Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
National
Mostafa Rachwani and Amy Remeikis (earlier)

Mixed reaction on potential delay to integrity commission bill – as it happened

Jacqui Lambie and David Pocock
Senators Jacqui Lambie (centre) and David Pocock have responded after the prime minister Anthony Albanese appeared to blame them for any delay in passing the National Anti-Corruption Commission bill. Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AAP

What we learned, Tuesday 13 September

And that’s where we’ll leave you this evening. Here’s what we learned:

Updated

‘Everyday Australian’ Valmai Dempsey says she ‘truly would not have believed’ she would be invited to attend Queen’s funeral

Earlier today, one of the “everyday Australians” that will be accompanying Anthony Albanese to attend the Queen’s funeral, Valmai Dempsey, described the opportunity as “unexpected”.

The 2022 Senior Australian of the Year, who works with St John’s Ambulance service, was on ABC’s Afternoon Briefing, and spoke about her sense of responsibility:

I truly would not have believed that was something that would have ever happened to me. And while I say that, how extremely humbling and how generous the prime minister is, inviting me.

Out of the deepest respect for Her Majesty, the Queen … I do need to remain focused on the time, and remember very quietly and humbly that I’m actually representing so many Australians in their moment of grief and their celebration of her life.

I look forward to the opportunity of chatting with many people while I’m in England about that idea of first aid for all, because I really believe in it, but also just to remain focused on just being a part of what is absolutely the most history-making moment … I should be so enormously happy that I’ve been invited to go. I don’t know if happy is the best word, but I certainly feel humble about it.

Updated

NSW SES with perhaps the meme of the day:

Queensland supermarkets, cafes and retail venues to stay open on national day of mourning for Queen

The Queensland government has provided some clarity on what to expect during next week’s public holiday for a national day of mourning for the Queen, with similar rules to Australia Day.

In a statement, minister for industrial relations, Grace Grace, and minister for health, Yvette D’Ath, said supermarkets, cafes and retail venues will all remain open:

Updated

NSW SES warns third La Niña brings flooding risks due to wet soil and full dams and rivers across the state

The SES is warning residents in NSW to prepare for a summer of heavy rain and potential flooding, after the declaration of a La Niña event by the Bureau of Meteorology today.

In a statement, NSW State Emergency Service commissioner, Carlene York, said that while the agency itself was well prepared, it was “critically important” residents get prepared as well:

Today’s declaration means eastern Australia is heading into a third consecutive La Niña season, which presents unique risks and challenges.

There is already wet soil, high rivers and full dams right across our state, and with more rain on the horizon comes the very real possibility of flooding.

If you live in a flood-prone area, I urge you to take steps to prepare now. Make sure you know your risk, have an up-to-date emergency plan and emergency kit. Preparing early will save you vital time during an emergency.

Over the last year, more than 5,000 flood-related messages, including evacuation orders, evacuation warnings, flood bulletins and return safely notifications, were released by our teams of staff and volunteers.

It comes as the NSW SES recorded its busiest year ever between 1 July 2021 and 30 June 2022, with multiple communities across the state experiencing major flooding.

Updated

WA parliament offers condolences and congratulations to King Charles III

Over in Western Australia, both houses of parliament moved motions to congratulate King Charles III on ascending to the throne, and offering condolences for the death of the Queen.

The premier, Mark McGowan, paid tribute to the Queen, as parliamentary business is suspended during the public mourning period for the Queen:

We the members of the legislative assembly of the parliament of Western Australia express our deepest sympathy and condolences to Your Majesty on the death of your mother, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and give thanks for a remarkable life dedicated to service and duty.

Updated

Nine Publishing wards off strikes after staff accept improved pay offer

It appears journalists at Nine Publishing will avoid industrial action after accepting an improved pay offer from management.

According to a statement released by the union, journalists, subeditors, photographers and cartoonists agreed to a deal which includes a 4% wage increase:

Updated

Linda Burney remembers Uncle Jack Charles as ‘the grandfather of Aboriginal theatre in Australia’

Minister for Indigenous Australians, Linda Burney, has paid tribute to late actor Uncle Jack Charles on ABC’s Afternoon Briefing.

Burney said Charles “broke down many doors”; she also revealed she was once in a play with him:

I saw Uncle just a few months ago, as lots of people did, at the Naidoc awards.

And it is hard to think that he is no longer with us with – that beautiful smiley face and that shock of white hair, those lovely eyes and just the way life sprang out of him. It is very sad.

I think that the legacy that is left by Uncle Jack is the whole truth-telling that he was about. His life really exposed the truth of the First Nations people’s stories in these countries … Stolen Generations, incarceration, enormous talent, grace, generosity, funny, and really, the grandfather of Aboriginal theatre in Australia.

And he broke down so many doors, but it was never about him. It was about everyone.

Believe it or not, I was in a play that was written by Wesley [Enoch]. Uncle Jack was a part of that play. My role was very small in it, by the way, and I think I was playing myself, which was kind of nice. But you could just see his love of young people, his giving of himself, his understanding that his story and his place was part of a bigger thing.

Updated

Further climatic details on La Niña

A bit more on those climate drivers affecting Australia given that a La Niña has now been declared by the Bureau of Meteorology to be underway in the Pacific, as we noted in earlier posts here.

The Pacific covers about a third of the planet’s surface (or about 20 Australias) so what happens between the sea surface and the air above it has an affect well beyond the region.

La Niñas are a period when the ocean is actually recharging and so tend to be cool years globally - although with global heating, the cool years are not very cool at all.

Mind you, that’s not how much of the northern hemisphere has seen this past summer, and even their autumn has been quite warm (eg record September temperatures yesterday in France).

The scary prospect is what the next El Niño year looks like, since that’s when the Pacific tends to discharge a lot of heat to the atmosphere. Mark that as a good chance for “world’s hottest year” when it arrives, and one that might not be very kind for coral reefs.

But while important, the Pacific’s influence on Australia tends to be more of a warm-season one, for eastern states at least.

The Indian Ocean’s influence, by contrast, is typically more important for the winter into spring period, and for now, the dial is also firming set to “wetter-than-average”.

According to the bureau, the phase of the Indian Ocean dipole (how temperatures vary from the west vs the east of that basin) is quite negative for a second year in a row.

Also worth watching is what happens to the south.

There, the Southern Annular Mode, which gauges how far north or south the storm tracks circling Antarctica move, is forecast to be in its positive phase for the rest of spring.

“During the spring months, a positive SAM has a wetting influence for parts of eastern NSW and far eastern Victoria, but a drying influence for western Tasmania,” BoM said.

Western Tasmania, along with the south-west corner of Western Australia and the Top End of Northern Territory, have been among the few regions of the country to report below-average rainfall so far in 2022.

Updated

Victorian MPs pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

Speeches honouring Queen Elizabeth II are still going in Victoria’s parliament this afternoon.

Liberal Kew MP Tim Smith, who will retire at the upcoming state election after crashing his luxury car while under the influence of alcohol, just wrapped up his speech.

He told parliament he was privileged to attend the Queen’s final garden party with his mother at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh in 2019 before suggesting she would’ve liked to have “confined Harry and Meghan and Andrew to the Tower of London”:

Her late majesty was resplendent in pink, and as Menzies said all those years ago, ‘I did but see her passing by, and I shall love her till I die’. The late Queen endured many trials and many tribulations, usually caused by members of her immediate family. I’m sure at low points in recent times, Her Majesty might possibly have privately wished for once again the ability to summarily confined Harry and Megan and Andrew to the Tower of London, or possibly worse. But despite being the fount of justice, those prerogative powers have been substantially reduced over the last few centuries.

Tim Smith holding up a bible in parliament
Victorian Liberal MP Tim Smith (centre) during a ceremony swearing allegiance to King Charles III at state parliament. Photograph: James Ross/AAP

Updated

Nine newspapers’ staff accept pay rise offer, averting strike

Journalists at the Sydney Morning Herald and the Age have accepted the company’s offer of a 4% pay rise, avoiding a strike later in the week.

Editorial staff at Nine Entertainment’s publishing arm, which also includes the Australian Financial Review, WAToday and the Brisbane Times, held a union meeting today to consider a final offer from management.

The two-year pay deal they accepted was a 4% increase for graded journalists in the first year and a 3.5% increase for graded journalists in the second year.

Nine’s managing director of publishing, James Chessell, urged staff on Monday to accept the deal and avoid “souring” the brand by taking industrial action.

“This is a final offer, which means there is no more to give,” Chessell said on Monday.

But if we can agree in principle to this deal, we can pay everyone their increase and all move forward without this hanging over our collective heads. We can focus on investing in our newsrooms, shoring up our subscriber numbers and creating the incredible journalism that we are known for.

