The day that was, Tuesday 31 October
That’s all for now – thanks for reading. Here are the main stories for the day:
Bushfires rage across Queensland and NSW, with about a dozen emergency warnings in place and several towns under threat.
Football Australia have decided not to bid for the 2034 Fifa World Cup.
The Victorian government will introduce laws that would keep serial killer Paul Denyer and other serious offenders locked up for life.
A man is believed to have been killed by a shark while surfing at Streaky Bay, in South Australia; and
Qantas warns it could have gone bust if hadn’t been able to offer new staff of its subsidiaries lower pay than the “legacy” conditions of the main airline.
We will see you back here for more news tomorrow.
Updated
Dry winds stymie firefighting efforts near Tenterfield
Wild, changing winds and hot conditions have confounded firefighting efforts around the town of Tenterfield today. A spokesperson for the RFS said Tenterfield was “burning under extreme fire conditions”.
“It’s a very dry fuel in the landscape… [it’s] incredibly windy in that area.”
A spokesperson emphasised there was still no direct threat to town, but advised locals who saw an unattended fire to call triple zero.
Heavy wind is helping to drive embers off several blazes burning in the surrounding countryside. “So we have had reports of ash and material making its way to Tenterfield,” they said.
“We need people to be aware, given the idea that embers can travel large distances.”
The RFS spokesperson said that reinforcements were on their way to the Tenterfield area and conditions were expected to ease tomorrow.
One landholder on the east side of Tenterfield reported twice feeling light rain earlier today. “The wind is so strong it is bending trees over”, he said.
Very strong fires can create their own weather, causing light rain and dry lightning.
The Lismore MP Janelle Saffin, who represents the area, had attempted to get to Tenterfield earlier today but thought better of it after the Ogilvie Drive fire cut the highway at Tabulum.
Saffin said the town had just installed a 200,000 litre water tank at the airport a fortnight ago. It was only partly full at the start of the emergency, but the council has sent tankers to refill it several times as RFS aircraft drain it for bombing sorties.
She said there was not much people outside the area can do to help until the fire is out.
“Send good messages and just back our fires in our rural fire service in all the way,” she said.
Updated
Interstate and international fire crews to help battle Queensland blaze
In Dalby, a small town three hours west of Brisbane, fire crews from Victoria and New Zealand will arrive tomorrow to provide relief to fatigued local brigades that have been battling a dangerous blaze outside Tara.
The agriculture minister, Murray Watt – who visited the region Tuesday – said the government was coordinating with fire brigades to move resources interstate.
“We need to remember this is still fairly early in this fire season here in Queensland and we don’t want people getting too fatigued too soon,” Watt said. “I’m sure there will come a time over the next few months where Queenslanders will lend a hand in other states as well.”
As of Tuesday afternoon, the Tara fire has destroyed 53 houses and burnt more than 20,000 hectares of land, with “challenging conditions” expected for the rest of the week.
After peaking over the weekend with roughly 300 evacuees, the Dalby evacuation centre has emptied this week, with less than 30 people now taking refuge at the site. Residents have either returned home where it was safe to do so, or found alternative accommodation.
Disaster recovery payments of $1,000 per adult and $400 per child for people seriously affected by fires and grants of up to $5,000 for people who have lost uninsured property have been made available. According to the federal government, 42,000 Queenslanders are likely to be eligible for the payments so far.
Updated
Premier says government working to rehome displaced Tara residents
Circling back to the premier’s comments and Palaszczuk says the government is still working to re-home displaced residents in the hard hit community of Tara.
“I think everybody is feeling absolutely heartbroken with what’s been happening out there,” she says.
There are 71 people that have moved out of evacuation centres to hotels. Assistance has been provided to more than 600 people in the community.
We are working with the council ... and we’ve identified a caravan park ... we’re looking to relocate 20 caravans there as quickly as possible and the state will be assisting with sewerage and connections.
Some 53 properties have also been damaged in Chinchilla, about an hour from Tara. Palaszczuk says many people have been wanting to head out and help firsthand but it is a “very distressing” situation, and urges people to instead donate to the bushfire appeal or via the Red Cross webpage.
Updated
Queensland firefighters say majority of fires occuring naturally
Firefighters have been working at more than 80 blazes in Queensland today, a spokesperson says, particularly focused around three major fires at Goodwood, , Wallangarra and Tara.
“It’s a huge team effort that is occurring. Our focus in the next 24 to 48 hours is watching these storms as they come through.”
About 10 new fires occured during the last storms, placing the state on high alert in the coming hours and days. All 80 fires burning across Queensland are being investigated, emergency services say.
Asked by a reporter if they are concerned about reports of arson, including a deliberately lit fire on Sunday that led to charges, they reply:
What we’re seeing is the fires are actually jumping and sparking ... where we have to, we do take action, but the majority of these fires are occurring naturally ... we’re also working against [mother] nature.
Updated
Premier provides update on Queensland bushfires
Emergency services in Queensland are providing an update on the ongoing fire situation now alongside the premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk, who says more than 1,000 firefighters have been out on the frontline.
“A big thank you for all the extraordinary work you are doing,” she says.
In Goodwood, south of Bundaberg, one house damaged and an evacuation centre has been set up after the school was evacuated this morning.
The premier says the area that was of concern this afternoon and evening was Wallangarra in the Southern Downs region. Thankfully, the town has been saved. About 600 people live there, with residents returning to their homes now – though power remains out.
“This has been … outstanding work, the fire is now going around the town, so the town has been saved,” Palaszczuk said.
Wind gusts in excess of 90 km/h have hit Queensland’s south-east, emergency services say.
While the gusty and dry winds do increase ... once that has pushed through, we’re seeing a cooler air mass which is forecast to spread.
It will lead to a decrease in fire danger warnings in the south-east tomorrow and into Thursday. From Friday, showers and storms are forecast, which is hoped to provide “some relief” to conditions.
Updated
NSW RFS issues ‘ember attack’ warning near Tenterfield
The NSW RFS are warning of ember attacks around Tenterfield, in the state’s Northern Tablelands, because of bushfires in the area.
Due to increasing fire activity around the Tenterfield area, the residents of Tenterfield and surrounds should prepare for ember attack.
— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) October 31, 2023
Residents should stay up-to-date with the changing conditions through the Hazards Near Me app and #RFS website: https://t.co/3QyPI84ofT pic.twitter.com/geXcd9RKB0
Updated
Santos responds to court challenge
Santos has issued a statement in response to the federal court challenge filed by Tiwi traditional owner Simon Munkara to a pipeline for the company’s Barossa offshore gas project.
An application for an urgent injunction to prevent pipeline works commencing is being heard in Darwin this afternoon. The Santos statement says:
Santos respects the cultural heritage of the Tiwi people and while we understand and respect there are a range of views about the Barossa gas project, we will vigorously defend federal court proceedings commenced by the Environmental Defenders Office on behalf of Mr Simon Munkara.
The Environment Plan (EP) for the gas export pipeline (GEP) installation was accepted by the regulator Nopsema in March 2020.
Santos has, at all times, complied with the applicable regulations and requirements stipulated by Nopsema, and the regulator has monitored that compliance.
Santos rejects the allegations in the application that there are significant environmental impacts or risks in relation to submerged Tiwi cultural heritage.
Updated
Victoria mental health minister slams Liberal MP white van ‘stunt’ over intoxication decriminalisation
Victoria’s minister for mental health, Ingrid Sitt, has slammed Liberal MP Brad Battin, for holding a press conference she described as a “stunt”.
Battin earlier today appeared outside parliament with a white van which was mocked up to appear like those operated by not-for-profit organisation cohealth, which will provide outreach support to intoxicated people once public drunkenness is decriminalised next week.
The van was brought to parliament by Sharie Harrold, who opposes the establishment of a sobering up centre across the road from her house in Collingwood.
Battin called for a delay to the decriminalisation, saying that safety concerns were yet to be addressed and there was a lack of education around the changes:
For years and years, we’ve taught people about stranger danger and now we’re saying when you’re drunk it’s okay to get into a white van. We need to make sure that the safety is there first.
The press conference was not alerted to by opposition leader John Pesutto’s office. Guardian Australia understands Pesutto was not made aware of Harrold or the van’s involvement in the event.
Stitt said Battin’s actions were disrespectful to cohealth and First Nations communities:
John Pesutto needs to explain whether he has simply lost control of his party room or whether he chose to back his shadow minister taking part in a stunt peddling misinformation and mischaracterising an important mental health reform that will save lives.
Not only has Mr Battin discredited the work of a highly respected not-for-profit health service, he has demeaned the advocacy of First Nations communities who have driven the repeal of public intoxication as a criminal offence.
A spokesperson for cohealth said:
Like other health services that operate out in the community, our public intoxication health workers will have official ID and uniforms which identify them.
From 7 November, being intoxicated in public will no longer be a criminal offence. It will instead be treated as a health issue. Outreach teams will patrol the streets and transport people to a sobering-up facility if required.”
Updated
Albanese backs Bennett as possible PNG franchise coach
Prime minister Anthony Albanese has again talked up the prospect of an NRL team in Papua New Guinea, referencing suggestions that rugby league super coach Wayne Bennett could lead the new franchise if it does get off the ground.
The National Rugby League has been investigating the prospect of a team based in footy-mad PNG for some time, with Albanese and his government backing the idea not only to expand the premier competition but as a way to better engage diplomatically and politically with our near-neighbours to the north. It was reported over the weekend that a PNG team was the leading contender for approval as the next team, if the NRL competition expands from its current 17 teams.
Bennett - who formerly coached Albanese’s South Sydney Rabbitohs - has helped launch the NRL’s current newest team, the Dolphins, and the record-breaking coach was suggested in weekend reporting as the man who could help a new PNG team get set up.
In a Triple M radio interview this morning, Bennett’s name came up in conversation as Albanese was asked about his Rabbitohs.
Albanese said:
He’s been a great success at the Dolphins. He is just a phenomenon. He just keeps on keeping on. I noticed that [rugby league boss] Peter V’landys was suggesting that he could coach a new team in Papua New Guinea.
I don’t know how long Wayne’s going to go for but I had the privilege of seeing him talk to the lads in the sheds after games and he is just a great leader and an amazing coach and a terrific bloke. A very proud Queenslander, of course.
Bushfire emergency warning issued for Tenterfield, NSW
There’s been another emergency warning just issued for a fire at Scrub Rd, Tenterfield, by the NSW RFS. Meaning we are now up to 11 emergency warnings in NSW and Queensland.
This NSW RFS warning says:
An emergency warning is in place due to a large bush fire 4km southeast of Tenterfield.
If you are east of Tenterfield and south of the Bruxner Way in the vicinity of Kochs Rd, you are at risk. Seek shelter to protect yourself from the fire. It is too late to leave.
Current Situation
A bush fire is burning in the vicinity of Scrub Rd, 4km southeast of Tenterfield, and is out of control.
A wind change has impacted the fireground and the fire is now heading to the north into forested area towards the Bruxner Way.
The fire is impacting on homes and properties in the vicinty of Kochs Rd, east of Tenterfield and south of the Bruxner Way.
Embers will be blown long distances ahead of the main fire front starting spot fires, these may impact your home earlier than the main fire front.
Firefighters and aircraft are working to protect properties in the area.
What you need to do
If you are in the area of Kochs Rd, east of Tenterfield and south of the Bruxner Way, your life is at risk. It is too late to leave.
Updated
An emergency bushfire warning has just been issued for Boggabilla in New South Wales, north of Moree near the Queensland border.
That’s now 10 emergency bushfire warnings in place in Queensland and NSW:
NSW
* Cooks Gap
* Nymboida
* Boggabilla
*Tabulam
* Christies in the Tenterfield area
*Woodside
* Donnybrook state forest
Queensland
* Tara and Wieambilla
* Kinkuna and Goodwood in the Bundaberg region
* Dalveen near Stanthorpe.
Updated
Murray-Darling Basin plan contains ‘dodgy’ science, SA river commissioner says
A key plank of the Murray-Darling Basin plan is based on “dodgy” science, South Australia’s River Murray commissioner, Richard Beasley, said.
Speaking at an inquiry into the federal government’s proposed changes to the plan, Beasley said a “truly independent scientific review” was needed of projects intended to keep 605 gigalitres a year in the system.
“Because it looks – I’ll use a layperson’s term – dodgy, the science, if I can call it science, it’s not actually science,” he said.
Beasley said that, as well, 450GL of the plan was still in doubt, while another 70GL reduction after a review of the northern basin meant that the plan was now about a 2080GL plan instead of a 3200GL plan.
“What I’m just pointing out as a matter of sheer obviousness is that we have a 2080GL basin plan at the moment with no possibility of progressing an extra 450, with a dodgy 605,” he said, in an at times heated hearing.
Prof Jamie Pittock, from the Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists, was also critical of the projects and said they needed to be audited. The targets in the plan “were not based on sound science to begin with”, he said, and that since they were set out in 2012, there was less water in the system because of climate change.
Irrigators blamed the states. NSW Irrigators’ Council’s chief Claire Miller said the states were “dragging their heels” on the projects.
The hearing was on the same day the Productivity Commission released a report calling for the federal government to expand voluntary buybacks.
Miller described buybacks as a “blunt sledgehammer” that would hit communities hard.
South Australian Greens senator and water spokesperson, Sarah Hanson-Young, said the Greens would not “rubber stamp” the amendments as they are,
“The bill must include a guarantee that the water promised for the environment and SA will be delivered on time and not delayed again,” she said.
The inquiry had heard from witnesses “that the bogus and costly irrigation infrastructure projects which have failed to deliver water should be scrapped, and money should instead be used for buybacks”, Hanson-Young said.
In its submission to the inquiry, the National Farmers Federation said buybacks were not needed and would impact on regions and communities:
Less water available for consumptive use means less agricultural production. Less production increases pressure on food and fibre prices. Less production impacts on and off farm jobs. Less production erodes economic activity in regional towns and undermines the socioeconomic resilience of communities.
