What we learned, Monday 29 May
That’s where we’ll leave the blog for today – thanks so much for joining us. Here is a wrap of the day’s biggest stories:
Western Australia premier Mark McGowan announced he would resign by the end of the week, citing exhaustion. His announcement, following 30 years in public service, will spark a leadership spill.
Reactions flowed all afternoon to the shock announcement. Prime minister Anthony Albanese wished McGowan well, labelling him “an extraordinary leader for WA Labor and a trusted friend.”
Meanwhile, Liberal senator Linda Reynolds said the “cult of the personality” around McGowan hurt WA.
Earlier in the day, David “Kochie” Koch said he would be stepping down as co-host of Sunrise after 21 years. He is Australia’s longest-serving breakfast television host.
Embattled consulting firm PwC directed nine senior partners to go on leave, “ringfenced” its government work and apologised to the public in a bid to stem the damaging fallout from the tax advice scandal.
Artist John Olsen was remembered at a state memorial in Sydney for his contribution to Australia’s art world. Prime minister Albanese was in attendance and said the greatest gift Olsen gave us was “persuading us to see Australia with fresh eyes”.
Meanwhile, Melbourne residents were shaken awake by a 3.8-magnitude earthquake overnight. It was the largest earthquake with an epicentre within 40km of the Melbourne central business district for more than 120 years.
Conservation regulator investigating live snakes and baby crocodile at Melbourne nightclub
Victoria’s conservation regulator is investigating the use of live snakes and a baby crocodile at a Melbourne nightclub after a social media backlash.
Two Wrongs, located on Chapel Street in South Yarra, on Sunday night shared images on social media of patrons posing with the native reptiles at an event to mark its new menu.
After criticism from social media users, the images were removed from the venue’s account.
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