Updated

Bureau of Meteorology confirms further La Nina details

As we reported a few hours back, the Bureau of Meteorology has confirmed that a La Nina has become “established” in the tropical Pacific.

La Ninas, El Ninos are not about conditions switching on or off, but the marking of certain thresholds being crossed.

As the chart below shows, the conditions for a La Nina are only just being reached - and the forecast for now is for a relatively shallow event:

That’s probably a good sign because an extreme La Nina would only add to the odds of another flood-prone summer.

We’ll have more details in this story that we filed earlier, but will be updated soon:

Updated

Good afternoon, and just like every day, we begin by giving thanks for Amy Remeikis and her constantly stellar work. Mostafa Rachwani with you this afternoon, with much still to get through.

Ben Roberts-Smith may travel to UK on public funds

The department of Defence has also confirmed that taxpayers are in line to foot the bill for Ben Roberts-Smith travel to the UK to attend the Queen’s funeral.

While a spokesperson confirmed that the Victoria Cross invitees would be travelling “via commercial means” and not with the prime minister’s delegation, the department has also confirmed that it will cover the cost of flights upon request.

“The government is providing support upon request to those invited by the UK to attend the funeral,” the spokesperson said.

Meanwhile, Roberts-Smith has also spoken to The West Australian newspaper, owned by Seven West Media which is chaired by Kerry Stokes who is bankrolling Roberts-Smith’s defamation case.

Roberts-Smith says he feels “extremely privileged” to be attending the funeral.

“It really is a great honour to be able to be there for this sad occasion.”

Ben Roberts-Smith
Ben Roberts-Smith says he feels ‘extremely privileged’ to be attending the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. Photograph: Dan Himbrechts/AAP

Updated

Mostafa Rachwani is going to take you through the rest of the afternoon because he is incredibly gracious, and also, rostered on for the afternoon shift.

He’ll let you know the rest of the day’s news, but thank you to everyone who joined along with us so far. I’ll be back tomorrow morning – take care of you.

Updated

Emmy awards wrap

For those interested in the Emmy’s, but not enough to watch it, Succession won best drama, The White Lotus won best limited series, Ted Lasso won best comedy and Jennifer Coolidge won the entire night.

Jennifer Coolidge with her Emmy award
Emmy winner Jennifer Coolidge. Photograph: Frederic J Brown/AFP/Getty Images

Updated

Measles case in NSW

A measles case has been confirmed in NSW, the first since February 2020.

From NSW Health:

The case, a person in their 50s, acquired their infection while travelling in Asia last month. The person developed symptoms after returning to Sydney and is now isolated in hospital.

Since becoming unwell the person has spent time in the following locations while infectious:

  • St Andrew’s Catholic Church Malabar for mass, Sunday 4 September at 10.30am

  • Tyree Energy Building, University of NSW on Tuesday 6 September (all day)

  • Lounge Restaurant, University of NSW on Tuesday 6 September, 12.15pm to 2pm

  • Pacific Square, Maroubra on Wednesday 7 September, 9am to 11am

Dr Jeremy McAnulty, executive director of health protection at NSW Health, said that these locations do not pose an ongoing risk but urged people who may be susceptible to measles and were present at the above locations on those days to be alert for symptoms until 24 September.

People who have not had two lifetime doses of measles vaccine, a confirmed history of measles infection, or who have a weakened immune system are considered susceptible to measles.

Symptoms of measles include fever, sore eyes and a cough followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash spreading from the head and neck to the rest of the body.

Updated

RBA governor to answer questions from Senate committee

The RBA governor, Dr Philip Lowe, will answer questions from the house Standing Committee on Economics next Friday, in what will be the committee’s first public hearing of the new parliament.

Committee Chair, Dr Daniel Mulino MP, said that with “Australia experiencing its highest inflation in 20 years, household budgets are feeling the pressure.

”Australians have also seen interest rates rise for the past five months, which not only affects mortgage holders and families but small businesses and investment, too.

In this context, continuing scrutiny of our monetary policy settings remains important, particularly in view of the need to learn from past decisions,” Mulino said.

Accordingly, the committee will probe the recent decisions of the RBA regarding interest rate policy, the challenges of tackling high inflation, and the RBA’s approach to returning inflation to the 2-3% range.

The committee hearing will thus complement, not replicate, the work of the Independent Review of the Reserve Bank announced by the Treasurer in July, Mulino said.

Dr Philip Lowe
Dr Philip Lowe, governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia. Photograph: Mark Baker/AP

Updated

Senate crossbench has mixed reaction on potential delay to integrity commission bill

Crossbench senators have had a mixed reaction to the prime minister, Anthony Albanese, appearing to blame them for any delay in passing the National Anti-Corruption Commission bill.

David Pocock thinks it can still be improved and passed this year, but Jacqui Lambie favours a few months’ delay if it means getting it right.

Pocock told Guardian Australia:

We had some good early engagement with the government on the design of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). This engagement was around design principles and did not go to a fine grain level of detail on the legislation.

We’ve been told the legislation is drafted and ready to be introduced. To fast track the consideration of this legislation, an exposure draft could be released today.

I believe it’s possible to ensure the NACC is legislated this year, while also providing proper scrutiny through a committee process and ensuring the final form is robust and can ensure it has the necessary powers to investigate corruption. We must get this done and we must get it right. I’m not interested in delaying or standing in the way, but I do want to make sure the commission has real power and integrity.”

Lambie said:

I don’t think Labor can be blamed for the death of the Queen, so you can’t blame them for things being delayed as a result of it. It’s more important that we get an anti-corruption commission right. I think people will understand a few months’ delay if it means it’s done properly. You can’t eat a half-cooked chook. It’s got to be fully baked.”

Jacqui Lambie and David Pocock sitting in the Senate
Jacqui Lambie Network Senator Jacqui Lambie and independent senator David Pocock. Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AAP

Updated

Seafood industry planning for post-Covid recovery

Australia’s seafood industry is hoping to bounce back after a fairly awful time during the pandemic, AAP reports:

(I refuse to use a seafood pun, but AAP is not as restrained).

The Australian seafood industry wants to hook new international customers with an industry-first plan that aims to grow the export market to $2bn by 2030.

The seafood industry was badly hurt by Covid-19 with exports dropping by 14% during the pandemic.

The Geraldton Fishermen’s Co-operative, which represents mostly lobster fishers in Western Australia, has suffered a 50% drop in revenue in recent years. CEO Mark Rutter said a strong national approach to exports is badly needed.

“We have a huge opportunity, and we haven’t necessarily up until now capitalised on that,” Rutter told AAP.

The plan targets a number of seafood sectors including the industry leader, lobster, which pre-Covid was worth up to $900m and suffered from China’s ban on live lobster imports from Australia in 2020.

“China for us is still a really important strategic market, we would love to see it open again,” Rutter said.

Seafood Industry Australia chief executive, Veronica Papacosta, said the need for the plan was identified out of Covid-19, with the pandemic seeing exports drop to $1.2bn in recent years.

Papacosta said Covid19 helped producers realise they weren’t prepared for a crisis.

The export plan focuses on collaboration among producers and the creation of a great Australian seafood brand for the export market.

Man shows lobster to camera
Fisher Joe Paratore displaying his catch of the day to customers in Fremantle, Western Australia, December 2020. Photograph: Trevor Collens/AFP/Getty Images

Updated

It was passed with very little fanfare, and now it has received royal assent – Australia officially has a legislated emissions reduction target.

Public submissions into Scott Morrison’s multi-ministries open

Virginia Bell has opened the public submission period for the Inquiry into the Appointment of the Former Prime Minister to Administer Multiple Departments:

The Hon Virginia Bell AC, who is leading the inquiry, invites any interested individual or organisation to make a submission. Those intending to do so are encouraged to read the terms of reference and details on how to make a submission available on the inquiry’s website (https://www.ministriesinquiry.gov.au).

Public submissions will close at 5pm AEST 30 September 2022.

Updated

Ben Roberts-Smith invited to attend Queen's funeral

Ben Roberts-Smith, the former Australian soldier publicly accused of war crimes, is intending to travel to London to participate in memorial events for the late Queen Elizabeth II, recognition of his status as a winner of the Victoria Cross.

As a matter of protocol, winners of Australia’s pre-eminent military honour are invited by Buckingham Palace to participate in events commemorating the life of the sovereign.

Roberts-Smith, a former corporal in the SAS, is awaiting a judgment in a defamation case he brought against three Australian newspapers.

He is suing for defamation the Age, the Sydney Morning Herald, and the Canberra Times over reports he alleges wrongly portray him as a war criminal and murderer.