Updated
Fire evacuation centre established at NSW’s Grafton, as part of Glass House Mountains closed
There are a few fire related updates I am just getting to:
The NSW RFS has established an evacuation centre for those impacted by the Glens Creek Rd fire near Grafton
An evacuation centre for residents who have been affected by the Glens Creek Rd Fire has been established at:
— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) October 31, 2023
✅ Grafton Racecourse - 273 Powell Street, Grafton
For more information, visit the Hazards Near Me app and #RFS website: https://t.co/8wmyJZmbXh pic.twitter.com/933EZNHTSu
The Wallangarra fire in Queensland has been downgraded
NOT SAFE TO RETURN - Wallangarra - Multiple Warnings - fire as at 4:03pm Tuesday, 31 October 2023.
— Qld Fire & Emergency (@QldFES) October 31, 2023
For all current warnings, updates and mapping go to https://t.co/vqyJTUPBhe. pic.twitter.com/Jb6j9FSyxo
And the Glass House Mountains National Park in Queensland has been closed because of the fire situation
Ongoing fires combined with high fire weather conditions have forced the temporary closure of Mt Beerwah in the Glass House Mountains National Park.
— Queensland Environment (@QldEnvironment) October 31, 2023
There is currently a fire ban in the region, and fires are not permitted at any time in the Glass House Mountains National Park. pic.twitter.com/EBgIwK5EbQ
Updated
Victorian Libertarian MP David Limbrick, who was Natalie Russell’s partner at the time she was murdered, also welcomed the changes:
This has been a traumatic saga for all of the friends and families of victims over the last 30 years. Since we began this campaign in 2021 with many of the brave friends and families of Nat and other victims ... all we’ve ever asked for from the government, we haven’t been prescriptive in what we’ve asked for, our goal was to make sure that Denyer could never harm another girl the way that he hurt Nat. It looks like that’s going to happen now with what the government is proposing.
Parole changes would bring relief to Frankston community, MP says
The MP for the Victorian seat of Frankston, Paul Edbrooke, said the proposed change to parole laws would provide his community with a sense of relief:
I’ve spoken to many hundreds about this issue over the past few years and have been very close to the family on this as well and I think the community of Frankston will have relief hearing this tonight. Even though it was 30 years ago, the community of Frankston is still scarred by these events. They still check the rear of their cars before they start driving.
The proposed changes would keep Frankston serial killer Paul Denyer locked up for life.
He said he had been working with the family of Natalie Russell – who was murdered by Denyer at age 17 – for several years and they welcomed the fact the government’s changes would also prevent other criminals from being able to apply for parole.
“It will make sure other families don’t go through the trauma that this family has endured.”
Updated
Surfer believed to have died after shark attack, SA police say
South Australian police say they are now searching for the body of a 55-year-old man, “believed to be the victim of a fatal shark attack”.
Police said this morning someone had been injured in a shark attack near Streaky Bay on Eyre Peninsula. Emergency services started searching for the missing person.
This afternoon, police said in a statement:
Police and emergency services crews are searching waters near Streaky Bay for the body of a man, believed to be the victim of a fatal shark attack.
About 10.20am on Tuesday, 31 October, the 55-year-old man was surfing near Granites Beach, south of Streaky Bay on the Eyre Peninsula, when witnesses reported seeing a shark attack the man.
Eyre and Western police immediately responded and initiated a search with the assistance of Police Water Operations, PolAir, State Emergency Service (SES) and local volunteers.
The man’s body is yet to be found and the search will continue through to day’s end.
Updated
Words fail me:
⚠️Attention, QLD⚠️
— Qld Fire & Emergency (@QldFES) October 31, 2023
We’ve heard reports of people attempting to backburn around their properties as a means of protecting it from fire. A fire ban is in place for the majority of the state and we cannot risk anyone putting more fire into the landscape.
People who start fires risk… pic.twitter.com/pTnenAh23A
Victoria’s proposed parole changes will affect 32 people, minister says
Victorian corrections minister Enver Erdogan says there are 32 people in custody who will be affected by the proposed changes:
“They have murdered multiple people or murdered a child, or during the murder they’ve also committed a serious sexual offence. They were eligible for parole, [some] prisoners are sentenced for no parole.”
He said this includes Adrian Bayley, who murdered Jill Meagher, and James Gargasoulas, who committed the Bourke Street massacre.
Updated
Back on the Victorian parole changes, Symes said she had received new advice from he solicitor-general, which she is confident will withstand any possible high court challenge:
What we wanted to ensure was that in developing our package, we to the best of our ability avoid high court challenges. We wanted to make sure that we have solid legislation [so] that we can be confident we can tell the family this is the greatest certainty we can provide.
We are confident that we have created a system that robust and I’ll be honest with you, I’ve explained to the family that in naming an individual you open yourself up to challenges. We’ve seen it before. They know that that’s a possibility but they also know that we have advice that suggests that any challenges should be unsuccessful.
Never say never. It’s not my role to dictate what courts will decide. However, we have legislation that is robust.
Here is a story on the news we brought you earlier about Australia ruling itself out of a bid for the 2034 World Cup.
Fire threatens NSW explosives storage facility
There has been a number of emergency bushfire warnings in NSW and Queensland, but this one seems particularly concerning: the NSW RFS are warning that a grass fire is “impinging” on an explosives storage facility near Ulan, east of Dubbo.
According to the NSW RFS:
“An emergency warning is in place due to a grass fire 2km south of Ulan impinging on stored explosives. A one-kilometre exclusion zone will be established.
If you are in the vicinity of Lagoon Rd and Ulan Rd, you are at risk. Leave now if the path is clear to the south towards Mudgee.
If you are in the vicinity of Toole Rd and Ulan Rd, you are at risk. Leave now if the path is clear to the north towards Ulan.
Current Situation
The fire is burning 2km south of Ulan and impinging on an explosives storage facility.
A one-kilometre exclusion zone will be established around the fire.
What you need to do
If you are in the vicinity of Lagoon Rd and Ulan Rd, you are at risk. Leave now if the path is clear to the south towards Mudgee.
If you are in the vicinity of Toole Rd and Ulan Rd, you are at risk. Leave now if the path is clear to the north towards Ulan.”
Emergency Warning: Ulans Rd Fire, Cooks Gap
— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) October 31, 2023
Fire is impinging on a explosive storage, a 1km exclusion zone has been established. Those near Lagoon Rd & Ulan Rd leave now south towards Mudgee. Those near Toole Rd & Ulan Rd leave now north towards Ulan.https://t.co/BhDbtncy86 pic.twitter.com/AdXhg4Hsrl
Updated
Victoria proposes parole reforms to keep worst offenders behind bars
Victoria’s corrections minister Enver Erdogan, attorney general Jaclyn Symes and member for Frankston Paul Edbooke are holding a press conference to announce changes to the state’s parole laws, to be introduced to parliament tomorrow.
Erdogan says the changes are in three parts. The first is a “no return” date for those serving life sentences. It means they cannot reapply for parole for up to five years.
The second is a ban on selected serial killers, child murderers and serious sexual offenders from applying for parole for up to 10 years, when it is deemed to be in the public interest.
The third, as reported, is to specially prevent Paul Denyer from being released from prison unless he is terminally ill or incapacitated.
Erdogan said:
From the outset, I want to start by acknowledging the victims. Many of these crimes are quite heinous and high profile they’ve been well documented, and the families and victims and communities are still hurting. They are left with a life of trauma. And what we have heard is that the parole period and the parole system was having a really traumatizing effect for many of these families.
Updated
Lettuce v Metro stunt triggers spat among NSW politicians
Over in the world of New South Wales politics, a social media post about wilting lettuce has escalated into a war of words between the government and opposition over the future of a key Metro line planned for Sydney.
The Minns government ordered a review into the Metro West rail line – a project of the former Coalition government – for which tunnelling work has already begun and costs have blown out by billions. Questions remain as to whether it will be built or possibly expanded with more stations.
On Tuesday, opposition transport spokesperson Natalie Ward posted a picture to X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, of a piece of paper with the word’s “Labor’s promise to build Metro West” and “Days delayed: 1”. The sign is adorned with a picture of transport minister Jo Haylen and transport department secretary Josh Murray – the subject of a separate scandal surrounding his hiring.
Next to the sign is what appears to be a head of iceberg lettuce – a reference to a stunt from UK tabloid the Daily Star, when it launched a livestream of a lettuce next to a photo of short-lived prime minister Liz Truss. Truss resigned before the lettuce had wilted.
Ward captioned the photo: “The clock is ticking … which will die first?”
The clock is ticking …
— Natalie Ward (@natwardmlc) October 31, 2023
Which will die first? #nswpol pic.twitter.com/DJgasya8ez
Rose Jackson, the minister for housing, replied to the post, criticising ward for using the word “die”.
“Really? ‘Who will die first?’ Language matters. Original Truss livestream was ‘will Liz Truss outlast this lettuce?’. This gives me the ick, surely a using picture of a young woman [Haylen] musing on ‘who will die’ is a bit off.”
Ward then defended her post: “Rose, no one is attacking women, its (sic) about farcical decison (sic) making on an infastructure (sic) project - Metro West. let’s take the temperature down a notch, it is about holding your team to account.”
Premier Chris Minns also criticised Ward’s post, noting the project’s pricetag had blown out from $16b to $25b. “We’ve got to take into consideration that the people who put this lettuce up are responsible for the greatest blowout in Metro and transport infrastructure projects in the history of the state of New South Wales,” Minns said.
Updated
Another emergency bushfire warning has been issued for Queensland’s southern downs region, this time for the town of Dalveen.
LEAVE IMMEDIATELY - Dalveen (near Stanthorpe) - fire as at 3:07pm Tuesday, 31 October 2023.
— Qld Fire & Emergency (@QldFES) October 31, 2023
For all current warnings, updates and mapping go to https://t.co/vqyJTUPBhe. pic.twitter.com/cM9qon8zxP
Football Australia rules out bid for 2034 men's World Cup
Football Australia says it has explored the opportunity to host the 2034 Fifa World Cup, but it has decided not to bid for it.
The sport’s government body has just released this statement:
Following a successfully hosted and record-breaking FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia New Zealand 2023™, which welcomed nearly two million people to matches across Australia and New Zealand, Football Australia is ambitious to bring more major tournaments to our shores.
We have explored the opportunity to bid to host the FIFA World Cup™ and - having taken all factors into consideration - we have reached the conclusion not to do so for the 2034 competition.
Instead, we believe we are in a strong position to host the oldest women’s international competition in the world, the AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ 2026, and then welcome the greatest teams in world football for the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup™. Achieving this – following the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023™ and with the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games – would represent a truly golden decade for Australian football.
This would be underpinned by the opportunity for our men’s and women’s teams to compete at major tournaments including FIFA World Cup™ 2026 and 2030, FIFA Women’s World Cup™ 2027 and 2031, AFC Asian Cup™ 2023, 2027 and 2031, and the AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ 2026 and 2030, the Paris 2024 and LA 2028 Olympic Games, as well as at the biennial FIFA U-20 World Cup™ and FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup™ competitions.
Football is the number one participation sport in Australia and, in many respects, is reflective of our nation’s diverse population.
For international tournament hosting, the Australian time zones provide significant opportunities for broadcasters, and we are within touching distance of billions of people in Asia and Oceania, which also helps to provide a strong commercial outlook for competitions.
Football Australia remains committed to contributing positively to the growth and success of football at all levels, including locally, as part of the AFC and globally as part of FIFA.
We wish FIFA and the eventual hosts of the FIFA World Cup 2034™ the greatest success for the good of the game and for everyone who loves our sport.
Updated
Anti-lockdown campaigner charged with fundraising offences
A prominent anti-lockdown advocate has been charged for allegedly conducting a fundraiser to pay her legal bills while not registered.
Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) has confirmed it has charged Monica Smit, the director of Reignite Democracy Australia Pty Ltd (RDA), with offences under the Fundraising Act.
CAV alleges Smit received more than $86,000 in donations after making online requests for public donations to fund legal fees after being charged with a separate offence by Victoria police. Smit was found guilty of those offences without conviction in May.
The alleged fundraising offences occurred between September 2021 and October 2022, with Smit also allegedly failing to provide the Director of Consumer Affairs Victoria with documents and information required under the law.
Smit, a former journalist, came to prominence during Victoria’s Covid-19 lockdowns. She is due to face the Melbourne magistrates court on 22 November.
Updated
Missing snake returned to owner in Sydney after more than a week
In good news for pet lovers everywhere, a snake that has been lost on the streets of Sydney’s eastern suburbs for more than a week has been returned to its owner.
Bagel, a 2.5 metre python, was dumped on the streets of Coogee alongside its housemate Mango by an ex-partner last Saturday. The man has since been charged over the incident.
On Tuesday afternoon, Bagel’s owner took to social media to thank the community for the days spent scouring the streets for the snakes. Mango is yet to be found.
“Thanks endlessly,” she wrote on a local Facebook group, paying particular tribute to the resident who spotted Bagel opposite an RSL club.
I picked up Bagel this morning from the vet and brought her home. She was thirsty and tired but otherwise not a scratch on her, I can imagine she thoroughly enjoyed her time as a ‘wild’ snake.
Mango is unfortunately still missing, as the weather warms up she might be spotted lounging in the sun, so if you see her please call WIRES or the local police! Again, I can’t thank you all enough for getting the word out and bringing home my pets.
Updated
The NSW RFS have also issued an emergency bushfire warning for Christies, in the northern tablelands.
Emergency Warning: Christies Fire (Tenterfield LGA)
— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) October 31, 2023
A fire is burning to the northwest of Jennings. If you are in the area of Jennings you are in danger. Seek shelter as the fire approaches. It is too late to leave. For more info https://t.co/eByXrKavVy pic.twitter.com/a5pjwgyKBA
Updated
Victorian government move to keep serial killer behind bars
The Victorian government will introduce laws that would keep serial killer Paul Denyer locked up for life.
