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Why Gladys likely won't be the new Optus CEO

Rumours are swirling that former NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian could be taking the top job at Optus after former chief executive Kelly Bayer Rosmarin resigned on Monday. According to NCA NewsWire, the former premier has flagged her interest in the role as Optus launched its global search for the chief's replacement. Berejiklian was responsible for managing the company’s business customers in early 2022, but there's one massive roadblock that might stop her from becoming the next Optus CEO. Any decision to promote Berejiklian could be seen as risky after she was found to have engaged in serious corrupt conduct with former Wagga Wagga MP and partner Daryl Maguire, by the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC). Despite appealing the findings, it is highly unlikely that Berejiklian would get the job after the ICAC ruling. Although the decision itself would ultimately fall with the Optus board, Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young said that she wanted someone who “understands that we need better regulation and work with the government, not against them”. “I think Gladys will have to get some other things off her desk before she steps forward," she said. “What I want to see is somebody who puts the public interest first, is honest and has integrity.” Berejiklian has stayed silent on the matter, with Optus chief financial officer Michael Venter currently taking on the role of interim chief executive as the telecom company continues to lookout for a replacement. Image: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

Legal

"An ugly bum": Karl unleashes on Gladys' ex-lover

Karl Stefanovic and Peter Dutton have joined forced to slam Gladys Berejiklian’s ex, while dismissing the findings of the ICAC report that called out her "corrupt" practices. The Liberal party leader spoke with Stefanovic as a guest on the Today show, who both called out Daryl Maguire for being “a bum.” “She’s first-class and what you see in public is what you get in private as well,” Dutton said. “She’s just a very decent person. She chose a bum basically and he was a bad guy. I think that she has, you know, paid a big price for that. And her integrity is not in question. She’s not a corrupt person." “And I think she should hold her head high. She had a bad relationship, as everybody does, and I hope that that’s not the defining moment for her because she’s a much better person and we all know that.” Host Karl Stefanovic then interjected, “Not to kick a man when he’s down, not just a bum, an ugly bum.” Their comments come after a <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/serious-corrupt-conduct-gladys-report-handed-down" target="_blank" rel="noopener">corruption probe</a> has found Gladys Berejiklian and her former boyfriend engaged in "serious corrupt conduct". ICAC found Ms Berejiklian breached public trust between 2016 to 2017 by failing to disclose her five-year relationship with Mr Maguire, which the watchdog found could have had the “potential to influence the performance of her public duty”. Ms Berejiklian spoke out about the findings, saying "Serving the people of NSW was an honour and privilege. At all times I have worked my hardest in the public interest. Nothing in this report demonstrates otherwise." "Thank you to members of the public for their incredible support. This will sustain me always." Image credits: Today / Getty Images

"Serious corrupt conduct": Gladys report handed down

After an almost three-year saga, a corruption probe has found Gladys Berejiklian and her former boyfriend engaged in "serious corrupt conduct". The former NSW premier and her former lover disgraced MP Daryl Maguire were slammed in the damning report, released by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) on Thursday, for keeping their relationship secret. ICAC found Ms Berejiklian breached public trust between 2016 to 2017 by failing to disclose her five-year relationship with Mr Maguire, which the watchdog found could have had the “potential to influence the performance of her public duty”. The inquiry was tasked with determining whether Ms Berejiklian breached public trust through her decision-making during her secret relationship with disgraced MP Daryl Maguire, and in handing down the report, it was announced the 600-page document makes “serious corrupt findings” against both Ms Berejiklian and her former lover. One of the main points of the probe found that Ms Berejiklian breached public trust by awarding a $5.5 million grant to the Australian Clay Target Association (ACTA), and a $10m grant for the renovation of the Riverina Conservatorium of Music (RCM), while she was in a “close personal relationship” with Daryl Maguire. ICAC found the funding was “influenced” by her relationship with Mr Maguire, and Ms Berejiklian’s “desire ... to maintain or advance that relationship” The corruption watchdog also found Ms Berejiklian failed to notify ICAC of her suspicion that Mr Maguire “had engaged in activities which concerned, or might have concerned, corrupt conduct”. Ms Berejiklian has released a short statement about the findings, saying "Serving the people of NSW was an honour and privilege. At all times I have worked my hardest in the public interest. Nothing in this report demonstrates otherwise." "Thank you to members of the public for their incredible support. This will sustain me always." "The report is currently being examined by my legal team." ICAC did not refer Ms Berejiklian’s actions to the DPP for potential prosecution, however the report said “consideration should be given to obtaining the advice of the DPP about the prosecution of Mr Maguire”. Image credits: Getty Images

Legal

Gladys spends big on Kyle’s newborn gifts

Radio host and new dad Kyle Sandliands has been inundated with well wishes and gifts since he and his fiancée Tegan Kynaston <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/family-pets/first-look-at-kyle-s-baby-boy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">welcomed their son Otto</a> into the world last week. One gift, however, came from a very unlikely source: Former NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian. Kyle brought in the "nicely wrapped" gift to the KIIS FM studio to open it live on air with his co-host Jackie O, who guessed its contents saying, "To me it seems like it's going to be an outfit from Seed." They unwrapped the gift and gushed over how "cute" the bib, onesie and "little trousers" were. Jackie went on to say, "She would have gone out and picked that herself you know." Kyle added, "That's so lovely and unnecessary, but that shows what a truly lovely person Gladys Berejiklian is." It didn't take long before Jackie decided to investigate about the cost of the gifts, after discovering the former NSW premier had put liquid paper on the tags to conceal the price. The obstacle didn't stop Kyle, who asked for a five cent piece, and suggested Jackie could "scratch" off the dried substance. She did so, saying, "The bib was $20 - this is so mean. This is actually the tackiest thing I've ever done." Kyle joked, "She's gone to the effort of liquid papering it out and here's Jackie doing a scratch and sniff." Jackie then revealed the onesie cost $30 before Kyle decided "this is very inappropriate", to which she laughed and said she agreed "but I'm doing it anyway". With the pants sitting at $24.95, the whole gift rounded out to just over $75, including the card which read, "Dearest Kyle and Tegan, I am over the moon for you with the arrival of baby Otto. You will be amazing parents, love Gladys Berejiklian and Arthur." Image credits: Getty Images / Instagram

