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Karl fires up on Sussan Ley over “ruthlessly personal” purge

<p>A major reshuffle of the Coalition’s frontbench has erupted into political controversy, with Liberal leader Sussan Ley facing accusations of conducting a “ruthlessly personal” purge in her first major test since taking the reins from Peter Dutton.</p> <p>In a fiery interview on the <em>Today</em> Show, host Karl Stefanovic grilled Ms Ley over her decision to dump high-profile Senator Jane Hume – architect of the Coalition’s controversial work-from-home policy – and Victorian MP Sarah Henderson from the shadow cabinet.</p> <p>“I am not saying this is a bad thing, but you are ruthlessly personal,” Stefanovic said.</p> <p>“That’s not my view, Karl,” Ms Ley replied, defending the overhaul as part of building a “fantastic team” focused on challenging the Labor government. “Our job is to take the fight up to Labor to be the strongest possible Opposition on behalf of the Australian people.”</p> <p>When asked if she simply didn’t like Senator Hume, Ms Ley deflected: “Jane is a fantastic colleague and contributor and will remain in exactly the role she has as senator for Victoria.”</p> <p>The exclusion of Senator Hume, alongside the demotions of Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price and other senior women, has fuelled discontent within the party, especially amid concerns over gender representation. Ms Ley insisted that 40% of her shadow ministry are women when the outer ministry is included, but the shadow cabinet now includes just eight women out of 27 – fewer than under Peter Dutton.</p> <p>The removal of Senator Price from the shadow cabinet, now relegated to the defence industry portfolio in the outer ministry, has also raised eyebrows. Ms Ley said Price was “excited” about the new role and emphasised the Coalition’s focus on national security under Angus Taylor, who has moved from Treasury to Defence.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Senate leader Michaelia Cash has taken on the powerful foreign affairs portfolio, squaring off against Labor’s Senator Penny Wong. Ted O’Brien has replaced Taylor as Treasury spokesman, while Senator James Paterson has been elevated to the finance and government services portfolio.</p> <p>Leadership hopeful Andrew Hastie also earned a promotion, stepping into the home affairs role after requesting a shift from Defence.</p> <p>But the reshuffle has created clear winners and losers, with former Nationals leaders Barnaby Joyce and Michael McCormack both axed from the front bench. Mr McCormack hinted at ongoing tensions in the Nationals over their separation from the Liberals, telling <em>Sky News</em> he had more to say on key issues like net zero.</p> <p>Asked if his demotion was due to past criticisms of party leadership, McCormack replied, “You would have to ask David Littleproud.”</p> <p>That leadership is now under fresh scrutiny. Nationals MP Colin Boyce has accused Mr Littleproud of misleading the party room over negotiations with Ms Ley, saying, “How can you support a bloke that misleads the partyroom? I’m calling him out.”</p> <p>Senator Matt Canavan, who recently challenged Mr Littleproud for leadership, also weighed in, warning the Liberals to stay out of National Party business.</p> <p>Back in Liberal ranks, Senator Hume’s dumping remains one of the most contentious decisions. While Ley allies insist there’s no bad blood, others suggest a falling out between the two women and suspicions over Hume’s factional allegiances played a role.</p> <p>“She’s just collateral damage,” one Liberal MP said, hinting that internal tensions and past disagreements – including Hume’s controversial remarks during the last election – contributed to her downfall.</p> <p>The reshuffle, intended to position the Coalition as a stronger force heading into the next election cycle, has instead exposed deep rifts within both the Liberal and National parties. Whether this bold shake-up will unify the Opposition or deepen divisions remains to be seen.</p> <p><em>Images: Today show</em> </p>

TV

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Man charged with murder over house fire that killed 80-year-old

<p>A 50-year-old man has been arrested and charged with murder following a deadly house fire that claimed the life of an 80-year-old man in Sydney’s inner west.</p> <p>Emergency services were called to the scene of the ferocious blaze on Irrara Street in Croydon at around 4am on Wednesday. The fire was so intense that it caused the roof of the single-storey brick home to collapse, forcing firefighters to retreat as they battled the flames.</p> <p>The body of Ted Grantham, 80, was found inside the property. He has been remembered by loved ones as a gentle and devoted family man who dedicated his life to music and service in the church, where he played the organ.</p> <p>Following the fire, a major police operation was launched to locate a man who also lived at the residence and was related to the victim. He was tracked down overnight in Woy Woy, on the NSW Central Coast, and was found to be carrying a concealed machete at the time of his arrest.</p> <p>The man has since been charged with murder.</p> <p>“This has been an intensive few hours to locate a man we believe can assist with our inquiries into what we allege is a suspicious fire,” said Superintendent Christine McDonald. “It really is tragic.”</p> <p>An elderly woman, believed to have left the home about three hours before the fire began, is also assisting police with their investigation. Authorities have confirmed that the victim, the arrested man, and the elderly woman are all related.</p> <p>Six fire trucks and nearly two dozen firefighters responded to the emergency, gaining entry through the back of the property due to the “intense” flames engulfing the front of the house. Video footage taken after the blaze shows the roof collapsed and extensive fire damage throughout the home.</p> <p>Superintendent McDonald said police are in contact with devastated family members. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the fire continue.</p> <p><em>Images: Facebook</em></p>

Legal

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Mother charged with murder after deadly house fire kills three children

<p>A 36-year-old Queensland mother has been charged with multiple counts of murder after a devastating house fire in Toowoomba claimed the lives of three of her children, in what police believe was a deliberately lit blaze.</p> <p>The fatal fire broke out just after midnight last Wednesday at the family's home in Harristown, engulfing the property before emergency services could bring it under control. When fire crews arrived, the house was already consumed by flames.</p> <p>Tragically, a young boy was found dead near the front door of the home. His two sisters, also young children, were rescued from the fire in critical condition and rushed to Queensland Children’s Hospital. Despite efforts to save them, both girls later died after being taken off life support.</p> <p>Queensland Police allege the children’s mother intentionally started the fire. In a statement on Tuesday, police confirmed she has been charged with three counts of murder (domestic violence offence), three counts of attempted murder (domestic violence offence), and one count of arson.</p> <p>Two other children survived the blaze, as did the woman’s 34-year-old partner. Investigators have ruled out the involvement of any other suspects, though police say the investigation remains ongoing.</p> <p>“This is an incredibly tragic incident that has deeply affected the community,” a police spokesperson said. “Our thoughts are with the surviving family members and all those impacted by this devastating loss.”</p> <p>The woman is expected to appear in court as the legal process continues.</p> <p><em>Images: 7 News / Facebook</em></p>

Legal

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“They are treating us like chumps": Karl fires up over supermarket practices

<p>In a heated interview on the <em>Today </em>show, Karl Stefanovic confronted Treasurer Jim Chalmers over the conduct of major supermarket chains, accusing them of treating Australian consumers like "chumps". The exchange followed the release of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) final report into supermarket practices, highlighting concerns over price-gouging, misleading discounts and "shrinkflation".</p> <p>The ACCC’s inquiry found that the dominance of Woolworths, which controls 38% of the national grocery market, and Coles, which holds 29%, has resulted in an “oligopolistic” effect. Despite this, the regulator refrained from endorsing Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s call for greater powers to dismantle the supermarket giants, cautioning that there was no “silver bullet” solution.</p> <p>Treasurer Chalmers acknowledged the ongoing cost-of-living pressures, saying that “Australians are still feeling that pressure at the checkout. And that’s why we’re cracking down on the supermarkets.” He added that the government was working to foster greater competition in the industry to prevent further consumer exploitation.</p> <p>However, Stefanovic challenged Chalmers, arguing that no significant changes had been made to curb supermarket dominance. “They are treating us like chumps and they continue to,” he said. “And I’ve not seen anything that’s going to stop them from doing that.”</p> <p>Chalmers then defended the government’s economic policies, citing key improvements including declining inflation, rising real wages and economic growth. “We know that people are still under pressure,” he admitted but insisted that progress was being made.</p> <p>In response to the ACCC report, Coles issued a statement claiming the company also faces financial pressures, including rising rents and electricity costs. “We do not control these inflationary costs in the economy – but they contribute to higher grocery prices for Australian households,” the statement read.</p> <p>Coles also defended its pricing strategy, stating that grocery inflation (excluding tobacco) remained at just 1% for the first half of the financial year. The company assured that it is reviewing the ACCC’s recommendations and has already implemented changes to improve pricing transparency and customer communication.</p> <p><em>Images: The Today show</em></p>

Money & Banking

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New details emerge after Gold Coast Hilton Hotel catches fire

<p>New details have emerged after a massive fire erupted at the Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel on the Gold Coast overnight, prompting the evacuation of hundreds of guests and staff.</p> <p>The blaze originated on the roof of the hotel's western tower at around 2am, with debris falling onto the second-floor restaurant area, notably affecting establishments like Steampunk Surfers Paradise. </p> <p>Emergency services responded promptly, with multiple fire crews arriving to combat the flames. The Queensland Fire Department reported that the fire on the pool deck was extinguished by around 2:20am, and the roof fire was under control by 2:40am. Guests were then permitted to return to their rooms at around 3am. </p> <p>Surfers Paradise resident Joevy Lyn captured dramatic footage of debris tumbling 120m from the roof to the streets below.  Legendary Australian jockey Shane Dye, who was staying on the 34th floor of a neighbouring tower, witnessed the fire firsthand and told the Courier Mail: "Everything was on fire and in flames, I couldn't believe it. It was right outside my window." Dye evacuated his building amid initial confusion, saying that hotel staff were initially unaware of the severity of the situation. </p> <p>Another guest, Leah Nicholson, who was staying at the Hilton with her wife and three-year-old daughter, reported not hearing any alarms but, upon contacting the front desk, was told of the fire. The family then descended 14 flights of stairs to evacuate, only hearing evacuation alarms upon reaching the ground level. </p> <p>Queensland police assisted in the evacuation, and while the cause of the fire remains under investigation, a woman staying at an apartment across the road reportedly said she believed the Hilton sign had exploded.</p> <p>“The H on top of the Hilton building just started to catch on fire and then it all started to explode,” the woman told 7NEWS. “Parts of it started to fall which caught … other parts of the building on fire. It was quite intense.”</p> <p><em>Images: 7NEWS</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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"It makes my blood boil": Today reporter fires up over athletes' pay

