What we learned: Sunday, 13 August
With that, we will wrap the blog for now. Thanks for joining us, with today’s news dominated, understandably, by that heart-stopping Matildas win.
Here were the major events of the day:
The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, will take the prospect of a Matildas public holiday to national cabinet on Wednesday. He’s promised to ask the states to sanction a public holiday if Australia wins the World Cup. The Nationals leader, David Littleproud, is against it, citing the hurt it would cause businesses.
A fire burning out of control near Alice Springs prompted an alert from NT Fire and Rescue. The fire, around Tjoritja, Simpsons North, was spreading on one or more fronts and residents were urged to monitor the situation.
Three men have been stabbed at a gentlemen’s club in Melbourne’s CBD. Two groups of men were believed to have had an altercation at the Men’s Gallery on the corner of Lonsdale and King streets on Sunday morning, police said.
And the minister for Indigenous Australians, Linda Burney, told the launch of the Multicultural Australia for the voice campaign the Coalition’s position on the voice is “as clear as mud” and “completely confused”. Burney said the positivity of the yes campaign was “extremely important”.
Updated
All Australians needed to achieve yes referendum campaign success: Burney
Linda Burney says support from Australians of all backgrounds is needed to achieve constitutional recognition of Indigenous Australians through a voice to parliament.
The minister for Indigenous Australians said Yes23 had a multicultural coordinator running forums around Australia, and materials were also being developed into dozens of languages:
That is to make sure that people with a language other than English get the accurate information.
We see multicultural Australia as our brothers and sisters in this particular effort to unify this country, to bring this country together.
Burney said there was “a great affinity between the multicultural community and First Peoples in this country”. She added:
We know it is fundamental to get the right message, the accurate messages out to the multicultural communities because we know that many of them are being targeted by the no campaign with nothing short of misinformation.
Burney did not name any individual she accused of spreading misinformation.
Warren Mundine, who leads the Recognise a Better Way group that is part of the no campaign, has previously spoken about efforts to tap into the “unheard majority” who he argued were often ignored, and in particular to engage with Australians who were born overseas, or whose parents were.
Mundine has previously told Guardian Australia:
We’re very respectful of them and we go and listen to them, and they want to hear what we’ve got to say.
Steve Khouw, a former Liberal party member who is campaigning for a no vote, has also previously said the government’s voice proposal was “really divisive”.
For more on those efforts, see this recent story by Sarah Collard:
Updated
Stadiums in NSW and Victoria to screen Matildas’ semi-final match against England
The Australia v England game will be broadcast live on the big screens at Sydney’s Allianz and CommBank stadiums, the NSW premier has announced.
We’re putting Matildas v England on the big screens at Allianz and CommBank Stadiums!
— Chris Minns (@ChrisMinnsMP) August 13, 2023
After opening Rod Laver Arena to fans on Saturday evening, Victoria’s premier, Daniel Andrews, has made AAMI park available for the semi-final clash.
If Saturday night’s record breaking figures are anything to go by, you’ll be hard pressed to find a television in Australia on Wednesday that isn’t playing the Tillies.
Big game needs a bigger stadium.
— Dan Andrews (@DanielAndrewsMP) August 12, 2023
AAMI Park. Wednesday night. Be there.
Updated
Matildas celebrate Katrina Gorry’s birthday day after victory
Matildas midfielder Katrina Gorry has celebrated her 31st in style today, with a crowd of fans bursting into an impromptu rendition of happy birthday as she boarded the team’s bus.
The celebrations continue 🥳🎉
— CommBank Matildas (@TheMatildas) August 13, 2023
Not a bad way to wake up on your birthday, @KatrinaGorry 💚💛#Matildas #TilitsDone #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/qFJ8D4r9PE
Happy birthday, Katrina!
Happy birthday, Katrina Gorry! 🎂🥳
— Liberty A-League (@aleaguewomen) August 12, 2023
A place in a World Cup semi-final is not a bad gift.
One of Australia's best at this World Cup turns 31 today.
