What we learned today, Thursday 13 July
Thanks for following along on the liveblog today – here is where we’ll wrap our coverage.
Today’s main developments included:
The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, said his cabinet would make a decision on the RBA governor, Philip Lowe’s future together, when asked if he will be holding a special cabinet meeting tomorrow.
The treasurer, Jim Chalmers, is due to decide on whether to extend his seven-year contract within a few days, with few expecting him to stay on.
Former Liberal MP Ewen Jones passed away aged 63 surrounded by family. He has been remembered and honoured by those across the political spectrum, with the opposition leader, Peter Dutton, writing he was “a jovial man who was a marvellous teller of jokes and a captivating storyteller”.
Cassy O’Connor announced she would step down as Tasmanian Greens leader, but intends to run for a seat in the state’s upper house.
Cases of influenza are on the rise in NSW, with hospital presentations growing among young people under 17 in particular. Calls for people to get the flu shot are also increasing after a second child died from the virus.
The minister for foreign affairs, Penny Wong, currently in Jakarta, said Australia condemns North Korea’s ballistic missile launches and that she had no desire to meet the Russian foreign minister as part of her travels.
New data from the Commonwealth Bank suggests young renters aged between 25 and 29 are pulling back on spending more than any other group, likely facing sharp rental increases.
Meanwhile, a Guardian Australia investigation revealed the no campaign against the Voice employs lobbyists that specialise in conservative Christian campaigning.
Have a lovely evening, and we’ll see you back here tomorrow morning.
Updated
Farming group welcomes first national climate statement
Farmers for Climate Action has welcomed the first national statement on climate change and agriculture, signed by all state and federal agriculture ministers today.
They say the statement is an important first step in achieving a national plan to support farmers cutting their emissions and increasing farm productivity.
The board director, Brett Hosking, said there were three particularly encouraging elements in the statement:
There’s a commitment to make farm climate policies more consistent across Australia, a commitment to seek out opportunities presented to farmers by a low emissions future, and a commitment to pursue fair, free and open trade in agriculture to support emissions reductions.
Hosking said farmers will be “watching closely” to ensure all agriculture ministers honour these commitments:
We don’t want our farmers to miss out on the huge opportunities a low-emissions economy creates. We know some of the big overseas markets which buy our farm produce are pushing us to do better on emissions and biodiversity, and this is a reality which must be met head-on.
Updated
Wrapping up the interview, Albanese is asked if the government is doing enough to address the rising cost of living. He said:
We will always do what we can.
We’ll always look at doing more but we’ve been very careful that we needed to take pressure off the cost of living, whilst not putting pressure on inflation.
PM to make decision on RBA governor ‘as a cabinet’
Albanese is asked if he will be holding a special cabinet meeting tomorrow.
Well, we have meetings all the time.
He is then asked if he will be announcing the Reserve Bank governor:
We have meetings all the time and we will have meetings in the usual way. It’s not unusual for us to have meetings when I return and we will go through issues we have not made on the governance position that needs to be done before September.
But we obviously are giving it proper consideration.
Will Philip Lowe continue?
We will make that decision as a cabinet.
One of the things about my government is that it’s an orderly government. It has proper processes … we are trusting of our public servants and are engaging with them as well.
We don’t have any secret ministries. I’m just the prime minister, I’m not the health minister or the industry Minister or the resources minister. Those days are gone, what Australia wants is an orderly considered government that meets the challenges which are there …
Updated
PM on Indigenous voice
Albanese is asked about the Indigenous voice to parliament, and after answering commonly asked questions about how the voice would work, he said:
What Indigenous people are concerned about is when you have an eight-year gap in life expectancy, when you have more chance of going to jail than going into university …
He is asked whether the voice will be able to make representations about “anything”, and Albanese said that any citizen can already make representations to parliament about any matter they want, through emails and getting in touch with their local MP.
That is a concern that people will be concentrating on, not some of the issues that have been raised. And anyone can make representations about anything.
Updated
Australia can become ‘renewable energy superpower’: PM
Albanese speaks of his visit to Germany and signing up to the climate club.
He said there are no demands of Australia in the club, but a commitment to discuss the ways in which we can transition to a greater use of clean energy and reducing emissions.
He said that this transition can be of “enormous benefit” and that Australia has the opportunity to “be a renewable energy superpower, which will lead to jobs and economic activity here”.
Updated
PM defends support for Ukraine from ‘armchair critics’
The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, is speaking to Oliver Peterson on 6PR Perth radio.
Speaking of the Nato summit he said it came at a really big moment in time, with the war in Ukraine:
We were just 40km from the Belarus border, so you really felt it in Lithuania there.
The democratic world is united in opposing the Russian aggression in Ukraine.
Speaking on the Australia’s support for Ukraine, Albanese said there have been comments made about what Australia should provide from “armchair critics”:
[They are] saying ‘why aren’t we supplying Hawkeis’ for instance.
We’ll provide the support that we are best able to.
Albanese said the war in Ukraine is a struggle that requires international support and there will always be more demands.
I’m not critical of the Ukrainians for that. They would always like more, they’re in a war [and are thinking of their] survival as a sovereign state.
Updated
Queensland to review landlords skirting rent hike limits
The Palaszczuk government is reviewing laws limiting rent hikes amid reports Queensland landlords are kicking tenants out to get around the new caps, AAP reports.
The laws passed in April aimed to ensure tenants would only see their rent raised once a year as the state struggles with some of the country’s steepest increases.
However, housing minister Meaghan Scanlon said reports had emerged of landlords and agents skirting this by ending tenants’ leases to increase rents more often.
The government is proposing changes that apply annual rent hikes to the rental property rather than the tenancy. Scanlon tweeted on Thursday:
I want to ensure that the original intent of our laws is respected.
We have launched a discussion paper, considering a proposal to ensure the laws are not circumvented, and that renters aren’t unfairly penalised by behaviour aimed at avoiding limits to rent increases.
Updated
You catch up on today’s biggest headlines so far with the Afternoon Update from my colleague Antoun Issa:
Public servant could fill RBA governor role: Labor MP
The Labor MP Susan Templeman is speaking on the ABC, responding to comments made by the opposition leader, Peter Dutton, today that if a new RBA governor was to be appointed, it would have to be someone without political ties.
She said she has “never heard a discussion quite like this”:
When I was a journalist back of the press gallery in 1980s, these things were definitely not as publicly discussed.
I do think it is wrong to say that a senior public servant cannot provide independent advice and really live and breathe the independence that is the RBA. That is the purpose of that institution.
We have extraordinary public servants who serve in whatever role they are given and someone who is deemed to be the most suited to be next Reserve Bank governor would no doubt be able to fulfil that. I have absolute confidence in the decision-making process under way and in the ability of a whole range of people with all different backgrounds to be able to fulfil that need for there to be independent.
Updated
More on the government’s announcement of $13m in partnerships between the Therapeutic Goods Association and governments in our region:
The investment aims to support access to high-quality, safe, and effective medicines in the Pacific and Southeast Asia. Minister for international development and the Pacific, Pat Conroy, said:
Strong, resilient and responsive health systems are an essential part of sustainable development.
Australia has long supported strengthening health systems through our international development program.
Proud to announce a $13.3 million investment for new partnerships between @TGAgovau and governments in our region.
