What we learned today, Tuesday 25 July
Thanks for joining us on the Australia news live blog today. That’s where we’ll wrap our coverage – here are some key developments:
About 60-70 pilot whales have become stranded on Cheynes Beach on the south coast of Western Australia.
CFMEU secretary Zach Smith addressed the National Press Club, launching the unions campaign for a super profits tax to address Australia’s housing crisis. During a passionate speech, Smith said there is “no problem more pressing, more dire” than housing and we need to be more ambitious to address it.
Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie is calling for Victorian premier Daniel Andrews to front an inquiry over the Commonwealth Games cancellation decision. Andrews said he “[hasn’t] received an invitation” and didn’t want to comment on “hypothetical matters”.
Kate Carnell, convener of the Liberals for Yes, said comments from Gary Johns have no place in the political debate surrounding the Indigenous voice to parliament and said the no campaign should “immediately distance themselves” from him.
Environment minister Tanya Plibersek announced that Australia wouldn’t meet the 2024 implementation of the Murray Darling Basin plan. My colleague Anne Davies has all the details here.
Former prime minister Scott Morrison was spotted back in Australia for the first time since the robodebt report was handed down. Government services minister Bill Shorten told the ABC Morrison is “in complete denial” over the reports findings.
A 54-year-old man is in a critical condition after falling between six-10 metres from scaffolding at Brisbane’s cross-river rail project today.
The Senate inquiry into consent got under way in Canberra today, and my colleague Amy Remeikis covered the day’s hearings here.
The Australian Electoral Commission said the voice referendum will have the “best base for democratic participation” than any federal event in Australia’s history, as enrolment numbers “skyrocket”.
We’ll see you back here tomorrow morning for more rolling coverage. In the meantime, have a lovely evening.
Updated
Pod of 60-70 long-finned pilot whales have begun to strand, Parks and Wildlife Service says
Western Australia’s Parks and Wildlife Service has posted an update on the stranded whales at Cheynes beach:
Further to this evolving incident, the pod of approximately 60-70 long-finned pilot whales have begun to strand on Cheynes Beach.
DBCA are leading a response and managing the incident.
We understand the public’s concern at this time and appreciate the offers of support from volunteers.
However, the safety of the public and the whales are our main priority, so we ask that members of the public do not approach the beach.
The ABC is reporting “at least 87” whales are stranded at the beach.
Updated
