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Three Aussie men may face death penalty over fatal Bali shooting

<p>Three Australian men have been arrested by Indonesian police over <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/travel/travel-trouble/new-details-emerge-after-aussie-shot-dead-in-bali" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a deadly shooting</a> at a villa on the resort island of Bali that left one Australian dead and another seriously injured.</p> <p>Bali police chief Daniel Adityajaya confirmed the arrests on Tuesday, stating the men had “prepared and executed” the shooting, which took place just after midnight on Saturday at Villa Casa Santisya near Munggu Beach in Badung, north of Kuta.</p> <p>“We have arrested three suspects,” Adityajaya said, adding that the men face charges of premeditated murder. If convicted, they could face the death penalty under Indonesian law.</p> <p>The incident claimed the life of 32-year-old Zivan Radmanovic and left another Australian, 35-year-old Sanar Ghanim, seriously wounded. Radmanovic was shot in a bathroom where police later recovered 17 bullet casings and two intact bullets.</p> <p>Radmanovic’s wife, Gourdeas Jazmyn, 30, told police she awoke to her husband’s screams shortly before midnight. She hid under a blanket as she heard multiple gunshots, later finding Radmanovic dead and Ghanim critically injured. Ghanim, who was also beaten during the attack, was taken to hospital and has since been released under police supervision. He is considered a key witness in the case.</p> <p>Authorities initially arrested one of the suspects at Soekarno-Hatta airport near Jakarta as he attempted to leave the country. The two others were detained abroad with the assistance of Interpol in South-East Asia, although police have not revealed where those arrests took place.</p> <p>Officers seized a nine-millimetre firearm, a motorcycle, and two cars believed to have been used in the suspects’ escape.</p> <p>Police have not disclosed a motive for the crime and say investigations are ongoing. Adityajaya noted that a fourth suspect, believed to be the mastermind behind the attack, may still be identified.</p> <p><em>Images: Singapore police / 9News</em></p>

Legal

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Jumping castle operator learns fate over tragedy that killed six children

<p>The operator of a jumping castle involved in the 2021 Hillcrest Primary School tragedy that claimed the lives of six children has been cleared of breaching workplace safety laws.</p> <p>Rosemary Gamble, the owner of Taz-Zorb, was found not guilty of failing to comply with a health and safety duty after a 10-day hearing in Devonport Magistrates Court. The decision was delivered on Friday Jnue 6 by Magistrate Robert Webster, who said: "I found the charge is not proven. It is dismissed. Ms Gamble, you are free to go."</p> <p>The case centred on the <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/children-killed-in-hillcrest-tragedy-identified-amid-overwhelming-support" target="_blank" rel="noopener">horrific incident of December 2021</a>, when a gust of wind lifted the inflatable castle into the air during end-of-year celebrations on the school oval. Six children – Chace Harrison, Jalailah Jayne-Maree Jones, Zane Mellor, Addison Stewart, Jye Sheehan and Peter Dodt – were killed, while three others were seriously injured.</p> <p>Prosecutors had argued Gamble failed to secure the castle properly, allegedly using only four pegs to anchor it, despite manufacturer guidelines recommending eight. However, her defence counsel, Chris Dockray, told the court that Gamble had been misled by the Chinese manufacturer, East Inflatables, which neither provided adequate instructions nor included more than four pegs with the product.</p> <p>Gamble had downloaded a two-page manual from the company’s website, which the court heard may have led to the misunderstanding about anchoring requirements.</p> <p>Court documents revealed that seven students were on the castle when a sudden weather event dislodged it, flinging the children from the structure. A separate student was reportedly struck by the blower used to keep the castle inflated.</p> <p>The full court decision is expected to be published online in the coming days.</p> <p>Preparations for a coronial inquest have been on hold pending the outcome of the criminal case. A class action has also been launched by families against both Gamble and the state of Tasmania.</p> <p><em>Image: Supplied</em></p>

