What we learned: Tuesday, 6 January
With that, we will wrap the blog for the evening. Here are the major developments of the day:
The NSW police commissioner, Mal Lanyon, has extended restrictions on protests in Sydney for 14 more days due to what he said was the potential for rallies to “cause fear and public safety issues”. The decision will be reviewed again in a fortnight.
South Australia is bracing for the most widespread, severe heatwave conditions across the state since 2021, with temperatures of up to 47C expected in parts of the state and Adelaide to be in the low-40s into Thursday. Parts of Victoria could also reach 46C this week.
Anthony Albanese has softened his language on opposing a royal commission into the alleged Bondi terrorist attack. He said the current priority was recalling federal parliament to “take strong action against hate speech and strengthen the laws we have put in place”, adding the government was examining “everything else required”.
And McDonald’s has quietly launched a legal challenge in Victoria’s Civil and Administrative Tribunal to open a 24-hour takeaway outlet in the inner Melbourne suburb of Northcote, after the local council rejected its planning application.
We’ll be back first thing tomorrow.
Updated
Pink slime found on Tasmanian beaches not harmful, authorities say
A “pink sludge” that sparked fears about an emerging algal bloom is not harmful and has no known links to salmon farming, a state environment department says and AAP reports.
The matter was found along a stretch of Randalls Bay, about 60km south of Hobart, while a similar sludge was seen at other beaches in Tasmania’s south-east.
Testing by the state’s environment department confirmed it as Noctiluca scintillans, a marine plankton that feeds on microscopic diatoms or algae.
This species is different to Karenia cristata, the cause of a harmful algal bloom in South Australia, the department said on Tuesday.
Former Greens leader Bob Brown and anti-salmon farming groups and politicians had raised concerns the pink matter was caused by pollution and linked to nearby salmon farms.
“There is no known link between Tasmanian aquaculture and an increase of Noctiluca scintillans events,” the department said in a statement.
Salmon Tasmania, which represents the state’s major fish farms, said Dr Brown and others owed the public an apology for “alarmist scaremongering”.
Updated
Police return to remote SA station as four-year-old boy remains missing
Police say they “won’t rest” in their search for answers after returning to a remote station where a four-year-old boy vanished months ago.
Gus Lamont was last seen by his grandmother playing on a mound of dirt at the sprawling sheep station in outback South Australia on 27 September.
Det Supt Darren Fielke said detectives had returned to the property last week and spoken to Gus’s family, who were continuing to cooperate with police.
“That is not a simple investigation,” the Major Crime chief said on Tuesday.
It’s a four-year-old boy in a remote area. We’re exploring all avenues to do with locating Gus. Nothing is off the table. We won’t rest until we’re satisfied that we’ve done absolutely everything we can to find him, and if we’ve done everything we can and we can’t find him, then that sometimes is what will happen.
The boy’s disappearance sparked intensive searches spanning almost 500 sq km by hundreds of people using aerial support and mounted units.
Detectives last week took further statements from the family, which Fielke said was “just part of the normal investigational process that we go through”.
In November, search teams focused on six mine shafts near property, 40km south of Yunta, using specialist officers, but found no trace of Gus.
A four-day search within a 5.5km radius of the homestead in early October also concluded without any evidence.
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McDonald’s says Northcote proposal ‘meets all planning requirements’
Circling back to our earlier post: we’ve now heard from McDonald’s regarding its decision to launch legal proceedings in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (Vcat) in an effort to open a new store on Northcote’s High Street.
In a statement, a spokesperson for McDonald’s Australia has said:
We see strong potential in Northcote and initiated proceedings to ensure the application is fairly assessed on its merits.
The Northcote site is appropriately zoned for commercial use, and our application meets all planning requirements.
The proposed restaurant represents an investment of more than $2 million and will mean more than 100 new local jobs, as well as more support for local community groups in the area.
We’ve been part of Melbourne communities since 1973, employing thousands of people, serving up a locally sourced menu and providing convenient destinations for customers looking for great everyday value and those iconic Macca’s moments.
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Pro-Palestine groups to rally in defiance of protest restrictions
A coalition of pro-Palestine groups say they will hold a rally in Sydney on 16 January in defiance of protest restrictions.
The rally will urge the NSW government to repeal new anti-protest laws and sanction the Israeli government after new restrictions on protests were extended for a fortnight.
Stop the War on Palestine, which represents a number of pro-Palestine groups in the state, condemned the NSW police decision to extend the restrictions, saying in a statement:
It is blatantly obvious that the ban has nothing to do with ‘social cohesion’ and everything to do with removing democratic rights to oppose government policy and genocide.
Updated
More details on extension of public assembly restrictions
Further to that press conference, NSW police have issued a media release confirming the extension of the Public Assembly Restriction Declaration (Pard).
