What happened Monday 19 December, 2022
With that, we’ll finish our live coverage of the day’s news.
Here’s a summary of the day’s main news developments:
Argentina defeated France in a penalty shootout to win the world cup. You can read the Guardian’s extensive coverage, which includes reports from Doha, Buenos Aires and Paris, here.
Australia’s foreign affairs minister, Penny Wong, will fly to China this week to mark a key diplomatic milestone in the latest sign of easing tensions between the two countries.
Victoria police have charged three men in relation to the mass pitch invasion at the A-League Men Melbourne derby on Saturday.
The Albanese government has been accused of betraying public schools after delaying a new funding agreement by one year.
The founder of Hillsong church, Brian Houston, has told a court he believes his father was a “serial paedophile” and the extent of his crimes may not be known.
Australians are being urged not to seek out contaminated baby spinach products for a recreational high after more than 130 people who ate a range of fresh food items suffered symptoms including hallucinations and delirium. Late on Monday, Food Standards Australia New Zealand confirmed that all affected products linked to the Riviera Farms baby spinach in question have been identified and recalled.
Have a great evening. We’ll be back again tomorrow.
Updated
NSW government settles Widjabul Wia-bal native title claim
The federal court has recognised the Widjabul Wia-bal people hold native title over more than 11,500 hectares around the Lismore area in northern NSW.
On Monday, the NSW government settled a native title claim over public land and waters in the Northern Rivers area including flood-ravaged Lismore in a historic court sitting in Goonellabah, reports AAP.
The decision means native title holders have legally recognised rights to access the parks and practise their culture in parks, including camping and using resources.
Ashley Moran, a Widjabul Wia-bal claimant, told hundreds of Indigenous residents in attendance the arduous process had taken more than 20 years to be finalised.
“Native title recognition is a long process that started from the efforts of a number of elders way back in 2002,” he said.
The 1992 high court success of Eddie Mabo, a Meriam man, recognised native title in Australian law for the first time.
Attorney general Mark Speakman said the court’s determination marked an important moment for the Widjabul Wia-bal of the Bundjalung Nation, who have cared for the land and waters for thousands of years.
Appearing in court as NSW’s first law officer, Speakman provided oral submissions on behalf of the state.
“We recognise what the Widjabul Wia-bal have always known – this is Widjabul Wia-bal land,” Speakman said.
“The Widjabul Wia-bal and the NSW government have worked together to deliver the Widjabul Wia-bal’s vision for greater land management opportunities, economic prosperity and employment opportunities.”
“Today is both a solemn and joyous occasion”, the attorney general said in a packed gym on Monday. “Solemn because of the gravity of the Widjabul Wia-bal being formally recognised by this court as the native title holders of this area under their traditional laws and customs.”
“Joyous because your honour will recognise what the Widjabul Wia-bal people have always been told by their old people – that this is their country, always was and always will be”.
Updated
Search for missing bushwalker last seen three weeks ago in Victoria’s east
Meanwhile, a forest search is under way in Victoria’s east for a missing bushwalker who was last seen three weeks ago.
The Paynesville man’s orange Subaru was found abandoned on a remote track in the Colquhoun Forest in East Gippsland on Saturday night, reports AAP.
The man, known as Geoffrey, was last seen by neighbours about three weeks ago although it’s not known what date he left to go on his hike.
Police believe the 75-year-old may have travelled to the area to observe bats near the Den of Nargan cave system.
There are concerns for Geoffrey’s welfare as he has several medical conditions that require regular medication.
A large search involving the air wing and dog squad was under way on Monday afternoon.
Geoffrey is described as being 180cm tall with a medium build, blue eyes, a pale complexion and white hair and beard.
Updated
Victorian couple missing in state’s south-west found
Two people who went missing in Victoria’s south-west have been found alive and well, reports AAP.
The couple set off from Oakleigh East in Melbourne’s east on Friday to go four-wheel driving but failed to return to pick up their dogs from family on Sunday night.
Police searched the Grampians national park for the 50-year-old Murrumbeena man and 37-year-old Oakleigh East woman after they were last seen leaving Dunkeld on Sunday morning.
Police on Monday afternoon confirmed the pair had been found safe and well.
It’s understood their car became bogged in the vicinity of Glenelg River Road in the Grampians.
One of them was able to walk out of bushland and notify authorities, a police spokesperson said.
Neither person was injured and both declined treatment from paramedics.
Updated
Calls for Penny Wong to raise human rights concerns on Beijing trip
Human rights advocates have called on Penny Wong to raise the case of Australians and their family members who may be missing or wrongfully detained in China when the foreign minister visits Beijing this week.
Human Rights Watch has also called on Wong to raise concerns about human rights in Xinjiang when she meets with Chinese officials on Wednesday at events to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Australia and China.
Elaine Pearson, Asia director at Human Rights Watch, said “human rights should be a central component” of Wong’s trip, “given she will be meeting with leaders of a government that have committed serious abuses that may amount to crimes against humanity, according to the UN”.
Pearson said:
Before leaving, we hope that Wong has taken the time to meet with victims and survivors of Chinese government human rights violations, including those with family members still in China.
Australian officials should compile lists of Australian citizens’ and permanent residents’ family members missing, forcibly disappeared, or wrongfully detained in China, and specifically ask Foreign Minister Wang Yi for their freedom. Wong and the Australian delegation should also make themselves available to meet with independent activists in China.
Pearson also said that “Wong is no doubt under pressure from the Chinese government to downplay human rights in this first high level visit for years – a standard to which Beijing will try to hold other democracies”.