📰: https://t.co/ajsTNJxiwH#FIFAWWC #DubAtTheCup #Matildas #AUSFRA pic.twitter.com/rsvWBCQK7v
Updated
Linda Burney: Coalition is ‘clear as mud’ on the voice
The minister for Indigenous Australians, Linda Burney, says the Coalition’s position on the voice is “as clear as mud” and “completely confused”.
Burney made the comments after the leader of the Nationals, David Littleproud, refused to commit to legislating an Indigenous voice if the Coalition wins the next election, even though Peter Dutton has proposed symbolic-only constitutional recognition alongside “a local and regional advisory body in legislation, not in the constitution”.
Speaking after the launch of the Multicultural Australia for the voice campaign in Melbourne today, Burney said the positivity of the yes campaign was “extremely important”. She told reporters:
We are making sure that Australians are getting the right message, getting the message of hope, of unity, and an uplifting message.
What is absolutely clear to me is that the message from the opposition here is as clear as mud. After the performance of the leader of the Nationals on Insiders today, what is clear is that not even the members of parliament of the opposition of the Coalition know what their position is - they are completely confused about it.
What is not confusing is the message of the yes team, from all the different areas that we represent. It is about positivity. This is about a unifying moment for this nation. And, of course, it is about making a practical difference to the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This is about uplifting this country, for all of us. It is not about confusion, we are clear in what our task is. And that is to bring this country together in a moment that will take us forward as a nation.
For more on this story, see our news piece on Littleproud’s Insiders interview here:
Updated
Expansion of fan sites for World Cup set to be announced
Matildas fans unable to nab tickets to Wednesday night’s semi-finals match against England are in for some good news.
The NSW premier, Chris Minns, will front the media at 3pm to make an announcement about the expansion of live sites.
The FIFA fan festival at Darling Harbour has been packed to the brim for the past few matches, while Stadium Australia was home to 75,000 people on Saturday evening.
75,000-plus fans watched the Matildas drama unfold on 7 different big screens outside Stadium Australia before pouring inside to witness England's 2-1 comeback win over a valiant Colombia.
— Accor Stadium (@AccorStadium) August 12, 2023
Now all eyes turn to Wednesday's Semi Final - Australia v England at Stadium Australia 💥 pic.twitter.com/3zzFYUaK3L
Updated
Another food delivery rider killed in car crash
A NSW food deliver driver was killed overnight in a crash between a motorcycle and a ute in Campbelltown.
The death is the 13th food delivery rider known to have died in Australia and comes just three weeks after another food delivery rider, Akshay Deepak Doultani, was killed.
The Transport Workers Union national secretary, Michael Kaine, said on Sunday that food delivery riders needed safe working conditions and for the deadly pressures on them to be eased through transport reform.
The food delivery rider community is in mourning once again. Just three weeks after the tragic loss of Akshay Deepak Doultani, another food delivery rider has died at work. Our thoughts are with the rider’s loved ones at this terrible time.
Food delivery riders currently have no rights like a safe and fair minimum wage, sick leave, protection against unfair contract terminations, and workers’ compensation in the horrific event something goes wrong.
While nothing will compensate for the loss of 13 food delivery riders killed, we must act to stop more transport gig worker deaths on our roads, and to ensure all workers have access to safe working conditions and workers’ compensation for themselves and their families.
Lifesaving reform to set fair, safe and sustainable standards in transport, including for gig workers, will soon be before Federal Parliament. This is literally life or death urgency - we call on every parliamentarian to pass this reform into law without delay.
In the last year, the TWU has signed charters with DoorDash, Uber and Menulog calling for reform to set standards in transport.
Updated
Multicultural Australia voice campaign begins today in Victoria
The launch of Multicultural Australia for the Voice kicked off today in Melbourne.
The minister for Indigenous Australians, Linda Burney, the minister for home affairs, Clare O’Neil, the minister for immigration and multicultural affairs, Andrew Giles, and the member for Bruce, Julian Hill, helped launch the campaign. They were also joined by Thomas Mayo, Michael Long OAM, Tasneem Chopra and Majak Daw.