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What makes somebody a narcissist?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <p>Narcissism has become the armchair diagnosis of the decade. Social media is awash with people flinging the label around. Everyone’s ex seems to be a narcissist, some of our parents are under suspicion, and that office villain? They definitely tick the box, too.</p> <p>The accuracy of these rampant diagnoses warrants scepticism. But the reality is narcissists do exist. At its extreme, narcissism is a rare mental health diagnosis, known as <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556001/">narcissistic personality disorder</a>. But narcissism also describes a cluster of personality traits, which we all display to varying degrees.</p> <p>For those of us who have been in close quarters with someone high in narcissistic traits, we rarely walk away unscathed. And we may be left with lingering questions. For example, what made them this way?</p> <p>In a recent <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2025.113255">meta-analysis</a>, my colleagues and I pulled together studies examining the link between narcissism and adult attachment styles. Our findings offer an important clue – especially when it comes to the potential roots of vulnerable narcissism.</p> <h2>Types of narcissism</h2> <p>There are two main types of <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-6494.2010.00711.x">narcissism</a>.</p> <p>Grandiose narcissism is what typically comes to mind. It is characterised by an overtly grandiose, aggressive and dominant interpersonal style. In contrast, vulnerable narcissism is marked by introversion, hypersensitivity to criticism, and a defensive, insecure grandiosity that masks fragile self-esteem.</p> <p>Antagonistic traits such as entitlement, manipulation, and a lack of empathy lie at the core of both narcissism types. This helps to explain the <a href="https://doi.org/10.1037/abn0000298">interpersonal difficulties</a> linked to each.</p> <p>Vulnerable narcissism, in particular, has been linked to a range of harmful behaviours in romantic relationships. Individuals high in this trait are more likely to engage in <a href="https://www.respectvictoria.vic.gov.au/news/red-flags-what-love-bombing-and-why-it-bad">love bombing</a>, <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tele.2023.101985">ghosting and breadcrumbing</a>.</p> <p>They also tend to report <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/15298868.2019.1707272">lower relationship satisfaction</a>, hold more permissive attitudes towards <a href="https://doi.org/10.1037/fam0001126">infidelity</a> and perpetrate <a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/15248380231196115">intimate partner violence</a> at higher rates.</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/reel/DIyj175t6iV/?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/reel/DIyj175t6iV/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Amanda E. White, LPC, LMHC (@therapyforwomen)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <h2>Secure versus insecure attachment</h2> <p>Researchers have turned to <a href="https://theconversation.com/attachment-theory-what-people-get-wrong-about-pop-psychologys-latest-trend-for-explaining-relationships-195034">attachment styles</a> to help explain how individuals high in narcissism behave in romantic relationships.</p> <p><a href="https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118938119.ch2">Attachment theory</a> proposes that early experiences with primary caregivers shape our beliefs about ourselves and others. These beliefs are thought to persist into adulthood and influence how we experience and navigate adult relationships.</p> <p>If we felt safe, loved and supported as children, we are more likely to have a positive view of our self and others. This is the hallmark of secure attachment, which lays the foundation for healthy, stable relationships in adulthood.</p> <p>But when early relationships are marked by neglect, inconsistency or abuse, they can give rise to insecure attachment styles. <a href="https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1991-33075-001">Adult attachment models</a> generally identify three types of insecure attachment.</p> <p>Preoccupied attachment develops from a negative view of the self and a positive view of others. Individuals with this style often feel unworthy of love and seek constant reassurance in relationships, fearing rejection and abandonment.</p> <p>Dismissive attachment is rooted in a positive view of the self but a negative view of others. These individuals tend to prioritise independence over intimacy. As a result, they often struggle to form deep connections.</p> <p>Fearful attachment involves negative views of both the self and others. Those with this style typically crave connection while at the same time fearing it, leading to push-pull dynamics in relationships.</p> <h2>An interesting pattern</h2> <p>In our meta-analysis, we combined the results of 33 previous studies comprising more than 10,000 participants to examine how narcissism relates to each of the four adult attachment styles. Overall, narcissism was linked to each of the three insecure attachment styles.</p> <p>But when we looked at the two types of narcissism separately, an interesting pattern emerged. Vulnerable narcissism was consistently linked to insecure attachment styles – with associations of moderate strength for preoccupied and fearful attachment styles.</p> <p>In contrast, grandiose narcissism showed no such link.</p> <p>Does this mean insecure attachment causes vulnerable narcissism? Not necessarily. The studies we reviewed were “correlational”, which means they looked at connections, not causes. So we can’t say attachment styles cause vulnerable narcissism. To answer that, we’d need longitudinal research tracking people over time.</p> <p>Still, our findings suggest that insecure attachment – particularly preoccupied and fearful attachment styles – may be an important risk factor in the development of vulnerable narcissism.</p> <p>Of course, not everyone with an insecure attachment style has high levels of vulnerable narcissism. However, for some, vulnerable narcissism may emerge as a defensive coping strategy that arises when early attachments were marked by inconsistency, neglect or abuse.</p> <h2>Healing childhood wounds</h2> <p>Attachment styles tend to be <a href="https://doi.org/10.1207/S15327957PSPR0602_03">fairly consistent throughout a person’s life</a>, however change is possible. Attachment-focused therapies, such as <a href="https://theconversation.com/im-a-failure-how-schema-therapy-tackles-the-deep-rooted-beliefs-that-affect-our-mental-health-250789">schema therapy</a> and <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/therapy-types/emotionally-focused-therapy">emotionally focussed therapy</a>, can help individuals heal attachment wounds and build more secure relationship patterns. These approaches may be especially helpful for those high in vulnerable narcissism.</p> <p>At the same time, it is important that families have access to free and timely mental health care, so that children are supported to process and heal from trauma before it shapes their adult relationships, and the way they parent the next generation.</p> <p>But prevention is better than cure.</p> <p>Supporting parents and caregivers to build secure attachments with the their children and equipping them with the tools to parent effectively is essential. This is especially urgent given disturbingly <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.5694/mja2.51873">high rates of child maltreatment in Australia</a>, including emotional abuse, physical abuse and neglect – all of which have been <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.5694/mja2.51873">linked to the development of vulnerable narcissism</a>.</p> <p>We don’t need to look too far to see the cost of turning a blind eye.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/257468/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em>By <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/megan-willis-8914">Megan Willis</a>, Associate Professor, School of Behavioural and Health Sciences, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/australian-catholic-university-747">Australian Catholic University</a></em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-makes-somebody-a-narcissist-mounting-evidence-suggests-links-to-insecure-attachment-styles-257468">original article</a>. </em></p> <p>Images: <span style="font-family: 'Canva Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Roboto, -apple-system, blinkmacsystemfont, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre;">Engin Akyurt / pexels.com</span></p> </div>

Mind

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

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

TV

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

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

Legal

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Ben Roberts-Smith loses defamation appeal over war crimes findings

<p>Decorated war veteran Ben Roberts-Smith has lost a high-profile legal appeal seeking to overturn findings that he likely engaged in war crimes during his service in Afghanistan.</p> <p>The Federal Court dismissed the former soldier’s defamation appeal on Friday, marking a major defeat for Australia's most decorated living soldier and potentially concluding a years-long legal battle that has captivated the nation. Roberts-Smith, who was not present in court, now faces a substantial legal bill estimated to exceed $25 million.</p> <p>Lawyers for Nine newspapers, who published the original reports in 2018, were seen embracing outside the courthouse, visibly jubilant over the outcome. "The smile says it all," one lawyer told reporters. In contrast, Roberts-Smith’s legal team declined to comment as they left the building.</p> <p>Roberts-Smith, a Victoria Cross recipient, sued Nine and investigative journalists Nick McKenzie and Chris Masters over a series of reports alleging he was involved in the unlawful killing of unarmed civilians while deployed with the SAS in Afghanistan. In 2023, Justice Anthony Besanko ruled the allegations were substantially true, including claims that Roberts-Smith was involved in the murder of four unarmed Afghan men.</p> <p>Among the most damning accusations were that Roberts-Smith executed a man with a prosthetic leg and encouraged fellow soldiers to use the leg as a drinking vessel. He was also accused of ordering the killing of an elderly prisoner in 2009 to initiate a junior soldier, and of kicking a bound prisoner off a cliff before having him executed in 2012. Another killing was linked to a weapons cache found in the village of Cinartu.</p> <p>These claims were upheld by Justice Besanko on the balance of probabilities, a standard used in civil cases. Friday's ruling confirmed the original judgment, with the full court dismissing the appeal. The court’s written reasons are expected to be released in the coming days.</p> <p>Nine successfully argued that its reporting was grounded in solid evidence and that Justice Besanko’s findings were appropriately supported.</p> <p>Roberts-Smith, once hailed as a national hero for his bravery under fire and named Australian Father of the Year, now faces the prospect of paying Nine’s legal costs for both the original trial and the failed appeal. His legal team may consider taking the matter to the High Court, but such a move would be his final legal recourse in a saga that has spanned more than seven years.</p> <p>Despite the serious nature of the findings, Roberts-Smith has not been criminally charged in relation to any of the alleged incidents.</p> <p><em>Image: Today show</em></p>

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Aussie Olympian sentenced over wife's death

