What we learned, 20 August 2025
With that, we’re wrapping up the blog. Before we go, here are today’s big stories:
Anthony Albanese says he won’t take Benjamin Netanyahu’s direct attack on his leadership personally and will continue to outline Australia’s criticism of Israel’s conduct in Gaza.
The minister for home affairs, Tony Burke, said Israel was “lashing out” as the country had against others who said they would recognise a Palestinian state.
Labor MP Ed Husic has called for more sanctions in response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Victorian premier Jacinta Allan said the state would adopt all 22 recommendations contained in a review of child safety standards, including the creation of a register of childcare workers and a new independent regulator of the sector.
The “wettest period” for New South Wales and southern Queensland is expected between now and Friday, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.
Hundreds of workers will go on strike at Perth Airport tomorrow after rejecting a pay offer, creating chaos for passengers on long-haul flights from the busy international terminal.
Tasmanian Labor has replaced Dean Winter as parliamentary leader with the partyroom electing Josh Willie to serve as opposition leader.
Thanks so much for joining us today. We will be back with you early tomorrow.
Updated
Charge dropped for foiled stunt at Woodside boss’s home
A conspiracy charge against a climate activist over a foiled publicity stunt protest at the home of Woodside Energy’s boss has been dropped.
Joana Partyka, 40, was accused of conspiracy to commit an indictable offence after counter-terrorism police arrested three activists at Woodside chief executive Meg O’Neill’s Perth home in August 2023.
The Disrupt Burrup Hub member wasn’t one of them and she was charged with the conspiracy offence some months later.
She was scheduled to fight the charge at trial in October but it was vacated when prosecutors withdrew the charge on Wednesday in the WA magistrates court.
Outside court, Partyka said the conspiracy charge showed the outrageous lengths to which authorities would go to silence peaceful climate protesters.
Police haven’t provided a reason for why they suddenly dropped the charges, but I think a reasonable inference to draw is that they had no case against me.
That’s enormously vindicating.
– AAP
Updated
