Welcome, readers, to Afternoon Update.
The former federal Labor leader Bill Shorten has announced his retirement from politics, invoking the timeless words of Frank Sinatra to do so.
“Regrets, I’ve had a few, but then again, too few to mention,” Shorten crooned quoted during the press conference in reference to his role in toppling the former Labor prime minister Kevin Rudd, further surmising: “I did what I had to do but much more than this, I did it my way.”
Anthony Albanese initially announced the news in Canberra, praising his factional “frenemy” as someone who had left an indelible mark on the Labor party.
And more, much more than this, politicians from across the political arena, including Peter Dutton and Tony Abbott, lined up to wish Shorten well.
The one-time union boss will begin his new role of vice-chancellor at the University of Canberra in February and will remain in cabinet until then.
Top news
Australia may delay climate target pending outcome of US election | The Climate Change Authority have released their report citing six barriers Australia needs to overcome if it is to reach net zero. Globally, governments are watching the US election before finalising their 2035 commitments.
Setka’s appearances at Victoria project sites referred to police | The Victorian premier, Jacinta Allan, confirmed John Setka had spoken to workers at a Metro Tunnel project site and the Footscray hospital redevelopment, both taxpayer-funded projects, alleging the appearances were “unlawful”.
Queensland premier says casino rescue ‘might not work’ | The Queensland government is reportedly considering delaying a $300m tax bill from the casino operator Star Entertainment, whose huge new Brisbane precinct began opening last week. Steven Miles said the government’s first priority is to “try to protect these 1,400 jobs”.
Māori queen crowned in ‘new dawn’ for New Zealand | Nga Wai Hono i te po Paki, the second ever Māori queen in the eight-dynasty reign of the Kiingitanga movement in New Zealand, has ascended to the throne in an emotional ceremony attended by thousands at Turangawaewae marae.
Harris and Trump accept debate rules | Allowing mics to be muted, a 90-minute runtime, no opening statements and no discussion between candidates are among the rules both parties have agreed upon, the debate host network ABC has confirmed.
Conservative influencers say they are ‘victims’ of Russian disinformation campaign | Tim Pool, Dave Rubin and Benny Johnson published statements addressing allegations that a content creation company they were associated with was carrying out a sustained campaign to influence the outcome of November’s presidential elections.
Con artist to join Dancing With the Stars – with ankle bracelet | Anna Sorokin, the con artist who was convicted of swindling banks, hotels and friends in 2019 after falsely building a reputation as a wealthy German heiress named Anna Delvey, has found her newest venture.
George RR Martin blasts House of the Dragon over plot changes | Martin, the author of the bestselling Game of Thrones books has criticised the second season of House of the Dragon over changes to his plot he says he “argued against” due to a butterfly effect, warning: “There are larger and more toxic butterflies to come.”
Australia’s Paralympic medal tally grows | Australian swim star Alexa Leary grabbed a Paralympic gold medal and fulfilled a prophecy set out by a fortune teller three years ago, while Lauren Parker became Australia’s first dual-sport Paralympic medallist in 44 years, and more.
In pictures
Which 90s political slogan is getting an update?
It’s a sign of the times, says cartoonist Fiona Katauskas.
What they said …
***
“It’s done. And I’m free.” – Christie Whelan Browne
Last year, Browne brought a lawsuit against Oldfield Entertainment alleging victimisation after she complained of alleged harassment in a 2014 production of the Rocky Horror Show. On Thursday, the Australian actor said she has settled the case with the theatre company out of court.
In numbers
Furthermore, 13% missed one or more mortgage repayments in the past six months. The comparison site Finder says its consumer sentiment tracker last month recorded the highest level of mortgage stress since it began tracking in early 2019.
Before bed read
After five weeks of evidence and five years of trauma, a judge weighs who to believe in Reynolds v Higgins
Senator Linda Reynolds sued her former staffer Brittany Higgins over three social media posts she said were defamatory. Political reporter Sarah Basford Canales recaps the trial.
Daily word game
Today’s starter word is: LAG. You have five goes to get the longest word including the starter word. Play Wordiply.
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