“This is all the more reason for Wong to demonstrate her government’s commitment to human rights bilaterally as well as in forums such as the United Nations.”
Updated
Not kept up with the day’s news? Check out Guardian Australia’s afternoon update:
Three charged over A-League Melbourne Derby pitch invasion
Victoria police have charged three men in relation to the mass pitch invasion at the A-League Mens Melbourne Derby on Saturday.
All three of the men, aged 23, 19 and 18, presented at police stations on Monday, Victoria police said in a statement.
The 23-year-old man, from Craigieburn, was charged in relation to an alleged incident involving Melbourne City’s goalkeeper, Thomas Glover, who was struck in the head by a metal bucket full of sand.
He was charged with violent disorder, discharge missile, intent to cause injury, recklessly cause injury, unlawful assault, entry to sporting competition space, disrupting a match, public nuisance and riotous behaviour.
The 19-year-old man, from Meadow Heights, was charged in relation to a separate alleged assault on Glover, as well as an alleged assault on a security guard.
He was charged with violent disorder, discharge missile, three counts of unlawful assault, entry to competition space, disrupting a match, public nuisance, riotous behaviour, discharge and possess flare.
The 18-year-old man, from Alphington, was charged in relation to the separate assault on Glover, as well as criminal damage caused to the venue, AAMI Park stadium.
He was charged with violent disorder, criminal damage, unlawful assault, entry to competition space, disrupting a match, public nuisance and riotous behaviour.
All three of the men have been bailed to appear before Melbourne magistrates court on 27 February. Detectives are continuing to investigate Saturday night’s incident, including trawling through vision of the pitch invasion, and have appealed to the public for assistance. They believe more than 150 football fans ran on to the field.
Police believe approximately 50 flares were lit within the stands and at least three were thrown on to the field, four men were injured during the incident, including a goalkeeper, cameraman and two security guards.
Approximately $120,000 worth of damage was caused to the venue, with bottles were thrown at the Public Order Response Team who responded on the field.
Earlier on Monday, the game’s governing body, Football Australia, told Melbourne Victory it had until Wednesday morning to respond to a show-cause notice issued to the club.
Read more:
Updated
A young boy who is in hospital after being attacked by a dingo in Queensland is stable and “doing well”, a spokesperson from Hervey Bay hospital has said.
The child, aged five, was bitten on the head, arm, and buttocks at the remote Ocean Lake camping area in K’gari (Fraser Island) on Sunday afternoon.
“The child sustained multiple minor bites before his father managed to get the dingo off him,” RACQ LifeFlight Rescue said.
Park rangers said the boy had not provoked the dingo and would investigate to identify the animal involved.
Read more:
Low-income families falling hundreds of dollars short of essentials, report shows
Thousands of low-income families in Queensland don’t have enough money to meet basic living standards or dietary needs due to surging rental costs and inadequate welfare payments, according to a report.
Queensland Council of Social Services modelling shows unemployed single parents and families where only one parent is able to work are the most vulnerable to financial shocks, emergencies or unplanned expenses.
About 60,477 single parents are falling $200.53 short, and families with one working parent are $174.23 short of meeting basic living expenses every week, the report said.
Read more:
Updated
Victorian offshore windfarm zone ‘rich in energy and rich in jobs’
Australia’s first offshore windfarm zone has been labelled a gamechanger by environmental advocates and is expected to drive further investment in the renewables industry.
Gippsland’s coast in south Victoria will be home to the turbines, with the heavy winds of the Bass Strait offering plenty of wild weather to power Australian homes.
The zoned area covers about 15,000 sq km from Lakes Entrance in the east to south of Wilsons Promontory in the west.
The projects are expected to support more than 3,000 jobs over the next 15 years in development and construction phases and an extra 3,000 ongoing operation jobs.
Read more:
Updated
NSW parliament to resume for special sitting on energy relief
New South Wales parliament will be recalled this Wednesday to pass the federal government’s energy relief package.
Premier Dominic Perrottet has announced the parliament - which had been in recess ahead of the next state election in March - will resume for a special sitting to pass the relief package agreed to in National Cabinet.
The legislation had already passed federal parliament, but elements of the plan need to be passed by the states. The package will see the price of black coal capped at $125 a tonne and the price of gas at $12 a gigajoule.
The commonwealth has agreed to transfer $1.5bn to the states and territories to cut energy bills for eligible households and small businesses.
Perrottet said:
The NSW government has worked carefully with the commonwealth to secure a package which will provide financial relief for NSW households and businesses facing increased energy costs while also supporting industry to ensure energy security across the electricity grid.
The cap on coal and gas prices will help drive down the cost of energy for households and businesses in NSW, with commonwealth modelling showing that the caps will provide an estimated average saving of $230 per household.
The actions we take here in NSW will also deliver price relief for customers right across Australia.”
Updated
Labor criticised over school funding policy
The Albanese government has been accused of betraying public schools after delaying a new funding agreement by one year.
On Friday, the council of education ministers decided to extend the deal until December 2024, meaning governments will not have to increase public school funding beyond existing commitments until 2025.
The federal education minister, Jason Clare, defended the delay as necessary to conduct a review to ensure funding is directed to the neediest students, but the Australian Education Union (AEU) has warned “resources delayed are resources denied”.
Public schools receive 20% of the schooling resourcing standard (SRS) from the federal government and up to 75% from the states, but due to a loophole for capital depreciation, are set to remain at 91% of full funding for the rest of the decade.
Read more:
Updated
Elderly man found dead at northern Sydney brothel
Emergency crews were called to the adult establishment in Hornsby about 5.30pm on Sunday, responding to concerns for the man’s welfare, reports AAP.
