Hi there. It's Tuesday, August 16 and you're reading The Loop, a quick wrap-up of today's news.
Let's start here: There have been more revelations about Scott Morrison's secret self-appointments
It's been another big day for former prime minister Scott Morrison.
Here's what you need to know:
- Yesterday, it was revealed that Mr Morrison appointed himself to three ministries while he was PM, but the Australian public (and some of his cabinet ministers) weren't told about it
- Today, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he'd received information that Mr Morrison had actually appointed himself to five ministries, including treasury and home affairs
- Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said he wouldn't back calls for Mr Morrison to resign from parliament, after then-home affairs minister Karen Andrews said the ex-PM 'needs to leave'
- Mr Morrison then released a lengthy statement defending his actions while apologising to his colleagues and admitting his self-appointments were "unnecessary"
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Mr Albanese has asked the solicitor-general for legal advice on Mr Morrison's decisions, which he said would be delivered on Monday
You can catch up on all of this story's developments by looking back at our live blog.
We heard about a 'brave' intervention during the alleged stabbing of two children
Police in South Australia have praised a "brave" man who intervened in the alleged stabbing of two boys on a motorway north-west of Adelaide last night.
The boys' mother is accused of the attack and has been charged with attempted murder.
WARNING: This story contains content that some readers may find upsetting.
It is alleged the mother stabbed her sons, aged three and eight, after stopping her car on the North-South Motorway at Wingfield.
SA Police said a man was able to disarm her, and other members of the public helped detain her before calling emergency services.
"We are extremely grateful to the people that stopped and rendered assistance, intervening in this incident, as no doubt the situation would have been much worse had they not stopped," Superintendent Selena Dinning said.
"If this man hadn't stopped, I'm sure the situation would have been much worse.
The boys remain in hospital.
News you might have missed
- China has held more military drills near Taiwan. It comes as a delegation of US politicians visited the Chinese-claimed island — the first high-level group to visit after US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit in early August, which set off days of Chinese war games
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A report into former New South Wales deputy premier John Barilaro's appointment to a lucrative US trade role has found the recruitment process was not done at "arm's length" from the government. It has recommended more transparency during hiring processes
Here's what Australia has been searching for online
- Brett Finch. The former NRL star has pleaded guilty to sending child abuse material using an adult phone chat service. He was one of eight men arrested in late 2021 as part of investigations into an alleged child abuse material ring
- William Crowther. Hobart City Council has voted 7-4 in favour of removing a statue of the former premier and doctor, who desecrated the grave of an Aboriginal man in 1869
One more thing: Victoria's Chief Health Officer has the moves
Victoria's Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton has proved he's capable of delivering more than just health news.
Footage has emerged of Mr Sutton delighting crowds at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne awards night this week by dancing Bollywood style.
The festival said Mr Sutton "Bhangra-ed his way into our hearts" by getting down with actor Rithvik Dhanjani on stage.
You're up to date!
We'll be back tomorrow with more newsy goodness.
ABC/wires