The newspapers are defending their reporting as true, including allegations Roberts-Smith was complicit in six murders while deployed to Afghanistan, was a bully, and a perpetrator of domestic violence. Roberts-Smith denies any wrongdoing.

The Australian federal police have conducted war crimes investigations into allegations against Roberts-Smith, and have submitted briefs of evidence to the commonwealth director of public prosecutions.

Roberts-Smith won his VC for his actions during the 2010 battle of Tizak in southern Afghanistan. He was invested with his medal by the then governor general Quentin Bryce in 2011, and was also invited to an audience with the late Queen.

Other Australian winners of the Victoria Cross, Mark Donaldson, Daniel Keighran, and Keith Payne are also expected to attend events in the UK.

Ben Roberts-Smith and barrister Arthur Moses leaving federal court in Sydney
Ben Roberts-Smith and barrister Arthur Moses leaving federal court in Sydney, in March. Photograph: Dan Himbrechts/AAP

Updated

All holders of the Victoria Cross for Australia invited to Queen’s funeral

Ben Roberts-Smith invitation to the Queen’s funeral was at the direction of the Palace, with all holders of the Victoria Cross for Australia invited, “in accordance with the wishes of Her Majesty”, according to a government statement on the matter:

The Victoria Cross and George Cross Association (VCGCA) has invited all holders of the Victoria Cross, the Victoria Cross for Australia, the Victoria Cross for New Zealand, the Victoria Cross for Canada and the George Cross to attend Her Majesty’s funeral as well as her Lying in State. This is in accordance with the wishes of Her Majesty.

The VC for Australia recipients invited are:

• Keith Payne VC

• Mark Donaldson VC

• Ben Roberts-Smith VC MG

• Daniel Keighran VC

CPL Mark Donaldson, VC, has been given the honour of representing the Australian VC and GC recipients in the Orders of Chivalry Procession and see Her Majesty Lying in State.

The VC recipients will not be travelling with the prime minister, they will be travelling via commercial means.

Corporal Mark Donaldson, Corporal Ben Roberts-Smith and Mr Keith Payne
Victoria Cross recipients Corporal Mark Donaldson, Corporal Ben Roberts-Smith and Mr Keith Payne at Campbell Barracks, Perth in 2011. Photograph: Getty Images

Updated

Mint paused production for one day

The Royal Australian Mint paused minting coins for a day as a “mark of respect” for the Queen.

That tidbit is contained in this media release designed to let everyone know that coins with the Queen’s face remain legal tender.

Today, assistant minister for competition, charities and Treasury, Andrew Leigh and Royal Australian Mint CEO, Leigh Gordon, outlined arrangements for Australian coins after the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

The Royal Australian Mint, the producer of Australia’s circulating coins, as well as collector and investment coins temporarily paused the minting of coins on 9 September 2022 as a mark of respect on the news of the Queen’s passing.

The presses re-commenced minting on the morning of the 12 September 2022.

Existing Australian legal tender coins bearing the Queen’s effigy will remain in circulation and remain legal tender.

Once coins with the new effigy are determined and released, they will circulate alongside coins bearing the effigy of the late Queen.

Details regarding arrangements for the adoption of an effigy of King Charles III will be made public in due course, and could take up to 12 months to allow for the manufacturing of necessary tools, and the testing and trialling of the design.

Updated

Noel Pearson to deliver ABC Boyer Lectures

The ABC has announced lawyer, academic, land rights activist and Indigenous community leader Noel Pearson will deliver the 2022 Boyer Lecture series.

From the broadcaster’s statement:

His series of four lectures, broadcast on ABC platforms, will provide key insights into the ideas, observations and experiences of one of our most recognised public intellectuals.

ABC chair, Ita Buttrose, said it was a significant moment for an Indigenous leader of Noel Pearson’s standing to accept the invitation given the national discussion about the referendum for an Indigenous voice to parliament.

“Noel has been an extraordinary force in representing our First Nations people and leading the conversation on issues that are relevant to all Australians,” she said.

“He will deliver a thought-provoking lecture series that will challenge and encourage ideas about who we all are and how we see ourselves as a nation now and into the future.

This series will mark a return to the Boyer Lectures for Noel who in 1993 delivered one of the five lectures along with Getano Lui, Dr Ian Anderson, Jeannie Bell, Mandawuy Yunupingu and Dot West. That lecture, titled Voices of the Land or Towards Respecting Equality and Difference was delivered in the wake of the Mabo decision in 1992, then prime minister Paul Keating’s Redfern speech the same year and during the subsequent national debate about the Native Title Act.

“I will reflect on where we have come since WEH Stanner’s 1968 Boyer Lectures After the Dreaming, which I consider to be the greatest of the Boyers and still as vital today as they were when first delivered,” Pearson said.

“My lectures will look at where we are today and what lies in prospect, for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and for Australians at large.”

The four lectures will be broadcast on ABC RN and one on ABC TV later this year.

Noel Pearson
Lawyer, academic, land rights activist and Indigenous community leader Noel Pearson. Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AAP

Updated

Greens want Labor governments to halt seismic blasting in WA

The Greens want the Labor federal and state governments to immediately shut down plans for seismic blasting on the WA coast, with concerns it could affect the Mermaid Reef and Rowley Shoals marine parks.

Senator Peter Whish-Wilson said blasting just did not make sense given the risk:

The federal and West Australian government’s both recognise the Mermaid Reef and Rowley Shoals Marine Parks as some of the world’s most pristine marine areas.

Humpback whales, hammerhead sharks, turtles, 200 species of coral, 600 species of fish and the livelihoods of small business owners could all be impacted by reckless seismic blasting in this area.

It’d be absolutely hypocritical of Labor to not shut down plans that could negatively impact these precious marine ecosystems and the lives and livelihoods that depend on them.

Anthony Albanese promised he’d stop exploration associated with the Pep-11 project on Australia’s east coast because he thought it was a ‘bad idea’ and it’d be completely contradictory for him not to do the same here in WA.

Blasting marine life with seismic shockwaves is the reality of what happens when our government opens up our ocean for more oil and gas - and let’s not forget that Labor has just opened up 46,758 square kilometres of new ocean acreage for fossil fuel companies to exploit.

Potato cod and scuba diver
A potato cod at Cod Hole on Mermaid Reef, Rowley Shoals off Broome in Western Australia. Photograph: Annabelle Sandes/PR IMAGE

Updated

The Sydney Morning Herald is reporting Ben Roberts-Smith will attend the Queen’s funeral “reflecting his status as a recipient of the prestigious Victoria Cross”.

That too, is protocol, the newspaper reports:

“Winners of the Victoria Cross are invited to the funeral commemorations by Buckingham Palace as a matter of protocol given they were awarded the nation’s preeminent military honour.

Government sources said Victorian Cross winners from several Commonwealth nations had been invited to participate in an order of chivalry procession on the day of the Queen’s funeral.”


We will bring you more on that as we get it.

Greens senator Lidia Thorpe has also paid tribute:

‘We have lost a legend’: Linda Burney on Uncle Jack Charles

The minister for Indigenous Australians, Linda Burney has also released a statement paying tribute to Uncle Jack Charles:

It was with great sadness I learned today of the passing of Uncle Jack Charles in Melbourne and I offer my deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones.

A Boon Wurrung, Dja Dja Wurrung, Woiwurrung and Yorta Yorta Elder, and a member of the Stolen Generations, Uncle Jack Charles is widely considered to be the ‘grandfather of Indigenous Theatre’, co-founding Australia’s first Indigenous theatre group, Nindethana in 1971.

He was a ground-breaking storyteller and activist who brought people in with his warmth and grace, never shying away from his past and who he was.

Uncle Jack offered a window for many Australians to see the enduring pain of survivors of the Stolen Generations and inspired people with his strength of character and resilience.

Uncle Jack was recognised as the Male Elder of the Year at this year’s NAIDOC awards, where he stole the show with his deeply personal story that has touched so many Australians.

As the first Indigenous Elder to speak at the Yoorook Commission in Victoria, Uncle Jack Charles was a remarkable truth-teller.

We have lost a legend of Australian theatre, film and creative arts.

Vale Uncle Jack.

Updated

Canberra service to recognise Australia’s 75 years of peacekeeping

A service will be held in Canberra tomorrow recognising the 75th anniversary of Australia’s involvement in peacekeeping operations.

The veteran affairs minister, Matt Keogh, hopes people will tune in to the ABC to watch the service.

Keogh said more than 66,000 Australian men and women have served in more than 60 international peacekeeping operations since 1947, and 16 have lost their lives while serving.

In 1947, Australians were part of the first United Nations peacekeeping operation when military observers were deployed to the Netherlands East Indies (now Indonesia).

Since that time, Australian peacekeepers have served in locations around the world, ranging from the Middle East to Africa, Southeast Asia and the Pacific.

This commemoration is an opportunity for all Australians to honour the service and sacrifice of our military, police and civilian peacekeepers.

I am pleased that the Australian Defence Force, the Australian Federal Police and civilian peacekeepers will all be part of tomorrow’s service, recognising the diversity of Australia’s participation in peacekeeping over the past 75 years.

The commemorative service will take place from 10.30am at the Australian Peacekeeping Memorial on Anzac Parade in Canberra, and will be broadcast live on the ABC.

Updated

It costs $3m a night to keep NDIS participants in hospital as they wait for accommodation

Bill Shorten told ABC radio RN Breakfast this morning that it costs $3m a night to keep in hospital people who are on the NDIS and are medically fit for discharge but are waiting for suitable accomodation:

I was surprised and shocked to discover that we have literally hundreds - and indeed 1,500 according to the latest estimates from states. People with profound and severe disability who are medically fit for discharge, but they’re still in hospital. And in fact, I visited Caulfield campus at the Alfred Hospital recently as part of my tour to get to the bottom of this problem, and the clinicians there were telling me of 20 to 30 people who really should be in other accommodation. It’s not in the best interests of the welfare of a person with a disability to be stuck long term in hospital. And it’s a very expensive way of supporting a person.

As to why this is happening – it could be clunky bureaucracy, or a lack of housing for people to move into, but we need to get to the bottom of it and resolve it because it’s tough on the person with a disability and it’s costing Australians in hospital payments about $3 million a night in taxes.

Updated

The minister for the arts, Tony Burke, has released a statement on the passing of Uncle Jack Charles:

A trailblazer, a truth-teller and an incredible artist – today we’ve lost a great Australian.

A Boon Wurrung, Dja Dja Wurrung, Woiwurrung and Yorta Yorta man – Jack Charles was a beloved and respected elder, gifted actor, musician and potter.

His familiar face, remarkable voice and dry sense of humour have been a mainstay for decades now.

A trailblazer for First Nations artists, Jack helped found Australia’s first Indigenous theatre company – Nindethana Theatre – in the 1970s at Melbourne’s Pram Factory.

His life was also one of struggle, punctuated by dislocation, abuse, addiction and incarceration.

Despite those setbacks Uncle Jack was a fierce advocate of equality, respect and truth-telling, as well as a champion of the next generation of First Nations artists.

I know the impact of that will be felt for years to come.

I’m so pleased that in his later years Uncle Jack received the recognition he deserved.

He was the first First Nations recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award at Victoria’s Green Room Awards in 2014.

In 2019 he was awarded the Red Ochre Award – honouring outstanding First Nations artists for lifetime achievement.

This year Uncle Jack was awarded NAIDOC Male Elder of the Year – recognising his lifetime of activism, art and advocacy.

My thoughts today are with his family and loves ones.

Uncle Jack Charles has died at the age of 79.
Uncle Jack Charles has died at the age of 79. Photograph: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

Updated

Victorian MPs pledge allegiance to King Charles

Victorian MPs in both houses of parliament have pledged their allegiance to King Charles III in a ceremony unique to the state.

The sitting of the lower house on Tuesday began with the Lord’s prayer and an acknowledgement of Country, before the speaker, Maree Edwards, read a message from the Victorian governor, Linda Dessau, formally announcing the death of Queen Elizabeth II and the ascension of King Charles III to the throne.

Justice Phillip Priest, from Victoria’s court of appeal, was then asked to take the Speaker’s chair to administer new oaths or affirmations to MPs, who pledged to be “faithful and bear true allegiance to his majesty and his majesty’s heirs and successors according to law”.

The process took about half an hour. It also occurred in the upper house earlier on Tuesday.

As they made their pledges, Greens MPs wore either t-shirts or accessories emblazoned with “Always Was, Always Will Be” – a phrase linked to the Aboriginal land rights movement.

Victoria is the only state or territory that requires MPs to swear allegiance to the new monarch following their predecessor’s death, under section 23 of its constitution.

The last time this occurred was on February 14, 1952, eight days after the death of King George VI, Queen Elizabeth’s father. Both houses will spend the rest of Tuesday on condolence motions for the late Queen.

Victorian lawmakers pledge their allegiance to King Charles III on Tuesday.
Victorian lawmakers pledge their allegiance to King Charles III on Tuesday. Photograph: Victoria State Parliament TV via AP

Updated

It won’t come as a big surprise to weather geeks but the Bureau of Meteorology will this afternoon declare that a La Niña event is under way.

Australia has a slightly tougher yardstick to gauge a La Niña so BoM appears to be a bit behind other agencies.

What does it mean for our weather? Well, without putting a dampener on it (so to speak), we have had near La Niña-like conditions for some time (years in fact) so it is not like the heavens will suddenly open up.

Rather, it’s a sign that the odds favouring a wetter than average spring and at least first part of summer are on the increase. Not what saturated parts of Australia will be keen to see.

Updated

NSW parliament expresses ‘profound sorrow’ at Queen’s death and pauses for a week

The New South Wales premier Dominic Perrottet has moved a condolence motion over the death of Queen Elizabeth II before the suspension of parliament.

In a brief sitting of the NSW parliament on Tuesday, Perrottet moved a motion to profess the parliament’s “profound sorrow” at the death of the “beloved sovereign”.

He then moved a separate motion congratulating King Charles III on his ascension to the throne, swearing “unswerving loyalty” and wishing a “long and happy” reign “marked by peace and prosperity throughout NSW and Australia”.

While the Coalition benches were full for the brief sitting - at which both motions were unanimously adopted - only 11 of the 37 Labor MPs attended.

There were no speeches during the sitting. Parliament will return next week after its one-week suspension following the Queen’s death.

It followed an elaborate proclamation ceremony on Sunday which saw thousands of people turn out to see the new King formally recognised.

Updated

Elderly man dies in WA after being attacked by kangaroo

An elderly man has died from injuries after an apparent attack by his pet kangaroo in Western Australia’s south.

Kangaroo attacks happen, but fatal attacks are very, very rare – the last documented one appears to have been in the 1930s.

Read the full story:

Updated

Big battery more useful than big banana, SA minister says

(Scott Morrison is being sub-tweeted here – story via AAP)

Australia can’t become fully powered by renewable energy without storage to support wind and solar, industry warns.

South Australia’s Hornsdale Power Reserve was the world’s first Big Battery, since overtaken by a larger plant in Victoria near Geelong, and the South Australian Virtual Power Plant (SA VPP) aims to link 50,000 solar and home battery systems to create another record-breaking asset.

“When the Big Battery was proposed it drew many critics, and was derided as being as useful as a big banana,” state energy minister Tom Koutsantonis told an industry forum in Adelaide on Tuesday.

“Those critics - many of whom did not understand the battery’s purpose - have been proven wrong and now batteries are being widely deployed, following the lead we took here in South Australia.”

South Australia’s Hornsdale Power Reserve
South Australia’s Hornsdale Power Reserve was the world’s first ‘big battery’. Photograph: SUPPLIED/PR IMAGE

But Clean Energy Council CEO Kane Thornton said many of Australia’s regulations still aren’t fit for energy storage, and cost pressures brought on by global supply chain woes aren’t helping.

“The business case for batteries remains challenging,” he told the forum.

“For household-scale batteries, a lack of clear Australian product standards, the need to update installation standards and overcoming risk aversion from regulators and emergency services are all critical to accelerating deployment.”

Updated and effective technical frameworks were also needed, along with speeding up the process for connecting or upgrading batteries, Thornton said.

Governments were also urged to provide more financial support for household batteries, with cost still the main barrier for most Australians.

Updated

Albanese bristles when asked if republicans were considered for Queen’s funeral

Q: Was any consideration given to including republicans in the “everyday Australians” going to the royal funeral to show it is possible to want to leave the monarchy while paying respects to the Queen?

Anthony Albanese becomes visibly annoyed at this point. He has not entertained any discussion on becoming a republic, or whether or not we can even talk about it, while these protocols have played out:

No. We didn’t do a survey. Seriously. We didn’t do a survey, no.

We are paying respect here and I think frankly what we did objectively in very short notice was appoint people who objectively you can see – wasn’t a political decision – it was people who had served their country and had been ... given significant recognition as either Australians of the Year or Senior Australians of the Year.

It was an appropriate list. Nor do we know which way they vote in elections either.

Updated

Are there any more details on the new Australian ambassador to the UK? Can he say if it will be more of a diplomatic or political posting?

