What we learned – Monday 12 August
This is where we will wrap up the blog for this evening, but first a quick summary of the big headlines:
For the first time this century, Australian federal police proposed to take industrial action over a pay deal the federal police union described as “toxic”. But the AFP responded to the officers’ association saying it will “strenuously oppose” any strike action taken by its officers in Canberra amid an ongoing pay dispute, adding any action this week would be “unlawful”.
The health minister, Mark Butler, announced new cancer medications and treatments have been listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
The federal government tabled its new Aukus agreement with the US and the UK.
The South Australian Liberals elected Vincent Tarzia as their new leader.
The Greens announced they would move an amendment to communications bill to ban gambling ads.
Angus Taylor was ejected from question time.
Malarndirri McCarthy said the makarrata commission was “difficult to pursue” without bipartisan support.
Downpours and storms have raised the threat of flash flooding on the east coast.
Have a lovely evening. Amy will be back with you bright and early tomorrow morning.
Updated
‘Our finances weren’t in a very good position’: Mvac
The Murray Valley Aboriginal Co-operative chief executive, Paul O’Neil, told the court the organisation entered administration two years before he joined in 2017.
The work of two forensic accountants and pressure from board members prompted him to hand police a 19-page document outlining Egan’s alleged fraud in August 2018. He said:
When I took control, our finances weren’t in a very good position.
The board wanted this to be investigated in the criminal space.
The issue was never off my desk because my board members were relentless in making sure it was followed through.
Executive business manager at Mvac, Mary Khouri, gave insight into the hands-on approach Egan had to management during his time at the organisation.
It was Phil that would come into the office to talk to us. It was Phil that was running the place.
Egan’s court appearance comes days after his company Binmada’s work compiling the report into claims of historical racism at Hawthorn Football Club was thrust back into the spotlight.
Norm Smith medallist Cyril Rioli was among several former players to launch federal court action against the club earlier in August.
The report, which was first released in 2022, has led to Indigenous ex-players claiming they were subjected to a “racist culture” and told to abandon plans to have families.
13YARN 13 92 76
Lifeline 13 11 14
- AAP
Updated