<p>Olympic cycling champion Rohan Dennis has received a suspended prison sentence over a road incident that led to the tragic death of his wife, fellow Olympian Melissa Hoskins, in Adelaide late last year.</p> <p>Dennis, 34, appeared before South Australia’s District Court on Wednesday, where he was sentenced to one year, four months and 28 days in prison. However, Judge Ian Press suspended the sentence, citing Dennis’s guilty plea, remorse and his responsibilities as the sole carer for the couple’s two young children.</p> <p>Dennis had earlier pleaded guilty to committing an aggravated act likely to cause harm in relation to the events of 30 December 2023.</p> <p>Judge Press acknowledged the deep impact of the incident, saying that calling it "tragic" did not do justice to the "grief, anguish and turmoil" experienced by those close to Hoskins.</p> <p>Hoskins, 32, died after being struck by Dennis's vehicle outside their home in Medindie, Adelaide. The court heard the couple had been arguing over kitchen renovations before Dennis left the house and got into his car.</p> <p>During the confrontation, Hoskins reportedly jumped onto the car’s bonnet. Judge Press described driving with a person on the bonnet as “an inherently risky and dangerous act”. After she dismounted and attempted to open the car door, Dennis closed it and accelerated without realising she was still holding onto the vehicle. Hoskins then fell and suffered fatal injuries.</p> <p>Judge Press made it clear that Dennis was not charged with causing Hoskins’s death, but rather with a dangerous act that contributed to the chain of events. “I accept you have a sense of responsibility for all that occurred,” he told Dennis. “I accept you have anguished over what could have been different if you had acted in some other way.”</p> <p>Dennis, who remained emotionless throughout the sentencing, was also issued a $100, two-year good behaviour bond, and his driver's licence was suspended for five years. The judge warned that any breach of the driving ban would result in immediate imprisonment.</p> <p>Outside court, Hoskins’s father Peter expressed the family's grief but also their desire to move forward. “We miss Melissa terribly,” he said, his voice breaking. “But it’s time for us to move on, which would be Melissa’s expectation of us.”</p> <p>He added that the family intended to remain closely involved in the lives of the couple’s children and hoped to maintain a respectful relationship with Dennis. “They deserve this. They have done nothing wrong,” he said.</p> <p>Though the family had not yet received an apology from Dennis, Hoskins said he believed it would come in time. He also clarified they had not sought a custodial sentence, saying, “For them to go and lose their dad… albeit a temporary loss… I don’t think that would be ideal at all.”</p> <p>Melissa Hoskins was a celebrated cyclist, having represented Australia in the team pursuit at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics and winning a world championship in 2015. Rohan Dennis is a two-time world champion in the road time trial and a dual Olympic medallist.</p> <p>The case has drawn widespread public attention, not only for the prominence of the individuals involved, but also for the deeply personal and painful circumstances surrounding the incident.</p> <p><em>Image: Fox Sports</em></p>

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Car thief found guilty after running over young "hero" cop

<p>A man high on methamphetamine who killed a young police officer during a chaotic pursuit in Perth has been found guilty of manslaughter, bringing a painful but long-awaited moment of justice for a grieving family and police force.</p> <p>Reagan Ainslie Chown, 25, was convicted in the Supreme Court on Tuesday for the death of Constable Anthony Woods, 28, who was fatally injured on June 8, 2023, after being dragged under a stolen vehicle in the Perth suburb of Ascot.</p> <p>Constable Woods – described by colleagues and loved ones as a rising star and a true hero – had only just completed his probationary training when he was killed in the line of duty.</p> <p>The courtroom was heavy with emotion as the jury returned its guilty verdict after less than three hours of deliberation. Woods’ family members sobbed openly, clinging to each other as the decision was read.</p> <p>“We’re just overwhelmed. We’re absolutely so happy with the verdict,” said his mother, Natalie Woods, fighting through tears outside the courthouse. “It’s been a huge year-and-a-half and I just want to thank all the police and detectives and everyone that’s been there for us. Now we can let him rest and start just living his memory the best way we can.”</p> <p>Chown had tried to shift the blame, claiming Constable Woods had “put himself in a dangerous position” and that he had lost control of his body during the incident. But police leaders and prosecutors strongly rejected the defence.</p> <p>“Anthony was a hero to all of us,” said WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch. “I reject any notion that Anthony should not have done what he did. He did his job. He never got to go home from his shift that night.”</p> <p>Blanch called the suggestion that Constable Woods was at fault “offensive and disgusting”, adding that the entire police force – often referred to as the "blue family" – had been mourning deeply since the tragedy. “But today is a small piece of justice,” he said.</p> <p>The court heard that Chown and two accomplices were fleeing police in a stolen Holden Cruz when they entered a cul-de-sac. As Constable Woods opened the driver's side door and attempted to arrest Chown, the officer deployed his Taser. In the chaos that followed, Woods fell and was dragged under the vehicle. He died days later from cardiac arrest caused by mechanical compression injuries.</p> <p>Prosecutor Justin Whalley said Chown had meth in his system at the time and was still in possession of the drug. Chown had earlier admitted to stealing the car and reckless driving, but pleaded not guilty to manslaughter.</p> <p>Constable Woods was laid to rest in a funeral attended by more than 2,000 mourners at Optus Stadium, including officers from around the country. The service was a solemn tribute to a man whose bravery and dedication touched the lives of many.</p> <p>“We will never stop missing him,” Constable Woods' mother said. “But today, we found a little bit of peace.”</p> <p>Chown is due to be sentenced on July 3. </p>

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Why are political parties allowed to send spam texts? And how can we make them stop?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <p>Another election, another wave of unsolicited political texts. Over this campaign, our digital mailboxes have been stuffed with a slew of political appeals and promises, many from the new party Trumpet of Patriots (backed by Clive Palmer, a <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-01-11/clive-palmer-united-australia-party-unsolicited-text-messages/10709106">veteran</a> of the mass text campaign).</p> <p>The practice isn’t new, and it’s totally legal under current laws. It’s also non-partisan. Campaigns of all stripes have partaken. Behold, the Liberal Party’s <a href="https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/liberal-party-defends-sending-text-messages-to-voters-on-asylum-seeker-boat-intercepts/mmqwk5508">last-minute SMS</a> to voters about asylum seekers before the 2022 federal election, or Labor’s controversial “<a href="https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/federal-election-2016-shorten-confirms-labor-sent-mediscare-text-20160705-gpzasl.html">Mediscare</a>” text before the 2016 poll. Despite multiple cycles of criticism, these tactics remain a persistent feature of Australian election campaigns.</p> <p>A recent proposal to update decades-old rules could help change things – if a government would put it into practice.</p> <h2>What does the law say about political spam?</h2> <p>Several laws regulate spam and data collection in Australia.</p> <p>First, there is the Spam Act. This legislation requires that organisations obtain our consent before sending us marketing emails, SMSs and instant messages. The unsubscribe links you see at the bottom of spam emails? Those are mandated by the Spam Act.</p> <p>Second, the Do Not Call Register (DNCR) Act. This Act establishes a “do not call” register, managed by the <a href="https://www.acma.gov.au/say-no-to-telemarketers">Australian Communications and Media Authority</a> (ACMA), which individuals can join to opt out of telemarketing calls.</p> <p>Finally, there is the Privacy Act, which governs how organisations collect, use and disclose our personal information. Among other things, the Privacy Act requires that organisations tell us when and why they are collecting our personal information, and the purposes for which they intend to use it. It restricts organisations from re-purposing personal information collected for a particular purpose, unless an exception applies.</p> <p>This trio of laws was designed to offer relief from unsolicited, unwanted direct marketing. It does not, however, stop the deluge of political spam at election time due to broad political exemptions sewn into the legislation decades ago.</p> <p>The Spam Act and DNCR Act apply to marketing for goods and services but not election policies and promises, while the Privacy Act contains a <a href="https://classic.austlii.edu.au/au/journals/UNSWLawJl/2021/21.html#fn13">carve-out</a> for political parties, representatives and their contractors.</p> <p>The upshot is that their campaigns are free to spam and target voters at will. Their only obligation is to disclose who authorised the message.</p> <h2>How do political campaigns get our information?</h2> <p>Secrecy about the nature and extent of campaign data operations, enabled by the exemptions, makes it difficult to pinpoint precisely where a campaign might have obtained your data from.</p> <p>There are, however, a number of ways political campaigns can acquire our information.</p> <p>One source is the electoral roll (though not for phone numbers, as the Australian Electoral Commission <a href="https://x.com/AusElectoralCom/status/1434752533294194692">often points out</a>). Incumbent candidates might build on this with information they obtain through contact with constituents which, thanks to the exemptions, they’re allowed to re-purpose for campaigning at election time.</p> <p>Another source is data brokers – firms which harvest, analyse and sell large quantities of data and profiles.</p> <p>We know the major parties have long maintained voter databases to support their targeting efforts, which have become <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-05-19/behind-liberal-labor-data-arms-race-this-election/101074696">increasingly sophisticated</a> over the years.</p> <p>Other outfits might take more haphazard approaches – former MP <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/united-australia-party-leader-craig-kelly-defends-spam-messages-20210829-p58mv7.html">Craig Kelly</a>, for example, claimed to use software to randomly generate numbers for his texting campaign in 2021.</p> <h2>What can be done?</h2> <p>Unwanted campaign texts are not only irritating to some. They can be misleading.</p> <p>This year, there have been <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-04-17/monique-ryan-polling-amelia-hamer-trust-fund-kooyong/105185290">reports</a> of “push polling” texts (pseudo surveys meant to persuade rather than gauge voter options) in the marginal seat of Kooyong. The AEC has <a href="https://www.aec.gov.au/media/2025/03-31a.htm">warned</a> about misleading postal vote applications being issued by parties via SMS.</p> <figure class="align-right zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/664617/original/file-20250429-74-yothae.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/664617/original/file-20250429-74-yothae.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/664617/original/file-20250429-74-yothae.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=738&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/664617/original/file-20250429-74-yothae.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=738&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/664617/original/file-20250429-74-yothae.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=738&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/664617/original/file-20250429-74-yothae.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=927&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/664617/original/file-20250429-74-yothae.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=927&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/664617/original/file-20250429-74-yothae.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=927&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="Screenshot of a text message from Trumpet of Patriots." /></a><figcaption><span class="caption">This election campaign has seen a flood of texts from Trumpet of Patriots, among others.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">The Conversation</span>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/">CC BY-SA</a></span></figcaption></figure> <p>Generative AI is hastening the ability to produce misleading content, cheaply and at scale, which can be quickly pushed out across an array of online social and instant messaging services.</p> <p>In short, annoying texts are just one visible symptom of a wider vulnerability created by the political exemptions.</p> <p>The basic argument for the political exemptions is to facilitate freedom of political communication, which is protected by the Constitution. As the High Court has said, that freedom is necessary to support informed electoral choice. It does not, however, guarantee speakers a <a href="http://www6.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/cases/cth/HCA/2019/11.html">captive audience</a>.</p> <p>In 2022, the Attorney-General’s Department <a href="https://www.ag.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-02/privacy-act-review-report_0.pdf">proposed</a> narrowing the political exemptions, as part of a suite of updates to the Privacy Act. Per the proposal, parties and representatives would need to be more transparent about their data operations, provide voters with an option to unsubscribe from targeted ads, refrain from targeting voters based on “sensitive information”, and handle data in a “fair and reasonable” manner.</p> <p>The changes would be an overdue but welcome step, recognising the <a href="https://bridges.monash.edu/articles/journal_contribution/Conceptualising_Voter_Privacy_in_the_Age_of_Data-Driven_Political_Campaigning/27330276?file=50073381">essential role</a> of voter privacy in a functioning democratic system.</p> <p>Unfortunately, the government has not committed to taking up the proposal.</p> <p>A bipartisan lack of support is likely the biggest obstacle, even as the gap created by the political exemptions widens, and its rationale becomes flimsier, with each election cycle.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/255413/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em>By <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/tegan-cohen-1331144">Tegan Cohen</a>, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Digital Media Research Centre, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/queensland-university-of-technology-847">Queensland University of Technology</a></em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-are-political-parties-allowed-to-send-spam-texts-and-how-can-we-make-them-stop-255413">original article</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p> </div>

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Q+A descends into acrimony over Welcome to Country debate

<p>The ABC’s flagship program <em>Q+A</em> erupted into heated exchanges on Monday night as panellists clashed over the role and frequency of Welcome to Country ceremonies, amid growing national debate sparked by political and community divisions.</p> <p>The discussion was triggered when audience member Peter asked how tensions over the ceremonies could be resolved "amicably" and "in the interest of all parties", following escalating disagreement between Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton during the current federal election campaign.</p> <p>Liberal MP Paul Fletcher argued from the Q+A panel that while it was important to recognise the “distinctive place” of Indigenous Australians, many in the community felt there were now too many ceremonial acknowledgements.</p> <p>The issue has been further inflamed after neo-Nazis booed a Welcome to Country delivered by Bunurong man Uncle Mark Brown during the Anzac Day Dawn Service at Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance – a move that was swiftly condemned by both major political parties.</p> <p>However, Mr Dutton later suggested that Welcome to Country ceremonies were being overused and questioned their appropriateness for solemn occasions like Anzac Day.</p> <p>On <em>Q+A</em>, Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek defended the tradition, particularly at Anzac Day events, arguing it was "perfectly appropriate" to acknowledge the service of Indigenous Australians in the military.</p> <p>Fletcher countered that veterans should be consulted on the issue, prompting a sharp exchange when Plibersek retorted that he was speaking as if Indigenous veterans did not exist. Fletcher accused her of using “straw man rhetoric”, insisting, “The role of Indigenous people in defending Australia over many conflicts has been very significant. Nobody is contesting that for a second.”</p> <p>Greens leader Adam Bandt also weighed in, launching a scathing attack on Dutton’s handling of the matter. “It’s gutter politics from an Opposition leader whose campaign is in free fall and he’s starting to punch down,” Bandt said. He accused Dutton of spreading misinformation during the Voice referendum campaign and likened his tactics to those of US President Donald Trump.</p> <p>“He’s playing from the Trump play book as his campaign is in free fall. Punching down. Playing from the Trump play book and we’ll call it out," Bandt said.</p> <p><em>Image: ABC's Q+A</em></p>

TV

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UK Supreme Court makes major ruling on definition of "woman"

<p>In a landmark ruling that has stirred celebration and concern in equal measure, the UK Supreme Court has unanimously ruled that the legal definition of "woman" refers exclusively to someone born biologically female.</p> <p>The decision effectively excludes transgender women from being counted as women under the Equality Act, marking a decisive turn in a years-long legal battle over gender identity and women's rights in Scotland.</p> <p>The case, brought by the feminist campaign group For Women Scotland (FWS), challenged guidance issued by the Scottish government that included transgender women with gender recognition certificates in official gender quotas. The ruling has been hailed as a victory by women's rights advocates who argued that expanding the definition undermined protections for biologically female people.</p> <p>“Everyone knows what sex is and you can't change it,” said Susan Smith, co-director of FWS, celebrating the court’s decision outside the courthouse. “It’s basic common sense. People have tried to deny science and reality. Hopefully, this now brings us back to reality.”</p> <p>The Supreme Court’s five justices ruled unanimously that the Equality Act permits single-sex spaces – such as women-only changing rooms, shelters, and medical services – to exclude transgender women, even those who hold gender recognition certificates.</p> <p>In his written opinion, Justice Patrick Hodge said that the ruling does not strip transgender people of their broader protections under UK law but rather clarifies the scope of “sex” in certain legal contexts. “Interpreting ‘sex’ as certificated sex would cut across the definitions of ‘man’ and ‘woman’… and create heterogeneous groupings,” he wrote.</p> <p>The dispute originated from a 2018 Scottish law requiring that at least 50% of board members of public bodies be women. The inclusion of trans women in this target was central to the legal challenge, with FWS arguing that such a move effectively redefined the concept of womanhood without parliamentary authority.</p> <p>Aidan O’Neill, legal counsel for FWS, told the court that “sex” should be interpreted in the “ordinary, everyday” sense, based on biology from birth. “It is an expression of one’s bodily reality,” he said. “An immutable biological state.”</p> <p>The ruling has sparked celebration among gender-critical activists. Outside court, campaigners from several women’s groups opened champagne and chanted, “Women’s rights are human rights.”</p> <p>Maya Forstater, founder of the advocacy group Sex Matters, said: “The court has given us the right answer: the protected characteristic of sex refers to reality, not paperwork.”</p> <p>Author JK Rowling, a vocal supporter of FWS, praised the campaigners as “extraordinary” and “tenacious.” In a post on X, she said, “In winning, they've protected the rights of women and girls across the UK.”</p> <p>However, the judgment has drawn sharp criticism from trans rights organisations and human rights advocates. The campaign group Scottish Trans said it was “shocked and disappointed,” warning that the ruling risks eroding legal protections for trans people.</p> <p>Green Party Member of the Scottish Parliament Maggie Chapman called the decision “deeply concerning” and a “huge blow to some of the most marginalised people in our society.”</p> <p>“Trans people have been cynically targeted and demonised by politicians and large parts of the media for far too long,” Chapman said. “This has contributed to attacks on longstanding rights and attempts to erase their existence altogether.”</p> <p>Amnesty International also condemned the ruling, arguing that it clashes with broader human rights standards. “A blanket policy of barring trans women from single-sex services is not a proportionate means to achieve a legitimate aim,” the organisation stated.</p> <p>The UK government welcomed the Supreme Court's clarification, stating, “Single-sex spaces are protected in law and will always be protected by this government.”</p> <p>Scotland’s semi-autonomous government, which initially defended the inclusion of trans women in public board quotas, said it accepted the court's decision. “We will now engage on the implications of the ruling,” said First Minister John Swinney. “Protecting the rights of all will underpin our actions.”</p> <p>The ruling is expected to have wide-reaching implications for public policy, equalities law, and gender identity debates across the UK – a country increasingly at the centre of a global reckoning on the boundaries of sex, gender and rights.</p> <p><em>Images: For Women Scotland</em></p>

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Incredible breakthrough after scientists make dire wolves "de-extinct"

<p>The legendary dire wolf – an iconic creature that vanished around 13,000 years ago and gained fame through HBO’s <em>Game of Thrones – </em>has made an extraordinary return. This resurgence is the result of a cutting-edge genetic project spearheaded by Colossal Biosciences, marking the first-ever successful "de-extinction" of a species.</p> <p>In a groundbreaking announcement recently, Colossal revealed the birth of three healthy dire wolf pups – Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi – who were created by combining DNA from ancient dire wolf fossils and the genes of their closest living relative, the grey wolf. The news marks a milestone in both genetic engineering and conservation science, offering a glimpse into the future of species revival.</p> <p>The pups' arrival was made possible by the expertise of Colossal’s team, which used DNA from a 13,000-year-old tooth and a 72,000-year-old skull. Ben Lamm, CEO of Colossal, expressed his excitement over the breakthrough, saying, “It was once said, ‘any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic’. Today, our team gets to unveil some of the magic they are working on and its broader impact on conservation.”</p> <p>The dire wolf pups were created using somatic cell nuclear transfer, a cloning technique that involved inserting cell nuclei from the ancient DNA into donor egg cells. These embryos were then implanted into a surrogate dog mother, who gave birth in January.</p> <p>The pups are now thriving in a secure 800-hectare ecological preserve, where they receive round-the-clock care from a dedicated team of 10 staff members.</p> <p>The dire wolf, once a dominant predator across North America, were fierce hunters that roamed alongside Ice Age megafauna such as mastodons and sabre-toothed tigers. They preyed on large mammals like horses, bison and potentially mammoths, but after these species went extinct, the dire wolf's reign also came to an end. According to palaeontologist Julie Meachen, with the loss of their prey, the dire wolf was gradually replaced by the grey wolf, which filled the ecological void.</p> <p>Dire wolves were notably larger and more muscular than their modern grey relatives, with jaws and shoulders built for powerful hunts. Their revival has captivated both science enthusiasts and pop culture fans alike.</p> <p>Lamm and George Church, a Harvard biologist, co-founded Colossal Biosciences with the ambitious goal of bringing back extinct species. The company is also working toward reviving the woolly mammoth and the Tasmanian tiger, and has already successfully engineered a woolly mouse, known for its curly fur reminiscent of the woolly mammoth's iconic coat.</p> <p>Dr Christopher Mason, a scientific adviser for Colossal, hailed the de-extinction of the dire wolf as a transformative leap in genetic engineering. "This is an extraordinary technological leap for both science and conservation," he stated. "It’s a wonderful example of the power of biotechnology to protect species, both extant and extinct."</p> <p><em>Images: Colossal Biosciences</em></p>

Technology

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Major breakthrough over mother of three missing for two months

<p>Authorities have located a ute believed to belong to Tayla Spies, a Queensland mother of three who vanished more than two months ago.</p> <p>Spies, 29, was last seen on CCTV footage at a service station in Condamine on Sunday, February 2. She had spent the weekend with her partner in Dalby but failed to return home to Roma. Since her disappearance, she has not contacted any family or friends, heightening concerns for her safety.</p> <p>Police confirmed on Frida morning that they discovered Spies’ white Toyota Hilux in Noorindoo, approximately 40km north-east of Surat. Officers were alerted to the vehicle’s presence on a property along Yuleba-Sarat Road at about 3pm. A search of the vehicle revealed some of Spies’ belongings inside, though authorities have not disclosed specific details about the items found.</p> <p>Before its recovery, the ute was last seen on CCTV traveling down Surat’s main street at 11:10am on the day she went missing. This sighting remains a crucial piece of evidence in the ongoing investigation. Authorities have since resumed extensive searches in the area in hopes of finding further clues about her whereabouts.</p> <p>Spies is described as Caucasian, approximately 170cm tall, with a slim build, brown shoulder-length hair, and blue eyes. She has the word "KARMA" tattooed across her chest. Her family and friends continue to plead for any information that might help locate her.</p> <p>Police and local search teams have been scouring the surrounding area, using drones, tracking dogs, and ground search crews to cover as much terrain as possible. Despite these efforts, there have been no confirmed sightings of Spies since she was last seen on CCTV in Condamine.</p> <p>Authorities urge anyone with information regarding her disappearance to come forward. Whether it be a small detail or a major lead, investigators are keen to speak with anyone who may have seen Spies or her vehicle. Those with information are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers or their nearest police station immediately.</p> <p><em>Images: Queensland Police</em></p>

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"No sympathy": 26-year-old roasted over massive tax bill complaint

<p>It’s a classic tale of riches to tax brackets – OnlyFans creator Talia Batiste, 26, has found herself in the fiery depths of an Australian Tax Office reckoning, and the internet has wasted no time serving up a heaping plate of zero sympathy.</p> <p>Batiste, who revealed that she’s been hit with a tax bill totalling $71,008.45 (yes, she included the cents for maximum devastation), took to social media to lament her financial woes.</p> <p>“For everyone that likes to make sure I’m paying my tax. I’m going to go and cry myself to sleep now,” she wrote, presumably while clutching her silk pillow stuffed with $100 bills.</p> <p>The internet’s reaction? Less “thoughts and prayers”, more “play stupid games, win inevitable government-mandated financial responsibilities”.</p> <p>“Absolutely robbery,” one concerned citizen commented, clearly distressed by the idea of anyone having to contribute to society.</p> <p>“To pay that much tax, you earn a sh**load. No sympathy,” another user shot back, presumably while furiously entering their own lacklustre income into a tax return calculator.</p> <p>Some were more pragmatic, offering sage financial wisdom. “I hope you have a good accountant to get you those tax deductions,” someone advised, the unspoken message being: “There’s still hope, young one.”</p> <p>While many scoffed at the idea of crying over a salary that most people only see on TV shows where billionaires buy entire islands for sport, Batiste remained defiant.</p> <p><a href="https://www.news.com.au/finance/economy/cry-myself-to-sleep-26yearold-in-tears-over-giant-tax-bill/news-story/7adfcb10f0ea62a1749f4dc6c1b65934" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Speaking to news.com.au</a>, she admitted that the bill “wasn’t too bad” compared to the tax nightmares of yesteryear. (Yes, it turns out paying taxes gets easier when you know they’re coming. Who knew?)</p> <p>Batiste revealed that an early accounting blunder had initially classified her as a sole trader rather than a business, making her tax situation about as pleasant as a surprise phone call from the ATO.</p> <p>“So when I make $400,000+ a year, it looks like that is my personal income rather than money going back into a business,” she explained, finally unlocking the ancient wisdom of self-employment taxation. Now, with proper financial advice in place, she says she takes a modest salary while the rest of her earnings go into business expenses – like, presumably, funding the tissue budget for her post-tax breakdowns.</p> <p>Despite her newfound tax strategy, Batiste insists that the process “never gets easier”. (Except for last year, when she owed a whopping $136k, making this year’s bill look like pocket change by comparison.)</p> <p>She also had some words about Australia’s taxation system: “Everybody pays too much tax.”</p> <p>Yes, much like death and bad reality TV spin-offs, taxation is inevitable. But Batiste isn’t letting it get her down – at least, not too much. Even though she says she’s “prepared” for these bills now, that doesn’t mean she enjoys sending her hard-earned money into the great abyss of government spending.</p> <p>“Hitting send on that ATO payment hurts every time,” she said.</p> <p>Meanwhile, taxpayers earning a fraction of her income simply sighed, checked their bank balances, and went back to their regularly scheduled programming: budgeting how to afford avocados and rent in the same month.</p> <p><em>Images: TikTok</em></p>

Money & Banking

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5 mistakes people make setting financial goals