Anthony Albanese says:

No.

There may be some more international leader talks while Anthony Albanese is in Japan, but nothing is locked in as yet enough for an announcement, because it is a bit too far away.

Updated

Paid pandemic leave has cost $320m since 20 July

Is $320m for paid pandemic leave – or $6m a day – too much money? That is how much it has cost in total since it was extended in July.

Bill Shorten dropped those figures in a radio interview today. Which is interesting, because we have been chasing the figures for more than a week and the department has been telling us they didn’t have a monthly breakdown of data for the year available, despite repeated requests.

Anthony Albanese:

“No. We agreed to it. The figures since July 20 is $320m. And overall since the start of the pandemic more than $2.2bn has been paid out for paid pandemic leave.”

Updated

There was no representative from Solomon Islands who attended the Lodge this morning.

Has prime minister Sogavare been issued the same invitation for travel to the UK?

Anthony Albanese:

Yes, we have extended invites to everyone. There will be separate travelling arrangements for people of the Pacific and we have reached out to all of the nations with a connection to the Commonwealth

Updated

Albanese denies giving mixed messages on integrity commission

Did Albanese misspeak yesterday when he said Labor’s commitment was to “introduce” the legislation for a national integrity commission before the end of the year? (Given that the election commitment was to ‘legislate’ the commission by the end of the year).

Anthony Albanese says no:

You will remember I was the leader who turned up at the National Press Club this year, on the 18 May, so just before the election, I said, ‘which is why a Labor government will put forward legislation before this year is over’, a pretty explicit statement I made, three days before the election.

We will have legislation introduced in September, this month, we are ready to vote for it, in September, this month. We are ready to vote for it.

It has been through our cabinet process, it will go through our caucus appropriately when caucus meets on Tuesday and I look forward to members and senators voting for our legislation.

But the fact remains both were said. Circumstances may have changed regarding the parliament sitting, but both statements were made.

Updated

Albanese says he'll meet with King Charles and has ‘tentative' plan to meet Truss

Will Anthony Albanese hold talks with UK prime minister Liz Truss when in the UK?

Yes, is the short answer:

When I spoke to prime minister Truss on Friday, we agreed tentatively, she invited me to have a bilateral meeting that would take place this Sunday. But the circumstances – obviously this is a moving feast with our diaries and getting all of the detail right. At this stage, there is a tentative agreement to meet with prime minister Truss.

Will he meet with Joe Biden?

He would like to, but will depend on logistics.

Albanese:

Of course I will always be available for a meeting with president Biden but the United States will be in the same position we are, making logistical arrangements, other arrangements haven’t been finalised yet.

There is another leader of an important ally [who] has reached out and asked for a breakfast meeting. We are saying at the same hotel and that will happen, when it’s finalised.

The primary reason for visiting is of course the Memorial Service for Queen Elizabeth II. I can confirm I will be having a meeting with King Charles as well.

UK high commissioner to Australia Vicki Treadell is greeted by Anthony Albanese at a memorial reception of Commonwealth diplomats at the Lodge this morning.
UK high commissioner to Australia Vicki Treadell is greeted by Anthony Albanese at a memorial reception of Commonwealth diplomats at the Lodge this morning. Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AAP

Updated

Albanese says Pacific nations ‘appreciative’ of Australia’s support with travel to Queen’s funeral

Have any of the Pacific nation leaders accepted Australia’s offer for help with travel to the UK?

Anthony Albanese:

Yes is the short answer. In terms of the details, I’m not in a position to give details today. Hopefully by tomorrow we will. I’m aware for example that in one country, we have sent a smaller plane to pick someone up on one of the small island nations, to bring them, to be able to then travel to London. But we have offered that support, we are engaging with our Pacific neighbours, they are certainly appreciative of it.

For security reasons as well I’m reluctant to go into that detail but we certainly will release the detail. We want to make sure that it’s finalised.

Updated

‘A bit of respect’: Albanese on $5 note question

The first question is on whether or not the prime minister would like to see an Australian on the $5 note moving forward.

Anthony Albanese is not having it:

I think with a lot of these decisions, and questions, to preempt them – I’m speaking about a funeral that will take place for Queen Elizabeth II next Monday.

And I’m being asked a question about a replacement on the $5 note.

I think this is a time for a bit of respect is required.

And, you know, we will deal with these issues appropriately, in an orderly way, in a way that is respectful, so I have not turned my attention towards that matter.

Anthony Albanese at the Lodge today.
Anthony Albanese at the Lodge today. Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AAP

Updated

The 10 Australian guests who will attend Queen's funeral with PM

Anthony Albanese has announced the 10 “everyday Australians” who will travel with the prime minister to attend the Queen’s funeral in London.

They are:

  • Dylan Alcott AO – 2022 Australian of the Year

  • Valmai Dempsey – 2022 Senior Australian of the Year

  • Dr Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr Baumann AM, 2021 Senior Australian of the Year

  • Shanna Whan – 2022 Australian of the Year Local Hero

  • Saba Abraham – Local Hero 2022, Queensland

  • Kim Smith APM – Local Hero 2022, Tasmania

  • Trudy Lin – Young Australian of the year 2022, South Australia

  • Danny Abdallah – Co-Creator of i4give Day and Foundation

  • Chris Waller – Inductee, Australian Racing Hall of Fame

  • Prof Helen Milroy – Western Australia Australian of the Year 2021

“These everyday Australians will travel alongside the Prime Minister and Governor-General His Excellency the Hon David Hurley AC DSC (Retd). The travelling party will join the acting High Commissioner Lynette Wood currently located in the United Kingdom.”

Updated

Albanese says this morning’s reception with the Commonwealth representatives was a success:

This morning, I hosted 24 Commonwealth nations at the Lodge and I was pleased to welcome representatives from countries … including the United Kingdom, Canada, African nations, Asian nations and our Pacific family.

I met again with the high commissioner from the UK to discuss arrangements that will occur in London in a few days’ time.

All Commonwealth nations were invited to this reception and it was an opportunity for Commonwealth nations to express together our condolences, but also to celebrate the life and the sacrifice of Queen Elizabeth II, a life of service to the Commonwealth including to Australia. It was particularly a good opportunity to join with our friends in the Pacific.

Updated

Anthony Albanese says Jack Charles 'uplifted our nation with his heart'

The prime minister opens his press conference with a tribute to Uncle Jack Charles:

In particular I wish to acknowledge Uncle Jack Charles who passed away today age 79, a victim of the stolen generation, sent to a mission in Shepparton and Brunswick and Box Hill boys homes where he was a victim of abuse his early life, incarcerated 22 times for burglary and drug offences, involved in establishing Indigenous theatre in the 1970s including co-founding Australia’s first Indigenous theatre group.

His film career and an area will be familiar to so many Australians –began in 1979 with The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith, which I studied for my HSC and many Australians are familiar with.

The first Australian Indigenous elder to speak at the justice commission and appeared on ABC’s Q&A with me. He endured cruelty, he endured pain, but he uplifted our nation with his heart and his genius, creativity and passion.

And I pay tribute to him today.

Updated

‘It’s a very sad day’: Daniel Andrews pays tribute to Uncle Jack Charles

Victoria’s premier, Daniel Andrews, has paid tribute to Jack Charles, who has died aged 79:

[He was] a great Victorian, who took his own personal pain, and the great trauma that he had suffered in his life to be a beacon for others, and to campaign for justice. It’s a very sad day I’ll send my condolences and sympathies to his family and all of those who knew him and loved him.

Andrrews said his office will reach out to Charles’ family when appropriate to discuss how to best commemorate his life.

Updated

States to push for pandemic leave payment to be extended

At tomorrow’s national cabinet meeting, the state and territory leaders will be calling for the federal government to extend the pandemic leave payment, which is due to end on 30 September.

The federal government and the states/territories pay half each.

The first ministers will argue that the payment should exist for as long as the isolation period does.

The Greens senator Janet Rice agrees:

“As much as we all wish it wasn’t, the pandemic is still with us, and national cabinet still has Covid isolation requirements in place.

“The state and territory premiers have called for pandemic leave payments to continue, and so we know that if national cabinet doesn’t grant this necessary extension, it’s Anthony Albanese who’s the blocker.

“If Albanese is happy to give $244b in tax cuts for the rich, he has no excuse to claim the federal government can’t hold up their end of the 50/50 bargain with the states to make sure that people who need to isolate or quarantine are financially supported.”

Greens senator Janet Rice.
Greens senator Janet Rice. Photograph: Joel Carrett/AAP

Rice said amid the cost of living crisis and the pandemic, Australians need support.

“The government can’t ask people to follow public health advice and then completely undermine that message by taking away the financial help they need to isolate, like the pandemic leave disaster payment and the crisis payment for national health emergency.

