Good morning, it's Monday, May 9. Here's what you need to get going today.
One thing to know right now: Who won (this) leaders' debate
Missed the mud slinging? Here's the lowdown:
- The final viewer results showed neither leader won, with a 50-50 split
- But Channel Nine's viewer poll changed from an original 52 per cent for Scott Morrison, to 51 per cent to Anthony Albanese, but then settling on a tie at the end
- It *was* firey but, as our political correspondent Brett Worthington says, people tuned in to "watch two men bicker" and there was a "whole lot of mud being slung around", adding:
- Scott Morrison did concede that he should *not* have said the vaccine rollout was "not a race"
- Anthony Albanese has defended not investigating bullying claims against female Labor senators, saying "from time to time there is conflict" in politics
- And both leaders refused to commit to extending the fuel excise cut that has helped curb petrol prices. It's due to expire in September
- And if you've made up your mind already? Early voting begins today. Here's our handy guide on pre-polling
One thing you’ll be hearing about today: Chris Dawson's trial begins
Here's some of the background:
- Chris Dawson has pleaded not guilty to the alleged murder of his wife Lynette, and will face a judge-alone trial, starting today
- The former high school teacher and professional rugby league player denies killing his wife, who vanished in January 1982
- Ms Dawson, then 33, disappeared from the family's Bayview home on Sydney's northern beaches, leaving behind two young children
- Her body has never been recovered but two coronial inquiries ruled Ms Dawson was murdered by someone she knew
News while you snoozed
Let's get you up to speed.
- John Lee, the former head of Hong Kong's security forces who oversaw a crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrators, has been installed as the territory's new chief executive
- Sam Kerr's dazzling goals helped her side Chelsea beat Manchester United to win the Women's Super League title (the final score was 4-2, for the record). Check this one out:
- Ukraine's First Lady Olena Zelenska has made her first public appearance since the invasion in February — meeting with her American counterpart in western Ukraine. Jill Biden was making a secret visit to a small city in the south-western corner of Ukraine and Ms Zelenska described Dr Biden as courageous for making the trip
The news Australia is searching for
- Dennis Waterman: The British actor, famous for his roles in shows The Sweeney, Minder and New Tricks, has died aged 74. In a statement, his family said he died peacefully in a Spanish hospital
- BAFTAs: Some big winners at the British film and TV awards, (including Jodie Comer for COVID-inspired drama Help and Sean Bean for mini-series Time). But the UK government's plan to privatise public broadcaster Channel 4 was in many an acceptance speech, including this from comedian Mo Gilligan (who thanked the broadcaster for giving him a chance):
One more thing: The next Dr Who has been decided...
And if you're a fan of Netflix's Sex Education, incoming Doctor Ncuti Gatwa will be a familiar face.
The Scottish-Rwandan actor has been announced as the new Doctor Who and he'll be the first black actor in the role (after the departing Jodie Whittaker was the first woman to take a gig as the Time Lord).
But fans had a heads up if they followed him on Instagram, after the actor posted this cryptic clue yesterday:
He also said on the BAFTA's red carpet that he'd been keeping the secret "since February". Showrunner Russell T Davies also told the BBC just how incredible his audition was:
Gatwa will take on the job next year.
That's it for now
We'll be back later on with more.
ABC/wires