Since 24 December last year, the NSW police commissioner was granted power to temporarily declare public areas “restricted” from assemblies under laws passed by the state government as a result of the alleged Bondi terrorist attack.
For the next 14 days, public assemblies will be restricted in the South West Metropolitan, North West Metropolitan and Central Metropolitan policing areas.
During this time, no public assemblies can be authorised … and Form 1 applications for the authorisation of public assemblies will not be accepted.
Individuals who participate in a public assembly during this time will not have the protection of the Summary Offences Act with respect to obstructing traffic and pedestrians and may commit offences if they do …
Gatherings are permitted but police may issue move on directions for people causing obstructions or behaving in an intimidatory or harassing manner, or people who might cause or be likely to cause fear in another person.
Police will also have authority to require removal, for identification purposes, of any face coverings worn by people suspected of committing offences.
Today’s declaration extension will be reviewed within the next fortnight and can be further extended fortnightly for up to three months.
Updated
No specific incident behind extension of declaration, commissioner says
Finally, Guardian Australia’s Penry Buckley questioned the commissioner as to whether there was anything specific that motivated today’s decision to extend for another fortnight.
Lanyon says nothing specific has occurred, but there is still “heightened tension” within the community.
We’re only several weeks out from what I said is the most significant [alleged] terrorist incident in Australia, certainly in New South Wales. I think the community quite rightly, over a period of time have felt fear and have been concerned particularly about some of the very public displays in our public assemblies.
This declaration is about saying now is the time for calm. Now is the time for showing respect and it’s about allowing the community to have peace.
He says the premier, Chris Minns, had no part in the decision, which was Lanyon’s own to make.
Updated
‘Premature’ to say whether declaration will be extended again, Lanyon says
Lanyon is asked about the likelihood of the prohibition being extended, which could impact Invasion Day rallies later this month.
He describes this as “very premature” to consider and says it depends on community attitude and the likelihood of risk and fear.
We will assess the need for a public safety declaration if that is required when we get closer to the end of this 14-day period …
Asked what specifically people are fearful of in relation to protests, he says “I don’t think that’s particularly difficult to assess”.
We’ve just had the worst [alleged] terrorist incident in New South Wales. What I am particularly concerned about … is the potential for community safety, the potential for a counter-protest. We know that the heightened tension means that a number of people will be absolutely upset if people hold a public assembly at this time.
Updated
Extension of protest restrictions ‘not about stopping free speech’, commissioner says
Lanyon says this decision is “not about stopping free speech” but is about “making sure that the community has time to feel safe”.
I ask for people to show respect. I ask for people to show courtesy. But most of all I ask that people remain peaceful.
We have spoken about this for three weeks. This was the most significant [alleged] terrorist incident that we’ve had in New South Wales. It is right that the community has time to grieve and right that the community has time to mourn.
This declaration today is about providing support to the community. It’s about saying the time is not now for any retribution … we want the community to feel confident, to move around safely.
Lanyon continues that public assemblies, “when held peacefully” are still allowed but no form 1s will be approved, meaning when someone “obstructs pedestrians or traffic, behaves in a way that is intimidating or harassing, or behaves in a manner that is likely to cause fear” they may be provided with a move on direction and face an offence if they don’t comply.
The decision will be reviewed in another fortnight.
Updated
NSW police extend restrictions on protests in Sydney for 14 more days
The New South Wales police commissioner, Mal Lanyon, is giving an update on protest restrictions in Sydney after they were implemented for 14 days following the alleged Bondi terrorist attack.
He says this afternoon, the declaration was reviewed and he has decided the holding of public assemblies for the next 14 days has the “potential to cause fear and public safety issues”. It has been extended for a further fortnight.
During that time, he says, “all public assemblies will be unauthorised”.
Updated
Victorian Greens criticise ‘disastrous’ North East Link project after sinkhole opens on sports oval
The Greens have lashed out at Victoria’s state government over a sinkhole that opened in Heidelberg this morning close to where tunnel boring machines are operating on the North East Link toll road project.
Victorian Greens upper house member Aiv Puglielli said it was the “second sinkhole these boring machines have likely caused”.
The first occurred early last year at one of the North East Link work sites, prompting an investigation by Labor.
Puglielli:
The North East Link toll road project has coated nearby homes in dust and grime, destroyed precious native habitats and now opened up a giant hole on a public oval. The community deserves answers about the environmental impacts of this disastrous toll road project.
Read more here:
Updated
McDonald's launches legal challenge after proposed Melbourne outlet rejected
McDonald’s has quietly launched a legal challenge in Victoria’s Civil and Administrative Tribunal (Vcat) to open a 24-hour takeaway outlet in the inner Melbourne suburb of Northcote after the local council rejected its planning application.