Guardian Australia has confirmed the attorney general, Jaclyn Symes, plans to introduce the legislation this week, which will give the parole board the power to set a “no return” date for those serving life sentences, as well as ban serial killers and child murderers from applying for parole for up to 10 years, when it is deemed to be in the public interest. The proposed laws were first reported on by the ABC.
The proposed laws will also name Denyer and state he can never be released unless he is physically incapacitated or terminally ill.
Denyer, now 51, was sentenced to three life sentences in 1993 after pleading guilty to the murders of Natalie Russell, 17, Elizabeth Stevens, 18, and Deborah Fream, 22.
After an appeal, Denyer was granted a 30-year-sentence without parole, which made him eligible to apply for parole this year. His bid was refused by the adult parole board in May.
Since then, the victims families have been lobbying for the government to keep him behind bars. The former premier, Daniel Andrews, flagged an intention to introduce laws to suspend parole applications by serial killers for up to six years at a time but was against legislation that would name Denyer. At the time he said offender-specific laws had been subject to court challenges.
The opposition have said they will wait until they see the bill to comment further but noted they had asked for similar changes to parole in June.
Opposition leader John Pesutto said:
We’ll have a look at the bill if it emerges this week, but we’ve keen to support a measure that all Victorians know, we proposed months ago. If these reports are true, we welcome that step. We only wish that the step had been taken some months ago. We’ve seen the family affected - all the grief and anguish that they’ve had to suffer over the last four or so months because of the delay. But at the end of the day, we want whats right for community safety and Victorian people believe that’s keeping Paul Denyer behind bars.
Updated
Bushfire warning for northern rivers village of Nymbodia
While we’re on fires, the NSW rural fire service has just issued an emergency warning for Glens Creek Rd, Nymboida, in the northern rivers region.
The warning says:
If you are S of Wild Drake Rd along Armidale Rd near Blaxlands Flat shelter now you are in danger. People N of Wild Drake Rd, along Armidale Rd in Blaxlands Ck, if you are not prepared leave now towards Grafton.
The full warning is here:
Emergency Warning: Glens Creek Rd, Nymboida
— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) October 31, 2023
If you are S of Wild Drake Rd along Armidale Rd near Blaxlands Flat shelter now you are in danger.
People N of Wild Drake Rd, along Armidale Rd in Blaxlands Ck, if you are not prepared leave now towards Grafton. https://t.co/8wmyJZmbXh pic.twitter.com/DYYdZKUKii
This is an upgraded warning on the fire that was a watch and act earlier today, as seen in this post from the NSW RFS:
Watch and Act: Glens Creek Rd, Nymboida (Clarence Valley LGA)
— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) October 31, 2023
A fire continues to burn in the vicinity of Glens Creek Rd, Nymboida. The fire is currently spotting to the east. Residents near Armidale Rd in the Blaxlands Creek area should Prepare Now. https://t.co/8wmyJZmbXh pic.twitter.com/0monr1q37j
Updated
Residents of Queensland’s Wallangarra told to seek shelter from bushfire
There has also been an escalation in the emergency warning issued for Wallangarra in Queensland’s Southern Downs region in the past 15 minutes or so, with the QFES now saying residents should seek shelter immediately as their lives are in danger.
SEEK SHELTER IMMEDIATELY - Wallangarra - fire as at 2:18pm Tuesday, 31 October 2023.
— Qld Fire & Emergency (@QldFES) October 31, 2023
For all current warnings, updates and mapping go to https://t.co/vqyJTUPBhe. pic.twitter.com/XQ0w0EkDrS
Updated
Firefighter fatigue ‘definitely settling in’ after weeks of Queensland fires
The Tara fire has burned more than 20,000 hectares, according to Cameron Herbert, acting superintendent at the Queensland Fire and Emergency Service.
He said crews from Cairns and Townsville, as well as from interstate, would be joining local firefighters to battle the blazes.
“The fatigue is definitely setting in. These fires have been going for a few weeks. In particular the local area, there’s been fires for many months. They are getting tired and they do need a break.”
Herbert said while Tuesday was expected to be the toughest day, the warm conditions would continue to test fire crews for the entire week.
“It is still dry and going to be warm. Without obviously any rain, it’s going to be challenging for the rest of the week.”
Updated
Theft reported at fire-affected properties, Queensland police say
Mick Thesfield, a superintendent at the Queensland police service, says there have been reports of stealing from fire-affected areas in the Western Downs region.
“We have had reports unfortunately with respect to stealing of property … Tools that got taken from Wieambilla.
“It’s disappointing to hear that these offences have happened. People have had damage to property and … they have not been able to protect their property and have been … in evacuation centres.”
Thesfield said there were three incidents including the alleged theft of tools, fencing supplies and a vehicle.
As of Tuesday afternoon, charges have not been laid regarding the alleged offences.
Updated
Queensland authorities provide bushfire update
Cameron Herbert, acting superintendent at the Queensland Fire and Emergency Service, is giving an update on the fires in Queensland’s Western Downs region.
There are three active emergency warnings across the state, including for residents in Kinkuna and Goodwood in the Bundaberg area, Wallangarra in the Southern Downs region and in Tara in the Darling Downs.
Herbert says fire crews have been “working very hard” to contain the fires threatening homes in the region.
“Obviously there’s a westerly change coming in this afternoon, which can be a challenging environment and that’s what we’re working towards.”
Updated
Bushfire warning: residents of Queensland's Wallangarra told to leave immediately
Queensland fire and emergency services have issued an emergency bushfire warning for Wallangarra in the Southern Downs region, saying residents should leave immediately.
LEAVE IMMEDIATELY - Wallangarra - fire as at 2:02pm Tuesday, 31 October 2023.
— Qld Fire & Emergency (@QldFES) October 31, 2023
For all current warnings, updates and mapping go to https://t.co/vqyJTUPBhe. pic.twitter.com/3ZZrcj0kis
Updated
Nation’s fiscal position continues to improve, Parliamentary Budget Office says
With all federal, state and territory budgets released, the PBO is able to provide its annual stocktake, and the good news is that the fiscal outlook has improved in the past year.
Before the good news, though, it’s worth noting how the run-up in debt during the Covid years and beyond is going. Victoria’s per-capita debt is particularly high:
New PBO data on the national fiscal outlook predicts per-capita debt load will continue to rise in coming years, with Victorians carrying an outsized share. pic.twitter.com/1o7YTphH3L
— @phannam@mastodon.green (@p_hannam) October 31, 2023
(Those worried about the jump in migration might wonder what the per-capita debt levels will look like if the population flatlined or fell back.)
Anyways, the quicker rebound in the economy than was expected from Covid is one reason the overall fiscal outlook is a bit brighter. Also helping were higher commodity prices that boosted the commonwealth, WA and Queensland coffers in particular. Victoria’s Covid debt levy and the increase in coal royalty rates in New South Wales should also help those states.
On the whole, though, will improve a lot faster than expected a year ago. The quicker-than-forecast revival of the economy, post-Covid, is one factor, while higher commodity prices is another (with Queensland's windfall tax helping too). pic.twitter.com/2kTf15ZiCs
— @phannam@mastodon.green (@p_hannam) October 31, 2023
The state net operating balance is expected to be in surplus from 2024-25 and the national position “back in black” from 2025-26. Might be a useful slogan to stick on a mug.
Updated
Many thanks for being with me on the blog today. I’ll now hand over to Nino Bucci to take you through the rest of our rolling coverage. Take care!
Dangerous fire conditions for eastern Australia, BoM says
The Bureau of Meteorology updatesweather for the dangerous fire conditions being experienced across parts of eastern Australia:
Severe Weather Update: Dangerous fire conditions for parts of eastern Australia. Video current at 1:30pm AEDT 31 October 2023.
— Bureau of Meteorology, Australia (@BOM_au) October 31, 2023
Latest: https://t.co/jlOoTZL1iF or the BOM Weather app.
This video includes data from: @QldFES, @NSWRFS, @dfes_wa & Bushfires NT pic.twitter.com/ohBn4oHfwN
Updated
John Anderson claims ‘elites’ will try to ‘go around’ voice result
The former deputy prime minister John Anderson has spoken to the Alliance of Responsible Citizenship – a global group fronted by Canadian psychologist Jordan Peterson and backed by a pro-Brexit hedge fund billionaire and a Dubai-based investment group.
At its first conference in London, Anderson made some comments about the recent Voice referendum:
We’ve just had a constitutional referendum in Australia. It’s very difficult to change the Australian constitution – and what happened was that every elite grouping in the country, as far as I can tell … all of the academia, 90% of the media, it was just astonishing, the corporate types, the sporting codes saying ‘you need to insert this modest little proposal’ that just happens to be a group right for one group of Australians based on their ancestry or their colour or both depending on how you chose to pitch the argument.
Fact check: wrong on a few counts, but most egregiously claiming the voice was about “colour” – as has been explained repeatedly the criterion is Indigeneity, not race. Secondly, as if 90% of the media were for yes. In newspapers, News Corp has majority market share, and they definitely weren’t urging a yes vote. The ABC was required to provide both sides of the argument, and weren’t urging a vote either way.
Anderson continued:
And what was absolutely astonishing was despite the heft of the cultural elites, the Australian people said resoundingly, in no uncertain way, no. And the research showed that they said no overwhelmingly because they said we do not want to be divided. And so, then we hear that the intelligent people who have degrees and a lot of money and live in the wealthy suburbs they could see the value of this move.
You know who else saw value in it? Indigenous Australians, who overwhelmingly voted in favour.
Anderson continued:
So you get this, terrible divide, ‘oh clever people, we elites know best for you’. So they’ll try and go round it. So in a sense, this is a civilisational moment. Are we going to respect the voting citizens again and they’re clear, will and intent?
Anthony Albanese has repeatedly said that he will respect the outcome of the referendum, and he won’t put a national Indigenous Voice in the constitution or in legislation. The other options being considered (an informal listening mechanism; more efforts to close the gap and achieve reconciliation; truth and treaty, the other two elements of the Uluru statement; and local and regional voices) were not on the ballot. Some, like local and regional voices, have bipartisan support from the Coalition, which advocated a no vote.
Updated
Mixed reviews on teacher recruitment campaign
Education stakeholders have handed down a mixed review of the national $10m teacher recruitment campaign, with the Australian Education Union (AEU) calling for a “far greater investment” in public schools to restore trust in the system.
While broadly welcoming the campaign, AEU federal president Correna Haythorpe said “nobody should think this is the answer to a recruitment and retention crisis that has been decades in the making”.
Nine out of 10 public school principals across the nation reported teacher shortages this year, almost double the number in 2020.The Albanese government’s own figures show demand for secondary teachers will exceed the supply of new graduates by 4,100 between 2021 and 2025.
The number one issue driving teachers from the profession is unsustainable workloads … research released by the AEU last week show teachers work “extraordinarily long hours” compared to other professions.
Investing in teachers and public schools is the only way to ensure we can recruit and retain the teachers we need.
Universities Australia backed the national campaign, with its CEO Catriona Jackson declaring it was “time to stop bagging teachers”.
Anything we can do to reinforce and celebrate their value is vital, while encouraging more people to become teachers. We need more teachers in every pocket of the country.
Greens spokesperson for primary and secondary education Senator Penny Allman-Payne said if an “advertising campaign” encouraged more people to consider teaching, that was a good thing.
But what awaits these new teachers when they enter the classroom? A lack of resources and support staff, mountains of paperwork, and a workload that is impossible for many teachers to sustain.
Teachers aren’t leaving the profession because they’re not getting enough nice TV commercials made about them – they’re leaving because the conditions are appalling, and they’re not able to do the jobs they love.
Updated
New campaign seeks to ‘elevate’ status of teachers, increase their ranks
Australia’s education ministers have launched a national campaign to raise the status of the teaching profession in a bid to get more educators into the classroom amid major shortages.
The $10m ‘Be that teacher campaign’ includes eight practising teachers from each jurisdiction of Australia. It is set to run across social media, billboards, bus stops and at other outdoor locations.
The launch comes on the same day education ministers are being handed down the highly anticipated National School Reform Agreement review by chair Dr Lisa O’Brien. It will be considered and released publicly in December.
Federal minister for education Jason Clare said recent surveys showed most teachers didn’t believe their profession was valued by the community.
Being a teacher is the most important job in the world and we don’t have enough.
— Jason Clare MP (@JasonClareMP) October 30, 2023
Pay is important. So is reducing workload.
And so is respect.
That’s what this new national campaign the PM and I will launch today is all about.
Here’s a teaser. pic.twitter.com/lKM403CBDv
We need to change that. This campaign is all about changing the way we as a country think about our teachers, and the way our teachers think our country thinks of them.
I want more young Australians to want to be a teacher … this campaign features eight incredible teachers, but the truth is there are more than 300,000 teachers with stories just like theirs.
NSW deputy premier and education minister Prue Car said governments across the nation were “committed to working hand-in-hand to address the teacher shortage challenges we face”.
Restoring pride and respect to the teaching profession is key to our plan.
Victorian deputy premier and minister for education Ben Carroll said the partnership would encourage the “best and brightest” to be attracted to education.
Updated
NSW emergency fire warnings summary
There’s been a lot of bushfire updates across the east coast of Australia today, particularly in New South Wales within the past hour. Here’s a snapshot of where things are:
There are four emergency warnings in place for:
• Ogilvie Drive at Tabulam, near Tenterfield. There is a 628 hectare bushfire in inaccessible terrain. Residents are being urged to seek shelter, because it is too late to leave.
• Sawyers Creek, Donnybrook State Forest in the Tarban area. Residents are being urged to seek shelter, as it is too late to leave.
• Scrub Road, 4km southeast of Tenterfield.
• The Woodside area, near Tenterfield. The fire is impacting homes and properties and is spreading quickly, the RFS says. The Mole Station Fire is expected to merge with this fire later today.
There is also a “watch and act” alert for a fire near Glens Creek Road at Nymbodia, 25km southwest of Grafton.
Updated
Traditional owners seek injunction against Santos offshore gas project to protect songlines, burial grounds
A Tiwi traditional owner has filed a legal challenge in the federal court to a pipeline for Santos’ Barossa offshore gas project.