A man, believed to be in his 70s, was found dead at the premises, NSW Police said.
Police have established a crime scene, which will undergo forensic examination.
“An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident is underway,” a police spokesperson said.
NSW Ambulances were unable to comment on the nature of the man’s death.
Updated
Football Australia gives Melbourne Victory show-cause deadline
Melbourne Victory have until Wednesday morning to respond to a show-cause notice issued to the club as the search for those involved in the shocking scenes that blighted Saturday’s Melbourne derby continues.
In their submission to Football Australia, the A-League Men’s club will have to show why they should escape heavy sanctions for the behaviour of their fans, who stormed on to the AAMI Park pitch, leaving a player, the match official and a camera operator injured, and causing the match to be abandoned.
Victory could be hit with financial penalties, the loss of competition points and playing matches behind closed doors or on neutral territory. The individuals involved face possible life bans from FA.
Read more:
Updated
Warmer weather on the way
The unseasonably cold and wet start to summer in much of Australia is to end, with temperatures rising this week in the lead-up to a warm Christmas Day.
The Bureau of Meteorology has released its official Christmas Day forecast and it’s promising warm and dry weather for most of the country.
Read the forecasts for capital cities here:
Updated
#Sydney has now exceeded 2.5 metres of rain in 2022, more than doubling its long-term annual mean of 1213 mm and easily beating the city's previous annual record of 2194mm from 1950. Yearly rainfall records in Sydney date back to 1859.
— Ben Domensino (@Ben_Domensino) December 19, 2022
More details here: https://t.co/umo39KoWAH pic.twitter.com/G0y1d3eSpk
The father of Hillsong founder Brian Houston said at the time he sexually abused an underage boy he was feeling “emotionally low”, a Sydney court has heard.
Frank Houston also told his son that his own grandfather had come home drunk one night and abused him when he was growing up, the court was told on Monday.
Brian Houston, 68, is accused of covering up his father’s abuse until Frank Houston’s death in November 2004, after learning of the crime when his father confessed to him in 1999.
Houston has pleaded not guilty and told the court his father had met his victim at Sydney’s Redfern station and organised to pay him $2,000, later topped up with a $10,000 payment when Houston intervened.
Read more:
Updated
Thanks for your attention today! I hand you over to the excellent Elias Visontay.
Knife threats and flashing reported amid spike in customer aggression this Christmas trading period
Retail workers are seeing a spike in customer aggression this Christmas trading period, including being flashed and threatened, retail groups are warning.
Australia’s peak retail body, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association (SDA) have released a joint statement “pleading for civility and mutual respect” towards retail workers.
The statement has laid bare how bad the situation can get, with reported instances in retail stores during Christmas trading this year including:
A retail worker flashed by a customer at work.
A customer pulling a knife on a staff member.
A worker threatened with physical violence and threats made against their life.
Customers becoming abusive when denied discounts.
A customer throwing a product at a staff member because their refund was refused.
The spike in aggression comes as labour shortages across the sector, combined with ongoing supply chain issues, are creating “unprecedented levels of anxiety” according to the two associations.
SDA’s national secretary, Gerard Dwyer, said there is no excuse for abusing retail and fast-food workers.
We know that Christmas is always a busy time for everyone, as the pressure builds up getting ready for end of season festivities. But even with seasonal stress, there’s just no excuse for abusing retail and fast-food workers. No one deserves to turn up to work with the fear of being abused.
We’ve also found young workers, women and workers from diverse linguistic backgrounds can be disproportionately singled out for mistreatment.
This Christmas season, make sure to stay calm and show kindness to workers and fellow shoppers – and make it a joyful season for everyone.
ARA’s CEO, Paul Zahra, says:
We must remember that these workers are sacrificing precious time in the holiday season to ensure shoppers can treat their loved ones – and with staff shortages and frenzied demand, there’s obviously going to be some hiccups and longer queues particularly in the last week before Christmas day.
Updated
Severe thunderstorm warning for Queensland
⛈️#Thunderstorm forecast today: potential for severe thunderstorms across the Channel Country, Central West and North West, including #Birdsville and #MountIsa. Main hazards will be gusty winds and locally heavy rainfall.
— Bureau of Meteorology, Queensland (@BOM_Qld) December 18, 2022
Monitor for warnings at https://t.co/FBmpsInT9o pic.twitter.com/ybqh3wCr9Q
164 people in NSW report side effects from toxic spinach
NSW Health have released an update on the toxic spinach recall.
As of yesterday, 164 people in NSW have reported symptoms after eating baby spinach and at least 42 of these people have sought medical attention.
NSW Health are still advising people not to consume several baby spinach products following a national recall due to cases of possible food-related toxic reactions. The full list of affected baby spinach products are listed on the Food Standards Australia New Zealand website and the community is urged to regularly check the website for updates.
NSW Health:
NSW Health advises the recalled products are not safe to consume and people who have purchased these recalled products should throw them out or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Anyone who has eaten spinach and is experiencing symptoms, please call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26.
NSW Health urges anyone who experiences any unusual and severe symptoms to seek immediate medical attention by visiting their nearest emergency department. In the event of an emergency, call Triple Zero (000).
Reported symptoms can be severe, including:
Delirium or confusion
Hallucinations
Dilated pupils
Rapid heartbeat
Flushed face
Blurred vision
Dry mouth
To understand how the spinach came to be toxic, my colleague Tamsin Rose spoke to experts about how a weed has likely caused the situation following flooding:
Updated
Coalition welcomes Wong's trip to Beijing
The Coalition has welcomed plans by the foreign affairs minister, Penny Wong, to travel to Beijing for talks this week.
