What we learned, Tuesday 23 August
And that’s where we’ll leave you today. Here’s what happened:
Anthony Albanese released advice from the solicitor general, Stephen Donaghue, that found former PM Scott Morrison’s secret additional ministry appointments were legal but “fundamentally undermined” responsible government. He urged Morrison to apologise to the Australian people.
Albanese also said he had asked his department to close the disclosure loophole, and that cabinet had approved an inquiry to consider the “implications” of Morrison’s actions.
Morrison, meanwhile, said he did not “misuse” the powers he conferred upon himself, and that he had “reflected” on the issue over the past week, and that he “took the decisions I did as prime minister with the best of intentions”. He did not apologise.
The head of Investment NSW, Amy Brown, has announced she will step down from her role after a months-long saga over the appointment of former deputy premier John Barilaro to a lucrative New York trade job.
Musician John Farnham was admitted to hospital for surgery and treatment after being recently diagnosed with cancer.
The ACT magistrate’s court has adjourned Nick Kyrgios’ assault matter to 4 October, rejecting his lawyer’s bid for a longer delay until November.
Thanks for reading. We’ll see you again tomorrow.
Updated
John Farnham’s cancer surgery is reportedly a 12-hour operation to remove a tumour, according to Seven.
Australian music legend John Farnham is undergoing marathon surgery in a shock cancer battle. The 73-year-old was admitted for a 12 hour operation to remove a tumour that's only just been discovered. https://t.co/S3QztPV1wD @JaydeVincent @CameronBaud7 #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/BNWvJFDNT7
— 7NEWS Melbourne (@7NewsMelbourne) August 23, 2022
