The day that was: Saturday 12 November
We are going to close this blog now. Thanks for your company, comments and correspondence today. As we go, a brief summary …
The home affairs minister, Clare O’Neil, has announced a permanent “joint standing operation” to target cybercriminal syndicates. The 100 officials, drawn from the Australian federal police and Australian Signals Directorate, “will show up to work every day with the goal of bringing down these gangs and thugs … a standing body within the Australian government which will, day in, day out, hunt down the scumbags who are responsible for these malicious crimes against innocent people”.
The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, is in Cambodia for the Asean summit, where he has met with the Ukrainian foreign minister, Dmytro Kuleba, pledging more material support and also announcing an increased engagement with south-east Asia.
The Majestic Princess cruise ship – with more than 800 Covid-positive people on board – docked in Sydney. Guests and crew were allowed to disembark: the cruise ship’s parent company says strict protocols were adhered to.
South Australia has been lashed by storms. Wild weather has been forecast for NSW, and in Victoria there are threats of flash flooding and new river peaks predicted for Sunday.
Until next time – stay safe and enjoy the weekend!
Updated
The first two weeks of royal commission hearings into robodebt sought to answer a central question: how did the unlawful welfare scheme happen?
Updated