Wong’s predecessor, Marise Payne, last visited Beijing four years ago – in November 2018 – but the then trade minister Simon Birmingham also visited China’s capital in 2019.
Birmingham, who is now the Coalition’s foreign affairs spokesperson, welcomed Wong’s trip:
I wish minister Wong well in her pursuit with the Chinese government of productive discussions and outcomes positive to our national interest.
He said it was “always counterproductive for the Chinese government to cease ministerial dialogue for a period of time”.
Birmingham said he also welcomed the Albanese government’s maintenance of the Morrison government’s key policy settings even as it stepped up the push for dialogue. He also set a high bar for success:
It is welcome that the Albanese government has continued the former Coalition government’s recognition of the strategic challenges Australia faces and important that they pursue the stabilisation of Australia-China relations while remaining committed to protecting Australia’s national interests.
The ultimate test of any dialogue lies in the outcomes achieved. Minister Wong’s visit will be judged on progress towards the removal of unwarranted tariffs and sanctions on Australian exports; achieving fair and transparent treatment of Australians currently detained in China; advancing regional security via respect for international law; and securing greater transparency on human rights issues of concern. Australia should also continue to appeal for China to use its influence on Russia to end the immoral and illegal invasion of Ukraine.
Updated
Mayors back Voice to parliament in grassroots public awareness campaign
Mayors from across Australia have made a joint statement in support of the Uluru Statement from the Heart and the upcoming referendum on the Voice to parliament.
The 38 mayors from 7 states and territories, have also committed to civic education of their communities about the importance of the referendum.
Darcy Byrne, the mayor of the Inner West Council which has recruited 800 citizens to undertake training about the Uluru Statement, said local government has a crucial role to play:
Mayors from across the continent, representing urban, regional and remote communities, have come together to say that public awareness about this historic referendum must be built from the grassroots up.
We are all ready to help inform and educate our communities about the Uluru Statement and create conversations about the referendum in suburbs and towns throughout Australia.
Thomas Mayo, a campaigner for From the Heart, said “it is local community support that will drive a successful referendum campaign,” adding that he looked forward to partnering with councils on the initiative.
The 38 Mayors for the Voice to Parliament have said in a joint statement:
We the undersigned endorse the Uluru Statement from the Heart and support constitutional recognition for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through a Voice to Parliament.
As local leaders we are committed to building awareness in our communities about the upcoming referendum.
Our citizens should be informed about what constitutional recognition through a Voice to Parliament will mean for Indigenous people and Australian society as a whole.
Local government must play an important role in holding civic forums, promoting dialogue, and providing a platform for Indigenous voices to be heard in the debate.
We believe that a successful referendum can be a unifying achievement for Australia.
We are ready to work with all levels of government to educate and inform our communities about why this referendum is such an important moment for our nation.
Updated
Penny Wong to travel to China to mark 50 years of diplomatic relations
Penny Wong will travel to China tomorrow in the first visit of an Australian foreign minister to Beijing in four years.
Wong’s visit comes at the invitation of the People’s Republic of China and she will meet with her counterpart, China’s state councilor and minister of foreign affairs, Wang Yi, to hold the 6th Australia–China Foreign and Strategic Dialogue.
The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, released a joint statement with Wong announcing the visit in recognition of the 50th anniversary of Gough Whitlam establishing diplomatic engagement between the two countries:
This week marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Australia and the People’s Republic of China.
In 1972, then prime minister Gough Whitlam took a bold decision, recognising the importance of engagement and cooperation between our two nations and peoples.
In the decades since, China has grown to become one of the world’s largest economies and Australia’s largest trading partner.
Trade between Australia and China, as well as strong people-to-people, cultural and business links have delivered significant benefits to both our countries.
Building on the recent constructive meeting between prime minister Albanese and president Xi in Bali on the sidelines of the G20 Summit, tomorrow foreign minister Penny Wong will travel to Beijing at the invitation of the People’s Republic of China to meet China’s state councilor and minister of foreign affairs, Wang Yi, and hold the 6th Australia–China Foreign and Strategic Dialogue. This Dialogue was last held in 2018.
The meeting will coincide with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, on Wednesday 21 December.
We welcome the opportunity to mark this anniversary.
Australia seeks a stable relationship with China; we will cooperate where we can, disagree where we must and engage in the national interest.
You can read more from our foreign affairs correspondent Daniel Hurst:
Updated
More warnings over SA Murray flooding
Financial counselling and emergency cash is now available for people living in flood-affected communities along the River Murray in South Australia.
The state government is working with non-government agencies to provide direct support from Monday as more people face warnings to leave their properties.
That includes financial advice and small amounts of cash for emergency living expenses such as food or fuel.
The help comes amid the latest flood warnings for residents. A number of watch and act messages remain in place along sections of the Murray River, including low-lying areas of Tailem Bend and Murray Bridge, east of Adelaide.
On the weekend, there was a breach in the levee at Ponde while a levee protecting the hotel at Overland Corner was reported to be failing. About 4,000 properties across the length of the Murray in SA are expected to be inundated, with more than 1,100 flooded so far.
The high water mark is likely to hit Renmark, near the Victorian border, between Christmas and New Year, and then reach Murray Bridge by January 17. Peak flows are still forecast to be between 190GL and 220GL a day.
They are then expected to drop back to about 150GL a day by February, allowing clean-up work to begin.
The SA government has provided a $51.6m assistance package, including support for tourism and other businesses, as well as direct emergency payments to homeowners.
The flood event will be the worst in SA since the Murray rose to record levels in 1956.
