amid news of a ceasefire in Gaza. In a post to X, he wrote:
If the political leaders who [fuelled] the violence had acted sooner, tens of thousands of lives would have been saved.
War criminals must now be actively prosecuted. Australia’s complicity in the delivery of weapons must be investigated, as well as the role of US intelligence bases like Pine Gap.
The world must not move on without justice because that will never bring lasting peace.
Ceasefire deal welcome, but fails to address systemic issues: Apan
The Australia Palestine Advocacy Network has welcomed the “long-overdue” ceasefire deal in Gaza, but says it is far from sufficient – and “fails to address the systemic issues of Israel’s genocide, illegal occupation, and apartheid”.
In a statement, Apan said the international community, including Australia, “must ensure this ceasefire is not merely a temporary pause” in attacks from Israel:
Without an arms embargo, sanctions, and mechanisms to ensure accountability and liberation for Palestine, a ceasefire will be little more than a bandage over an open wound.
The Apan president, Nasser Mashni, said a ceasefire is a “fleeting reprieve that will never undo the profound pain caused by Israel’s genocide, nor will it, alone, prevent the next wave of bloodshed”.
The ceasefire must not be a smokescreen for complacency. Australia must rise to this moment by cutting all military ties with Israel, imposing sanctions and holding Israeli officials and entities accountable in international courts.
More than 46,000 Palestinians have been reportedly killed in the conflict, which has caused a humanitarian catastrophe and laid waste to most of Gaza’s infrastructure. The international court of justice is studying claims that Israel has committed genocide.
About 1,200 Israelis were killed on 7 October 2023, and another 250 taken hostage. One hundred were freed in exchange for 240 women and children held in Israeli jails in a ceasefire deal struck in November 2023 that collapsed after a week.
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Watch: home destroyed by fire after power pole falls on it during NSW storms
Circling back to some news earlier, a house in Mudgee has burnt down after a power pole fell onto it during last night’s storm.
Here are some videos from the scene, provided by Fire and Rescue:
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Shorten to begin new role next Monday
Outgoing minister and former opposition leader, Bill Shorten, will begin his new role as vice-chancellor of the University of Canberra (UC) next Monday after a tumultuous few months for the institution.
The UC has been in the midst of ongoing restructuring and redundancies, with dozens of courses cut and around 50 positions axed to make up for financial shortfalls.
The acting chancellor at UC, Patricia Kelly, said the it was an honour to welcome Shorten to the university:
His values of providing opportunity to all and reducing inequalities were clearly reflected in his most recent role as the minister for the NDIS Scheme and Government Services. His passion for equity for all sits perfectly with UC’s vision to be the most accessible university in Australia.
Shorten said it was a “pivotal time”, not only for the University of Canberra, but for the higher education sector more broadly:
I will work collaboratively with the University Council and community to chart a course for a sustainable and successful future and continuing excellence in education and research. UC is a small university but our impact is big, particularly in the ACT region, which we serve as a priority.
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Dutton confident in Aukus under Trump administration
Like Anthony Albanese earlier, Peter Dutton said he believes the Trump administration will support the Aukus deal. Dutton told reporters:
I worked with four administrations. The Obama administration, the Trump administration, obviously the Biden administration, and this administration, I think, will do a lot of good for the relationship.
I think that there is an enormous opportunity for us to expand the work that we’ve done and Aukus is essential for the safety of our country in a very uncertain century.
And there is bipartisan support. There’s mutual understanding across the aisle both here in Australia and in the United States that this is to our mutual benefit, and we will make sure that when we get into government that that relationship will build and that Aukus will be realised for our country.
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Dutton calls for uniform knife laws amid alleged supermarket stabbing
Peter Dutton was asked about a decision by Coles this week to stop selling kitchen knives after the stabbing of one its employees in a south-east Queensland supermarket.
Dutton described the incident as “horrific” and said he understood why Coles has taken this decision:
We need to get serious about this, because the police need every tool to make sure that this stops, because innocent people, including women who are turning up to work at supermarkets, are the subject of these horrible, horrible incidents.
These incidents are more and more prevalent and we need to do everything that we can to take the knives out of the hands of these young [people] who have no business whatsoever in carrying knives into a shopping centre or into a playground or into a school. And that’s why I think these uniform knife laws are something that the government should have enforced by now.
