What we learned, Thursday 25 May
That’s where we’ll leave the blog for today – thanks so much for joining us. Here is a wrap of the day’s biggest stories:
A huge blaze has engulfed a building near Central station in Sydney, with a large plume of smoke rising into the air over the city. There has been a huge response from emergency services, who have contained the flames to the affected buildings.
At this stage there are no reported injuries, aside from one firefighter who sustained burns to the arm. Firefighting operations are expected to continue into the morning and an investigation into the cause of the blaze will be undertaken.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has lashed opposition leader Peter Dutton’s opposition to the Indigenous voice referendum, accusing him of amplifying misinformation.
The NSW deputy state coroner has concluded that fraudster Melissa Caddick is dead while savaging the credibility of her husband, finding he withheld information from police.
A man has been charged for allegedly making online threats against Stan Grant after the ABC journalist made a complaint to NSW police.
Meanwhile, the ABC ombudsman has cleared the broadcaster’s coronation coverage from editorial breaches but said the timing on the day of King Charles’ coronation was “jarring for some viewers”.
Police have shot dead a man allegedly approaching front doors of homes in Sydney’s lower north shore wielding two “chef-style” knives, after reports he was threatening residents.
Electricity prices will rise by up to a quarter in July in some states after the Australian Energy Regulator issued its decision on the default market offers that set the baseline for retailers.
And for those in Sydney – please stay safe, and continue to follow the advice of emergency services.
The latest footage from Fire and Rescue NSW:
More than 100 firefighters, from 20 fire trucks and multiple stations, continue to work to extinguish the blaze in two buildings.
— Fire and Rescue NSW (@FRNSW) May 25, 2023
At this stage, it is believed both impacted buildings have been vacant.
Firefighting operations are expected to continue throughout the night. pic.twitter.com/nvbLVX8YRb