<p>In discussions around money and goal setting, people talk a lot about financial freedom. What does that mean to you, though? We might redefine money as ‘a unit of choice’, because the more money you make, the more choices you have. Everyone’s aspirations are different, which is one reason why there’s no one-size-fits- all approach to wealth.</p> <p>It’s time to begin to understand what financial freedom means to you, because how on earth are you going to get there, if you don’t know where <em>there</em> is? How will you craft a strategic wealth-building plan when you don’t know what your target is? How will you know if you are making the right decisions in the right areas, decisions that are intentionally and systematically advancing you towards your outcomes. Here are some of the big mistakes I see people make when setting financial goals.</p> <h2>Mistake #1: They have none!</h2> <p>Without a goal, how will you know what to steer towards? You are left just ‘hoping’ that one day things will work out. With no clear direction to head towards, any actions you take are more or less random. You’re often left sitting idle and going nowhere fast, just swept along by whatever current comes your way.</p> <h2>Mistake #2: They make them too big</h2> <p>This might seem counterintuitive, especially since the typical conversation about personal development emphasises aiming for big, ambitious goals. And while these can be valuable, helping to elevate your thinking and giving you something inspiring to work towards, the problem arises when they are your only focus. Without smaller, achievable milestones to serve as stepping stones, the gap between where you are now and your ultimate goal can feel overwhelming. This can make it hard for your subconscious mind to fully commit, leading to procrastination or self-sabotage due to fear of not knowing how to get there. </p> <h2>Mistake #3: They make them too small</h2> <p>While small goals may seem manageable, they can lack the power to ignite your motivation or emotional drive or to be the catalyst that pulls you towards something greater than who and where you are in life right now. Small, uninspiring goals can make it easy to remain complacent. Without a purpose or vision that stretches you, there’s no real incentive to pursue them with passion. They don’t create the emotional connection that’s essential for driving sustained effort and overcoming obstacles. As a result, you may never fully commit to these goals, and they end up being more like tasks to check off a list than meaningful milestones on your path to success.</p> <h2>Mistake #4: They are vague and wishy-washy</h2> <p>When your goals are unclear and lack focus, they are difficult to achieve. Goals like ‘I want to be rich’ of ‘I want more money’ are too broad to provide any real direction. Without concrete details – such as specific numbers, deadlines or actionable steps – you don’t have a clear path to follow. Vague goals make it hard to measure progress or stay motivated, because there’s nothing tangible to work towards. As a result, your efforts can become inconsistent, and it’s easy to lose focus. Without clarity, you can’t point your actions in a specific direction, which makes it unlikely you’ll make any meaningful progress. A well-defined goal, on the other hand, creates a roadmap and keeps you accountable along the way.</p> <h2>Mistake #5: They have no plan to make it real</h2> <p>Setting a clear goal is undeniably important but it’s only part of the process. Just because someone says they want a specific outcome does not mean they will achieve it. Yet many people fixate solely on the goal itself, or they try to manifest wealth and happiness through the ‘law of attraction’ alone.</p> <p>Most people spend 95 per cent of their time focusing on setting the goal and only 5 per cent on the actions needed to achieve it. Do you see the flaw in that approach? Instead, reverse the focus. Spend 5 per cent of your time defining the goal, and 95 per cent of your time working towards making it a reality. This is where having the right system becomes crucial.</p> <p>How do we break free from impotent goal setting and instead craft a set of financial goals that are not only big, beautiful and inspiring, but achievable. By setting targets that are tangible and tactical and are going to set you up to win, you become more than who you are right now.</p> <p>In the end, a goal without a plan is just an idea. A plan without a goal is simply directionless effort. It may keep you busy, but it won’t lead you anywhere meaningful. Both the goal and the plan must work together – one providing the destination, the other offering the roadmap. I always tell my clients they will never out-earn themselves. If you want to level up your results in life, you have to first level up as a person and raise the standards in how you choose to play the game.</p> <p><em>This is an edited extract from Escape the Middle (Wiley $32.95) by Todd Polke. Todd is an investor, entrepreneur and international educator in investing and wealth creation. For over two decades, he has guided thousands of individuals in growing and scaling their wealth to achieve financial independence. Find out more at <a href="https://www.portfoliowealth.com%20" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.portfoliowealth.com </a></em></p> <p><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p>

Money & Banking

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Welcome to the "please pull me over" club

<p>If you're like me – and most Aussie drivers – I do my best to avoid being pulled over. I check my mirrors, stick to the speed limit (mostly), and keep my rego up to date. But for some "people" out there, the road rules are more of a vague suggestion than a requirement. Enter the sovereign citizen number plate fiasco – because what better way to invite the attention of the cops than slapping an illegal plate on your car?</p> <p>In Adelaide this week, one particularly bold Toyota driver decided to test the limits of both the law and common sense by cruising around with a number plate that simply read "PRIVATE". If that wasn’t enough to get the attention of South Australia Police, the plate also featured the cryptic phrase "Special Trust Security" below that in tiny letter. Because nothing says "totally legitimate vehicle" like an official-looking but entirely made-up title.</p> <p>A sharp-eyed local spotted this masterpiece of vehicular rebellion and did what any responsible citizen would do: posted it online for all of Australia to mock. "What the F are these? Surely not legal?" they asked, unknowingly triggering a flood of gleeful internet ridicule.</p> <p>"They're plates which will guarantee SAPOL will pull them over at their first opportunity," one commenter noted. Others speculated that the driver might be part of the ever-growing "sovereign citizen" movement – a loose collection of legal theorists whose main belief is that laws are just an optional lifestyle choice.</p> <p>SAPOL wasted no time <a href="https://au.news.yahoo.com/drivers-bizarre-number-plate-prompts-933-fine-warning-not-legal-010747837.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">confirming that these plates were, in fact, highly illegal</a>. Not just "a slap on the wrist" illegal – more like "here's a $933 fine before you even get to say 'but my rights!'" illegal. "These plates appear fake and are not plates that have been issued by SA Department for Infrastructure and Transport," a police spokesperson told Yahoo News. Translation: They might as well have written their rego number on a napkin.</p> <p>The online reaction was ruthless. "It’s the best way to show off your dreadful understanding of the law to an already disinterested police officer," one person quipped. Another called it "a sovereign citizen in the wild", while a third dubbed them "please pull me over plates". The internet, as always, did not disappoint.</p> <p>But this isn't a one-off. In 2023, a photo surfaced of a Holden in Queensland sporting an even more outlandish plate. This one featured the text "Private Property Non-Commercial, Living Woman, Terra Australia Incognito", and even claimed that removing the plate would incur a $50,000 fine. Extra points for creativity, but again, zero points for legal accuracy. Even more baffling, the plate included a real registration number – in absurdly tiny print. Presumably for that tiny sliver of plausible deniability.</p> <p>While most of us are content to pay our rego and drive without incident, these rogue motorists seem determined to treat traffic laws like a choose-your-own-adventure book. Unfortunately for them, SAPOL isn't in the habit of playing along. So next time you see someone cruising around with an official-looking but entirely nonsensical number plate, just remember – they’re not just driving, they’re providing free entertainment for the rest of us.</p> <p><em>Images: Reddit</em></p>

Legal

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Jeremy Clarkson declares victory over Elon Musk, orders champagne