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Dutton addressing media in Tasmania
The opposition leader, Peter Dutton, is speaking to reporters in Tasmania. On the ceasefire deal, he said:
Everybody wants peace in the Middle East – of course we do. And we want to make sure that the remainder of the hostages are released, if they’re still alive. Let’s wait to see what happens in relation to those commitments and whether they’re honoured before we start to talk about next steps.
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PM announces small cabinet reshuffle
The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, has announced a small reshuffle of his cabinet before the retirement of the NDIS minister, Bill Shorten.
As we flagged on Tuesday, the social services minister, Amanda Rishworth, will take the reins of the NDIS from Shorten, who is quitting politics to become vice-chancellor of the University of Canberra.
Rishworth was widely considered the logical choice to succeed Shorten given she already has oversight of policy for disabled Australians who aren’t on the NDIS.
The case to merge the NDIS and social services portfolios is strengthened by the fact Rishworth is responsible for the new system outside the NDIS – known as “foundational supports” – that will be rolled out to ease the burden on the disability scheme.
In a statement, Rishworth said the NDIS is “critical for our nation and I am honoured to continue the important work of its reform”.
The early childhood education minister, Anne Aly, has been handed extra responsibilities assisting Rishworth with the huge task of reforming the fast-growing NDIS.
The finance minister, Katy Gallagher, will take on the government services portfolio.
Shorten’s retirement opened up a spot in Albanese’s cabinet, which will be filled by the aged care minister, Anika Wells. Albanese said:
I am proud to lead a strong, united and stable cabinet government focused on delivering for Australians now, while building Australia’s future.
The ministers will be sworn into their new roles at a ceremony at Government House in Canberra on Monday morning.
The opposition leader, Peter Dutton, is also preparing a pre-election reshuffle to replace retiring frontbenchers Simon Birmingham and Paul Fletcher.
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Transport for NSW warning of 'ongoing, substantial and worsening' rail disruptions
Transport for NSW is continuing to urge commuters across the state to delay all non-essential travel, as lengthy delays, cancellations and “very large service gaps” are all expected today.
In a statement earlier this morning, it said services would be particularly impacted on the T1 North Shore and Western, T2 Leppington & Inner West, T3 Liverpool & Inner West, T8 Airport and South, Blue Mountains, South Coast and the Central Coast & Newcastle lines.
Safety critical work at Bondi has been completed, with fewer delays now expected there. But work is continuing at Homebush, which caused major disruptions yesterday. Safety work scheduled for Gosford has also not been completed yet.
Across yesterday only 4.7% of services ran on time or within 5 minutes of their timetabled time. 95% of services were either delayed or cancelled. 1,913 services were cancelled and 1,035 services delayed by the end of the day.
Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink would like to apologise to those who were caught up in the significant disruption yesterday …
Our teams have worked hard overnight to recover as much of the timetable as possible, however, without that safety critical work being completed, we are looking at ongoing, substantial, and worsening disruption.
House destroyed by fire after power pole fell on it during last night’s storms
A house has burnt down in the NSW central west after a power pole fell on to it amid last night’s storms.
Fire and Rescue NSW station 387 Mudgee said it was called to the incident last night, where a house was fully engulfed on Redbank Road. A power pole had fallen on the house and set it on fire, amid the storm.
Crews set up property protection on neighbouring houses, and Essential Energy was called to make the area safe and isolate electricity supplies.
Sadly, the entire structure was destroyed. Luckily there was nobody inside of the house at the time that the incident occurred, and nobody was injured.
The incident was brought under control just prior to midnight, with firefighters leaving shortly after.
Updated
No role for Hamas in future Palestinian state: PM
Wrapping up the press conference, Anthony Albanese said there was no role for Hamas in a future Palestinian state, telling reporters:
That’s the Australian government’s clear position. That’s the position of the international community. I want Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and security with prosperity. That is in the interests of both, and both Israelis and Palestinians have suffered since Hamas chose to engage in the atrocities of October 7.
Albanese confident incoming Trump administration will support Aukus
On the Aukus deal, Anthony Albanese said there is board support across congress and the US Senate.