<p>Sports reporter and <em>Today</em> presenter Roz Kelly has fired up over a list revealing the highest paid athletes in 2024 for one major reason. </p> <p><a href="https://www.sportico.com/feature/highest-paid-athletes-in-the-world-1234765608/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sportico</a> revealed the list on Friday, which features one concerning theme that caught Kelly's attention: not a single female athlete features in the top 100 list.</p> <p>The salary figures for each athlete combine their reported annual salary as well as endorsement deals that are often worth millions. </p> <p>The lucrative list is topped by football icon Cristiano Ronaldo, who reportedly pocketed $411 million in 2024.</p> <p>"It makes my blood boil, it makes me so, so angry," Kelly said. "It's just proof of the gender pay gap in sport."</p> <p>"Some of these women are some of the most marketable in the world right now, they are on billboards everywhere."</p> <p>"I know like tennis players and surfers, they have equal prize money. There's still a long way to go in cricket, and soccer... I'm on a rant now."</p> <p>"When it comes to endorsement deals they are severely underpaid compared to their male counterparts."</p> <p>Five of the top 10 paid athletes in 2024 were football players, while basketball, golf, and American football also feature heavily in the top 20.</p> <p>Ben Simmons is the lone Aussie athlete in the top 100 after he earned $65m last year, coming in at 85th on the list.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Today / Shutterstock </em></p> <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 24px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 18px; line-height: 1.333; font-family: 'Proxima Nova', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; caret-color: #333333; color: #333333; letter-spacing: 0.25px;"> </p>

Money & Banking

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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle lend a hand to LA fire victims

<p>Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been spotted lending a helping hand to those affected by the deadly wildfires in Los Angeles. </p> <p>The royal Californian residents, who live around 145 kilometres north of LA, were seen at the Pasadena Convention Centre on Friday handing out food and supplies alongside other volunteers.</p> <p>They also met with Pasadena mayor, Victor Gordo, and thanked first responders for their efforts amid the catastrophic fires, which have claimed at least 11 lives and destroyed tens of thousands of homes and iconic buildings. </p> <p>“It’s great people, great personalities and great heart for them to come out here and meet with the first responders, meet with the people who were affected,” Gordo told Fox 11 of his meeting with the pair. </p> <p>Mr Gordo added that their visit “really buoyed the spirits of the first responders” and that “people were very happy to see them”.</p> <p>“They want to be as helpful as they can be … we visited with some of the affected families in some of the burnt-out areas in Pasadena and Altadena,” he said. </p> <p>“They took the time to meet the people that are affected and spent time. They’re just very caring people who are concerned for their friends and neighbours.”</p> <p>Mr Gordo went on to explain that the high-profile couple had visited the World Centra Kitchen “anonymously” by “serving food with masks” and wearing baseball caps, insisting they weren’t there for “publicity”, but were keen to “work”.</p> <p>“We went to visit some of the families in the impacted area and view first-hand some of the impacted area and then they wanted to go visit the first responders and personally thank them for their efforts to help our families and their neighbours,” Mr Gordo said.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Fox 11</em></p>

International Travel

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"Totally heartbroken": Disabled Australian man dies in LA fires

<p dir="ltr">A heartbroken mother has recalled the moment she tried to save her son from the wildfires ravaging Los Angeles. </p> <p dir="ltr">In an emotional post on X, Shelley Sykes confirmed that her 32-year-old son, Australian citizen Rory Sykes, has died on Thursday after she lost the water supply to hoses she was using to extinguish embers on their home's roof. </p> <p dir="ltr">Rory, who was born blind and with Cerebral Palsy, lived in a self-contained cottage at the back of the family’s home in Malibu, which was decimated by the ongoing fires in the Californian city. </p> <p dir="ltr">"Rory's feet with the heat had started to swell, and he couldn't walk very well. And he also had  problems with his tummy. So he didn't want to be far away from the bathroom," Shelley told <em>Weekend Today</em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">"So he said, Mum, you go, I'm staying. Well, there's no way I could leave."</p> <p dir="ltr">"So I stayed in the main property with my two peacocks in a bathroom because it was hard to breathe. Sitting on the floor with bottled water and trying to keep wet."</p> <p dir="ltr">Keeping an eye on her son’s cottage, Shelley sprang into action when she saw embers start to land on Rory’s roof. </p> <p dir="ltr">After her calls to emergency services didn’t go through and no water came out of the garden hose, she jumped in her car and drove to the nearest fire station. </p> <p dir="ltr">"They said, 'what are you doing? You're not supposed to be here'. And I said, 'please help Rory. His cottage has got flames on it and I've got no water',” she recalled. </p> <p dir="ltr">"They said, 'Shelley, we've got no water either'."</p> <p dir="ltr">When Shelley and the fire crews returned to try and save Rory, it was too late.</p> <p dir="ltr">"When I got there, the three cottages were down to the ground and just black ash," she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">"My house was fine, the big main house, but there were embers flying everywhere and it was hard to breathe."</p> <p dir="ltr">Shelley said her son Rory was a "very courageous man" who had overcome huge adversity in his life.</p> <p dir="ltr">"They said he'd never see or walk, and he defied all the odds," she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">"He loved Australia. He grew up as an Aussie boy, and has the Aussie accent…. He was my baby."</p> <p dir="ltr">British-born Rory moved to Australia as a child and attended school in Sydney but has been living in the US more recently.</p> <p dir="ltr">Shelley said she is "totally heartbroken" by Rory’s death, writing on X, "A wonderful son, a gift born on mine & his grandma’s birthday... a true humanitarian.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: X (Twitter) </em></p>

Caring

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19-year-old dies after battle with rare genetic condition

<p>TikTok star Beandri Booysen has died at the age of 19, her mother confirmed in a heartbreaking <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19b59a3bfL/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tribute</a>. </p> <p>Booysen died following a battle with Progeria – a rare genetic condition that causes children to age prematurely. </p> <p>According to the Mayo Clinic, children battling the condition  typically have a life expectancy of 15 to 20 years.</p> <p>In a tribute shared to Facebook, her mother said that Booysen was "one of South Africa's most beloved and inspiring young women" and said she "radiated hope and joy" despite her battle.</p> <p>"In Loving Memory of Beandri Booysen," the post began.</p> <p>"It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Beandri Booysen, one of South Africa's most beloved and inspiring young women."</p> <p>The 19-year-old had more than 278,000 followers on her original TikTok account, becoming a symbol of awareness for the rare genetic condition and inspiring people worldwide. </p> <p>"Beandri was not only known for her vibrant personality and infectious laugh but also as the last surviving individual in South Africa living with Progeria – a rare genetic condition that causes children to age prematurely.</p> <p>"Despite the challenges she faced, Beandri radiated hope and joy. She became a symbol of awareness for Progeria and other special needs, using her unique spirit to inspire thousands of people worldwide."</p> <p>"The Booysen family kindly requests privacy during this profoundly difficult time as they mourn the loss of their beloved Beandri. Further details regarding the memorial service will be shared in due course," she added. </p> <p>Followers were quick to share their condolences to her heartbroken family, with one writing: "So sad. What an inspiration she was. Fly high with the angels sweet girl." </p> <p>"Rest in peace and without pain Beandri," another added. </p> <p><em>Images: Facebook</em></p> <p> </p>

Caring

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"Just leave Christmas": Barnaby Joyce fires up over gender-neutral cookies

<p>Some stories are big: wars, elections, pandemics. Others are tiny – crispy, vaguely human-shaped and destined for dunking in tea.</p> <p>The humble Gingerbread Man – or rather, its gender-neutral successor, the Gingerbread Person – has sent shockwaves through Parliament House and left a trail of crumbs all the way to the nearest bakery.</p> <p>The biscuit's modern makeover has Barnaby Joyce and Nationals Senator Matt Canavan crying "Save Christmas!" faster than you can say, "Not my gumdrop buttons!"</p> <p>While many of us would struggle to find outrage over baked goods – especially baked goods with no opinion on pronouns – Joyce sees a far darker picture. For him, this is political correctness gone so far off the rails it could inspire an army of ginger-fuelled Trump supporters.</p> <p>“It’s just like, all this stuff has been forced on me, just leave it,” he declared, presumably staring down a gender-neutral cookie in his local parliamentary cafeteria. “Just leave Christmas. If you don’t want to buy Gingerbread men, you don’t have to.” Then, proving politicians aren’t immune to comedic flair, he added: “Can I have one for me and one for it on table 3?”</p> <p>Meanwhile, Senator Canavan was equally distraught at the development, lamenting the apparent death of whimsy. “Please tell me they haven’t done this to the muffin man as well?” he begged, as if imagining a bleak future where fairytale characters are stripped of gender and fun.</p> <p>If you thought Parliament was alone in this existential ginger-crisis, think again. Supermarket giant Woolworths has already abandoned the “man” for a more inclusive “Gingerbread People”, and even <em>Women’s Weekly</em>, that wholesome bastion of baking, has shared a recipe for the modern, genderless cookie.</p> <p>It was Woolworths' decision that drew particular ire from a radio caller named Harry, who tattled to Melbourne’s 3AW like a child narking on a sibling. “Woolies has decided to start selling – under their own brand – non-binary Gingerbread people,” he reported solemnly.</p> <p>This news rocked radio host Tom Elliott, who lamented that none of the gingerbread figures “resemble women”. (For clarity’s sake, it’s worth noting that Gingerbread Men have never been renowned for their realistic depiction of human anatomy.)</p> <p>Online, the social media masses weighed in with their usual measured, level-headed takes. One user proclaimed they were “too busy caring about my electricity bill doubling” to give a crumb about cookies. Another’s sarcastic sympathy dripped from the screen: “If you can’t handle a biscuit with ‘man’ in the name, simply grab a box of tissues and retreat to your safe space.”</p> <p>And in the darkest corner of the internet, one person’s exasperation boiled over: “Jesus Christ. It’s a biscuit vaguely shaped like a human. Do we need to make a biscuit gender neutral so we don’t offend people?”</p> <p>Let’s face it: the Gingerbread Man is not, and has never been, the hill anyone expected society to die on. It doesn’t vote, drive or go to Centrelink. It’s a biscuit. Yet, here we are, watching as Barnaby Joyce and Matt Canavan rise like knights to defend a sugary snack from the insidious forces of progress.</p> <p>Does the average person truly care if their Gingerbread Man identifies as a Gingerbread Person? Is anyone truly shaking with rage while browsing the supermarket biscuit aisle? Or are most of us too busy, well, eating them?</p> <p>In the end, we must ask ourselves the hard questions: Will the Muffin Man survive the purge? Is Santa’s reindeer team next? And most importantly: if they’re still delicious, does it even matter?</p> <p>For now, the only certainty is that political correctness has officially reached the snack table. Somewhere, a batch of gender-neutral gingerbread people is cooling, blissfully unaware that their mere existence has triggered a full-scale political bake-off.</p> <p>And so, in the spirit of the festive season – let’s agree to eat the biscuit and leave the outrage for another day.</p> <p><em>Images: Supplied</em></p>