Also in attendance were representatives from numerous communities including Sudanese, Hazara, Khmer, Bangladeshi, Tamil, Indian and many others.
Yes campaigner Thomas Mayo welcomed this strong backing from multicultural communities and said they would play a pivotal role in securing a successful referendum result later this year.
We are building a movement that includes people from a wide range of backgrounds, beliefs, cultures and interests, and we encourage everyone to get behind this movement that will give Indigenous people a real say on matters that affect them.
Linda Burney said Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are asking multicultural communities to stand with us in the upcoming referendum.
We have a once in a generation opportunity to move Australia forward, for everyone.
This is about voting yes for a more unified Australia and to a better future for all Australians.
Updated
ATM scam group arrested in Brisbane
A scamming syndicate accused of installing card skimming devices and pin hole cameras in ATMs to steal money and create fake bank cards has been busted.
The group, allegedly linked to an international crime syndicate, had been operating across Australia’s east coast before two men were caught outside an ATM in Brisbane earlier this month.
Five foreign nationals from Romania and Poland have since been charged with a slew of money laundering and fraud offences.
The four men and a woman flew to Australia to install card skimmers and pin hole cameras hidden within bank-branded ATM parts, the Australian Federal Police said in a statement on Sunday.
Australian authorities received a tip-off from the United States Secret Service that syndicate members had sent ATM skimmers to the country.
Investigations identified that alleged syndicate members were operating in Australia and had allegedly received a number of suspicious packages believed to contain ATM skimmers sent from the United Kingdom, China and the US.
A financial institution alerted authorities to a card skimming device and pin hole camera located in an ATM on Queen Street in Brisbane City on August 2, Queensland police said.
- AAP
Updated
Person missing after being swept off rocks in south Sydney
A rock fisher has gone missing, sparking a search and rescue mission off the south coast of Sydney.
It is believed the missing fisher was swept off rocks at Garie Beach in the Royal National Park on Saturday afternoon.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Steve Raymond said a volunteer crew aboard a search and rescue vessel was deployed on Sunday morning following a request from NSW Police’s marine area command.
The Marine Rescue NSW crew is conducting a parallel line search off the coast with water police.
They are searching from Jibbon Head south to Burning Palms.
The road to Garie Beach was closed to traffic after a landslip in March 2022.
It wasn’t expected to reopen until next year, with repair works slated to begin in October.
Police have been contacted for comment.
- AAP
Updated
Delays expected at Darwin airport during runway upgrade
Travellers using Darwin airport will need to allow for delays, with major runway resurfacing works in the pipeline.
The project, which is not due for completion until late next year, will begin on Tuesday.
The $200 million initiative, to affect RAAF Base Darwin as well as Darwin international airport, will help support military and civilian air traffic into the Northern Territory until at least 2040.
The first phase, expected to be completed in early October, will reduce runway length but will not impact operations.
The second will follow immediately and run until the end of November.
Phase two will involve the closure of the main runway daily from 2am to 11.30am, with regional airline traffic directed to operate from a secondary runway if required.
Work will come to a halt at the start of the Top End’s wet season and recommence in April next year with an updated schedule for 2024 to be released in October.
Some disruption was unavoidable, according to the Department of Defence.
The secondary cross runway at the airport does not have lighting to support night flights and is neither long enough nor strong enough to support large airliners.
Major traffic could not, therefore, be diverted.
- AAP
Updated
One dead, one injured as gyrocopter crashes in NSW bushland
An investigation is under way after a gyrocopter crashed in NSW bushland, killing a man and seriously injuring another.
Rescue crews were called to Allworth, about 60 kilometres north of Newcastle, about 4.30pm on Saturday after reports of a crash.
A 70-year-old man was found dead at the scene.
Another 53-year-old man was treated by paramedics and flown to John Hunter Hospital in a serious condition.