And I have no doubt there will be support for Aukus on the incoming administration because that is something that is in the interests of both of our nations but also, importantly, in the interests of the international community.
PM asked to reflect on death toll in Gaza
Asked to reflect on the tens of thousands of lives lost in Gaza, Anthony Albanese told reporters that Australia is one of the countries that has consistently called for a ceasefire, the release of hostages and increased humanitarian aid for Gaza.
This has been an enormous tragedy and in the first resolution that was carried with the support of all the major parties in Parliament, it referred very clearly to the loss of innocent life.
Albanese said relations with Israel remain strong
The PM was also asked about Australia’s relationship with Israel and said:
I have no issue with Australia-Israel relations. They remain, in my view, strong.
The attorney general, Mark Dreyfus, is currently visiting Israel on a diplomatic trip.
Updated
PM hopes ceasefire deal will lower tensions in Australia
Asked if he hopes the ceasefire will lower some tensions here in Australia, Anthony Albanese said he hopes so:
Australians, I believe, wanted to see the hostages released. They want to see an end to conflict. They also don’t want conflict brought here. And the director general of Asio, on this very stage in a number of media conferences, called for a lowering of that temperature. But I think that this is an important breakthrough.
Albanese addressing reporters in Canberra
The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, has been speaking with reporters in Canberra, welcoming news of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.
He said this was a “constructive step towards peace and stability in the region”.
Today must mark the beginning of a new chapter for the Israeli and Palestinian people. We hope it will allow the Palestinian people the opportunity to rebuild, reform their governance which is most necessary to pursue self-determination.
Australia remains unequivocal in our condemnation of Hamas’ atrocities on 7th October and of the ideology that drive this terrorist organisation. There must be no role for Hamas in the future governance of Gaza. Any future Palestinian state must not be in a position to threaten Israel’s security.
We will continue to act in partnership with the international community to support the urgent humanitarian needs of the people of Gaza.
Updated
Teenage boy drowns while swimming in lagoon
A teenage boy has died while swimming in a lagoon on the New South Wales south coast.
Emergency services were called to Werri lagoon near Gerringong about 5pm yesterday, amid reports three people were in trouble.
NSW police said two teenage boys, aged 16 and 18, made their way to safety with a third brought to shore by a lifeguard. But the 14-year-old boy was unable to be revived.
Officers have started an inquiry, and police have been told that part of the lagoon is not patrolled.
A report will be prepared for the coroner, police said.
Updated
Greens release $6.8bn education plan
The Greens have released a $6.8bn plan for the public school system as part of their election commitment to fully fund the sector by midyear.
Under the plan, the Greens would increase the commonwealth’s share of spending on public schools from 20% to 25% by July and abolish a Morrison-era loophole that allows states and territories to deduct 4% of non-classroom costs from their funding contribution.
Labor has committed to a 2.5% increase to 22.5%, while remaining in a standoff with the largest states over who should fit the remainder of the bill.
The Greens would also create a $1.25bn capital grants fund for public schools, which are currently ineligible for ongoing infrastructure funding, and fund airborne hazard risk reduction measures in all classrooms with a $388m “safer classrooms” program.
The Greens’ spokesperson on primary and secondary education, Senator Penny Allman-Payne, said:
Public school teachers, students, parents and carers suffered through a decade of neglect under Abbott, Turnbull and Morrison. Labor promised them that they would end this nightmare by finally delivering full funding.
But under Albanese’s plan, every single public school that is underfunded today will still be underfunded in a decade. With Labor giving up on fighting inequality and the Liberals ideologically opposed to the very existence of public education, only the Greens are fighting for our public schools.
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‘We’re all frustrated’: Sydney commuter says train disruptions affecting work
Frustration is the recurring answer to how people are feeling at Central station in Sydney this morning.
Commuters have said that disruptions to some of the train lines have forced them to leave home much earlier than usual and brought chaos to their work lives.
Salesman Alex said he and his boss were frustrated he’s had to start late today and was not looking forward to the ride back home.
Two days of this, it’s just getting to be too much. It sucks, I hate it, my boss hates it, we’re all frustrated.
Lots of people are turning against the union now, because it’s just disrupting normal people’s lives. We’re just trying to get to work.