Food & Wine

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Anthony Albanese under fire over free Qantas upgrades

<p>A journalist's new book has claimed that Anthony Albanese has been scoring free flight upgrades with Qantas for over 15 years.</p> <p>According to <em>AFR</em> journalist Joe Aston's new book <em>The Chairman’s Lounge</em>, the PM and his family received upgrades from Qantas over his time as Transportation Minister and Opposition Leader between the years of 2007 and 2019.</p> <p>Aston's investigation allegedly  found that Albanese had used his relationship with former Qantas CEO Alan Joyce to secure free upgrades to business and first-class flights on at least 22 occasions.</p> <p>“According to Qantas insiders, Albanese would liaise with Joyce directly about his personal travel,” Aston wrote.</p> <p>Albanese has defended these upgrades by stating they were all “declared as appropriate”, saying, “From time to time, members of parliament receive upgrades. What’s important is that they are declared. All of mine have been declared."</p> <p>“I note that a range of them go back a long, a long period of time and that they have all been declared as appropriate.”</p> <p>Despite claiming that the upgrades were all above board, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton called the perks  “a bit strange.”</p> <p>“I think it is a bit strange that Mr Albanese is contacting the CEO of an airline when he is the shadow minister or minister for transport,” said Dutton.</p> <p>“I very strongly believe in the need for people to declare their interests, and sometimes there are oversight and human error involved, but when you’re talking about having a personal phone call to ask for an upgrade, as the transport minister or shadow transport minister, then I presume the prime minister will answer questions about that.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock/LUKAS COCH/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Editorial</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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"It's just not OK": Parking inspectors under fire for fining innocent drivers

<p>Melbourne drivers are being hit with parking fines despite not doing anything wrong, raising questions about the legitimacy of the infringement notices. </p> <p>Emma Hodgkinson from Essendon told<em> 9News</em> that she was fined for supposedly overstaying in a two-hour parking zone. </p> <p>"I was furious, it's just not OK" she told the publication. </p> <p>Hodkinson had only left her house 40 minutes prior to the time stamp on the fine, and used CCTV footage from her home to prove it. </p> <p>"When I saw the timecode on the footage and I compared it to the time on the ticket I realised I hadn't done anything wrong and it was their mistake," she said.</p> <p>Many other drivers have had similar experiences, with one man from Richmond saying he received a $99 penalty earlier this month, despite having almost an hour left on his Pay Stay app. </p> <p>Another driver was fined by Stonnington Council who said he had parked for more than two hours even though he'd only been there for about 20 minutes. </p> <p>In most of these examples, many other cars in the same area had also been fined. </p> <p>"I was able to prove I was innocent but how are [the other drivers] going to be able to prove that?" Hodgkinson said.</p> <p>Council Watch representative Dean Hurlston said the reason why innocent drivers are being fined could be because council parking inspectors have to hit their quotas. </p> <p>"We know the job of a parking inspector is well paid for good reason," he told <em>9News</em>.</p> <p>"They definitely have quotas. Councils need money, they're cash strapped. This is a way to gouge and raise revenue."</p> <p>If you've been unfairly fined, it is important to collect as much evidence as possible, including photos and screenshots. </p> <p><em>Image: Nine News</em></p>

Legal

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George Negus' son shares heartbreaking update on his dad's condition

<p>The son of TV legend George Negus has shared a devastating update on his father's health, two years after his Alzheimer's <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/tragic-diagnosis-for-news-and-media-legend" target="_blank" rel="noopener">diagnosis</a> was made public. </p> <p>In a heartbreaking post shared to LinkedIn, Ned Negus revealed that his father is now non-verbal due to his illness, and is living in an aged care facility in Sydney. </p> <p>“I was hesitant to post this on LinkedIn, as it’s pretty personal,” Ned, who is Chief Commercial Officer for the A-League, began in a lengthy post shared on Father’s Day. “But then realised you’re all humans and there’s always a place for sharing human realities with your professional network.”</p> <p>He continued, “For those of you who don’t know, my dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s around five years ago. He’s now non verbal most of the time (mind-blowing for me but also any of you that know him).”</p> <p>Along with his touching words, Ned shared a photo of him and his father embracing in a hug as they took a walk along the beach, recalling the heartfelt moment with his dad. </p> <p>“He was clearly not sure why this particular walk was symbolic and sometimes not sure with whom he was walking,” Ned shared, before adding that his dad “smiled broadly and then hugged me for quite some time”.</p> <p>“It was sad, but it was uplifting to know that even when you can no longer say what you feel, you can still DO what you feel. Love you Negsy.”</p> <p>Ned ended his emotional post by all paying tribute to his mother for her endless love and care for his dad.</p> <p>“P.s. My mum took this photo and is by his side most days helping him through, helping him remember (even the slightest thing) and feel. Massive shout out to her too,” he concluded.</p> <p>In 2022, the Negus family revealed George's diagnosis, sharing that he had been living in care home since 2021.</p> <p>“As a family, we are sharing the new path we walk as George faces the realities of his diagnosis of dementia from Alzheimer’s disease,” they wrote in a statement at the time. </p> <p>“We continue to share wonderful family times and are grateful for the care and support we have had from extended family and friends over the past few years who understand our challenges.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images / LinkedIn</em></p>

