The day that was, Tuesday 7 February 2023
That is where we will wrap up the live blog for Tuesday.
Here’s what made the news today:
The Reserve Bank of Australia increased the cash rate for the ninth consecutive month to 3.35%, and warned that more rate increases are likely in the coming months aimed at bringing inflation under control.
The Labor government has quickly moved to re-authorise offshore processing of asylum seekers on Nauru, after it was discovered that the authorisation had been allowed to lapse in October last year. The move was condemned by the Greens and some members of the crossbench, who have called for an end to the offshore detention regime.
Former asylum seeker Behrouz Boochani has visited parliament for the first time to urge the government to allow the remaining refugees on Nauru and Papua New Guinea to be evacuated.
The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, announced $10m in funding for humanitarian assistance following the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria that have left thousands dead.
The former prime minister, Tony Abbott, has joined the board of the climate denial group, Global Warming Policy Foundation.
The new prime minister of New Zealand, Chris Hipkins, attended parliament on Tuesday, where Australia and New Zealand celebrated 80 years of relations, while Hipkins continued to raise concerns about Australia’s policy for deporting New Zealand citizens who have lived most of their life in Australia but have failed a character test following a criminal conviction.
Amy will be back with you again tomorrow morning with all the latest. Until then, enjoy your evening.
Updated
One of Sydney’s newest ferries will be out of service for several weeks after suffering catastrophic engine failure during a routine safety drill conducted by engineers, AAP reports.
No passengers were aboard the Clontarf on Monday evening when it lost one of its two engines, forcing the vessel to return to Balmain shipyard using the remaining engine.
The engine will need to be replaced which will probably take several weeks.
Transdev, the operator of Sydney Ferries, said it was working closely with Japanese engine manufacturer Yanmar to investigate the cause of the issue.
A Transport for NSW spokesperson said no vessel or vehicle was free of technical or mechanical issues from time to time.
“Transport for NSW has liaised with Transdev about the Clontarf engine failure as a matter of urgency,” the spokesperson said.
“Importantly, there will be no impact to commuter services, particularly the F1 Manly-Circular Quay services which are operating as per the regular timetable.”
The Clontarf is one of three new Emerald class ferries, along with the Balmoral and Fairlight, brought in to operate the Circular Quay to Manly route on which vessels can regularly encounter heavy swells coming in through the heads.
The Balmoral ferry that was out of service for electrical maintenance is expected to be back in service by Wednesday.
Regular pump work was done on the Fairlight on Monday and the vessel has already returned to service.
The ferries themselves were built in Australia by local shipbuilder Birdon.
The Transport for NSW spokesperson said there was a robust system to ensure fleet operation, performance, maintenance and safety is of a standard that meets all safety regulations and customer needs.
Updated