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Faruqi lashes Labor’s ‘double standards’ in responses to Jenkins and Frankcom
The Greens have lashed Labor’s “double standards” after Anthony Albanese warned of diplomatic action against Russia after reports an Australian man was killed by Russian forces while fighting for Ukraine.
Yesterday, Albanese said Australia would take “the strongest possible action” if Russia was found responsible, adding the Russian ambassador had already been called in to explain.
But the minor party’s international aid and global justice spokesperson, Mehreen Faruqi, said the government’s response showed hypocrisy, drawing comparisons to the response to that of the killing of Zomi Frankcom – an Australian aid worker, who was killed in an Israeli drone strike in Gaza.
The hypocrisy of the Albanese-Wong government knows no bounds. Where was your ‘diplomatic action’ when Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom, was murdered by Israel?
Over 46,000 Palestinians have been massacred. Countless have been displaced, starved and injured. Yet there has been nothing but weasel words from the Labor government for the last 15 months as Israel’s relentless genocide rages on.
How do you justify these double standards, Labor? What more will it take for you to sanction Israel and expel the Israeli ambassador? We will not forgive and we will definitely not forget. We will hold you to account at the election.
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Riverina MP shares image of storm damage
Riverina MP Michael McCormack has shared a photo of some of the storm damage overnight, with a rural hall – the “centre of so much social activity in a great little farming district 15km [northwest] of Wagga” – destroyed.
Downside Hall, centre of so much social activity in a great little farming district 15km NW of #WaggaWagga, was smashed in yesterday’s storm. The venue where the Tin Shed Rattlers band have made so many great memories, has been hit hard with widespread damage across the region. pic.twitter.com/0Os8Ady7dg
— Michael McCormack (@M_McCormackMP) January 15, 2025
Commuter frustrated she left an hour early and was still late amid train delays
Back at Sydney’s Central station, which has become busier as commuters continue to navigate the delays on the rail network.
Ally, an architect working in the CBD, said it was frustrating that the union and the state government had been unable to reach an agreement.
She also had to leave an hour early, and was still late for work, saying her train from Ashfield was late by 35 minutes.
It’s deeply frustrating, it was frustrating yesterday and it’s frustrating today. I had to leave an hour early today to make up for it and I’m still late for work.
You can feel people around here are turning against them [the union]. It’s just too much disruption. My boyfriend had to miss multiple meetings yesterday. And it’s the first week back, so not ideal timing.
Updated
Photos of storm, lightning and shelf cloud over Newcastle
As we just flagged, Newcastle is bearing the brunt of the power outages across NSW. Here are some photos of the storm rolling through last night:
One dead and thousands without power after widespread storms
AAP has more details on the storm damage across New South Wales after heavy rain, winds and lightning.
An elderly driver was killed in Cowra as a thunderstorm tore through central NSW, before settling over Sydney and the coast. He has not been formally identified.
Another four people were injured in Wagga when high winds ripped off the roofs of their demountable huts.
The State Emergency Service received more than 2,250 calls and responded to more than 1,800 incidents in 24 hours, predominantly for fallen trees and property damage.
More than 120,000 customers have been left without power and 300 electrical hazards are causing concern across the state. Newcastle is bearing the brunt of the blackouts, with more than 60,000 customers affected, followed by 31,000 in Sydney and 4,000 on the Central Coast.
A fallen tree is causing grief at Royal North Shore hospital while at Carlingford, in the city’s north-west, 14 people required alternative accommodation after losing their roof to the storm.
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The latest from Sydney’s Central station amid train disruptions
Sydney’s Central Station is slightly quiet for this time of day, as travellers say they had been preparing for the expected delays.
The rail network was thrown into chaos yesterday after industrial action caused wait times to blow out, with authorities warning commuters to prepare for more delays today.
One commuter, Mo, said he had to leave his home one hour earlier than usual to accommodate the delays and get to work on time.
It’s ridiculous, our entire lives have been thrown into chaos. I’ve had to change my entire schedule.
Normally it’s a quick trip from Bankstown but it was blown out by over an hour. It’s unfair.
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APAN president says there is ‘sense of relief’ amid ceasefire deal
Nasser Mashni, the president of the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network, spoke with ABC News Breakfast earlier about the ceasefire deal.