Parties to the case, including community members who lodged written submissions against the plan to turn the High Street site into a McDonald’s, were notified in December that the chain had begun Vcat proceedings.
Documents seen by Guardian Australia show McDonald’s Australia Limited has asked Vcat to review Darebin city council’s decision, arguing the new restaurant is consistent with planning regulations and would not affect the amenity of the local area.
Darebin councillors voted 6-3 at a planning meeting in November to reject the application for minor works at which would have transformed the dilapidated building into a McDonald’s convenience restaurant.
At that meeting, the council staff told councillors planning permission was not required because the building was in a commercial zone and didn’t need a permit to become a convenience restaurant.
But most of the councillors voted in line with community members who were opposed to the McDonald’s after listening to impassioned submissions and a petition that gained more than 11,000 signatures.
An initial hearing in the McDonald’s Vcat challenge has been scheduled for 14 January.
McDonald’s has been contacted for comment.
Updated
44-year-old woman fourth Aboriginal death in custody in NT in 2025
A 44-year-old Aboriginal woman and mother of five children who died in custody in a remote Northern Territory watch house on 27 December has been identified as Kumanjayi Dempsey.
Dempsey was found unresponsive in her cell after she was arrested for an alleged aggravated assault on Christmas Day.
NT police are investigating the circumstances of her death which is yet to be determined, but say investigations indicate Dempsey suffered a medical incident.
O’Brien Criminal & Civil Solicitors, who represent Dempsey’s family, are urging the NT government to be held accountable, alleging conditions in the Tennant Creek Watch House were “inadequate”.
“Kumanjayi’s death marked the fourth Aboriginal death in custody in the Northern Territory in 2025, a devastating indictment of systemic failure, 34 years after the 1991 Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody,” they said in a statement.
We are concerned about the ongoing inadequacy of the conditions of cells in Tennant Creek Watch House, and Northern Territory detention facilities more broadly.
Solicitors say that Kumanjayi Dempsey’s death is “particularly harrowing” saying that the NT government has refused to allow scheduled inspections of its detention centres and watch houses.
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John Howard pays tribute to Ron Boswell
Former prime minister John Howard has penned a statement on the passing of former Nationals senator for Queensland Ron Boswell, who died overnight aged 85.
Boswell served in parliament from 1983 until 2014, and was the party’s Senate leader for a record 17 years from 1990 until 2007.
Howard described him as a “genuine article”.
He brought integrity and grit to his time in Parliament. He fought valiantly and noisily for what he believed to be good for Australia and his native Queensland.
He was loyal and tenacious and although we disagreed on some issues, he never lost my affection and respect. Ron’s battle with Pauline Hanson in 2004 symbolised his commitment to an open and tolerant National Party.
I shall miss him and send my sincere condolences to his family.
Updated
Disappearance of woman in South Australia declared a ‘major crime’
South Australia police have labelled the disappearance of 41-year-old Trisha Graf from a remote opal town last month a “major crime” as investigations continue into her whereabouts.
Graf was at the Roxby Downs hotel at 12.19am on Friday, 12 December before leaving a short time later in a white Ford with a friend to Andamooka, a remote town around 600km north of Adelaide.
Graf visited a friend’s home in the township and left just before 2am to travel the short distance home. She was last seen driving along Dunstan Drive in Andamooka, police say.
Just after midday on Friday 12 December 2025, Graf’s partner and a friend were searching for her when they located her Ford Territory perched on a dirt mound near the Blue Dam east of Andamooka, unable to be driven.
Following three weeks of intensive investigations and extensive ground and air searches, detectives believe her disappearance is suspicious.
Major crime investigation branch officer-in-charge detective superintendent Darren Fielke said police hold grave concerns for Graf’s welfare.
Her thongs were found with her vehicle and we would have expected to locate her if she had simply wandered off a short distance.
Fire danger in SA will remain until at least Friday
South Australian authorities have warned the extreme temperatures the state will experience means heat-driven fire danger will remain until at least Friday, when windier conditions are forecast. They said:
[On] Friday, there’s a level of uncertainty depending on the timing and the nature of the change, but it could be a potentially more significant day from a fire weather point of view, when we get the combination of those hot and windy conditions.
Authorities say the area of greatest concern is the lower south-east, but tomorrow’s conditions are enough to trigger fire conditions across most of the state.
It’s challenging both because of the heat which dries out the fuel, which means that a fire will burn more intensely. It’s also really challenging for our crews and our aircraft to operate in extreme conditions, so that’s why we’re really keen for the community to play its part in minimising any chance of any fires occurring.
