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Passengers were left stranded at a handful of airports today after Bonza abruptly cancelled all its flights across Australia, with owners announcing the low-cost airline had entered voluntary administration hours later on Tuesday.
In an internal note seen by the Guardian, Bonza’s chief executive, Tim Jordan, acknowledged to staff that the airline’s fleet was repossessed by AIP Capitol, the effective lessor of the aircraft, on Tuesday morning.
Shortly after the cancellations were reported, the transport minister, Catherine King, said her department had contacted Bonza and that “our expectation is that they keep passengers informed of their options and their consumer rights”.
Virgin, Qantas and Jetstar have offers free seats to stranded Bonza customers, with a government hotline also available, and anyone affected by the cancellations is encouraged to call 1800 069 244.
Top news
Teenager charged with murdering 10-year-old sister | A 17-year-old girl has been charged with murdering her sister, 10, after an alleged stabbing in the New South Wales Hunter region, with police saying the incident appeared to have come “completely out of the blue”.
‘Deep concern’ over alleged assault of 73-year-old Perth woman by detainee released under NZYQ decision | A federal minister has admitted the government is “deeply concerned” after a 73-year-old Perth woman was assaulted, allegedly by a recently freed immigration detainee during a violent home invasion. The man was one of three people arrested over the alleged assault and robbery of Ninette Simmons earlier in April.
Victorian Labor MP dumped from party room after fresh allegations emerge | The Victorian premier, Jacinta Allan, has dumped MP Darren Cheeseman from the Labor caucus after further allegations of “persistent and repeated inappropriate behaviour” towards two female staffers. Allan said the allegations were of a nature “that don’t require the involvement of Victoria police”. Cheeseman was approached for comment.
Queensland Health warns of record-breaking Ross River detections | Acting chief health officer Dr Catherine McDougall said in the year to date 2,065 people have had Ross River virus, which is the highest number of cases since the last significant outbreak of the virus.
NSW to announce life extension of Australia’s largest coal-fired power station | The decision involves providing taxpayer subsidies to Origin Energy’s Eraring power station for two years with permits to run for two more, according to several people who have been briefed on the plans.
Coles revenues rise as shoppers search for cheaper groceries | Australia’s second biggest supermarket chain recorded a 5.1% lift in sales revenue from its supermarket division in the March quarter to $9.1bn, the company announced today. Revenue from exclusive brand sales, which includes its own labels, jumped 8.8%.
Plato’s final hours recounted in scroll found in Vesuvius ash | Newly deciphered passages from a papyrus scroll that was buried beneath layers of volcanic ash after the AD79 eruption of Mount Vesuvius may have shed light on the final hours of Plato, a key figure in the history of western philosophy.
Lifeline records busiest day after emotional fortnight | The crisis support service received 4,371 calls, messages and webchats on Sunday, making for its busiest day on record and 20% above the yearly average, as high-profile deaths of women and demands for action on domestic violence bring emotions to the fore.
In pictures
Australia’s best photos of the month
Women’s wrestling in Ballarat, Olympic breakdancers, sunflowers and a viral lawnmower man: here is Guardian Australia’s selection of some of the month’s best images.
What they said …
***
“It’s coming again; this is not good!”
A man driving through Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido has been caught on dashcam as a bear appears to furiously pursue the vehicle. After a record number of bear attacks on humans over the past year, Japan has announced plans to trial an AI-warning system.
There were 219 casualties and six fatalities from bear attacks across 19 prefectures in the year to March, the highest figures logged since nationwide data became available. It’s believed the animals are struggling to find their staple foods, resulting in the increased interactions.
In numbers
The number of artworks made by women displayed by state galleries in 2022 is down from 34% in 2019 and 37% in 2016.
According to an extensive survey released by the National Association for the Visual Arts (Nava), women and First Nations artists received, on average, less recognition than non-First Nations men in areas considered the key indicators of career success and legitimation: solo shows, acquisitions by state institutions and commercial gallery representation.
Before bed read
In a society where male violence seems inevitable we need much more than education and awareness
If men’s violence is not prevented or treated, it tends to spread like an infectious disease, writes Michael Salter.
Daily word game
Today’s starter word is: EGG . You have five goes to get the longest word including the starter word. Play Wordiply.
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