- from AAP
Updated
MPs celebrate festive period with local communities
With parliament all wrapped up for the year, MPs are getting into the holiday spirit in their local communities. Christmas carols are taking place, and so are celebrations for the Jewish holiday of Chanukah which began yesterday evening.
On the first night of Chanukah, thousands gathered in Caulfield Park.
— Josh Burns (@joshburnsmp) December 18, 2022
A special thanks to Ruth in my office who joined me on the platform to help light the candles. pic.twitter.com/IALxKwVHeI
This week I've heard the Christmas carol 'Silent Night' in 3 different languages (English, Tamil, Ukrainian).
— Sally Sitou MP 陈莎莉 (@SallySitou) December 18, 2022
Yep that's right, I get to represent a pretty spectacular part of Sydney - where there is pride in our multiculturalism.
❤️ the electorate of Reid.
Meanwhile, the infrastructure minister Madeleine King got this Christmas ornament from the White House Historical Association and Greens leader Adam Bandt is reminding us all not to lose our heads shopping for the holidays and treat retail workers with the respect they deserve.
5 days til Christmas!
— David Shoebridge (@DavidShoebridge) December 18, 2022
A reminder this week to be kind to people in retail who are facing their busiest period, including by fighting for quality wages and conditions 💪
And thanks to @USEmbAustralia for the 2022 Christmas ornament from the @WhiteHouse Historical Association
— Madeleine King MP (@MadeleineMHKing) December 18, 2022
A lovely gift each Christmas season from our American friends ! 🇺🇸🇦🇺 https://t.co/mdnSszWxh1 pic.twitter.com/bsS7EE7JWV
Updated
Wieambilla shooting site still being guarded as a crime scene
In further news of the Wieambilla shooting, Queensland police say the investigation into the incident which took place last week could take months to complete.
Mark Wheeler, the acting deputy commissioner told reporters:
This is an exhaustive investigation that will take many weeks, if not months.
A number of people have been interviewed and all of the nonscientific and ballistic style examinations have been made.
It is still a crime scene, we still have that area being guarded.
I want to commend the police who not only attended the incident and responded to word, I want to pause to remember Matthew [Arnold] and Rachel [McCrow] and also the neighbour Alan [Dare] who simply turned up to give and Abraham.
Also, what we are seeing now is a really long investigation unfolding which will continue until we bring it to a resolution. Right now everyone is searching for answers and it is our very determined effort to get those answers.
Updated
‘I’ve been a fierce advocate for a stronger, more diverse and representative Liberal party’
Matt Kean has again advocated for a “more diverse and representative” Liberal party after an internal review of the federal Coalition’s loss.
He said:
The review has been a comprehensive [one]. I’ll let the people that did the review speak to that. My views on these issues are very well known. I’ve been a fierce advocate for a stronger, more diverse and representative Liberal party and I’ll continue to be that.
Updated
Kean backs gun law reform after Wieambilla shooting
New South Wales treasurer Matt Kean has backed premier Dominic Perrottet and interstate colleagues in calling for changes to gun laws across Australia.
Speaking in Sydney today, Kean said:
Nationalising gun laws is a good thing. The nation is still in mourning following the shocking tragedy that happened last week. No one ever wants to see that happen again. We thought that it would never happen again after Port Arthur but, if there’s an opportunity to see something good come out of this, then it’s tightening gun laws and seeing national reforms in the space.
NSW Treasurer Matt Kean adds to calls for national gun law reform after Qld shooting. “We thought that it would never happen again after Port Arthur. but if there's an opportunity to see something good come out of this, then it's tightening gun laws and seeing national reforms.” pic.twitter.com/MV04HEHj1z
— Tamsin Rose (@tamsinroses) December 19, 2022
Updated
Couple missing in Victoria's Grampians
Police are concerned for the welfare of a 50-year-old man and 37-year-old woman missing in the Grampians in south-west Victoria.
The couple set off from Melbourne’s east to go four-wheel driving on Friday. They were expected to return last night, in time to pick up their dogs from family, but never showed up.
The last known contact from the pair was a photo of them in the vicinity of Glenelg River Road, which they sent a family member about 8.20pm.
Victoria police said:
Emergency services were notified late yesterday after they failed to pick up their pets and didn’t return home.
Officers are concerned for their welfare as the area is isolated, densely vegetated and the roads are boggy.
Police are also looking for their car, a blue Toyota Hilux registration LIACOS.
It is unknown whether the couple have access to food and water.
Emergency authorities, including the police air wing, local officers on the ground, search and rescue police and State Emergency Services personnel will all be searching the area today.
Police are urging anyone who sights the pair to call triple zero (000) and the community is urged to call Crime Stoppers with any information on 1800 333 000.
Updated
Jubilation as Argentinians celebrate in Australia
Some more scenes of celebration across the country after Argentina won the World Cup.
In Brisbane our Queensland reporter Eden Gillespie has witnessed tears of joy.
Argentina won and people are crying happy tears & chanting Messi 🥰 pic.twitter.com/VzpqcRD7G7
— Eden Gillespie (@edengillespie) December 18, 2022
In Sydney emotions are also running high:
Amazing atmosphere in Bondi for the #WorldCupFinal #ARGFRA pic.twitter.com/7Kzy4bkzER
— Jake Lapham (@JakeLapham) December 18, 2022
Updated
Menopause shouldn’t be a secret or mystery
Guardian Australia is today kicking off a new series exploring menopause: how to live better with it and the impact it has on Australia’s labour market, alongside some personal experiences.