Family & Pets

Gladys Berejiklian’s dad dies aged 90

Gladys Berejiklian’s dad Krikor, has died at the age of 90. Krikor Berejiklian passed away on July 10 from an undisclosed illness in hospital with his family by his side. The beloved father, former boilermaker and welder - who proudly worked on the Sydney Opera House, was farewelled at Chatswood’s Armenian Apostolic Church on July 14. He leaves behind his wife of 52 years Arsha and three daughters Rita, Mary and Gladys. The former Premier of NSW addressed mourners at the wake saying her father was "young at heart". "When he was in hospital he was asked by the medical staff how old he was and without hesitation he answered ‘only 90’," she said, <a href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/heartfelt-tribute-gladys-berejiklians-dad-krikor-dies-aged-90/news-story/deb9f7c69222e7c7bbac7a8347c2f9fe" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Daily Telegraph</a> reported. "Our father was a humble man. He was a true gentleman, a real character and a friend to all he came into contact with. His smiling face always brought great joy." <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/CP9KvviB93u/?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/CP9KvviB93u/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Gladys Berejiklian (@gladysb)</a> </div> </blockquote> Ms Berejiklian said her father always encouraged her and her siblings to “work hard, be thoughtful to others, contribute to society and be proud of our Armenian heritage”. She then spoke about the family’s migration from Syria and Jerusalem after escaping the Armenian Genocide. "My parents were grateful that fate and circumstance had allowed them to raise a family in the safety and opportunity Australia provided. "As a sign of his gratitude, my father would adorn our balcony at the family home in North Ryde with the Australian flag on Australia Day." In the three weeks prior to his death and despite his deteriorating health, Krikor was able to leave his home and ride on a state Transit bus from North Ryde to Wynyard and back home again. Images: Instagram

Caring

Gladys Berejiklian slams Scott Morrison in second leaked text

A second text from former NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has emerged, in which she said Prime Minister Scott Morrison was more concerned with “petty political pointscoring” than human lives during the 2019-2020 bushfires. The texts were sent to an unknown colleague within the Liberal Party, and the text exchange was sent to Channel 10 journalist Peter van Onselen, which he shared parts of at the National Press Club last year. The full exchange includes Ms Berejiklian saying: “Morrison is a horrible, horrible person. He is actively spreading lies and briefing against me re the fires.” The recipient - a cabinet minister according to Mr van Onselen - then replies: “Morrison is about Morrison. Complete psycho. He is desperate and jealous. The mob have worked him out and he is a fraud.” A second screenshot, obtained and shared by <a href="https://www.news.com.au/national/federal-election/leaked-text-messages-show-gladys-berejiklian-did-call-scott-morrison-horrible-person-after-he-denied-it-on-730/news-story/874ec128d807a339714951be4d894a63" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a>, shows the conversation continuing, with Ms Berejiklian replying: “Thx. I’m just so disappointed. Lives are at stake today and he is just obsessed with petty political pointscoring. So disappointed and gutted.” <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/04/texts.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Image: news.com.au Mr Morrison was confronted by ABC’s Leigh Sales about the texts during his appearance on 7.30 on Tuesday, where he said: “Which she (Ms Berejiklian) denies, by the way.” Mr van Onselen quickly rebutted his claim and said it was “an out and out lie”. “The Prime Minister just told ABC 7.30 Gladys Berejiklian ‘denies’ the ‘horrible, horrible person’ text. That is an out and out lie,” he said. Ms Berejiklian has never outright denied that the exchange occurred, commenting at the time of the first text emerging that she didn’t recall sending the message. “I understand there has been some commentary today concerning myself and the PM. I have no recollection of such messages,” she said at the time. “Let me reiterate my very strong support for Prime Minister Morrison and all he is doing for our nation during these very challenging times. “I also strongly believe he is the best person to lead our nation for years to come.” Mr van Onselen previously stated he received the exchange from the minister to “inform his commentary”, on the proviso he didn’t report the full contents. However, he later obtained full consent from the minister in 2022. Tuesday night’s interview between Mr Morrison and Ms Sales saw them swap barbs, with the 7.30 host asking if the biggest threat his government was facing was his own unpopularity. “Let me put it to you … that there can only be one factor that’s playing into the negative sentiment towards your coalition and that without sounding rude has to be you?” Ms Sales asked, She then read out the various descriptions of him as a liar, bully, and “horrible, horrible person”. “People are always disappointed and they’ll have an axe to grind,” Mr Morrison responded. “That’s normal in politics, particularly when you are going into an election.” “I’ve never had time for the factional games in the Liberal Party. You get plenty of enemies.” Image: Getty Images

News

Gladys Berejiklian takes on new role

Just four months after her <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/no-option-bombshell-gladys-resignation-amid-anti-corruption-probe?fbclid=IwAR1LuwsP_5QjjXqRVJGF0nhpMk_9314a5bp1bsTnk9J3JN-wIhrW3OQeyQ0" target="_blank" rel="noopener">shock resignation</a>, Gladys Berejiklian has scored another top job - this time at Optus.The former NSW Premier has been appointed as the Managing Director of Enterprise, Business and Institutional at the national telco.“I am excited and proud to join an organisation that impacts the lives of millions of Australians every day and prides itself in providing outstanding customer service,” Ms Berejiklian <a href="https://www.optus.com.au/about/media-centre/media-releases/2022/02/optus-appoints-gladys-berejiklian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a> in a statement on Friday.“I look forward to working with Kelly (Bayer Rosmarin, Optus’ CEO) and the Executive Team of Optus who are providing inspiring and innovative leadership in the telco sector.”Ms Berejiklian announced her resignation from the state’s leadership on October 1, 2021, amid an investigation by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) into a potential conflict of interest or ‘breach of public trust’.The 45th Premier of NSW <a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/gladys-berejiklian-joins-optus-managing-director-enterprise-business-institutional/abae7568-f382-42e3-a918-352a80f69ec2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">made headlines</a> in recent weeks after a leaked text exchange said to be between her and an unnamed current Liberal minister emerged, in which Prime Minister Scott Morrison was described as “a horrible, horrible person”, a “fraud” and “a complete psycho”.<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Statement from Gladys Berejiklian regarding the alleged text exchange: <a href="https://t.co/CGHbAam5qp">pic.twitter.com/CGHbAam5qp</a>— Sarah Martin (@msmarto) <a href="https://twitter.com/msmarto/status/1488378888887537665?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2022</a></blockquote>In a statement released at the time, Ms Berejiklian said she had “no recollection” of the exchange.In a statement announcing Ms Berejiklian’s new role, Optus CEO Kelly Bayer Rosmarin described her as a “proven leader” who will help the company become Australia’s “most loved everyday brand with lasting customer relationships”.“Gladys is a proven leader who demonstrated her renowned strength, leadership, discipline and composure in successfully guiding Australia’s largest state through one of the biggest challenges in its history while earning the support and gratitude of the community for her tireless contribution,” Ms Rosmarin said.“I believe she will be a game-changer for Optus.She will start her new role at Optus on February 28.Image: Getty Images

