The day that was, Wednesday 7 December
We will leave the live blog there for the night.
Here’s what made the news today:
Australia’s economy expanded at an annual rate of 5.9% in the September quarter, the Australian Bureau of Statistics said. At a quarterly level, GDP grew 0.6%.
China’s relationship with Australia could be heading back “on the right track”, with China’s ambassador to Australia, Xiao Qian, saying diplomats are in talks on next steps for further cooperation.
Andrew “Twiggy” Forrest, has taken over CWP Renewables, expanding the billionaire’s clean energy portfolio to 2.4GW.
Rideshare company Uber will pay a $21m fine after admitting it overestimated fees for services and advertised a possible cancellation fee that it never charged. The court imposed a lower fine than the $26m the company had originally agreed to pay.
Minister for women, Katy Gallagher, said the commonwealth needs to lead reforms of sexual assault law.
The US will increase rotational presence of navy and army personnel in Australia. It will see more US air, land and sea forces in Australia.
Public hospital performance is at a record low, according to the Australian Medical Association.
We will be back with you tomorrow with all the latest. Until then, have a good evening.
Updated
Former Department of Human Services chief continues evidence at robodebt inquiry
The former Department of Human Services boss Kathryn Campbell has told a royal commission she relied on her staff and another department to ensure what became the robodebt scheme was legal.
Campbell, who continued her evidence to a royal commission into the scheme on Wednesday, faced sustained questioning about her role in February 2015 advising the former social services minister Scott Morrison about a proposal for what became robodebt.
Under questioning from the senior counsel assisting, Justin Greggery KC, Campbell was asked about her involvement in an executive minute for Morrison that outlined what would become the robodebt scheme, along with other welfare compliance policies.
Updated