As our deputy opinion editor, Svetlana Stankovic, writes, it’s a topic that’s not discussed in the open, leaving women to put up with it in silence:
Half the population goes through a huge biological and psychological change right around the time when there should be nothing stopping you from being at the peak of your career. As professional women in our 40s and 50s we have been told we can do anything. And then along comes menopause with symptoms that are irritating at best, and debilitating in some cases. Up to a quarter of menopausal women experience severe symptoms that can lead to long-term absences from work or even early retirement.
In Australia there has been slightly more media coverage recently as the New South Wales government in November opened two menopause health hubs with two more due to open next year, but menopause still isn’t a mainstream issue to talk about. Like puberty or pregnancy, it is a transition to a new phase of life, but it’s not one that is usually celebrated. Most women dread it. It has been sold to us as the ultimate expiration date for relevance and visibility.
Read the full piece here:
Updated
Dan Andrews says A-league pitch invasion was ‘not acceptable’
Daniel Andrews has condemned Saturday’s pitch invasion at the A-League Men Melbourne derby, which came amid protest against the league’s decision to sell the next three grand finals to Sydney.
Sky News’ sports reporter Simon Love says the Victorian premier told reporters:
It’s just not us, violence is not acceptable.
Victoria Premier @DanielAndrewsMP on the scenes of violence at A-League game: “shameful, just wrong. It’s just not us, violence is not acceptable.”
— Simon Love (@SimoLove) December 18, 2022
“(It’s) not a part of sport... I condemn it,” @SkyNewsAust @FOXSportsAUS #springst pic.twitter.com/zsVqy5d9rn
You can read the latest on the investigation of the match from our sports editor Mike Hytner:
Updated
AEC appearing before parliamentary committee reviewing referendum law
Constitutional law experts and the election watchdog will be giving their advice about how the referendum process can be modernised before Australians head to the polls on an Indigenous voice to parliament.
A parliamentary committee is reviewing proposed changes to Australian referendum law to ensure it is brought into the 21st century.
Existing law was last used for the 1999 republic referendum and the parliament is reviewing it, given the updates to electoral processes, communication methods and technology since then.
Representatives from the Australian Electoral Commission as well as a panel of legal, electoral and constitutional experts will appear before the committee today.
Committee chair Kate Thwaites said experts would advise how proposed changes will modernise how referendums are held in Australia:
While I know many are interested in highlighting views on issues like the referendum question, amendments to the constitution or the merits of the voice to parliament, it’s important to note that this inquiry will not be examining these matters.
The committee will instead focus on the proposed changes to referendum processes.
– from AAP
Updated
Albanese congratulates Argentina
Prime minister Anthony Albanese has taken to social media to congratulate Argentina on a “brilliant victory” and send his commiserations to France. No word yet whether he’s been game to text Emmanuel Macron personally again.
Congratulations Argentina – a brilliant victory. And commiserations to France. A fantastic World Cup.
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) December 18, 2022
Looking forward to Australia and NZ hosting the Women’s World Cup in 2023. #FIFAWorldCup
Meanwhile, it looks as though Nationals MP Michael McCormack has well and truly recovered from his Kava episode, staying up to watch the final.
You have to be a diehard sports fan to be up this early … even if it’s a #FIFAWorldCup final! 🇦🇷🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/r3lnAeBPac
— Michael McCormack (@M_McCormackMP) December 18, 2022
It’s 🇦🇷 #FIFAWorldCup champions! pic.twitter.com/pvjHKPTwAm
— Michael McCormack (@M_McCormackMP) December 18, 2022
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Review to recommend Liberals break stranglehold of state factions, Australian reports
The Australian is reporting that a review into the Coalition’s May federal election loss will deliver a damning assessment of the state Liberal party divisions.
The paper’s political editor Simon Benson and chief political correspondent Geoff Chambers report:
The Australian understands that a key finding of the report, which will be handed to the federal executive this week, is that the grassroots of the party had collapsed amid a failure to reflect local communities.
Too many states were now also controlled by factional arrangements, were being ruled by personality cults and fiefdoms with little incentives to change because of the fear of losing internal power.
It is understood that a key recommendation in the review – led by former Liberal Party federal director Brian Loughnane and opposition finance spokeswoman Jane Hume – will be to break the stranglehold of those in control of the state divisions.
Covid-19 vaccinations saved Australian economy more than $180bn
Australia’s rollout of Covid-19 vaccinations is estimated to have reduced the impact of the pandemic on the economy to the tune of $181bn, new modelling shows.
The peer-reviewed research paper, The Value of Vaccines: A Tale of Two Parts, calculated the pandemic and resultant lockdowns would have delivered a $395bn hit to gross domestic product.
But following the rollout of vaccines the estimated actual impact was $214bn, resulting in a $181bn positive economic difference from the period starting January 2020.
The modelling was undertaken by consultancy Biointelect and Victoria University’s Centre of Policy Studies with the support of vaccine maker Pfizer Australia.
It also estimated the uptake of vaccinations contributed to large positive effects for tourism exports ($28bn), education exports ($26bn), employment (142,000 jobs) and government finances ($259bn).
Co-author Jennifer Herz, co-founder and managing director of Biointelect, said today:
This demonstrates how important the process put in place for the Covid-19 vaccines was, which is a credit to the (then-Coalition) government and the Therapeutic Goods Administration.
Our experience from the pandemic shows we should be thinking more broadly about the benefits of faster access to all available vaccines to our economy and society and consider the wider value new vaccines can provide.
The modelling was published in the journal Vaccines.
– from AAP
Updated
Argentinia fans celebrate across Australia
Argentina supporters have erupted with joy at World Cup match sites across the country after the South American nation clinched the final in a nail-biting penalty shootout.