“If national cabinet does not agree to the extension tomorrow, I will be moving an urgent disallowance in the next sitting of parliament to ensure that the crisis payment remains in place for people on income support who are forced to isolate or quarantine.”

Updated

Anthony Albanese will hold a press conference at 11.30am after the Commonwealth high commissioners and ambassadors gathered at the Lodge.

Updated

Victorian Greens leaders says she's been a ‘British subject’ as she reluctantly swears allegiance to King

The Victorian Greens have spoken outside parliament before a ceremony in which they will have to swear allegiance to King Charles III.

Victoria is the only state or territory which requires members of both houses to to swear allegiance to the new monarch as part of its constitution.

The Victorian Greens leader Samantha Ratnam told reporters:

This morning we’re here as Victorian MPs to swear allegiance to King Charles III, a new head of state decided for us, but not by us.

And in 2022, many Victorians are rightly asking why we’re being asked to acknowledge sovereignty of a British monarch thousands of miles away when we haven’t acknowledged, and in fact, expressly denied the sovereignty of First Nations people right here.

This is a really important time to reflect on the role of the British monarchy going forward in Australia, the impact of colonisation and the need to move forward in this country with a Treaty and with a republic.

The Victorian Greens Samantha Ratnam.
The Victorian Greens Samantha Ratnam. Photograph: Joel Carrett/AAP

Born in England and raised in Sri Lanka, Ratnam and her family left the country ahead of the civil war. She says she’s “one of millions of people from multicultural communities right across the world and in Victoria, who’ve had different experiences of the impact of the institution of the monarchy on their lives”:


I too am one of those people who has been a British subject in various circumstances. Circumstances coming from a place that was colonised, that had a deep experience of trauma of displacement of dislocation because of the institution of the monarchy and what colonisation did right across the world.

And it’s really important in moments like this that we do reflect on the role of those institutions, the role of those institutions going forward, and we listen deeply to the many people who haven’t had a voice for thousands of years, despite being colonised with their communities disconnected, torn apart and every aspect of their lives colonised by these regimes.

She said they’ll reluctantly swear allegiance to the King in order continue to serve their constituents:

It’s a requirement. We will abide by conventions. There are many outdated conventions in the Victorian parliament that we have to abide by to get on with doing our jobs. That doesn’t mean that we stop trying to change those conventions, to bring on the conversation about a Treaty and republic in this country.

The Greens MP for Melbourne, Ellen Sandel,l said:

People elected us to represent our communities and I think a lot of people are approaching me and saying isn’t it absurd that in order to stand up for people in Melbourne I have to swear allegiance to King Charles III.

Updated

Inflation bites in New Zealand as food prices spike

Food prices have soared in New Zealand, growing by 8.3% in the year to August, the largest spike in 13 years, AAP reports.

As it is in many nations, inflation is on the charge in New Zealand, with benchmark consumers price index (CPI) inflation at 7.3% when last measured in July.

On Tuesday, Stats NZ released new figures showing a surge in the price of food – particularly fruit and vegetables, which are up 15%.

“Increasing prices for eggs, yoghurt, and cheddar cheese were the largest drivers within grocery food,” Stats NZ spokeswoman Katrina Dewbery said.

The items with the biggest price jump among fruit and vegetables were capsicums, potatoes and onions.

Grocery food prices were up 8.7% over the year, meat and fish up 7.6%, and beverages up 4.1%.

The price of eggs is soaring, up 6.7% in August alone.

The price of eggs has been surging in New Zealand.
The price of eggs has been surging in New Zealand. Photograph: Fiona Goodall/Getty Images

Inflation – driven by many factors, including the monetary response to Covid-19, global supply-chain issues and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine – has sparked a cost of living crisis in New Zealand.

There was better news for Kiwi exporters, who have enjoyed growth worth $NZ2.8bn ($A2.5bn) over the last year to record levels.

Stats NZ said the total export value of milk powder, butter and cheese increased by 17% in the year ending July 2022, to $NZ18.8bn ($A16.8bn).

“Dairy products had a strong finish to the export season with a continuation of high prices, especially in the second half of the season,” Stats NZ spokesman Alasdair Allen said.

Dairy exports are worth $NZ3670 ($A3270) for every single Kiwi, with New Zealand exporting $NZ10bn ($A8.9bn) worth of milk powder alone last year.

Updated

Laura Murphy-Oates spoke to Uncle Jack Charles last year in an incredible and moving episode of Full Story.

Updated

Uncle Jack Charles’s family have released a statement:

Updated

Celebrated Indigenous actor and musician Uncle Jack Charles dies

The Indigenous actor, musician, artist and activist Uncle Jack Charles has died at the age of 79.

His publicist confirmed on Tuesday morning that Charles suffered a stroke and died at Royal Melbourne Hospital surrounded by family.

Charles forged a name for himself over five decades in films such as The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith, Bedevil, Blackfellas, Tom White and Pan.

He was recently cast in the television series Wolf Creek.

A Boon Wurrung, Dja Dja Wurrung, Woiwurrung and Yorta Yorta man and a survivor of the stolen generations, Charles was the first witness to tell his story in Victoria’s Indigenous truth-telling commission in April this year.

“Before he passed away, his family were able to send him off on Country during a smoking ceremony at the Royal Melbourne hospital,” his family said in a statement.

“We are so proud of everything he has achieved in his remarkable life – Elder, actor, musician, potter, activist, mentor, a household name and voice loved by all.”

Uncle Jack Charles has died at the age of 79.
Uncle Jack Charles has died at the age of 79. Photograph: Bianca de Marchi/AAP

Updated

As we said a little bit earlier, it is not automatic that King Charles will end up on the $5 note.

Updated

Star ‘unsuitable’ to hold casino licence in NSW, damning report finds

A damning report into Star Entertainment has found the company “is and remains unsuitable” to hold a licence to operate casinos in New South Wales.

Released on Tuesday, the report by Adam Bell SC followed a lengthy inquiry into Star’s operations in NSW which led to a series of high-profile resignations at the company.

It heard a series of allegations of money laundering, organised crime, fraud and foreign interference at its gaming facilities in NSW.

At a press conference announcing the release of the report, which was handed to the NSW government at the end of last month, the chief commissioner of the NSW Independent Casino Commission, Philip Crawford, said the company had been sent a show cause notice to respond.

He said the company had 14 days to respond, and the commission would then decide what disciplinary action to take. It could, Crawford said, include revoking their licence to operate in NSW.

It’s up to them now … From the contents of the report, doing nothing is not an option.

Calling the report “sad” and “confronting”, Crawford said Star’s “institutional arrogance” was “astounding” and said the casino commission remained concerned about its internal culture.

The report found specific breaches of the Casino Control Act, as well as Star’s own internal control policies.

Crawford said the report showed the attitude of senior management at the company was often “not whether [something was] appropriate but how they could do it [and] not whether it was the right thing to do it but how could they find a way to do it”.

The inquiry concluded in June, with counsel assisting the inquiry, Naomi Sharp SC, arguing the company and its close associates were not suitable for a casino licence.

Star suspended trading on the ASX on Monday ahead of the release of the report.

Updated

Philip Crawford said there was a lot of work to be done by Star to address issues:

They need to demonstrate, to understand what their problems are and show leadership in fixing those problems.

At the moment we’re not getting that vibe.

We still have inspectors/investigators down there very frequently.

I’m afraid the cultural, institutional arrogance hasn’t changed much – there is still an unwillingness to show the right level of transparency.

They need to understand that they need to be fully transparent with the regulator because if they’re doing nothing wrong it’s not a problem.

The guidelines of the Casino Control Act, the objects of the act are pretty clear and I’m afraid a lot of those objects are thrown in the rubbish bin by the way they behaved.

NSW casino regulator chair Philip Crawford.
‘There is still an unwillingness to show the right level of transparency’: NSW casino regulator chair Philip Crawford. Photograph: Paul Braven/AAP

Updated

Star unfit to hold casino licence in Sydney, inquiry finds

Philip Crawford, the chief commissioner of the New South Wales Independent Casino Commission, has announced an inquiry has found Star Entertainment is unsuitable to hold a casino licence in Sydney.

Crawford:

As a result of the findings of the Bell inquiry, the commission has today sent a show cause notice to the Star under the provisions of section 23 of the Casino Control Act.

In effect, it asks the Star Casino to show cause why disciplinary action should not be taken against it. Star has 14 days to respond to the show cause notice should it wish to.

The commission will then meet again and consider those submissions before it makes as as to whether disciplinary their action is required and if so, what.

Updated

Australian Republic Movement pauses campaigning during mourning for Queen

Seems even the republican movement doesn’t think Australia should consider its future with the monarchy at the moment, even though this is one of the only times the nation is focussed on the monarchy as a whole.

Updated

Young Australians to give input to government through steering committee

The federal government is setting up a youth steering committee to add some youth input into policy.

Anne Aly, the youth minister and a Gen-Xer, is inviting applications.

The youth steering committee will include up to 15 young people from diverse backgrounds across Australia, with applicants not requiring any previous experience to apply. Aly said:

Establishing the Youth Steering Committee is an important step to ensure that young people in Australia have greater input in shaping government decisions.

The Committee will help to develop a new Youth Engagement Model and create meaningful opportunities for young Australians to work with the Government on the issues that matter to them.

Applications to join the committee close on Wednesday 5 October. You can find out more here www.ayac.org.au.

Anne Aly
Anne Aly says the committee will allow young Australians to ‘work with the government on the issues that matter to them’. Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AAP

Updated

Joey survives paused wallaby pregnancy in NSW

This is one of the most amazing things I have ever learned: a wallaby “paused” her pregnancy for five months, and when the situation was better, just hit go again.

As AAP reports:

Rangers at a NSW conservation sanctuary have been surprised by the appearance of a brush-tailed rock-wallaby after the mother hit pause on her pregnancy.

The joey was conceived in October at Aussie Ark’s wildlife sanctuary in the Barrington Tops but curator Kelly Davis says its mother apparently paused her pregnancy for five months.

“And then a few months later picked up right where she left off. That was so incredible,” Davis said on Tuesday.

The process is called embryonic diapause, when development of the embryo is suspended to ensure the survival of the joey.

Rangers believe the mother underwent the evolutionary strategy to finish rearing a joey she already had in her pouch.

“It’s really quite spectacular what nature can do,” Davis said.

The tiny wallaby is thought to be at around four months’ development.

The endangered brush-tailed rock-wallaby joey born after a paused pregnancy.
The endangered brush-tailed rock-wallaby joey born after a paused pregnancy. Photograph: SUPPLIED/PR IMAGE

Curators were shocked when they noticed the distinguishable bulge of a joey in the female, knowing the only opportunity she had to mate was last year.

“It is the first time I have witnessed first-hand this incredible process,” Davis said. “It really shows the incredible tenacity and survival instincts of wild animals.”

Aussie Ark established the first breeding program for the species in 2018 and doubled its capacity after the 2019-20 bushfire season, which annihilated much of the wallabies’ habitat.

The population of wild brush-tailed rock-wallabies is in decline – with fewer than 20,000 left in the wild.

Updated

Bill Shorten says it’s ‘wrong’ for airlines to jack up prices for AFL finals

Bill Shorten was on the Nine Network this morning and was asked about the absolutely insane price of flights to Sydney and Melbourne for the AFL finals this weekend.

Shorten obviously woke up choosing violence this morning, as he dropped in this tidbit:

Fair go for the fans I say. I didn’t realise.

But [Qantas CEO] Alan Joyce, or some of his senior executive, are big fans of the Today show because last week when I was mildly disapproving of the way they treated their staff during Covid we got the please explain phone call afterwards. So I suppose we’ll get another one today.

But I think it is wrong to jack up and double some of the fares for fans going up to Sydney to watch the footy finals. That’s opportunistic behaviour and it’s not quite keeping in the spirit of the Flying Kangaroo or Virgin or Jetstar or any of them really.

Updated

NSW parliament to be suspended for seven days to pay respect to Queen

Politicians will gather at the New South Wales parliament to formally mark the death of Queen Elizabeth II and suspend the sitting of both houses for seven days.

The lower house will meet at midday on Tuesday to hear a formal announcement of the Queen’s death from the NSW governor Margaret Beazley.

A condolence motion will be moved by the premier Dominic Perrottet, before a second motion to congratulate King Charles III on his ascension to the throne.

A third motion will adjourn both houses of parliament until next week.

Queen Elizabeth II with the NSW governor Margaret Beazley at Windsor Castle.
Queen Elizabeth II with the NSW governor Margaret Beazley at Windsor Castle. Photograph: Andrew Matthews/PA

Updated

Modern slavery report reveals 27.6 million people in forced labour

There is a new report out on modern slavery and it paints a very damning and upsetting picture, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.

As the anti-slavery organisation International Justice Mission Australia says:

The International Labour Organization (ILO), Walk Free and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) data paints a concerning picture regarding the scourge of modern slavery, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.

The report revealed that there are 27.6 million people in forced labour, and Asia and the Pacific hosts more than half of the global total (15.1 million) of people in forced labour.

Further, it revealed that 86 per cent of forced labour cases occur in the private economy, and State-imposed forced labour accounts for the remaining 14 per cent.

The report also stated that the number of people living in forced marriages has risen globally by 6.6 million to a total of 22 million people between 2016 and 2021. An estimated 14.2 million people in Asia and the Pacific are in forced marriages.

IJM Australia CEO, Steve Baird said the new data highlights the need for more to be done tackling modern slavery in the region.

You can read the whole report, here

Updated

Logies moving to Seven Network after decades at Nine

The Logie awards are shifting from Nine to the Seven Network in 2023 after almost three decades.

Seven announced today it has signed a five-year agreement with TV Week publisher Are Media, which owns the awards.

The 63rd Logie awards will be broadcast on Channel 7 and 7plus on Sunday 18 June next year at a yet to be announced location or state.

The awards have been broadcast from the Gold Coast in recent years after the Queensland government offered to funding, including $1,000 per head for each TV star who attends.

Seven West Media’s managing director and chief executive officer James Warburton said:

“The TV Week Logie Awards are more than television’s night of nights; they are a treasured Australian institution and a celebration of Australia’s love of television.”

Hamish Blake with his Gold Logie at 2022 awards.
Hamish Blake with his Gold Logie at 2022 awards. Photograph: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Updated

It’s not just Queensland either, as Steph Convery reports:

Nearly three-quarters of renters over 50 fear an expensive and unstable future with spiralling housing costs resulting in insecurity, according to a new report by one of Australia’s largest charities.

Anglicare Australia recently polled 500 over-50s about their housing circumstances, hopes and fears. The subsequent report, Ageing in Place: Home and Housing for Australia’s Older Renters, released on Tuesday, revealed housing costs are the biggest barrier to older renters staying settled in the same place as they age.

Most people – 87% of those surveyed – wanted to remain at home as they aged, and more than 78% of those over 55 wanted to live in their own home rather than move into residential aged care.

Updated

Queensland to hold a housing summit as crisis deepens

The Queensland government will hold a summit on the state’s housing crisis next month with social services groups calling for a plan to house every person within a decade, AAP reports.

The summit comes almost a year after it was first proposed by social services, charities, local governments, property and employer groups and construction companies.

Roundtable talks to plan for the gathering are due to be held on Friday.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says ministers, the Brisbane mayor and lobby groups will discuss land supply and social housing issues during the meeting.

“Nothing is more important than having a roof over your head – it’s a basic need – and the stories of people without secure housing are heartbreaking,” she said in a statement on Tuesday.

“Affordable housing is critical to maintaining our great Queensland lifestyle.

“Many of the causes of the increased housing costs are national and need national solutions.

“All levels of government have a role to play in improving the current housing situation.”

The Queensland Council of Social Services, the Local Government Association of Queensland, the Property Council of Australia, Q Shelter and Master Builders Queensland will also attend Friday’s talks.

Updated

Dylan Alcott and Chris Waller among Australians invited to Queen’s funeral

Some 10 Australian guests are being invited to attend the Queen’s funeral on 19 September Westminster Abbey in London.

Guardian Australia can confirm that horse trainer Chris Waller and Australian of the Year Dylan Alcott are among the 10. We expect the other eight guests to be announced today.

Dylan Alcott is among the invitees for the royal funeral.
Dylan Alcott is among the invitees for the royal funeral. Photograph: Dean Lewins/AAP

In addition to those guests the prime minister Anthony Albanese, governor general David Hurley and Australia’s acting UK high commissioner Lynette Wood and their partners are also attending.

Updated

Covid absences have reduced US workforce by 500,000 people, report says

From what the ABS has been telling us about the labour force, Covid absences are taking their toll here as well.

Updated

Narromine to become ‘Dollymine’ for Dolly Parton festival

A small country town in NSW will be transformed into “Dollymine” for a long weekend for Australia’s first Dolly Parton festival.

Narromine is hoping to emulate the success of Parkes and Tamworth by holding something a little special for lovers of country music – and it’s queen.

