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"People are losing faith": Nat Barr takes aim at Albanese government

<p>Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has defended his record on economic management as the Labor party's primary vote continues to slip in the polls against Peter Dutton ahead of next year's election. </p> <p>This week's Newspoll shows that Labor's primary vote has slumped to 31 per cent, the lowest it has been since the 2022 election, while the Coalition remains steady at 38 per cent. </p> <p>On Thursday, <em>Sunrise</em> host Nat Barr told the Prime Minister that while on her way to the studio she had spoken to a Labor-voting taxi driver who said he was "losing faith" in Albanese's leadership, as things were "too expensive". </p> <p>“This is your biggest problem, people like this cabby are losing faith. How do you respond to that?” Barr asked Albanese. </p> <p>Albanese defended his choices by pointing out that ABS figures released on Wednesday showed annual inflation rates at 2.7 per cent in August, down from 3.5 per cent in July, and the lowest it has been since August 2021. </p> <p>“Cost-of-living pressures are real, but that’s why we have engaged with responsible economic management in order to bring inflation down whilst we have been delivering cost-of-living relief,” he said.</p> <p>“Yesterday’s figures show the headline inflation is down from 3.5 to 2.7 (per cent), it is a good outcome.</p> <p>“There’s more work to be done, but we’ve done that whilst we have delivered a tax cut for that cabby who would have got nothing under the previous scheme.”</p> <p>Albanese added that energy bill relief, cheaper childcare, and fee-free TAFE places were also making a difference to cost-of-living pressures. </p> <p>However, Barr hit back and said that the cost-of-living measures such as the energy rebate were “artificial” as the rebate would end. </p> <p>“The RBA has said, this does not mean that inflation is under control. The power rebate is going to end and that’s keeping it at one level at the moment, that’s why they look at underlying inflation — they take out volatile stuff,” Barr said.</p> <p>“So, what do you say about inflation still being at this level?” she asked. </p> <p>“What I say is if you exclude volatile, the figures released yesterday, which are known as month-by-month, but they’re year-to-year … that figure is down from 3.7 down to 3 (per cent). That’s a remarkable drop,” Albanese responded. </p> <p>“The Reserve Bank Australia’s target band is 2 to 3 (per cent). Every single one of the figures yesterday that were released, whether it was headline, excluding volatile, mean, all of them saw significant drops in inflation.</p> <p>“Inflation is half what we inherited and one-third of where it peaked …That is in part because of the back-to-back budget surpluses that we have delivered that in part is, yes, energy bill relief, but also what we’ve done in cheaper childcare, fee-free TAFE, the deliberate policy design to help people whilst putting that downward pressure on inflation,” he said.</p> <p><em>Image: Sunrise</em></p>

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Nat Barr quizzes Jim Chalmers over one major budget flaw

<p>Nat Barr has quizzed treasurer Jim Chalmers over one major flaw in the federal budget. </p> <p>On Tuesday night, Chalmers <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/finance/money-banking/biggest-winners-and-losers-of-the-2024-25-federal-budget" target="_blank" rel="noopener">handed down</a> his third federal budget that prioritised cost-of-living relief, with one major initiative saving Aussies big on their next energy bills. </p> <p>All Australian families will get $300 off their annual electricity bill, while small businesses will also get a $325 rebate for their bills.</p> <p>Chalmers joined Nat Barr on <em>Sunrise</em> on Wednesday morning to discuss the initiative further, as the host pointed out one major flaw in the government's plan. </p> <p>“If you’re earning a million dollars, why do you need a $300 power rebate?” Barr asked.</p> <p>But Chalmers said wealthier Australians weren’t the focus of the rebate, as everyday Aussies struggling with the rising cost of living were sure to benefit. </p> <p>“It is primarily for people doing it tough — you know, millions and millions of Australians are under cost-of-living pressure,” he said.</p> <p>“We’re trying to help. So more help is on the way for millions of people under the pump. Whether it is a tax cut for every taxpayer or energy bill relief for every household.”</p> <p>Barr asked Chalmers if people earning $1 million were “under pressure”, but the treasurer said offering specifically targeted assistance was logistically impossible.</p> <p>“Once you go beyond (pensioners), you have to design a whole new system because the energy retailers that we use to provide this help, they don’t have income information for people,” he said.</p> <p>“We deliver this relief via energy bills, via the retailers. There’s not a system that allows you to slice and dice that beyond providing it either to people on pensions and payments.”</p> <p>Barr's comments were echoed online, with many slamming the logistics of the rebate on social media. </p> <p>"I'm sure Gina Rinehart is stoked she's getting $300 back on her energy bills," one person commented. </p> <p>Another added, "If this stupid government gives me $300 off my energy bills it goes straight to charity. Join me if you can afford it."</p> <p>A third wrote, "Feel like there should be an exemption in the $300 energy rebate for anyone who has ever slept under a doona with the aircon on."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Sunrise </em></p>

Money & Banking

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Nat Bass reveals injury that landed her in hospital