Simon Munkara, a member of the Jikilaruwu clan, filed the proceedings on Monday afternoon and is seeking an urgent injunction to prevent Santos from commencing work on the pipeline while the case is heard. An application for that urgent injunction will be heard in Darwin this afternoon.
Tiwi people have raised concerns that construction of the export pipeline would threaten burial grounds and sacred sites.
Munkara, represented by the Environmental Defenders Office, will argue Santos has not properly assessed submerged cultural heritage along the route of its Barossa export pipeline, which runs within seven kilometres of Cape Fourcroy on Bathurst Island.
Earlier this year, the offshore petroleum regulator Nopsema ordered Santos to conduct underwater cultural surveys. Santos recently notified the regulator it had complied with this order and produced a report that did not “recommend the establishment of any archaeological exclusion zones at this time”.
But separate expert reports commissioned by Tiwi people have found that, if installed in the current proposed location, the pipeline would damage sea country, dreaming tracks, songlines and areas of cultural significance.
Munkara said:
We are going to court because we can’t let Santos build a pipeline through our songlines and our ancestor’s burial grounds. I don’t want it to be destroyed. We have kept our stories alive for thousands of years and I want to be able to share this with future generations, with my kids and grandkids and their kids.
Munkara will argue that the approval Santos is relying on is for an Environment Plan that was accepted by Nopsema in March 2020, without an assessment of the risks to underwater cultural heritage. It was also approved before another case, brought by Munupi man Dennis Tipakalippa, established Traditional Owners’ consultation rights in relation to the Barossa gas project and other offshore developments.
Munkara is seeking an injunction on pipeline works until Santos submits an updated environment plan and Nopsema assesses it and makes a decision.
Guardian Australia has contacted Santos for comment.
Updated
Staff, students call on University of Melbourne to condemn Israel’s attacks on Gaza
More than 1,000 staff, students and alumni at the University of Melbourne have signed an open letter to the vice chancellor condemning the deaths of innocent Palestinians in Gaza.
The letter, which went live yesterday, backs a ‘Palestine solidarity statement’ issued by the university’s branch of the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) following the conflict in the region.
Just under 200 signees are current staff at the university.
“Dear vice-chancellor Duncan Maskell,” the letter reads:
We, the students, staff, and alumni … implore The University of Melbourne to stand on the right side of history by condemning Israel’s genocidal attack against the people of Palestine.
The University of Melbourne is the highest ranked university on the continent and one of the leading universities in the world. With the authority that is given to academic expertise, higher education institutions carry a responsibility to accurately, and without censorship, represent the reality of Israel’s genocidal attack on Gaza.
In January, the university became the first in Australia to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism as part of its broader “anti-racism commitment”, in a move critics warned could be used to shut down legitimate criticism of the state of Israel.
A University of Melbourne spokesperson said at the time it had implemented the IHRA definition in “direct response” to recent conversations with many Jewish students and staff and would use it as an “important educative tool”.
Updated
Tarban residents told to seek shelter ahead of fast-moving fire near Tenterfield
Two more emergency warnings have been issued near Tenterfield in New South Wales.
Residents in the area of Tarban are being urged to seek shelter amid a fast-moving bushfire northwest of Woodside in the Donnybrook State Forest, and to the north of the Bruxner Highway.
If you are in the area of Tarban, you are at risk. Seek shelter to protect yourself from the fire. It is too late to leave.
Meanwhile, a bushfire is burning in inaccessible terrain near Ogilvie Drive in the Tabulam area, 50km northeast of Tenterfield.
It is spreading in an easterly direction across Plains Station Road.
Properties in the vicinity of Plains Station Road, Plains Station and Pagans Flat along Clarence Way are at risk and should shelter now. It is too late to leave.
The fire is currently 628 hectares in size and is out of control.
The NSW RFS is warning that embers may blow long distances ahead of the main fire fronts and start spotting fires, which may reach homes earlier than the main fire front.
Updated
Residents must leave Queensland’s Goodwood ‘immediately’
An emergency warning has been issued for Kinkuna and Goodwood in Queensland, with residents told to leave immediately due to a dangerous bushfire.
The warning from the Queensland Fire and Emergency Service includes properties between Kinkuna Siding Road, Burrum Coast National Park, Gorza Road and Goodwood Road.
It reads:
A dangerous fire is burning near Gorza Road. It is expected to impact Gorza Road within the next hour.
LEAVE IMMEDIATELY. Your life could be at risk. It will soon be too dangerous to drive.
LEAVE IMMEDIATELY - Kinkuna and Goodwood - fire as at 12:57pm Tuesday, 31 October 2023.
— Qld Fire & Emergency (@QldFES) October 31, 2023
For all current warnings, updates and mapping go to https://t.co/vqyJTUPBhe. pic.twitter.com/cXqhLY7Jap
Updated
NSW not considering redress scheme for those hurt by outlawed police scheme, Minns says
The New South Wales premier, Chris Minns, says the government is not considering a redress scheme for people affected by a newly-outlawed police scheme that had targeted children.
NSW police rushed to dump the suspect targeting management plan (STMP) a week before a five-year investigation of the scheme by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission was due to be released.
In the scathing final report, released on Monday, the LECC found the NSW police’s use of the STMP was possibly unlawful and had an “ongoing discriminatory effect” on young people.
The STMP policy was designed to prevent crime by encouraging proactive policing strategies, including consistently monitoring targets in the community, subjecting them to searches and visiting them at their homes.
Addressing the media today, the premier was asked if the government was considering a redress scheme.
Minns replies:
No.
We have to read the report. I’m not aware that LECC has recommended that and if there’s complaints that people want to make, well, there’s well established complaint procedures that are in place.
The police minister, Yasmin Catley, says she was “pleased” the force has scrapped the STMP policy.
Updated
Australia will raise South China Sea, trade, detained citizens with China, Albanese says
Asked whether the recent release of Australian journalist Cheng Lei increases the prospect of Australian writer Dr Yang Hengjun being released, Anthony Albanese says each case is different, “but each case is important”.
Yang, who became an Australian citizen in 2002, flew into Guangzhou with his family in January 2019. His wife and child were able to enter China but authorities escorted Yang from the plane into detention.
Photograph: AP
What I’ve said about China is we will co-operate where we can and disagree where we must, but we will engage in our national interests.
One in four of Australian export dollars is dependent upon the China relationship. We’ve seen breakthroughs in timber, barley, hay, wine, a range of products. There are more products in terms of the economic relationship.
Then there’s the issue of citizens that we will continue to raise. [We] will continue to raise issues including our view of the South China Sea and importance of the right of passage for our trade through the waterways of the world, and we will continue to state our view, which is, international law is very important.
We will engage in a respectful way, in a way that is about outcomes and not [aimed at] scoring domestic political points, [which is] aimed at achieving national interests, and that’s what I look forward to doing when I visit China on Saturday.
Updated
Australia will always raise concerns with China about detained citizens, Albanese says
Prime minister Anthony Albanese is speaking to the media from Sydney, and is asked about Australian journalist Cheng Lei’s return to the country:
We have raised concerns, including at meetings I have had in the past with president Xi [Jinping]. Australia will always raise cases involving Australian citizens.
We are very pleased that Cheng Lei has been able to be rejoined with her daughters and family in Melbourne. That was a good outcome. But we always raised cases of Australian citizens.
Updated
‘An own goal’: Poker machine giant faces internal revolt over early closing hours
Australia’s largest poker machine operator has faced an internal revolt after restricting operating hours before being required to do so.
The Endeavour Group, which operates 12,500 machines nationally, closed its Victorian gambling venues between 4am and 10am in early September.
The decision came 10 months before the introduction of harm reduction and anti-money laundering laws, which the company was eager to comply with.
But the early adoption has been blamed, in part, for lower than expected revenue that has led to internal criticism of the board and its chairman, Peter Hearl.
Billionaire publican and so-called “pokies king” Bruce Mathieson, who has a 15% share in Endeavour, criticised the early adoption as “an own goal”.
Mathieson was unable to attend an annual general meeting today, but his opinion was conveyed by an intermediary, Ross Blair-Holt:
He just sees it as an own goal, 12 months ahead of all the other hotels, and they’re taking advantage of it.
Fires breaking out around NSW’s Nymbodia, ‘watch and act’ warnings
Meanwhile, a bushfire near Glens Creek Road at Nymbodia, 25km southwest of Grafton, has been upgraded to a “watch and act” level as conditions worsen.
Nymbodia is about three hours from Tenterfield, where three bushfires are also burning at a “watch and act” level.
The NSW RFS says fire activity has picked up at Nymbodia as the weather deteriorates, particularly on the northern side of the fire near Glens Creek Rd.
The fire has burnt more than 3,600 hectares. It is currently within containment lines, as smoke drifts into the nearby Clarence Valley.
Watch and Act: Glens Creek Rd, Nymboida. A fire is burning in the vicinity of Glens Creek Rd, 25km SW of Grafton. Due to increasing fire activity in the northern edge, residents in the vicinity of Glens Creek Rd are advised to Prepare Now. More info https://t.co/Bbm44xf6yp pic.twitter.com/9TdpZTH9Kf
— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) October 31, 2023
Updated
‘Too late to leave’ for residents near Scrub Road fire southeast of Tenterfield
The NSW Rural Fire Service has issued an emergency warning for the Scrub Road fire, 4km southeast of Tenterfield.
The warning reads:
If you are in the area of Kellys Rd, Scrub Rd or Scrub School Rd, The Scrub, or in surroundings areas, you are at risk. Seek shelter to protect yourself from the fire. It is too late to leave.
The fire us burning in a southeast direction towards properties along Kellys Road, Scrub School Road and Scrub Road.
The RFS says embers will be blown long distances ahead of the main fire front starting spot fires, and these embers may reach homes earlier than the main fire front.
Emergency Warning: Scrub Rd Fire Tenterfield
— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) October 31, 2023
A fire is burning along Scrub Rd, burning in a SE direction. If you are near Scrub Rd, Kellys Rd, Scrub School Rd or surrounds you are in danger. Seek shelter as the fire approaches. It is too late to leave. https://t.co/Zxa2AIxYPV pic.twitter.com/1D3tAvfjjo
Three other fires surrounding Tenterfield are currently at a “watch and act” level.
Updated
Mike Wassing, deputy commissioner of the Queensland Fire and Emergency Service, has spoken with ABC TV about the ongoing bushfires across the state.
He said high winds and potential thunderstorms this afternoon are “of great concern”, adding there is enormous capacity on-the-ground at fire fronts like the one near Tara.
We still have a large number of fires that we are managing and trying to avoid any new fire starts, particularly from storms.
Wassing said firefighters are facing potentially three days of similar conditions.
It’s probably not until Friday [and] into the weekend before we get some reprieve. But what we are seeing is weekend and week out we get a couple of days spiked, every week to 10 days.
Wassing said firefighters are working amid testing conditions and have “been at this for months now”.
This is absolutely a marathon… it is very hot, very dry and really tough work but as they always do, they continue to step up.
SBS once again beats broadcast rivals to 2026 Men’s World Cup TV rights
SBS has secured all the rights to the 2026 Men’s World Cup, which it has been broadcasting since 1990.
The announcement was made by SBS managing director James Taylor at the broadcaster’s 2024 programming launch.
The multicultural broadcaster paid $20m each for the 2018 and 2022 World Cup editions in Russia and Qatar.
SBS won the bid against rival fee to air networks Seven, Nine and Ten.
Updated
ABC acknowledges death of Palestinian journalist Roshdi Sarraj
The ABC acknowledged on air the death of a Palestinian journalist who has filed for the broadcaster from Gaza, ahead of a planned protest about the ABC’s lack of a tribute to the filmmaker.
On the broadcaster’s 7.30 program last night, host Sarah Ferguson noted at the end of the show that the journalist, Roshdi Sarraj, had been killed in Gaza.
A protest took place outside the ABC in Melbourne today after the ABC originally failed to pay tribute to Sarraj for a week after his death.
“A final note before we go tonight,” Ferguson said.
On October the 22nd, filmmaker Roshdi Sarraj was killed in Gaza. Earlier this month Roshdi filmed material for 7.30. We take this opportunity to acknowledge his passing and send our condolences to his family.
Senior ABC journalist Norman Hermant last week posted a tribute to Sarraj, along with the “powerful vision from #Gaza’s biggest hospital”, which the journalist filmed for a lengthy 7.30 story days before he was killed.
Hermant said:
I am very sad to report the Palestinian journalist who captured those images [Roshidi Sarraj] was killed over the weekend.
2/2#RoshdiSarraj was committed to telling the world about the situation in Gaza.
— Norman Hermant (@NormanHermant) October 23, 2023
His company @AinMedia worked w numerous media companies.
At least 23 journalists have been killed since Oct 7.#RIP Roshdi Sarraj https://t.co/m3ACKuW98R. pic.twitter.com/5RukNc0K2c
Updated
Qantas defends ‘complex’ but ‘legal’ staff pay structure
Qantas is appearing before the Senate employment committee inquiry on Labor’s closing loopholes bill. The bill’s same job same pay provisions are designed to ensure labour hire companies, including those in a corporate group, have to pay the same as the main entity in which employees work.
In previous hearings, unions have complained that Qantas is one of the worst offenders for creating new corporate entities to offer jobs at lower wages.
Nathan Safe, Qantas’ acting executive manager of industrial relations, has given an opening statement defending the practice. Safe says Qantas is a “legacy business” operating in a “highly competitive global market”.
For legacy carriers, failing to adapt has not ended well ... Our legacy conditions are by far the highest domestically, and are high compared with every other international carrier. If we kept hiring especially when domestic competitions are paying at or slightly above award, Qantas would likely not be here ...
Yes, our structure is complex. But it evolved legally, and it is based on the enterprise bargaining system.
Rather than undercutting old pay and conditions, Safe characterised the Qantas structure as “grandfathering legacy conditions”. New entities directly employ their workers on “more modern and market relevant conditions”. These are negotiated with unions, voted on by employees and approved by the Fair Work Commission, Safe says.