Anticipation is building in Sydney’s Tumbalong Park fanzone, especially after another impeccable @MattConnellan pitch-side cross #ArgentinaVsFrance #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/oscPf2pxGA
— Tys Occhiuzzi (@TysOcchiuzzi) December 18, 2022
The game ended just before 5am in the eastern states as fans set off flares and embraced each other.
The celebrations continued through the morning as groups of Argentina fans swept through the lower Sydney CBD after leaving the live television site near the Opera House.
Passionate fans have gathered at the Sydney Opera House - and around the world - to celebrate Argentina's historic World Cup win.
— 9News Sydney (@9NewsSyd) December 18, 2022
MORE: https://t.co/aNHImuUR5G#9News pic.twitter.com/866tCc3Eua
Argentina won the penalty shootout with France after what’s being described as the greatest final in the competition’s history ended in a 3-3 draw in Qatar.
Read the full match report here:
– with AAP
Updated
Bureau of Meteorology releases Christmas Day forecast
It’s officially a week before Christmas, which means the forecasters at the Bureau of Meteorology are fairly confident they can tell us what whether we can set up for an al fresco Christmas lunch or not.
For some parts of the country, there is a chance of showers:
Outlook for #Christmas Day 🎄 in #NSW is for a warm, generally fine day with only the chance of a shower in the far northeast. Max temps are expected to be in the mid to high 20's along the coast and ranges and low to mid 30's inland. All forecasts @ https://t.co/xkSt71aBIg 🎅🎁 pic.twitter.com/TtQ9i1xg1o
— Bureau of Meteorology, New South Wales (@BOM_NSW) December 18, 2022
🎄 The first official #Christmas Day forecast is finally here! 🎄
— Bureau of Meteorology, Victoria (@BOM_Vic) December 18, 2022
Isolated showers over eastern #Victoria will ease on Christmas eve, ahead of a warm and mostly dry Christmas Day.
🎅🤶 🤸♂️
For more details: https://t.co/9jEsEKiNZk pic.twitter.com/Sl9CcS45yP
Here’s what Dean Narramore told ABC News Breakfast:
Particularly in the south, we can get some volatile weather but all the patterns really starting to change as we move into later part of this week.
So we’ll see a weather system move through southern parts of the country, Thursday and Friday. Then a big high-pressure system behind it will quickly move into the Tasman Sea and then kind of sit there over the Christmas weekend into early the following week and normally that drives a lot of warm weather across much of southern parts of the country and our guidance is showing a similar pattern with that as well.
So at least with southern parts of the country we’re looking pretty good and even on the east coast, maybe a degree or two out, but it’s looking really good.
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Repairing nature ‘becoming as important’ a target for business as emissions
Sabra Lane:
In Australia, it’s estimated that we need to spend over a billion dollars a year to protect and restore nature. Are you able to quantify how much the commonwealth spends right now per year to do that?
Tanya Plibersek:
Well, it’s not just commonwealth spending that’s important, of course. I mean, we increased spending in the last budget, we’ve got $1.8bn across budget years to invest in nature.
State territory, governments play a role. Philanthropists play a role, business plays some role. And again, we’re hoping that they’ll play a bigger role as we established our nature repair market.
Absolutely, of course, we can do better in Australia and that’s our plan. That’s our intention as the government that’s why we’ve already increased environmental funding.
Asked about the next budget, Plibersek said the government is committed to upping funding for nature but that it needs to be a whole-of-society effort as repairing nature comes to be as important a target for businesses as their carbon footprint.
Well, we already saw an increase in the October budget. And we determined not only to increase government funding, but to make it easier for others to invest in repairing nature as well.
The last report we saw on the interest from business in investing in nature repair market that is businesses prepared to look at around $137bn worth of incoming nature.
This is becoming as important for businesses as reducing their carbon pollution. We’ve got to make sure that all of our investment is effective. So the government investment, both state and commonwealth investments, your private sector, philanthropists, we can work together to make a real difference for Australia’s natural environment.
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Australia and Norway lead global cooperation on protecting oceans, Plibersek says
Environment minister Tanya Plibersek spoke to AM Radio this morning from Montreal where she is attending the biodiversity Cop.
Plibersek says she believes Australia’s domestic targets of protecting 30% of land and 30% of oceans by 2030, and zero extinctions should be global targets.
Despite Sarah Hanson-Young’s criticism this morning that Australia has yet to pledge anything to the summit’s $200bn target, Plibersek says our nation has been a leader at the conference:
Australia has been playing a really positive role in negotiating the final agreement. We’ve really gone from environmental laggard to leader on the world stage.
One of the examples of that is the higher ambition statement that we worked out with Norway. A statement to give stronger protection to our oceans that’s been signed on to over the last 24 hours by 37 other countries so it’s just an example I guess is the kind of positive role Australia can play globally.
Updated
Comcast global outages affects SBS streaming of Fifa World Cup final
Did you have trouble with your upload speed trying to watch the World Cup on SBS this morning?
The broadcaster acknowledged that a global outage issue with its content provider, Comcast, was causing problems.
A global outage issue with our content provider, Comcast, is currently affecting the timely upload of the FIFA World Cup 2022™ Final Mini Matches, Highlights & full match replay. Our teams are urgently awaiting news on a fix - we'll keep everyone updated as soon as we're able!
— SBS On Demand (@SBSOnDemand) December 18, 2022
Of course, if you have been having trouble with streaming, you can always turn to our match report to give you the play by play of how Argentina beat the defending champions to take the title.