<p>Natalie Bassingthwaighte has shared the details of a gruesome injury that landed her in hospital. </p> <p>The Aussie singer and actress was performing at a music festival in Tasmania, just hours before sustaining the injury. </p> <p>On Sunday night, the 48-year-old took to her Instagram stories to tell her followers what happened, while laying in a hospital bed. </p> <p>"Now I have ended up in here 'cause I have just cut my wrist, I [am] tired, happy Sunday," she said. </p> <p>Later, she gave her followers a further update when she was released from hospital, explaining what happened. </p> <p>"OK I decided to do a little video because I'm getting so many messages asking if I'm OK, I am OK, I'm very tired, but I'm OK, thank you for your concern," she said.</p> <p>"I did end up in emergency because in Byron there's no doctors or anything open on Sunday nights."</p> <p>She went on to share with followers what happened to her, saying, "Cut my wrist on a glass picture frame that had a crack in it."</p> <p>Bassingthwaighte continued, detailing her treatment at the hospital, adding, "Anyway I got straight in [to the hospital] and they put anaesthetic in it which killed."</p> <p>"A lovely doctor cleaned it up, made sure there was no glass in there and put a little glue on it."</p> <p>Recording her update with wet hair, she explained her recovery process. "I can't shower or no I can shower, I can't get it wet for a few days so I just sat in the bath and my daughter washed my hair which was quite lovely."</p> <p>She concluded her explanation with a shout-out to her followers. "But thank you for all your concerns. I'm okay, happy Sunday."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p>

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Nat Barr and Shirvo announce new hosting gig

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

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Nat Bass slams "vicious" comments about new relationship

<p>Natalie Bassingthwaighte has hit back at trolls just days after <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/relationships/nat-bass-shares-sweet-photos-with-new-partner" target="_blank" rel="noopener">publicly debuting</a> her new girlfriend, Pip Loth. </p> <p>The singer, 48, took to Instagram on Thursday to reveal that while most supported her new relationship, other trolls had shared "vicious" and "horrific" comments. </p> <p>The <em>Rouge Traders</em> star shared an emotional plea about wanting the hate to stop and said that she will be blocking trolls. </p> <p>"I felt like it was really important to say thank you for the love and support I've received in the last little while... on the flip side, with love comes hate and I'm not a hater," she began. </p> <p>"I don't understand how people have time to go on somebody's page and comment so viciously and horrifically and intentionally make people feel awful, it's not accepted on my page and I won't have it."</p> <p>"My team will be looking at the comments and blocking anyone who says anyone negative towards anyone I love, that includes my family, Cam, my kids and my girlfriend. We all deserve respect and love as we're all human, we all bleed, cry and all suffer."</p> <p>She then urged the trolls and paparazzi to stop: "It's a load of crap, it's not acceptable and I want it to stop!</p> <p>"Be kind, you don't know what people are going through and it's a dangerous slippery slope," she added. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C0QDCjhvTaS/?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/C0QDCjhvTaS/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Natalie Bassingthwaighte (@natbassingthwaighte)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Fans shared support for the singer, and applauded her for standing up for herself and her loved ones. </p> <p>"I’m so happy to hear you are getting rid of all the negativity. I don’t get it either. I guess happy people don’t do that to others. These trolls have sad, miserable lives. I support you 100%" one wrote. </p> <p>"Sending you and your beautiful family so much love 💜💫 well said keep shining that beautiful light of yours," added another. </p> <p>"You go Girl!! ❤️💯 Block and delete," commented a third. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Relationships

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Nat Bass shares sweet photos with new partner

<p>Natalie Bassingthwaighte has made her public debut with her new partner, just weeks after announcing her same-sex relationship. </p> <p>The former Rouge Traders singer was supported by her girlfriend, who the <em><a href="https://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/confidential/natalie-bassingthwaite-and-her-new-partner-step-out-publicly-for-first-time/news-story/43c2f8eaf59bd808fcda15b62dbaf686" data-tgev="event119" data-tgev-container="bodylink" data-tgev-order="43c2f8eaf59bd808fcda15b62dbaf686" data-tgev-label="entertainment" data-tgev-metric="ev">Herald Sun</a></em> has identified as her previously-unnamed new partner Pip Loth, at a concert in Melbourne on Saturday.</p> <p>Nat Bass shared a compilation of pictures and video from the day on Instagram, and among the vision were a couple of images of the couple happily holding hands. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C0GtnDYvz0r/?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/C0GtnDYvz0r/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Natalie Bassingthwaighte (@natbassingthwaighte)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Bassingthwaighte’s daughter Harper was also in attendance at the show, as Nat Bass opened the show for headline act Christina Aguilera. </p> <p>The public display of affection comes just weeks after Bassingthwaighte told <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/relationships/it-feels-liberating-nat-bass-surprising-update-on-her-love-life-post-divorce" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Stellar magazine</em></a> that she was initially “terrified” about revealing her new same-sex relationship to the world, and sought advice from her ex, Rogue Traders bandmate Cameron McGlinchey, about how to handle it.</p> <p>“I rang Cam and I was hysterical. And he said, ‘It’s OK. This is your truth and you now have to sit in it and stand in it and own it.’ So to have that support from him has been nothing short of beautiful, and I’m very grateful for it,” she said.</p> <p>“Now I can speak from my own mouth, on my own truth, and that feels rewarding. I’m OK. Everything is OK, and everyone is OK. We’re in a good space. It feels liberating. But before? It’s terrifying and it’s debilitating because you’re waiting for someone to snap a picture of you and make it salacious. To live like that is … oh, it’s not fun. And I’ve been doing that for a little while now. So it’s nice to say it.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p>

Relationships

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"It feels liberating": Nat Bass' surprising update on her love life post-divorce