Mercury could hit 47C in South Australia tomorrow
South Australian authorities have also held a press conference to repeat warnings about this week’s hot weather, which they have described as the “most widespread, severe heatwave conditions across South Australia since 2021”.
The BoM’s Jon Fisher says Adelaide is forecast to experience a maximum temperature of 42C tomorrow, with the heat remaining in the low-40s across the metropolitan region into Thursday.
“It’s not until Friday we’ll see a more significant cool change move inland across the state,” he said. Fisher says Port Augusta in south-east could experience the highest temperatures by Thursday.
Even down as far as Roseworthy and the places in the upper south-east, around Naracoorte, they’re expected to reach that 43, 44 mark. Further north around Port Augusta and Renmark, they’re expecting multiple days in the mid-40s, so peaking around that 47C mark for Port Augusta on Thursday and even multiple days of 44 to 46C for Renmark … right through to Friday.
Updated
That’s all from me. Penry Buckley will take the reins from here to guide you through the rest of the day’s news.
Officials note that the health impacts of heat are cumulative, meaning consecutive warm days and nights can make it harder over time for bodies to cool themselves down.
Simple steps to stay cool include using air conditioners or fans if available, wearing loose and light clothing and keeping skin wet with a spray bottle or damp sponge.
If you cannot keep cool at home, consider travelling to a shopping centre or library with air conditioning.
For anyone leaving their homes, bring a full bottle of water with you and plan ahead to avoid being outside during the hottest part of the day.
Parts of Victoria could reach up to 46C this week
Officials in Victoria are giving an update about the significant heatwave settling over south-eastern Australia, in what the BoM is calling the most significant heat since 2019.
Various parts of Victoria will exceed 40C on Wednesday, which will in turn increase fire danger across the state. In Melbourne the forecasted top temperature is 42C tomorrow, the first day that warm in January in six years.
From Wednesday night into Thursday those warm conditions will continue. The BoM is forecasting temperatures of 44 to 46C through much of Victoria’s north and north-west. Melbourne will cool down back to the mid to high 20s on Thursday.
There will be an elevator fire danger through much of the north and the east of the state.
The BoM said the state may see some records broken before “much cooler” weather begins on Friday night and Saturday, although an official said it may be an exceedingly hot rest of January.
Emergency officials also warned residents to prepare for any unexpected power outages and to stay on top of potential fire bans.
Updated
Albanese calls Ron Boswell a ‘great Queenslander’
Albanese ended the presser with a tribute to the late Ron Boswell, saying the former Nationals senator for Queensland was a passionate lawmaker and passionate Australian.
The prime minister said:
He took principled stances about people who would seek to divide the nation. He was someone who was firmly focused on the national interest and for Ron Boswell’s family, his many friends, and particularly to people that are now the LNP here in Queensland, my sincere condolences on behalf of the nation for all those who will be grieving this very sad loss.
Albanese softens language on opposing federal Bondi royal commission
Albanese was just asked about the possibility of a federal royal commission after the Bondi beach terror attack. He said the current priority is recalling federal parliament to “take strong action against hate speech and strengthen the laws we have put in place”, adding the government is examining “everything else required”.
I continue to be engaged with leaders in the Jewish community and I am talking and meeting on a daily basis with people to make sure we do everything possible to – as I have said, we need to promote unity at this time and that is my focus.
The prime minister was asked to clarify if he was ruling out a royal commission, but Albanese pointed to efforts in NSW to do so and said the federal government was committed to building “social cohesion back in this country”.
I want to see an Australia that is united, I want to see an Australia where someone because of their faith is not targeted but able to practise their faith and with pride.
Updated
More details on grants available for those affected by flooding in Queensland
Kristy McBain, the minister for emergency management, described the flooding as having a “huge” impact across north and north-west Queensland, saying in some areas 83% of primary producers have said they will have catastrophic or major losses.
The government is anticipating around 16,000 head of cattle have been killed or lost in the floods. Up to 1,400km of private roads are thought to be impacted, as well as large swaths of fencing.
Primary producers will be eligible for $75,000 grants, as well as an additional $10,000 upfront payment for recovery.
McBain said:
I want to reiterate the Albanese government is here for that support and we will work closely with the Queensland government and local councils on what recovery looks like going forward.
Updated
Government announces $38m aid package for those affected by Queensland floods
The prime minister is speaking in Cloncurry amid widespread flooding, saying the government will have the community’s back to help residents “get back on their feet”.
Anthony Albanese said the federal government and the Queensland government have unveiled a $38m package to help aid recovery, including an additional $5m in emergency fodder drops. He said:
We want to make sure we work with this community. When the going gets tough, Australians work together. We have the backs of this local community …
I spoke with the Queensland premier and we will as always make sure there are no politics and any of this, it is just about different levels of government working together in the national interest and that is what we are seeing here.
Updated
PM meets with emergency services personnel in flood-hit Queensland town
Local emergency services personnel have greeted Anthony Albanese in the flood-hit Queensland town of Cloncurry, one of the areas severely hit by recent flooding, AAP reports.
Cloncurry’s airstrip was damaged during days of heavy rain, which have left roads closed and towns cut off from their surrounds.
Upon arrival, Albanese met with police, SES, fire and ambulance personnel.
One police officer spoke of his concerns for the coming week, with more rain forecast and soils already waterlogged.
Albanese also met with Cloncurry’s mayor, Greg Campbell, who said the inundation was worse than major floods the region had experienced in 2019. Campbell told the prime minister that if floods continued becoming more severe over the coming years, a new approach may be needed:
Do we start planning infrastructure … to try and let water get away rather than make them run a dam?
Updated
Sussan Ley pays tribute to Boswell, ‘an icon of the Coalition’
Opposition leader Sussan Ley just put out her own statement on Boswell’s death, echoing others and calling the man a “giant of the National party and Queensland politics”.
She said:
Ron was a tireless advocate for rural and regional Australia. He lived and breathed the values of the bush, shaped by a lifetime of connection to the land and to the people who depend on it.
He brought a sharp mind, a strong voice and an unshakeable belief that Australians outside the big cities deserved to be heard, respected and backed by their government. …
Ron was a straight talker who brought real world experience to Canberra. He stood up to, and stood in the way of, fringe politicians peddling fringe politics.
Updated
Ron Boswell, former Nationals senator for Queensland, dies at 85
Ron Boswell, the sixth-longest serving senator in Australia’s history and a longtime representative for the Nationals in Queensland, died overnight. He was 85.
David Littleproud, the leader of the Nationals, said Boswell was a “lifelong fighter for families”, as well as for regional and rural Australia:
Ron had a big heart for the Nationals, but an even bigger love for his country and his family. The Nationals pay tribute to the fierce loyalty of Ron and will forever be thankful for his contribution.
Ron Boswell was truly a one-of-a-kind politician. His legacy leaves behind a better Australia.
Nationals senator Matt Canavan called Boswell a “giant” who “looked after the small”, saying the man “never stopped working” for Australians.
While Ron fought for the small he always thought big. He was never afraid to champion a big idea even when the odds where stacked against him.
I have the very sad news that Ron Boswell passed away overnight at 85 years old.
— Senator Matt Canavan (@mattjcan) January 6, 2026
The Honourable Ron Boswell AO was the sixth longest serving Senator in Australia's history, serving the State of Queensland for 31 years and 117 days.
Ron was a giant of statesman who looked after… pic.twitter.com/ibYGPoIeGe
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Man arrested after alleged Christmas morning arson of car with ‘Happy Chanukah’ billboard
Victoria police have arrested a man after an alleged arson attack on a vehicle that had a sign reading “Happy Chanukah” on it in the early hours of Christmas morning.
Police said detective had undertaken a “thorough investigation” after the alleged incident and have since arrested a man, 47, in the suburb of Richmond. He remains in custody and will be interviewed. No charges have been laid.
Officials said last month emergency services responded to reports on 25 December that a car was on fire in the driveway of a property in St Kilda. No one was inside the car at the time, but the occupants of the house – a woman and three children – were evacuated as a precaution.
Updated
Ministers say they ‘respect’ calls for royal commission but stand firm on separate review
Senior government ministers say they “respect” the “heartfelt” calls for a federal royal commission into the Bondi terror attack, but remain committed to the more narrow review into intelligence agencies instead.
Health minister Mark Butler in morning interviews today said twice that the government respected calls for a royal commission, after a string of open letters calling for such an inquiry from families of the Bondi victims, the business community, sporting identities, and several former Labor MPs today.
“They are sincere, they are heartfelt, and I respect them. I think we all respect them, we all hear them but we’ve been focused on that urgent and immediate work,” Butler told Channel Nine’s Today.
On ABC TV, he gave a nearly identical answer, saying: “These are sincere and heartfelt calls”.
There have been obviously a range of calls for a federal royal commission from a number of people I know and deal with and respect, and many of those former Labor MPs who did that yesterday are in that same category.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers shared similar sentiments in a press conference on Monday, saying: “I think that these calls for a royal commission come overwhelmingly from a good place. A lot of the voices that I’ve heard are voices that I respect a great deal.”
We understand, obviously, that there are a number of Australians who would like to see a commonwealth royal commission, including those that you have cited. We respect those people. We understand that those calls are coming from a good place.
We’ll expect to hear from the prime minister, Anthony Albanese, around lunchtime, when he visits the Queensland flood areas.
