What we learned – Friday, 16 December
With that, we will wrap up the blog for the evening.
This time next week, it’s Christmas-eve-eve!
Here were the major developments of the day:
The Albanese government has announced it is abolishing the administrative appeals tribunal (AAT) and will replace it with an administrative review body which will include a “transparent and merit based” selection process for members.
Independent MP Sophie Scamps said her “ending jobs for mates” bill would stop the “politicisation of public appointments”.
More than a dozen academics, business leaders and social groups will work on a new government taskforce to review welfare payment rates before each budget, and issues for unemployed and disadvantaged Australians. The economic inclusion advisory committee will be chaired by the community services minister, Jenny Macklin.
The competition watchdog has handed out more than $50,000 in fines to ING bank over missed deadlines and misleading website statements.
The prime minister has rejected claims the federal government is moving the date of Australia Day after confirming councils will be able to conduct citizenship ceremonies between 23 and 29 of January.
And a body has been found in the search for a missing teenager who fell off a boat while fishing at a lake on the Victoria-New South Wales border.
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Adorable puppy pics incoming!
Guide Dogs Victoria held an event at the Abbotsford Convent in Melbourne today to celebrate its graduating class of 2022.
Part of the celebrations included a 12-foot guide dog float, Goldie, in his ceremonial cap and gown.
In total, 81 dogs are graduating from this year’s class and will go on to careers that help Victorians live a life without limits, including qualified guide dogs, therapy dogs, companion dogs, ambassador dogs and more.
Congratulations to all these little sweeties! And thanks to my labrador Murphy for helping me with this post.
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