Updated
ABC staff mourn death of Gaza journalist
The ABC house committee has released a statement via the MEAA union, extending its “deep condolences” to the family of freelance journalist and filmmaker Roshdi Sarraj, who was killed in Gaza on 22 October during an airstrike.
The statement reads:
Mr Sarraj, who was working for the ABC shortly before his death, is among at least 23 journalists killed in the conflict since October 7.
The ABC House Committee calls on all sides to respect the role of journalists and to avoid civilian casualties. Journalists working for the ABC in these dangerous situations deserve the ABC’s support.
Statement from the #MEAAmedia ABC House Committee. pic.twitter.com/vFX1ebQS3a
— MEAA (@withMEAA) October 31, 2023
Earlier this afternoon, a silent vigil was held outside ABC Melbourne to pay tribute to Sarraj:
A silent vigil was held outside @abcmelbourne today to pay tribute to Palestinian journalist Roshdi Sarraj and the over 20 other journalists killed by Israel's bombing of Gaza. Anger was expressed at ABCs refusal to pay tribute to the passing of Roshidi #FreePalestine pic.twitter.com/Df9LpB04Bc
— Green Left (@GreenLeftOnline) October 31, 2023
Updated
As per usual, the Victorian SES media team is delivering with its meme content, this time for Halloween:
Looking for a last-minute Halloween costume? 🎃👻
— VICSES News (@vicsesnews) October 31, 2023
There's nothing scarier than an unprepared Victorian with a Frisbee trampoline...
If you'd prefer to go as a ✨prepared✨Victorian, check out our website for some tips: https://t.co/avpjjgWTVv pic.twitter.com/oqge636XoI
Updated
We mustn’t be ‘at war’ with our bodies, 2023 Australian of the Year Brumfitt says
2023 Australian of the Year Taryn Brumfitt has just concluded her speech at the National Press Club with an appeal to those listening: “it is not your life’s purpose to be at war with your body”.
Remind yourself daily that you get 28,000 days on the planet if you’re really lucky.
I don’t know about you, but it only felt like yesterday that I was a teenager and I had P-plates on my car and I was putting the backpack on to go travelling across the world. And then one click of a finger, I’m in a 45-year-old body … click again, I’m going to be 65, and then 95 ...
Life is short, life is fleeting. So, please, don’t waste it being at war with your body and please don’t set the young ones up in your life for a lifetime of the same. We weren’t born into the world hating our bodies, it’s something that we have been taught. For everyone’s sake, it’s time to unlearn.
She is now taking questions from reporters.
Updated
Hundreds of firefighters tackling 77 bushfires across NSW
As per the latest NSW RFS update, there are currently 77 fires burning across the state, with 24 not yet contained.
Three fires are burning at “watch and act” level near Tenterfield, meaning there is a heightened level of threat and conditions are changing.
Nearly 700 firefighters and incident management specialists are working to contain these fires.
As of 12pm, there are 77 fires burning around the state, with 24 not yet contained. There are currently three fires burning at a Watch and Act level, with nearly 700 firefighters and incident management specialists working to contain these fires. https://t.co/SwFG8PzKTA pic.twitter.com/hNhyCVE4sv
— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) October 31, 2023
Updated
Midday heat increasing fire activity in rural NSW, bushfire service says
The NSW Rural Fire Service said there has been an increase in fire behaviour across multiple fire grounds as we move into the hottest part of the day.
It has shared a video on social media showing several fires burning near Tenterfield, including the Frost Road fire and Sawyers Creek fire:
As we move into the hottest part of the day, we are seeing an increase to the fire behaviour across multiple fire grounds. This video below shows several fires currently burning in the Tenterfield area including the Frost Rd and the Sawyers Creek Fire. https://t.co/SwFG8PzKTA pic.twitter.com/XXO36mBT0M
— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) October 31, 2023
Updated
Social media not the only driver of body image distress, says 2023 Australian of the year
Taryn Brumfitt says its a myth that social media is to blame for the epidemic of body image distress.
It is part of the problem, but not the whole problem, she says:
Many of us had body image issues long before Zuckerberg and influencer culture were even a thing, let alone smartphones. Social media is here to stay and we need to use it for good.
The science is showing that body-neutral content and body-positive content on social media is helpful. It’s the over-altered images, weight loss content, and appearance commentary that is most harmful. Social media feeds full of positive imagery and content aren’t just some fictional utopia. There are already companies showing us what’s possible.
Updated
Constantly linking weight and health can lead to eating discorders, Brumfitt says
Brumfitt tackles the myth that other people’s bodies are your business.
Nope, they are definitely not.
… From the top-down, we have been taught that other people’s bodies, and what they do with them, belong to the public domain. And we have normalised how deeply invested we are in other people’s bodies to the point that we don’t stop to think twice about how inappropriate it is to comment so freely on their weight and their size and their shape, appearance, health choices, health habits. Can we just stop?
She also rejects the common belief that we have to punish, weigh and shame bodies to achieve good health.
Remember the Biggest Loser? Or Life Be In It? Norm on the couch, Special K pinch and inch, or the toxic fat commercial? It wasn’t that long ago that we accepted these as normal. We never even questioned them. The problem? They’re harmful and ineffective.
We now have evidence that confirms that these type of campaigns lead to an increase in disordered eating.
Updated
Continuing to speak at the National Press Club, 2023 Australian of the Year Taryn Brumfitt starts unpacking what she views as the “four biggest, most harmful, most persistent myths and deeply-ingrained beliefs that we hold about bodies collectively”.
The first: that you can judge a person’s health by their appearance.
This is absolutely categorically untrue.
Just as you cannot gauge a person’s mental health by their appearance, you cannot gauge a person’s physical health by their appearance.
And while it’s not our place to judge the health of others, to an extent it’s not our fault that we have collectively come to an associate the ways bodies look with a particular level of health. We have been bombarded with messages from a very young age telling us what healthy looks like. We tie virtue and success to beauty and thinness, and fat is denigrated at every turn.
…without a doubt the stereotypes are everywhere and because of this, we have come to believe that we can assess a person’s inner health by their outer appearance.
Blackouts still affecting about 6,000 Sydneysiders, energy supplier says
A spokesperson from Endeavour Energy confirmed that about 14,000 affected customers have had their energy restored, after 20,000 lost power due to the strong winds in Sydney overnight.
As we reported earlier, homes and businesses across South West Sydney, the Macarthur region, the Warragamba region and Campbelltown were left without power after an Endeavour Energy outage earlier today.
This was caused by the strong winds overnight in Sydney. Additional precautions had to be taken whilst restoring power due to the total fire ban.
Updated
Australia’s ‘deeply ingrained beliefs’ about body weight damaging children, Brumfitt says
Taryn Brumfitt highlighted the importance of instilling body acceptance and appreciation from a young age.
Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AAP
She says we can preach better body image “until we’re blue in the face”, but it will “all come unstuck” if we allow harmful messages to reach children in the home, on the sports field, at the doctors or in the media.
It will all be for nothing. I’m absolutely convinced that if we do not do the work as individuals to change our own internalised beliefs and behaviours about bodies, it will be another decade before we see any meaningful, [lasting] change.
She challenged those listening to look inside themselves and at the deeply-ingrained beliefs they have around their own bodies and “commit to challenging these”:
… commit to start unlearning all that you thought you knew about bodies: weight, size, health, and appearance. Because if we cannot identify how we participate in and perpetuate the harmful narratives around bodies, how are we ever going to heal ourselves? And how are we ever going to lead from the front for our young people?
Updated
Young Australians still struggling with body image, eating disorders, positivity advocate says
2023 Australian of the Year and body positivity advocate, Taryn Brumfitt, is addressing the National Press Club today.
She begins by recalling a surprised reaction to her Australian of the Year award because “body image was so 10 years ago”.
This couldn’t be more untrue. Body image issues among young people are the worst they have ever been.
Since the start of the pandemic, rates of body image distress and eating disorders in young people have doubled. A 2013 Deloitte Access Economics study found that the total socioeconomic cost of eating disorders was $69.7bn, not to mention the immeasurable personal cost.
Aussie kids have never been in more body-image distress than they are now. This is a very ‘today’ issue.
Updated
The scariest thing about this tweet is the disclaimer.
Happy Halloween from #AusArmy 🎃
— Australian Army (@AustralianArmy) October 31, 2023
⚠️ This image has been digitally altered pic.twitter.com/apL2qeX1Ui
NSW justice minister softens earlier stance on age of criminal responsibility
The New South Wales minister for youth justice, Jihad Dib, has softened his earlier comments about supporting raising the age of criminal responsibility.
At budget estimates on Tuesday morning, Dib appeared to flag his support for raising the age and then told the committee questioning him it could infer his views on the matter.
Photograph: Dan Himbrechts/AAP
In most Australian states, including NSW, children as young as 10 can be charged, convicted and incarcerated.
Later in the hearing, the Greens justice spokesperson, Sue Higginson, asked Dib if she was correct in implying he was an advocate for raising the age and how old he thought it should be turned to.
Dib replied:
So that position I haven’t yet come to.
I’ve been having (discussions) with a range of different stakeholders.
I’m one of many people who will obviously be making some input. But I really want to focus on making sure that we can do the best for young people to try to avoid contact with the legal system.
Updated
Shark attack in South Australia leaves one person ‘seriously injured’, police say
SA Police said this morning that emergency services were responding to reports of a shark attack near Streaky Bay, on the Eyre Peninsula. In a statement, they said:
Police received a report of a shark attack at Westall Way Loop near Streaky Bay about 10.20am on Tuesday 31 October.
Initial information from the scene reported one person has been seriously injured.
Updated
Children with asthma not at higher risk of severe Covid-19, research suggests
Children with asthma are not at higher risk of severe Covid-19 than children without asthma, a new study led by the University of New South Wales has found.
The study, published this month in The Journal of Asthma and Allergy, analysed 18,932 children who tested positive for Covid-19 and received care from the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network between January 2020 and May 2022. Of the children, 1,025 (5.4%) had previously been diagnosed with asthma.
Respiratory epidemiologist and senior author of the study, Dr Nusrat Homaira, said:
We looked at different markers of disease severity and although the group of children with asthma generally required a longer duration of hospitalisation, they were not at greater risk of Covid severity in terms of ICU admissions, mechanical ventilation use, or mortality compared to those without asthma at any stage of the outbreak.
Children with asthma are generally more susceptible to respiratory illnesses like influenza, so in the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic it was initially thought they may be vulnerable to severe infection, Homaira said.
Updated
As flagged earlier, you can now read the full report on assistant RBA governor Brad Jones’ press conference in Sydney earlier today:
Another shark attack reported off a South Australian beach
A person has been seriously injured after they were bitten by a shark off a South Australian beach, AAP reports.
Emergency services received reports of an attack at Westall Way Loop near Streaky Bay on the Eyre Peninsula at about 10.20am today.
The attack comes less than a month after 64-year-old Pamela Cook suffered serious leg injuries when she was bitten by a shark at Beachport on the state’s southeast coast.
Updated
In Queensland, ‘not safe’ for Colosseum, Mount Tom residents to return home
Meanwhile in Queensland, residents of Colosseum and Mount Tom are being told it is not safe to return.
According to the QFES, this warning applies to properties between Lowmead Road and Fingerboard Road.
The warning reads:
The fire along Lowmead Road is still burning. It is travelling towards Colosseum and Fingerboard Road.
If you left the area, it is not safe to return.
Firefighters are working to control the fire. Firefighting aircraft are helping ground crews.
NOT SAFE TO RETURN - Colosseum and Mount Tom (near Miriam Vale) - Multiple Warnings - fire as at 10:16am Tuesday, 31 October 2023.
— Qld Fire & Emergency (@QldFES) October 31, 2023
For all current warnings, updates and mapping go to https://t.co/vqyJTUPBhe. pic.twitter.com/QZbInSgAI0
Updated
‘Uncontrolled’ fire near NSW’s Tenterfield spreading, residents warned to prepare
A third bushfire near Tenterfield in New South Wales has been upgraded to a “watch and act” level, with residents urged to prepare now.
The bushfire, 8km northwest of Woodside in the Donnybrook State Forest, is spreading uncontrolled towards isolated rural properties on the western side of Tenterfield Creek and the Bruxner Highway.
The NSW RFS says people in the Tarban area should prepare now.
The fire is currently 129 hectares in size, and conditions are expected to worsen throughout the day as smoke and embers blow ahead of the main fire front.
Watch and Act: Sawyers Creek, Donnybrook State Forest Fire (Tenterfield LGA)
— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) October 31, 2023
A fire is burning in the Donnybrook State Forest. The fire is burning in an E direction. Properties on the W side of Tenterfield Creek and the Bruxner Highway should Prepare Now. https://t.co/r5xPh3qyYq pic.twitter.com/AUwljCBuiB
Updated
Climate activists face court for demonstrating outside oil and gas peak body’s office
Five protesters who demonstrated outside the Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association are facing court today, charged with unreasonably obstructing the offices of the industry peak body in February.
The group are facing a three-day hearing in the ACT Magistrates Court, represented by lawyer Bernard Collaery. Supporters rallied outside the courthouse, this morning.
In a statement issued by the Peoples Climate Assembly before the hearing, defendant Cate Adams said the protesters included grandparents, a retired nurse, an environmental scientist and a retired child psychologist.
They were arrested after barricading the doors and deploying banners from its balcony.
Adams said:
This is a David versus Goliath case. On the one hand we have a small group of mostly grandparents desperate to avert the climate breakdown, on the other the most powerful lobby in Australia.
Updated
Sydney prepares for flare-ups on city’s fringes after wind brings down powerlines
In Sydney, Fire and Rescue NSW superintendent Adam Dewberry says the powerlines that came down overnight amid strong winds could cause sparks and lead to bushfires.
He says fire trucks are being moved to the city fringes in preparation for the high-risk conditions to provide a quick response to any initial flare-ups.