Updated
PM lands in flood-hit Queensland
Anthony Albanese has touched down in the outback city of Mount Isa as he tours parts of Queensland hit by devastating flooding.
The prime minister will now travel to Cloncurry, where he will meet with emergency services personnel and local mayor Greg Campbell.
Parts of the runway at Cloncurry’s airport have been destroyed by flood waters.
Around 16,500 cattle are dead or missing according to farmers, sparking fears of major financial losses in the agriculture-heavy region.
The inundation has also claimed one life - a man in his 70s who was found dead in his car, surrounded by water.
Albanese is expected to announce a multi-million-dollar rescue package for Queenslanders affected by the floods when he fronts the media at 12.30pm.
-AAP.
Updated
Opposition leader backs US imprisonment of Nicolas Maduro
The opposition leader, Sussan Ley, has backed the US operation to capture Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro.
“The Coalition supports the taking of Maduro into custody,” she said on Channel Nine’s Today show this morning.
We have a long-standing position to support the people of Venezuela, to a democratic process, to free and fair elections, to remove them from the crushing weight of this regime, which has been so awful in terms of human rights. That’s why so many Venezuelans have fled the country.
And we believe that dictators and despots deserve to be brought to justice.
Asked specifically if she backed US President Donald Trump’s military operation, Ley replied:
We support the taking of Maduro and I know that leaders around the world absolutely support that as well.
Ley went on to again demand a royal commission into the Bondi terror attack. The government has been working on new laws to address hate speech and firearm regulations since the 14 December attack, with expectations parliament will be recalled sometime in January.
Ley claimed federal parliament should have been brought back “before Christmas” to respond to the antisemitic shooting, and that the opposition “should already be looking at them [the new laws] and studying them in the parliament right now.”
It is unclear how those laws could have been developed, drafted, finalised and shared with the Coalition before Christmas.
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The new NSW shadow frontbench and their porfolios
Kellie Sloane – leader.
Natalie Ward – deputy leader and shadow transport minister.
Scott Farlow – shadow treasurer.
Damien Tudehope – shadow attorney general.
Gurmesh Singh – shadow small business minister.
Sarah Mitchell – shadow health portfolio minister.
Chris Rath – shadow planning and housing minister.
Mark Speakman – shadow education minister.
James Griffin – shadow energy and climate change minister.
Anthony Roberts – shadow police and counter-terrorism minister.
Monica Tudehope – Shadow finance minister and the shadow minister for western Sydney.
James Wallace – Shadow industrial relations and government procurement minister.
Jacqui Munro – shadow minister for the environment, science and technology and shadow minister for heritage.
Brendan Moylan – shadow minister for agriculture and shadow minister for prevention of regional crime.
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NSW opposition announces new shadow ministry
The NSW opposition leader, Kellie Sloane, has announced her new frontbench with the right’s rising star, Scott Fowler, taking the shadow treasury portfolio and the Nationals opting for the key health portfolio and small business while relinquishing police and counter terrorism portfolios.
The shakeup give some hints about how the opposition plans to chip away at the substantial margin that the state’s Labor premier, Chris Minns, enjoys.
The quality of healthcare, particularly in the regions, cost of living and and economic growth in NSW will be key focuses.
The Nationals MLC Sarah Mitchell will become health spokesman and take responsibility for the entire portfolio, which had been split between regional and metro areas under the former leader Mark Speakman.
The Nationals’ leader, Gurmesh Singh, will take the small business portfolio.
The leader of the moderate faction, Chris Rath, has been elevated to the important housing portfolio, signalling that the Liberals intend to embrace greater development in Sydney despite strong pushback in some Liberal held seats on the North Shore.
Sloane said that unlike Labor, which he said has taken the approach of “ drawing circles on maps” the Liberals would better plan communities and provide infrastructure at the same time.
She accused Labor of having no ambition in building future metros or other infrastructure.
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Man dies following medical episode after being pepper sprayed by police
A man has died in hospital after he suffered a medical episode during an arrest in Sydney’s west yesterday.
NSW police said officers were called to a home in the suburb of Homebush around 8.30am on Monday morning, responding to reports of an alleged domestic/family violence-related incident.
Upon arrival, police said officers deployed OC spray, or pepper spray, to affect the arrest of a man, 52. Shortly afterwards the man suffered a medical episode and was treated by paramedics at the scene before being taken to the hospital in critical condition.
Police were told he died in hospital later Monday evening.
Inquiries into the critical incident investigation will continue, and the investigation will be subject to an independent review. A report will be prepared for the information of the coroner.
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Experience Sydney’s new GreenWay trail on its grand opening in this immersive 360 capture – video
Guardian Australia’s Mike Ticher went for a ride on the opening day of the full route from Leichhardt to Dulwich Hill.
