This is The Loop, your quick catch-up for this morning's news as it happens.
Key events
Live updates
That's all for The Loop this morning
By Tom Williams
Thanks for joining me this morning. If you're catching up, here's a bit of what was covered (click the link to jump straight to the post):
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PM says he would call Putin 'reprehensible' if they met face-to-face
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Defence to remove Chinese-built cameras as audit finds over 900 surveillance units in government offices
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First shipment of Australian coal arrives in China after two years of sanctions
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Dozens of Australian rescuers and officials to fly to Türkiye
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Notorious Russian nationalist Igor Mangushev reportedly shot dead in Ukraine
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Netflix has expanded its account sharing crackdown
You can keep up-to-date with other news on the ABC's website, by subscribing to our mobile alerts, and by watching News Channel or listening to local radio here.
Defence minister says purchased AUKUS submarines will be under Australian control
By Tom Williams
Defence Minister Richard Marles has hinted Australia's future nuclear submarines will be a genuine "three-way solution" with the United States and Britain.
Ahead of a statement to parliament on Thursday on the AUKUS security pact, Marles says there is renewed focus on sovereignty ahead of the country's acquisition of nuclear submarines.
He tells ABC Radio that despite the UK and US being part of the security pact, the submarines would be under Australian control.
"What you will really see is a collaboration between America and the United Kingdom in helping provide Australia with this capability … it is genuinely a three-way solution," he says.
"Once an Australian flag is placed on these submarines in the future, they will be completely under Australian control and they will act in Australia's national interest."
You can listen back to the interview here:
Look over here, it's a sneaky cross-promotion...
By Bridget Judd
Good morning! I know you’re all enjoying The Loop, but what if I told you there’s an even better blog coming up?
Today, 13 inspiring young Aussies are heading to Parliament House to pitch their big ideas to change their communities.
It’s part of the ABC’s Trailblazer program, which shines a light on young people aged 18-to-28 who are committed to making regional Australia even better.
We'll have a live stream of the event kicking off at 9:30am AEST/10:30 AEDT, plus plenty more about their incredible ideas and how you can get involved 👇
Simon Birmingham breaks Liberal ranks over taxpayer funds and the Voice
By Tom Williams
Liberal frontbencher Simon Birmingham has broken ranks in his party, arguing taxpayer funds shouldn't be used to fund the 'yes' and 'no' campaigns for an Indigenous Voice to Parliament.
The position is at odds with Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, who has called for public funding for both sides.
The Federal Government yesterday agreed to issue pamphlets on the Voice ahead of the referendum, in hopes of bringing the opposition on board.
Birmingham says he doesn't want taxpayers to foot the bill.
You can hear his full interview here:
PM says he would call Putin 'reprehensible' if they met face-to-face
By Tom Williams
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been asked in Canberra what he would say to Russian President Vladimir Putin if he came face-to-face with him.
It comes after international prosecutors say they found "strong indications" that Putin approved the use of a Russian missile system that shot down MH17, killing all on board — including 38 Australians.
“I'd say that you are reprehensible,” Albanese said.
“Clearly the shooting down of MH17 was an act of terrorism, that had an impact here in Australia but on many countries as well.
“And we will continue to pursue these issues with every avenue at our disposal.
"This is a guy who runs an authoritarian regime, that does not care about human rights, that does not care about devastation of communities whether it be in Ukraine, whether it be the oppression of his own citizens, or whether it be acts outside of Russia, of which we have seen a number."
Crypto exchange Kraken reportedly under investigation
By Tom Williams
Bloomberg is reporting that the cryptocurrency exchange Kraken is under investigation by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the sale of unregistered securities.
The regulator's inquiry is said to be at an advanced stage and could result in a settlement with the San Francisco-based platform in the coming days.
Kraken has declined to comment on the report.
The SEC Chairman has previously said companies that facilitate transactions in the crypto market should register with the agency just like other market intermediaries.
Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy meets officials in Paris, who pledge their support
By Tom Williams
After meeting with officials in the UK, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has attended a dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
The visit marks a turnaround in Zelenskyy's relations with France and Germany, which were viewed by many in Ukraine as not doing enough to help in the early days of Russia's invasion.
"Ukraine can count on France, its European partners and allies to win the war. Russia cannot and must not win," Macron said before their working dinner.
He said they would discuss the "operational needs" of Ukraine, adding: "We will pursue the effort."
Scholz said Europe and the United States would support Ukraine in its war against Russia for as long as necessary.
He said leaders at an EU summit on Thursday would send a strong signal of solidarity with Kyiv.
"I am taking a clear message to Brussels: Ukraine belongs to the European family," Scholz said.
Today's events are part of Zelenskyy's second overseas trip since Russia began its invasion in February 2022, after a recent visit to the US.
Tropical Cyclone Gabrielle intensifying off Queensland coast
By Tom Williams
The Bureau of Meteorology says Tropical Cyclone Gabrielle is intensifying but moving "well away" from the Queensland coast.
Gabrielle is expected to intensify into a category two system by this afternoon, and is likely to move south on Thursday before tracking south-east towards Norfolk Island on Friday and into the weekend.
Defence to remove Chinese-built cameras after audit finds over 900 surveillance units in government offices
By Tom Williams
This just in from political reporter Jake Evans:
An audit has uncovered more than 900 units of surveillance equipment built by companies linked to the Chinese government within Commonwealth government buildings.
Defence Minister Richard Marles said his department was searching for other equipment, and if any was found it would be ripped out.
You can keep reading this story below:
Son of Australian MH17 victims 'shocked' after Putin implicated in MH17 downing
By Tom Williams
Brisbane man Paul Guard, whose parents Roger and Jill were killed when MH17 was shot down, says he is "shocked" by news that international prosecutors say they found "strong indications" Russian President Vladimir Putin approved the use of a missile system that shot down the plane.
"Yes, it is quite surprising that he was personally involved," he tells ABC News Breakfast.
"I guess, we've known for a while now that Russia has been pulling the strings, as it were, even in 2014, in eastern Ukraine.
"So, it is shocking to see that the highest levels of the Russian military were meddling in the sovereign… You know, territory of another country. So, you know, we're certainly shocked to see that development."
First shipment of Australian coal arrives in China after two years of sanctions
By Tom Williams
The first shipment of Australian coal has arrived in China after more than two years of sanctions, raising hopes it could lead to other bans being removed.
Some 72,000 tonnes of coal arrived in Zhanjiang on Wednesday night, a first since sanctions on Australian exports were imposed.
China instituted the ban after the previous federal government called for an investigation into the origin of COVID-19.
Opposition foreign spokesman Simon Birmingham says news of the coal shipment arrival is welcome but more work needs to be done.
"We will of course need to see that [the coal] is unloaded and passes through customs processes in a normal way that will be very welcomed if it is the case," he tells ABC Radio.
"There is much still to be done in terms of removing the unfair, unjustified trade sanctions against the Australian wine industry, the Australian barley industry and many other sectors who face less transparent barriers to trade with China as a result of their actions."
The coal arrival follows talks earlier this week between Australia's Trade Minister Don Farrell and his Chinese counterpart Wang Wentao.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning has also told reporters that the Chinese government wants to rebuild relations with Australia.
Dozens of Australian rescuers and officials to fly to Türkiye
By Tom Williams
An Australian contingent of rescue workers and officials are preparing to fly to Türkiye tomorrow, to assist in recovery efforts following deadly earthquakes there.
New South Wales Fire and Rescue Commissioner Paul Baxter says there are 72 people taking part across his agency alone.
"It's led by Fire and Rescue New South Wales, which is the biggest part of the team, but also supported by members of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, New South Wales public works engineers, New South Wales Ambulance paramedics and New South Wales Police — and a multidisciplinary team," he tells ABC News Breakfast.
"We take all of our equipment. 72-strong team airlifted by ADF. So that planning is under way and there's an awful lot of preparations going into making it happen."
Baxter says the team will work as part of a United Nations system, and will be deployed where the UN wants them to go.
Why do Australians have to wait six months to get a fifth COVID-19 vaccine?
By Tom Williams
It’s great that we can now get a fifth shot, but I am confused to why those who had it have to wait 6 months. I’ve never heard this before and they didn’t give an explanation to why, I am hoping you can answer this?
- Coffee Maker
Thanks for the question, Coffee Maker!
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has recommended all people aged 18 and over, who have not had either a COVID-19 vaccine or confirmed coronavirus case in the last six months, can get their latest shot from February 20.
Regarding the six-month wait, here's what social scientist and vaccine advocate Professor Julie Leask told our Specialist Reporting Team:
"We know that for those people who are six months from their last booster, having a booster will reduce your risk of hospitalisation by more than half — so there is that gain, but sometimes those messages get very lost in the technical details."
You can read more about the fifth COVID-19 vaccines here:
Foreign Minister Penny Wong responds to MH17 investigation suspension
By Tom Williams
Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong says the suspension of the joint investigation into the downing of flight MH17 will be distressing for many.
International prosecutors have announced that further progress on the case was restricted due to a lack of cooperation from Russia.
"Today's announcement will be distressing for many," Wong says.
"Our thoughts remain with those who lost their lives, their families and loved ones, and we acknowledge the distress they will be feeling with this announcement."
298 people on board MH17, including 38 Australians, were killed when a missile hit the plane in 2014.
Russia denies any involvement, but international prosecutors say they found "strong indications" Russian President Vladimir Putin approved the use of a Russian missile system that shot down MH17.
You can read more on that here:
Rescue efforts continue as attention turns to those left homeless by Türkiye earthquakes
By Tom Williams
Residents and rescue workers are continuing to search for survivors after earthquakes in southern Türkiye and northern Syria, which have killed more than 11,500 people.
But as Middle East Correspondent Allyson Horn reports from the Turkish city of Adana, some focus is now turning to the tens of thousands of others who have been left homeless.
"Buildings around here, for example, have all been evacuated because they've got enormous cracks through them and there is a very real chance that they could collapse at any point," she says.
"We have heard from the Turkish President that hotels in Antalya, one of the most popular tourist destinations inTürkiye, will actually be opened up. Hotels there will be opened up to house these people for as long as they need.
"There will also be sort of monetary assistance given to families — 10,000 Turkish lira per family, which equates to nearly $800 per family that has been affected.
"But this is not something that is going to be fixed with 10,000 Turkish lira. It's not going to be fixed in a week's time. This is going to be something that these families and this region continues to deal with for many years to come."
NSW emergency workers carry out flash flooding rescues
By Tom Williams
The New South Wales State Emergency Service (SES) has carried out five flood rescues in Sydney's south after a burst of intense rainfall caused flash flooding overnight.
More than 30 millimetres of rain fell at Sans Souci and 48 millimetres fell at Sydney Airport in just an hour, when the weather system passed through at about 3:30am this morning.
SES crews responded to 17 calls for flash flooding which impacted properties at Culburra Beach in the Illawarra, after 100 millimetres of rain fell within an hour.
A number of residents at a local nursing home had to be moved and two flood rescues were carried out.
The SES had warned that storms were expected to hit this week.
Google’s AI search chatbot Bard makes factual error in first demo
By Tom Williams
Fact-checkers have pointed out that an advertisement promoting Google's newly announced AI search chatbot Bard features a factual error.
As Reuters reports, Bard is given the following prompt in the ad:
"What new discoveries from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) can I tell my 9-year old about?"
Bard responds with a number of answers, including one suggesting the JWST was used to take the very first pictures of a planet outside the Earth's solar system, or exoplanets.
You can see it in this clip:
But actually, the first pictures of exoplanets were taken by the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope (VLT) in 2004, as confirmed by NASA.
"This highlights the importance of a rigorous testing process, something that we're kicking off this week with our Trusted Tester program," a Google spokesperson said.
"We'll combine external feedback with our own internal testing to make sure Bard's responses meet a high bar for quality, safety and groundedness in real-world information."
The launch of Bard has seen a selloff of shares in Google's parent company Alphabet, which dropped nealy nine per cent at one point.
Microsoft also announced its AI search chatbot this week, which integrates tech from ChatGPT.
Notorious Russian nationalist Igor Mangushev reportedly shot dead in Ukraine
By Tom Williams
Russian army captain and mercenary Igor Mangushev has reportedly died in hospital, days after he was allegedly shot in the head at close range in occupied Ukraine.
The BBC reports that Mangushev's wife Tatyana described his killing as an execution.
Mangushev's is said to have commanded an anti-drone unit in occupied Luhansk, but had also been one of the founders of a mercenary group fighting Ukrainian forces in 2014.
An extreme nationalist, Mangushev reportedly said Russia was not at war with people, but with an idea of Ukraine as an "anti-Russian state", and it did not matter how many Ukrainians died.
From overnight: Bus driver charged with homicide after crashing into day care centre
By Tom Williams
A bus driver in Canada has been charged with homicide and careless driving after their bus crashed into a day care centre north of Montreal, leaving two children dead and sending six to the hospital.
An eyewitness said that immediately after the crash in Laval, Quebec, the driver stepped out of the bus, ripped his clothes off and started screaming.
"He was just yelling; there were no words coming out of his mouth," said Hamdi Benchaabane.
The driver is 51, had no criminal history and had a clean work record, officials said.
Dozens of police and emergency vehicles lined the blocked-off road leading to the day care.
News Australia is searching for
By Tom Williams
Lakers.
This comes after Los Angeles Lakers star Lebron James became the NBA's all-time leading scorer yesterday — beating a record set by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, which stood for 38 years.
Needing 36 points to eclipse the former Laker's tally of 38,387 points, James completed the record in the third quarter of the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
"I just wanna say thank you to the Laker faithful, you guys are one of a kind," James said immediately after breaking the record.
You can read more about the record-breaking moment here:
