The day that was – Thursday 3 February
That’s where we will leave the blog for Thursday. Here’s what you might have missed:
- Australia’s chief health officer Paul Kelly said Australia is now “past the peak” of the Omicron wave but warned we are not out of the woods yet.
- Australia recorded at least 82 Covid-related deaths on Thursday.
- The federal government explicitly rejected Amnesty International’s assessment that Israel is perpetrating apartheid against Palestinians.
- The prime minister, Scott Morrison, flagged amendments to the religious discrimination bill to protect LGBTIQ+ students from discrimination.
- Citipointe Christian College has withdrawn demands for families to sign controversial anti-gay and anti-trans enrolment contracts – but says it won’t back down from teaching its fundamental beliefs.
- The foreign minister, Marise Payne, condemned the recent North Korean missile launches.
Until tomorrow, stay safe.
Updated
Bushfire emergency warning for East Rockingham in Perth
A bushfire emergency warning has been issued for parts of East Rockingham in Perth’s south, with residents urged to act immediately as there is a threat to lives and homes, AAP reports.
The fire, reported at 1.50pm on Thursday, was moving fast in a southwesterly direction and was out of control and unpredictable, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services said in a statement.
The warning was in place for people bounded by Crompton Avenue, Ennis Avenue and Lake Cooloongup in parts of East Rockingham in the City of Rockingham.
“You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive. There is a threat to lives and homes.”
Residents are being advised to leave for a safer place if the way was clear.
“Do not wait and see, leaving at the last minute is deadly,” the warning says. “If you cannot leave, you need to get ready to shelter in your home.”
Updated
Grace Tame injured in bike crash
The 2021 Australian of the Year Grace Tame says she broke her collarbone in a bike crash, and has now been discharged from hospital.
“Bike stack, broken collarbone, thank you for understanding that we may take a while to respond,” she said in an Instagram story. “Out of hospital now and on the mend.”
Tame is due to give a speech with Brittany Higgins at the National Press Club on Wednesday next week.
Updated
