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Nat Barr and Shirvo announce new hosting gig

<p><em>Sunrise</em> hosts Natalie Barr and Matt Shirvington have announced their new TV hosting gig. </p> <p>The breakfast hosts are moving to prime time, as they prepare to welcome in the Christmas period with the annual <em>Carols in the Domain</em>. </p> <p>Nat and Shirvo will be hosting the festive celebration, which will be broadcast nationally on Channel Seven on Saturday 23rd December from 7:30pm. </p> <p>Barr hosted the event last year, but was joined by Shirvo's predecessor David Koch. </p> <p>In a statement about hosting the Christmas event, Shirvo said he'd watched <em>Carols in the Domain</em> "with my family since I was a boy, so to now be on stage hosting for the first time is quite surreal."</p> <p>He said that music plays an important role in his family Christmas, saying, “My sister, in the last few years and off the back of Covid where you weren’t allowed to sing or do anything together, decided that for the last couple of Christmases we all now have to do karaoke."</p> <p>“It’s not strictly carols, it could quite literally be anything, and we tend to do that after lunch, when everyone’s had a couple of glasses of champagne, and feeling disinhibited — that’s when the karaoke microphone comes out!”</p> <p>Shirvo added that he has attended the annual concert before, and is excited about the on-stage possibilities this year. </p> <p>“I have been to Carols in the past, but never up on stage. So, who knows — anything could happen,” he said.</p> <p>“I could be dressed up, I could be dressed down. I could be doing a singalong — at the end of the day, more than anything, Nat and I are just traffic cops, so we’ll just be throwing to the people that really matter — the performers and the performances.”</p> <p>"It's pure joy and that's why Australians have loved it for so many years. I can't wait," added Barr.</p> <p>Among the onstage talent on show this year are The Wiggles, Dami Im, Lucy Durack, Casey Donovan, Silvia Colloca, and many more. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p> <p class="mol-para-with-font" style="font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 16px; padding: 0px; min-height: 0px; letter-spacing: -0.16px; font-family: graphik, Arial, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; background-color: #ffffff; text-decoration-thickness: initial;"> </p>

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Dr Chris Brown finally reveals two new gigs at Seven

<p dir="ltr">Dr Chris Brown has finally revealed his two new projects at <em>Channel Seven</em>, more than four months after he left <em>Network Ten</em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">On Monday, <em>Channel Seven</em> announced that the popular veterinarian and TV presenter will host two new shows that are set to air next year.</p> <p dir="ltr">The first is a new untitled adventure series, which is produced and starred by Brown, who will explore some of the “most mind-blowing scenery on the planet, all in the pursuit of the ultimate animal encounter”.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Channel Seven </em>also confirmed the rumours that Brown will host their new series called <em>Dream Home</em>, which is an “inspiring” renovation competition where “the great Australian dream is transformed into the great Australian dream home.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Both programs are set to go into production later this year, and Brown has shared his anticipation.</p> <p dir="ltr">“To be able to bring my world of animals to life in an original, adventurous and breathtaking way truly excites me,” he said in a statement.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I can’t wait for the world’s wildlife and the search for Australia’s best dream home to land in our lounge rooms in 2024.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Brown is booked and busy as he will also be involved in <em>Channel Seven’s</em> red carpet coverage of the Logies, which will take place at The Star on July 30.</p> <p dir="ltr">In February, the TV personality <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/the-doctor-is-out-chris-brown-changes-the-script" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced his departure</a> from<em> Network Ten</em> after 15 years, with his new contract at <em>Channel Seven</em> reportedly worth a staggering $1m per year.</p> <p><em>Image: Channel Seven</em></p>

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Chris Smith reveals new gig after 75 days sober

<p>Broadcaster Chris Smith is set to return to radio with a new position at <em>TNT Radio</em>. </p> <p>The news comes only two months after the 60-year-old radio host lost his positions with both <em>Sky News </em>and <em>2GB </em>for <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/chris-smith-suspended-after-christmas-party-allegations" target="_blank" rel="noopener">misconduct</a> at a work Christmas party. The update coincides with Chris’s 75th day of <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/chris-smith-breaks-silence" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sobriety</a>. </p> <p>In a post shared to his social media accounts, Chris shared what the career lifeline meant to him and promised to share more information with his supporters that same night, writing, “a new job, a new start, a whole new opportunity”.</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-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Co87UA3v17o/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;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/Co87UA3v17o/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Chris Smith (@thenewchrissmith)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>It was later revealed that he would be joining the team at <em>TNT Radio</em>, returning to air every weekday at 3pm. Many were thrilled by the news, celebrating alongside the disgraced host, and asking where they could tune in for the content they’d been missing. </p> <p>One, however, had a different take, sharing his exasperation at how many times he’d heard about the new opportunity. Chris, who had tweeted multiple times about when and where he could be heard in 2023, responded that it was “2 stories.” </p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Just twice David. 2 stories <a href="https://t.co/OYP2XPn0n3">https://t.co/OYP2XPn0n3</a></p> <p>— Chris Smith (@chrissmithonair) <a href="https://twitter.com/chrissmithonair/status/1628361763359191040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p>Chris also spoke to <em>The Daily Mail </em>about his return, and opened up to them about his sobriety journey in the wake of his December scandal. </p> <p>“In previous times where I've stuffed up binge drinking,” he said, “I never had the guts nor probably the guidance to be able to give up drinking.</p> <p>“I never had the advice, I'd never had the guts to do what I should have done, which was to give it up completely. I've never given up more than three weeks. I could never do it. I thought I could control it, as I thought I could control it in December, but I can't.”</p> <p>When asked if he would ever touch alcohol again, he stated “never, ever.” </p> <p>“I don’t need it. I'm angry with it,” he continued. “It's not just the big incidents that have occurred in my life. It's also the reliance on alcohol - on an almost daily basis - which I've also had.</p> <p>“It negatively impacts my family, my wife, my kids. I don't need that anymore.”</p> <p>He went on to explain that he has learned his lesson when it comes to mixing his medication with drink, and that he has “​​removed the wild card prospect of behaving like an adolescent.” </p> <p>Of his new mentality, and what it could mean for his work ahead, he said, “it's a great relief for me and it's a great start to hopefully another stage of a career without drama … I feel as if I'm on a really positive trajectory now and I don't feel as if I'm a danger to myself or a danger to anyone else.”</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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“SO PROUD OF YOU”: Nicole Kidman’s niece lands major TV gig