He said there was a “sense of relief” and “every Palestinian will be thankful for the opportunity for the blood to stop flowing”.
What we know in 466 days Israel has failed absolutely to achieve anything, to achieve anything. When we talk about the situation and what gave rise to October 7, so often in the discourse nobody spoke about October 6 or the 76 years of Palestinian repression before that.
What we’re hopeful is that this ceasefire will enable a chance for people to breathe but then for the world to recognise there is no military solution to a political problem.
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SES chief says its received 400 calls since midnight, expecting more as people awake to storm damage
NSW SES chief superintendent Dallas Burns has provided an update on the New South Wales storms overnight.
Speaking to the Today show, he said there were still 1,000 outstanding jobs, of about 2,000 total across the state over the past 24 hours.
Some areas will take a bit longer to clean up than others. As I said, we’ve got 1,000 jobs outstanding and we’ve had another 400 calls since midnight and we expect that to increase as people wake up this morning and find more damage.
We’re expecting further thunderstorms today and we’ve also got concerns about a weather front that’s going to impact the northern part of the mid-north coast and the north-east of the state over the next couple of days. [There’s] a lot of rain coming.
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Police investigating fatal house fire in Melbourne’s west
Victorian police are investigating a fatal house fire in Melbourne’s west overnight.
Emergency services were called to a residential property on Dover Street at Truganina about 2.30am, where the three-storey townhouse had been completely destroyed.
A female occupant died at the scene. She is yet to be formally identified.
Police said a crime scene had been established and an arson chemist would attend the scene this morning. Investigations remain ongoing.
Updated
No further updates on Oscar Jenkins, minister says
Murray Watt was also asked if there had been any further updates on Oscar Jenkins – but the minister said there’s been no further information.
We do hold grave concerns about Mr Jenkins’ welfare. [We’ve made] those representations to Russia by calling in its ambassador and the prime minister has flagged very serious consequences if Mr Jenkins has come to any harm, but I’m sure that other ministers will make public any further details as they come to hand.
The federal government is working to verify reports that Jenkins had been killed after being captured by Russian forces while fighting for Ukraine.
Watt hopes ceasefire deal will quell tensions in Australia
Murray Watt was asked if the ceasefire deal might quell some tensions in Australia. He said he “certainly [hopes] so”.
And I’ve noticed some of the footage this morning, it is very interesting that you see both Palestinian and Israeli citizens celebrating this as the breakthrough which is important to them who live in the region.
Updated
Minister welcomes ceasefire deal, humanitarian aid for Gaza
The employment and workplace relations minister, Murray Watt, has also welcomed news of the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.
He just spoke with ABC News Breakfast and said:
This is something our government has joined the international community in calling for, for many months today and if anything today we need to think of the civilians, the Israeli and Palestinian civilians, who have suffered so much over the last 18 months.
He described the agreement as “an important and constructive first step towards long-term peace and stability in the region”.
This is a terrific thing and we very much congratulate the mediators from the United States, Qatar and Egypt for the work that they’ve done.
[The deal] now allows not just for the hostage release and for the ceasing of warfare in Gaza but also allows for an immediate surge in humanitarian aid, which is clearly very much needed in Gaza. I think anyone who has seen the footage over the last 15 months can see the level of destruction in Gaza, so getting that aid in as soon as possible is really important.
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Bandt says people ‘entitled to know’ what crossbench would do in event of minority parliament
Moving to domestic affairs, Adam Bandt has been speaking about the Greens’ intentions to work with Labor to prevent Peter Dutton from becoming prime minister.
In case you missed it, we had an exclusive interview with Bandt that had all the details:
On ABC RN, Bandt said he hadn’t approached Anthony Albanese about the deal yet but “we’re just making it clear publicly”.
What we’re doing is just being upfront with the public about what our approach will be. Our approach will be not to support Peter Dutton. Peter Dutton would lead a very destructive government and we want to keep Peter Dutton out but get Labor to act.
There was one respected commentator … that said there’s a 98% chance of a minority parliament. Now, I think people are entitled to know what will people sitting on the crossbench do in that situation.