Caring

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Parents under fire for taking their sick toddler on a long-haul flight

<p>A couple has come under fire after documenting their experience online of boarding a long-haul flight with their toddler, despite the child being sick. </p> <p>Alina and her husband were excited to go on their long-awaited holiday to Thailand with their one-year-old son in tow, taking off on their first big family trip. </p> <p>However, shortly before they were set to take off, their child developed a raging fever, and they decided to go on the trip anyway. </p> <p>Taking the experience to social media, Alina said her son’s temperature soared to around 40 degrees, with their little boy’s condition escalating so rapidly that the parents were considering calling off their entire trip. </p> <p>“My husband and I even wanted to cancel the flight,” she confessed in the video, which has received around 1.4 million views.</p> <p>However, after realising they would be out of pocket by several thousands of dollars if they cancelled the trip at such short notice, they decided to take the risk and board the plane. </p> <p>“Our tickets would have been wasted, and the trip that cost us $3,000 would have been wasted,” the mum wrote. "One plus of this flight was that the flight was at night, and the child could sleep and recover.”</p> <p>In the clip, the parents were seen walking their son around the plane, cradling the sick toddler as he cried uncontrollably.</p> <p>Luckily, the parents “managed to bring down the temperature”, but they weren’t convinced their son would keep quiet for the rest of the trip. </p> <p>“We were so worried about how the baby would feel on an eight-hour flight,” she continued, walking the baby up and down the corridors of the airport, trying to calm him down. </p> <p>As they tried to settle the child, they realised that their hopes that he would sleep the whole way were misguided. </p> <p>“The flight turned out to be difficult,” Alina confessed. “The baby kept waking and crying.” </p> <p>In the middle of the night, their son’s fever returned, which forced the parents to “bring the temperature down again” and left them “very worried” about their son’s health. </p> <p>Their baby’s fever took a toll on the parents as well, who complained of feeling “squeezed like a lemon” while trying to keep his temperature down, as Alina recalled, “We took turns looking after the baby so each of us could sleep.”</p> <p>In a later video, the parents defended their choice to take their son on the flight despite his intense fever and blamed it on his teething, not sickness. </p> <p>“Our baby wasn’t sick, he was teething, and that’s why he had a fever,” she said. “If our child had been sick, we would have cancelled everything … I consider myself a wonderful mother.”</p> <p>Despite the mother's clarification of her son's fever, the parents were slammed for even considering taking a sick child on such a long flight. </p> <p>“It’s OK, don’t worry about making anyone else on that flight sick,” a sarcastic comment read. “This is so tremendously selfish, you are appalling for doing this to him and others.” </p> <p>“I was in the same situation,” another parent said. “I lost all bookings, but who cares, my daughter comes first always and forever, no matter the amount of money!”</p> <p>“Trips come and go; your baby’s health is priceless!” read another comment. “Forty degrees is a hospital admission! Not a flight to Thailand!”</p> <p>However, not everyone was as judgmental, with many parents extending their sympathies to the first-time parents, as one person wrote, “You know what’s best for your baby. Everyone will say things. But only you will know when you are in that situation.”</p> <p>“Everyone is a first-time parent,” another defended. “This was a lesson learned. A baby’s health is of utmost importance. No holiday is more important than that. I hope he is OK now.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: TikTok</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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Doting dad sells everything he owns to develop cure for son's "incurable" condition

<p>A dedicated father has drained his life savings to help find a cure for his son's "incurable" disorder. </p> <p>Terry Pirovolakis, a 44-year-old IT director, was hellbent on finding a cure for his six-year-old son Michael after he was diagnosed with Spastic paraplegia 50 (SPG50): a degenerative neurological condition that affects less than 100 people worldwide. </p> <p>SPG50 affects children's development, leading to cognitive impairment, muscle weakness, and paralysis over the course several years, often ending in death usually before a patient reaches the age of 30.</p> <p>"They said he'd never walk or talk, and would need support for the rest of his life," he recalled of the 2018 diagnosis. </p> <p>"They told us to just go home and love him - and said he would be paralysed from the waist down by age 10, and quadriplegic by age 20," he continued. </p> <p>Determined to save his son, Terry drained his life savings to start researching potential cures rooted in gene therapy, after reading countless journals on the subject and meeting with experts around the world. </p> <p>Terry said, "We then liquidated our life savings, refinanced our home and paid a team at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center to create a proof of concept to start Michael's gene therapy."</p> <p>The father soon signed a contract to start a gene therapy program, consisting of injecting cerebral spinal fluid into the patient's back, and after years of lab work, the treatment started to take, and on December 30th 2021, the government <a id="mol-70453400-6948-11ef-9b54-1d20db350cbd" href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/canada/index.html" target="_self"></a>moved it forward.</p> <p>"On March 24, 2022, my son was the first person to ever get treated with gene therapy at SickKids in Toronto," Pirovolakis, a father of three, told <em>Fox News</em> in detailing his medical odyssey.</p> <p>Michael was the first to receive his father's one-time treatment, after Pirovolakis quit his job and started a nonprofit in California to devote himself to the cause.</p> <p>The company, named Elpida Therapeutics, after the Greek word for 'hope', now has five employees and 20 consultants, with Michael now on the mend.</p> <p>Since being treated, the youngster's condition seems to have stabilised, and he is now able to use a device to communicate with his family and caregivers.</p> <p>Another three children who were able to receive the remaining doses from Pirovolakis' first batch, as the drug still costs about $1million to make for each child, are also seeing positive results. </p> <p>"When I heard that no one was going to do anything about it, I had to - I couldn't let them die," Pirovolakis said. "We decided that we had to help other kids."</p> <p>Despite it being approved, big pharmaceutical companies have been slow to manufacture the drug, with several firms rejecting the prospect when proposed, Pirovolakis said</p> <p>"No investor is going to give you money to treat a disease that is not going to make money," he said. "That's the dilemma we're in."</p> <p>Pirovolakis said that when his son was diagnosed, he was told the boy would be paralysed from the waist down by the age of ten and quadriplegic by the age of 20, forcing the father to do everything he can.</p> <p>"We were told he would never speak or walk, and that he will have severe developmental delays. I just couldn't accept that fate for my child," he said.</p> <p>"The technology to cure our children is already here. I hope that someone with immense wealth - and more importantly, the vision and influence - will step in."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Facebook</em></p>

