Hi. It's Wednesday, February 9 and you're getting up to date with The Loop.
Let's start here
Tourists will soon be allowed back into Australia after almost two years of border restrictions.
The changes will allow people to reunite with loved ones who were unable to get a visa under previous entry requirements, but strict COVID-19 rules will still apply.
We've taken a look at the biggest questions you've asked about the reopening, like when the changes come into effect, the deal for unvaccinated tourists, travelling with kids, cruise ships and more. Check it out here.
One thing you’ll be hearing about today
Grace Tame and Brittany Higgins will address the National Press Club today, almost exactly 24 hours after PM Scott Morrison formally apologised in parliament to victims of sexual assault, harassment and bullying in parliamentary workplaces.
It comes as the government plans to introduce legislation in response to an independent review into parliamentary workplace culture, which was sparked by Ms Higgins going public with allegations she was raped in a ministerial office.
You can catch the address from 12:30pm AEDT on the ABC News channel or ABC iview.
News while you snoozed
- Australian alpine skier Katie Parker has tested positive for COVID-19 upon arrival in Beijing, and is now in isolation awaiting additional tests to see whether she will be able to compete in Wednesday's slalom
- West Ham United have condemned the actions of defender Kurt Zouma after a video emerged of him kicking and slapping his pet cat. Zouma has apologised and says it was an isolated incident
What Australia has been searching for online
- Simon Goodwin. Melbourne Demons president Kate Roffey has backed the premiership-winning coach after reports suggested the club considered standing him down on the eve of last season for alleged behavioural issues including claims of bullying.
- The Religious Discrimination Bill. Tasmanian Liberal MP Bridget Archer has confirmed she will cross the floor and vote against the government's controversial bill, with Labor set to hold a caucus meeting today after shadow cabinet to decide its position.
One more thing
The Oscar nominees have been announced.
Nicole Kidman will lead the Australian charge, scoring a Best Actress nomination for her performance in Being the Ricardos, while New Zealand's Jane Campion has become the first woman to ever be nominated twice for Best Director.
Here's a quick look at some of the major awards:
Best Picture:
- Belfast
- CODA
- Don't Look Up
- Drive My Car
- Dune
- King Richard
- Licorice Pizza
- Nightmare Alley
- The Power of the Dog
- West Side Story
Best Actress in a Leading Role:
- Jessica Chastain, The Eyes of Tammy Faye
- Olivia Colman, The Lost Daughter
- Penelope Cruz, Parallel Mothers
- Nicole Kidman, Being the Ricardos
- Kristen Stewart, Spencer
Best Actor in a Leading Role:
- Javier Bardem, Being the Ricardos
- Will Smith, King Richard
- Andrew Garfield, TickTick, Boom
- Denzel Washington, The Tragedy of Macbeth
- Benedict Cumberbatch, The Power of the Dog
The 94th Academy Awards will be held on March 27 in LA.
You're up to date
Thanks for reading. See you again soon.
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