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‘Basic principles of humanity must be upheld’: Adam Bandt
The attorney general, Mark Dreyfus, is in Israel for a visit to repair relationships. Asked what role the Australian government should play in what happens next, Adam Bandt said:
Australia could have played a very strong role in pushing for not only an end to the invasion but a permanent end to the occupation. There’s some big issues here that have to be resolved in order for Palestinians and Israelis to have a just and lasting peace that’s based on their rights to self-determination, and that’s got to start with an end to the occupation.
Part of the role of the international community should be to say to what has been an extremist Benjamin Netanyahu, a government that has now been subject to arrest warrants and orders to prevent a genocide, Australia should play a role to say international law and basic principles of humanity must be upheld.
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Greens leader hopes for permanent ceasefire amid agreement
Adam Bandt has also welcomed news of a ceasefire deal.
Speaking to ABC RN, the Greens leader said he hoped the international community would have applied pressure “much earlier” because “the devastation … has been unimaginable.”
The Greens have consistently been calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, as well as the release of the hostages. What’s tragic is that so many of these deaths have been preventable. This was an invasion of people, a 2.2 million people [in] an area half the size of Canberra, and we’ve tragically seen incredible loss of life there …
We hope now that this is a permanent ceasefire that we do see now beginnings of an end to the occupation, and so that we can have a just and lasting peace for both Palestinians and Israelis.
Updated
More from Albanese and Wong’s joint statement on the ceasefire deal
Anthony Albanese and Penny Wong said Australia remained “unequivocal in our condemnation of Hamas’ atrocities on 7 October and its ongoing acts of terror”.
There must be no role for Hamas in the future governance of Gaza. Any future Palestinian state must not be in a position to threaten Israel’s security.
We will continue to act in partnership with the international community to support the urgent humanitarian needs of the people of Gaza.
We thank the mediators – the United States, Qatar and Egypt – for their tireless efforts to bring parties to an agreement to end this war.
Updated
Albanese and Wong welcome ceasefire agreement
The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, and the foreign affairs minister, Penny Wong, have welcomed the ceasefire and hostage agreement in Gaza.
In a joint statement, Albanese and Wong said Australia had consistently been part of the international calls for a ceasefire and the release of hostages.
We urge all parties to respect its terms and safeguard a lasting peace, including ensuring the immediate release of all hostages and unimpeded and sustained increases in humanitarian assistance to all parts of Gaza.
Our thoughts are with all the civilians killed, displaced and taken hostage in this conflict, and the many humanitarian workers who lost their lives in the service of others.
The pair said the agreement was a “constructive step towards peace and stability in the region” and must “mark the beginning of a new chapter for the Israeli and Palestinian people”.
Australia will continue working with the international community towards a two-state solution – a Palestinian state and the State of Israel, living side by side in peace and security within internationally recognised borders.
We hope it will allow the Palestinian people the opportunity to rebuild, reform their governance and pursue self-determination.
Updated
Thousands remain without power across NSW
Thousands of people across NSW remain without power across New South Wales after the wild storms overnight.
Ausgrid said 140,000 customers were affected and power had been restored to 40,000 homes and business. Customers reported 56o hazards including fallen wires, trees and branches on powerlines.
It said crews would work to restore power “as quickly as possible, however due to the scale of this event, it will take some time”.
More than 29,000 Essential Energy customers lost power as of 7pm last night and crews will work to restore power as soon as it is safe, it said.
The hardest hit areas included Bathurst, Coonabarabran, Wagga Wagga, Tumbarumba, Orange, Tumut, Mudgee, Queanbeyan, Blayney, Canowindra and Cowra.
According to Endeavour Energy, there are currently 370 active outages affecting 32,074 customers.
Updated
Sharma ‘wouldn’t assume’ ceasefire agreement will lead to permanent ceasefire
Senator and former ambassador to Israel David Sharma has been speaking to Sunrise this morning, also reacting to news of a ceasefire deal.
He described it as a “very significant deal” and said there hadn’t been a ceasefire agreement for more than a year now between Israel and Hamas:
It will importantly lead to the release of [the] hostages, including women, young children and the elderly and sick who have been held in terrible conditions for 15 months, and it will allow more humanitarian assistance to get to the Gazan population which has been suffering through this conflict as well.