<p>In news that will surprise absolutely no one, Jeremy Clarkson has once again fired shots at Tesla chief executive Elon Musk, officially declaring himself the winner of a long-running feud that has been about as dramatic as a slow-speed parking lot collision.</p> <p><a href="https://www.thetimes.com/comment/columnists/article/seventeen-years-after-that-nice-mr-musk-sued-me-victory-is-mine-z6m5lq90t" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Writing in <em>The Times</em></a>, Clarkson exulted, "victory is mine", as Tesla’s sales, share price and overall desirability have taken a nosedive faster than a Cybertruck’s resale value.</p> <p>The feud between the two began years ago when Clarkson, in his infinite wisdom and love for combustion engines, gave the original Tesla Roadster a less-than-stellar review on the wildly popular <em>Top Gear</em>. Musk, never one to shy away from a legal skirmish, promptly filed a lawsuit, claiming Clarkson and his team had fabricated breakdowns during filming. The courts, however, disagreed, dismissing Musk’s claims with the legal equivalent of an eye-roll. As Clarkson smugly recalls, "he lost the case, and the appeal, and he’s never really got over it".</p> <p>Now, with Tesla’s fortunes dimming like the headlights of a Model 3 after one too many software updates, Clarkson is relishing the moment. He sarcastically wonders how Musk is handling the turn of events, especially given that "the eco hippies who used to idolise him have turned on his cars". Apparently, those who once saw Tesla as the shining hope of the future are now treating it like an unwanted pair of Crocs – something they were once excited about but now deeply regret.</p> <p>Recent reports show that Tesla vehicles in the US are being vandalised at an alarming rate, possibly by disillusioned former fans or rogue members of Clarkson’s fan club. Meanwhile, sales in major markets like the US and Germany have plummeted by 70 percent. Reuters even reported that Tesla trade-ins have tripled.</p> <p>Of course, Musk, never one to let a good Twitter (or should we say X?) battle pass him by, may eventually respond with his usual blend of memes and cryptic threats to relocate Tesla to Mars. But Clarkson, in his weekend column, seems entirely unbothered. “I should really have sued him back, but I feared he’d call me a paedo, so instead I just waited on the river bank for his body to float past. And now it has.”</p> <p>There’s something almost Shakespearean about the whole affair, except instead of poetic monologues and tragic endings, we get Clarkson smirking and Musk possibly rage-tweeting into the abyss. Meanwhile, Clarkson spares a moment of sympathy for Tesla owners, calling them "deluded fools" who bought into the hype but still work hard to make their monthly payments. "Even though I think it’s nothing more than a wheeled white good, it’s their pride and joy. So it’s not fair for someone with hairy armpits and no job to set fire to it."</p> <p>With a new Amazon motoring show on the horizon, Clarkson will no doubt continue to share his thoughts on Tesla, electric cars and anything else that catches his ire. As for Musk, he’ll likely carry on plotting world domination, launching rockets and possibly developing an AI to create the perfect Twitter comeback.</p> <p>The world keeps turning, and the feud continues. Pass the popcorn.</p> <p><em>Images: Reddit / Wikicommons Gage Skidmore</em></p>

Money & Banking

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A decade in the making: Jamie Durie finally unveils dream home

<p>After a decade of meticulous planning, popular TV host Jamie Durie has finally revealed his dream home, a breathtaking sustainable property on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.</p> <p>The Seven Network presenter took to Instagram to share an album of images showcasing the eco-friendly sanctuary he built for his family. "Grateful. 10 years of planning, 2 years of construction and we’re finally back home," Durie, 54, captioned the post.</p> <p>The luxurious and environmentally conscious home is now the residence of Durie, his fiancée Ameka Jane, and their two children: three-year-old daughter Beau and one-year-old son Nash.</p> <p>The entire process of planning and construction has been chronicled on Durie’s latest TV venture, <em>Growing Home With Jamie Durie</em>, airing on Seven.</p> <p>"It’s been a lifelong dream of mine to build an off-the-grid house," Durie told <em>Woman’s Day</em> in November. "Ten years ago, I sketched the house. We lodged the plans five years ago, and then the last two years have been dedicated to construction."</p> <p>Durie said that the journey to completion was anything but smooth. "I don’t think poor Ameka had any idea what she was signing up for when we met. But she came up with a number of ideas that added a lot of value to it."</p> <p>He also admitted that building the house tested the family in a variety of ways. "Any family out there who’s building their own house will go through the same as what we’ve gone through," he said. "Huge budget blowouts, rising interest rates, massive construction costs that are constantly going up. We’ve had to go back to the bank four times." </p> <p>Despite the hurdles, Durie and Jane remained committed to using innovative eco-friendly features wherever they could. "We challenged ourselves with new eco-initiatives that not many people would ever dream of trying, or may not even know about," he said, before describing the experience as "the toughest project I have ever taken on in my whole life".</p> <p>Following Durie’s Instagram reveal, a wave of celebrity friends flooded the comments section with praise for the spectacular home. <em>The Morning Show</em>’s Larry Emdur wrote, "Mate!!! Just wow";fFormer Bachelor star Anna Heinrich called it "incredible"; while TV personality Sally Obermeder simply stated, "WOW". </p> <p>Comedian Dave Hughes was equally impressed, writing, "That’s proper wow. My god." <em>Getaway</em> host Catriona Rowntree described the home as "bloomin’ gorgeous".</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Real Estate

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

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

Money & Banking

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Prince William shares deeply personal message over fallen war hero

<p>Prince William has shared a deeply personal message in remembrance of John 'Paddy' Hemingway, the last surviving pilot from the Battle of Britain, who passed away on St Patrick's Day at the age of 105.</p> <p>The Prince of Wales, a former Royal Air Force (RAF) pilot himself, took to social media on Tuesday to express his condolences and gratitude for Hemingway’s service.</p> <p>"I was sad to hear about the passing of John 'Paddy' Hemingway this morning, the last of 'The Few'," the 42-year-old royal wrote on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. "We owe so much to Paddy and his generation for our freedoms today. Their bravery and sacrifice will always be remembered. We shall never forget them."</p> <p>Hemingway, born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1919, joined the RAF as a teenager and became one of the young airmen who defended Britain during the pivotal 1940 Battle of Britain. These pilots, immortalised as "The Few" following a famous speech by then-Prime Minister Winston Churchill, played a crucial role in thwarting the German air offensive during World War II.</p> <p>Churchill’s words – "Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few" – have since become a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of Hemingway and his fellow pilots.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">I was sad to hear about the passing of John ‘Paddy’ Hemingway this morning, the last of “The Few”. We owe so much to Paddy and his generation for our freedoms today. Their bravery and sacrifice will always be remembered. We shall never forget them. W</p> <p>— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) <a href="https://twitter.com/KensingtonRoyal/status/1901914010863202506?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2025</a></p></blockquote> <p>Current Prime Minister Keir Starmer also paid tribute to Hemingway, acknowledging his extraordinary courage and contribution to securing the nation's freedom.</p> <p>"Very sad to hear of the passing of Group Captain John 'Paddy' Hemingway, the last known Battle of Britain pilot," Starmer wrote on X. "His courage, and that of all RAF pilots, helped end WWII and secure our freedom. We will never forget their bravery and service. Thank you, John 'Paddy' Hemingway."</p> <p>King Charles has yet to make a public statement, but RAF Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton honoured Hemingway’s remarkable legacy, remembering him as "an amazing character" who carried the spirit of camaraderie and bravery throughout his life.</p> <p>"Paddy always had a twinkle in his eyes as he recalled the fun times with colleagues in France and London," the RAF said in a statement announcing his passing.</p> <p>Hemingway’s passing marks the end of an era, but his service and sacrifice will live on in history. As the last of 'The Few', he leaves behind a legacy of courage that will continue to inspire generations to come.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram \ Royal Airforce</em></p>

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