This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2021/mar/04/australia-news-live-linda-reynolds-brittany-higgins-christian-porter-scott-morrison-inquiry-coronavirus-health-vaccine

The article has changed 22 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 17 Version 18
Australia news live: parents of Christian Porter accuser support inquiry into daughter's death Australia news live: parents of Christian Porter accuser support inquiry into daughter's death
(32 minutes later)
Pressure mounts for inquiry into historical rape allegation made against attorney general as PM says there’s ‘no suggestion’ Porter will step down. Follow latest updatesPressure mounts for inquiry into historical rape allegation made against attorney general as PM says there’s ‘no suggestion’ Porter will step down. Follow latest updates
New Zealand media is reporting that police have arrested two men in Christchurch over alleged online threats against the two mosques targeted during that city’s devastating terrorist attack two years ago.
NewsHub reports police arrested the men after threatening a terrorist attack involving car bombs against Al Noor and Linwood mosques on 15 March, the second anniversary of the massacre at the two mosques.
According to reports, police carried out search warrants at the properties in St Albans and Linwood shortly before 6pm on Thursday. Two men were arrested, but have yet to be charged.
“We take all threats of this nature seriously and we are working closely with our Muslim community,” the Canterbury district commander, Superintendent John Price, told NewsHub.
“Any messages of hate or people wanting to cause harm in our community will not be tolerated – it’s not the Kiwi way.”
Fifty-one people were murdered and a further 40 injured at the mosques in 2019.
Another exclusive via Sharri Markson at the Australian. Brittany Higgins is reportedly considering defamation action against the defence minister, Linda Reynolds.
Per AAP, international flights into Victoria remain on hold, with the premier unable to say when they will resume.
They were paused during last month’s five-day lockdown and on Thursday Daniel Andrews said more research was needed before that changes.
Andrews also confirmed the hotel quarantine workforce would be retained, saying it would cost a lot more to “start from scratch”.
The prime minister, Scott Morrison, says he does not support the extension of a petroleum exploration licence that would allow for gas exploration off the coast of NSW between Sydney and Port Stephens.The prime minister, Scott Morrison, says he does not support the extension of a petroleum exploration licence that would allow for gas exploration off the coast of NSW between Sydney and Port Stephens.
The permit, known as Petroleum Exploration Permit 11 (PEP11) expired last month. The permit holders, Advent Energy and Bounty Gas, have sought to have the licence renewed for exploratory drilling.The permit, known as Petroleum Exploration Permit 11 (PEP11) expired last month. The permit holders, Advent Energy and Bounty Gas, have sought to have the licence renewed for exploratory drilling.
A series of MPs, including the Liberal MP Jason Falinski and fellow moderate Dave Sharma, want the application rejected. The NSW deputy premier, John Barilaro, has also said it should not be renewed.A series of MPs, including the Liberal MP Jason Falinski and fellow moderate Dave Sharma, want the application rejected. The NSW deputy premier, John Barilaro, has also said it should not be renewed.
The decision rests with the resources minister, Keith Pitt. On Thursday during a visit to Port Stephens, Morrison was asked for his view.The decision rests with the resources minister, Keith Pitt. On Thursday during a visit to Port Stephens, Morrison was asked for his view.
Reporter: “Are you saying that you don’t support the extension of that licence?”Reporter: “Are you saying that you don’t support the extension of that licence?”
Morrison: “I am. Pretty clearly.”Morrison: “I am. Pretty clearly.”
Reporter: “That will make some of our tourist operators very happy.”Reporter: “That will make some of our tourist operators very happy.”
Morrison: “It’s going to make me very happy. I think that’s the right decision.”Morrison: “It’s going to make me very happy. I think that’s the right decision.”
Pitt hasn’t made his official decision yet and Morrison said the government was working through the matter.Pitt hasn’t made his official decision yet and Morrison said the government was working through the matter.
A teenager has died from a box jellyfish sting in Cape York, with marine biologist and jellyfish expert Dr Lisa-Ann Gerswhin saying it was a tragedy that could have been avoided.A teenager has died from a box jellyfish sting in Cape York, with marine biologist and jellyfish expert Dr Lisa-Ann Gerswhin saying it was a tragedy that could have been avoided.
The teenager was stung at Patterson Point, near Bamaga, on 22 February and died in hospital on 1 March.The teenager was stung at Patterson Point, near Bamaga, on 22 February and died in hospital on 1 March.
Dr Gerswhin said Australia “needed to do better” when it came to resourcing and educating remote communities on the dangers of box jellyfish.Dr Gerswhin said Australia “needed to do better” when it came to resourcing and educating remote communities on the dangers of box jellyfish.
The teenager’s death marked the first fatality from a box jellyfish sting since 2006.The teenager’s death marked the first fatality from a box jellyfish sting since 2006.
Gladys Berejiklian has faced a barrage of questions about her five-year covert relationship with former Wagga Wagga MP Daryl Maguire at a fiery budget estimates hearing at the New South Wales parliament, AAP reports.Gladys Berejiklian has faced a barrage of questions about her five-year covert relationship with former Wagga Wagga MP Daryl Maguire at a fiery budget estimates hearing at the New South Wales parliament, AAP reports.
At times the NSW premier looked uncomfortable and flushed as she was grilled about her ex-lover, who she was in a relationship with until last year.At times the NSW premier looked uncomfortable and flushed as she was grilled about her ex-lover, who she was in a relationship with until last year.
An independent commission against corruption’s investigation into the former Wagga Wagga Liberal MP is ongoing, and the premier appeared as a witness during hearings last year.An independent commission against corruption’s investigation into the former Wagga Wagga Liberal MP is ongoing, and the premier appeared as a witness during hearings last year.
The premier is not accused of any wrongdoing, but on Thursday was repeatedly asked about the timing of her relationship with Maguire and why she didn’t declare it earlier.The premier is not accused of any wrongdoing, but on Thursday was repeatedly asked about the timing of her relationship with Maguire and why she didn’t declare it earlier.
Labor’s Adam Searle accused Berejiklian of failing to declare a conflict of interest when she met with her then-lover when she was the NSW treasurer.Labor’s Adam Searle accused Berejiklian of failing to declare a conflict of interest when she met with her then-lover when she was the NSW treasurer.
The 2016 meeting was to discuss the funding of a highway 140km from Maguire’s electorate but within metres of his new investment property at Ivanhoe.The 2016 meeting was to discuss the funding of a highway 140km from Maguire’s electorate but within metres of his new investment property at Ivanhoe.
The Sydney Morning Herald reported that Maguire paid $8,000 for the property a few hundred metres from the Cobb Highway in far western NSW.The Sydney Morning Herald reported that Maguire paid $8,000 for the property a few hundred metres from the Cobb Highway in far western NSW.
Searle accused the premier of making decisions to fund the project that would “benefit” her “boyfriend”.Searle accused the premier of making decisions to fund the project that would “benefit” her “boyfriend”.
Berejiklian said the suggestion was “a disgusting proposition”, laughable, wrong “and frankly offensive”.Berejiklian said the suggestion was “a disgusting proposition”, laughable, wrong “and frankly offensive”.
She said the decision to fund the highway was one for the roads minister, and the government – with Labor’s support – had determined the highway was a priority project several years before.She said the decision to fund the highway was one for the roads minister, and the government – with Labor’s support – had determined the highway was a priority project several years before.
But Searle said Berejiklian should have declared her relationship with her colleague before awarding more than $40,000 in grants to his electorate.But Searle said Berejiklian should have declared her relationship with her colleague before awarding more than $40,000 in grants to his electorate.
He asked:He asked:
The premier replied:The premier replied:
Berejiklian insisted she had always acted in the public interest and had not done anything wrong, and that all funding arrangements had to go through her department.Berejiklian insisted she had always acted in the public interest and had not done anything wrong, and that all funding arrangements had to go through her department.
Searle also asked when her relationship with Maguire had begun:Searle also asked when her relationship with Maguire had begun:
The premier responded saying: “Those matters have been canvassed.”The premier responded saying: “Those matters have been canvassed.”
But Searle pressed the point:But Searle pressed the point:
Berejiklian dismissed the question saying she had responded to the question during last year’s Icac hearings.Berejiklian dismissed the question saying she had responded to the question during last year’s Icac hearings.
She was also asked why she took annual leave on the day Mr Maguire was scheduled to appear at Icac on 13 July 2018.She was also asked why she took annual leave on the day Mr Maguire was scheduled to appear at Icac on 13 July 2018.
The NSW energy and environment minister, Matt Kean, has taken a not-so-subtle shot at the Morrison government over its climate policies after a meeting with the UK’s energy and clean growth minister, Anne-Marie Trevelyan.The NSW energy and environment minister, Matt Kean, has taken a not-so-subtle shot at the Morrison government over its climate policies after a meeting with the UK’s energy and clean growth minister, Anne-Marie Trevelyan.
Kean and Trevelyan had a teleconference on Wednesday in which the two ministers had a “substantive and productive discussion” about the ambition of both governments to reach net zero emissions by 2050.Kean and Trevelyan had a teleconference on Wednesday in which the two ministers had a “substantive and productive discussion” about the ambition of both governments to reach net zero emissions by 2050.
Kean said the ministers talked about their respective landmark emissions policies - NSW passed a major renewable energy bill in November - and the role sustainable financing will play in reaching net zero emissions.Kean said the ministers talked about their respective landmark emissions policies - NSW passed a major renewable energy bill in November - and the role sustainable financing will play in reaching net zero emissions.
In remarks highlighting how Australia’s states are filling the gap in the absence of a net zero target nationally, Kean said he had raised the role “state and sub-national governments are playing in driving decarbonisation”.In remarks highlighting how Australia’s states are filling the gap in the absence of a net zero target nationally, Kean said he had raised the role “state and sub-national governments are playing in driving decarbonisation”.
The Morrison government was accused last week of “shamefully doing nothing” to increase its climate targets ahead of the 26th United Nations climate conference in Glasgow in November (COP26)The Morrison government was accused last week of “shamefully doing nothing” to increase its climate targets ahead of the 26th United Nations climate conference in Glasgow in November (COP26)
Kean said he and Trevelyan discussed “the contributions both governments intend to make in the lead up to and as part of COP26”.Kean said he and Trevelyan discussed “the contributions both governments intend to make in the lead up to and as part of COP26”.
The ministers have agreed to stay in contact in the lead-up to the Glasgow meeting and to establish a working group for government officials to collaborate on reducing emissions in ways that support economic growth.The ministers have agreed to stay in contact in the lead-up to the Glasgow meeting and to establish a working group for government officials to collaborate on reducing emissions in ways that support economic growth.
Back to Anthony Albanese, he says it’s “extraordinary” that Scott Morrison did not read the brief of allegations sent to his office.Back to Anthony Albanese, he says it’s “extraordinary” that Scott Morrison did not read the brief of allegations sent to his office.
Morrison, for his part, has said he did the appropriate thing in forwarding the documents to the Australian federal police.Morrison, for his part, has said he did the appropriate thing in forwarding the documents to the Australian federal police.
Albanese:Albanese:
Labor MP Daniel Mulino has previously made public that he was aware of the allegation against the cabinet minister.Labor MP Daniel Mulino has previously made public that he was aware of the allegation against the cabinet minister.
Now that Christian Porter has identified himself (and denied the allegation), Mulino has issued a fuller statement about how he was aware of the allegation.Now that Christian Porter has identified himself (and denied the allegation), Mulino has issued a fuller statement about how he was aware of the allegation.
Mulino said:Mulino said:
The opposition leader, Anthony Albanese, is speaking in Queensland. He’s calling on the prime minister, Scott Morrison, to hold an independent inquiry into the allegations levelled against the attorney general, Christian Porter.The opposition leader, Anthony Albanese, is speaking in Queensland. He’s calling on the prime minister, Scott Morrison, to hold an independent inquiry into the allegations levelled against the attorney general, Christian Porter.
Here’s what Albanese had to say:Here’s what Albanese had to say:
He says that unless an inquiry is held, Porter will continue to face examination but it will only come via the media.He says that unless an inquiry is held, Porter will continue to face examination but it will only come via the media.
Brittany Higgins has described comments made about her by defence minister Linda Reynolds as “incredibly hurtful”.
Earlier, Scott Morrison defended comments Reynolds made referring to Higgins as a “lying cow”, saying it was something said in the heat of the moment and in a private setting.
In response to questions from our political editor, Katharine Murphy, Higgins said the comments were “incredibly hurtful”.
Higgins said:
Lawyers for abuse survivors are dismayed it took the threat of financial penalties for the Jehovah’s Witnesses to say it will join the national redress scheme.
AAP reports the organisation says it will join because of new rules introduced by the federal government which mean it would lose its charity status – and subsequent tax exemptions – for continuing to hold out.
Maurice Blackburn lawyer Michelle James has welcomed the move but remains concerned about the religious group’s behaviour.
She said:
The multibillion-dollar scheme was a result of the royal commission into institutional child sex abuse. It provides access to counselling, a redress payment and a direct personal response such as an apology from an institution, if the survivor wants it.
But they can’t be given redress unless the institution they were abused by has joined the scheme.
James has called for maximum redress payments to increase to $200,000 from $150,000, in line with the royal commission’s recommendations. She said:
A review of the Melbourne casino licence held by James Packer’s Crown Resorts has been called off because the Victorian government is holding a royal commission into the Southbank money pit instead.
In a statement, Crown said the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation told the review, which was due to take place this year, it “will not proceed at this time”.
The review is supposed to happen every five years but the Victorian government moved it forward after evidence of money laundering at Crown’s casinos and criminal involvement in junket operators who brought in high-rollers started to emerge during an inquiry in NSW last year.
The company’s statement read:
Via the Australian’s Sharri Markson and News.com’s Samantha Maiden. Both claiming it as an exclusive. Not sure that part matters a lot...
Councillor Kun Huang received the letter on a Monday. Among the insults about his name, the threats of death, the blame for the Covid-19 pandemic, the accusation that he had been stealing all the milk powder, buying up all the houses and bringing disease to Australia “for centuries”, the staff at the Cumberland council noticed a name and an address. This was a race hate letter signed by its supposed perpetrator.
Two days later, councillor Craig Chung at the City of Sydney, councillor Christina Wu at the Georges River council and another local councillor received similar letters.
The note sent to Huang, which threatened death to him and “all Chinese people”, is now being investigated by New South Wales police.
It is the latest disturbing incident in what data shows is a surge in anti-Chinese and anti-Asian sentiment in Australia during the Covid pandemic which has renewed calls for a centralised hate tracker and raised concerns it is putting people off standing for public positions.
The Lowy Institute this week released the findings of a landmark survey that found nearly one in five Chinese Australians had experienced physical racist assaults during the pandemic.
Read more about how threatening letters sent to Asian councillors and a surge in race hate attacks during the pandemic has renewed calls for a centralised hate tracker:
Federal environment minister Sussan Ley has rejected calls for an independent inquiry into allegations attorney general Christian Porter raped a woman in Sydney in 1988.
Ley said Porter’s press conference on Wednesday – when he strongly rejected the allegation saying it had “never happened” – was a “very tough day” for the family of the woman, who died last year, as well as for all survivors of sexual abuse.
Ley was speaking to reporters by a creek in Brisbane at the launch of the government’s National Plastics Plan. She said she had known Porter as a “colleague and a friend” for more than 10 years and watched his press conference and his “anguish was writ large for all to see”.
She said the “rule of law has prevailed” and there would be positives to come out of the review into workplace culture being conducted by finance minister Simon Birmingham, in response to the allegations from former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins that she was raped in the building.
Asked by the ABC if she thought Australians were ready to move on from the case, she said there were “a lot of opinions out there” and she wasn’t inclined to try and gauge a national mood.
On working in the national parliament, she said:
The Queensland government admits it knows little about a new Russian variant of Covid-19 as it prepares to test dozens of hotel quarantine guests for the strain.
AAP reports that three people who arrived on a Qatar Airways flight in Brisbane on 17 February tested positive for the virus, with two having the Russian strain. A fourth person who was on that flight but continued to New Zealand has also tested positive.
Queensland Health has ordered 74 people who were also on that plane to extend their mandatory 14-day quarantine for another five days.
Health minister Yvette D’Ath said authorities acted swiftly because so little is known about the Russian strain. She said experts don’t know if it’s more contagious or if the symptoms are more severe.
She said:
The health minister said the guests were tested on Thursday and they will be tested again on Saturday.
Those who test negative will be able to leave quarantine on Monday.
D’Ath said it wasn’t an easy decision to extend quarantine, but it would ensure the mysterious new virus variant did not get into the community.
The vaccine rollout continues with the Queensland government planning to open a number of new regional hubs when it receives the AstraZeneca vaccine from the Commonwealth.
D’Ath said the vaccine wasn’t mandatory, but warned that refusing to get the jab was a health risk.
Attorney general Christian Porter will soon find out whether the game of electoral musical chairs has left him without a seat, AAP reports.
Porter, who represents the West Australian electorate of Pearce, has gone on sick leave following the furore over historical rape allegations, which he vehemently denies.
The Australian Electoral Commission is putting the final touches to its proposed redistribution reports for WA and Victoria.
With WA set to lose one seat due to population shifts, one option raised with the AEC is to abolish Pearce and redistribute its voters into neighbouring seats, which have low growth projections and are below the voter quota.
Labor says the change is the least disruptive to four other seats in order to achieve the loss of one seat in the state.
The Liberals have proposed the abolition of the seat of Cowan, held by Labor backbencher Anne Aly, which would make major changes to six other seats.
It is understood the Victorian redistribution report, which will see it gain one seat, is due in mid-March and will be closely followed by the WA report a few weeks later.
The New South Wales police have issued a long and detailed statement on their contact with the woman at the centre of historical rape allegations against attorney general Christian Porter.
The statement has also addressed why police did not speak to Porter, as he stated during his press conference.
I’ll give you the statement in full:
Putting an allegation to the person of interest:
No new Covid-19 cases in South Australia today.