Updated
Two bodies found after housefire in Victoria
Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a fatal house fire in Lara, a town just out of Geelong.
Emergency services were called about 4.45am this morning. After extinguishing the blaze, fire crews found two bodies.
Victoria police say:
The cause of the fire is yet to be determined and a crime scene has been established.
Detectives from the Arson Squad and a fire investigator will attend the scene this morning.
Updated
Sarah Hanson-Young urges Australian government to 'put money on the table' at biodiversity Cop
The biodiversity Cop is aiming to reach a target of $200bn through pledges from nations in attendance. Australia is yet to contribute, a move Sarah Hanson-Young is urging the government to reconsider:
Well, it is a lot of money but it is what is needed to save nature to protect our planet and to halt the destruction of all the things that we hold dear. Our trees are plants and native animals. What makes it beautiful and wonderful to be a human being – to be able to be surrounded by clean air, clean water and clean soil to grow our food. $200bn must be found.
I am disappointed in – and this needs to be understood – is that despite Australia coming to this conference, talking about the need for the targets and Tanya Plibersek as minister has been very clear on the support for the 30 by 30 target – we need stronger action on the extinction targets, but no money from Australia was put on the table to help those negotiations come along.
We saw a lot of money pledged by countries like Germany. France made another contribution this morning. So other countries are putting money on the table.
It’s been disappointing to say Australia hasn’t contributed yet. In these final hours of the negotiations, I urge the Australian government to help help keep ambition high by putting some more money on the table to help because we are a rich country by global standards and there are many other countries in the world where the impact of the environment being destroyed is so significant. They tend to be the poor countries the most vulnerable countries. They do need assistance not just on the land but also in the sea.
You can read more on this topic from environment reporter Lisa Cox:
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‘Absolutely crazy’: Hanson-Young calls on state governments to end native forest logging
There’s also a push to commit countries to protecting 30% of the world’s lands and oceans by 2030 at the biodiversity Cop. The Albanese government made that target one of its election promises, but Sarah-Hanson Young says it’s not enough:
But the big question is what happens to that remaining 70%?
We need the framework and the rules and the regulations, and the commitment to making sure that that remaining 70% of the world’s landmass and oceans aren’t just destroyed because we are at a tipping point.
In Australia alone is ranked third in the world for extinction and threatened species. It is not good enough. We need to change business as usual. Business as usual is pushing us down a path where by 2050 we will lose a koala, by 2030 many more other species will be gone or facing extinction.
We need to put a halt to extinction now. We need to stop destroying the critical habitat. In Australia, that would mean stopping things like stopping native forests logging.
It is absolutely crazy that at the same time as we’ve got world leaders talking about plans to restore nature to be planting more trees. Back home in Australia, we have governments that are allowing the destruction of our native forests, whether that’s Victoria, New South Wales or Tasmania, where they are both logging and mining the Tarkine.
Updated
Biodiversity summit targets ‘watered down’, Hanson-Young says
Greens spokesperson for the environment Sarah Hanson-Young spoke to RN Breakfast from Montreal where she is attending the biodiversity Cop alongside environment minister Tanya Plibersek and independent senator David Pocock.
At the summit, 190 countries have been meeting to try to agree on 22 targets to enable the world to halt biodiversity loss but Hanson-Young says “the key targets around halting and stopping extinction has been watered down significantly”:
The text that was put on the table today and the minister is now finalising is weaker than what many of us wanted – this was meant to be the “Paris” moment for nature and our environment.
Updated
Housing tops parliament’s new year agenda
Affordable housing will be the next parliamentary priority as the federal government releases its promised plan to help ease the crisis.
After addressing election commitments to tackle the climate crisis, childcare costs and establish a national anti-corruption commission in 2022, the government has revealed housing as being first on its agenda for 2023.
Proposed laws to establish the housing australia future fund as well as two independent advisory bodies have been published. Consultation on the proposals will be open until mid-January before parliament’s return in February.
The $10bn future fund is expected to provide ongoing investment returns which will go towards new social and affordable homes.
Housing minister Julie Collins said returns from the fund would deliver the government’s commitment of 30,000 new social and affordable homes in the fund’s first five years.
This would include 4,000 homes for women and children impacted by family and domestic violence or older women at risk of homelessness.
– from AAP
Updated
Good morning!
Two of the nine people being sought by Victoria police over Saturday’s pitch invasion at the A-League Men Melbourne derby have made themselves known to investigators.
The invasion of the Melbourne Victory/Melbourne City football clash left a player, a referee and a TV camera operator injured. Images of nine men showed one holding a bucket of sand, another holding a lit flare in the stands and another hanging from a goalpost.
Our sport editor Mike Hytner has more on this story:
In weather news, South Australia braces for more flooding as two Murraylands towns are threatened by levee breaches.
South Australia’s State Emergency Service has issued watch and act warnings for Ponde and Murrawong, due to a levee breach and potential levee breach respectively.
In Ponde, the levee broke early yesterday morning and has filled flood plains more than a kilometre from the river.
A dingo attack on a young boy on K’gari (Fraser Island) late yesterday has left the child in hospital.
The attack happened as the boy – believed to be five years old – was playing on a beach on the island when he was “jumped on” and bitten.
RACQ LifeFlight Rescue said:
The child sustained multiple minor bites before his father managed to get the dingo off him.
Deadly civil unrest in Peru has left Australians stranded in the country. The Department of Foreign Affairs said 171 Australians had made contact with the Australian embassy in Lima.
Protests broke out across the country last week, sparked by the ousting of former president Pedro Castillo – this explainer will help you understand it a little better.
Let’s get going.
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