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Australia news live update: NSW government seeks to suspend MP facing charges; nation records 26 Covid deaths Australia news live update: NSW government seeks to suspend MP facing charges; nation records 26 Covid deaths
(32 minutes later)
Follow all the day’s news liveFollow all the day’s news live
Former NSW arts minister Don Harwin has resigned from the NSW parliament just a year before the minority Perrottet government goes to the polls, AAP reports.
President of the Legislative Council, Matthew Mason-Cox, told the upper house Harwin had handed his resignation to the governor, Margaret Beazley.
“Her excellency the governor received and accepted the resignation of the honourable Don Harwin MLC as a member of the Legislative Council of NSW,” he said on Wednesday.
“Her excellency anticipates that the premier will, in due course, recommend that she send a message to both houses with a view to calling a joint sitting to filling the vacancy.”
Last week Harwin told the Australian he was “looking forward to taking some time off and pursuing other opportunities into the future”.
The NSW government will continue to supply rapid antigen tests to teachers and students until the end of term one at least, the education minister, Sarah Mitchell, has announced:
Where an area is experiencing a rise in Covid cases, the department will direct the local school to respond with measures such as mask use, or moving large gatherings outdoors.
She said:
Optus and TPG will refund customers a total of $6.5m for charging them for speeds they were unable to achieve on the NBN, the Australian Communications and Media Authority says.
Optus will refund $4.4m to more than 34,000 customers, while TPG will refund $2.1m to over 4,400 customers.
Optus self-reported the issue to the ACMA in July 2021, while TPG reported in October 2021.
The rules state when people move onto the NBN, internet service providers must tell customers what the maximum speed their line can achieve, and when speeds advertised cannot be met.
The ACMA chair, Nerida O’Loughlin, said customers were entitled to move to a cheaper lower-speed plan or exit the contract when the speeds could not be met.
“These customers were left in the dark and denied the option to move to a cheaper contract or walk away,” she said.
The PM says he spoke to Ash Barty about her retirement announcement today.The PM says he spoke to Ash Barty about her retirement announcement today.
Animal activists caught trespassing on Victorian farms will face fines of up to $10,904 per individual and more than $50,000 per organisation under new laws.Animal activists caught trespassing on Victorian farms will face fines of up to $10,904 per individual and more than $50,000 per organisation under new laws.
AAP reports the Livestock Management Amendment (Animal Activism) bill passed through parliament’s upper house on Tuesday night.AAP reports the Livestock Management Amendment (Animal Activism) bill passed through parliament’s upper house on Tuesday night.
The bill aims to deter animal activists from trespassing on farms, with individuals who fail to comply facing on-the-spot fines of $1,272 and organisation $8,178.The bill aims to deter animal activists from trespassing on farms, with individuals who fail to comply facing on-the-spot fines of $1,272 and organisation $8,178.
More serious offending could lead to fines of up to $10,904 for an individual and $54,522 for an organisation.More serious offending could lead to fines of up to $10,904 for an individual and $54,522 for an organisation.
The measures follow an inquiry into the impact of animal rights activism on Victoria’s agriculture sector.The measures follow an inquiry into the impact of animal rights activism on Victoria’s agriculture sector.
The agriculture minister, Mary-Anne Thomas, said the penalties were among the toughest in Australia.The agriculture minister, Mary-Anne Thomas, said the penalties were among the toughest in Australia.
“Farmers and workers in the agricultural industry should be able to do their work without fear of being targeted by animal activists,” she said.“Farmers and workers in the agricultural industry should be able to do their work without fear of being targeted by animal activists,” she said.
“This sort of activity is highly distressing for farming families and puts the biosecurity and safety of animals at risk.”“This sort of activity is highly distressing for farming families and puts the biosecurity and safety of animals at risk.”
Two opposition amendments seeking to double the maximum penalty were thrown out on Tuesday night.Two opposition amendments seeking to double the maximum penalty were thrown out on Tuesday night.
The amendments sought to raise the maximum fine for an individual to $21,809, bringing Victoria in line with the equivalent maximum fine in Queensland and New South Wales.The amendments sought to raise the maximum fine for an individual to $21,809, bringing Victoria in line with the equivalent maximum fine in Queensland and New South Wales.
“Doubling the maximum fine would have sent a strong message to anyone considering trespassing on a farmer’s private property that Victoria won’t tolerate illegal farm invasions,” the opposition agriculture spokesman, Peter Walsh, said.“Doubling the maximum fine would have sent a strong message to anyone considering trespassing on a farmer’s private property that Victoria won’t tolerate illegal farm invasions,” the opposition agriculture spokesman, Peter Walsh, said.
The bill will go to the governor for royal assent, with the fines expected to kick in later this year.The bill will go to the governor for royal assent, with the fines expected to kick in later this year.
The New South Wales government will only move to suspend the embattled MP Gareth Ward from parliament after he was charged over allegations of sexual abuse against a man and a 17-year-old boy, rather than expel him, after advice from the crown solicitor. The New South Wales government will move to suspend the embattled MP Gareth Ward from parliament while he awaits trial after he was charged for sexual abuse against a man and a 17-year-old boy, rather than expel him, after advice from the crown solicitor.
On Wednesday the NSW deputy premier, Paul Toole, confirmed the Coalition would not move to force Ward, a former minister, out of state parliament, despite the premier yesterday saying he would “move a motion to remove” the Kiama MP if he refused to quit. On Wednesday the NSW deputy premier, Paul Toole, confirmed the Coalition would not move to force Ward, a former minister, out of state parliament, despite the premier yesterday saying he would “move a motion to remove” the Kiama MP if he refused to quit. Perrotet said Ward was entitled to the presumption of innocence, but that “the standards expected of an elected member of Parliament are not compatible with the seriousness of the charges he is facing”.
Instead, after advice from the crown solicitor, Toole told parliament the government would move to suspend Ward from parliament until a verdict is reached in a criminal trial against the MP.Instead, after advice from the crown solicitor, Toole told parliament the government would move to suspend Ward from parliament until a verdict is reached in a criminal trial against the MP.
The decision, he said, was taken to “ensure alleged victims in this matter have their day in court”, he told the parliament.The decision, he said, was taken to “ensure alleged victims in this matter have their day in court”, he told the parliament.
Toole, who is the state’s acting premier while Dominic Perrottet is on parental leave, tabled a motion stating that in “the interests of alleged victims survivors having their complaints considered by the criminal justice system”, and the “fairness of criminal trials” the government would move a motion to suspend Ward on Thursday.Toole, who is the state’s acting premier while Dominic Perrottet is on parental leave, tabled a motion stating that in “the interests of alleged victims survivors having their complaints considered by the criminal justice system”, and the “fairness of criminal trials” the government would move a motion to suspend Ward on Thursday.
According to the motion, the suspension would last “until the verdict of the jury has been returned on the five criminal charges laid against him yesterday”.According to the motion, the suspension would last “until the verdict of the jury has been returned on the five criminal charges laid against him yesterday”.
The decision means Ward will likely continue receiving his $169,000 annual salary as he faces criminal charges for alleged sexual abuse against a man and 17-year-old boy.The decision means Ward will likely continue receiving his $169,000 annual salary as he faces criminal charges for alleged sexual abuse against a man and 17-year-old boy.
Ward denied the allegations and said he would be fighting the charges, but did not indicate if he planned to leave parliament while he did so.
In the motion, Toole conceded the parliament “does not have the power to withhold a member’s remuneration” but said the government “has sought advice on options” to “affect the withholding” of his “remuneration and all other entitlements”.In the motion, Toole conceded the parliament “does not have the power to withhold a member’s remuneration” but said the government “has sought advice on options” to “affect the withholding” of his “remuneration and all other entitlements”.
The decision comes after Perrottet on Tuesday released a statement saying he would seek Ward’s removal from parliament after he was charged with three counts of assault with acts of indecency, and one count each of common assault and sexual intercourse without consent.The decision comes after Perrottet on Tuesday released a statement saying he would seek Ward’s removal from parliament after he was charged with three counts of assault with acts of indecency, and one count each of common assault and sexual intercourse without consent.
The charges relate to two alleged incidents involving a 27-year-old man and 17-year-old boy. Ward, the member for Kiama, denied the allegations and said he would fight the charges, but did not indicate if he planned to leave parliament while he did so. The charges relate to two alleged incidents involving a 27-year-old man and 17-year-old boy.
The national executive of the ALP will meet this afternoon to determine the process for replacing the late senator Kimberley Kitching.The national executive of the ALP will meet this afternoon to determine the process for replacing the late senator Kimberley Kitching.
Guardian Australia understands that nominations are likely to open today, and close early next week before a ballot on Tuesday.Guardian Australia understands that nominations are likely to open today, and close early next week before a ballot on Tuesday.
Contenders are expected to include the Victorian corrections minister, Natalie Hutchins, and the barrister and former Higgins candidate, Fiona McLeod.Contenders are expected to include the Victorian corrections minister, Natalie Hutchins, and the barrister and former Higgins candidate, Fiona McLeod.
Whitehaven Coal has lodged an application for a new coal exploration licence near Narrabri in the north-west of New South Wales.Whitehaven Coal has lodged an application for a new coal exploration licence near Narrabri in the north-west of New South Wales.
The application is to explore for coal in an area known as Gorman North, which the former deputy premier John Barilaro nominated for new coalmining in his strategic statement on coal in 2020.The application is to explore for coal in an area known as Gorman North, which the former deputy premier John Barilaro nominated for new coalmining in his strategic statement on coal in 2020.
The proposal, first flagged last year, has sparked concerns from community members who fear a licence may be granted for exploration without community consultation.The proposal, first flagged last year, has sparked concerns from community members who fear a licence may be granted for exploration without community consultation.
A similar land release proposed at Rylstone, near the Wollemi national park, went to public consultation before mining companies were able to submit exploration applications and resulted in the state government ruling out exploration in two areas.A similar land release proposed at Rylstone, near the Wollemi national park, went to public consultation before mining companies were able to submit exploration applications and resulted in the state government ruling out exploration in two areas.
The Boggabri farmer Sally Hunter said the application from Whitehaven, through its subsidiary Narrabri Coal, demonstrated the “industrialisation” that was occurring in the north-west of NSW:The Boggabri farmer Sally Hunter said the application from Whitehaven, through its subsidiary Narrabri Coal, demonstrated the “industrialisation” that was occurring in the north-west of NSW:
She said Namoi Valley residents deserved the same opportunity to respond to new land releases for exploration as the Rylstone community received.She said Namoi Valley residents deserved the same opportunity to respond to new land releases for exploration as the Rylstone community received.
A top Indian diplomat has urged Australian business executives to put aside “old prejudices” about his country as the two sides scramble to reach an interim trade deal.A top Indian diplomat has urged Australian business executives to put aside “old prejudices” about his country as the two sides scramble to reach an interim trade deal.
With a trade deal now three months later than originally planned, India’s high commissioner to Australia, Manpreet Vohra, said too many boardrooms had placed the country in the “too hard basket” based on “old notions”.With a trade deal now three months later than originally planned, India’s high commissioner to Australia, Manpreet Vohra, said too many boardrooms had placed the country in the “too hard basket” based on “old notions”.
Vohra said the Covid-19 pandemic had further “exacerbated divides that we see, the fissures that we see, in what seemed to be a very cosy way that the world was going along”.Vohra said the Covid-19 pandemic had further “exacerbated divides that we see, the fissures that we see, in what seemed to be a very cosy way that the world was going along”.
He said India and Australia had “rediscovered that we are actually natural partners” – but many Australian investors had failed to “seize the opportunity” of India’s growth.He said India and Australia had “rediscovered that we are actually natural partners” – but many Australian investors had failed to “seize the opportunity” of India’s growth.
Last year, during the pandemic, India attracted about $82bn of foreign direct investment but “the Australian part of that is extremely low”, the high commissioner said. Australia’s foreign direct investment in India was worth less than $1bn in 2020.Last year, during the pandemic, India attracted about $82bn of foreign direct investment but “the Australian part of that is extremely low”, the high commissioner said. Australia’s foreign direct investment in India was worth less than $1bn in 2020.
Vohra called on Australian businesses to develop their “India literacy” and “look at India in a different light”.Vohra called on Australian businesses to develop their “India literacy” and “look at India in a different light”.
He said one factor may be “the old notions and prejudices amongst many in Australia, certainly many Australian businesses, that they decided 30 years ago when they might have looked at India that we are a difficult place to do business”.He said one factor may be “the old notions and prejudices amongst many in Australia, certainly many Australian businesses, that they decided 30 years ago when they might have looked at India that we are a difficult place to do business”.
“But I suggest to you that it is actually a new India today,” he told an event hosted by the Perth US Asia Centre at the University of Western Australia.“But I suggest to you that it is actually a new India today,” he told an event hosted by the Perth US Asia Centre at the University of Western Australia.
Australia and India had previously said they wanted to reach an interim trade deal by December 2021 – a deadline that has now been missed – and a comprehensive agreement by the end of 2022.Australia and India had previously said they wanted to reach an interim trade deal by December 2021 – a deadline that has now been missed – and a comprehensive agreement by the end of 2022.