Updated

Meanwhile NDIS participants are waiting months and months and months for suitable accomodation:

Updated

Only 30 ADF personnel sent to help aged care per week during Covid wave

An average of just 30 defence force personnel were deployed to aged care facilities across Australia each week while the sector buckled under the latest Covid wave, data shows.

Chris Knaus and Natasha May have the full report:

Updated

Activist sitting in tree in bid to stop logging on NSW mid-north coast

There has been a long-running battle between environmentalists and the New South Wales Forestry Corporation over native forest logging just outside Coffs Harbour on the NSW mid-north coast.

Environmentalists says the logging is damaging a known koala habitat and upsetting the local ecosystem.

Protesters have chained themselves to equipment in the past to try to stop the logging. In the latest action, the Bellingen Activist Network says a community member is now staging a sit in at a tree they’re trying to protect.

A spokesperson for the action says:

We know the value of forests when they are left un-logged. We know that healthy ecosystems are imperative to our survival on this heating planet. We must fight for all remaining forest because we are fighting for our lives.

There is a groundswell of people ready to take these sorts of non-violent direct actions, pushing us ever closer to the ending of logging of these publicly owned native forests. Join the movement – get involved in your local direct action group.

Updated

And the London police have responded to the viral video of a police officer talking to a protester at Parliament Square – with a statement that reads like it is reminding officers people have the right to peaceful protests.

Updated

If you haven’t read the UK Guardian’s editorial today, you may enjoy it

Albanese to greet Commonwealth diplomats at the Lodge today

The high commissioners and ambassadors from Commonwealth nations will meet at the Lodge for a memorial service with the prime minister today.

Updated

Why did a protester shout abuse at Prince Andrew?

A protester was arrested on the Royal Mile in the UK after he shouted abuse at Prince Andrew.

Here’s why he said he did it:

Updated

Fun fact – Australia pays for any royal visit.

The Sussexes 16-day trip to Australia in 2018 cost the nation almost half a million dollars.

Meghan and Harry at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne during their 2018 tour of Australia.
Meghan and Harry at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne during their 2018 tour of Australia. Photograph: Phil Noble/Reuters

Updated

Albanese brushes off concerns about public holiday for Queen

The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, has played down concerns about the public holiday on 22 September to commemorate the Queen’s life.

Asked on 2GB Radio about possible interruptions to life, including medical appointments, Albanese said:

Of course [that is the case] with every public holiday.

Truth is, operations occur every day of the year. This isn’t a declaration that nobody is allowed to do anything on 22 September. It is a declaration agreed to by myself and every premier and every chief minister that Thursday 22 September should be a national day of mourning.

This is a one in 70 year event. It is important we acknowledge the contribution of Queen Elizabeth II.

Albanese noted that the day after, the Friday, is a public holiday in Victoria – AFL grand final eve.

Albanese said the period of mourning is a “major global event”, citing 22 high commissioners coming to pay their respects today at the PM’s Canberra residence, the Lodge.

Asked if he would cop criticism if a public holiday weren’t announced, Albanese replied there is “no doubt that would happen”.

Albanese said that he “respects institutions” and that is why he is following protocols established before his prime ministership. King Charles III will have a “standing invitation” to visit Australia, he said.

Anthony Albanese
‘It is important we acknowledge the contribution of Queen Elizabeth II’: Anthony Albanese Photograph: Lukas Coch/AAP

Updated

Don’t ditch your coins

Andrew Leigh is talking to ABC’s RN Breakfast about the changes to Australia’s currency now there is a new monarch.

Currency with the Queen’s face will remain legal tender. So no need to ditch your coins. The King’s effigy has been in the works for a while but still isn’t ready yet. You’ll start to see currency with his face sometime in 2023.

The Queen looks to the right, so the King will look to the left – once again it’s protocol. Something about a new direction.

But the decision on whether to put King Charles on the $5 note has not yet been made. It could be someone or something else entirely. The coins though, are all his.

Updated

Australia urged to impose sanctions on Chinese officials over abuses

Human Rights Watch is calling for Australia to impose sanctions on Chinese officials in the wake of more revelations of human rights abuses.

The calls comes after outgoing UN human rights commissioner, Michelle Bachelet, said China had committed “serious human rights violations” against Uyghurs in Xinjiang which may amount to crimes against humanity.

That report was set to be a key agenda at a UN Human Rights Council meeting overnight.

HRW’s China director, Sophie Richardson, said:

Australia should impose targeted sanctions against Chinese government officials who are implicated in crimes against humanity and other grave abuses against Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslims in Xinjiang.

The European Union, US, UK, and Canada have already taken these steps, and Australia should join these efforts to hold those responsible for these abuses accountable and to stand with victims.

the Urumqi No. 3 Detention Center in Dabancheng in western China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region
The UN report found credible evidence of torture, mass arbitrary detention and forced medical procedures. Photograph: Mark Schiefelbein/AP

Updated

Greens want political donations added to federal integrity commission’s scope

The Greens are warning that the scope of Labor’s national anti-corruption commission must be broadened to include jurisdiction over entities that give political donations.

Currently the proposal from the attorney general Mark Dreyfus is for the body to have power to investigate “the commonwealth public sector, including parliamentarians and staff, public officials and contracted service providers”.

But not all entities a commission might want to look into has contracts with the government. For example, the Greens cite $110m in donations from fossil fuel companies to political parties since 2010. They also note that of the 114 fossil fuel projects awaiting approval, about half (56) are from proponents that have made such donations.

The Greens’ justice spokesperson, Senator David Shoebridge, said:

People voted for a federal integrity commission with teeth not one blocked from investigating multinationals ... when they are using their money and
influence to corrupt government.

The inability of the proposed federal integrity commission to investigate third parties who try to corrupt or improperly influence government decisions and policy is a serious gap in Labor’s model.

Limiting the integrity commission to only investigating corporations who contract with the government fundamentally misunderstands how corporate Australia influences government and benefits from government decisions.

More often than not huge corporate windfalls aren’t made by contracting with the government or providing a service but by influencing a government decision or a government policy.

Approving or rejecting a coal mine can be a billion dollar decision for some of these corporate players and that is a corruption prone environment the new integrity commission needs to cover.

Updated

Good morning

Happy Tuesday, 13 September.

It’s looking a little quieter today, which should give us all a chance to take a breath and have a cup of tea, away from what has been a pretty huge few days.

Attention is turning back to what the parliament needs to do – or should be doing – with the Greens adding to the demands for the national anti-corruption commission.

The independents and Greens had campaigned strongly on integrity and are now pushing the government to create the strongest possible integrity commission. The Greens want donations added to the list of things the commission could investigate. Meanwhile Indi MP Helen Haines wants to make sure the government doesn’t rush the committee review process to meet its “arbitrary” deadline of legislating it by the end of the year.

Australia is speaking to its Pacific neighbours again today to see how best to facilitate any assistance for leaders to travel to the UK for the Queen’s funeral, while Anthony Albanese will also prepare for tomorrow’s national cabinet (virtual) meeting where the premiers are expected to ask for the government’s pandemic leave to remain in place for as long as people have to isolate with Covid.

We’ll keep you up to date with all the news as it happens across Australia.

Ready? Let’s get into it.

Updated

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
“Why Are They Afraid To Cast Ugly People?”: Casting Of The Beatles Biopic Sparks Mixed Reactions
"Somewhere out there, Timothée Chalamet is brushing up his Liverpool accent just in case." The post “Why Are They Afraid To Cast Ugly People?”: Casting Of The Beatles Biopic Sparks Mixed Reactions first appeared on Bored Panda.
Bored Panda
Bored Panda
After being indefinitely delayed for two years, Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse reveals first images and footage as it finally sets a release date
Miles Morales is coming back in 2027
Total Film
Total Film
Dogs see their world through smell – and scientists are starting to translate it like never before
Scent is how dogs largely experience the world, a lot like the way we humans rely on sight. We know little about how dogs interpret scent, but thanks to a recent study, we may be getting closer to understanding what a dog’s nose actually knows.
The Conversation
The Conversation
5 Decor Items You Need to Remove From Your Living Room — Designers Say They're Dating Your Space
There are certain objects that might be seriously letting your living room down. Here's what designers say to remove, and what to replace them with
Livingetc
Livingetc
What it's like to try the White Lotus afternoon tea at London's Four Seasons hotel
An Asian-inspired menu mixes with English tradition for this latest brand collab, writes Vicky Jessop
Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Elon, Beyoncé and a flat earth? New study finds that 4 in 5 Gen Zs believe in conspiracy theories
A new study has revealed that nearly 80 per cent of Gen Zs admit to believing conspiracy theories, with as many as 41 per cent actively spreading them
Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.
Download on the AppStore Get it on Google Play