The day that was, Wednesday 6 July
That’s all for today on the live blog. Thanks for reading.
Here’s what happened:
- The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, and the NSW premier, Dominic Perrottet have visited flood-ravaged parts of New South Wales, as flood disaster payments of $1,000 for adults, and $400 for children will be made available from 2pm tomorrow.
- Rain has eased in Sydney areas hit by flooding but concern remains for the mid-north coast of NSW.
- The MV Portland Bay arrived safely in Port Botany after two days of being stranded off the coast south of Sydney.
- Atagi has been asked to consider whether a fourth dose of a Covid-19 vaccine should be extended to all adults, as the TGA grants provisional determination to two Pfizer vaccines targeting the Omicron variant.
- There were at least 44 reported Covid-19 deaths.
- ANZ, CBA, NAB, Westpac and Macquarie Bank all announced they would pass on the 0.5% interest rate rise.
- The federal government stepped up biosecurity measures at international airports in response to the highly-contagious foot and mouth disease being detected in Bali.
- The NSW health department has confirmed 11 cases of monkeypox in the state, with two of the cases suspected of being transmitted within Australia.
Until tomorrow, I hope you stay safe and warm.
Updated
Portland Bay first responders praised for ‘tireless efforts’
First responders have been commended for the successful operation to move the MV Portland Bay safely into Botany Bay this afternoon after its engines failed.
The Port Authority of NSW CEO Philip Holliday acknowledged the “heroic efforts” of towage crews who worked day and night to keep the ship’s crew safe.
From the moment Port Authority was appointed incident controller at 10.20am on Monday ... the professionalism and skill of the mariners involved were on display for the world to see in truly atrocious conditions. Thank you for your tireless efforts.
Behind the scenes, a multifaceted group of professionals worked tirelessly to make this operation a success – too many to call out by name but know it was the cumulative impact of everyone’s efforts together that made the difference.
Keeping the vessel stable and away from the coastline, then ultimately, bringing the vessel in for further repairs was a complex task in very challenging conditions.
The crew are reported to be well and “relieved” to have reached the safety of the port where they will conduct further repairs. AMSA has now assumed responsibility for the ship.
Updated