— Pat Conroy MP (@PatConroy1) July 13, 2023
This will help increase the availability of quality medicines and strengthen regulatory frameworks as part of the Partnerships for a Healthy Region initiative. pic.twitter.com/6XriQulMHY
‘Essential partners’: South Korean on relations with Australia
South Korea’s ambassador to Australia, Kim Wan-joong, spoke to the ABC and provided his broad assessment of the two nation’s relationship:
In the area of new emerging industries, we are essential partners, but also in terms of defence and security dimensions, we are becoming essential partners in the region.
As the two most important allies of the region of the US and like-minded countries which share common values such as democracy, human rights and the rule of law. We have a lot together in leading the region into a green transition and shared collective security and maritime security and also leading Pacific nations into a thriving future, so we have a lot to do in partnership.
Updated
Labor MP urges Australian banks to refund scams
Labor MP Jerome Laxale is speaking on the ABC about calls for Australian banks to refund customers who have been victims of frauds and scamming.
He said that the amount lost to scamming in Australia has increased by 80% on the year before, and only 2% to 5% is recovered by Australian banks, whereas in the UK it is as high as 66%.
I’ve been trying to understand why Australian bankers don’t do more to protect consumers from scammers or refund consumers and I will be honest, not too impressed with some of their responses.
Laxale said he doesn’t think Australian banks see it as their responsibility and this is “pretty disappointing” in his view.
Quite rightly many in our community are wondering why Australian banks aren’t doing more, the ACCC is wondering why banks are not doing more.
… if we have to go through a mandatory model, I think there is enough community sentiment to go. I’d call on the banks do just start doing it voluntarily as they did in the UK. There is no reason why banks can’t start refunding more customers, starting next week.
You can read more around this issue from my colleague Cait Kelly below:
Updated
Vince Colosimo unable to pay $61,000 in fines
Actor Vince Colosimo is unable to pay back more than $61,000 in fines as he is living a “meagre” lifestyle with no financial assets, his lawyer says.
The Underbelly star, 56, appeared in Melbourne magistrates court on Thursday by video link from his Legal Aid lawyer’s offices.
Colosimo’s lawyer, Julia Munster, asked the court to dismiss the fines, which now total $61,858.60, as he has multiple mental illnesses which had impaired his ability to keep on top of the infringements.
She said he had been assessed by a psychologist as suffering from dependence to methamphetamines, ADHD, generalised anxiety disorder and PTSD:
He suffers from profound mental illnesses, special circumstances do apply to him.
Further, she said he was living a “meagre lifestyle” with no financial assets.
Munster said Colosimo had paid $6025 in fees to the court earlier this week for another matter, but he had to borrow that money.
She said the infringements, which include fines for failing to vote, unpaid tolls and speeding tickets, were initially less than $30,000 but that amount had more than doubled due to additional fees imposed by the sheriff.
Colosimo was facing possible jail time, but Magistrate Guillaume Bailin took that off the table on Thursday.
He agreed with Munster that Colosimo was vulnerable due to his mental illnesses and decided the actor will not be required to pay back the full amount.
Instead, the magistrate flagged Colosimo may have to undertake some community work.
Bailin will hand down his decision later on Thursday afternoon.
Lifeline 13 11 14, beyondblue 1300 22 4636
- from AAP
Updated
Scott Morrison has ‘taken no notice’ of my comments on his future: Karen Andrews
Turning to the robodebt royal commission, Karen Andrews is asked whether the former prime minister Scott Morrison should be considering his future as an elected representative given the findings.
She told the ABC:
I made my comments very clear in relation to Scott Morrison and I’ve never attempted to walk back any of those comments.
It is also fair to say that has not been the view of my party. There was not a lot of support for the comments I made and my colleagues have made it very clear in their view this as a matter for Scott Morrison to determine.
Let’s be honest, he has taken no notice of what my comments were in relation to his future.
The host asks if she is inferring Morrison should pack his bags:
I have already said that. I cannot be more definitive than the comments I made last year. And I have not changed my view.
Updated
Byelections ‘very unpredictable’: Karen Andrews
The Liberal MP Karen Andrews is speaking to the ABC about the upcoming Fadden byelection (She holds the seat of McPherson, not too far from Fadden).
Andrews is asked whether the Liberal party is preparing for another situation like it saw in Aston, where it lost what was considered a safe seat:
We are very conscious all elections can be unpredictable and a byelection can be very unpredictable.
We have a strong candidate on the ground with Cameron Caldwell … It is entirely possible they will be a swing either way in this election. What is the most concerning is it seems to be a low turnout flow far for the pre poll leading up to Saturday.
… There needs to be a major effort done to make sure people understand there is a byelection and they needed to vote.
Updated
Liberal senator accused of ‘stoking division’ in speech
The director of Democracy in Colour, Nèha Madhok, has responded to comments from the Liberal senator and shadow education minister, Sarah Henderson, made in a speech to the Australian Technology Network of Universities a little earlier today.
Henderson addressed the ATNU about higher education, but made a few political comments as well, particularly over the debunked’ “Big Australia” attack line the Coalition have been using against the government. It’s a reference over the number of migrants Treasury expects over the next few years – which is a correction from the pandemic and expected to be temporary.
The forecast is also less than what the Coalition was forecasting before it lost government. But opposition is an entirely different ballgame.
Henderson said international students were an economic positive, but then also made mention of the “Big Australia” attack line in her address:
Certainly, if universities are going to continue to sell the dream of an Australian education to international students, the sector must take greater responsibility to ensure students don’t end up couch surfing just to make ends meet. With 1.5 million migrants heading our way over five years, Labor’s Big Australia policy also has big consequences for domestic students who need access to affordable housing and strong job prospects to thrive and succeed.
Last year, international students in Australia contributed $25.5bn to the national economy, but our reputation which drives this huge dividend for our country can never be taken for granted.
But Madhok said the speech was another example of “stoking division” between residents and temporary visa holders, rather than coming up with solutions for the whole of the nation:
We need a political attitude shift when it comes to international students. Rather than address the substantive issues Senator Henderson has feigned empathy for international students without any substantial policy behind it. This attitude turns international students into political scapegoats and objects.
Proposing short term impractical solutions is exactly what created this housing crisis. Again, we are being lectured on a crisis from a Dutton opposition that refuses to reflect on their party’s legacy, demonstrating wilful ignorance to the policies that created this mess.
Updated
No desire to meet Russian foreign minister: Penny Wong
Asked whether she planned to rub shoulders with Russia’s foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, Wong said drily:
It’s not my desire to rub shoulders with Mr Lavrov.
Wong went on to say that the Australian government was pleased to offer 30 more Bushmasters to Ukraine, as Anthony Albanese announced in Lithuania last night. Wong said Australia’s goal was to “empower Ukraine to resolve this conflict on its own terms”.
She added:
We continue to assert here and anywhere that Australia speaks that Russia’s attack on Ukraine is an attack on all smaller nations and it highlights why we are protected by the UN charter and why we must protect that charter including from its abrogation by Russia.
Updated
Asked to confirm she would meet with China’s top diplomat, Wang Yi, while in Jakarta, Wong said:
We’re looking to arrange meetings with a number of counterparts including China and I’m happy to talk to you about it when it happens.
Wong said she had been clear on the Australian government’s view about Hong Kong’s national security law, and Australia’s view on the importance of freedom of expression and commitment to safeguarding the right of people in Australia, including Australian citizens, to express their views. (That comes after Hong Kong authorities issued arrest warrants for two people based in Australia.)
