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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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Standing up space launch sites in Australia will help provide back up capabilities if allies’ facilities go down and ensure continued access to critical technologies, the head of the country’s space agency says. That’s where we will leave the blog on a big day in the news. Here’s what made the news today:
AAP reports Enrico Palermo says Australia’s unique geography, climate and political landscape makes it attractive for countries like the United States to co-invest in space infrastructure. World tennis number one, Ash Barty, announced her shock retirement from the sport at the age of 25. Barty says she is keen to do new things, and felt it was the right time.
“We’re a country that can protect sensitive technologies to develop spaceports,” the Australian Space Agency boss told an air and space conference in Canberra on Wednesday. Hillsong global pastor Brian Houston has resigned after an internal investigation found he had engaged in inappropriate conduct “of serious concern” with two women.
Independent candidate for Goldstein, Zoe Daniel, won a legal battle to allow her supporters to erect signs in support of her election in their yards before the election has been called.
A survey by Universities Australia has found one in 20 students have been sexually assaulted and one in six have been harassed.
The Morrison government announced $5bn in funding for the Hell’s Gate dam in Townsville.
Nominations to replace the late senator Kimberley Kitching in the Senate are now underway.
There were 61,552 new cases of Covid-19 reported: 24,115 in NSW, 10471 in Victoria, 10,476 in Queensland, 8429 in Western Australia, 4594 in South Australia, 1825 in Tasmania, 1314 in the ACT and 328 in the Northern Territory.
There were 26 additional deaths, including five in NSW, 11 in Victoria, seven in Queensland, two in SA, and one in WA.
New Zealand is doing away with its vaccine passes and vaccine mandates for some workers.
Doherty Institute research has found vaccine-induced T-cells provide a long-lasting immune response to Covid-19.
Until tomorrow, stay safe.
Sales of stickers calling on voters to “bin” the prime minister have surged after the Liberal heavyweight Philip Ruddock’s Hornsby Shire Council threatened residents that garbage collection services may be suspended if they weren’t removed from wheelie bins.
Placing space launch sites in Australia will help provide back-up capabilities if allies’ facilities go down and ensure continued access to critical technologies, the head of the country’s space agency says.
AAP reports that the head of the Australian Space Agency, Enrico Palermo, says Australia’s unique geography, climate and political landscape makes it attractive for countries like the United States to co-invest in space infrastructure.
“We’re a country that can protect sensitive technologies to develop spaceports,” the Palermo told an air and space conference in Canberra on Wednesday.
“Internationally, we can offer an alternate site as ranges fill up and exceed the demand, or are perhaps taken out by weather or other other formats. We can provide resiliency to that that launch network internationally.”“Internationally, we can offer an alternate site as ranges fill up and exceed the demand, or are perhaps taken out by weather or other other formats. We can provide resiliency to that that launch network internationally.”
Australia’s priority remains the continued access to space, with an attack against a satellite or its ground connection possibly wiping out communications and navigation systems, as well as intelligence and surveillance capabilities, banking and the internet. Australia’s priority remains on ensuring continued access to space, with attacks against a satellite or its ground connections possibly wiping out communications and navigation systems, as well as intelligence and surveillance capabilities, banking and the internet.
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.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%.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.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.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.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.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.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.“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.“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.“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.”“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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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 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.”“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 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.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 “not woke” comments, 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: