What we learned today, Friday 3 February
That’s where we will leave the blog for today. Thanks to everyone who tuned in. Here’s what made headlines:
The Strengthening Medicare report – a Labor election promise – was released today, committing $750m to implementing its reforms. Health minister Mark Butler admitted healthcare cannot be ‘fixed in one budget’ while the AMA called for urgent increases for doctors.
In a show of unity, the prime minister and state and territory premiers have officially backed an Indigenous voice to parliament after Friday’s national cabinet meeting in Canberra.
Anthony Albanese has flagged a substantial update of Australia’s counter-terrorism laws as he warned of the dangers posed by rightwing extremists and “so-called sovereign citizens”
More than 5,000 Australian aged care residents have died with Covid since the start of the pandemic, with the number of reported deaths increasing sharply since the beginning of the year.
Coles and Woolworths have been ordered to dump more than 5,200 tonnes of soft plastic – currently being stored at warehouses across New South Wales – into landfill.
The NSW government has again announced regulations to allow flood-plain harvesting licences to be granted in New South Wales, despite the Upper House rejecting similar proposals four times previously.
The independent MP Monique Ryan and her chief of staff Sally Rugg have reached an agreement that prevents the political staffer from being imminently sacked.
John Barilaro has been given 24 hours to explain his office’s involvement in a $100m bushfire recovery grants scheme before the New South Wales opposition leader, Chris Minns, refers the matter to the corruption watchdog.
Have a great weekend, everyone.
Updated
John Barilaro’s assault charge dismissed by NSW magistrate on mental health grounds
A magistrate has dismissed an assault charge against former New South Wales deputy premier John Barilaro on mental health grounds, AAP reports.
Barilaro pleaded not guilty to a charge of assaulting a camera operator and damaging their property outside a Manly restaurant in July 2022.
He was leaving a dinner with friends when he saw cameras waiting outside, telling media he did not wish to be interviewed, the court was told.
The matter was due to be heard in September, however Barilaro’s lawyer Danny Eid applied to Sydney’s Downing Centre local court on Friday to have his charges dealt with on mental health grounds.
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