Dewberry told ABC Radio:
The idea is to do what we call ‘weight of attack’, that means lots of fire trucks, lots of firefighters and lots of water to get on these fires early and get them contained before they break out and cause significant destruction in the community.
- with AAP
Updated
NSW’s Northern Tablelands area of most concern, says rural fire service
AAP has more detail on the bushfires encircling Tenterfield, in the NSW Northern Tablelands region:
Multiple bushfires have encircled Tenterfield, with residents told to keep a close eye on a 250-hectare blaze at Woodside to the west and a 65-hectare fire burning out of control at Tabulam to the east.
The Glen Innes RSL and Tenterfield Showground were opened to accommodate locals leaving early ahead of the forecast extreme fire danger.
NSW Rural Fire Service deputy commissioner Peter McKechnie said the Northern Tablelands was the area of most concern, including the cluster of fires around Tenterfield.
He told Sky News:
We’ve seen a number of properties threatened most days now and today particularly and up around (the) Northern Tablelands ... we will see properties threatened.
Updated
With ‘drought around the corner’, Murray-Darling plan must deliver healthy river system, says Plibersek
The federal governments plan for voluntary water buybacks as part of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan has received about 250 tender responses.
On social media, environment and water minister Tanya Plibersek said this totals “more than double the amount of water as the tender called for”.
This is a fantastic sign that voluntary water purchase is a necessary and feasible tool to help meet the targets of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.
With the next drought around the corner, we’re focused on delivering the plan to ensure a healthy river system for the communities, industries, and environment that rely on it.
You may remember earlier this year I announced a voluntary water purchasing open tender to complete one part of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.
— Tanya Plibersek (@tanya_plibersek) October 31, 2023
The good news is we received around 250 tender responses - totalling more than double the amount of water as the tender called for.… pic.twitter.com/z6V9txRXoh
This comes as a major report from the Productivity Commission suggests an expansion of the voluntary buybacks scheme. My colleague Peter Hannam had all the details on this earlier, which you can read below:
Updated
Already beset by fire, parts of NSW now face risk of severe thunderstorms, wind, hail
As bushfires ravage parts of NSW, severe thunderstorms, damaging wind gusts and large hail are possible in the northeast today, according to the Bureau of Meteorology:
⛈️Thunderstorm forecast: severe thunderstorms with damaging wind gusts and large hail are possible in the northeast today (yellow area). Warnings if needed: https://t.co/Ss766eSCrL pic.twitter.com/Pmj0SI6n1Q
— Bureau of Meteorology, New South Wales (@BOM_NSW) October 30, 2023
Updated
RBA official warns of emerging threats to financial system from tech to climate changes
Australia’s banking industry faces emerging threats from rapid-fire deposit runs to climate change and geopolitical tensions that are without historical precedents, a senior Reserve Bank official has warned.
Brad Jones, an assistant RBA governor has told a Sydney conference that “the emerging risks we are likely to confront over the next decade have a different complexion to those of recent decades” and that what passes for resilience today will likely need to evolve over time.
Jones listed risks that could surface from within Australia’s banks such as a sudden withdrawal of deposits, sparked by social media and facilitated by the ease of digital transfers.
He cited the demise of California-based Silicon Valley Bank earlier this year, with technology amplifying rather than causing the bank’s woes. The bank lost 30% of its deposit base “in a matter of hours, with a further 50% poised to be withdrawn the following day”.
“In our current system, any bank would struggle to survive a run of this magnitude,” Jones said, noting the pace of deposit withdrawals exceeded any experienced during the global financial crisis and would have required provisions “far beyond” international guidelines to be resisted.
Australia’s financial system has so far avoided any major uptick in bad debts resulting from the fastest increase in official interest rates in more than three decades. Whether that successful run continues may hinge on how much higher borrowing costs go – with another RBA rate rise widely tipped for next week – and how long they stay high.
Jones cited other internal risks including spillovers from entities that were not individually systemically important thanks to the speed of money and information flows that can magnify “herding effects”. Higher volatility of interest rates after the “great moderation” of the past two decades also brought risks to the financial sector.
Read our full reports shortly.
Updated
‘Prepare now’ warning for residents about ‘out of control’ fire in Tabulam, NSW
A second bushfire near Tenterfield, NSW has been upgraded to a “watch and act” level, meaning there is a heightened level of threat and conditions are changing.
The NSW RFS said a bushfire is burning in inaccessible terrain south of Ogilvie Drive in the Tabulam area, 50km northeast of Tenterfield and spreading in a northeasterly direction.
Properties in the vicinity of Plains Station Rd and Ogilvie Drive should prepare now.
The fire is currently 65 hectares in size and is out of control. Conditions are expected to worsen today under a forecast of extreme fire danger.
Watch and Act: Ogilvie Drive Fire, Tabulum (Tenterfield LGA)
— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) October 30, 2023
A fire is burning in the vicinity of Ogilvie Drive, Tabulum. The fire is burning in a NE direction. Residents in the vicinity of Plains Station Rd and Ogilvie Dr should Prepare Now. https://t.co/cXcGLTtBSB pic.twitter.com/w4NVxZZ2Mt
Updated
And with that, the prime minister has concluded the press conference.
‘I always raise impediments to Australian trade,’ Albanese says ahead of meeting Chinese president
Reporter:
Will you be raising China’s ban on seafood when you meet the Chinese president later in the week?
Prime minister Anthony Albanese:
I always raise impediments to Australian trade.
I’m very pleased that issues such as barley, hay, timber and wine, are either resolved or on the way to being resolved. This makes an enormous difference. That’s why this engagement matters. $900m for barley, annually, to China, was the trade. $1.2bn when it comes to wine.
What that represents is Australian jobs. That’s why it’s in Australia’s interest to be engaged in the world. That’s why the improvement in relations between Australia and China are in both of our nation’s interests.
Updated
‘This is tragic,’ Albanese says on Queensland fires
Turning to the bushfires in Queensland, prime minister Anthony Albanese said a recovery centre has been established in Tara and the government expects 42,000 claims as a result of the fires so far.
Minister Murray Watt is visiting that area today to see what other support can be offered. I spoke to David Littleproud, the local member, yesterday, and offered my support. We’ll be kicking in that support.
Albanese said it is “heartbreaking scenes when people lose their houses”:
There’s been some 45 houses now assessed as destroyed, and of course, we’ve seen tragically a loss of life of a gentleman on Tuesday of last week, and a woman on Wednesday.
This is tragic … and it’s going to be a difficult summer. We are seeing more extreme weather events and they’re more intense. And the government needs to respond to that in the short-term, and of course my government is also responding, as is the Queensland government, in the long term as well, by recognising that climate change is real, and that it is having an impact.
Updated
Albanese dodges question on Paul Keating’s abstention from Israel-Hamas statement
Albanese is asked whether he supports the joint statement from all living former Australian prime ministers, and why he thinks Paul Keating did not sign it:
I think that’s a question for Paul Keating, I would have thought.
I support the positions that I’ve taken and the position in the parliament last Monday was done with overwhelming support.
It is important that we recognise that the attacks from Hamas on Israel are worthy of absolute condemnation in an unequivocal way. It’s also important to recognise that Israel has a right to defend itself, but how it does that matters. And we need to make sure as well that every civilian life is valued. Whether it be Israeli or Palestinian, every innocent loss of life is a tragedy.
Albanese said the government has provided $25m in humanitarian assistance to Gaza so far.
The people of Gaza, innocent people, are suffering. Innocent people of course in Israel, which is as a result of the attacks by Hamas, you saw people literally hunted down. And we continue to call as well for the release of hostages.
There’s no place for that sort of activity that we’ve seen. This is a very difficult time for people with families, whether they be in Israel or in Gaza.
Updated
Government continues to ‘urge opening of exit points’ for Australians in Gaza, Albanese says
Prime minister Anthony Albanese is speaking to the media from Bundaberg.
He said that the Australian government is concerned about any Australian citizens in Gaza.
Yesterday, foreign affairs minister Penny Wong said there are 88 Australians stuck in Gaza.
Speaking now, Albanese said:
We’re working as closely as we can to urge the opening up of exit points, including Rafah [crossing], an exit point where I have entered into Gaza in the past. So I’m familiar with that entry point.
We want Australians and other citizens to be able to leave. And we’re continuing to work through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to try to achieve that.
Updated
NSW organisations and minister for youth justice want age of criminal responsibility raised
The New South Wales minister for youth justice, Jihad Dib, has flagged his personal support for raising the age of criminal responsibility.
Speaking at a budget estimates hearing on Tuesday, Dib said:
It’s being discussed at a national level. There are discussions that are taking place. People want to see young people have the best opportunities in life.
Everyone can make a mistake but that shouldn’t be the defining moment of their life, and we can help them there. The age of criminal responsibility is one element of it.
His comments come after more than a dozen organisations formed a coalition to push the Minns Labor government to raise the age of criminal responsibility from 10 to at least 14.
Dib said he was “regularly” raising the issue with the NSW attorney general, Michael Daley.
Daley and his state, territory and federal counterparts have agreed to come to their December meeting with their respective positions on reform.
Updated
Victoria’s education minister says students’ marks ‘will not be impacted’ by errors in VCE exam
The Victorian education minister, Ben Carolll, has apologised for two errors contained in the VCE general maths exam.
He said the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority will now conduct an investigation and ensure no students are unfairly affected by the mistakes, which were largely in the formatting of the exam.
Carroll told reporters outside parliament:
First and foremost, we know how stressful doing any exam is for our year 12s and the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority and myself as the minister unreservedly apologise to the students and their families for what occurred. It is unacceptable given the checking and the vetting process that there were two errors.
Carroll said the first error, which was picked up before the exam, was an extra ‘of’ in a preamble of question 14 in the second paper. Due to the paper’s formatting, the preamble appeared to be part of an earlier question but was in fact the introduction to a new question.
The second error was another typo in a matrix-related question, which was discovered after the exam ended. Carroll said:
One error was picked up before the mathematics exam was undertaken but it was deemed too late to do the reprinting of that exam. Then there was a second error that occurred in a matrix that’s part of the exam. Students were instructed on the day to very clearly amend their sheet on the day of the examination but the second error wasn’t picked up.
He said students would not be unduly impacted:
They will not be impacted by this error … it will have no bearing on their marks.
Students also took to social media to complain about the difficulty of the exam.
Updated
Tenterfield fire now ‘watch and act’ status
A bushfire near Tenterfield in NSW has been upgraded to “watch and act” level, meaning here is a heightened level of threat and conditions are changing.
A bushfire about 250 hectares in size is burning 17km west of Tenterfield in the Woodside area, on Frost road.
The NSW RFS said the fire is spreading in an easterly direction under westerly winds, and conditions are expected to deteriorate today.
Fire conditions have increased on the south-eastern corner of the fireground, in the vicinity of Woodside Road and Log Hut Road.
Smoke and embers may be blown towards Tenterfield.
Watch and Act: Frost Rd, Woodside (Tenterfield LGA)
— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) October 30, 2023
A fire is burning in the vicinity of Frost Rd, Woodside, 17km west of Tenterfield. The fire is burning in a SE direction towards Woodside Rd. Residents in the vicinity of Woodside Rd should Prepare Now. https://t.co/sYWuLKRLpf pic.twitter.com/2f03YdisYJ
Updated
City of Sydney to light up for Christmas
It may be Halloween today, but the City of Sydney council has already announced some key elements of its Christmas program for this year.
The 24-metre Martin Place Christmas tree will again be the centrepiece of celebrations, with the program kicking off next month.
Christmas markets will be held in Martin Place from 25 and 26 November, with stalls selling food and gifts every Thursday, Friday and Saturday until Christmas.
Santa will enjoy a sleigh ride through the city before lighting the Martin Place tree underneath a fireworks display in November 30.
Sydney’s Lord mayor Clover Moore said she always looks forward to this time of year “when the city is buzzing with a festive atmosphere”.
We’ve got a fantastic month-long program of free events for families, shoppers and visitors to enjoy.
Choirs will perform at Martin Place throughout December and on George Street from mid-December. Six Christmas concerts for children will also take place over two weekends in December at Pyrmont, Surry Hills, Rosebery, Rushcutters Bay, Glebe and Alexandria.
Updated
Fire and Rescue NSW responds to 50 overnight calls for Sydney wind damages
Fire and Rescue NSW has given an update on the strong winds overnight across Sydney’s west and south-west.
A statement says FRNSW responded to more than 50 calls overnight, after gusts of more than 100km/h lashed some suburbs and left a trail of debris and destruction behind, causing some properties to lose power.
FRNSW says it was called in to assist the NSW SES with trees which crashed down on to houses and roads, fallen powerlines, and electrical wires arcing and sparking.
The majority of these incidents have now been responded to, a statement says, with emergency teams expected to clear the remainder over the coming hours.
A number of fires also occurred during the night but it’s unclear if any are related to the storm event.
No injuries, related to the wild weather, have been reported at this time.
Updated
Sam Kerr scores second place for Ballon d’Or best women’s footballer award
Matildas captain Sam Kerr has been named the second best women’s footballer on the planet after coming runner-up in the prestigious Ballon d’Or Feminin at a star-studded ceremony in Paris.
The Chelsea striker is the only player to have been nominated in all five of the women’s Ballon d’Or awards since its inception in 2018. She has finished third in the previous two editions of the award presented by France Football magazine.
You can read the full story here:
Updated
Queensland fires: Tara and Wieambilla residents urged to leave immediately
A new emergency warning has been issued for parts of Tara and Wieambilla in Queensland, with residents urged to leave immediately.
The Queensland Fire and Emergency Service said residents of properties between Wieambilla Road, Chinchilla Tara Road, Upper Humbug Road, Drildool Road, Joseph Street and Clynes/Weitzels Road should leave immediately.
The emergency warning, issued just before 9am local time, reads:
Your life could be at risk. It will soon be too dangerous to drive.
LEAVE IMMEDIATELY - Tara, Montrose North, Wieambilla and The Gums - Multiple Warnings - fire as at 8:52am Tuesday, 31 October 2023.