He said the six-week deal would take effect from Sunday, if agreed to by the Israeli cabinet, but “I wouldn’t assume it will lead to a permanent ceasefire agreement”.
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Ryan hopes ceasefire deal ‘real, sustained and permanent’
Independent MP Monique Ryan spoke with the Today show earlier this morning, reacting to news of a ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel.
Ryan said she hopes this will be a “real and sustained permanent ceasefire and an end to what has been a horrific humanitarian catastrophe in the Middle East”.
We have seen other ceasefires haven’t stuck, and we don’t have all the details of this particular arrangement as yet. The details are still emerging but I think we’re all holding our fingers and hoping very much that this will be a permanent end to what has been a terrible time for everyone who’s been involved and everyone who’s been looking on globally.
Ryan said there was a still a lack of clarity over how many hostages remain in Gaza:
We’re hoping that as many people as possible obviously can be returned home as quickly as possible to their friends and family. And the same for the many thousands of Palestinians who are currently being held in Israel.
Updated
Good morning
Emily Wind here, signing on for blogging duties. Thanks to Martin for kicking things off for us.
It’s going to be a busy morning, especially in New South Wales, as people brace for more train disruption and assess damage from the storms overnight. If you have any tips, photos or want to share your experience, you can get in touch via email: emily.wind@theguardian.com.
Let’s get started.
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Bandt says he wants alliance with Labor to keep Dutton out of lodge
As promised earlier, we have an exclusive interview with Greens leader Adam Bandt in which he pins his colours firmly to the mast in saying that he wants an alliance with Labor to keep Peter Dutton out of the Lodge.
There’s a real opportunity in the next parliament, with all of the commentators predicting a minority government, to have a golden era of progressive reform.
A minority parliament can keep Peter Dutton out and get those progressive reforms that I think will set the country up for generations.
You can read the whole story here:
Hope for prospective home buyers, Domain says, as price increases slow
The autumn selling season could be the best time for prospective homeowners to get a foot on the property ladder as house prices hit peak affordability, AAP reports.
Annual property price increases have slowed to their lowest levels in Australia since September 2023 as affordability pressures and limited borrowing power take their toll on demand, Domain’s house price report for the December quarter shows.
Softer clearance rates and more listings were giving buyers more of a choice and helping to take away urgency from their purchasing decisions, said the Domain chief of research and economics, Nicola Powell.
We are seeing a rapid slowdown across pretty much all of our capital cities. We’ve got stable pricing, some cities in decline and those that are rising, they’re not rising as fast as they were.
House prices across the capital cities grew at 1.1% over the last three months of 2024, slower than the average of recent years but maintaining the markets’ positive growth streak of eight consecutive quarters.
Sydney, the country’s most expensive property market, was the only capital to go backwards, with median house prices declining $1,300 over the quarter.
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Wages for low-and-middle income earners growing at higher rates under Albanese government
Wages for low and middle-income earning Australians are growing at higher rates under the Albanese government than previous Coalition governments, a new Labor analysis of wage growth rates shows.
Wages for those earning under $54,000 rose 6.2% on average between June 2022 and September 2024 while Labor was in government, while it rose 2.4% between September 2013 and June 2022, the analysis showed.
In higher incomes, or those earning more than $125,000, wages rose 3.3% on average over the 27-month period while incomes rose 1.9% on average between 2013 and 2022.
Overall, Labor’s analysis showed wages, on average, had risen 3.8% between June 2022 and September 2024 compared with 2.2% between September 2013 and June 2022 while Coalition governments were in power.
The treasurer, Jim Chalmers, said Australians are doing it tough but it would be worse under the opposition leader, Peter Dutton.
The choice at the next election is between a Labor government which has been creating jobs, getting wages moving again and rolling out cost-of-living help versus a Coalition that wants Australians working longer for less.
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NSW mental health minister to meet doctors
The NSW mental health minister will today meet with representatives of the psychiatrist workforce as the impending resignation of more than half the state’s specialist mental health doctors comes into effect next week.
There are 443 psychiatrist positions in NSW Health, of which there were already 30%-40% pre-existing vacancies, in addition to which at least 205 are set to resign from 21 January.
The doctors are resigning because they say they cannot continue to work in the understaffed mental health system, arguing they need higher pay and better conditions in line with other states to retain more staff, but the government says they cannot agree to their demand for a 25% pay rise.
The mental health minister, Rose Jackson, said she hopes meeting today with the doctor’s union, the Australian Salaried Medical Officers’ Federation (Asmof), as well as the NSW branch of the peak body for psychiatrists, the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, could offer “an opportunity for discussion, perhaps an opportunity for a path forward.”
In a press conference Asmof held on Wednesday, an emergency doctor said they stood in solidarity with their psychiatrist colleagues because the state’s mental health services are “on the brink of a collapse, this isn’t a crisis any more”.
Psychiatric trainee Dr James Leader said being physically unable to provide the care to mental health patients is causing “moral injury” to doctors in the public hospitals. “The system is forcing us to compromise in ways that we do not want to.”
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Overnight wrap of Sydney train chaos
As people start planning their journeys – or maybe just starting planning a WFH day – here’s our overnight report on the Sydney Trains chaos.
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Sydney braces for more train disruption
Our reporter Mostafa Rachwani is out and about and will be bringing us some updates on the train situation very soon.
But in the meantime, this is the statement from Sydney Trains last night warning about disruption today:
All suburban and Intercity trains will return to their stabling yards by midnight to help Sydney Trains manage the ongoing severe impacts of today’s industrial action, as this evening’s severe weather also takes out more services across the network.
The decision has been taken to assist the return of the fleet wherever possible, to be ready to run from their home stabling yards on Thursday morning.
It means train services will progressively reduce frequency from around 9pm to ensure all trains would be in their assigned locations before the last service, which typically ends at 1am each weekday.
Sydney Trains is forecasting another heavily degraded day on the network from early Thursday when passengers will again face lengthy delays, service cancellations and large service gaps as a result of over 350 bans that have been notified.
Passengers should also be aware that tonight’s wild storms have caused trees to fall on overhead wiring at Normanhurst and Bell, and caused power outages at Lidcombe, Cabramatta and Flemington, multiple signal/track failures at Shellharbour Junction and flooding at Town Hall, which have all had varied impacts to services.
During Wednesday, 1,500 services were cancelled up until 7.30pm as a result of industrial action, approximately 40% of all Sydney Trains timetabled services.
With more than 350 work bans in place across the network as part of the Combined Rail Unions industrial action, we urge passengers to delay non-essential travel, use alternative forms of public transport, and plan ahead by checking the latest updates on transportnsw.info and live travel apps.
Where possible, NSW TrainLink booked passengers are contacted via SMS to alert them to changed travel arrangements.
Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink apologise to our passengers again for the disruption and thank them for their understanding as staff at the Rail Operations Centre and across the network work to minimise the impacts of this difficult industrial period.
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Welcome
Good morning and welcome to our live news blog. I’m Martin Farrer with some of the top overnight stories before Emily Wind comes along shortly.
The chaos across Sydney’s train network caused by industrial action yesterday is expected to worsen today, as a standoff over a new pay deal between rail unions and the New South Wales government drags on. Train bosses warned passengers last night that today would be “another heavily degraded day on the network” with “lengthy delays, service cancellations and large service gaps as a result of over 350 bans that have been notified”.
Last night’s severe storm in the greater Sydney area will only make matters worse, Sydney Trains warned, after flooding hit Town Hall station concourse, brought down trees on to lines and caused power cuts. We’ll have updates on both the trains and the storm damage soon.
Adam Bandt says a Greens-Labor power-sharing parliament could see a “golden era of progressive reform” as he confirms that stopping Peter Dutton becoming prime minister is now his party’s main election focus. However, the Greens leader faces a challenge on his own doorstep as the former AFL player and failed Melbourne lord mayoral candidate Anthony Koutoufides considers a tilt at Bandt’s seat.
Annual property price increases have slowed to their lowest levels since September 2023 as affordability pressures and limited borrowing power take their toll on demand, according to a new report from Domain. It echoes the findings of a recent CoreLogic study and offers some hope for prospective buyers – and for federal ministers hoping the housing crisis will ease before the election. They will also hope for good news from today’s unemployment numbers due at 11.30am. More coming up.
