What we learned today, Tuesday 26 September
We will wrap up the blog here on one of the biggest news days in a while. Here’s the recap:
The Victorian premier, Daniel Andrews, announced his resignation as premier and from parliament effective 5pm on Wednesday, after nine years in the job, saying it is time.
Labor caucus will decide his replacement on Wednesday. Andrews’ deputy, Jacinta Allan, is currently the favourite to replace him.
His supporters and detractors have both said that his legacy will be marked by the response to the Covid-19 pandemic, while supporters say his legacy will be the infrastructure spend in the state including level crossing removals.
The opposition leader, John Pesutto, said Andrews is going as things in the state are falling apart.
No campaigner Warren Mundine claimed the Uluru statement from the heart amounted to a declaration of war against modern Australia. Yes campaigners criticised the comments, with Yes23 campaign director, Dean Parkin saying the statement is a declaration of aspiration and hope.
The commission investigating the Tasmanian government’s response to child sexual abuse in institutions released its report and found the response was too often inadequate.
The Tasmanian premier, Jeremy Rockliff said institutional child sexual abuse has caused “enormous harm to many, many Tasmanians”. He thanked victim survivors for their strength and courage in speaking to the commission, in hopes the abuse and injustice they suffered “never happens again”.
The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, says an Australian Public Service Commission investigation into the home affairs secretary, Michael Pezzullo, over leaked texts between the secretary and a Liberal powerbroker will be urgent.
New South Wales has agreed to a 60-day per year cap on short-term rentals in Byron Bay on the north coast of the state, down from 180 days, amid housing shortages.
We will be back with you again tomorrow as the new premier of Victoria is decided. Until then, enjoy your evening.
Updated
Here’s the video of the Dan Andrews press conference where he announced his resignation as the premier of Victoria.