Take a look – you can use the tilt tool with your mouse or via touch to explore the new six-kilometre environmental, walking and cycling corridor in Sydney’s inner west.
And read more about the GreenWay here:
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Australia’s largest steelmaker mulling massive takeover offer
Australia’s largest steelmaker is the target of a takeover bid by a consortium that includes a Kerry Stokes-controlled entity, AAP reports.
SGH, formerly known as Seven Group Holdings, has teamed up with the US-based industrial metals group Steel Dynamics to make an all-cash offer for BlueScope Steel. The offer of $30 per share values BlueScope at $13bn.
If the bid is successful, BlueScope will be broken up, with SGH planning to on-sell its North American operations to Steel Dynamics while retaining the Australian steel and Asia coated products and the New Zealand and Pacific islands businesses.
The takeover offer is now being considered by BlueScope, which on Monday night told shareholders it had been approached by the predators on 12 December.
BlueScope also confirmed it had previously rejected three separate unsolicited approaches in 2025 and 2024, all of which involved Steel Dynamics.
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Outskirts of Australian cities at risk of catastrophic fires on scale of deadly LA blazes
Many Australian cities share common traits that made the deadly 2025 Los Angeles fires so destructive, according to analysis into whether a similar disaster could occur here in future.
At least 6.9 million Australians living on the fringes of capital cities were at risk, according to a report by the Climate Council and Emergency Leaders for Climate Action, challenging assumptions that bushfires are a regional or rural concern.
Residents on the outskirts of Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Adelaide, Perth and Hobart were exposed, the report said, particularly in suburbs bordered by bush or grassland.
It estimated that up to 90% of homes in these areas were built before modern bushfire standards – making ignition due to ember attack and house-to-house fire spread more likely.
Read more here:
Sydney Harbour Bridge finally gets new cycleway ramp
A new cycleway ramp has finally opened on the Sydney Harbour Bridge, ending an era where riders had to wheel their bikes up 55 stairs at the span’s northern end.
The three-metre-wide ramp, which is now open, has taken decades of work, but will now see a continuous north-south route across the Harbour Bridge into the CBD, out to Sydney’s east via Oxford Street and to the west via the Anzac Bridge.
John Graham, the state’s transport minister, said in a statement:
This ramp is a long-overdue improvement for cyclists while being an architecturally sensitive addition to Bradfield’s famous Coathanger.
Bike traffic across the Harbour Bridge has surged in recent years and this ramp will unlock even more by delivering equality of access.
Melbourne sinkhole close to site of boring machines for North East Link
More on the Melbourne sinkhole, which has appeared in the suburb of Heidelberg.
The sinkhole appears to be extremely close to the where two tunnel boring machines, nicknamed “Zelda” and “Gillian”, are currently located.
A Victorian government website for the North East Link shows both machines, which operate 24 hours a day, near the Warringal Parklands.
The sinkhole opened up at the AJ Burkitt Oval in that park.
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Victoria police appealing for information after suspicious fires
Victoria police are appealing for information after a series of suspicious fires in the state’s Goldfields region over the past few months.
Officials said emergency services responded to two suspicious fires in the areas of McIntyre and Cochranes Creek on 12 and 20 December. Police said they believe two more fires were deliberately lit near O’Briens Dam and Rheola-Bealiba roads, Whela on 4 January.
Investigators said they think the fires may be connected to a series of suspicious fires lit during the December 2024 to January 2025 period in the same area. Victoria police said:
Detectives are keen to speak to anyone that may have information, CCTV/dashcam footage or anyone that may have seen any suspicious activity in the area at the time
There were 59 offences relating to causing a bushfire during the last bushfire season, including 23 linked to reckless behaviour.
Pocock says a federal royal commission is needed, even if it is ‘embarrassing’ for government
Pocock added that a federal royal commission was needed as antisemitism and violent extremism are a national problem.
He went on:
This isn’t just a New South Wales issue, and I think we need a national response, and we ideally need every state and territory to have some sort of involvement in that. …
While some of it may be a little bit inconvenient, potentially a little bit embarrassing for the government, this is a time to put that aside and actually say we want the deepest dive into the details of this. …
Given this was the worst terror attack in Australia’s history, I think it’s really important that the government listens to and responds to the overwhelming community feedback.
David Pocock says federal parliament should return early to address Bondi terror attack and calls for 'national response'
Independent senator David Pocock said he believes the prime minister should have already announced plans to bring federal parliament back early to address the Bondi beach terror attack.
Pocock spoke to RN Breakfast this morning, saying:
I take the point that drafting takes time, but we’ve seen plenty of times previously where government can pull together legislation very quickly when it wants to. … I think coming back early really sends a signal to the community that the government is taking their concerns seriously and moving quickly in response.