Money & Banking

Furious Kyle walks off the show in disgust

Radio host Kyle Sandilands has <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-10465379/Kyle-Sandilands-walks-Sydney-breakfast-radio-show.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">walked off</a> his own show after going on a fiery 12-minute tirade on Wednesday’s instalment of The Kyle and Jackie O Show.The controversial shock jock lost his temper shortly after 6am after he, Jackie ‘O’ Henderson and newsreader Brooklyn Ross discussed leaked texts between former NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and another Liberal minister.The messages were reportedly leaked to Network Ten political editor Peter van Onselen, who questioned Prime Minister Scott Morrison about their contents at Tuesday’s National Press Club.“In one, she (Berejiklian) described you as a horrible, horrible person, going on to say she did not trust you, and you are more concerned with politics than people,” van Onselen <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/feb/01/gladys-berejiklian-called-scott-morrison-a-horrible-and-untrustworthy-person-in-leaked-texts-report" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a>.“The minister is even more scathing, describing you as a fraud and ‘a complete psycho’.”Sandilands, who is friends with Ms Berejiklian, shared his anger at Henderson and Ross for giving airtime to the story which he claimed was “not real news”.“This is the biggest news in Australia, and it’s all over nothing,” he began his rant.“So what if the ex-premier called the prime minister a ‘horrible, horrible person’? I’ve called everyone here an effing c in text messages. I wouldn’t be surprised if Gladys was just pacifying whatever loser minister she was talking to.<img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/02/kyle-meltdown.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" />Kyle Sandilands stormed out of the studio during Wednesday morning’s show. Image: KIIS 106.5“This is not real news. Don’t make up fictitious b******t drama over nothing.”Henderson then insisted the story was newsworthy, to which Sandilands snapped: “We don’t have to run around every time some c********r from the ABC asks a question.”Again, it should be noted that van Onselen works for Channel 10, not the ABC.“I’m angry,” he continued. “This is the way the world has been ruined - by d**kheads on the news turning these things into b******t moments.”Sandilands then called Ross a “f***ing lazy loser journalist” when he tried to defend including the story in the early-morning bulletin.Frustrated, Henderson asked: “What’s up with you this morning?”Ross attempted to defend the story’s newsworthiness again, prompting Sandilands to yell: “Just turn your mic off! You’re finished! Get out!”The situation hit a boiling point, resulting in Sandilands walking out of the studio.“I’m going home. F**k you. Do the show by yourself, what a f**king show it’ll be.”After his departure, Henderson said, “Okay, I think we’ll take a short break, because I’m not even sure what happened. Did something happen before I got here? Was it all good?”Sandilands’ colleagues were genuinely shocked by his behaviour, with the station’s resident psychic, Georgina Walker, telling Henderson and Ross they needed to “let him chill out”.The dramatic scene comes after Ms Berejiklian released a statement saying she had “no recollection” of the messages, but didn’t deny they were said.<img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/02/peter-scomo.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" />Peter van Onselen (right) presented Mr Morrison (left) with leaked text messages calling him a ‘psycho’ and ‘horrible, horrible person’ at Tuesday’s National Press Club. Image: ABC News / Getty ImagesAt the National Press Club, van Onselen asked Mr Morrison whether the text exchange surprised him and what he thought it meant.Momentarily speechless, Mr Morrison replied: “Well, I don’t know who you’re referring to, or the basis of what you’ve put to me.“But obviously I don’t agree with it. And I don’t think that’s my record.”Image: Twitter

News

Two teens dressed up as two of the pandemic’s most recognisable faces for Halloween

Two Melbourne teens have stolen the show this Halloween with their couples’ costume: premiers Daniel Andrews and Gladys Berejiklian as we know them best, giving their daily COVID-19 press conferences. The two VCE students shared a series of videos of them in costume as the former NSW premier and current Victorian premier ahead of Halloween this weekend, with one video of the pair shaking hands and then twerking racking up over one million views. Two of the videos feature Andrews ‘punching’ at Berejiklian, most likely hinting at the interstate rivalries that have only become more stark during the pandemic. Berejiklian is currently facing an <a rel="noopener" href="https://oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/it-didn-t-stack-up-icac-investigation-into-gladys-berejiklian-begins" target="_blank">ICAC inquiry</a> into her conduct as premier, particularly in relation to her <a rel="noopener" href="https://oversixty.com.au/news/news/maguire-s-icac-testimony-full-of-personal-revelations" target="_blank">clandestine relationship</a> with former NSW Liberal MP Daryl Maguire. A third video features the pair strutting and dancing to the post-lockdown anthem consisting of a remixed version of Andrews’ famous rallying cry of ‘get on the beers’. <blockquote style="max-width: 605px; min-width: 325px;" class="tiktok-embed" data-video-id="7021646020287204609"><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@jupiterofpentaclez" target="_blank" title="@jupiterofpentaclez">@jupiterofpentaclez</a> @daniel.andrews please please <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/vce" target="_blank" title="vce">#vce</a> <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/melbourne" target="_blank" title="melbourne">#melbourne</a> <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/VOID-BY-LIL-NAS-X-7007925875408767750" target="_blank" title="♬ VOID BY LIL NAS X - lil nas x">♬ VOID BY LIL NAS X - lil nas x</a></blockquote> <blockquote style="max-width: 605px; min-width: 325px;" class="tiktok-embed" data-video-id="7021665270150237442"><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@jupiterofpentaclez" target="_blank" title="@jupiterofpentaclez">@jupiterofpentaclez</a> DAN PLEASE @daniel.andrews we love you <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/I'm-Legit-6791240344357832706" target="_blank" title="♬ I'm Legit - Nicki Minaj">♬ I'm Legit - Nicki Minaj</a></blockquote> <blockquote style="max-width: 605px; min-width: 325px;" class="tiktok-embed" data-video-id="7021645419335716098"><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@jupiterofpentaclez" target="_blank" title="@jupiterofpentaclez">@jupiterofpentaclez</a> @daniel.andrews notice us daddy Dan <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/melbourne" target="_blank" title="melbourne">#melbourne</a> <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/vce" target="_blank" title="vce">#vce</a> <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/year12" target="_blank" title="year12">#year12</a> <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/Get-on-the-Beers-6888114271511644161" target="_blank" title="♬ Get on the Beers - Mashd N Kutcher">♬ Get on the Beers - Mashd N Kutcher</a></blockquote> The costumes look relatively simple - business casual clothing, wigs, glasses, and masks, naturally - but the cardboard backgrounds featuring the NSW Health and Victorian State Government logos really seal the deal, and are an obvious highlight. User jupiterofpentaclez, who posted the videos, commented ‘please get this on The Project’ underneath one of the videos, prompting people, including comedian Nazeem Hussain, who regularly appears on the program, to tag The Project in an effort to draw their attention. Being VCE students, the pair would currently be in the middle of their examination period, so what better way to blow off steam than dress up as some of the country’s best known politicians and dance? Image: jupiterofpentaclez/Tiktok

Beauty & Style

Maguire's ICAC testimony full of personal revelations

Daryl Maguire, former NSW Liberal MP and ex-secret-boyfriend of former Premier Gladys Berejiklian, faced ICAC on Thursday, as part of their inquiry into Berejiklian’s conduct while premier. The inquiry started on Thursday morning with Assistant Commissioner Ruth McColl, SC, rejecting an application made by Berejiklian’s barristers to make part of the hearings private in anticipation of Maguire being questioned about his relationship with the former premier. Berejiklian’s team said that the proposed questions raised “personal privacy concerns of the highest order for my client” and could lead to intense media scrutiny, humiliation, and harm. Ms McColl felt that it was not in the public interest for her to make such an order. Giving evidence remotely due to COVID-19 restrictions, Maguire informed ICAC that he was in a relationship with Berejiklian from 2015 until at least July 2018, when she asked him to quit politics following his evidence at another corruption inquiry. Despite this, Berejiklian confirmed at the ICAC in October of last year that the pair kept in touch until September. Maguire’s testimony was full of revelations about the couple’s relationship. The former state MP admitted to attempting to get confidential information from state MPs about land in Cawdor in the Wollondilly Shire to assist his property developer friend William Leong. He said, “I asked their view on what they thought would happen.” He agreed with former deputy premier John Barilaro’s statement that he was a “pain in the arse” in advocating for projects in his electorate. He also agreed that he was determined when advocating for millions of dollars in funding for two organisations in his electorate, the Australian Clay Target Association and the Riverina Conservatorium of Music. He admitted to lobbying the former state treasurer as well as Berejiklian about funding for these organisations. In addition, Maguire admitted he was a “serial pest” when it came to lobbying sports minister Stuart Ayres and Berejiklian about funding for a multimillion-dollar proposal regarding the Australian Clay Target Association. Ayres eventually signed off on $40,000 for the club in 2016. He is not accused of wrongdoing. The association later received $5.5 million from the state government to upgrade its facilities. Regarding his relationship with Berejiklian, Maguire said that he had a key to her home and that the couple contemplated marriage. In addition, he said they loved each other and had discussed having children. He told the ICAC that Berejiklian had not yet asked for her house key back. Berejiklian is expected to face the inquiry on Friday. She denies wrongdoing and has said that history will show she was acting in the best interests of the people of NSW. Image: Brook Mitchell/Getty Images, Joel Carrett - Pool/Getty Images