<p>After months of trying to keep her divorce private, Natalie Bassingthwaighte has spoken out about her marriage breakdown, and finding love with a woman. </p> <p>Earlier this year, the Australian singer parted ways with her second husband, and longtime Rogue Traders bandmate, Cameron McGlinchey, although the pair never addressed the split personally. </p> <p>Now, three months on, Nat Bass has bared all in a candid interview with <em>Stellar</em> magazine, sharing why she chose to stay silent on her divorce, and how "overwhelming" it was when the press finally found out. </p> <p>“[I got a] phone call; I’d been waiting for it to happen, but [was] trying to protect our inner sanctum for so long, trying to navigate grief and really sit in it and feel it all. It hurts, trying to navigate what the next bits look like, especially as a couple who have two children, who work together,” she said. </p> <p>“So having public interest, I won’t lie, was terrifying from the get-go. Since it first happened, I was waiting for someone to say something. And it just felt like I wasn’t ready."</p> <p>Despite going their separate ways after 12 years of marriage, Nat says she doesn't look at her divorce as a failure, given all the love she still has for her ex-husband.</p> <p>“We had a very successful marriage. It was very beautiful. We’ve done amazing things together, achieved a lot and have two incredible children. We admire and respect each other, and there’s love there. It’s just different,” she said. </p> <p>After her divorce, Nat is moving on and finding love in unexpected places: with a woman. </p> <p>Bassingthwaighte said her “beautiful” new relationship “with a woman who makes my heart smile and makes me happy” has been difficult to navigate in the public eye, as she has yet to publicly identify her new partner. </p> <p>Struggling with revealing her same-sex relationship to the world, Nat called her ex-husband for advice. </p> <p>“I rang Cam and I was hysterical. And he said, ‘It’s OK. This is your truth and you now have to sit in it and stand in it and own it.’ So to have that support from him has been nothing short of beautiful, and I’m very grateful for it,” she says.</p> <p>“Now I can speak from my own mouth, on my own truth, and that feels rewarding. I’m OK. Everything is OK, and everyone is OK. We’re in a good space. It feels liberating."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram / Stellar </em></p>

Relationships

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"I've moved on": Barnaby Joyce's former wife speaks out after "media circus" wedding

<p>Barnaby Joyce's <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/family-pets/barnaby-joyce-and-vikki-campion-tie-the-knot-in-bush-bash-wedding" target="_blank" rel="noopener">"bush-bash" wedding</a> to Vikki Campion has stirred up a whirlwind of emotions and media attention, prompting Natalie Abberfield, his first wife, to finally break her silence.</p> <p>Speaking to <a href="https://www.news.com.au/finance/work/leaders/barnaby-joyces-first-wife-breaks-silence-on-his-bush-bash-wedding-to-vikki-campion/news-story/e4527b65acee73ac552246771e4d018e" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a>, Abberfield revealed that she has successfully moved on from the heartbreak of her 24-year marriage to the former Deputy Prime Minister coming to an end.</p> <p>Abberfield acknowledged that life has taken a positive turn for her and her family since the divorce, and that she is focused on herself and the well-being of her loved ones.</p> <p>“All I want to say is, I would just like to wish the happy couple all the best,’’ she told news.com.au. “I am just looking after me and no one else I suppose. That’s probably it. Yeah. I’ve got a really good group of friends. My family is great. The girls are great. Yeah. I’ve moved on now. Totally moved on.</p> <p>“I suppose that was one chapter of my book and now I am in a few new chapters of my book.”</p> <p>The absence of an invitation to the wedding for Natalie's daughter, Odette, added a layer of complexity to the family dynamics. Odette, a 20-year-old aspiring individual, criticised the media circus surrounding the event as "tacky". Despite the strained relationship, Natalie remains close to her adult daughters, who chose not to attend their father's wedding.</p> <p>Post-divorce, Natalie has found solace and empowerment in bodybuilding, a passion she adopted as a means to "escape" the chaos that followed the end of her marriage. Contrary to media speculations, she clarified that bodybuilding was not about achieving a "revenge body" but rather a journey towards rediscovering her identity beyond the roles of wife and mother.</p> <p>The Joyce family saga has not escaped the public eye, drawing comments from then-Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, who described Joyce's behaviour as a "shocking error of judgment". The fallout from the affair has left Natalie and her daughters grappling with hurt and humiliation.</p> <p>Joyce's youngest daughter, Odette, confirmed that none of his four daughters attended the wedding, underlining the fractured relationships within the family. Odette's criticism extended to her father's decision to involve the media in the ceremony, deeming it both "tacky" and in "poor taste".</p> <p>Prior to the recent nuptials, in a surprising yet light-hearted twist, Barnaby's daughter Julia posted an Instagram video wearing a bridal dress while Natalie appeared to wear a veil. The caption, "Getting ready to crash my dad’s wedding I didn’t get invited to, in my mum’s wedding dress," hinted at a coping mechanism for the family, with Natalie explaining that it was all "for a laugh".</p> <p>Ultimately, in the face of public scrutiny and strained family relationships, <span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">Natalie Abberfield appears to have </span><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">chosen a path of strength, focusing on her well-being, her passions and the positive aspects of her life. </span></p> <p><em>Images: Office of the Deputy Prime Minister / Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

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"Nat Bass gaff": Huge national anthem blunder at Bathurst 1000