Pocock added parliamentarians needed a “much deeper look” into antisemitism and violent extremism more broadly.
This is a national issue, and I think we need a national response led by the commonwealth, led by the federal government, in conjunction with states and territories.
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Large sinkhole appears in Melbourne’s north-east
A large sinkhole has appeared in the Melbourne suburb of Heidelberg, with authorities warning residents to stay away as it could continue to grow in size.
The sinkhole occurred in the AJ Burkitt Oval in Heidelberg, with emergency services setting up an exclusion zone. The ABC reports the sinkhole is near tunneling works for the North East Link road project.
Banyule city council said officials were investigating the sinkhole, writing on social media:
For everyone’s safety, Victoria Police have cordoned off the affected area. Please avoid the area until further notice. Council is working closely with relevant agencies to assess the situation and determine what’s next.
We’ll provide further updates as information becomes available.
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NSW police commissioner to decide on extension of protest ban
Protesters will soon learn whether they will be allowed to return to Sydney’s streets as police decide whether to lift a ban on rallies, AAP reports.
NSW police commissioner Mal Lanyon is expected to decide on Tuesday whether to use his controversial powers to restrict public assemblies for another fortnight.
While some rallies – including a march condemning US strikes on Venezuela – have taken place despite the ban, civil liberties groups and activists warn extending it will prevent people from seeking official authorisation to protest.
Laws rushed through NSW parliament in the aftermath of a deadly mass shooting at Bondi Beach have given the commissioner the ability to ban protests in key metropolitan areas following a declared terrorist incident.
Lanyon deployed his powers almost immediately after they were granted, restricting protests for two weeks from Christmas Eve.
The current declaration restricts public assemblies in Sydney’s southwest, northwest and central metropolitan areas and can be extended fortnightly for up to three months.
Good morning, and happy Tuesday. Nick Visser here to take over the blog. Let’s get to it.
Another Victorian Liberal MP to quit
The problems facing the party’s new leader, Jess Wilson, have deepened after another MP, Wendy Lovell, announced that she would be stepping down as well.
Sam Groth, the former tennis player and deputy leader of the party, said on Monday he will resign from parliament at the November state election, citing infighting within his party and after a defamation battle with News Corp.
Lovell had planned to stand down but had reportedly been asked by Wilson to delay her announcement. However, she went ahead with her statement on Monday.
“The Liberal party’s values embody the aspirations of all Victorians, and I am very thankful to have been given the opportunity to represent those values as a country Liberal MP,” Lovell said, an upper house MP for the Northern Victoria region since 2002.
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Labor MPs and activists join calls for royal commission into antisemitism and Bondi attacks
A group of former Labor MPs and activists have written an open letter to Anthony Albanese calling on him to hold a royal commission into antisemitism and the Bondi terror attack.
They said democracy was “at stake” if the prime minister failed to heeds the calls.
We commend NSW premier Chris Minns for calling a NSW royal commission but such a commission cannot compel institutions and individuals beyond its jurisdiction to give evidence or provide commonwealth officers with the necessary legal protection to speak frankly.
Only a commonwealth royal commission can unpack the dynamics of Jew hatred including aspects such as the social media threat, how hate and incitement is weaponised in Australia and how we can come together across the nation to defeat it.
Read our full story here:
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Rain would probably be welcome in south-eastern states, where extreme heat is expected to build and soar into the mid-40s this week.
Yesterday we talked to the BoM about the forecast:
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PM to visit flood-hit areas of Queensland
Anthony Albanese will visit flood-hit areas of Queensland today as the state faces more heavy rain.
Some northern and western parts of the state received between 200-500mm of rain at the weekend to leave small towns such as Winton cut off for days. Though the main worry in Winton appears to be for uninformed tourists:
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Bondi shooting suspect Naveed Akram moved to Goulburn Supermax
The surviving Bondi shooting suspect, Naveed Akram, has been moved to Goulburn Supermax prison as he awaits a court appearance.
Akram, who has been charged with 59 offences, including 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act, will next face court again on 8 April.
Corrective Services NSW said:
Community safety remains this government’s top priority and Corrective Services NSW takes its responsibility to appropriately manage serious offenders incredibly seriously.
The high-risk management correctional centre is the most secure prison in the state and is equipped to accommodate inmates who pose the highest levels of risk.
We are not able to comment on the specific circumstances of individual inmates.
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Welcome
Good morning and welcome to our live news blog. I’m Martin Farrer with the top overnight stories before your morning blogger kicks into action.
Bondi terror suspect Naveed Akram has been moved to Goulburn Supermax prison, where he will remain until he faces court again in April. He faces 59 charges, including 15 murder counts.
Anthony Albanese will visit flood-hit areas of Queensland today as the state faces more heavy rain.