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“Absolutely livid”: Woman discovers she’s been fired via text on her wedding day

<p dir="ltr">A woman has recalled the moment she discovered she had lost her job after her boss delivered the news via text on the woman’s wedding day.</p> <p dir="ltr">The bride shared that she got the message from her boss just 30 minutes after she walked down the aisle. </p> <p dir="ltr">The woman shared the story with Ben Askins, who regularly shares stories online of toxic employers, as she read out the messages she received on what was supposed to be the happiest day of her life. </p> <p dir="ltr">“On my wedding day, half an hour after the ceremony, I got a text from my boss to let me know I had been fired,” she said. </p> <p dir="ltr">The message from her boss read, “Hey, I hope your wedding went well and that you had a nice time away. I just wanted to let you know that the decision has been made to unfortunately let you go.” </p> <p dir="ltr">“An email has been sent to your personal email address detailing this. I'm really sorry that it didn't work out and wish you all the best moving forward x.”</p> <p dir="ltr">As she was surrounded by loved ones, the bride struggled to contain her emotions as she quickly checked her emails.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I hope your wedding went well and you had a good time. This email is to inform you that your employment will be terminated effective the 20th of May,” the email read.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Your employment has been terminated as we unfortunately feel your performance doesn't meet the expectations that we require for the role.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The woman explained how she felt her manager's email was a “coward's way” of letting her go while she wasn't at work, and was unable to defend herself. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I wasn't going to let it go but what they did... I was really angry at them,” she said. </p> <p dir="ltr">“They had the opportunity to do it in person. Everyone was let go in person except for me.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Askins said the woman’s story was one of the “worst things” he's ever heard a boss do to an employee. </p> <p dir="ltr">“It's meant to be one of the best, most amazing days ever and they've done that to you,” he told the woman. “You have every right to be absolutely livid with them.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Askins' video of the woman’s story has been viewed more than 600,000 times, with many taking particular issue on the bride's boss for being “petty” and “inappropriate”. </p> <p dir="ltr">“This person could have waited a day. It's done on purpose to ruin your special day. Only narcissists would do that,” one said.</p> <p dir="ltr">Another added, “The fact that she texted her to let her know about the email is so petty. She wanted her to know on her wedding day.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

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Dental staff fired for mocking cancer patient’s private diary

<p>Shocking video has emerged of two dental staff reading a cancer patient's private diary aloud while laughing and mocking her concerns. </p> <p>The video which captured the American employees at  Premier Dental Group (PDG) of Knoxville laughing as they read the private diary entries was captioned: "Found a patients journal and now it's story time lmao."</p> <p>The footage was reportedly filmed by another staff member who could be heard giggling throughout the video, according to the<em> New York Post.</em> </p> <p>A woman in black scrubs was filmed reading passages from the diary to others in the room and describing the radiation treatments  the worried patient faces. </p> <p>Another woman was sitting cross-legged on the office floor and listening intently, a male employee was also in the room but he did not intervene or join in with the women.</p> <p>It’s not clear how staff obtained access to the patient’s private journal, or why they decided to read it.</p> <p>The video sparked outrage across social media, with  Premier Dental Group of Knoxville having to share an apology on Facebook acknowledging the incident. </p> <p>"Premier Dental Group of Knoxville is aware of a recent incident involving an inappropriate video created and shared by some of our employees that addressed an individual’s medical condition in a disrespectful and unprofessional manner.”</p> <p>“We deeply regret this incident and the hurt [it] has caused,” they wrote in the statement which has now been deleted. </p> <p>A spokesperson for PDG confirmed to the <em>New York Post</em> the female employees involved in the incident were fired “effective immediately”.</p> <p>After an investigation it was determined that the male employee in the video did not participate and kept his job. </p> <p>“We are committed to maintaining a respectful and professional environment for everyone, and we will continue to take necessary actions to uphold these standards,” the practice said.</p> <p><em>Images: news.com.au</em></p>

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Anthony Albanese under fire over "cringe" cost of living joke