<p>Lucia Hawley, Nicole Kidman’s niece, has just landed a major presenting role after years of “working towards” a career in TV journalism.</p> <p>Lucia, 24, is also the daughter of TV presenter Antonia Kidman and was announced as the new face of Live From E!, hosting red carpets with stars across the country on the new 7Bravo channel.</p> <p>Despite her celebrity connections, the 24-year-old has expressed she’s “no nepo-baby,” sharing that she has been “working towards" becoming a full-time TV presenter for years.</p> <p>“I am so lucky to have them both as role models — not only are they amazing at their jobs, but they also have a really strong sense of self and are very intellectual as well,” She told the <a href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/lucia-hawley-says-shes-lucky-to-have-mum-antonia-and-aunt-nicole-kidman-as-role-models/news-story/b83c3b48554c9b69f630aff63007d212" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Daily Telegraph</a>, referring to her mum and aunt.</p> <p>“Having a mum who had been in the industry, through osmosis you gain that perspective and understanding and I think that’s been one of the biggest things that has helped in preparing me for this role, just having watched her and how she has carried herself through everything.</p> <p>“This is honestly like a dream come true. I always wanted to present and red carpets are naturally what I gravitate towards, so it came about pretty serendipitously.”</p> <p>Lucia shared the news on social media, writing, “Secret is finally out! I’m so excited to announce that I am the local host of @7Bravoau and the new face of Australia’s Live From E! red carpet coverage. Still pinching myself!”</p> <p>Friends and fans flocked to the comments to congratulate Lucia on the next step in her career.</p> <p>“SO PROUD OF YOU LUC!!!! You’re going to absolutely thrive,” one commented.</p> <p>“Thrilled to bits for you,” another said.</p> <p>Lucia has previously interviewed celebrities on the red carpet at the ARIAS and the Logies for Channel 9. She is also very into fashion, which is reflected in her online posts.</p> <p>In 2022, she shared several images of her from the Logies, wearing a patent pink sleeveless gown.</p> <p>At the 2018 ARIAS, Lucia walked the red carpet accompanied by her aunt and Keith Urban.</p> <p>Nicole Kidman marked the occasion, sharing a sweet snap on Instagram of her and Lucia embraced in a hug.</p> <p>“Going to the #ARIAs with my niece, we’re so excited to see Keith hosting!” Nicole captioned the image.</p> <p>Image credit: Instagram</p>

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Why Rod Stewart turned down a $1 million gig

<p>Rod Stewart has shared why he turned down a $1 million deal to perform in Qatar. </p> <p>The 77-year-old rockstar said that he was offered the seven-figure deal over a year ago, but refused because of the Gulf state's human rights record.</p> <p>When discussing the controversy surrounding the World Cup host nation, where homosexuality is illegal, the singer told the <a href="https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/dfab9724-5f6f-11ed-8611-a128c33d7159?shareToken=f282a0832e5a291ac08bf40e06ba678c" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sunday Times</a> he thought it would be wrong to play a set there. </p> <p>"I was actually offered a lot of money, over $1m, to play there 15 months ago," he said. </p> <p>"I turned it down. It's not right to go. And the Iranians should be out too for supplying arms," he said in reference to drones supplied by the country to Russia, which was barred from the tournament.</p> <p>He added that he thinks fans attending matches in Qatar, where being gay can lead to imprisonment and even the death sentence for Muslims, "have got to watch out".</p> <p>Stewart has been considered an ally of the LGBTQ+ community, previously saying he was "surrounded by gay men in the 70s".</p> <p>One of the singer's hit songs, The Killing of Georgie, is about the murder of a gay friend and made waves when it came out in 1976, when very few mainstream songs discussed the experiences of gay men. </p> <p>He said it would have been "good" to sing the song as a protest during the opening ceremony of the football tournament. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

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Kate Ritchie taking a break from radio gig

<p>Kate Ritchie has announced she will be stepping back from her drive time radio show. </p> <p>The 43-year-old presenter said she will be off the air for the remainder of the year, but will return alongside co-hosts Joel Creasey and Tim Blackwell in early 2023. </p> <p>Kate was busted for drinking and driving in August, and explained that after an "incredibly hectic" year, she needed some time off. </p> <p>"This past year has been incredibly hectic and full-on for both me and my family," she said.</p> <p>"I have had much change and increased stress in my life, like many of you, in a short space of time. And it has taken its toll."</p> <p>"But still I am so proud that our Nova show, with Tim and Joel and the team, is just powering along, and going from strength to strength."</p> <p>She added, "We love our audience and they seem to put up with us."</p> <p>"And as you may have guessed, I invest a lot of emotional energy into everything I do, my work, and my family especially, and the last few months I have been working on radio, I've been returning to TV and in my spare time, I even wrote a children's book."</p> <p>"So, it's simple, like some of you, I imagine, I'm tired and I just need a break for a short while and have more time for me, and for my family, to re-energise."</p> <p>"I have spoken with the bosses at Nova, and they have graciously agreed that this is a good time to take the break, as we approach the end of the year."</p> <p>"Nova has been fabulous and understanding, so thank you Nova, and thank you Tim, Joel and the team, and most importantly, thank you to all of our fabulous listeners. I really mean that."</p> <p>"It's time to recharge the batteries and come back fresh next year. And although it's only for a short time, I will miss you all. I'll see you in the New Year."</p> <p>Peter Charlton, the chief executive of Nova Entertainment, said of her decision, "Kate is a talented broadcaster and a respected member of the Kate, Tim &amp; Joel and Nova Network team."</p> <p>"We are very supportive of Kate's decision to take some time for herself and her family. We look forward to welcoming her back in the New Year."</p> <p>Rumours about Ritchie's future at Nova began swirling in August, after she was charged with drink-driving in Sydney's eastern suburbs.</p> <p>She was stopped by police for a random breath test in her car at 2:45pm, tested positive by the roadside and was taken to Maroubra Police Station.</p> <p>There she underwent a secondary breath analysis which returned a positive reading of 0.06 - just over the legal limit.</p> <p>A NSW Police spokesman said at the time, "She was issued with an infringement notice for the offence of Drive with Low Range Prescribed Concentration of Alcohol and issued a Licence Suspension Notice."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram</em></p>

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How Australia’s gig workers may remain contractors under Labor’s reforms

<p>Uber Australia’s historic <a href="https://www.twu.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Statement-of-Principles-28-June-2022.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">agreement</a> with the Transport Workers’ Union, on the need to regulate the gig economy, is the first step in fundamental reform of gig work. It suggests the direction the Albanese government will to take to deliver better conditions for gig workers.</p> <p>The “statement of principles” agreed to between Uber and the union supports “regulatory certainty for platforms” and “minimum benefits and standards for platform workers who aren’t engaged as employees”. It does not agree that gig workers should be classified as employees instead of independent contractors.</p> <p>The response of federal workplace relations minister Tony Burke to <a href="https://ministers.dese.gov.au/burke/important-step-rights-gig-workers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the agreement</a> suggests the government will take the same route – not changing the classification of gig workers but giving the federal industrial relations umpire, the Fair Work Commission, the power to set minimum standards for any workers in designated sectors.</p> <p>A precedent for this approach comes from <a href="https://www.ntc.gov.au/sites/default/files/assets/files/Safe-payments-report-October-2008.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">New South Wales provisions</a> enabling regulation of payments to owner-drivers of trucks. Those provisions have been in place for more than 40 years, and have inspired the proposal <a href="https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/95479" target="_blank" rel="noopener">before the Queensland parliament</a> to regulate the work of independent courier drivers.</p> <h2>Leaving gig workers as contractors</h2> <p>There are good reasons to aim to regulate gig economy workers as contractors, rather than attempting to bring them under the umbrella of being employees.</p> <p>Yes, their relationship with platforms can look an awful lot like an employment relationship – hence the reason for <a href="https://theconversation.com/an-employee-not-a-contractor-unfair-dismissal-ruling-against-deliveroo-is-a-big-deal-for-australias-gig-workers-161173" target="_blank" rel="noopener">court cases</a> supported by the Transport Workers’ Union seeking to have gig workers deemed employees.</p> <p>As the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duck_test" target="_blank" rel="noopener">saying goes</a>, if it looks, swims and quacks like a duck, it probably is a duck.</p> <p>But the outcome of trying to define gig workers as employees has been mixed. Around the world these attempts have sometimes <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/feb/10/pimlico-loses-appeal-against-plumbers-worker-status-in-gig-economy-case" target="_blank" rel="noopener">succeeded</a>, <a href="https://btlaw.com/insights/blogs/currents/2018/philadelphia-u-s-district-court-determines-uber-drivers-are-independent-contractors" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sometimes not</a>.</p> <h2>Roadblocks to becoming employees</h2> <p>Platform companies have worked against these attempts, leveraging the fact quite a number of gig workers like to imagine themselves as <a href="https://www.cipd.co.uk/Images/to-gig-or-not-to-gig_2017-stories-from-the-modern-economy_tcm18-18955.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">independent</a>, self-employed people, as well as customers’ preference for cheap services.</p> <p>The best (but not only) example is their success against California’s <a href="https://www.acslaw.org/expertforum/ab5-regulating-the-gig-economy-is-good-for-workers-and-democracy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AB5</a> law, passed in 2019, that tightened the rules for companies to hire workers as independent contractors.</p> <p>Uber and rival Lyft first <a href="https://calmatters.org/economy/2020/08/california-gig-work-ab5-prop-22/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">threatened to suspend operations</a> in California rather than comply with the law. They then teamed up with other platform companies such as DoorDash and spent a reported <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/nov/12/uber-prop-22-law-drivers-ab5-gig-workers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">US$200 million</a> in 2020 to secure and a win a “ballot proposal” (known as Proposition 22) <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/04/technology/california-uber-lyft-prop-22.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">exempting</a> app-based transportation and delivery companies from the new law.</p> <p>A Californian court has since found <a href="https://www.nelp.org/blog/prop-22-unconstitutional/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Proposition 22 unconstitutional</a>, but it remains in place pending an appeal.</p> <p>Even when a rule is devised to interpret the contracts that gig workers sign as employment contracts, gig companies could <a href="https://www.hcamag.com/au/specialisation/industrial-relations/uber-eats-announces-new-business-model-and-contracts-for-riders/245068" target="_blank" rel="noopener">amend their contracts</a> to get around that.</p> <p>But in the end, a company such as Uber will adhere, grudgingly, to most standards that are imposed on it — other than defining its workers as employees. Thus it has accepted <a href="https://www.uber.com/ca/en/drive/montreal/get-started/training-requirement/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">training requirements in Quebec</a> (after first <a href="https://www.thedrive.com/article/14652/uber-threatens-to-leave-quebec-over-new-driver-training-requirements" target="_blank" rel="noopener">threatening to quit</a> the Canadian province), <a href="https://www.masslive.com/politics/2016/08/gov_charlie_baker_signs_law_regulating_uber_and_lyft_in_massachusetts.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fare regulation in Massachusetts</a> and driver accreditation requirements in <a href="https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/newsroom-and-events/media-releases/transport-for-nsw-statement-regarding-ride-sharing-apps" target="_blank" rel="noopener">several</a> <a href="https://www.intellinews.com/uber-reaches-agreement-with-the-czech-government-138071/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">jurisdictions</a>.</p> <h2>Regulating contractors as contractors</h2> <p>Regulating gig work without redefining gig workers as employees is not just politically easier, and hence more sustainable. It is also more effective policy.</p> <p>It enables regulation to be <a href="https://research-repository.griffith.edu.au/bitstream/handle/10072/405187/Peetz498000-Accepted.pdf?sequence=2&amp;isAllowed=y" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tailored to circumstances</a>. For example it may mean applying an hourly wage rate in one sector, and a piece rate of some sort in another.</p> <p>For example, a New York state inquiry into how to regulate passenger transport came up with an amount expressed like taxi charges – that is, dollars per kilometre travelled – drivers needed to be paid to earn the <a href="https://news.yahoo.com/judge-rules-lyft-must-york-rules-driver-minimum-010416081.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">equivalent of the state’s minimum wage</a> (taking into account waiting times, average speeds and so on).</p> <p>Different panels of the Fair Work Commission could determine different forms of gig economy regulation for different industries.</p> <p>Legislation does not need to specify how regulation should be expressed. It just needs to make sure that the Commission has all the power it needs, to regulate in whatever way it sees fit.</p> <h2>Levelling the playing field</h2> <p>The Transport Workers’ Union – which has a number of former officials in the Albanese government – has a long history of successfully promoting regulation of safety conditions for independent contractors (such as truck owner-drivers) without rebadging workers as employees.</p> <p>In the 1970s, for example, it persuaded the Wran government in NSW to introduce amendments to the NSW Industrial Relations Act that have made roads safer.</p> <p>The Albanese government does not need to legislate specific regulation. It just needs give the Fair Work Commission the power it needs to regulate in whatever way it sees fit, setting a minimum hourly rate or something else.</p> <p>The law must also direct the commission to set minimum standards in a way that ensures gig workers are paid as much as comparable award-covered employees, taking account of expenses. (Contractors often pay for costs that, if they were employees, would be covered by their employer.) This sort of direction is important to ensure neutrality between the costs of using employees or contractors.</p> <p><em><strong>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-australias-gig-workers-may-remain-contractors-under-labors-reforms-186197" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>. </strong></em></p> <p><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p>