News

“It didn’t stack up”: ICAC investigation into Gladys Berejiklian begins

On the opening day of a corruption inquiry into Gladys Berjiklian, private evidence was revealed of the then-premier expressing her “shock” when she was forced to sack former Wagga Wagga MP Daryl Maguire. The video evidence was recorded over a month ago, prior to the former Premier announcing her shock departure from the top job. In the clip from 2020, Ms Berejiklian is questioned via video link by Scott Robertson, the Council Assisting of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC). Mr Robertston directed his questions towards what she knew about Mr Maguire’s allegedly corrupt behaviour when she asked him to resign as Parliamentary Secretary in 2018. <img style="width: 500px; height:281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7844928/icac1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/ad5c3f39aedf4c75924e2c789902fcfe" /> Image: ICAC “Did you suspect Mr Maguire was engaged in corrupt conduct?” Mr Robertson <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/icac-gladys-berejiklian-corruption-inquiry-first-day-hears-private-evidence/f054f374-bf74-4af2-9b92-2a99a81c1a23" target="_blank">asked</a>. “I couldn’t make any assumption at that stage, he was professing his innocence,” Ms Berejiklian replied. After being repeatedly pressed about her suspicions, Ms Berejiklian eventually answered “no”. Once the recording finished, Mr Robertson told the Commission that there were questions about whether the evidence should be accepted in the current investigation. If not, Mr Robertston continued, the Commission should “consider why Ms Berejiklian did not make a report to this Commission concerning Mr Maguire”. The current investigation The ICAC is investigating allegations that Ms Berejiklian breached her own ministerial standards by not disclosing her relationship with Mr Maguire when she was Treasurer under Mike Baird or to her own cabinet when she was Premier. “There will be evidence to the effect that a number of public officials would have acted differently if they knew about Ms Berejiklian’s relationship with Mr Maguire,” Mr Robertson <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.icac.nsw.gov.au/investigations/live-streaming-of-public-inquiries/operation-keppel-live-stream" target="_blank">said</a> in his opening address. Mr Robertson provided examples of Ms Berejiklian declaring past conflicts of interest, such as the appointment of people she knew to government boards, and the employment of her cousins by the public service. But, Ms Berejiklian “never gave a disclosure to the NSW ministerial code of conduct about Mr Maguire”. <img style="width: 500px; height:281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7844929/icac2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/334e03d0134049d6856159180fd42c92" /> Image: ICAC Ms Berejiklian is also being investigated for three other allegations surrounding the awarding of two grants to the Riverina Conservatorium of Music and the Australian Clay Target Association in Wagga Wagga. First, it is alleged that she breached the public trust by failing to report any suspicions of corrupt conduct in relation to Mr Maguire. Allegations that Ms Berejiklian behaved in a way “that was liable to allow or encourage” Mr Maguire’s allegedly corrupt conduct are also being investigated in the inquiry. She has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. “It didn’t stack up” Michael Toohey from the Office of Sport appeared as the first witness, and rubbished the $5.5 million grant awarded to the Australian Clay Target Association. “There wasn’t any real design work … it didn’t stack up,” Mr Toohey told the ICAC. Mr Maguire publicly touted the project and claimed that the gun range could be used as the venue of the 2018 Sydney Invictus Games if it received funding. “Invictus Games doesn’t have shooting events,” Mr Toohey said. Day two sees second witness speak On <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw/berejiklian-inquiry-live-updates-paul-doorn-to-appear-as-icac-investigation-into-conduct-of-former-nsw-premier-continues-20211018-p590zt.html">day two</a> of the inquiry, the ICAC heard that the Office of Sport was asked to draft an urgent funding submission for the grant, despite the office regarding it as a low priority project. Former Office of Sport executive director Paul Doorn told the ICAC on Tuesday that he could not remember why the submission was so urgent. <img style="width: 500px; height:281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7844930/icac3.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/f37a0f9a86a24cb49468ef43b22580ae" /> Paul Doorn appears as a witness during day two of the ICAC’s investigation. Image: ICAC He already told the ICAC that the project didn’t appear to benefit the state of NSW, and upgrading the Wagga Wagga club could pose a risk of cannibalising any events that would go to the government-owned shooting facility in Olympic Park. “Why would you invest in a facility where you’ve already got a facility that could host [major events?” Mr Doorn said. The commission also heard that Mr Maguire, who was the member for Wagga Wagga, lobbied for government funding for the facility twice, but that the proposal lacked details. Mr Doorn also agreed that he would have told the government that the information provided was insufficient for funding to be allocated to the gun club. The investigation is ongoing, with Mr Baird, Stuart Ayres, John Barilaro, and Ms Berejiklian to give evidence over the next two weeks. Image: 9NEWS

Legal

Waleed Aly defends Gladys

The Project co-host Waleed Aly has come out in defence of former NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian, saying the state’s corruption watchdog is “getting rid of” competent leaders. Aly said the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) may “erode confidence” of the public in politicians. Ms Berejiklian stepped down as Premier last week following the announcement from ICAC that she was being investigated in relation to former MP Daryl Maguire, who was found to have abused his position as a politician. Previously, ICAC launched an inquiry into former Liberal premier Barry O’Farrell over his decision to accept a $3000 bottle of wine without declaring it, prompting his resignation. “One of the interesting elements of this is ICAC is there … to give the public confidence in politicians and in the political system,” Aly <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/national/nsw-act/politics/waleed-aly-defends-gladys-berejiklian-on-the-project-amid-icac-investigation/news-story/2a6de7dc6696085a694d5e029f673531" target="_blank">said</a>. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> There are growing calls for a NSW-style corruption watchdog to be implemented at a federal level. But how it would work is becoming a contentious issue. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheProjectTV?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheProjectTV</a> <a href="https://t.co/NgeH4ndyKz">pic.twitter.com/NgeH4ndyKz</a> — The Project (@theprojecttv) <a href="https://twitter.com/theprojecttv/status/1445655716144898056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 6, 2021</a></blockquote> “But is there a danger though that it can do the opposite and ICAC may have done that by getting rid of premiers that are widely respected, seen as competent, and people who have been of integrity, seeing a premier in NSW disappear over a bottle of wine. It erodes confidence in the political system unnecessarily.” Shadow Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus rejected the idea, arguing that ICAC wasn’t the one that “got rid of” Ms Berejiklian. “I think that all politicians and all commentators need to be very careful not to attack these anti-corruption commissions simply because they don’t like what they’ve discovered or because they don’t like outcomes,” he said. “Bear in mind the former premier of NSW, Gladys Berejiklian, resigned of her own volition. No-one forced her to resign. “Nothing about the ICAC scheme required her to resign. So it’s wrong those people that are blaming ICAC because Ms Berejiklian’s no longer the Premier of NSW.” “It was her choice to resign. A quite different course of action was available to her. She could have simply stood aside. Or she could have decided not to stand aside at all and undergo the investigation that’s now underway. “We don’t yet know the outcome of the inquiry.” A public inquiry into the issue is due to commence on October 18, and is expected to last for about 10 days. Ms Bereijiklian has denied any wrongdoing in relation to Mr Maguire’s actions. Image: The Project

“No option”: Bombshell Gladys resignation amid anti-corruption probe

New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian has announced her resignation, following the revelation she was under investigation by the state’s corruption watchdog. Ms Berejiklian is being investigated by the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) to determine whether there was a conflict of interest between her public duties and private life while she was in a relationship with former MP Daryl Maguire. “It pains me to announce but I have no option but to resign from the office of Premier,” Ms Berejiklian told reporters at Friday’s press conference. “Standing aside is not an option for me as Premier of NSW. “The people of the state need certainty as to who their leader is during the challenging time of the pandemic.” While reading from a prepared statement, Ms Berejiklian said she regretted leaving during the pandemic, but was left with no alternative following the announcement from ICAC. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.0304449648712px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7844573/gladys-abc.jpeg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/9871d1da82be473bbe96d8e182a9ccec" /> Image: ABC News / YouTube “My resignation as Premier could not occur at a worse time but the timing is completely outside my control as the ICAC has chosen to take this action during the most challenging weeks of the most challenging time of the state’s history,” she <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-10-01/icac-investigating-gladys-berejiklian-daryl-maguire/100506956" target="_blank">said</a>. “Resigning at this time is against every instinct of my being and something I do not want to do.” Ms Berejiklian also announced she would be resigning from Parliament and would step down as soon as a by-election could be held. She denied involvement in any corrupt conduct while in Parliament. “I have always acted with the highest level of integrity,” she said. “I have absolutely no regrets during my time in public life. “My only regret will be not to be able to finish the job to ensure the people of NSW transition to living with COVID.” ICAC investigates corruption claims The premier confirmed she was in a relationship with Mr Maguire during an ICAC hearing last year. In the new investigation, Ms Berejiklian will be questioned about grants awarded to community organisations in Wagga Wagga in 2012, when Mr Maguire was the local member for the area. The hearings are expected to run for 10 days, and will examine whether the premier breached public trust by failing to report anything in relation to her relationship with Mr Maguire at the time which may constitute corrupt conduct. The ICAC will also investigate whether Mr Maguire used his membership of the NSW Parliament to the benefit of himself and his associates. Meet the potential candidates Ms Berejiklian remains Premier until the Liberal Party decides on her successor, and some members have already announced they will put their names forward for the job. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7844571/rob-stokes.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/3508b2061fdd4ca894f673a9d27e020d" /> Image: @robstokesmp / Instagram Planning Minister Rob Stokes has announced that he will contest for leadership, having run against Ms Berejiklian following Mike Baird’s resignation. It is understood that Mr Stokes would be prepared to nominate himself for the position when the party room meets to elect the new Premier on Tuesday. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7844569/dom-perrottet.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/19987bb8387f401d9c06636b111bb539" /> Image: @dom.perrottet / Instagram Treasurer Dominic Perrottet is also believed to be a frontrunner to replace Ms Berejiklian, though he is yet to announce whether he will. <img id="__mcenew" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7844568/constance.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/f08dd422ed324ddda6a71cf48025de81" /> Stuart Ayres (left) and Andrew Constance (right) are also potential contenders for the premiership. Image: Instagram Other potential candidates <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw/perrottet-and-stokes-emerge-as-frontrunners-for-nsw-premier-20211001-p58whc.html" target="_blank">include</a> Tourism Minister Stuart Ayres and Transport Minister Andrew Constance. Image: Getty Images

News

Jackie ‘O’ reveals her ex had a reaction to his jab

Radio presenter Jackie 'O' Henderson has revealed her ex-husband, Lee, suffered an adverse reaction to his second Pfizer vaccine shot. Henderson explained on Friday's Kyle and Jackie O Show that Lee had experienced the same complication as Seven News reporter Denham Hitchcock, who was hospitalised last month with pericarditis - a rare condition when the sac-like tissue surrounding the heart becomes inflamed. Lee, a photographer from England, has not commented on his condition, but Henderson told NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian he'd been hospitalised and was 'in a bad way'. ‘You'd be aware what has happened to Denham Hitchcock, and my ex-husband has had the same thing. He's been in hospital and really, really in a bad way after the second Pfizer,' she said. <img style="width: 0px; height:0px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843955/jackie-o-2-um.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/b6a25108f906408a89cd9c59b362680f" /><img style="width: 500px; height:281.29952456418386px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843955/jackie-o-2-um.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/b6a25108f906408a89cd9c59b362680f" /> Henderson added that it was 'up to [Lee] to report' his adverse reaction to the Covid-19 vaccine because the hospital doesn't automatically do it. Berejiklian, who was a guest on the KIIS FM breakfast show, said she wasn't aware of Lee's condition but emphasised that health authorities do put out a statement whenever someone has an adverse reaction to the jab. Henderson, who received the AstraZeneca vaccine, acknowledged that in many cases doctors aren't 'a hundred per cent sure' pericarditis is caused by the jab. She also stressed that she is 'pro-vax'. The former couple, who share 10-year-old daughter Kitty, amicably separated in late 2018 and are understood to have recently finalised their divorce. Lee is not believed to have any underlying health conditions. He is a martial arts enthusiast who is known to keep fit and active. Images: Instagram

News

Courier sacked over abusing parcel addressed to NSW premier

A courier has been fired after filming himself destroying a package addressed to Gladys Berejiklian. The delivery driver with Couriers Please was captured on video inside a sorting room, and quickly went viral on social media. In the video, the man holds up a package that shows the NSW premier's name on the label. He then talks to the camera and says "Ladies and gentlemen, f**king Gladys." He turns to a co-worker and continues, “I’ve got a shipment for Gladys. Look, look, look. You know what to do with this?” before throwing it across the room. He looks back at the camera and looks pleased with his actions, before seemingly spitting into his mask. The courier company in questions addressed the issue, saying it has been made aware of the unfortunate incident. “CouriersPlease has been alerted to a video circulating on the internet in relation to a parcel addressed to the NSW Premier’s office,” the company said in a statement. “The content of the video in no way reflects the values or code of conduct at CouriersPlease." “The freight handler in the video was dismissed immediately as part of our investigation, and we are also speaking with our franchisees and employees to ensure everyone adheres to our code of conduct.” The video comes as NSW continues to boast record-breaking COVID-19 case numbers each day due to the deadly Delta variant. Greater Sydney residents have entered their 10th week in lockdown, which has been extended until the end of September. <div class="caas-yvideo-wrapper yvideo caas-yvideo-elem" data-video-index="0"> <div> <div class="caas-yvideo caas-yvideo-rendered" data-videoconfig="{"autoplay":false,"duration":0,"height":360,"lang":"en-AU","media_id_1":"435ac257-8079-3355-afac-d35c8e77af5e","pageSpaceId":"14589907","queryParams":null,"region":"AU","site":"news","startScreen":{},"url":"https://au.news.yahoo.com/nsw-records-over-1200-cases-012256825.html?format=embed&region=AU&lang=en-AU&site=news&player_autoplay=0&expName=y20","width":640,"thumbnail":{"type":"image","size":{"raw":null}},"YVAP":{"accountId":"145","timeout":8},"expName":"y20","playlist":{"mediaItems":[{"id":"435ac257-8079-3355-afac-d35c8e77af5e"}],"videoRecommendations":true,"id":"au-news-must-watch-playlist"},"videoAlias":"nsw-records-over-1200-cases-012256825","hidePlaylist":true,"comscoreC4":"News","articleUuid":"c28420c6-a96e-4ecd-8443-eaed15c0f008","pct":"story","pblob":"revsp:y7.yahoo7news;lu:0;pct:story","expBucket":"news-AU-en-AU-def","expBucketName":"news-AU-en-AU-def"}"> <div class="player"> <div class="vp-content normal vp-browser-ua vp-browser-safari vp-browser-safaridesktop vp-browser-desktop vp-browser-macintosh vp-device-desktop vp-muted vp-state-video vp-mode-video vp-flag-paused vp-hide-controls" aria-label="Yahoo Video Player"> <div class="vp-main"></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Image credit: 7News