Inspector and intensive care paramedic Jake Broughton-Rouse told local media the crash location had made the rescue mission “incredibly difficult”.
The crash happened on an isolated location and took a significant amount of time and co-operation with other agencies to locate and provide assistance to the pilot and passenger,
Unfortunately we located one male who was deceased in the aircraft and a second male outside the aircraft.
It was a very difficult extraction from where he was located within that tree canopy.
Police are investigating the cause of the crash and have notified the Australian Transport Safety Bureau.
A report is being prepared for the coroner.
- AAP
Updated
Auction numbers grow for week and year
Auction activity has grown this weekend after a sharp drop of 11.5% last week with 1,911 homes going under the hammer.
This is higher than the 1,746 auctions held last week and significantly more than the 1,611 homes that went up for auction at the same time last year.
Based on the 1,450 results collected so far, CoreLogic’s summary found that the preliminary clearance rate was 71.3% across the country, which is higher than the 71% preliminary clearance rate recorded last week and the 64.5% actual rate on final numbers.
Across the capital cities:
Sydney: 772 auctions with a clearance rate of 75%
Melbourne: 842 auctions with a clearance rate of 69.5%
Brisbane: 125 auctions with a clearance rate of 62.5%
Adelaide: 92 auctions with a clearance rate of 74.5%
Canberra: 69 auctions with a clearance rate of 68.5%
Tasmania: Recorded no auctions.
Perth: Two of five results collected so far were successful
Updated
ABS to release wage price stats on Tuesday, inflation watch ongoing
The economic spotlight this week will be on wage growth and jobs.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics will release its wage price index on Tuesday.
CommSec economists expect a modest 0.9% pay packet rise for the quarter should lead to the annual rate remaining at 3.7%.
Also on Tuesday, CBA will release its household spending indicator focusing on consumer trends.
And the Reserve Bank will put out the minutes of its most recent meeting at which rates were kept on hold for a second month in a row.
Outgoing RBA governor Philip Lowe explained to a parliamentary economics committee on Friday there were a number of risks which could lead to the central bank lifting rates.
These included hard-to-read trends in household spending habits and strong services inflation.
He described it as “possible” some further rate hikes would be needed to return inflation to the RBA’s two to three per cent target within a reasonable timeframe.
The jobless rate is widely expected to remain steady at 3.5% when the ABS releases its latest labour force figures on Thursday.
As well, average weekly earnings data will shed light on the dollar value of Australians’ wages.
- AAP
Updated
Craig Foster on the Matildas: ‘they can beat anyone in the world’
Former Socceroo Craig Foster has celebrated the Matildas win saying the team represents the “very, very, best of us”.
Speaking to the ABC on Sunday morning Foster said that though they face a hard fight with “two games for immortality” left in the tournament, “they can beat anyone in the world.”
They represent so much that we love about Australia. I have to say, when I watch the Matildas, even as a former Socceroo and as a very proud Australian, this is when I feel the most patriotic. This is when we feel most Australian. These women represent the very, very best of us. And it’s women now on the rise.
Updated
Matildas chart path towards World Cup history
“We’ve made history.” These are big words. But Matildas winger Hayley Raso is entitled to make them. She played 104 minutes in a titanic World Cup quarter-final struggle against a mighty French side. Then, after being substituted, had the best seat in the house for what those in Brisbane will surely describe as the greatest penalty shootout ever.
You saw the emotion and the scenes afterwards. The feelings all around are just so high.
High could be an underestimation. This was an occasion of soaring spectacle for Australia, further elevated by the fact the stakes couldn’t have been higher. Ahead of Saturday’s kick-off, broadcasters were calling it the biggest night of sport in 20 years. Few can live up to that level of expectation. But these Matildas are more than a mere few. They are many, they are powerful, and they demand respect.
For more on this story, read the full report by Guardian Australia’s Jack Snape.
Updated
Men on the run after triple gentleman’s club stabbing
Three men have been stabbed at a gentlemen’s club in Melbourne’s CBD.
Two groups of men are believed to have had an altercation at the Men’s Gallery on the corner of Lonsdale and King streets on Sunday morning, police said.
Two men were taken to hospital, one with life-threatening injuries and the other with serious injuries.
Another self-presented to hospital with an arm injury.
No arrests have been made, with police hunting two offenders who fled the scene.
The venue remains cordoned off as a crime scene.
Lonsdale St was closed in both directions between King and Spencer streets but has since reopened.
- AAP
Updated
Fire burning out of control near Alice Springs
NT Fire and Rescue has issued an alert for a fire that has broken out in the area around Tjoritja, Simpsons North.
A fire is spreading on one or more fronts. Effective containment strategies are not in place for the entire perimeter.
The blaze is spreading on one or more fronts and residents have been asked to monitor the situation for changes.
Those nearby have been advised smoke may affect visibility with an active fire close to the roadside and firefighting crews operating in the area.
Crews are still employing defensive tactics in order to control the fire. Heavy smoke is affecting the Alice Springs Township and surrounding areas and those suffering from asthma or breathing ailments are advised to take precautions.
Fires in the area have been burning for two days after a fuel reduction burn grew out of control.
Updated
Albanese says public holiday justified as Matildas ‘are inspiring an entire nation’
Here are the full comments from Anthony Albanese in Mt Isa on Saturday regarding the possibility of a public holiday:
Journalist: You have talked about your desire to have a public holiday if the Matildas win, but small business says it is a bad idea and it will cost them. Do agree with their concerns?
Albanese: Well, I do note that there were concerns expressed when we had the public holiday for the sad death of Queen Elizabeth II, and some said that that was something that would cause economic disruption. What that did, of course, was lead to increased economic activity in a whole lot of businesses, particularly small businesses, and it actually benefited a whole range of those businesses. Look, these decisions that are for state and territory governments, but the Matildas are inspiring an entire nation, is what it happening, and I certainly wish the Matildas all the best this afternoon at 5 o’clock at Suncorp. The whole of Australia will be watching the Matildas and cheering them on. And what we are seeing here is something that isn’t just good for the health of young Australians to encourage them to play in a physical sense, which, of course, it is. The inspiration that the Matildas are providing, particularly to young girls, but also to young boys, the will encourage them to play team sport. Team sport is good, you learn how to win, you learn how to lose, you learn how to cooperate with your teammates. You learn something else as well, that the team is more important than any individual. And I think we’ve seen that. Sam Kerr was our flag-bearer at the coronation. She is a great Australian, and I certainly hope that she gets a whole lot of game time at 5 o’clock. But for people who said that the Matildas couldn’t win without Sam Kerr, quite clearly that has not been the case, and the two goals that they scored in the round of 16 were just extraordinary, and if we see two goals like that at five o’clock, I’m sure we will be talking about the Matildas playing in the semi-final, but I wish them well at 5 o’clock.
You almost get the sense the PM is itching for his own Bob Hawke moment who famously said, after Australia won the America’s Cup:
Any boss who sacks someone for not turning up to work today is a bum.
Updated
Sussan Ley rejects NSW Liberal leader’s support for voice
The deputy opposition leader, Sussan Ley, has reacted to the NSW Liberal leader’s support for the voice, saying: “I think he’s got this one wrong.”
Mark Speakman said on Saturday that he had formed the view “the potential rewards outweigh the potential risks”. He said it was “a proposal for a purely advisory body on behalf of Indigenous Australians, who are far and away the most disadvantaged people in our nation”.
The Sky News political editor, Andrew Clennell, asked Ley for a response and she replied:
Mark Speakman is a good person and a great opposition leader in New South Wales, and I support him, but I don’t agree with him on this issue, I think he’s got this one wrong.
The opposition leader, Peter Dutton, has said in recent days that he would put a proposal for constitutional recognition alone – without enshrining a voice – if he wins the next election.
Clennell pointed out to Ley:
I guess the Liberal party had years and years to move a referendum on constitutional recognition alone and failed to do so, so isn’t Anthony Albanese right that if this doesn’t get up – and his argument is Aboriginal people want the voice as part of that, I’m listening to them – if this doesn’t get up, it’ll be off the table for a long time?
Ley replied:
Well, what that just proves is that he [Albanese] is not in this for Indigenous Australians and closing the gap. He’s in this for the political advantage that it brings him. So those sorts of threats are – I don’t think Australians are going to buy them at all. I think they want decency, they want leadership, they want honesty, and they want details and explanation from their prime minister. And to simply sort of say well if you don’t vote for this it’s never going to happen, that’s not making your case properly.
Albanese to take prospect of Matildas public holiday to national cabinet
All eyes might be on the Matildas on Wednesday but national cabinet will be take place on the same day.
The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, has promised to ask the states to sanction a public holiday if Australia wins the World Cup at the meeting.
Albanese has waved off concerns from the Council of Small Business Organisations that a public holiday might be bad for business telling Nine papers that similar concerns were raised about the holiday held after Queen Elizabeth II’s death.
Some said that that was something that would cause economic disruption. What that did, of course, was lead to increased economic activity in a whole lot of businesses, particularly small businesses, and it actually benefited a whole range of those businesses.
Updated
State Liberals across Australia divided over referendum vote
NSW Liberal leader Mark Speakman says he will vote yes in the upcoming referendum on the Indigenous voice to parliament, marking the latest Liberal leader to declare a position in the divided party.
He maintained he would not take an active role in the referendum or advise others how to vote.
Liberals around the country remain divided on the voice referendum, with WA Liberal leader Libby Mettam this week withdrawing her support for the ‘yes’ vote.
The Victorian opposition leader, John Pesutto, has given Coalition MPs the freedom to choose how they vote but is yet to reveal his personal position, as is Queensland opposition leader, David Crisafulli.
The leader of Australia’s sole Liberal government, Tasmanian premier Jeremy Rockliff, plans to vote yes in the referendum.
For more on this story see, the full report by Guardian Australia’s Nino Bucci:
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Voice will win when ‘push comes to shove’, Farrell predicts
Don Farrell has predicted Indigenous constitutional recognition through a voice will have “majority support” when “push comes to shove”.
The trade minister and special minister of state predicted back at the start of June that strong support from “that young cohort will be enough to counter the ‘no’ vote and I think it will be the young people who will deliver [an] Indigenous voice for Australia”.
That was back when he addressed the National Press Club. Since then there have been a series of polls showing a negative trend for the yes side.
On Sky News this morning, Farrell said he was still optimistic:
The campaign to change the constitution was always going to be a difficult campaign.
I continue to believe that the majority of Australians will support change to the constitution to recognise Indigenous Australians in our constitution through a voice to parliament, so I continue to be optimistic.
I’ve been involved in my role as special minister of state in ensuring that we continue to build on the number of Australians who are eligible to vote.
The last couple of weeks the AEC announced that we’ve almost 98% of Australians on the [electoral] roll and 94% of Indigenous Australians on the roll.
Lots of young people are ensuring that they’re going to be eligible, so I think when push comes to shove and the vote takes place on the referendum, that we will have majority support for that Indigenous voice in the constitution.
Updated
Albanese only prime minister, past or present, to attend Labor’s national conference
On Sky News, Don Farrell was also asked why no former prime ministers would be attending the Labor national conference later this week - and whether that was so that Paul Keating didn’t talk about Aukus (he has been very critical of the nuclear-powered submarine plan).
Farrell, who is the trade minister and a key figure in the Labor party’s right faction, replied:
No, look, from time to time, prime ministers come or don’t come to the conference. This is not about past prime ministers of course - it’s about the current prime minister, who we want to make sure continues to be a very successful prime minister for this country. He’s demonstrated that over the last 15 months, and I’m very confident that he will continue to demonstrate that between now and the next election.
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Don Farrell says Labor’s new language on Israel and Palestine has support within party
The trade minister, Don Farrell, has played down the risk of rebellions on key policy areas at the Labor party national conference in Brisbane later this week.
Farrell told Sky News he had been going to Labor party conferences for 45 years and they were always “robust events” (meaning there could be forthright speeches from delegates) but he played down the risk of votes going against the leadership:
We don’t seek to stifle debate. If you’re a member of the Labor party, you’re entitled to express your point of view - but I think overwhelmingly Labor party members, Labor party supporters believe this government is heading in the right direction and are going to give us their support.
Asked whether the government’s new language on Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories – announced by the the foreign affairs minister, Penny Wong, last Tuesday – was partly intended to head off a conference rebellion on that issue, Farrell said:
Look, Penny has made it very clear that she supports the current policy in respect of Israel and Palestine and I’d be very confident that the position that she adopts, which the government supports, will be the position that the delegates of the conference will support.
For more on this issue, see our story from yesterday:
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United front from politicians on Matildas’ win over France
In interview on Sky News this morning, both government and opposition representatives have praised the Matildas’ victory.
The trade minister, Don Farrell, was wearing a Matildas scarf during the interview, while the deputy opposition leader, Sussan Ley, said:
I woke up with a big smile on my face.
Updated
No support for Matildas public holiday from Littleproud
Littleproud also says he watched the Matildas and does not want to be “captain killjoy” but does not support a public holiday being called if the Matildas win the World Cup, saying “business has a point”.
I think we’ve just got to understand that someone’s got to foot the bill and businesses are doing it tough. We live in a great nation but we have to pay our bills and make sure the country keeps going.
Updated
‘Mistakes of the past’: David Littleproud compares voice to ATSIC advisory body
Littleproud says the proposal for the voice to parliament will “repeat the mistakes of the past”, comparing the proposal to ATSIC.
However, ABC Insiders host David Speers has pointed out the ATSIC was an advisory body with the power to allocate funding and run programs – the voice does not.
Littleproud:
No, again, David, the problem comes from the lived experience we have. And it might work in suburbs in capital cities but when you’re talking about representative bodies in rural and remote Australia, you’re talking about hundreds of thousands of square kilometres, hundreds of different diverse communities that have different challenges and needs.
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Nationals leader says ‘reckless race’ on renewables not ‘common sense’
Littleproud says he does not oppose the net zero by 2050 target, and that he does not want a pause on renewable energy projects “for years or generations”.
We were saying let’s have common sense.
Littleproud says he wants a summer to look at solutions from emerging technologies like “net zero small-scale modular and nuclear power”
Why not let the market decide but let’s educate Australians. This won’t happen overnight. This is something we need to bring them on that journey. That’s why I wanted to have some political leadership but from across the aisle, and say let’s have a national energy summit, bring Australians into our trust and let them decide what the energy mix should look like and live town our international commitments.
He also repeats the suggestion these developments are part of a “reckless race” – I think we’ve identified the talking point.
Updated
Time needed to ‘pause and plan’ renewable projects: Littleproud
Littleproud says he would like to see new renewable projects given time to “pause and plan” rather than engage in a “reckless race to 83% renewables by 2030” and that the government is trying to “slash and burn” achieve it.
There’s an opportunity to pause and plan to get this right and to look at other alternatives. You know, only the national commitment we have to meet is that of net zero by 2050. It’s not by 2030, which this government is taking us down, so we have the opportunity to look at alternatives.
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Nationals leader wants government to ‘sit down’ with pharmacists guild on changes
Littleproud hints that the Coalition may consider repealing Labor’s pricing changes on medicines if the government doesn’t “sit down” with the pharmacists guild.
We would rather not have to go back to the parliament but unfortunately the government hasn’t sat down with the guild in a constructive way in which they’ve tried to engage. We’re saying to them please – this is above politics. This is about the wellbeing of people, particularly in rural and remote Australia, that may have nothing.
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Littleproud says ‘unintended consequences’ to pharmacy dispensing reforms
David Littleproud says the government’s reforms to pharmacies represents a “fundamental change to the way medicines are paid for”.
In this country, the type of medicines and price of those medicines is regulated and to make sure there is a business model that mum-and-dad chemists and pharmacists around the country are paid an $8 dispensing fee. If you change that business model by going from 30 to 60 days, that’s a fundamental change on those small businesses.
Littleproud says there will “unintended consequences” about these changes that may negatively affect people in rural and regional Australia.
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Emmanuel Macron barracking for Matildas
A few years ago Emmanuel Macron may not have been Australia’s biggest fan but it seems that when it comes to the English, the Matildas have turned things around. Ahead of Wednesday’s match, the French president has declared his allegiance:
Nothing personal against our English friends, but a bet is a bet… Good luck Australia for the semi-finals!
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) August 12, 2023
And Anthony Albanese has accepted the olive branch gracefully:
An incredible game - well played by both teams. Happy to have you cheering on @TheMatildas in the semis.
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) August 12, 2023
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Tony Gustavsson reacts to the Matildas’ win against France
The Matildas stood on the shoulders of giants, then took Australian football to new heights.
That’s how coach Tony Gustavsson feels after leading his charges into Australia’s first-ever World Cup semi-final appearance with victory over France on penalties.
Gustavsson’s tenure has been questioned at many difficult forks in the road, especially after last year’s disastrous Asian Cup quarter-final exit.
He would have been entitled to feel vindicated after Saturday night’s triumph, but instead of taking a victory lap, turned the focus elsewhere, giving credit to those who have walked before him.
It’s obviously difficult when you’re emotional now to distance yourself and see it that way.
But I think that’s why I teared up a lot on the field after the game. Because I know how much this means to so many people.
When you want to achieve something great and when the ‘why’ is bigger than 90-minute football and bigger than sport, we need to remember all the hard work that all of you and all of the alumnis, all of the brave woman that walked this path way, did way before my time.
And then I’m just a small part of this.
It’s difficult to put in words now but I’m just so happy for so many other people than myself right now and that’s why I tear up because I know how much it means for so many.
Days out from a final-four clash with England at Stadium Australia, Gustavsson again stressed his charges had embraced a bigger picture.
The players represent so much more than 90 minutes of football. All 224 alumnis were with us out there.
All the little kids that this team will inspire, the next generation. And seeing the nation unite.
The way we were sent off at the hotel today going to the stadium, the support we got when we arrived to the stadium, the support we got during the game.
Everyone united around these players. I am probably one of the proudest and happiest coaches right now because I am so happy for other people.
- AAP
Updated
Nationals leader appearing on ABC Insiders today
David Littleproud will be speaking to ABC Insiders this morning.
We’ll bring you all the latest as it happens.
Updated
City2Surf Sydney run begins in Sydney
The City2Surf fun is getting underway in Sydney with 80,000 runners taking part in this years event with a staggered start.
John Tisdale, who helped start the event over 50 years ago, will be among those tackling the 14km route.
Speaking to the ABC on Sunday, he said he was “naive back them”.
No idea of time or kilometres or whatever.
Updated
Good morning
And welcome to another Sunday morning Guardian live blog.
The Matildas have become the first Australian team to ever make it to a World Cup semi-final, after a nailbiting finish against France. The teams were matched, tying nil-all when the game was forced into extra time and a tense penalty shootout. In what would become the longest shootout in World Cup history, Australia edged out France seven penalties to six.
NSW Liberal leader Mark Speakman yesterday announced he would vote yes in the Indigenous voice to parliament referendum, even as his WA counterpart Libby Mettam has withdrawn her support. Speakman’s declaration has been welcomed by the yes campaign, while divisions within the Liberal party continue to play out across the country.
I’m Royce Kurmelovs, taking the blog through the day. With so much going on out there, it’s easy to miss stuff, so if you spot something happening in Australia and think it should be on the blog, you can find me for now on Twitter at @RoyceRk2 where my DMs are open.
With that, let’s get started ...
