What we learned - Thursday 17 October
It’s time to start winding down our live news coverage for the day. Here’s what’s been keeping us busy:
Mysterious tar balls washing up in Sydney have forced the closure of seven beaches, including Bondi, but authorities are yet to identify where they are coming from.
Nine Entertainment has apologised after an independent report found it has a systemic issue with the abuse of power and authority, bullying, discrimination and sexual harassment across the company.
The Sydney Harbour Bridge has reopened to traffic after a fatal collision that killed two people, but drivers were urged to avoid the area.
An LNP candidate in the upcoming Queensland election has alleged he was physically assaulted by two people and told “shut your union-bashing mouth”.
Australia’s economy added far more jobs than expected last month, as the labour market continues to go gangbusters, making an interest rate cut this side of Christmas less likely.
A three-year-old child is fighting for life after being hit by a car on a major thoroughfare in Melbourne’s south-east.
The ACT Liberal leader, Elizabeth Lee, has apologised for raising her middle finger at a journalist after a heated news conference days out from the territory election, though the journalist said the conflict “undermines the democratic process”.
The suspension of The Star Sydney’s licence has been prolonged and an additional $15m handed down in fines after a second probe into the casino revealed further, significant failings.
Thank you for joining us today. We’ll be back bright and early tomorrow morning. Take care!
Updated
NSW government previews Opera House illumination ahead of Royal visit
Here’s a preview of the light installation that will be displayed on the Sydney Opera House to coincide with the arrival of King Charles III and Queen Camilla this weekend.
The New South Wales government has released images of the photo montage it will project on the Opera House’s sails after testing it out early this morning:
The building will be lit up with a four-minute photo montage depicting the king’s and queen’s previous visits to NSW and Australia from 8pm Friday:
The government has said members of the public will have the opportunity to see the British royals at the Opera House forecourt at 4.20pm next Tuesday, 22 October.
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