Asked once again about reports Anthony Albanese might delay his trip to Beijing, Wong hinted that Australia wanted China to demonstrate more progress on resolving some of the differences between the two countries:
The prime minister’s intention is to visit at an appropriate time and of course we would want the most positive circumstances for such a visit.
Australia to boost support for medicine in region
Wong announced that Australia is boosting its support for access to medicines in south-east Asia and also the Pacific via a $13m investment in new partnerships between the Therapeutic Goods Association and governments in our region.
She said this that includes more than $1m to Indonesia.
Behind all of the words, what this means is improved health outcomes.
Updated
Australia condemns North Korea’s ballistic missile lauches
After a meeting today with her South Korean counterpart, Wong said:
Australia stands with the Republic of Korea in condemning North Korea’s repeated ballistic missile launches.
North Korea’s actions threaten the security of our region, of our neighbours, of our partners and in this undermines the security of the world.
We have to stand resolute in implementing the comprehensive sanctions against North Korea.
Updated
Penny Wong in Jakarta
The foreign minister, Penny Wong, is speaking in Jakarta to the media about the Asean meetings she has been involved with.
She said:
Asean’s contribution to our region is essential to our regions shared goals.
We all want a region where we can have the capacity to both agree and disagree.
We want a region where our agency is preserved, where we can decide our own destiny, free from pressure or coercion.
Updated
The former prime minister Tony Abbott has penned a tribute to former Liberal MP Ewen Jones.
In a statement, Abbott wrote:
Ewen Jones was an effective and conscientious MP, a well-respected member of the Coalition party room, and a very decent man.
… Doing the right thing by his community, but especially for small business people and everyone who was having a go, characterised Ewen’s public life.
He wasn’t in it for himself but what he could do for others.
People like Ewen should be at the heart of the Liberal Party because they keep us grounded in the practical things that governments should try to deliver for ordinary people.
I’m very sorry that he’s left us too soon and extend my condolences to his family and friends who can be very proud of his contribution to our public life.
Updated
The former federal Greens leader Bob Brown has described outgoing Tasmanian Greens leader Cassy O’Connor as a strong and wise defender of Tasmania’s future, particularly its wild and scenic beauty, wildlife, Aboriginal heritage and visitor hospitality.
Brown said:
She has been a champion for social justice and was the most innovative minister for housing Tasmania has seen.
Cassy was the real opposition leader in Tasmania, on a whole range of social justice and environmental issues in which Labor lines up with the Liberals.
Well done @CassyOConnorMP a strong & wise defender of Tasmania’s future, in particular its wild and scenic beauty & wildlife. A champion for social justice and the most innovative Minister for Housing Tasmania has seen. Cassy was the real opposition leader in #politas - Bob Brown
— Bob Brown Foundation (@BobBrownFndn) July 13, 2023
- with AAP
Updated
The treasurer, Jim Chalmers, has wished the Matildas well in their World Cup campaign, officially opening with a game in Sydney against Ireland next Thursday:
Wishing @samkerr1 and @TheMatildas all the best in their World Cup campaign which starts with a friendly against France tomorrow night. Here are the game times for the friendly and round one. ⚽ pic.twitter.com/YSxBMOZwrP
— Jim Chalmers MP (@JEChalmers) July 13, 2023
Updated
Labor MP Matt Thistlethwaite has paid tribute to the former Liberal MP Ewen Jones, who has passed away.
Thistlethwaite noted the work Jones did as part of the Defence Housing Australia Board, writing:
You gave proud service to the people of north Queensland [and] the parliament.
Vale Ewan Jones. You gave proud service to the people of north Queensland & the parliament. Thanks for your well respected work on the Defence Housing Australia Board. RIP mate.
— Matt Thistlethwaite (@MThistlethwaite) July 13, 2023
Updated
A 39-year-old homeless man has been charged with sending a death threat to the federal Nationals MP Anne Webster.
The man, of no fixed address, was arrested by the Australian federal police at Brisbane international airport on Tuesday. He appeared in the Brisbane magistrates court on Wednesday when he was remanded in custody to reappear on Friday.
Continue reading:
Updated
The minister for climate change and energy, Chris Bowen, has shared a photo from Newcastle, which has today been announced as Australia’s first “hydrogen hub”.
Newcastle will be one of the first cities in the world to produce green hydrogen.
— Chris Bowen (@Bowenchris) July 13, 2023
Today @SharonClaydon and I The Hunter as Australia’s first hydrogen hub.
Hydrogen will see emissions from the giant Orica facility on Kooragang Island slashed and 100 new jobs created. pic.twitter.com/MUTHjxHb43
Bowen said:
Newcastle will be one of the first cities in the world to produce green hydrogen.
… Hydrogen will see emissions from the giant Orica facility on Kooragang Island slashed and 100 new jobs created.
Nitrous oxide is one of the worst gases when it comes to climate change
— Chris Bowen (@Bowenchris) July 13, 2023
Nitrous oxide emissions have been reduced to zero at Orica’s important Newcastle plant thanks to joint funding from the Federal and NSW Governments and Orica. pic.twitter.com/T4uQPEphd4
Updated
The former Liberal MP Wyatt Roy has penned a heartfelt tribute to former Liberal MP Ewen Jones, who has died aged 63.
Roy said Jones was “the absolute best of men”:
Today we lost my mate Ewen -the absolute best of men.
Ewen had the biggest of hearts and made every day fun.
He was a fiercely principled fighter, never afraid to stand up for what was right.
Also never afraid to lighten a room with the most inappropriate joke. I love ya mate.
Today we lost my mate Ewen -the absolute best of men. Ewen had the biggest of hearts and made every day fun. He was a fiercely principled fighter, never afraid to stand up for what was right. Also never afraid to lighten a room with the most inappropriate joke. I love ya mate pic.twitter.com/U1BXfB5T5b
— Wyatt Roy (@MrWyattR) July 13, 2023
Updated
‘Cousin of kangaroo’ back in the wild after 100 years
It has taken more than 100 years for the eastern bettong to return to the Australian mainland after being completely wiped out by foxes, AAP reports.
A group of the small hopping marsupials, described as a relative of the kangaroo, have been reintroduced to Yiraaldiya national park, 40km west of Sydney’s CBD.
The move was possible thanks to a feral predator-free area established within the park to keep the group safe.
All up the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) hopes to build a population of at least 150 bettongs at Yiraaldiya, with more being brought up from Tasmania over the coming year.
NSW NPWS chief Atticus Fleming said the program demonstrates it is possible to turn back the tide of extinction:
Two bettong species are extinct, another two species were lost from mainland Australia, and two species are endangered.
Like many small native mammals, bettongs are ecosystem engineers. Each bettong shifts tonnes of soil every year, spreading spores and helping keep our ecosystems healthy.
Once abundant in the coastal woodlands of NSW, the eastern bettong went completely extinct on mainland Australia by the 1920s, with the last known wild specimen spotted in NSW in 1906.
Australia has the worst mammal extinction record in the world, with predation by feral cats and foxes primarily to blame.
Updated
Penny Wong says Indonesia and India crucial to regional security and stability
Foreign affairs minister Penny Wong has shared some photos from the ASEAN-related meetings in Jakarta.
During her travels Wong will meet with Asean foreign ministers to discuss opportunities for cooperation, particularly around climate change and health security.
Her visit comes one week after Indonesian president Joko Widodo visited Australia.
Indonesia and India are crucial to our region’s security and our stability.
— Senator Penny Wong (@SenatorWong) July 13, 2023
I caught up with my good friends @Menlu_RI and @DrSJaishankar on the sidelines of the ASEAN-related meetings in Jakarta.
Together, with ASEAN, we are working together to shape a better future. pic.twitter.com/KLZNmLdYlj
Pictured above Wong is meeting with Retno Marsudi, foreign minister of Indonesia, and Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, external affairs minister of India.
Updated
Tasmanian premier says outgoing Greens leader was a ‘passionate advocate’
More reactions are flowing on social media following news that Cassy O’Connor will step down as leader of the Tasmanian Greens.
Tasmanian premier Jeremy Rockliff said that although they didn’t see eye-to-eye on a number of things, “there’s no doubt Cassy’s a passionate advocate for the Greens here in Tasmania”. He tweeted:
No matter your political stripes, contributing to the Parliament for well over a decade is no small feat.
I commend Cassy for her service, and wish her all the very best for her break from public life.
Tasmanian Greens senator Peter Whish-Wilson said she has been “a bloody fierce warrior for the movement”:
Thank you @CassyOConnorMP for your phenomenal contribution as leader of the @TasmanianGreens 💚 you’ve been a bloody fierce warrior for the movement and I can think of nobody better to hold the major parties to account in the Leg Co next year #politas
— Peter Whish-Wilson (@SenatorSurfer) July 13, 2023
Meanwhile, Victorian Greens leader Samantha Ratnam also shared her congratulations:
Huge congrats to @CassyOConnorMP on an incredible run as Leader of the Tasmanian Greens.
— Samantha Ratnam (@SamanthaRatnam) July 13, 2023
Cassy has been Leader for 8 of her 15 years in Parliament, and during that time has been a tireless fighter for the environment, for equality, and for integrity.
Thank you 💚
Updated
Calls for flu jab increase after second child’s death
Authorities are imploring people to roll up their sleeves and receive their flu jabs after a second child died from the influenza B strain, AAP reports.
An 11-year-old Sunshine Coast girl died on Wednesday after catching the flu. Her death follows that of a NSW student on the Central Coast on Tuesday from the virus.
Australian Medical Association Queensland president Maria Boulton told Nine’s Today show:
We’re seeing way too many people end up in hospital emergency departments and even be admitted to intensive care units with severe flu.
When you look at Queensland ... we’re losing the battle when it comes to the number of people vaccinated against the flu, particularly in … younger demographics.
The age group between five and nine, only about 13% of kids in that age group have been vaccinated. We need to do better.
Flu vaccinations across Australia between March and July 2023 have dropped almost 18% compared to the same period in 2022.
Updated
Wind warnings for Victoria and Tasmania
A series of damaging wind warnings are in place for Victoria and Tasmania, according to the Bureau of Meteorology:
Wind warnings are in place for Victoria and Tasmania as a burst of northwesterlies picks up today. See https://t.co/4W35o8i7wJ or the BOM Weather app. pic.twitter.com/AfPeXSXUKX
— Bureau of Meteorology, Australia (@BOM_au) July 13, 2023
Updated
Shot fired in police operation in western Sydney
A man has been arrested after a police pursuit in western Sydney which led to an officer discharging his gun, AAP reports.
Police say the operation began in Lalor Park about 9.30am on Thursday and ended when a man was arrested in the Blue Mountains at 11.40am.
Police said in a statement:
Specialist operatives from the Tactical Operations Unit conducted a high-risk vehicle stop on the Great Western Highway, Katoomba, near Woodlands Road.
A black Holden Commodore was brought to a stop and the male driver was arrested.
Earlier police issued a statement warning there was a police operation underway, saying an officer had “discharged a firearm”.
Updated
Customers won’t shell out more if caged eggs phased out, says Minns
The New South Wales premier, Chris Minns, has refuted claims that the phasing out of caged eggs by 2036 would see prices for the kitchen staple surge.
Asked about claims the plan would cause prices to jump to $12 per carton, Minns said he had not seen any evidence to support that:
My understanding is the proposal on the table is not before 2036 so I can’t anticipate that would have any impact on prices in the retail sector.
Updated
Three Victoria Police squads – the Arson and Explosives Squad, the anti-bikie Echo Taskforce and the criminal gang-focused VIPER Taskforce – have united to target two warring organised crime syndicates alleged to be behind a series of arson attacks in Melbourne, AAP reports.
The criminal groups – believed to be linked to Middle Eastern organised crime entities – are responsible for at least 11 arson attacks since June 24, according to Victoria Police.
The incidents have caused extensive property damage, and Arson and Explosives Squad Detective Inspector Chris Murray says “it is only sheer luck that one of these fires hasn’t resulted in the death or serious injury of someone”.
Incidents include an arson attack on a prestige vehicle business at Oakleigh on June 26, causing more than $1m damage. A man arrived around 3am in a grey Audi A4 wagon and set the business on fire.
In the early hours of the next day, offenders tried to set alight a Fraser Rise house with five people inside. Police alleged that when an associate tried to help, his home at Caroline Springs was set on fire too.
Then a Collingwood business on Smith Street went up in flames on June 29. Police allege at least three people broke the front windows of the store with hammers at about 3am, before pouring accelerant through the business. Police say that one of the men accidentally set fire to himself before he fled with others in a silver SUV.
Tasmanian Greens leader Cassy O’Connor steps down
Cassy O’Connor has announced she is retiring as leader of the Tasmanian Greens.
First elected in 2008 and party leader in 2015, she told reporters today she had resigned as the member for Clark:
I’m also standing down as Greens leader. This hasn’t been an easy decision.
I love my job. I love working in parliament and especially in an exciting, dynamic parliament. But it is time to go.
Despite stepping down, O’Connor said she intended to run for a seat in Tasmania’s upper house:
I’m not done yet. I will be seeking preselection for the legislative council seat of Hobart.
A recount will be held to replace O’Connor in the Hobart-based electorate, with her seat expected to go to the Greens candidate Vica Bayley.
The Greens leader, Adam Bandt, thanked O’Connor for her work, and for being a “strong [and] fierce advocate for integrity, equality [and] the environment”:
All the best for whatever comes next.
Thank you @CassyOConnorMP for your amazing work as Tasmanian Greens leader & MP for Clark.
— Adam Bandt (@AdamBandt) July 13, 2023
Cassy's been a strong & fierce advocate for integrity, equality & the environment in lutruwita, holding the Libs to account over the past 8 years.
All the best for whatever comes next 💚
The Tasmanian Greens senator Nick McKim said she is leaving an “amazing legacy”:
A rare political combination of conviction, smarts and heart. A teller of truth to power, a fierce defender of nature and a fighter for people who couldn’t fight for themselves.
The former Greens leader Christine Milne also tweeted her congratulations for a “stellar” career:
Congratulations @CassyOConnorMP on stellar Parlt career. Fifteen yrs of fearless advocacy for Tas Greens and 8 as leader is such a great contribution to protecting #Nature and upholding political integrity in Lutruwita Tasmania. Present and future generations thank you #politas
— Christine Milne AO (@ChristineMilne) July 13, 2023
- with AAP
Updated
Influenza on the rise in NSW
NSW Health has released its latest respiratory surveillance report for the week ending 8 July, showing that Covid-19 cases are declining while influenza is on the rise.