Legal

Five maskless men give insane response to police questioning

<div class="post-body-container"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in"> Five men who had tested positive for COVID-19 in country NSW but then allegedly breached their self isolation orders after they’d been escorted back to south-west Sydney, have been fined $5000 each. The five men were sitting at a footpath table on Monday morning when police went up to them, asking they why they were not wearing masks. The officers spoke to the men, who revealed they had tested positive to COVID-19 in rural NSW and had been ordered to self-isolate for 14 days after being escorted back to Sydney on August 23. Following the police inquiries, all five men – aged 23, 25, 26, 31 and 32 – were issued $5000 Penalty Infringement Notices for not complying with the public health orders. Escorted back to their premises for self-isolation. The men were escorted back to their premises to continue their mandatory isolation. This comes after Premier Gladys Berejiklian has warned that October will be the “worst time” for the state’s intensive care units and health system. NSW reported another record number of new COVID cases on Monday, with four deaths, 1,290 local infections, and western Sydney remaining the main area of transmission. “We anticipate that the worst month, the worst time for our intensive care units will be in October," said Berejiklian. "The number of cases we have in intensive care will depend on our vaccination rate and also on the number of cases, and we all have a hand in determining what that looks like. “Vaccination is the key in terms of our freedom and reducing the spread of the virus,” she added.. Image: Getty Images </div> </div> </div>

Legal

"Not a national plan for picnics": Dan Andrews calls out NSW

Victorian Premier Dan Andrews has called out the New South Wales government over its decision to ease restrictions and management of COVID-19 vaccines. With Victoria recording 92 new local cases of COVID-19 on Sunday, Mr Andrews announced that its lockdown would be extended and that the end-date would be determined in the coming days. During the press conference, Mr Andrews shared his frustrations with reporters about the struggle to obtain extra vaccine doses, claiming NSW “has received significant extra support”. “We do not begrudge them that but we are now in Victoria with case numbers too high to safely open up and that means that we have many challenges as well, and it is only fair that we distribute vaccines based on population share and need, of course,” he said. “But we can’t continue to see hundreds and thousands of extra doses pouring into Sydney at the expense of every other part of our nation.” The premier also took aim at the NSW government’s plans to ease certain restrictions for fully vaccinated people. Mr Andrews said the plan does not follow the national plan and comes at the expense of vaccinating Victorians. “It is not a national plan for picnics,” he said. NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced that five fully vaccinated adults would be able to gather for a picnic from September 13, as long as they were not from an LGA of concern. On Saturday, Health Minister Brad Hazzard announced additional freedoms from 12.01am on Friday, with weddings allowed to go ahead with up to five guests on top of those “obviously necessary for the actual service”. The latest change has come as a surprise to many and sparked heavy backlash. Mr Andrews added that he has spoken with Prime Minister Scott Morrison about the allocation of vaccines from September, with the Prime MInister agreeing to distribute them by population share.

News

New study warns how high Sydney COVID numbers could rise

New research from Sydney University has found the daily COVID numbers for Greater Sydney will continue to rise, peaking between 1500 and 6000 cases by October under the current settings. The study found the daily numbers could spike up to 40,000 if the current restrictions are lifted. The complex modelling was led by Professor Mikhail Prokopenko, Director of the University of Sydney’s Centre for Complex Systems, who used data available until August 25. The total number of Australians infected in the month following reopening may exceed half a million, even with continued testing, tracing, isolation, quarantine and international travel restrictions. Consistent adherence to social distancing is important Professor Prokopenko said: “Our extended projections suggest that Delta cases will initially peak in early October and will begin to drop off as more of the population is vaccinated. However, consistent adherence to social distancing is important to prevent a sharp peak in cases.” “Although it is encouraging that more people are being vaccinated, we can expect to see a rapid increase in cases when we exit the lockdown. In fact, our modelling suggests the worst is yet to come if the restrictions are removed too soon and too abruptly,” he added. Professor Prokopenko said pandemic growth is expected to slow from mid-December, when 75 percent of the population is projected to be vaccinated and natural immunity will be developed by three to five percent of the entire population by the end of the year. Explaining further, Professor Prokopenko said: “The clear take away is this – with increasing vaccinations there is a path out of the current outbreak, but as a society we can either choose to land softly or come to a dramatic crash landing.,” “This will depend on the community continuing its high vaccine uptake, people maintaining social distancing over the coming months, and our healthcare system preparing and bolstering itself to meet the surge of hospitalisations which will come after the lockdown. “Although the current situation is frustrating, the lockdown end is now in sight, and we must not lose our focus until it is safe to do so. As Mahatma Gandhi famously asserted, `to lose patience is to lose the battle’ – this is a warning we must now all heed,” he added. Some restrictions to stay after vaccination target reached NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has pledged to keep some restrictions in place even after the 80 percent vaccination threshold is reached. Dr Kerry Chant said earlier this week that mask wearing might remain “for years.” It comes as NSW has reached new COVID-19 records with over 1000 cases recorded on Thursday. Easing of some restrictions if you’re vaccinated Despite the spike in infections, Berejiklian has announced a range of eased restrictions for those who are vaccinated surrounding outdoor gatherings which will come into effect on September 13. She added people need to get ready for when we reach the 70 percent vaccinated target and more restrictions will ease, but “…the condition of you participating in what will be reopening is on you being vaccinated. Because when you start opening at 70 per cent, there are certain activities only vaccinated people can do.” Those who live outside of the LGAs of concern will be allowed to have outdoor gatherings of up to five people, including children, so long as all adults are fully vaccinated. The gathering must occur within their LGA or within 5km from home. For those who live in the LGAs of concern, households with all adults vaccinated will be able to gather outdoors for recreation, including picnics, within the existing rules. This means for one hour only, outside curfew hours and within 5km of home. This is in addition to the one hour allowed for exercise. Photo: Getty Images

Caring

Gladys' thank you note to fan draws praise and condemnation

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has sent a handwritten thank you note to a fan who sent her flowers for doing a ‘wonderful job,’ but it’s raised some questions. Sydney lawyer sent the NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian flowers for doing such a great job with Sydney’s COVID outbreak. To thank the lawyer, the premier sent a handwritten note thanking them, after tracking down the lawyer’s address by possibly ringing the florist and then sending the note to the lawyer’s place of work. The lawyer who sent the flowers was a woman called Tania Waterhouse who works at Waterhouse Lawyers. She said she was ‘tickled pink’ to receive a personal reply. Waterhouse shared a photo of the premier's letter in a post on her social media and the post went viral with many people responding. Hundreds of people praised both the Premier and the lawyer but others weren’t impressed. One man tweeted: 'She has a very strange idea of what constitutes ''doing a wonderful job''’. 'Plague spreading in western Sydney, compromising people's lives and livelihoods but.. Great singles bubble premier!' another wrote. Others praised both women for their kind gestures. 'Wow. Massive fan girl here too, gives me yet another reason to believe she is the best premier we've had in forever,' one person wrote. 'With all that is going on, it says something about her that she takes the time to acknowledge and write back,' another added. Waterhouse says this is a family tradition Explaining why she sent the flowers, Waterhouse wrote on her LinkedIn: ‘My dad used to send to send flowers to the prime minister at The Lodge whenever he thought they were doing a great job.' 'I sent flowers to Glad because I think she is copping a lot of flak and is doing a wonderful job, particularly the singles bubble. And that she needed our support. 'I didn't give my contact details on the card so she wouldn't have to bother replying. Her staff must have contacted the florist and Gladys actually wrote a personal message.' The letter the Premier wrote to Waterhouse went as follows: Dear Tania,' 'Thank you for the beautiful flowers and for taking the time to write to me with your kind message. 'Your support means so much and will inspire me to work even harder for the people of NSW. Your best wishes are really appreciated. 'Yours faithfully, Gladys Berejiklian MP Premier.' The note appeared to be typed by Ms Berejiklian's administrative team before the premier amended it with a pen, changing the address to 'Dear Tania'. 'I hope you won't need the singles bubble for too long,' the premier added. Photo: Getty Images

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Alan Jones blasts NSW and WA Premiers

Sky News Host Alan Jones has blasted NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian saying she must resign and calling her “power hungry, stubborn and out of touch” and “not fit for purpose.” The outspoken Sky News commentator blasted the WA Premier as well, slamming Mark McGowan for being "power-drunk." Jones' rant about the NSW premier was in reference to her statement earlier this week that even when 80 per cent of the population is vaccinated against COVID-19, it won’t mean NSW will be able to emerge from lockdown. Berejiklian said: “The extent of your freedom depends on the case numbers.” She had also announced a record 478 new locally-acquired cases and eight deaths. “Even if you get to 80 per cent double doses, if the case numbers are very high it does limit what you can do,” she continued. Jones slammed into the premier on his TV show Jones then blasted the NSW Premier on his Sky News TV show, saying the premier “cannot go on asking people to live like this.” “Gladys resign from the Liberal Party today. You are not fit for purpose,” he continued. “We desperately need a fresh pair of eyes on the situation, not a power hungry, stubborn and completely out-of-touch politician.” He added the premier's press conference appearances have become “negative, aggressive and almost bad-tempered.” “Gladys, people have stopped listening to you and this daily dose of rubbish,” Jones said. “We are not in this together. The political and bureaucratic class collect full salary while inflicting devastation on others. “A decent person would feel some sense of shame.” Jones then commented on the WA Premier Immediately after this tirade about Gladys, Jones added his brutal comment about WA Premier Mark McGowan. “Over in WA we've got this power-drunk premier McGowan pursuing a zero transmission strategy,' Jones said. This comment was in reference to McGowan’s statement that he wouldn’t hesitate to shut the WA border with the rest of Australia if future COVID cases emerge - even if national vaccine targets are reached. McGowan’s comments ignited a war of words with the Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who berated McGowan's COVID plan, saying it is unreasonable and would hurt the economy. What rules are changing? * Travel radius for residents of Greater Sydney reduced from 10km to 5km * Those eligible for the singles bubble must register their companion online * Residents are also unable to visit their second homes except for under special circumstances - and you will need a permit * Those living in Greater Sydney must be given a permit to leave the region * $320 payment plan for those having to isolate while awaiting test results and are unable to work will also be set up What can I be fined for? * $5,000 fines for breaching quarantine, lying on a permit or to contact tracers * $3,000 fines for breaching two-person exercise limit, breaching work rules and wrongfully entering regional NSW * $3,000 fines will also be dished out to those who enter someone else's home if it's not for essential care or as part of a singles bubble Where can I exercise? Essential shopping and exercise must be done in a resident's LGA or, if you must travel outside your LGA to do so, it must be within 5km of your home What about policing? * 500 extra ADF personnel will patrol alongside NSW Police, with checkpoints increased on key roads * New checkpoints will be set up to check drivers at random in certain key areas * Riot squads and highway patrol officers will be present in LGAs of concern * These LGAs are Bayside, Blacktown, Burwood, Campbelltown, Canterbury-Bankstown, Cumberland, Fairfield, Georges River, Liverpool, Parramatta, Strathfield, and parts of Penrith Source: NSW Government Photo: Getty Images

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