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No more Mr Nice Guy: Tom Hanks blows up at movie critics

Tom Hanks has taken aim at movie critics in a heated on Conan O'Brien's podcast, calling out the entire review section of the entertainment industry. The Hollywood actor launched into his tirade on the Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend podcast as he looked at how movie reviews and the general audience reception to films has changed over the years. “Now what happened is that time has become one of the metrics for how these things matter, right?” he said. “In the day it was just a fist fight. It was every movie you came out, are you going to make the playoffs or not? Guess what? No, kid, you’re 2 and 12 and you ain’t going nowhere. Or, you got a shot.” “It used to be you had these Rubicons that you crossed,” he continued. “First of all, do you love it or not? That’s the first thing. Yes, okay, you have crossed the Rubicon, right? The next Rubicon you cross is when the movie is completely done a year and a half later, and you see it for the first time, and you might like it. It doesn’t matter if it works or not, you look at it and say, ‘Hey, I think we acquitted ourselves pretty good.’ That’s Rubicon No. 2.” Hanks went on, “Then the critics weigh in, that’s Rubicon No. 3, and that’s always up down. ‘We hate it, we like it. This is the worst thing … Oh hey, oh hi Tom, I saw you in a movie. It was cute.’” “That’s when you ask the wife, ‘Hey, honey, could you take the revolver out of the glove box and hide it somewhere, because I think…,” Hanks joked. Podcast host O'Brien then brought up that Hanks was initially “disappointed” with his 1996 film That Thing You Do!, which marked his directorial debut, but the movie has since become a cult classic in pop culture. “Let me tell you something about these c***suckers who write about movies,” Hanks responded, before asking O’Brien and his co-hosts, “Can I say that?” “Somebody who wrote about it is, ‘Tom Hanks has to stop hanging around with veterans of TV, because this is just like the shot on TV and it’s not much of anything,’” Hanks recalled. “That same person then wrote about the cult classic That Thing You Do! Same exact person. They said, ‘All you need is 20 years between now and then, and it ends up speaking some words.’” Image credits: Shutterstock

Movies

7News star lashes out at criticism over news segment

Comedian Mark Humphries has hit back at critics, responding to the criticism surrounding his satirical segment on Channel Seven's evening news. Many viewers responded angrily to his new gig after the first airing of The 6.57pm News that airs on Friday night, with Humphries admitting he found the controversy over the lighthearted segment "bizarre". “I was so stunned because I did five years at 7.30, the ABC’s flagship current affairs program, which I think of all the shows to have a comedy segment, that’s even less likely to have one,” he told <a href="https://www.instagram.com/stellarmag/?hl=en">Stellar Magazine</a>. “I didn’t know people felt so strongly about the 6 o’clock news and how its integrity must be defended. And, you know, it’s the last three minutes at the end of the week before Better Homes And Gardens. I’ve said this before, but the great thing about The 6.57pm News is that if you want to avoid it, you know exactly what time to tune out. [The reaction] was bizarre.” He added: “The worst thing that was said about me, that stays with me is, ‘I look like a Ken doll gone wrong!’” The addition of the satirical segment came courtesy of newly appointed news director Anthony De Ceglie who said the segment “will use satire to cut through political spin and translate current affairs in the universal news language of taking the piss”. When the comedy segment first aired in July, many were quick to voice their disapproval. “This was an appalling segment … hire, rather than sack, journos,” said one on 7News’ social media. “It was a deplorable segment that has no place in a news bulletin,” another added. Image credits: Seven

Dad fined $1,200 for 'critical' seatbelt mistake

At the start of last month, Queensland authorities increased driving fines to a record high, with the value of a penalty unit increasing by 4.2 per cent. One Aussie dad found out the hard way this week after he copped a $1,209 fine when he was stopped by police during a traffic operation as part of the state's Road Safety Week and found that his two kids did not have their seatbelts fixed correctly. They found the 5-year-old boy not properly secured in his booster seat, while a 6-year-old boy, who was seated in the right-side back seat, was found to have the middle seat belt wrapped around his neck. The hefty fine also comes with 4 demerit points. Queensland Police have warned their motorists about increased police vigilance on their roads. "Failure to wear a seatbelt is one of the leading causes of road crash deaths. Unrestrained drivers and passengers are eight times more likely to be killed in a road crash," Acting Inspector Kylie Doyle said. "If this driver had been in a crash, it would have likely resulted in significant, possibly life-threatening injuries for these children." Following the state's move to increase the value of a penalty unit, drivers caught using their phone or not wearing a seatbelt properly will now pay a fine of over $1,200. Drivers caught speeding more than 30km/h over the speed limit are also forced to pay over $1,200. Based off the average salary in the state, this means that drivers caught for such infringements would be paying around 65 per cent of their weekly salary on the fine. Authorities across the country have been cracking down on driver misbehaviour in attempt to reduce the number of road fatalities. "It is critical we all play our part to be safer on Queensland roads," Acting Inspector Kylie Doyle warned motorists on Tuesday. Image: Songsook / Shutterstock.com

Travel Trouble

Susan Sarandon's daughter claps back at wedding dress critics

Susan Sarandon's daughter has spoken out against body-shaming trolls who were criticising her wedding dress. Eva Amurri, who like her mum is also an actress, became the subject of online criticism after she shared photos from her wedding day online. Writing on her blog Happily Eva After the 39-year-old admitted that the comments left her in tears, "in a way that brought me right back to Middle School". "Here were people I didn't even know and who didn't know me, spending time and energy typing something that they hoped would bring me one thing and one thing only: Shame," she recalled the moment she came across the "hundreds of cruel comments". "It wasn't what they were saying per se, I've had much more horrible things directed at me on the internet, but it was the yucky feeling of knowing that there are people out there (and lots of them!) whose immediate reaction upon witnessing my little family's joy was to try to hurt us." She continued to explain that she was shocked that her wedding photos had gone viral due to something beyond her control. "I was so taken aback by the fact that it was already viral... and for two reasons completely out of my control: My Breasts," she wrote. <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/C82pK8juxqM/?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/C82pK8juxqM/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by People Magazine (@people)</a> </div> </blockquote> "I've always been naturally very large-chested, and my breast size fluctuates with my weight (as real breasts often do)," she wrote, adding that she is a mother of three and she had breastfed all of her children. "Are my breasts the same perkiness they were at 20 years old before they sustained human life three times over? Definitely not. Do I care? Some days more than others. But my body isn't something I'm ashamed of." She then said that she chose the dress because she wanted to feel "sexy and elegant" on her special day. "I had purposefully gone into my wedding dress shopping wanting to show my figure and really celebrate myself as a woman - body parts included," she shared. "It had never occurred to me that people I don't even know would find my body so offensive, and especially that they would care so much about what I would choose to wear on my own wedding day." She then criticised the online trolls for their "embarrassing" behaviour and how unfortunate it was that women still experience this kind of criticism. "You don't need anybody's permission to make the choices you make for yourself," she wrote. "And when people feel something about those choices? Well, that's none of your business." Images: Instagram

Body

Grandmother in critical condition after stabbing

A grandmother is in hospital in a critical condition after she was stabbed multiple times in an alleged DV incident in Perth's east. Police were called to a home on Jessie Road in Gooseberry Hill just after 5pm on Wednesday after neighbours allegedly heard 60-year-old Paulette Mountford's screams. Nine News reported that her neighbours found her in the garden and were attempting to apply pressure to her neck and body before paramedics arrived. She was rushed to hospital where she underwent emergency surgery and remains in a serious but stable condition. Christopher John Sullivan, 72, was taken into custody at the property before being charged with one count of attempt to unlawfully kill. Her alleged attacker reportedly barricaded himself inside the home before tactical response officers negotiated for him to leave. Mountford is a church volunteer who has helped support victims of domestic violence. In a statement, her daughters said: "We are devastated and utterly heartbroken that our dear mother has endured such a horrifying ordeal." "All we want is for our mother to overcome her injuries." They also thanked everyone who rushed to her aid and those who are continuing to care for her. “For such a kind-hearted person to suffer so deeply is hard for us to understand," they said. “All that we want at this time is for our mother to overcome her injuries, and we pray and hope that she gets better soon. “She is a strong woman and we know she will be using all her strength to get better.” Sullivan appeared before the Perth Magistrates Court on Wednesday charged with attempted murder. He told the magistrate he intended to plead guilty but no official plea was entered, and the matter was stood down while he was provided legal advice. He did not apply for bail and was remanded in custody. Image: Nine