<p>Anthony Albanese has come under fire for a tone deaf joke about the ongoing cost of living crisis. </p> <p>The Prime Minister took to his Instagram page to share a parody photo of the So Fresh compilation CDs,  with the cover instead saying “so helpful, cost of living relief — Winter 2024”.</p> <p>In place of top songs, the album cover references government initiatives including “cheaper medicine”, “tax cuts for every Australian taxpayer”, “$300 off power bills” and “$3 billion of student debt wiped”.</p> <p>“New album just dropped,” Mr Albanese captioned the post.</p> <p>While the references on the cover are in relation to the cost of living relief measures introduced in the 2024 federal budget, many were quick to slam to the post as "insensitive" as everyday Aussies continue to struggle. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C-XB4myzqSV/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C-XB4myzqSV/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Anthony Albanese (@albomp)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>“This just isn’t it bro. You’re making light of a very situation currently happening in our country. Whatever intern posted this, be better,” one person commented.</p> <p>“The cost of living isn’t a joke! You created it and live off our taxes,” another wrote.</p> <p>“People are losing their homes because of you and what’s your response,” another commented.</p> <p>Another person described the cost of living relief measures as "literal crumbs while the rich get richer."</p> <p>Others took aim at the prime minister's social media team, with many wondering how the post ever got approved.</p> <p>The post comes after the Albanese government came under fire for some of the cost of living relief measures, including the $300 energy rebates. </p> <p>A number of economists have been highly critical of the rebates, arguing they threatened to exacerbate already persistent inflationary pressures as households that can cover their electricity expenses themselves will simply spend the money elsewhere, adding to demand.</p> <p><em>Image credits: LUKAS COCH/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p>

Money & Banking

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Gold medallist sleeps in Paris park to protest "disappointing" Olympic village conditions

<p>A gold medallist has been spotted sleeping in a Paris park in protest of the conditions in the Olympic village. </p> <p>Italian swimmer Thomas Ceccon was captured sleeping atop a white towel in a park located inside the Olympic village by Saudi rower Husein Alireza. </p> <p>Alireza posted the photo to Instagram with the caption, "Rest today, conquer tomorrow."</p> <p>The Italian swimmer, who won gold in the 100m backstroke, had already complained publicly about the accommodations in the Olympic Village, after he failed to reach the 200m backstroke final on Wednesday.</p> <p>Since the commencement of the Paris Games, many athletes have spoken out about the conditions in the Olympic village, saying the beds are uncomfortable, the rooms are poorly air conditioned and the food is poor quality. </p> <p>“There is no air-conditioning in the village, it’s hot, the food is bad,” Ceccon said, according to <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/29673636/thomas-ceccon-sleeping-park-conditions-olympic-village-paris/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>The Sun</em>. </a></p> <p>“Many athletes move for this reason: it’s not an alibi or an excuse, it’s the reality of what perhaps not everybody knows."</p> <p>“I’m disappointed that I didn’t make the final, but I was too tired. It’s hard to sleep both at night and in the afternoon. Here, I really struggle between the heat and the noise.”</p> <p>Andy Anson, the chief of the British Olympic Association, also voiced concerns about how the quality of the village is affecting athletes, telling <em>The Times of London</em>, “There are not enough of certain foods: eggs, chicken, certain carbohydrates.”</p> <p>“And then there is the quality of the food, with raw meat being served to athletes.”</p> <p>A number of athletes, including the entire US women’s tennis team (with the exception of Coco Gauff) have left the village and searched for alternate accommodation for the duration of the Games. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram/Panoramic/SIPA/SIPA/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p>

Travel Trouble

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Tragic moment mother returns to scene of fatal house fire

<p>In a heartbreaking moment, Stacey Gammage, 29, has returned to her devastated home in Lalor Park for the first time since the tragic fire that claimed the lives of three of her children. The fire, allegedly <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/dean-heasman-s-grandmother-breaks-silence-after-deadly-house-fire" target="_blank" rel="noopener">started by her partner, Dean Heasman</a>, 28, left the family reeling with loss and sorrow.</p> <p>On Sunday, shortly before 1am, Heasman allegedly set the family’s home ablaze and barricaded them inside. Two boys, aged two and six, were critically injured and later died at Westmead Hospital. The body of a five-month-old girl was also found by firefighters after extinguishing the flames.</p> <p>Returning on Tuesday afternoon, Stacey Gammage, still wearing her hospital wristband, was supported by family members and police as she read the numerous tributes and cards left outside the home. The street was closed for almost two hours to allow her to grieve privately.</p> <p>The devastated mother then returned to Westmead Hospital, where her four surviving children remain. The children, including a nine-year-old girl and three boys aged four, seven and 11, are all reported to be in stable condition.</p> <p>Heasman remains under police guard in an induced coma at Westmead Hospital, and no charges have yet been filed. Investigations continue under Strike Force Carrbridge. According to reports, Heasman allegedly threw a burning pillow at his wife, which contributed to the blaze. Investigators are also examining whether an accelerant was used, as a second explosion occurred moments after the initial fire began.</p> <p>Local hero Jarrod Hawkins, whose daughter is friends with one of the surviving children, rushed to the burning home and saved the nine-year-old girl and her three brothers. The eldest boy reportedly told his rescuers, "Dad tried to kill me."</p> <p>As the community mourns this unimaginable loss, they continue to leave floral tributes, stuffed toys, and candles at the scene, while detectives work tirelessly to uncover the full details of the tragedy.</p> <p><em>Image: Nine News</em></p>

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