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Australia news live update: Labor process to replace Kimberley Kitching begins; Whitehaven applies for new NSW coal exploration licence Australia news live update: Labor process to replace Kimberley Kitching begins; Whitehaven applies for new NSW coal exploration licence
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People are still using more broadband now than they were this time last year, despite the easing of restrictions meaning many people have returned to the office for the first time since the pandemic began.
NBN Co reported to the Senate in response to a question on notice from estimates that upload traffic is up between 20% and 25% in February this year compared to February last year, and download traffic is up between 10% and 15%.
The federal government should support regional newspapers through a greater share of advertising, funds for research, targeted grants and even tax rebates.
That’s the finding of a multi-party inquiry into the struggling media sector which reported to federal parliament on Wednesday.
AAP reports communications committee chair, Dr Anne Webster, said regional newspapers had experienced significant challenges over the past decade.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission found between 2008 and 2018, 106 titles closed across the country leaving more than 20 local government areas without a single or regional newspaper.
Another more recent estimate put the figure at closer to 260 titles.
“For people in regional, rural, or remote communities, regional newspapers are the main source of local information,” Webster said.
“It also plays an important role in maintaining an interconnected community, and a healthy democracy.
“A diversity of opinion from all sides of the political spectrum and coverage of local, as well as national issues, is essential to public debate.
“It is important we ensure the sector remains viable in the long-term.”
The committee report included 12 recommendations including further studies into the long and short term viability of the industry, a national register of regional news providers, and partnerships between the ABC, SBS and small regional publishers and broadcasters.
As well, the government should ensure a minimum of 20% of its print advertising goes to regional newspapers to provide certainty of income.
Targeted grants should be made available, and a study undertaken into a tax rebate for regional businesses to support their local newspaper and for newspapers to hire local reporters.
Modelling by the Public Interest Journalism Initiative showed a 50% research and development style tax rebate could inject up to $711m into the sector, at a cost of $375m to taxpayers.
Kennedy MP, Bob Katter, has accused the government of telling “a flagrant lie” to him on the $5.4bn Hells Gates dam announcement that Scott Morrison made today, and says it could affect who he supports in the event of a potential hung parliament.
Morrison was in north Queensland today, announcing billions for the dam and spruiking its potential for agriculture. Katter has been a long-time advocate for the dam, saying it should help feed the “Bradfield Scheme” for irrigation in the north.Katter claimed the announcement was a “disaster” and said the dam wasn’t being built high enough, which he said would mean it wouldn’t be as effective for irrigation.
At a press conference in Townsville, he brandished a letter he claimed to have received from the deputy PM, Barnaby Joyce, saying the dam would be built to 395 metres in height – but Katter said Wednesday’s announcement was only for a “low-level dam” smaller in height than that.
“I will be considering my position,” he said when asked if the policy would affect which party he would support in parliament.
“I don’t like being lied to.”
Katter has pledged confidence and supply to the government, but says he was considering whether to withdraw that for parliament next week, and whether he would support the Coalition in the event of a hung parliament after the election.
Katter claims he rang Morrison’s office 13 times today with no response.
Labor MP Josh Burns on ABC News calls out Liberal MP Tim Wilson over the Goldstein signs case.Labor MP Josh Burns on ABC News calls out Liberal MP Tim Wilson over the Goldstein signs case.
Wilson, who was not party to the court case but initially complained to the council over the signs put up by supporters of his opponent Zoe Daniel, has welcomed the decision today as a clarification to allow the signs to be put up now.Wilson, who was not party to the court case but initially complained to the council over the signs put up by supporters of his opponent Zoe Daniel, has welcomed the decision today as a clarification to allow the signs to be put up now.
Burns said it was misguided for the Liberal party to attempt to “squash the independent movement and the Labor party and their political opponents ... it is not going to work”.Burns said it was misguided for the Liberal party to attempt to “squash the independent movement and the Labor party and their political opponents ... it is not going to work”.
Interestingly, Liberal MP for Wentworth, Dave Sharma, was reluctant to criticise Labor’s reported potential parachuting of Andrew Charlton into the western Sydney seat of Parramatta on ABC’s Afternoon Briefing.Interestingly, Liberal MP for Wentworth, Dave Sharma, was reluctant to criticise Labor’s reported potential parachuting of Andrew Charlton into the western Sydney seat of Parramatta on ABC’s Afternoon Briefing.
Host Greg Jennett noted that Charlton was currently a constituent of Sharma’s, but Sharma said he would leave it to Labor.Host Greg Jennett noted that Charlton was currently a constituent of Sharma’s, but Sharma said he would leave it to Labor.
Worth noting that the Liberals in NSW have been going through an even more difficult preselection process in the lead up to the election.Worth noting that the Liberals in NSW have been going through an even more difficult preselection process in the lead up to the election.
Australia’s vast north is open to attack amid the most concerning security challenge the US’s top military commander in the region has seen in recent years, AAP reports.Australia’s vast north is open to attack amid the most concerning security challenge the US’s top military commander in the region has seen in recent years, AAP reports.
US Indo-Pacific commander Adm John Aquilino recently flew over the South China Sea and says China has built and militarised several artificial islands.US Indo-Pacific commander Adm John Aquilino recently flew over the South China Sea and says China has built and militarised several artificial islands.
“They are full-fledged offensive bases,” he told reporters in Darwin on Wednesday.“They are full-fledged offensive bases,” he told reporters in Darwin on Wednesday.
“Runways, hangers, barracks, anti-aircraft missiles, anti-ship missiles, jamming capability, hangers for fighter aircraft, bomber aircraft ... That is fact.”“Runways, hangers, barracks, anti-aircraft missiles, anti-ship missiles, jamming capability, hangers for fighter aircraft, bomber aircraft ... That is fact.”
Asked about the military threat to Australia’s north, including Darwin, Aquilino said, “There is certainly a threat”.Asked about the military threat to Australia’s north, including Darwin, Aquilino said, “There is certainly a threat”.
“Today in the Indo-Pacific, it hosts the most concerning security challenge that we have faced in a number of years.”“Today in the Indo-Pacific, it hosts the most concerning security challenge that we have faced in a number of years.”
The admiral said he would be in Australia for several days to work closely with the chief of the Australian defence force, Gen Angus Campbell, on all aspects of the two nations’ military collaboration.The admiral said he would be in Australia for several days to work closely with the chief of the Australian defence force, Gen Angus Campbell, on all aspects of the two nations’ military collaboration.
“It should be concerning to nations that are interested in changing and potentially destabilising the region,” he said.“It should be concerning to nations that are interested in changing and potentially destabilising the region,” he said.
The admiral leads the largest US military command with 380,000 personnel across 36 nations.The admiral leads the largest US military command with 380,000 personnel across 36 nations.
Reflecting on Australia’s recently announced space command, he said the US would be working through Aukus with Australia and the UK to strengthen defence capabilities in the space and cyber domains.Reflecting on Australia’s recently announced space command, he said the US would be working through Aukus with Australia and the UK to strengthen defence capabilities in the space and cyber domains.
“Some of the US team is coming to Australia [tomorrow] to synchronise our exercise, operations and effects,” he said.“Some of the US team is coming to Australia [tomorrow] to synchronise our exercise, operations and effects,” he said.
“Critically important. We have no separation of domain between Australia and the US.”“Critically important. We have no separation of domain between Australia and the US.”
The admiral said the US would also increase its military collaboration with Australia and other nations to maintain stability in the region.The admiral said the US would also increase its military collaboration with Australia and other nations to maintain stability in the region.
“We want to be able to join together quickly and operate immediately,” he said while inspecting a US Marine contingent based in Darwin.“We want to be able to join together quickly and operate immediately,” he said while inspecting a US Marine contingent based in Darwin.
The seasonal force, which also includes the US Army for the first time, is expected to grow to 2,200 servicemen and women over the next few months.The seasonal force, which also includes the US Army for the first time, is expected to grow to 2,200 servicemen and women over the next few months.
Aukus is a trilateral security pact between Australia, the US and the UK in the Indo-Pacific region.Aukus is a trilateral security pact between Australia, the US and the UK in the Indo-Pacific region.
The US Indo-Pacific Command is also the nation’s oldest combatant command.The US Indo-Pacific Command is also the nation’s oldest combatant command.
Aquilino oversees all US military activities, including the army, marines, airforce and navy, in the Indo-Pacific, covering 14 time zones and more than 50% of the world’s population.Aquilino oversees all US military activities, including the army, marines, airforce and navy, in the Indo-Pacific, covering 14 time zones and more than 50% of the world’s population.
I received my booster shot here. It’s a beautiful building to get the jab in, but good to see it’s returning to hosting other things now.I received my booster shot here. It’s a beautiful building to get the jab in, but good to see it’s returning to hosting other things now.
Trans community advocates have called for the opposition leader, Anthony Albanese, to meet with the community after he made those comments about being “not woke”, as well as comments that men cannot have babies. Trans community advocates have called for the opposition leader, Anthony Albanese, to meet with the community after he made those “not woke” comments, as well as comments that men cannot have babies.
Spokesperson for Just.Equal Australia, Sally Goldner, said Albanese’s comments to the Daily Telegraph erased sections of the trans community, and were in conflict with anti-discrimination law Labor introduced in government in 2013:Spokesperson for Just.Equal Australia, Sally Goldner, said Albanese’s comments to the Daily Telegraph erased sections of the trans community, and were in conflict with anti-discrimination law Labor introduced in government in 2013:
I looked it up, and this case will be still holding hearings until mid-April at least. Sixteen more to go by my count.I looked it up, and this case will be still holding hearings until mid-April at least. Sixteen more to go by my count.
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.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.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 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.”“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”.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: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.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: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 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 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.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 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.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.“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 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.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. 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”.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.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.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.