NSW Health said the flu continues to be the dominant respiratory virus across the state:
A small decline in flu notification rates for children and young people aged 5–16 years was observed in the previous week, though this coincided with the start of school holidays.
Emergency department presentations and admissions for flu-like illness remains high, particularly among young people under 17.
Covid activity continues to decline across all indicators, however.
Summary:
— NSW Health (@NSWHealth) July 13, 2023
Flu continues to dominate respiratory virus activity in NSW. A small decline in flu notification rates for children and young people aged 5 – 16 years was observed in the previous week, though this coincided with the start of school holidays.
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Vale Ewen Jones, former Liberal MP
Opposition leader Peter Dutton has released a statement on the passing of former Liberal party MP Ewen Jones, who has died aged 63 surrounded by family.
Dutton said Jones “fought relentlessly for the people in and around Townsville” during his two terms in the seat of Herbert.
A jovial man who was a marvellous teller of jokes and a captivating storyteller, Ewen will be greatly missed and always remembered.
On behalf of the Coalition, I offer my heartfelt condolences to Ewen’s wife Linda, his children Abbie, Emma and Andrew, his wider family, friends and colleagues.
May he rest in peace.
Ewen Jones was loyal to his Party and his constituents.
— Peter Dutton (@PeterDutton_MP) July 13, 2023
He was a true champion of liberal values and fought relentlessly for the people in and around Townsville.
Ewen will be greatly missed and always remembered. pic.twitter.com/80ldtnAJ1g
Jones’ passing was announced by his family earlier today.
Ewen Jones passed away around 5am this morning, surrounded by family. He is at peace now. I am so lucky to have had him as my dad. pic.twitter.com/PFha6O3cqR
— Emma Jones (@emma_____jones) July 12, 2023
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A massive 98% of public schools are under-funded by government
The Australian Education Union is calling on the government to provide a funding boost to public schools so teachers can cut class sizes and provide greater individual support for students.
AEU federal president Correna Haythorpe said 98% of public schools are funded below the Schooling Resource Standard (SRS) – the minimum amount governments have agreed is required to meet the needs of all students.
Haythorpe said the AEU wants an agreement between the federal government and state and territory governments to ensure public schools are funded to 100% of the SRS by 2028:
We want these agreements to be signed within the next 12 months and for the Albanese Government to start lifting its funding share from next year.
Fully funding public schools will change lives and lift results. It will allow class sizes to be cut and children to receive more one-on-one attention. It will also give teachers more support in the classroom and reduce their crippling workloads so they can spend more time on lesson planning and professional collaboration.
Haythorpe said the current underfunding of public schools means there is no funding for one in 10 students:
In the Northern Territory, where student needs are highest, it is one in five.
98% of private schools are already resourced at or above the SRS with the Commonwealth paying at least 80% of the amount for each school.
Updated
Spending on pets slashed as cost of living hits hard
Almost half of Australian pet owners have cut back on spending for their pets in an effort to save money, according to a new survey by Finder.
According to the survey of 670 pet owners, 45% said they needed to cut back on spending for their pet, while 3% said they were forced to give up their pet due to the rising cost of living.
Almost 1 in 4 pet owners are also shopping around for cheaper alternatives to standard pet food.
James Martin, insurance expert at Finder, said cost-cutting for pets could lead to costly long-term health implications:
Appropriate nutrition and medication is crucial to long-term health and, if skipped, could be an expensive problem down the track.
Pet insurance can offer financial security in the face of an animal’s unexpected illness or injury.
Inflation has pushed vet bills up and premiums can be very costly – meaning it’s more important than ever to shop around for a good deal.
One quarter of respondents said they aren’t cutting back on costs, but are getting worried.
Updated
Guardian Australia wants your questions on the voice
For an upcoming episode of our daily news podcast Full Story our podcast team wants your questions on the referendum for a proposed Indigenous voice to parliament and for how it will work.
Please email your questions to voicequestions@theguardian.com
A panel of experts will answer select questions in a future episode.
Updated
Many thanks to Rafqa for taking us through this morning’s news! I’ll be with you for the remainder of the day.
Thank you for joining me on the blog this morning. Am now handing over to Emily Wind to take you through the rest of the day’s news.
Oil and gas giant a step closer to 50-year extension
More than 750 organisations and individuals lodged objections against oil and gas company Woodside being allowed to operate its facility in the Pilbara until 2070.
But the WA environment protection authority has dismissed the appeals, pushing one of Australia’s biggest fossil fuel developments a step closer to having its life extended for nearly 50 years.
This can’t go ahead. Labor must stop this.
— Mehreen Faruqi (@MehreenFaruqi) July 13, 2023
Our planet & the people already facing devastating climate-induced disasters can’t afford another 50 years of emissions from projects like this.
Approving Woodside’s climate bomb wouldn’t just be negligent, it would be criminal. pic.twitter.com/1AgHGG4QY6
You can read the full story from our climate and environment editor Adam Morton here:
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New Bluey episodes a huge hit with fans
An audience of 11 million has flocked to ABC TV and iview to watch the ten new Bluey episodes that premiered weekly from early April.
The cartoon’s total audience beat every series that has aired in Australia – including Married at First Sight (2.58m) on Nine – and also overtook the Tokyo Olympics Opening Ceremony (3.7m) in 2021 on Seven.
Libbie Doherty, ABC Head of Children and Family, said:
Creator Joe Brumm and the team at Ludo Studio have blown us all away with the latest episodes. The feedback has been overwhelmingly heartfelt across all age demographics – the weekly rollout gave kids and their families a chance to savour every morsel of each episode. We are humbled by these incredible results and thank the Bluey fans for their continued love and support.
You can read more about the cult of Bluey here:
Updated
Matildas send-off match in Melbourne tomorrow night sells out
More than 50,000 football fans are expected to fill Marvel Stadium in Melbourne tomorrow night for the Matildas’ final match ahead of the Women’s World Cup.
Football Australia announced this morning all tickets for the “send off” fixture have been sold.
The final crowd figure will be subject to how many of the venue’s members and corporate box holders attend on the night.
However the match is expected to set a new home crowd record for the Matildas, eclipsing the previous best of 36,109 in 2021, when Australia hosted the USA at Accor Stadium in Sydney.
The team, led by talismanic striker Sam Kerr, opens its Women’s World Cup campaign with a game in Sydney against Ireland next Thursday.
Freed from Vietnamese jail after four years, Chau Van Kham thanks his supporters
Pro-democracy activist Chau Van Kham is speaking publicly for the first time since being freed from Vietnamese jail after four years.
“[This is my] first time in front of you, so I feel so nervous. So nervous, because I am so happy.,” he says. “I’m very nervous in front of the Vietnamese officials. But in front of you, very good people and very helpful people [who] bring me back home. Thank you all.”
Among gratitude expressed to numerous members of government – including foreign minister Penny Wong and her predecessor Marise Payne – Kham thanks prime minister Anthony Albanese for personally raising his case in Vietnam on his trip there last month.
He also expresses thanks to his legal team, Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, the Vietnamese community in Australia, his colleagues “who have never given up on fighting for me,” and “my dear wife and son” for “forever supporting my dreams and beliefs.”
He even thanked the officers in the camp where he was detained – “some of them, not all of them”, he said.
The last thing, can you send a message to Vietnamese government. I thank you to have cooperated with the Australian government to bring me home.
Kham was reunited with his family in Sydney on Tuesday. Vietnamese police arrested the retired baker in January 2019 and a court later convicted him of terrorism. He was sentenced to 12 years in prison. The case was based on his affiliation with an opposition political party, Viet Tan, which operates lawfully in Australia.
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Mushrooms could be used to fireproof buildings?
To be specific, scientists are able to chemically manipulate the composition of mycelium – a network of fungal strands that can thrive on organic waste and in darkness – to harness its fire-retardant properties.
They have found a way to grow pure and paper-thin sheets of the fungal strands, which can then be layered into a range of materials, like flat panels for the building industry, or a leather-like material for the fashion industry.
“The great thing about mycelium is that it forms a thermal protective char layer when exposed to fire or radiant heat,” RMIT University flammability and thermal properties expert Associate Professor Everson Kandare said.
The longer and the higher temperature at which mycelium char survives, the better its use as a fireproof material.
Composite cladding panels usually contain plastics – which give off heavy smoke and toxic fumes when they burn. Mycelium-based cladding can be made from renewable organic waste, so is not harmful to the environment when it is burned.
Updated
Man in court charged with allegedly sending threatening emails to MP
A man “of no fixed address” has been charged with allegedly sending threatening and harassing emails to a federal member of parliament, according to an AFP media release.
The man, 39, was arrested by the AFP at Brisbane international airport on Tuesday. He appeared in the Brisbane magistrates court yesterday, where he was remanded in custody to reappear on Friday.
The release outlines that the man has been charged with:
One count of using a carriage service to make a threat to a person to kill that person, contrary to subsection 474.15(1) of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth);
One count of using a carriage service to make to a person a threat to kill another person contrary to subsection 474.15(1) of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth); and
Five counts of using a carriage service to harass, threaten, or menace, contrary to subsection 474.17(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth).
The maximum penalty for these offences is 10 years’ imprisonment and five years’ imprisonment, respectively.
AFP commander Naomi Binstead said the AFP took all reports regarding the safety and security of Australian high office holders seriously, and assessed each matter against information provided.
The AFP supports political expression and freedom of speech, but when it leads to [alleged] criminal behaviour – including threats and harassment - it will not be tolerated.
The AFP has world-leading technology to identify individuals who [allegedly] break the law by harassing, menacing or threatening commonwealth officials.
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Sydney’s weekend will be warm but Melburnians, grab a coat
Sydney and Melbourne have been feeling a weirdly long stretch of warmth between cold fronts this winter, with Sydney feeling temperatures 3-4 degrees above average over the past six days.
There are a number of factors to thank, according to Angus Hines, senior meteorologist at the Bureau of Meteorology.
First, a broad area of high pressure is keeping the sky cloud-free, letting in lots of sunshine. Second, wind is “not particularly strong” and is blowing from inland out to the coast – meaning the wind has been “warmed by the sun” before blowing across cities. Third, because there have been no incoming cold fronts, there have been no cooler outbreaks of air to “knock the warmer temperatures down”.
Sydney can expect the warmth to continue into the weekend, with Saturday hitting a high of 23 degrees.
Melburnians, I am sorry, but your sunshine ends today. Expect cloud building and wind into tomorrow. A cold front will bring a light shower on Saturday, and knock temperatures down to 13 degrees.
Updated
Dutton says voters in Fadden will look to the future
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has dismissed a Labor campaign in the Fadden by-election, saying he expected voters would “look forward, not back,” AAP reports.
Labor’s social media advertising targets retired MP for Fadden and former minister Stuart Robert, who was mentioned in the robodebt royal commission report as having made misleading public comments about the unlawful scheme.
Dutton told reporters that electing the Liberal candidate Cameron Caldwell would send a message to the government about doing more on the cost of living, while campaigning in Fadden today.
He said Labor was running a negative campaign to get its candidate Letitia Del Fabbro elected to the Gold Coast seat.
I think people are looking forward, not back.
Updated
The 75th Emmy Awards nominations are out ...
… Here are the Australians who feature.
Sarah Snook has received her first outstanding lead actress in a drama series nomination, for her performance in HBO’s Succession. It is her third Emmy nomination, after losing out on the award for supporting actress in 2020 and 2022.
Snook joins the show’s 14 other acting nominations – including for Brian Cox, Jeremy Strong and Kieran Culkin (This is the first time three performers from the same show have been nominated for lead actor in the same category).
Murray Bartlett has been nominated twice – for outstanding supporting actor in a limited or anthology series or movie for his performance in biographical drama Welcome to Chippendales, and for best guest actor in a drama series for his appearance in The Last of Us.
Last year, Bartlett won the outstanding supporting actor in a limited or anthology series or movie award, for his appearance in the first season of The White Lotus.
For more on who’s who and what’s what at this year’s Emmys, Stuart Heritage explains all:
Traditional owners in the NT reveal human rights responses
Traditional owners from the Tiwi and Larrakia communities in the Northern Territory have released a report outlining responses they received to a human rights complaint over financing of the Barossa offshore gas project.
The traditional owners lodged human rights grievances with four Australian and 11 international financial institutions in April this year.
The Barossa project would involve drilling for gas in the Timor Sea and constructing a pipeline to pump it more than 200km to Darwin for processing.
In a report published today, they say three of the international banks did not respond at all and of the remaining 12 institutions, 11 of the responses had “failed” to uphold human rights standards.
Of the four major Australian banks, only the Commonwealth Bank agreed to an invitation to meet on the Tiwi Islands and a visit would be arranged.
The report says all of the major Australian banks had dismissed the specific complaints raised in the grievances and ANZ was yet to indicate whether it would accept the grievance into its system because its processes required consent to do that from the project’s developer, Santos.
Carol Maria Puruntatameri, a Tiwi Elder from the Munupi clan group who filed the grievance , said:
The banks are not thinking about us or our winga (saltwater). They are disrespecting our wishes and our cultural heritage the same way Santos is.
I’m very hurt. We all feel hurt that they aren’t listening to us. When Santos drill, the banks are also drilling into our bodies. They are exactly the same.
Tiwi people last year won a landmark ruling that overturned Santos’ drilling permit after the federal court found the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (Nopsema), had failed to assess whether Santos had consulted with everyone affected by the proposed drilling.
You can read more about that story here:
Updated
Royal Australian College of GPs backs the voice
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners’ president Dr Nicole Higgins has announced the body supports the voice to parliament.
“The voice to parliament will help drive changes to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and address the inequity in our health system,” Higgins said.
Chair of the RACGP Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Faculty, Dr Karen Nicholls, said:
In Australia, this change will ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices are central in the laws, programs and services that affect us and our communities. This will lead to better health outcomes and is a key step to closing the gap in health equality.
Research clearly shows the links between constitutional recognition and improved health outcomes. It makes recognition in health legislation easier, which leads to greater involvement in health policy making and service delivery. There is evidence of this from the many other countries that have already established models for constitutional and treaty recognition, including New Zealand, Canada, the United States, and Norway, and it’s time that Australia followed suit.
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Big chill heading to Tasmania
The Bureau of Meteorology say a “vigorous cold front” is en route to Tasmania. Strong to damaging winds ahead of the front are expected to reach the southwest of the state this evening.
A severe weather warning has been issued for damaging winds for people in South East, East Coast and parts of Western, Upper Derwent Valley, North East and Midlands Forecast Districts.
— TasALERT (@tasalert) July 12, 2023
For more info go to https://t.co/TBrBbOoTDO pic.twitter.com/oaT1ycYgP5
The bureau issued a severe weather warning this morning for damaging winds in South East, East Coast and parts of Western, Upper Derwent Valley, North East and Midlands Forecast Districts.
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Bowen says new Hunter Valley hydrogen hub to cost $70m
Here is some more detail on the federal government’s first major regional hydrogen hub, courtesy of AAP.
Energy minister Chris Bowen said $70m would be invested to develop a hydrogen hub in Newcastle, NSW. The facility is set to start operating in 2026.
Origin Energy and Orica are developing the Hunter Valley hydrogen hub in collaboration, which will support around 100 jobs.
Each year 5500 tonnes of renewable hydrogen is expected to be produced, which will be used by the Orica ammonia and ammonium nitrate facility and to refuel hydrogen buses and trucks.
Bowen said theport of Newcastle was an ideal location for the facility, and that the facility will support decarbonisation of heavy industry in the region and connect Australia’s renewable resources to overseas buyers.
This project is the next step towards using locally produced renewable hydrogen in Australia to reduce our industrial emissions and develop a renewable export future.
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Suicide link to unemployment
About 10% of suicides are linked to unemployment or low work hours, AAP reports.
A study by the Brain and Mind Centre at the University of Sydney – that definitively concludes an increase in unemployment led to a rise in the number of suicides – has sparked a call for governments to offer full employment.
It examined approximately 32,000 suicides reported in Australia between 2004 and 2016. To prove the hypothesis, researchers used convergent cross-mapping of three data points: the unemployment rate, the underemployment rate and the number of suicides.
Lead author Adam Skinner said policymakers should be aware of the link as they pursue inflation targets that could lead to higher unemployment.
Using unemployment as a means of reducing inflation is unethical.
You can’t use that approach unless you’re prepared to accept that you’re causing people pain.
In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14.
Updated
Support for Ukraine 'has been there' from Nato, says Marles
Acting prime minister and defence minister Richard Marles was pressed on whether the defensive capabilities supplied to Ukraine by the West should now be balanced with more offensive weaponry to progress in the fight against Russia, on ABC RN this morning:
There has been an enormous amount of thought through Nato … around enabling Ukraine to successfully pursue its counter offensive this year, and everyone understands that the successful prosecution of that counter offensive is really going to shape this conflict and says of its outcome and its duration. So I actually think the support has been there.
The question comes after prime minister Anthony Albanese submitted another 30 Bushmasters to Ukraine overnight, at the tail end of his appearance at the Nato summit.
Updated
Might Lowe end up being Australia’s unluckiest RBA governor?
Overnight we’ve had the US report its lowest inflation in two years, adding some proof to the view that a deflationary shock is gathering some momentum.
Watching with keener interest than most (so to speak) will be Philip Lowe, the governor of the Reserve Bank who appears close to the exit. His term is up for renewal from September but most people think treasurer Jim Chalmers will instead nominate a replacement.
Since Lowe and Chalmers are heading off to a G20 event in India from Sunday, the timing of any announcement of a successor looks likely to be kicked into next week at least. (Chalmers said he was going to be “respectful” towards Lowe, which could be read to mean, “let’s hold off the bad news until we’re back in Australia”.)
After Lowe’s relatively dovish comments on Wednesday that another interest rate rise was only “possible”, investors have pared their expectations of a 1 August adjustment at the RBA’s next board meeting. Another 25 basis point increase to 4.35% is now only about a one-in-three chance according to the ASX’s rate tracker.
Anyway, there’s a case to be made that Lowe is exceedingly unlucky. Had his term been up for renewal in, say, next March, he might well have been given an extension to his term:
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Ukraine’s alliance bid a ‘matter for Nato’, says Marles
On whether Ukraine should be given membership to Nato, acting prime minister and defence minister Richard Marles says it is “a matter for Nato” and “a matter for Ukraine” on ABC RN this morning.
We’re not going to make a comment about that. I think what matters here from the Australian national interest perspective is that we stand with Ukraine given the affronts of the rules-based order that the Russian invasion represents. And I think that’s reflected in the way that Nato has stood by Ukraine.
I’m not about to offer an opinion in respect of Ukraine’s membership of Nato.
I think the point though, is that there is a conflict to be won.
The comments come after Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy failed to secure an invitaton to join Nato, or a clear timeline or set of conditions for Ukraine’s potential membership to the Western states’ defence alliance.
Key to Nato is article 5 of its treaty – where an attack on one member is considered an attack against all. So it cannot grant Ukraine’s admission into the alliance until conflict is over – when its borders with Russia are settled. Otherwise, Ukraine’s membership would mean all Nato members, including the United States, would be at war with Russia under treaty.
Updated
No campaign links to conservative Christian campaigning revealed
The no campaign against the Voice employs lobbyists that specialise in conservative Christian campaigning, a Guardian Australia investigation can reveal.
The campaign is working with companies that appear to specialise in conservative Christian campaigning – including a US-headquartered marketing and fundraising firm that aims to help Christian nonprofit ministries “fulfill their mission”.
Social media experts say the public tactics of the no campaign are heavily influenced by conservative American politics.
You can read the full story form our political reporter Josh Butler here:
Updated
Aboriginal communities in Pilbara back the voice
Aboriginal people across the Pilbara region have backed the Indigenous voice to parliament, in the latest community endorsement of the referendum.
The annual On-Country Bush Meeting at Yule River, outside of Port Hedland, is being held this week, with Aboriginal people around the region coming together to discuss issues facing their communities. Acting prime minister Richard Marles and Indigenous Australians minister Linda Burney are on their way to the Yule River today, after yesterday’s meeting resolved support for the voice.
The Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation, which is organising the meeting, said community members had called on local, state and federal governments to better meet their commitments under Closing The Gap agreements, the WA state government empowerment strategy and the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
“The Yule River Call to Action statement calls for government to take on a more genuine, grass-roots approach to working with community on placed-based solutions,” YMAC said, noting “six key areas of concern” in systemic reform, education, health, housing, wellbeing and community safety.
Community members spoke of the need for action, unity and leadership to create significant change.
After a presentation on the voice from prominent yes campaigner Thomas Mayo, and further community discussion, YMAC said “an overwhelming majority” of meeting attendees indicated their support for the referendum – with others asking for more information.
Updated
‘The recognition has to be substantial, practical’
The Indigenous voice to parliament is not about symbolic acknowledgement, but about recognition, Cape York Indigenous leader Noel Pearson and co-architect of the Uluru statement says on ABC RN this morning:
We are the generation that finally has the opportunity to settle this question [of recognition].
The is not the thing. The recognition has to be substantial, practical. It has to have an impact for the better on the lives of Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Australians, to close the gap.
It’s not just a symbolic acknowledgement in the constitution.
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Study shows massive benefit of Covid-era welfare boost
Doubling income support payments during the Covid-19 pandemic massively reduced demands on charity, with a new study showing that demand dropped by 31.2% in 2020, when income supplements were most generous.
To many advocates, it’s bleedingly obvious that increasing income support payments would reduce charity demand, but the report has quantified it across the whole of the pandemic, looking at assistance records kept in Queensland by St Vincent de Paul Society and the Salvation Army.
The study, conducted by the University of Queensland in collaboration with the aforementioned charities, found that at the time of the first one-off economic support payment (ESP) of $750 made by the government to eligible people in 2020, charity demand dropped suddenly and immediately.