— Qld Fire & Emergency (@QldFES) October 30, 2023
For all current warnings, updates and mapping go to https://t.co/vqyJTUPBhe. pic.twitter.com/6QvPzerjG3
Updated
Worries about another interest rate rise dimmed consumer confidence
Last week’s release of hotter-than-hoped for inflation figures that fanned concerns about another one perhaps two rate rises to end this year appears to be the cause of a drop in consumer sentiment.
The weekly survey by ANZ and Roy Morgan found confidence dimming 3.2 points, with respondents in all states but Queensland less cheery than a week earlier.
The @ANZ_Research and @RoyMorganAus survey of consumer confidence took another dip last week after the increase in quarterly inflation fanned expectations of an interest rate rise next week. pic.twitter.com/py8MZMBe7w
— @phannam@mastodon.green (@p_hannam) October 30, 2023
Slightly oddly, the weekly survey for inflation expectations actually retreated 0.5 percentage points to 5.2%. Presumably that decline was because people were bracing for higher interest rates and hence, less inflation down the track. The four-week moving average was unchanged at 5.3%.
The ASX’s tracker of interest rate expectations, meanwhile, has pencilled in about a 50-50% chance of an RBA hike next week of its cash rate by 25 basis points to 4.25%. (Investors tend to rate the risk higher.)
Interestingly, the tracker suggests the official interest rate, once raised, won’t drop back to its current level until after March 2025. Sentiment, of course, can be fickle but punters and commentators do seem to be settling on a “higher for longer” theme for borrowing costs.
Just over half of superannuation members worried about retirement funds, Rest survey finds
A survey by superannuation fund Rest has found that financial stress is taking a toll on the mental health of 73% of its young members.
Young Rest members are disproportionately experiencing high levels of stress, mental and physical health impacts and high levels of pessimism as a result of cost-of-living pressures, the research found.
On top of this, 51% of Rest members are already worried about having enough super to retire, despite being three or four decades away from this.
CEO Vicki Doyle said the research “paints a sobering picture” of the experience of young Rest members and the short and long-term effects of the cost-of-living.
We know superannuation is not always front of mind for young people and encouraging them to engage with their super is a perennial challenge.
However, we do not want this current level of despondency to lead to many more young people disengaging entirely from their financial future which would make the challenge even more difficult.
The top drivers of financial stress for young Rest members include the rising cost of bills (81%), the inability to save enough for a house deposit (70%), the cost of rentals (62%), debt (54%) and work uncertainty (48%).
Data was collected over 22 days from 1596 people using an online survey. This included 516 Rest members aged 18 to 24.
Updated
Perth man charged over death of woman in her 30s
A man has been charged with murder over the death of a woman whose body was found in a luxury hotel room in Perth’s casino precinct, AAP reports.
Emergency services were called to Crown Towers east of the Perth CBD about 11am on Monday, where the woman in her 30s was found dead.
WA Police on Monday said a male in his 40s was also found in the room with serious self-inflicted injuries.
He was arrested and taken to Royal Perth hospital for treatment.
WA Police today said that homicide squad detectives had charged a 42-year-old man from Bibra Lake with murder and he would face Perth magistrates court on Tuesday.
Updated
Queensland fires: up to $5000 in federal help for households without insurance
The prime minister also spoke about the bushfires across Queensland, asked what federal help would be made available throughout the crisis.
Anthony Albanese said within areas declared disaster-affected, $180 in emergency assistance is available for individuals, and up to $900 for a family of five or more.
Support up to $5000 is available per household for uninsured residents to reconnect with essential services. And the governments Disaster Recovery Payment of a one-off $1000 per eligible adult and $400 per eligible child is also available, he said.
We make sure that support kicks in partnership with the state government. Murray Watt, the emergency services minister, is in the Darling Downs [region] today. I’ve had discussions as well, I spoke with David Littleproud, the local federal member, in their area worst-affected just yesterday.
Updated
Anthony Albanese continued speaking on the voice referendum to ABC Wide Bay:
And I think for Indigenous Australians, many of them are very disappointed by the outcome. And that’s understandable. If you look at the vote in places like Palm Island and Mornington and Yarrabah and the Northern Territory remote communities, overwhelmingly they voted yes in the order of up to 93% in one of those booths, but with a large majority.
John Howard spoke about our constitution being incomplete. That was 20 years ago. So, we said we would do something. We did it. We respect the outcome. And we’ll work with Indigenous communities and with all Australians to see how we can close the gap, how we can make a difference. Because I think Australians do want to see those gaps closed in health and housing and education and life expectancy.
Updated
Referendum process couldn’t have dragged on for any longer, Albanese says
On the voice referendum, prime minister Anthony Albanese told ABC Wide Bay it was “never about me” but about whether we’d recognise the first Australians in our constitution.
He said he believes it “was time that we did that”, and did it “in the form that was asked for” after the First Nations constitutional convention and the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
I think that process needed to be brought to a conclusion. Previous governments had said that they would hold a referendum and never never got around to it.
[Opposition leader] Peter Dutton has said it was Liberal Party policy, and still is, to hold a referendum, and it was over countless elections. You can’t continue to just drag that out. It was important the Australian people be given a say. They did that. We’ve respected the outcome of that. We need to find a different path to achieve reconciliation.
Albanese rejected claims the referendum cost $400m
It didn’t cost that. Peter Dutton has said that he wants to have another one, although I’m not sure that that’s held for more than a week. I’m a prime minister who, when I make a commitment and when I say I will do something, I do it.
And I think the Australian people understand that I was elected with a platform of having a referendum. As was Scott Morrison in 2019, as was Malcolm Turnbull in 2016 … so I think people understand and respect the fact that we said we would hold a referendum [and] we did.
Updated
Australia/China relationship and law of the sea is ‘very important’, Albanese says
Prime minister Anthony Albanese said Australia will raise points of difference with China during his visit, including reiterating that the UN convention on the law of the sea is “very important” and it is “important” that international law is respected in the South China Sea.
He said:
But when one in four of our export dollars heads to just one destination, China, more than the combination of the next three, the United States, South Korea, and Japan, then this is a relationship that has a direct impact on jobs here in Australia and on our economy.
That’s why the relationship is important. And that’s why my visit on the 50th anniversary of the first visit by Gough Whitlam back in 1973 will commemorate that.
Updated
Albanese government gives $19m to Bundaberg ginger beer to keep manufacturing onshore
The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, is in Bundaberg opening a new ginger beer factory and announcing the government has finalised the tender for an urgent care clinic.
He told ABC Wide Bay the Australian government provided $19m toward the $150m Bundaberg ginger beer project “to assist with the “manufacturing growth here to make sure that it’s stayed onshore”.
On his upcoming trip to China from 4 to 7 November, Albanese said:
I think the visit in itself is a positive. We’ve already seen some real breakthroughs in removing the impediments to trade that particularly were having an impact in our regions, whether that be in coal, in timber [or] in other products.
Albanese also spoke about the return of journalist Cheng Lei to Australia:
We saw the return of the journalist Cheng Lei who had been detained for three years now, back with her kids in Melbourne, and we want to see a stabilisation of the relationship, where we cooperate where we can.
He said Australia and China can “disagree [and] have differences” but also be “open and honest about them and can talk those issues through”:
We have different political systems, of course, and different values. But it always make sense to have dialogue [and] to be talking.
Updated
For people not near sobering up facility, emergency services will continue to provide support, Allan says
One of the main concerns about the reform is what will happen to people who are intoxicated in public who aren’t near the Collingwood sobering up facility.
Asked about those situations, Victorian premier Jacinta Allan said emergency services will continue to play a role:
Existing emergency services that are in place will continue to play a role in providing that additional support to people who need a little bit of extra help … If they can’t get access to a sobering up centre they can get support through our hospital system or our healthcare system.
Also … the mobile units by their very definition mean they’ll be out and about, they’ll be traveling around the suburbs to provide support.
Updated
Jacinta Allan rejects opposition’s calls to delay decriminalisation of public drunkenness
The Victorian premier, Jacinta Allan, has rejected calls from the opposition to delay the decriminalisation of public drunkenness until a new sobering up facility is complete.
From 7 November, being intoxicated in public will no longer be a crime and instead will be treated as a health issue.
But the opposition says the government should delay the implementation until late November, when a new sobering up facility in Collingwood is complete. They will be introducing a bill to parliament tomorrow and are looking for crossbench support.
Allan, however, says another facility in Collingwood – where a 12-month trial has been under way – will be available until the new sobering up centre is complete.
She said the “vast majority” of people who are intoxicated in public will not need to visit the facility. She told reporters:
As of next week, there will be 10 mobile units that will be made up of health experts, nurses, alcohol and drug workers will go out and provide outreach support … for the vast majority of people that support will be getting them home.
If there is a small number who need additional support, there is a facility that already exists. We’ll be adding to that facility by the end of November. And also from next week, there will be the additional Aboriginal-run health providers who are providing support to Indigenous Victorians.
This is just a commonsense approach, because being intoxicated in public shouldn’t be a crime. And from next week it won’t be. It’s up to the Liberal Party to explain why they want to keep criminalising this behaviour. Behaviour that has led to too many Indigenous Victorians ending up in a jail cell.
Updated
Winds leave 20,000 without power across south-west Sydney
Endeavour Energy says 20,000 customers are affected by power outages after strong winds impacted the network overnight.
In a post to Facebook, the energy company said homes and businesses across south-west Sydney, the Macarthur region, the Warragamba region and Campbelltown are now without power.
With a total fire ban in place today, crews will be taking additional precautions as they work to restore power:
This means additional safety inspections will be undertaken before power is restored to prevent fallen power lines starting a fire.
People are reminded to stay at least eight metres away from fallen power lines, and to be careful of damaged infrastructure hidden by fallen trees, branches and other storm debris.
Thank you for your understanding as our storm response continues.
Updated
Premier wants young town planners to ‘come and work’ for Victoria’s transport and planning department
The Victorian government has launched an advertising campaign to recruit 90 town planners to clear the backlog of applications in the system.
The premier, Jacinta Allan, is at RMIT University in the city to spruik the Department of Transport and Planning jobs to soon-to-be graduates.
She said the planners will work to clear the backlog of about 1,400 planning permit applications for multi-unit housing that have been sitting with councils for more than six months waiting for a decision.
Some 550 of those applications have been waiting for more than a year.
Of these, 78 projects have a development cost of more than $10m – and would deliver about 4,900 new homes.
The government is also lifting eligibility restrictions for its free TAFE program to encourage people to join the construction industry.
Allan said:
Whether you’re a young planner starting your career, or someone who’s been in the system for a little while, we want you to come and work in the Department of Transport and Planning because there is big pipeline of work ahead … We’ve said very clearly that we want to build 800,000 homes over the next decade.
Updated
Ex-PMs statement ‘clearcut reminder that Hamas is a terrorist organisation’, Simon Birmingham says
Opposition foreign affairs spokesperson Simon Birmingham said the joint letter from Australia’s ex-PMs on the Israel-Hamas war was a powerful statement.
(You can read more about the letter here, or read it in full here).
Speaking to Sky News, he said:
This letter … is a clearcut reminder that Hamas is a terrorist organisation, undertook these terrorist atrocities, caused such huge loss of life and if left without being brought under control, would pose a continued threat to Israel in the future.
Penny Wong, Kevin Rudd, Anthony Albanese and all on our side as well need to be making sure that in our statements, we are being crystal clear about the causes and genesis of this, which is Hamas as a terrorist organisation.
– with AAP
Updated
Rugby Australia thanks Eddie Jones’s ‘commitment to the Wallabies’ after head coach resignation
Eddie Jones has resigned as head coach of the Wallabies, and will depart the position on 25 November.
A statement from Rugby Australia confirms it has accepted his resignation:
Rugby Australia thanks Eddie for his commitment to the Wallabies in 2023, and wishes him the best in his future endeavours.
Announcements regarding the future of the Wallabies coaching staff will be made in due course.
Updated
CBA to offer solar panels and home batteries interest-free loans
Australia’s largest bank will make solar panels and home batteries available through interest-free loans as part of a growing portfolio of green finance offerings, AAP reports.
The Commonwealth Bank will launch the product today, offering loans of up to $30,000 for renewable energy technology ordered through partner UPowr.
Commonwealth Bank personal lending general manager Joel Larsen said the latest green loan offering was specifically designed to fund solar panels and batteries to as many customers who were interested in the technology but unable to meet the upfront cost:
A lot of people like the idea of solar, they like the idea of batteries, but the idea of making a big initial outlay and waiting a few years for it to pay back isn’t as appealing.
By being able to access solar and battery (technology) up-front with an interest-free loan, customers can start enjoying the benefits of power bill savings immediately rather than buying the solar solution but having to wait four or five years before it makes sense financially.
The new loans will allow Commonwealth Bank customers to apply for a quote on renewable energy products through partner UPowr and fund the products over one to five-year terms through its InstalPay program.
The loans would be interest-free, Larsen said, and available for sums up to $30,000.
Updated
Independent MP for Wentworth Allegra Spender has also thrown her support behind the joint letter, writing that “our ex-PMs have got it right”:
Our ex-PMs have got it right.
— Allegra Spender (@spenderallegra) October 30, 2023
Terrorism is a strategy determined to divide us.
“Our nation’s success depends on us not allowing conflict overseas to turn Australians against each other.” pic.twitter.com/ZSfFPvVnDi
‘Last thing this country needs is division’ over Israel-Hamas war, Bill Shorten says
More reactions to the former prime ministers’ joint statement on the Israel-Hamas war are coming through, via AAP:
Government services minister Bill Shorten said unity was needed despite the ongoing conflict in the region. He told Nine’s Today program:
The last thing this country needs is division based on the terrible scenes we’re seeing in Palestine and Israel. Hamas wins if this country becomes divided.
These statements by the ex-prime ministers should be acknowledged.
Shorten said the contents of the joint letter reflected the views of the federal government:
We feel desperately for the civilians and Palestine, but we also recognise that the psychotic nature of the gangster regime of Hamas is just despicable and needs to be rooted out.
Somehow, along the way, we’ve got to try and do it in a way which just minimises the suffering of civilians in all sides.
Updated
Western Downs mayor expects a ‘really rough day’ for fires
Western Downs mayor, Paul McVeigh, just spoke to ABC RN about the ongoing bushfire situation near Tara.
He said that today is going to be a “really rough day” on the fire front:
We’ve got a lot of area under control but on the north to north-west section … it’s going to be a very, very dangerous day. We’re expecting temperatures up around 37 degrees with variable winds.
McVeigh said more than 300 people have been through evacuation centres due to the fires, with most people either moving into accommodation or back to some of the homes that haven’t been destroyed.
He said the number of people now at evacuation centres is around 37.
McVeigh said 53 homes have been destroyed, plus 32 sheds and seven caravans.
It’s been a devastating time and we’re still identifying as we get back into some of the areas that [are] still very hot …
McVeigh said his community is strong but “there’s been a lot of devastation” and a lot of families are struggling.
Updated
Fewer Australians satisfied with democracy compared to Indo-Pacific neighbours, new report finds
Satisfaction with democracy among Australians has dropped as the nation falls behind other Pacific countries in its contentment, AAP reports.
Findings released by the Australian National University showed 77% of Australians were satisfied or very satisfied with democracy, compared to 81% in 2008.
The biggest change recorded was fewer Australians being very satisfied with the political system (14.2%) than 15 years ago (23.4%).
And fewer Australians were content with democracy compared to their neighbours across the Indo-Pacific.
The study found confidence in government had continued to decline among Australians since the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Education was found to be the clearest predictor of a person’s satisfaction with the political system. People who had not completed year 12 had the lowest score of being satisfied with a majority-rules process at 67.5%.
Australians with university degrees were much happier with democracy, with four in five people who had attained an undergraduate degree reporting satisfaction.
This dropped slightly to 82.3% for those with a postgraduate degree.
Updated
Sydney Airport operating single runways due to strong winds
Single runway operations will be enacted at Sydney Airport today due to strong westerly winds.
This is expected to lead to airborne and ground delays.
A spokesperson from Airservices Australia said this decisions is purely weather related to safeguard members of the public who are travelling:
Airservices Australia is expecting to enact single runway operations on/off at Sydney Airport today due to strong westerly crosswinds.
Airborne and ground delays are expected. It is recommended that passengers reach out to their airlines.
It is understood the single runway operations will be enacted on the Runway25 east-west cross runway.
Updated
Australia Palestine Advocacy Network accuses former PMs of ‘gut-wrenching hypocrisy’
Yesterday, all living former prime ministers of Australia (except Paul Keating) co-signed a statement regarding the Israel-Hamas war.
In response, the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN) has accused the prime ministers of allowing themselves to be used as a “tool” to “minimise Israel’s gross violations of international law for the past 75 years”.
A statement from the group reads:
The statement, drafted by the Zionist Federation of Australia, demonstrated explicit pro-Israel bias, failing to recognise Israeli responsibility for bombings that have already killed more than 8000 people in Gaza.
The joint letter says the prime ministers stand with all Jewish Australians and the Australian Palestinian community for the “suffering” being experienced. It also calls for humanitarian access to Gaza and reaffirms their support for a two-state solution.
APAN president Nasser Mashni said the statement rang “hollow”:
Their significant platform should have been used to echo calls by the United Nations for an immediate ceasefire.
How the former prime ministers could have the audacity to quote religious texts about peace while Israel is carpet bombing two million people in Gaza is gut-wrenching hypocrisy.
After posting a copy of the statement online yesterday, Malcolm Turnbull wrote:
I want to make it very clear. This statement was drafted exclusively by the former PMs and nobody else.
Tony Abbott praised Turnbull for his “great work” in drafting the joint letter, and said former treasurer Josh Frydenberg had approached all the former prime ministers for the statement.
You can read more on the letter below:
– with AAP
Updated
Chinese airlines resume flight paths to Sydney Airport, marking 86% recovery on pre-pandemic levels
All eight Chinese airlines that flew to Sydney Airport before the pandemic have now resumed operations to the city, as travel demand from mainland China soars.
On Monday afternoon, a Sichuan Airlines flight from Chengdu landed, the first from the airline to arrive at Sydney airport since February 2020.
From November, eight Chinese airlines and Qantas will run 85 return weekly services between Sydney and mainland China, marking an 86% recovery on pre-pandemic levels.
Operations have scaled up significantly since the beginning of the year when Chinese restrictions meant there were just a handful of flights in operation. In August, the Chinese government announced group tours – which accounted for about 30% of Chinese leisure travel to Australia before the pandemic – could resume, as the diplomatic relationship between Beijing and Canberra continued to thaw.
Geoff Culbert, Sydney Airport CEO, said:
The pace at which this market has returned has exceeded our expectations and will play a crucial role in supporting the recovery of tourism, business and student travel and the broader New South Wales economy.
Updated
NSW fires expected to 'burn intensely', NSW RFS commissioner says
NSW RFS commissioner Rob Rogers also spoke to Sunrise about bushfires across the state.
He said more fires broke out in Sydney overnight. Crews are trying to get a fire at Wallacia under control, but the real concern today will be in the north of the state around Tenterfield.
There is more than a dozen [fires] in those general areas.
A lot of those fires don’t have control lines and we are expecting those fires will burn intensely today.
Rogers said that residents need to take action:
We have found that people are quite concerned about fire, particularly [in] areas that [were] hit in that 2019-20 season, they are quite on edge. So I think they are more inclined to leave straight away as opposed to people who haven’t experienced fire for some years.
Updated
Fire at Tara ‘remains uncontained’, QFES acting deputy commissioner says
QFES acting deputy commissioner Joanne Greenfield also spoke to Sunrise this morning, and provided an update on the bushfire at Tara:
The Tara fire is quite large now and still remains uncontained in most of its edges.
Crews have been down there working overnight trying to strengthen the control line and try to bring areas of it into containment.
Last night, a “not safe to return” alert was issued for parts of Tara, Montrose North, Wieambilla and the Gums due to the ongoing bushfire.
NOT SAFE TO RETURN - Tara, Montrose North, Wieambilla and The Gums - Multiple Warnings - fire as at 7:58pm Monday, 30 October 2023.
— Qld Fire & Emergency (@QldFES) October 30, 2023
For all current warnings, updates and mapping go to https://t.co/vqyJTUPBhe. pic.twitter.com/FWzEmPRpvY
Updated
More than 80 fires burning in NSW
Turning to NSW: there are more than 80 fires burning across the state, with 36 not yet contained, as of 6am AEDT.
The NSW RFS said more than 600 firefighters are working to contain these fires.
This comes as seven total fire bans have been declared, as five areas face extreme fire danger ratings today.
There are six fires burning at “advice” level – meaning there is no immediate danger – across Tenterfield, Singleton, the Clarence Valley area and Donnybrook State Forest.
As of 6am, there are 87 fires across the state, with 36 not yet contained. There are over 600 firefighters working to contain these fires. Today there are 7 Total Fire Bans declared with 5 areas facing Extreme fire danger ratings. For more info visit https://t.co/SwFG8PAiJ8 pic.twitter.com/sqvXMXagr2
— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) October 30, 2023
Updated
NZ fire crews to arrive in Queensland on Sunday, as conditions remain extreme
Acting deputy commissioner of the Queensland Fire and Emergency Service, Joanne Greenfield, just spoke to ABC News Breakfast with an update on the state’s bushfires.
She said there is an extreme fire danger weather warning for the Darling Downs and Granite Belt areas today, with high fuel loads, hot and dry weather, and wind forecast, “conductive to fire behaviour if it hits the ground”.
Crews have worked over the weekend and overnight to work on fires of concern and build containment lines, she added.
We hope it’s put us in a good place. As we know, once the conditions come in it can be unpredictable and fires can break over the lines.
Greenfield said teams from Victoria are already on the ground providing assistance, with crews also due to fly in tomorrow.
QFES has also received confirmation that crews from New Zealand will be coming to help, arriving on the 5 November and hitting the fire ground the following day – one strike team and an IMT.
We’ll be increasing those requests over the coming days and waiting for confirmation.
We’re really trying to rotate the crews, we moved a lot of resources around the state yesterday to make sure all the assets were in the right place at the moment.
Updated
Strong winds blow across Sydney’s west
Strong winds have damaged roofs and blown trees down on to roads and power lines in Sydney’s west, AAP reports.
The NSW State Emergency Service said it received 162 calls for help since 3am on Tuesday, with the majority coming from Camden, Campbelltown, Liverpool and Penrith.
Significant damage has been reported with parts of roofs blown off residential and commercial properties, trees falling on to houses and scaffolding falling.
Just before 3am wind gusts of 104km/h were recorded at Badgerys Creek, while 98km/h winds were recorded at Camden.
SES volunteers were helping with the clean-up early on Tuesday.
The Transport Management Centre urged motorists to take care and allow extra travel time as a number of roads were closed due to fallen trees and power lines.
Winds were expected to ease below warning thresholds before sunrise.
Updated
Good morning everyone! Thanks to Martin for kicking things off. I’m Emily Wind, and I’ll be taking you through our rolling coverage today.
See something that needs attention on the blog? You can send me an email: emily.wind.casual@theguardian.com.
With that, let’s get started.
‘Switchcraft’, lolly theft and a ‘Taylor Swiftkin pumpkin’
Speaking of Halloween, parents are facing the vexing issue of their progeny returning home with metric tonnes of mood-altering sugar.
We asked some to share their tactics to reduce their kids treats supply. Frankly, some of it amounts to larceny.
Overseas, of course, Americans are going all out. And there’s a surprising choice for this year’s most terrifying person: Taylor Swift. In one front yard, she has been celebrated as a huge pumpkin.
Meanwhile in the UK, heaven knows they’re miserable now. And they’re marking it with a very Goth Halloween.
Updated
Aussies spend big this Halloween
You may be aware it’s Halloween tonight. Or your wallet might be.
Australia’s love for the spooky season continues to grow, with more than 5.3 million Australians estimated to celebrate Halloween, AAP reports.
Across the nation, sales of Halloween-themed merchandise such as decorations and tableware are up 25% from 2022, a consistent trend over five years.
Overall spending on Halloween including food and costumes has increased 14% since 2022, with retail spending data forecasting $490m will be spent on the spooky occasion.
Australians are expected to spend an average $93 on Halloween in 2023, an increase of $7 from 2022.
Roy Morgan and the Australian Retailers Association conducted the survey of 3633 people aged over 18, which found 40% of people aged 35-49 were making plans for Halloween.
Association chief executive Paul Zahra said:
Halloween is now a global phenomenon and is increasingly becoming a cherished Aussie tradition.
Supermarkets are set to sell almost one million kilograms of pumpkins as part of the decorating craze.
Updated
Windy Sydney set for another extreme fire danger day
Sydney will face a second straight day of extreme fire danger due to forecast hot and windy conditions.
The Greater Sydney, Illawarra/Shoalhaven, New England, northern slopes and north western regions are all due to face extreme fire danger today.
Under extreme fire danger, people should prepare to protect their life and property, check their bushfire plan and ensure their property is fire ready.
Travel through bushfire risk areas should also be reconsidered.
The regions are among seven facing total fire bans in NSW amid the forecast of deteriorating conditions.
Warm and dry weather with fresh north-westerly winds is forecast, with potentially severe afternoon and early evening thunderstorms forming along the northern half of the coast and ranges.
A milder, fresh south to south-westerly change is expected to spread across the state throughout the day.
Updated
Extreme fire danger forecast for Tara blaze in Queensland
Firefighters are bracing for extreme conditions as they battle a deadly blaze west of Brisbane for a second week, Australian Associated Press reports.
There was some reprieve on Monday for fatigued crews trying to contain the Western Downs fire thanks to milder conditions.
However an extreme fire danger today is forecast for the Darling Downs and Granite Belt area where the Tara blaze continues to threaten houses.
The fire has already claimed one life and destroyed almost 50 houses in the past week, at one stage forcing hundreds to evacuate their homes.
It is one of 80 fires currently burning in Queensland.
Overall, there have been 900 fires across the state in the past 10 days.
Yesterday, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) acting deputy commissioner Joanne Greenfield warned:
When fire gets on the ground it will be quite hard to control. To help us with that we’ve put in fire bans across the state.
Total fire bans are in place for 64 of Queensland’s 77 local government areas ahead of today’s scorcher, with high temperatures and strong winds forecast.
Interstate crews are on their way to help, with 12 fire trucks from Victoria expected.
Incident management teams and air attack supervisors are also set to join local crews.
Updated
Welcome
Good morning and welcome to our rolling news coverage. I’m Martin Farrer brining you our best overnight stories and breaking news.
Stan Grant has given a powerful and emotional speech analysing the failure of the voice referendum, saying that Australia was not “big enough” to recognise the injustice suffered by Indigenous people and that public figures who talk about racism in Australia are characterised as “troublemakers”. He also delivered what appeared to be a swipe at Indigenous no campaigner Jacinta Nampijinpa Price for having “no tolerance for history”.
With Peter Dutton training his wrecking ball on Labor’s plans to boost Australia’s take up of renewables, our latest Essential poll offers some insight into why he thinks it might fly with voters. Fewer than one in three voters believe Australia is on track to meet the Albanese government’s target of net zero emissions by 2050, according to our latest Essential poll. It also shows that half of Australians support nuclear energy, and although renewables remain popular, their local impact and transmission infrastructure are a concern.
Australia has dramatically increased its overall support to the Pacific in 2021 to become the leading source of loans, while Beijing is targeting its financing to “the most China-friendly island states”, according to the Lowy Institute’s latest Pacific aid map.
Today, firefighters in Queensland are bracing for extreme conditions after a day of relative reprieve. And Sydney faces its second day of extreme fire danger in hot and windy conditions. More on that coming up.
And tonight will see Australia’s love of Halloween continue to grow, with a news estimate that we will spend $490m on Halloween-themed food and costumes this year, up 14% from last year.
