What we learned; Thursday 20 June
Thanks for following today’s blog. Here’s a quick recap of the day’s biggest stories.
Anthony Albanese has labelled the Coalition’s nuclear power proposal an “economic catastrophe” and “farcical”, saying no investor would be willing to back it.
The shadow energy minister, Ted O’Brien, says the cost of building and running seven nuclear reactors is “just one part of the equation” in the introduction of nuclear power to Australia and the key was the benefits it delivered in cheaper power.
The South Australian premier, Peter Malinauskas, has joined the chorus of premiers objecting to the Coalition’s nuclear plan, saying his major concern was costs.
Almost a quarter of a million birds will be culled on a NSW farm in an attempt to stop the spread of the state’s bird flu outbreak.
Parts of Cape York in far north Queensland have won a place on the Unesco world heritage tentative list.
The first female deputy leader of the NSW Nationals, Bronnie Taylor, has announced her retirement.
The Allan government has committed to introducing a $50 default limit on how much a person can lose in a 24-hour period on pokies.
Queensland police have charged a man with murder after allegedly shooting a women sitting in a parked car in South Mackay yesterday.
The Albanese government has reappointed Mike Burgess as chief of domestic spy agency Asio for another five-year term.
Updated
Long-term chairperson of the Arnhem Land Progress Aboriginal Corporation, Rev Dr. D. Gondarra, has passed away.
Gondarra was a highly respected leader of the Dhurili Clan nation and his community of Galiwin’ku on Elcho Island. He was a respected elder and cultural leader for the Yolŋu people of North-East Arnhem Land.
In a statement about Gondarra’s passing, the Arnhem Land Progress Aboriginal Corporation said:
Rev Dr. D. Gondarra OAM was the first Yolŋu Chairman of ALPA elected in 1993, a position he held until his retirement in 2023. During his term he led ALPA from a retail organisation with just 8 small stores, that was in financially precarious position with limited resources, to the largest and most diverse Aboriginal Corporation in Australia, his contribution cannot be understated in the corporation’s development and the service the Corporation offers its members
His ability to operate cross culturally and connect with all peoples globally saw him sought out by Government and industry alike from around the country.
He dedicated his life selflessly to the service of his people and to advancing the cause of first nations people from across the nation and the world. His leadership and commitment to improve the social and economic well- being of first nations people was immeasurable.
His legacy will forever remain in the hearts and minds of everyone that he engaged with and motivates us to continue the important work he started.
Rev Dr. D. Gondarra OAM is survived by his eldest sister Rose, his children, and grandchildren.
The ALPA Board of Directors and ALPA team extend our deepest condolences to his family and the wider community, we know his leadership and wisdom touched many.