India was Australia’s seventh-largest trading partner in 2020, when the two-way value of trade in goods and services was $24.4bn. Australia’s top exports to India were coal and education-related travel.India was Australia’s seventh-largest trading partner in 2020, when the two-way value of trade in goods and services was $24.4bn. Australia’s top exports to India were coal and education-related travel.
On Wednesday a new paper called on the two governments to follow an “investment-led strategy” for building the economic relationship.On Wednesday a new paper called on the two governments to follow an “investment-led strategy” for building the economic relationship.
I don’t think we got to the SA numbers yet, so here they are. There were 4,594 new Covid-19 cases reported in South Australia, and two additional deaths.I don’t think we got to the SA numbers yet, so here they are. There were 4,594 new Covid-19 cases reported in South Australia, and two additional deaths.
The NSW government will not try to pass a motion to remove the Kiama MP, Gareth Ward, from parliament pending his historical sexual abuse charges being heard in court, as the premier, Dominic Perrottet, flagged yesterday, after receiving legal advice. The government will instead try to suspend him.The NSW government will not try to pass a motion to remove the Kiama MP, Gareth Ward, from parliament pending his historical sexual abuse charges being heard in court, as the premier, Dominic Perrottet, flagged yesterday, after receiving legal advice. The government will instead try to suspend him.
Some more tributes to Ash Barty from politicians:Some more tributes to Ash Barty from politicians:
The prime minister, Scott Morrison, has responded to the news of Ash Barty’s shock retirement from tennis.The prime minister, Scott Morrison, has responded to the news of Ash Barty’s shock retirement from tennis.
He said:He said:
The suspended global pastor Brian Houston has resigned from the Hillsong church following revelations of his alleged mistreatment of women.The suspended global pastor Brian Houston has resigned from the Hillsong church following revelations of his alleged mistreatment of women.
The global board said in a statement on Wednesday:The global board said in a statement on Wednesday:
The resignation follows an apology issued by the church on Friday over allegations of Houston’s conduct towards two women.The resignation follows an apology issued by the church on Friday over allegations of Houston’s conduct towards two women.
The Tasmanian premier, Peter Gutwein, will be in isolation for seven days after one of his family members tested positive to Covid-19, AAP reports.The Tasmanian premier, Peter Gutwein, will be in isolation for seven days after one of his family members tested positive to Covid-19, AAP reports.
Gutwein on Wednesday released a statement, saying he had returned a negative rapid antigen test and would continue to work from home where possible.Gutwein on Wednesday released a statement, saying he had returned a negative rapid antigen test and would continue to work from home where possible.
“The deputy premier, Jeremy Rockliff, will undertake those duties and responsibilities that I would normally perform as premier during question time and for matters before the parliament,” Gutwein said.“The deputy premier, Jeremy Rockliff, will undertake those duties and responsibilities that I would normally perform as premier during question time and for matters before the parliament,” Gutwein said.
It comes after nearly 20 Tasmanians who had Covid-19 were incorrectly told they had tested negative on their PCR tests.It comes after nearly 20 Tasmanians who had Covid-19 were incorrectly told they had tested negative on their PCR tests.
Tasmania’s health commander, Kathrine Morgan-Wicks, confirmed 19 people were on Tuesday wrongly notified.Tasmania’s health commander, Kathrine Morgan-Wicks, confirmed 19 people were on Tuesday wrongly notified.
The department said the error was corrected within three hours.The department said the error was corrected within three hours.
Morgan-Wicks said the RHH Laboratory was improving its system to ensure another mistake won’t happen.Morgan-Wicks said the RHH Laboratory was improving its system to ensure another mistake won’t happen.
“On behalf of the Department of Health, I apologise for the error and for any inconvenience caused to the recipients of the incorrect results,” she said.“On behalf of the Department of Health, I apologise for the error and for any inconvenience caused to the recipients of the incorrect results,” she said.
Tasmania reported 1,825 new cases on Wednesday.Tasmania reported 1,825 new cases on Wednesday.
There were no further deaths but 32 people were in hospital.There were no further deaths but 32 people were in hospital.
Labor says it “welcomes the commencement of Australia’s Defence Force Space Command”.Labor says it “welcomes the commencement of Australia’s Defence Force Space Command”.
The defence minister, Peter Dutton, announced yesterday that the new space command within the air force had begun operations, a move first flagged last year.The defence minister, Peter Dutton, announced yesterday that the new space command within the air force had begun operations, a move first flagged last year.
Labor’s defence spokesperson, Brendan O’Connor, issued a statement today saying it backs the move:Labor’s defence spokesperson, Brendan O’Connor, issued a statement today saying it backs the move:
For more on what the new head of the space command said, see yesterday’s story:For more on what the new head of the space command said, see yesterday’s story:
One in 20 Australian university students have been sexually assaulted since starting university and one in six have been sexually harassed, a survey of 43,819 students has found.One in 20 Australian university students have been sexually assaulted since starting university and one in six have been sexually harassed, a survey of 43,819 students has found.
The findings come from the National Student Safety Survey, which was released by Universities Australia this afternoon. It follows a survey in 2016, which found higher rates of sexual assault and harassment, but was criticised for not using a best practice approach to sexual harassment research. The questions in the 2021 survey were changed to ask about behaviours which would be considered sexual harassment or assault, rather than asking people to nominate whether they have been sexually harassed or assaulted.The findings come from the National Student Safety Survey, which was released by Universities Australia this afternoon. It follows a survey in 2016, which found higher rates of sexual assault and harassment, but was criticised for not using a best practice approach to sexual harassment research. The questions in the 2021 survey were changed to ask about behaviours which would be considered sexual harassment or assault, rather than asking people to nominate whether they have been sexually harassed or assaulted.
Rates of sexual assault and harassment were highest among non-binary, trans, First Nations and disabled students. Thirty per cent of all students had been sexually assaulted at least once in their life — but for non-binary or gender-diverse students that figure was 56.1%. Students who lived in student accommodation were also more likely to have been impacted, with 6% reporting having been sexually assaulted in the past 12 months, and 19% reporting being sexually harassed.Rates of sexual assault and harassment were highest among non-binary, trans, First Nations and disabled students. Thirty per cent of all students had been sexually assaulted at least once in their life — but for non-binary or gender-diverse students that figure was 56.1%. Students who lived in student accommodation were also more likely to have been impacted, with 6% reporting having been sexually assaulted in the past 12 months, and 19% reporting being sexually harassed.
Those figures are still lower than in previous reports, a fact that Universities Australia say may be attributed to fewer people being on campus due to Covid.Those figures are still lower than in previous reports, a fact that Universities Australia say may be attributed to fewer people being on campus due to Covid.
The report also found a spike in online harassment, particularly in private messages sent over Zoom. The Universities Australia chair, Prof John Dewar, said the survey results were “distressing, disappointing and confronting”.The report also found a spike in online harassment, particularly in private messages sent over Zoom. The Universities Australia chair, Prof John Dewar, said the survey results were “distressing, disappointing and confronting”.
Max Walsh, a highly influential economics journalist who rose to lead the Australian Financial Review and was a popular commentator on Channel Nine, has died aged 84.Max Walsh, a highly influential economics journalist who rose to lead the Australian Financial Review and was a popular commentator on Channel Nine, has died aged 84.
The former editor-in-chief and chief political correspondent of the AFR died on Wednesday morning with dementia, the AFR reported.The former editor-in-chief and chief political correspondent of the AFR died on Wednesday morning with dementia, the AFR reported.
Walsh played a significant role in the opening up of the Australian economy in the 1980s and was editor-in-chief of the former Fairfax financial daily when it was profitable in the 1970s and 80s.Walsh played a significant role in the opening up of the Australian economy in the 1980s and was editor-in-chief of the former Fairfax financial daily when it was profitable in the 1970s and 80s.
He wrote about politics for the Sun-Herald and the Bulletin and enjoyed a second career as a regular contributor on Channel Nine’s now defunct Sunday program.He wrote about politics for the Sun-Herald and the Bulletin and enjoyed a second career as a regular contributor on Channel Nine’s now defunct Sunday program.
He was described as “the great oak of Australian journalism” by former Nine Sunday journalist Jennifer Byrne.He was described as “the great oak of Australian journalism” by former Nine Sunday journalist Jennifer Byrne.
Walsh is survived by his wife, Geraldine, daughters, Flicc and Sophie, and grandson, Xavier.Walsh is survived by his wife, Geraldine, daughters, Flicc and Sophie, and grandson, Xavier.
Barty, a three-time grand slam champion, is just 25, but says she is spent:Barty, a three-time grand slam champion, is just 25, but says she is spent:
Here’s Emma Kemp’s full report:Here’s Emma Kemp’s full report: