What we learned, Friday 1 November
And with that, we are going to put the blog to bed. Before we go, let’s recap the big stories:
Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie admitted she had actually received a flight upgrade after earlier this week being adamant she hadn’t.
A court ruled that Pauline Hanson’s tweet where she said Mehreen Faruqi should “piss off back to Pakistan” is unlawful. Hanson responded to the federal court finding against her by saying she is “deeply disappointed” and will be appealing.
New data from the ATO revealed almost a third of companies paid no income tax in 2022-23.
Dark Mofo is returning next year after skipping a year, with the festival announcing it will be back for a full return in 2025 including a music program, the winter feast, the ogoh-ogoh, night mass and the nude solstice swim.
Victorian Greens MP for Prahran, Sam Hibbins, stood down from the party after revealing he had a “consensual relationship with a staff member from my office”.
PwC Australia sacked eight staff last financial year due to their involvement in undisclosed data breaches.
The new Queensland premier, David Crisafulli, announced his cabinet, raising eyebrows by going back on an election promise to appoint the shadow cabinet he went to the election with.
Documents revealed PwC International leaders threatened their Australian counterparts with expulsion from the network unless they handed over ultimate control of the consultancy firm’s response to the damaging tax leaks scandal.
A 35-year-old Perth man died after being arrested and taken to Perth watch house.
Thank you for spending part of your day with us. And for those who celebrate – have a wonderful Friday evening.
Updated
Family of driver involved in school crash 'wishing this was just a bad dream’
The family of the driver involved in the Hawthorn East incident, which led to the death of an 11-year-old boy and seriously injured four other children, have put out a statement.
They say:
No words can truly convey the depth of this tragedy. We are all in shock, wishing this was just a bad dream, but sadly this is our reality.
To Jacks family, we can only offer our heartfelt condolences; our hearts go out to you and to every family affected by this loss.
To those injured, may you heal quickly – God bless you all. As a family with children, we feel this grief profoundly, sharing in the pain others now carry. It’s not about the words we say, but the genuine sorrow held within our hearts.
May God watch over everyone and provide strength and comfort to those who are suffering. We thank the school staff and emergency workers who responded. We have assisted with the investigation and please ask for privacy while we come to terms with such an overwhelming tragedy.
Updated