<p>They say "old habits die hard", and it seems not even celebrities are immune after Natalie Bassingthwaighte made an embarrassing mistake on the grid at the Bathurst 1000. </p> <p>On Sunday, thousand of race fans flocked to Mount Panorama in the Central West of NSW to watch the annual battle between Holden and Ford as the drivers prepared for 161 laps amount the mountain. </p> <p>Before the drivers set off, former Rogue Traders lead singer Natalie Bassingthwaighte stood on the grid to perform the Australian National Anthem. </p> <p>Unfortunately, she appeared to make one major mistake during her performance.</p> <p>On January 1st 2021, the national anthem made a change in the opening verse, with the second line changing from “For we are young and free” to “For we are one and free”.</p> <p>Bassingthwaighte, however, is seemingly a creature of habit as she appeared to sing the old version of the anthem ahead of the historic race.</p> <p>The mistake didn’t get past those watching on from home with several users online pointing out the error.</p> <p>“Oh no Nat Bass gaff during Bathurst national anthem ‘for we are young and free’ and so close to our Voice referendum,” one wrote.</p> <p>Another added, “She sung the old version, not the new one.”</p> <p>The anthem was changed under Scott Morrison's government, who said while announcing the change it was “only right” the anthem reflected and acknowledged First Nations people.</p> <p>“While Australia as a modern nation may be relatively young, our country’s story is ancient, as are the stories of the many First Nations peoples whose stewardship we rightly acknowledge and respect,” Mr Morrison said.</p> <p>“In the spirit of unity, it is only right that we ensure our national anthem reflects this truth and shared appreciation."</p> <p>“Changing ‘young and free’ to ‘one and free’ takes nothing away, but I believe it adds much. It recognises the distance we have travelled as a nation."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Music

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"I have never seen that": Nat Barr and Shirvo floored by Jamie Oliver's sneaky chicken hack

<p>Celebrity chef and all-round roast chicken wizard Jamie Oliver unleashed a culinary revelation on <em>Sunrise</em> hosts Natalie Barr and Matt Shirvington recently, rendering them momentarily dumbfounded by his quirky approach to chicken cookery.</p> <p>The Naked Chef himself, a spry 48 years young, graced the <em>Sunrise</em> breakfast program with his presence to unveil his unique chicken-cooking hack. Sporting an apron that read "I'm not a regular chef, I'm a cool chef," Jamie embarked on a culinary adventure like no other.</p> <p>To achieve chicken nirvana, Jamie began by marinating the poultry and potatoes in an enchanting blend of lemon, herbs and honey (presumably sprinkled with a touch of fairy dust) before revealing the move that floored the two hosts.</p> <p>In a move that would make Houdini jealous, Jamie wedged those marinated chicken legs into an oven rack, like a magic trick gone deliciously wrong. With the poise of a culinary acrobat, he lowered the rack into a preheated oven, allowing the chicken pieces to dangle over the potatoes below, like a suspenseful scene in a blockbuster movie.</p> <p>Apparently, the technique is used so that the excess marinade would gracefully drip into the tray, creating an explosion of flavour that would make fireworks blush with envy. In Jamie's own words, "This is giving you the best, most juicy chicken and (it’s) crispy."</p> <p>Mind. Blown.</p> <p>And where did Jamie find inspiration for this chicken wizardry? Why, in his travels around the Mediterranean, where rotisseries are as common as sunscreen at the beach. Truly, Jamie Oliver has taken "thinking outside the box" to a whole new level.</p> <p>Nat Barr and Shirvo appeared utterly mesmerised by Jamie's culinary sorcery. Shirvington exclaimed, "Mind blown," while Barr added, "Wow, I have never seen that!" If they'd had hats, they would've tipped them in reverence.</p> <p>In fact, the <em>Sunrise</em> hosts, joined by Mark Beretta, gave Jamie a standing ovation at the end of his demonstration – before revealing that Jamie is set to make a triumphant return to the Sydney Opera House in November for one night only, where he will grace the stage for an evening of deep conversations about his career, inspirations, life, love, and what keeps him motivated.</p> <p>In Jamie's own words: "Every time I visit Australia, it feels like a big old hug – it’s a real home away from home for me, and I'm so excited to be back this year for this event."</p> <p>So, prepare your questions about good food, good times, and perhaps even chicken-chandelier cooking, and get ready to laugh until your ribs ache. Jamie Oliver is back to steal the culinary spotlight, one chicken leg at a time.</p> <p><em>Images: Sunrise</em></p>

Food & Wine

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Nat Barr’s chilling William Tyrrell question

<p dir="ltr">New TV footage has revealed that William Tyrrell's biological mother was concerned about her son’s treatment by his foster family years before the police began their investigation.</p> <p dir="ltr">His mum - who for legal reasons cannot be identified - was concerned about how her son was being looked after.</p> <p dir="ltr">“From the start, I always had concerns and I wrote letters back and forth to one of the carers,” she said in a 2018 interview with <em>Seven</em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Because I didn't really like the care that I thought he was being given. My son would come home with bruises, snotty noses, not dressed appropriately for the weather…” she added.</p> <p dir="ltr">This part of the interview was previously cut out of the final segment in 2018, but the never-before-seen footage was recently broadcasted on <em>Seven’s Spotlight</em> special on Sunday, reigniting people’s interest.</p> <p dir="ltr">The clip was shown despite a court suppression order which prevented Tyrrell’s mum from being named or pictured.</p> <p dir="ltr">On Monday, <em>Sunrise</em> host Nat Barr questioned former homicide cop Charlie Bezzina about the revelations from the clip.</p> <p dir="ltr">Bezzina commented that it was no surprise that Tyrrell’s biological mum was concerned for her child’s well-being.</p> <p dir="ltr">“That's to be expected from a biological mother to be a little bit bitter towards the foster mother - to have a child taken from you is quite dramatic,” Bezzina said.</p> <p dir="ltr">Last month police handed over a <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/police-recommend-charges-against-william-tyrrell-s-foster-mother" target="_blank" rel="noopener">brief of evidence to prosecutors</a>, a move which could see Tyrrell’s foster mother - who also cannot be named for legal reasons - being charged in connection with his disappearance.</p> <p dir="ltr">Bezzina has slammed the police case against Tyrrell’s foster mother, which he deemed as “very weak” and believes to be based on circumstantial evidence.</p> <p dir="ltr">To which Barr responded with the chilling question: “So basically you're saying we have no idea who killed William and we're no closer to finding that out?”</p> <p dir="ltr">“Absolutely. And I think it's unfortunate that the current investigators have done the investigation through the media,” Benzzina admitted.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Sunrise on Seven</em></p>

Legal

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"People took their own lives": Nat Barr fires up over Robodebt report

<p>Sunrise host Natalie Barr has strongly condemned the Robodebt scheme as "unlawful" and accused it of victimising "500,000 people" in a passionate interview with Coalition frontbencher Bridget McKenzie.</p> <p>During the heated exchange, Barr vehemently refuted any suggestion that the situation had simply gone awry.</p> <p>“This was mathematically flawed," Barr said. "It was ruled unlawful. There were half a million victims. People took their own lives over this. Bridget, you must have some kind of view on what should happen?" </p> <p>“It’s pretty obvious that people did the wrong thing here.”</p> <p>Senator McKenzie acknowledged that politicians expected honest advice from public servants and admitted that something had clearly gone "wrong."</p> <p>“This was a comprehensive royal commission, we had from former prime ministers, senior public servants, and indeed, the broader public on this particular issue, and I think the findings are going to be very fulsome and give us, I hope, ways to ensure that this cannot happen again,’’ McKenzie said.</p> <p>Labor frontbencher Jason Clare add that he was thinking of the victims.</p> <p>“Nat, there is a report in the papers today about a mother named Jennifer Miller and her son Reese committed suicide a few years ago,’’ said Mr Clare. “He was being chased for an $18,000 debt that he did not owe. I’m thinking about her and I’m thinking about families like that today.</p> <p>“There were a number of people who committed suicide, others who try to take their own life, end up in hospital, they are still on medication today. They are the real-life human consequences of what happened here.”</p> <p>Earlier on Friday, Labor frontbencher Bill Shorten warned that the "wave of misery" caused by the Robodebt royal commission might result in referrals to the national anti-corruption commission.</p> <p>Senior ministers have already prepared to contest the report's findings, with the government approving taxpayer-funded legal assistance.</p> <p>The bombshell report on the Robodebt scandal is anticipated to include scathing criticisms of key figures in the Morrison Government and senior public servants. Additionally, a secret "sealed section" will cover potential "criminal and civil prosecutions."</p> <p>Royal commission officials have begun briefing departmental heads on adverse findings related to employees prior to the report's public release.</p> <p>Robodebts were debts incurred between July 2015 and November 2019 under the Income Compliance Program. These debts were calculated using averaged income information from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and were later deemed unlawful.</p> <p>In recent months, the Commonwealth has been informed of up to 16 "Notices of Potential Adverse Findings."</p> <p>These findings encompass the conduct of individuals involved in the program's development and implementation. They also pertain to data matching between the Department of Human Services and the Australian Tax Office during the Robodebt process, as well as the circumstances surrounding the Ombudsman's reports on the scheme in 2017 and 2019.</p> <p>The report will examine the prosecution briefs referred to the Commonwealth DPP by the Department of Human Services (DHS), as well as the arrangements of the in-house legal teams in DHS and the Department of Social Services (DSS).</p> <p>Furthermore, it will scrutinise the data and flaws underlying the budget assumptions that formed the basis of the Robodebt Scheme, as well as the debt recovery methods employed by the Department of Human Services.</p> <p><em>Image: Sunrise</em></p>

Caring

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"It was traumatic": Nat Barr's terrifying health scare

<p>Natalie Barr has opened up about a terrifying health ordeal that left her wondering if she would ever walk again. </p> <p>The <em>Sunrise</em> host shared that she spent two months lying in a hospital bed when she was just 15, after being diagnosed with a terrifying illness. </p> <p>Speaking candidly to <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/culture/tv-and-radio/natalie-barr-if-you-can-t-cope-with-scrutiny-then-you-shouldn-t-be-on-tv-20230616-p5dh70.html?collection=p5dkug" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Sunday Life</em></a>, the 55-year-old revealed she wasn't allowed to sit up for months. </p> <p>"I got really sick with a disease in my spine called osteomyelitis. The bug had eaten two of my verterbrae and they were crumbling," she said.</p> <p>"I'd had back pain and saw a physio who wrote to my doctor... but that night I ended up in hospital with an orthopaedic surgeon telling me: 'Lie down, or you'll never sit up again'."</p> <p>While having to lay flat for months on end, Nat was flown by the Royal Flying Doctor to a Perth hospital where they discovered the exact strain of the bug she had.</p> <p>Natalie was then "pumped with high-dose antibiotics" for the next couple of months before eventually recovering with no permanent damage.</p> <p>"It was traumatic. I didn't know if I'd be able to walk again," she admitted.</p> <p>"It was a really defining moment in my life because I was 15 and old enough to think, ‘I don’t know how I’m going to get out of this situation.’ ”</p> <p>The health scare was a major turning point in Natalie's life, as once she was fully recovered from the ordeal, she went on to intern at a local TV station in Western Australia where she cemented her dream of becoming a journalist. </p> <p>“I spent a week there and thought, ‘This is it. This is what I want to do for the rest of my life.’ It’s the most exciting thing: people race around, yell and scream at each other, race to the deadline at the end of the day, then come back and do it all again tomorrow."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Caring

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Nat Barr's real opinion on Matt Shirvington