When the ongoing Covid income supplement was set at $550 per fortnight, there was an average of 49.9% fewer assistance records than the same period in 2018/2019.
When the supplement decreased to $250 per fortnight, there were 27.4% fewer assistance records than the equivalent period in 2018/2019.
In the final phase of the supplement, which lasted from 1 January to 31 March 2021, there were 23.2% fewer records of demand 2018 and 2019 average.
The report says:
Altogether, these figures reveal a clear and meaningful pattern: when the Supplement was at its highest level, charitable assistance was at its lowest; and when the Supplement was gradually decreased, the demand for charity bounced back…
All of our analyses pointed towards the same empirical reality: more generous income-support payments are associated with significant reductions in the demand for charity. This indicates that the amount of government support provided is insufficient to meet people’s needs.
In short: give people enough money to live on, and they won’t have to knock on a charity door.
Updated
Andrew and Nicola Forrest part ways
Andrew and Nicola Forrest, billionaires in iron ore mining, have separated after 31 years of marriage.
They said the separation will not impact their mining operations, in a statement:
After 31 years of marriage, we have made the decision to live apart.
Our friendship and commitment to our family remains strong.
There is no impact on the operations, control or direction of Fortescue, Minderoo or Tattarang.
We will continue our shared mission to create and gift our wealth to tackle community and global challenges, as recently shown by last month’s donation of one-fifth of our Fortescue shareholding to Minderoo Foundation.
Updated
Minister for climate change and energy Chris Bowen will announce Newcastle as Australia’s first green “hydrogen hub” today.
Good morning Newy!
— Chris Bowen (@Bowenchris) July 12, 2023
✅ yesterday we declared the Hunter Offshore Wind Zone open for business!
✅ another big one today. We’re announcing Newcastle as Australia’s first green Hydrogen Hub, to create jobs and cut emissions. pic.twitter.com/IJ8iWEDVlY
The announcement comes after the Hunter offshore wind zone was opened yesterday. Bowen said energy production can be expected by 2030. He also said the site would bring increased job security to the region.
Updated
Australia will donate another 30 Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles to Ukraine, prime minister Anthony Albanese has announced.
He met with Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, on the sidelines of the Nato summit in Lithuania last night, where he pledged further military aid to support the country in its fight against Russia.
The package adds to Australia’s previous commitment of 90 Bushmasters. The total number is now 120.
Australia has provided more than $710m in military aid to Ukraine. Overall support is reaching a total of $890m.
You can read the full story here:
Freed activist Chau Van Kham to speak publicly
Today, pro-democracy activist Chau Van Kham will speak publicly for the first time since returning to Australia after four years detained in a Vietnamese jail, AAP reports.
Kham was reunited with his family in Sydney on Tuesday this week after representations from the federal government – including by prime minister Anthony Albanese on a trip last month to Vietnam – led to his release.
Today is a good day.
— Chris Bowen (@Bowenchris) July 11, 2023
Pleased to welcome Mr Chau Van Kham back to Australia and to see him reunited with his family. The Australian Government thanks the Government of Vietnam for facilitating his transfer. pic.twitter.com/aEE5m1swov
Vietnamese police arrested the retired baker in January 2019 and a court later convicted him of terrorism, imposing a 12-year prison sentence. The case was based on his affiliation with an opposition political party, Viet Tan, which operates lawfully in Australia.
The trial lasted a matter of hours and raised serious due process concerns.
Kham is scheduled to address media in Sydney with his lawyer and a representative from human rights group Amnesty International.
Kham’s wife and two children this week thanked their legal team and the Australian government for securing his release.
“We share this happy news that Chau Van Kham is well and has returned to his family today,” the family said.
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A Brisbane reservoir is world’s 'sixth most polluted lake', study finds
Brisbane’s Forest Lake is among the most polluted by microplastics in the world – and an expert warns there are likely more in a similar state, AAP reports.
Forest Lake is an urban reservoir on the outskirts of Brisbane with about three plastic particles per cubic metre of water – making it the world’s sixth most polluted lake.
That amount is significantly less than the worst performer – Lake Lugano, a glacial lake on the border between Switzerland and northern Italy with almost 12 parts per cubic metre.
But it’s still “right up there and cause for concern,” according to David Hamilton from Griffith University’s Australian Rivers Institute, who was a co-author on the study.
The study looked at concentrations of extremely small plastic particles in 38 freshwater lakes across 23 countries.
Researchers detected microplastics in even the most remote lakes. Hamilton said Forest Lake, while man-made, is typical of urban lakes and it could point to similar problems at others Australian lakes highly affected by human activity.
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Big bank bosses to face parliamentary hearing
The bosses of Westpac and Commonwealth Bank are due to be be quizzed about interest rates and their approach to helping scammed customers, Australian Associated Press reports.
The federal parliament’s economics committee will hold a second day of hearings in Canberra on Thursday, having received evidence from ANZ and NAB on Wednesday.
The big four banks control about 80% of the Australian market.
Committee chair Daniel Mulino wants to hear from the banks on steps they have taken to protect their institutions and their customers from the rising number of sophisticated scams.
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Seaweed cow feed a let down for methane cuts
Methane from cattle is a huge contributor to global heating. Farmers (and the rest of us) had high hopes for a new seaweed-based feed supplement that had been promoted as being able to cut methane emissions by 80% or more.
But there’s bad news: a new trial suggests that figure is much lower in practice. Read more from Graham Readfearn:
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ABC drops public interest defence in former commando’s defamation case
Last night the ABC dropped its public interest defence in a defamation case brought by former commando Heston Russell, our media writer Amanda Meade reports.
A federal court judge had ordered the journalists to reveal their confidential sources.
At a hastily convened interlocutory hearing on Wednesday night, the ABC’s barrister, Lyndelle Barnett, said the corporation was prepared to accept the consequences of dropping its defence and paying damages because the issue of protecting sources was paramount.
“This course has been taken because my clients do take their promises to sources very seriously,” Barnett said. “It’s not a course that’s been taken lightly, but it does demonstrate the significance of those promises to my clients.”
Read more:
Updated
Welcome
Good morning and welcome to our live news coverage. This is Martin Farrer bringing you the best breaking stories before Rafqa Touma comes along to take charge.
Anthony Albanese wrapped up his diplomatic tour of duty in Europe by announcing that Australia will donate an additional 30 Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles to Ukraine. The prime minister said Australia will continue to stand with the embattled nation “for as long as necessary” and met with Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelenskiy at the Nato summit in Lithuania. Zelenkskiy expressed his gratitude for Australia’s additional support, calling it a “powerful new defence package”. However, the British defence secretary suggested Ukraine needs to be more thankful for western aid after Zelenskiy’s complaints that his country had not been issued a firm timetable for joining Nato. “We’re not Amazon,” quipped Ben Wallace.
The campaign against the voice to parliament has close links to conservative Christian groups and is importing polarising campaign techniques from the US, a Guardian Australia investigation reveals today. Josh Butler’s reporting reveals that the no campaign is working with companies that appear to specialise in conservative Christian campaigning, including a US-headquartered marketing and fundraising firm that aims to help Christian nonprofit ministries “fulfill their mission”.
Researchers looking at executive pay say there’s still an “everyone wins a prize” mentality in parts of the market after they found that chief executives at Australia’s biggest companies are earning 55 times more than a typical worker. The Australian Council of Superannuation Investors (Acsi) say in a new report today that top bosses earned on average $5.2m in the 2022 financial year.