Money & Banking

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"Excited" Rove reveals new TV gig

<p dir="ltr">Aussie TV presenter Rove McManus has announced he will be hosting the first Australian series to debut on Disney Plus.</p> <p dir="ltr">McManus took to Instagram to reveal that he will be the host of a new reality competition where teams of adults and kids are tasked with bringing their own toy stories to life.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I’m very excited to announce that my new show ‘What’s Your Toy Story?’ is coming to Disney Plus - it will be a celebration of imagination and the creative joy that comes from playing with toys (like I need a reason),” he shared with fans.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-aad28cee-7fff-7f56-1da0-034c21c3facc"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">Just an hour prior, McManus teased fans with a snap of the Disney logo with the Sydney Harbour Bridge pictured in the background and the caption: “Exciting day today…”.</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-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CdpRRmZvDiH/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;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/CdpRRmZvDiH/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Rove McManus (@rovemcmanus)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Colleagues and fellow comedians quickly congratulated McManus, with <em>Project </em>co-host Peter Helliar writing: “This will have all the feels!! Congrats mate.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“Fantastic news mate .. I have a toy story but it’s not very ‘Disney’ x,” <em>Morning Show</em> host Larry Emdur joked.</p> <p dir="ltr">The comedian’s latest gig comes two years after his show <em>Saturday Night Live</em> was dropped by Network Ten after just two episodes due to disappointing ratings.</p> <p dir="ltr">His new show is one of several announced by the streaming giant, with Mirando Otto, Guy Pearce, Teresa Palmer and Deborah Hay among the high-profile Australian talent signing on to a variety of shows about Australian cults, Christmas, and space history.</p> <p dir="ltr">Disney also announced new documentaries that will follow the likes of the Matildas and the AFLW.</p> <p dir="ltr">The company has also hinted that more titles are in development, including opportunities in young adult, rom-com and comedy genres.</p> <p dir="ltr">The investment in new programming comes as the pressure ramps up to impose a government-mandated quota for international streaming services to spend a percentage of Australian revenue on local productions.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-216e569d-7fff-a6e2-5a2d-6573d4e56e72"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">Previously, industry advocates including Simon Baker, Screen Producers Australia and Bryan Brown have argued for a 20 percent quota.</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-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CdpJMFbPXrJ/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;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/CdpJMFbPXrJ/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Rove McManus (@rovemcmanus)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">In 2021, Baker advocated for a “richer, stronger, more potent Australian voice” during an appearance at federal parliament amid the influx of Hollywood productions using local actors and sets but telling stories set elsewhere.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s very good that foreign companies are coming in and studios are spending a lot of money here,” Baker said. “It’s great for our crews, it’s great for our economy. But it’s a sugar hit.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Meanwhile, Kylie Watson-Wheeler, Disney’s senior vice president and managing director of the Walt Disney Company in Australia and New Zealand, specifically said the upcoming titles were a reason why a quota isn’t needed.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The commitment we’re showing through our local commissioning underpins the strong foundation of a long-term relationship we’re building with Australian and New Zealand content creators and the industry as a whole, without the need for quotas or other regulatory intervention,” she said during a showcase event in Sydney.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-23e0bd82-7fff-beab-1df0-6de5e9168ff1"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: @rovemcmanus (Instagram)</em></p>

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"Giddy-up!": Sam Armytage reveals ANOTHER new gig

<p><em>Image: Getty</em></p> <p>She’s the former Sunrise host who is set to join the cast of Farmer Wants a Wife in the New Year.</p> <p>Samantha Armytage revealed she has another exciting TV project on the horizon.</p> <p>The 45-year-old will be joining the ‘incredible’ horse racing team at Channel 7, where she will report from the marquee events during racing season.</p> <p>Sharing the news to Instagram, Sam couldn’t hide her excitement as she threw in a spirited ‘giddy-up.’</p> <p>‘Thrilled to be heading back to TV &amp; back to @channel7 next year, helping out on @farmeraustralia &amp; joining the incredible team @7horseracing for marquee events…giddy up and &amp; can’t wait.’</p> <p>This comes after Channel Seven confirmed Sam – who stepped down as host of Sunrise in March – will join the upcoming season of dating show Farmer Wants a Wife as a guest star.</p> <p>On Tuesday morning, the network announced Sam, who married wealthy farmer Richard Lavender late last year, will assist with the matchmaking process alongside host Natalie Gruzlewski.</p> <p>‘I’m thrilled to be joining Farmer Wants a Wife in 2022,’ she said at the time.</p> <p>‘I’ve always been a huge fan of the show and of country people and I know first-hand that falling in love with a farmer is just about the most wonderful thing you can do.’</p> <p>Her guest role will involve hosting a segment called Sam’s choice in which she introduces the farmers to a ‘new lady based on her own expertise and experience.’</p> <p>Angus Ross, Seven’s Director of programming said the network was ‘thrilled to welcome Sam back to our screens’.</p>

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“Nightmarish”: Natalie Barr on new Sunrise gig

<p><span>Nat Barr has only just taken over Samantha Armytage’s hosting role on <em>Sunrise</em>, but the transition has been no easy feat.</span><br /><br /><span>The former newsreader admitted to <em>TV Blackbox</em> that her new position as host has been a “bit nightmarish”.</span><br /><br /><span>On Tuesday, the 52-year-old explained that being in the spotlight has not been an enjoyable experience following Sam’s swift exit from the Channel 7 program, saying she can’t wait to get to a “new normal” of hosting <em>Sunrise</em>.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7840322/natt-barr.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/bccfdf726122456c892bc26c75647e47" /><br /><br /><span>“That’s my natural habitat,” the mother-of-two said.</span><br /><br /><span>“I love covering the news, I love going out to these stories. But the attention on me is not my natural habitat.</span><br /><br /><span>“Yesterday, the first day, was probably a bit nightmarish for me because everyone kept asking ‘How are you, how are you going, what’s it like, first day …’.</span><br /><br /><span>“I just wanted to go back to the new normal, where we’ll actually be covering the news, and the events and the great interviews that we do – not me!”</span><br /><br /><span>The star also revealed how she received the life-changing news about the promotion.</span><br /><br /><span>“When the big boss called and asked, it was still nerve-racking and I did have to think – this is a lot more attention, a lot more pressure,” she said.</span><br /><br /><span>“I got a phone call from a big boss at Seven, and he said, ‘How about it?’</span><br /><br /><span>“I said well … uh! OK! I wasn’t very eloquent, and it wasn’t my finest moment I guess!”</span><br /><br /><span>Sam announced her resignation from the breakfast show over a week ago.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7840321/natt-barr-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/389783d3d22d47518e9dcf9df673110a" /><br /><br /><span>“The time has come for the sun to set on my time at <em>Sunrise</em>. I have always been brave and fearless in my career and this decision is no different,” she tearfully told viewers.</span><br /><br /><span>Following her spontaneous New Years Eve wedding to Richard Lavender, Sam revealed that she wanted to step away from the spotlight after a “bittersweet” year.</span><br /><br /><span>“As many of you know, the last six months of my personal life have been very bittersweet. Some bits have been very happy, and some bits have been very, very sad.” she said.</span><br /><br /><span>“I want to step out of this public world for a while and take some time and calm things down, enjoy a bit of slow living, and spend some time with my precious family, my husband and [dog] Banjo.”</span></p> <p><em>Images: Twitter</em></p>

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Kerri-Anne Kennerley lands new gig following Studio 10 axing

<p>Kerri-Anne Kennerley was one of 20 other staff members that were axed at Network 10. </p> <p>However, the star has shown no signs of slowing down despite being made redundant from <em>Studio 10</em> two months ago. </p> <p>The 67-year-old TV personality has joined the cast of the stage musical <em>Pippin</em> and will play Grandma Berthe. </p> <p>Entertainment reporter, Peter Ford, informed viewers of the exciting news on <em>The Morning Show</em> on Thursday. </p> <p>“The role that Kerri-Anne will be playing is really just one scene and one big number,” said Ford.</p> <p>“But it’s a show stopping number. You basically walk in there, steal the show and go home. It’s a great gig for her.”</p> <p>In August, the Logie Hall of Fame recipient was axed from <em>Studio 10.</em></p> <p>The TV personality delivered an emotional goodbye in a tearful speech. </p> <p>“You guys have been my family,” she said.</p> <p>“I feel so privileged. You guys took me in and generously just gave me a shoulder to lean on and I have leaned on you.”</p> <p>The co-host had starred on the show for just over two years, and mentioned the support she received from her co-hosts following the death of her husband John Kennerley, who passed away in 2019.</p> <p>“I thought I’d have John for a very long time. It wasn’t to be – coming into work probably literally saved me. You people, our audience, literally saved me,” she said.</p> <p>“The day of his funeral where you actually left your own television show, early, to come to his funeral was one of the most beautiful moments.</p> <p>“That was so deeply moving and Channel 10 made that decision, Channel 10 allowed you to do that to support me and it was really beautiful – I was so grateful.”</p>

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Erin Molan scores new gig amid ugly saga with Andrew Johns

<p>Erin Molan is set to host Channel Nine’s coverage of the <em>Women’s T20 World Cup</em> in a new twist of the ugly saga surrounding both her and Andrew Johns.</p> <p>Fans gave Nine a lashing last year after Australian tennis legend Todd Woodbridge hosted their coverage of the <em>Ashes</em> series in England.</p> <p>Since Nine and Seven switched their coverages of the cricket and tennis last year, Ashes coverage had little to no recognisable cricket hosts.</p> <p>The issue arises again with the upcoming <em>Women’s T20 World Cup</em> as Molan gears up to host the cricket starting on Friday.</p> <p>Molan and Bracey were both used to host Nine’s coverage of the <em>Australian Open</em> in January, as well as the <em>NRL</em> in 2019.</p> <p>She will be joined by fellow <em>NRL</em> host James Bracey, with Woodbridge not required.</p> <p>However, drama continued to follow Molan as it is reported both she and Johns had an ugly falling out in 2019.</p> <p>It was initially reported by<span> </span><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/fallout-in-the-nine-commentary-box-david-klemmers-generosity-and-flanno-to-the-dragons/news-story/86bde887bc19f24e9084a2dd572a2129" target="_blank">The Sunday Telegraph</a></span></em><span> </span>that Johns had walked out on his role on <em>Friday night football</em> due to an “awkward” falling out with Molan.</p> <p>While John began the 2019 season of the show alongside Molan, he disappeared halfway throughout the year and was subsequently replaced by Billy Slater.</p> <p>It was a move that Channel Nine defended as a kind gesture from Johns to allow Slater more air time.</p> <p>Johns himself denied the reports, telling the <em>Telegraph</em>: “Where did you hear that from? Good old rugby league just thrives on rumours and innuendo.”</p> <p>Erin appeared in an interview a few months later, and seemed to show she felt the heat from loyal fans.</p> <p>She was brought to tears in an interview on <em>WSFM </em>in October, where she broke her silence on the Johns saga while in an interview with Jonesy and Amanda.</p> <p>“I am so sorry, I haven’t put my contacts in this morning. I had a rough night. I didn’t sleep very well and these are prescriptions,” Molan explained as she was wearing sunglasses.</p> <p>Brendan Jones and Amanda Keller both threw their support behind Molan - bringing the Channel Nine presenter to tears.</p> <p>“I get emotional with this Erin, I don’t understand why people give you a hard time,” Keller said.</p> <p>“It pisses me off. And I think it’s because you are so professional and you are so good at your job, that I think that men don’t like you being good at what they still see as their world.</p> <p>“I admire the pants off you or the eyeballs off you and I just think you are the most professional female and it’s threatened everybody.”</p> <p>Keller was also brought to tears after seeing Molan break down.</p>

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New research shows baby boomers attend more gigs than any other Aussie age group

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">New research that’s been conducted by </span><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com.au/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Eventbrite</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> has revealed that the priorities of Australian music fans are changing.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The report, which collated the responses of more than 1,130 gig-goers weighed in on a range of topics including social media, streaming and safety.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The report showed that Baby Boomers are the most committed live music fans. These are people who are born between 1946 and 1964 and they attended more gigs than any other generation. The report also found that 1 in 5 baby boomers attend music events alone.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Three quarters (74 per cent) of Baby Boomers will actively research an event before buying a ticket, with 1 in 3 being reliant on traditional media sources such as TV, radio or newspaper advertising to discover events.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Baby Boomers were also willing to spend the most on their ticket, as 45 per cent spent between $50 and $250 per ticket last year.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The report found that while social media plays a role in the event experience, live music is all about “being in the moment” and sharing the experience with others, with 60 per cent talking face to face about the event with friends and family.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">However, when it comes to live events, the majority of responders (79 per cent) want value for money.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Phil Silverstone, General Manager of Eventbrite Asia Pacific commented on the results. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“In a year where Australia’s live music scene has attracted both high praise and intense criticism, this survey sees us pass the mic to the fans – and the results should be music to the industry’s ears.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Music fans are attending more shows, they’re sharing more content, and they’re engaging more deeply with artists, venues and festivals across a range of online and offline channels than they ever have before. It’s an exciting time for Australia’s live music industry – and we’re thrilled to play a role in powering its success.”</span></p>

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Karl Stefanovic announces surprising new gig

<p>Karl Stefanovic has surprised fans by announcing that he’s joining 2GB radio as a regular contributor to a new program. This is just one more step towards his media comeback.</p> <p>After being axed from the<span> </span><em>Today</em><span> </span>show, Stefanovic avoided the media spotlight and spent seven months on hiatus and away from the public eye.</p> <p>He made a recent return to the spotlight by attending the Logies last month and mentioned to reporters that he had enjoyed the break.</p> <p>“Sometimes we push and we push and we push and we don’t know how tired we are,” Stefanovic told reporters, according to <a rel="noopener" href="https://au.news.yahoo.com/karl-stefanovic-making-comeback-with-surprising-new-job-072000291.html" target="_blank">Yahoo News Australia</a>.</p> <p>“For the first part of the year for me it was nice not to do anything, I really needed it after a long time ... now I'm ready and raring to go.”</p> <p>Macquarie Media Limited had announced on Sunday that Stefanovic is joining the new midday program The Steve Price Show on Mondays.</p> <p>The line-up of regular contributors includes current<span> </span><em>Today</em><span> </span>show host Deborah Knight, Erin Molan, Rita Panahi and Mieke Buchan.</p> <p>"Afternoons will be a combination of opinion, talkback, breaking news and more," Price said in a statement.</p> <p>The chief executive of Macquarie Media, Adam Lang, said that Price has presented the Nights program for the past seven years and achieved a rare feat of rating first in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne.</p> <p>“We’ve seen how broad Steve Price’s appeal is – and now with 'The Steve Price Show' to air from 12-3pm, a new audience can enjoy his down-to-earth style, from tradies on a worksite to parents doing the school pickup," Lang said to <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/karl-stefanovic-is-back-taking-on-radio-duties-at-2gb-20190713-p526vp.html" target="_blank"><em>The Sydney Morning Herald</em></a>. </p>

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Peter Stefanovic has a new gig: Big return to morning TV

<p>Peter Stefanovic has announced his new on-screen role at Sky News, five months after leaving Channel Nine.</p> <p>The 37-year-old is set to co-anchor flagship breakfast news program <em>First Edition</em> at the cable news channel alongside Laura Jayes.</p> <p>“New gig, new year, new me,” said Stefanovic.</p> <p>“It’s a great challenge, a wonderful opportunity and a fantastic privilege to be asked to be part of the Sky News team.</p> <p>“I’ve been watching with great admiration, not just for Laura, but for all of the reporters and hosts on Sky, especially during the election campaign. I hope, with my experience, I will be able to add to that.”</p> <blockquote 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);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx8P7CKHggq/" data-instgrm-version="12"> <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> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx8P7CKHggq/" target="_blank">Absolutely thrilled to join @ljayes as the new host of Sky News First Edition. Laura is one of the best political interviewers in the country and I look forward to working alongside her and the team. I start July 1 and hope you can tune in! @sylviajeffreys has already given me her alarm clock 💤 😁</a></p> <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 post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/peter_stefanovic/" target="_blank"> Peter Stefanovic</a> (@peter_stefanovic) on May 26, 2019 at 2:48pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The gig comes after Stefanovic left his post as a reporter for Nine News and <em>Weekend Today</em> in December. He exited Nine after 15 years of working for the network following a leaked conversation in an Uber, where he and brother Karl Stefanovic were caught <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/peter-stefanovic-breaks-his-silence-on-life-after-channel-9/">criticising the network and their colleagues</a>.</p> <p>“It’s embarrassing and I felt responsible and ashamed for a lot of what happened,” Stefanovic told <a href="https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/tv/morning-shows/peter-stefanovic-reveals-new-gig-with-sky-news/news-story/c4bf2bff672fd999285a4568d4e63ae9">News Corp</a>. </p> <p>“Not just because of the damage I might have caused to my employer, but also to my family as well.”</p> <p>However, after getting off the screen for months, he said he is now prepared to return. </p> <p>“I’m rested and ready to attack and to put together some great shows with Laura and the team.”</p> <p>He will take on his role at Sky News starting July 1.</p>

TV

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Revealed: Georgie Gardner’s salary for new Today show gig

<p>It was announced yesterday that Georgie Gardner will be stepping up to the Today desk after Lisa Wilkinson sensationally quit the breakfast show over an equal pay dispute.</p> <p>And despite her predecessor's controversial departure over pay, Gardner will make just under half the salary of her co-host Karl Stefanovic.</p> <p>Gardner will received a pay packet “approaching the $1 million mark” while Karl takes home at least $2 million a year, <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/sydney-confidential/georgie-gardner-is-the-new-cohost-of-today-show-with-word-her-salary-has-been-almost-doubled/news-story/cbb5cb4531ffe4f177e605b36ce5e08d" target="_blank">The Daily Telegraph</a> </strong></span>reported on Thursday.</p> <p>Before her exit Wilkinson was reportedly taking home a salary of $1.1 million, substantially less than Stefanovic. </p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/media/cohost-to-match-karl-by-george/news-story/16894bdde3880c11a2fd198e448e17ec?utm_content=SocialFlow&amp;utm_campaign=EditorialSF&amp;utm_source=TheAustralian&amp;utm_medium=Twitter" target="_blank">The Australian</a></strong></span> previously reported that Gardner was being offered $750,000 for the Today hosting role, a $250,000 pay rise on her current role.</p> <p>But it’s believed Channel Nine upped their offer to the $1 million mark to convince their first choice to take the breakfast TV role.</p> <p>Just weeks before the announcement, Gardner had dismissed rumours she’d be returning to morning TV due to the “punishing hours”.</p> <p>However, with the blessing of her family, including husband Tim Baker and the couple’s two children, Bronte, 12, and Angus, nine, Gardner has taken the opportunity of a lifetime.</p> <p>“It’s going to shake things up on the home front,” Gardner admits.</p> <p>“But the kids are up for the challenge. They appreciate that this is a wonderful opportunity for me and they’re very supportive. It’s going to give them a chance to step up and show a bit more independence.”</p> <p>Gardner, who will begin co-hosting duties in 2018, revealed to TV Week that her decision to take on the plum position was not an easy one.</p> <p>“Sometimes over the past few days I’ve been feeling somewhat intimidated when I consider Lisa and the other women who have gone before me and the legacy they leave,” the 46-year-old explains.</p> <p>“I mean, you have Lisa [Wilkinson], Jessica [Rowe], Tracey [Grimshaw] and Liz [Hayes] and they’re really outstanding, strong and fabulous women who I hold in the highest of regards so I’m lucky to known them professionally and personally – and I feel honoured to be following in their footsteps.”</p> <p> </p>

TV

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David Cassidy reveals he’s fighting dementia

<p>The <em>Partridge Family</em> star has expressed that he knew this battle was coming as his family has a history of dementia.</p> <p>“I was in denial, but a part of me always knew this was coming,” he told People magazine. </p> <p>On the weekend at a gig, David struggled to remember the words of his songs, took long breaks, told random stories and even fell over when he was playing in an instrumental section. He has a scheduled concert on Sunday but the star told his audience at The Canyon Club in Agoura Hills that he will no longer be touring.</p> <p>The 66-year-old actor posted a message on Twitter expressing his gratitude to fans and family who have supported him during this time.</p> <p>“Thank you to everyone who has reached out offering their love and support,” he wrote.</p> <p>Evelyn Ward, David’s mother, battled with dementia until her death at the age of 89.</p> <p>During his time in the spotlight David has experienced various personal issues from substance abuse to bankruptcy. </p> <p><strong>Related links: </strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/caring/2017/02/results-on-dementia-research-smartphone-game/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Results on dementia research smartphone game </strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/caring/2017/01/helpful-advice-for-caring-for-someone-with-dementia/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Helpful advice for caring for someone with dementia</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/retirement-life/2017/01/great-grandmother-whose-alzheimers-struggle-touched-hearts-loses-fight/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Great-grandmother whose Alzheimer's struggle touched hearts loses fight</strong></em></span></a></p>

Retirement Life

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6 of the best (and worst) footy grand final entertainment gigs

<p>Grand final day entertainment is a tough gig (just ask Meat Loaf). With fans generally more interested in the game than the halftime performances, sometimes it’s all the musicians can do to be heard on the big day. With the AFL and NRL grand finals just around the corner we’re going to take a look at some of the musicians that rose to the occasion (and some of those who didn’t).</p> <p>At the very least, all these performances were memorable. </p> <p><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Worst</span> </strong></em></p> <p><strong>Angry Anderson (AFL Grand Final – 1991)</strong></p> <p>Rose Tattoo front-man Angry Anderson enters the arena in a Batmobile-like vehicle to sing his solo hit <em>Bound for Glory</em> in a pre-game performance that at best could be described as odd. Fast forward to 2:50 to see one of the Olympic Games representatives who couldn’t hold back his laughter. </p> <div style="display: block; position: relative; max-width: 100%;"> <div style="display: block; padding-top: 56.25%;"><iframe src="http://players.brightcove.net/4174796129001/default_default/index.html?videoId=4524919520001" allowfullscreen="" webkitallowfullscreen="" mozallowfullscreen="" style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; top: 0px; bottom: 0px; right: 0px; left: 0px;"></iframe></div> </div> <p> </p> <p><strong>Meat Loaf (AFL Grand Final – 2011)</strong></p> <p>To say the AFL’s decision to bring Meat Loaf to Australia for the 2011 grand final backfired would be an understatement. The singer’s 12-minute <em>Bat Out of Hell</em> medley struggled to connect with the disinterested crowd, which is especially crazy when you consider the $600,000 appearance fee!  </p> <div style="display: block; position: relative; max-width: 100%;"> <div style="display: block; padding-top: 56.25%;"><iframe src="http://players.brightcove.net/4174796129001/default_default/index.html?videoId=4524990329001" allowfullscreen="" webkitallowfullscreen="" mozallowfullscreen="" style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; top: 0px; bottom: 0px; right: 0px; left: 0px;"></iframe></div> </div> <p><strong><br />Billy Idol (NRL Grand Final – 2002)</strong></p> <p>Well you can’t say he doesn’t know how to make a big entrance. When 80s British rocker Billy Idol entered the NRL grand final on a hovercraft people expected big things. But after several minutes of power issues with the singer standing awkwardly on stage, they had to pull the pin altogether.</p> <div style="display: block; position: relative; max-width: 100%;"> <div style="display: block; padding-top: 56.25%;"><iframe src="http://players.brightcove.net/4174796129001/default_default/index.html?videoId=4524919532001" allowfullscreen="" webkitallowfullscreen="" mozallowfullscreen="" style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; top: 0px; bottom: 0px; right: 0px; left: 0px;"></iframe></div> </div> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br />The Best</span></strong> </p> <p><strong>The Seekers (AFL Grand Final – 1994)</strong></p> <p>The AFL hit the nail on the head in 1994, as this classic Australian band performed rousing renditions of <em>Waltzing Matilda</em>, <em>I Am Australian</em>, <em>Georgy Girl</em> and the national anthem to a packed crowd.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <div style="display: block; position: relative; max-width: 100%;"> <div style="display: block; padding-top: 56.25%;"><iframe src="http://players.brightcove.net/4174796129001/default_default/index.html?videoId=4524919538001" allowfullscreen="" webkitallowfullscreen="" mozallowfullscreen="" style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; top: 0px; bottom: 0px; right: 0px; left: 0px;"></iframe></div> </div> <p><strong>John Farnham, Jimmy Barnes &amp; Mark Seymour (AFL Grand Final – 2009)</strong></p> <p>This star-studded performance really got the crowd going, with John Farnham combining with two iconic Australian front-men to deliver a stirring version of <em>The Voice</em>, Whispering Jack’s greatest hit. </p> <div style="display: block; position: relative; max-width: 100%;"> <div style="display: block; padding-top: 56.25%;"><iframe src="http://players.brightcove.net/4174796129001/default_default/index.html?videoId=4524919535001" allowfullscreen="" webkitallowfullscreen="" mozallowfullscreen="" style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; top: 0px; bottom: 0px; right: 0px; left: 0px;"></iframe></div> </div> <p><strong>The Hoodoo Gurus (NRL Grand Final – 2007)</strong></p> <p>The NRL got it right in 2007 when the Hoodoo Gurus performed <em>That’s My Team</em>, a reworking of the 1980s classic <em>What’s My Scene</em>, which had been used to promote the game that year.</p> <div style="display: block; position: relative; max-width: 100%;"> <div style="display: block; padding-top: 56.25%;"><iframe src="http://players.brightcove.net/4174796129001/default_default/index.html?videoId=4524938219001" allowfullscreen="" webkitallowfullscreen="" mozallowfullscreen="" style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; top: 0px; bottom: 0px; right: 0px; left: 0px;"></iframe></div> </div> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="/finance/insurance/2015/09/best-songs-of-the-70s/"><strong>10 songs from the 70s you need to revisit now</strong></a></em></span></p> <p><a href="/news/news/2015/09/singing-and-dancing-principal/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>This principal starts school day singing and dancing for students</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/finance/insurance/2015/07/10-great-songs-from-the-60s/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>10 songs from the 60s you need to revisit now</strong></em></span></a></p>

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The homeless man who became a viral sensation has played his first paying gig as a pianist

<p>Last week, <a href="/news/news/2015/07/homeless-man-plays-piano/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>we brought you the story of Donald Gould</strong></span></a>, a homeless man who became an internet sensation when a video of his extraordinary musical ability went viral. Now, Donald has been treated to a new wardrobe, his first haircut and shave in 18 months, and has played before a paying crowd at a local restaurant.</p> <p>We wish Donald all the best on his continuing journey.</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/news/news/2015/07/flu-record-in-australia/">Flu hits a record number of Australians</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/news/news/2015/07/dog-sells-out-guilty-friend/">This dog dobs in her best friend</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/news/news/2015/07/giant-robot-duel/">Japan has acceted the USA's challenge to a giant robot duel to the death</a></em></strong></span></p>

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Harold Bishop from Neighbours lands new gig teaching youths about sex-ed

<p>Many Australians are familiar with the lovable Harold Bishop from Ramsay’s Street but now the actor Ian Smith is teaching sex education in a teaching kit called Ask Grandad.</p><p>The new video series was created to support school with teaching sexual education, health and wellness after La Trope University in Melbourne found just 59 per cent of teenagers in Australia reported using condoms when they have sex.</p><p>The 76-year-old plays the grandfather who offers advice to young people on how to put a condom on.</p><p>“A grandfather worries awfully about his young granddaughter, and his son is totally inept and he quite obviously hasn’t talked to his daughter about the serious business of sex,” Smith told news.com.au about his role.</p><p>“The Grandad sits down at the desk with some condoms and describes how to use them, how to apply them, why they should be used, what they can safeguard you against.</p><p>“It’s just a damned good idea.”</p><p>The beloved Aussie actor explained he was driven to help as he himself did not receive a proper sex education and doesn’t want young people to be uninformed or unprepared.</p><p>“My father, god love him, he was awfully embarrassed when the time came to talk about it so he didn’t talk about,” said Smith.</p><p>Smith admitted he was “slightly embarrassed” while filming with condoms but soon thought “why am I embarrassed? Do you want kids to grow up like you did?” he told KISS 101.1.</p><p>Pamela Blackman, a researcher at La Trobe University and a former secondary school teacher, said the feedback was overwhelmingly positive.</p><p>“This is such a great way to stimulate discussion about safe sex – not just between teachers and their students but also between parents and their kids– and that is so important given we know about 50 per cent of young people are sexually active by year 12,” Ms Blackman said.</p><p>When Harold Bishop is done dispensing advice, he will soon star in Neighbours’ 30<sup>th</sup> birthday episode… hopefully without condoms in hand.</p><p><em>Image credit: Facebook</em>&nbsp;</p>

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