<p dir="ltr"><em>Sunrise</em> presenter Natalie Barr has shared her real thoughts on her new co-host Matt Shirvington.</p> <p dir="ltr">After almost a month since former co-host <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/tv/kochie-s-emotional-farewell-on-sunrise" target="_blank" rel="noopener">David Koch’s departure</a>, all eyes have been on Barr and Shirvington, who have apparently known each other for years prior to hosting <em>Sunrise</em> together.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We live in the same area, so we’d see each other in the street and say hi because we both vaguely knew who the other was,” Barr told <em>The Sydney Morning Herald</em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">She revealed that years ago they would walk past each other on the street as they picked their children up from school, and had since been “in and out of each other’s lives and would see each other at events and always got along”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“He’s the type of guy who just fits in – a really nice, normal guy with a daggy-dad sense of humour,” she told the publication.</p> <p dir="ltr">Barr then went on to share how she deals with public scrutiny and revealed that she doesn’t feel any extra pressure from being the more experienced presenter.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I don’t mind a bit of scrutiny. I mean, I’m on TV. Some people will like the way I do things, some won’t,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“If you can’t cope with that then I guess you shouldn’t be on TV.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Barr revealed that ever since she took the hosting job she made a pact with herself to not get into the comments, and so she has turned off all notifications on Twitter.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I turned the notifications off on Twitter years ago. People can DM me on Instagram but as soon as I get hate and abusive stuff, I block and delete,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“You can’t stop people being nasty, that’s just what society is like,” she added.</p> <p dir="ltr">Barr said that she understands that as a public figure she can’t just take in the good comments about her.</p> <p dir="ltr">“You get personal scrutiny, horrible messages and critical articles written about you,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I think when you do a public job, it’s part and parcel. You can’t expect everyone to be writing glowing appraisals.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Despite the challenges, Barr remains optimistic about her career and the future of <em>Sunrise</em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I think we have developed a show with the same heart and soul that we started with 21 years ago and that can never change,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“There will be tweaks, people will come and go, but it’s bigger than any one of us. And that makes me happy.”</p> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

TV

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Nat Barr stuns retired navy expert with blunt Titan query

<p dir="ltr"><em>Sunrise</em> host Natalie Barr has weighed in on the missing Titan submersible, posing a question that appeared to take an experienced - and retired - US Navy submarine commander by surprise. </p> <p dir="ltr">Barr was speaking to David Marquet about the vessel - which went missing in the North Atlantic with five passengers onboard and only 96 hours of life support - and its dangerous predicament.</p> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/search-underway-for-tourists-missing-on-titanic-submarine">Rescue teams have been racing</a> against the clock and fighting difficult search conditions in a bid to locate the Titan submersible after it went missing on a journey to explore the sunken wreckage of the Titanic. </p> <p dir="ltr">And while <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/encouraging-signs-in-search-for-missing-sub">reports of banging</a> from deep beneath the ocean’s surface have offered some a glimmer of hope - and others a sense of dread - the high-stakes situation has crews on edge, and left many wondering what had led to the decision to descend, for the Titan’s passengers and owners alike.</p> <p dir="ltr">Reports have begun to circulate that the Titan had been plagued with safety concerns prior to this trip, and during former dives, and Barr sought more information from Marquet on that matter. </p> <p dir="ltr">“We are still hearing all the things people are saying about why they should not have gone,” she said. “The passenger window was only certified to go half the depth that it went.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Should they be there in the first place?”</p> <p dir="ltr">The to-the-point question appeared to stun the ex-commander, who needed to take a moment before proceeding with his answer. </p> <p dir="ltr">“They are adults, and they made a decision. It’s hard to question the judgement,” he said, before going on to note that the CEO of OceanGate - the company responsible for the missing vessel - had been one of the five people onboard, “so obviously he believes in the equipment.” </p> <p dir="ltr">“Knowing what I know,” Marquet added, “what it takes to keep nuclear submarines running, you would not be finding me on that ship, but it’s easy after-the-fact to find criticism.”</p> <p dir="ltr">He then shared that while he did have an appreciation for people who chose to push “the envelope in terms of exploring and innovation”, that “sometimes they push a little too far”. </p> <p dir="ltr">The “still possible” search for the Titan continues, though the US Coast Guard have stated that it has less than 24 hours of available air remaining, and even if they are able to locate the submersible, massive challenges still lie ahead in retrieving it from the conditions so far below the surface. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Sunrise / Seven</em></p>

News

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"We cannot judge": Nat Barr's frank question on war crimes for Army veteran

<p>Sunrise host Natalie Barr surprised viewers when she confronted a war veteran after he referred senior Australian Defence Force leaders to the International Criminal Court over alleged war crimes committed in Afghanistan.</p> <p>Glenn Kolomeitz, a military lawyer and army veteran, signed the referral alongside Senator Jacqui Lambie.</p> <p>The referral to The Hague had the criminal court examine the country’s high commanders “through the lens of command responsibility”.</p> <p>Kolomeitz and Lambie claimed senior commanders have avoided investigation over alleged war crimes in Afghanistan.</p> <p>“I've got to ask you. This is a question I get asked every time we discuss this general issue,” she said.</p> <p>“We trained these people to kill, and we trained them to operate in a war setting. None of us as civilians have any idea what that's like and we cannot judge them for when they go over there to war. What do you say to that?”</p> <p>Kolomeitz insisted that defence force personnel, regardless of rank, must be investigated if they’ve committed or covered up a criminal act.</p> <p>“I worked with these guys on a couple of rotations, and quite frankly, they are amazing advocates for our country, but if they've done the wrong thing, they must be properly investigated, and they must be vigorously prosecuted. That's the reality,” he said.</p> <p>“You can't ignore the commanders. You vigorously investigate and prosecute those who have done the wrong thing, including those with command responsibility.”</p> <p>The TV presenter then asked if an investigation was necessary for the chief of the defence force, Angus Campbell.</p> <p>Kolomeitz replied, “Every joint task force 633 commanders in that job during the period of the enquiry.”</p> <p>The army veteran drafted the letter that would be sent to the International Criminal Court.</p> <p>“If Australia does nothing about it, the ICC can potentially assume jurisdiction over the higher command and excise the higher command investigation from the ongoing investigation of junior soldiers,” he said.</p> <p>The 2020 Brereton report found “credible” evidence that 25 current or former Australian SAS soldiers unlawfully killed 39 Afghan civilians and prisoners between 2005 and 2016.</p> <p>The report strongly recommended administrative action be taken against ADF personnel where there is credible evidence of misconduct, but not enough for a criminal conviction.</p> <p>It ruled that senior commanders were not criminally to blame for the alleged crimes.</p> <p>Senator Lambie noted leadership had not been held to account for their actions.</p> <p>“The government is no doubt hoping this will all just go away,” she told the Senate.</p> <p>“They're hoping Australians will forget that when alleged war crimes in Afghanistan were investigated, our senior commanders got a free pass while our diggers were thrown under the bus.</p> <p>"Well, we don't forget. I won't forget. Lest we forget.</p> <p>“There is a culture of cover-up at the highest levels of the Australian Defence Force. It is the ultimate boys' club.”</p> <p>Image credit: Instagram/LinkedIn</p>

TV

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Kochie’s Sunrise replacement revealed

<p dir="ltr">It’s the news breakfast television fans across Australia have been waiting for: Kochie’s <em>Sunrise </em>replacement has been announced.  </p> <p dir="ltr">Speculation had been rife in the week following the news of Kochie’s departure from the show, with the likes of Dr Chris Brown and Seven’s own Matt Shirvington fan favourites to take over in his absence. </p> <p dir="ltr">And they had it right, with Matt Shirvington - a familiar face at the network across both sport and entertainment - stepping up to the plate and joining his new co-host Natalie Barr at the<em> Sunrise</em> desk. </p> <p dir="ltr">Before the big news broke, Kochie had assured viewers that his replacement would be “younger and better looking”, and that he was happy with the decision the network had reached.</p> <p dir="ltr">Once news of the updated line-up had been made public, Kochie added that “Shirvo has been part of the <em>Sunrise</em> family and filling in for me for the last 18 months. He is the perfect fit to shift into my chair on a permanent basis.</p> <p dir="ltr">“A good bloke with solid values, he will do a terrific job and I wish him great success.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Unsurprisingly, Matt Shirvington shared that delight, releasing a statement to express his excitement over the new gig, which he is due to dive into on June 12. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I’m so excited but also humbled by the opportunity to co-host such an important show to so many Australians,” he said. “It’s a privilege to follow on from Kochie. He leaves behind a legacy of honesty, humility and a whole lot of fun, and I can’t wait to continue adding to that.</p> <p dir="ltr">“A big thank you to the Seven executive team, in particular James Warburton and Craig McPherson, for backing me to do this.</p> <p dir="ltr">“<em>Sunrise </em>is a tight-knit team of talented and passionate people who work ridiculously hard - none more so than Sarah Stinson and Sean Power. I admire you all and won’t let you down.</p> <p dir="ltr">“This is a huge life shift for me that will take some juggling at home, and something I couldn’t have done without the loving support of Jess and our kids.</p> <p dir="ltr">“To my new on-air family, particularly Nat, thanks for making me feel so welcome right from the start. Brekky Central, my new home. I like the sound of that!”</p> <p dir="ltr">Seven West Media’s Managing Director and CEO - James Warburton - only had positive things to say, too, sharing that he was “delighted to welcome Matt to his new role co-hosting<em> Sunrise </em>with Nat. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Matt has become an invaluable member of the Seven team since he joined us three years ago. He is the consummate professional, all about the entire team - just like Kochie - and brilliant at his job.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Of course, Matt has big shoes to fill but we have already seen viewers welcome him with open arms during his time on the show.”</p> <p dir="ltr">And last but certainly not least, Natalie Barr had praise to sing for her incoming co-host, declaring that “Shirvo is an iconic Aussie and an all-round great guy. I can’t think of anyone better to join us on the <em>Sunrise </em>couch.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We’ve been working together for a couple of years now and I can tell you he’s interested in people, he really cares, he’s a hands-on dad and husband, and he talks almost as much as I do, so we get along really well!”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Sunrise / Seven</em></p>

News

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"I'm going rogue": Kochie gives away $3000 moments after quitting Sunrise

<p dir="ltr">When <em>Sunrise </em>host of 21 years David ‘Kochie’ Koch announced that <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/the-world-s-best-job-kochie-quits-sunrise">he would be parting ways with the popular breakfast TV show</a>, it should have been safe to assume that that was the only shock in store for viewers. </p> <p dir="ltr">However, Kochie had other ideas, making a bold - and generous - move, all while hinting that there was plenty more in store for his final two weeks at the helm with co-host Natalie Barr.</p> <p dir="ltr">The two were running the segment known as Bill Barrel when things took a turn, with Kochie explaining how “the rising cost of living is putting pressure on Aussies right across the country”, and how the team over at <em>Sunrise </em>wanted to offer relief and support where they could.</p> <p dir="ltr">“So,” Natalie added, “we are paying your bills.” </p> <p dir="ltr">The pair proceeded to spin the barrel, before pulling out a sheet of paper with the name of their lucky recipient - Melanie Turner from Brisbane. </p> <p dir="ltr">They were quick to get a delighted Melanie on the phone, and Kochie was all too eager to declare “congratulations, you’re this morning’s Bill Barrel winner!” </p> <p dir="ltr">Melanie, of course, thanked them for the happy surprise, before Natalie asked just what it was that she needed to pay off. </p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s my car rego,” Melanie said, “[it’s] due today, as a matter of fact.”</p> <p dir="ltr">She then revealed that her bill came to a total of $520 - an amount she was immensely grateful to be receiving. </p> <p dir="ltr">But that wasn’t the end of Melanie’s good fortune, with Natalie sharing “we’re feeling generous. Kochie’s feeling generous. He’s giving away cash today. We’re going to give you $1500 to help with that.” </p> <p dir="ltr">The $1500 should have been the most Melanie could take home to help with her bill, as the competition’s own terms and conditions list the sum as the “total maximum prize value”, but fate - or one rogue TV presenter - had more in store. </p> <p dir="ltr">Before Melanie had a chance to properly celebrate, Kochie cut in, declaring “I’ve only got two weeks to go. I’m going rogue. We’re going to do three grand.” </p> <p dir="ltr">As laughter broke out across the studio, and Melanie struggled to find the words, Kochie reiterated the prize, assuring Natalie that he was sure - even as she noted that she had “someone in my ear”. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I’m going to go rogue every day,” he continued, “for the next two weeks.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Sunrise / Seven</em></p>

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Kochie calls out Natalie Barr on Sunrise

<p>David Koch has teased <em>Sunrise</em> co-host Natalie Barr for “interrupting” a segment during the morning news.</p> <p>The Perth native rushed to defend her home state after news presenter Edwina Bartholomew announced the state had the worst Uber ratings nationwide.</p> <p>Every year, the rideshare company releases its Uber rating statistics, ranking Aussie cities and states in terms of “manners”.</p> <p>“Evidently, people in Perth have the worst manners in the country,” Bartholomew said during the news segment.</p> <p>“Oh, oh hang on,” Barr interjected.</p> <p><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">“</span>Hang on, just hear me out,” Bartholomew said, “This is according to this year’s Uber ratings Nat”.</p> <p>“WA has also taken home the lowest state rating.”</p> <p>“Oh, hang on,” Bartholomew exclaimed.</p> <p>Bartholomew went on to explain the average Aussie had an Uber rating of 4.82.</p> <p>“Newcastle and NSW have been crowned the best-mannered city for the second year in a row, but unfortunately not great news for Perth,” she concluded the segment.</p> <p>“I want a recount on that,” Barr said in defence of Perth.</p> <p>“I want to go back to Uber and say, ‘Natalie Barr would like to speak to your CEO,’ Bartholomew teased.</p> <p>“On behalf of all the sandgropers, I demand a recount!” the co-host joked, referring to the colloquial name for Western Australians.</p> <p>“It couldn’t be right,” Barr replied.</p> <p>Koch then chimed in, asking, “Eddy, was Nat interrupting you again?</p> <p>“We rest our case.”</p> <p>“Four stars,” Bartholomew joked of Barr’s interruption.</p> <p>Barr grew up in Bunbury, in the state’s South West, and her mother Julie still lives in the family home.</p> <p>She went on to work in WA before travelling to the US where she worked in Los Angeles for several years.</p> <p>She returned to Australia in 2008 and has worked at the <em>Seven</em> network in Sydney.</p> <p>Barr and <em>Sunrise</em> sports reporter Mark Beretta presented the early news from 2008 - the segment ahead of <em>Sunrise</em>.</p> <p>After working as a presenter on <em>Sunrise</em>, Barr was announced as co-host of the breakfast show alongside Kochie in March 2021.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Getty</em></p>

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"Love it!": Kochie’s sweet reunion with Melissa Doyle

<p dir="ltr">David Koch and Melissa Doyle were reunited in the annual Australian Fashion Week in Sydney.</p> <p dir="ltr">The 67-year-old<em> Sunrise</em> host attended the event for the first time ever, and revealed that he had felt “like an absolute fish out of water” as he reposted a selfie that he took with co-host Natalie Barr and former colleague Melissa Doyle.</p> <p dir="ltr">The trio attended the Mariam Seddiq show and sat in the front row with <em>Channel 7</em>’s personal stylist, Natalie Shehata.</p> <p dir="ltr">Nat Barr took to Instagram to share a sneak peak of the reunion.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Took Kochie to his first fashion show. The incredible Mariam Seddiq really put on an amazing night. What a woman!” she captioned the post.</p> <p dir="ltr">The <em>Sunrise</em> co-host shared a video of Kochie looking confused and playfully admitting that “I am so out of my comfort zone, it is not funny. I don’t know what to do. I’ve just gone for a drink, that’s all I’m doing”.</p> <p dir="ltr">She also shared a selfie of the group which sparked a comment from Melissa Doyle.</p> <p dir="ltr">“You’ve taught him so much! 😍” she wrote, which Nat Barr replied to with two laughing emojis.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CsVxUUnPkt2/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CsVxUUnPkt2/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Natalie Barr (@natalie_barr7)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Kochie reposted the same selfie with the caption: “Feeling like an absolute fish out of water at @mariamseddiq runway show @ausfashionweek. Thankfully sat with some experts.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Loved the show and @mariamseddiq as a really impressive entrepreneur,” he added.</p> <p dir="ltr">Many fans shared their joy at the reunion.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The ‘old’ gang 👍🫶🏻” commented one fan.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Great pic! You, Nat and Mel! Love it!” commented another.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Yeah the Mel Doyle ❤️” wrote a third.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

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