Legal

Heartbreaking update after young father critically injured in Bali scooter crash

Kevin Malligan, 24, who was critically injured in a horror scooter crash in Bali, has been declared brain dead by doctors and now his pregnant wife is left to decide when they will turn off his life support machine. The young Sydney father was holidaying in Bali just weeks before the birth of his second child, before disaster struck when the moped he was a passenger on “hit a bump” and he was flung off. The 24-year-old suffered a brain bleed and a fracture to his neck, and was put on life support at the BIMC Hospital in Nusa Dua. As he fought for his life, his heavily pregnant wife Leah Malligan raced to Bali to be by her husbands side along with Mr Malligan’s father and brother. The young father underwent emergency brain surgery before generous donors helped him secure a $150,000 medevac flight back to Australia on January 4. But despite doctors best efforts, his family confirmed on Wednesday that his injuries are irreversible and he's been declared clinically brain dead. “This is the most difficult time of any of our lives and we just can’t be grateful enough to have been able to get him home for everyone to see him before he leaves us," his wife told Daily Mail. She described her husband as a “great dad, husband and friend, with a generous and loving nature who will be missed by all.” “He was always up for a good laugh and would do anything to put a smile on someone’s face," she said. “There was nothing more valuable than seeing how excited he was when he got home to give his Ivy girl a great big cuddle. “They then would play constantly until it was dinner and bedtime. He loved her so much and she doesn’t love anyone else as much as she loved Kev.” The heartbreaking update was shared to the family’s <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/kevin-malligan-accident" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe</a> page yesterday, with it already raising over $119,000. “Leah would like to thank everyone from the bottom of her heart who has donated, helped, sent messages to help her and the family at this time,” Mrs. Malligan’s mum Jodie French said. “She and the Malligan family now has the awful decision of when to turn off his life support.” “We are sending all our love and prayers for strength at this time to our daughter and Kevin’s family," she added before thanking everyone who has donated to their family. Images: 7NEWS

News

Love conquers critics as Vikki Campion hits back at "unkind" comments on wedding to Barnaby Joyce

Love triumphed over adversity last weekend as Vikki Campion, former staffer and Saturday Telegraph columnist, <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">celebrated her wedding</a> to high-profile Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce at his family's property in Woolbrook, NSW. Despite the picturesque setting and the couple's genuine joy, the event faced criticism and name-calling, prompting Campion to address the detractors in a powerful statement. In her <a href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/opinion/vikki-campion-my-perfect-wedding-and-the-barnaby-joyce-that-i-know-and-love/news-story/5ed16bef0795a10e2e0859cc161f5cbf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Saturday Telegraph</a> column entitled "My perfect wedding and the Barnaby Joyce that I know and love", Campion dismissed the negative comments, saying, "In the country, they say one man’s trash is another’s treasure. Well, I found mine ... Call it trash all you like. It will always be perfect to us." She remained resilient in the face of harsh judgments, emphasising that the unkind remarks had no impact on her or her husband. Instead, she focused on the love they shared, the friends who supported them, and the unique lifestyle they embraced. Campion took the opportunity to highlight the real treasure of the event: the local community. In her exclusive op-ed, she expressed gratitude for the diverse group of people who came together to make the celebration unforgettable. The wedding, she explained, brought together individuals from different backgrounds and walks of life, transcending cultural, political and socioeconomic boundaries. The imagery of the event painted a vivid picture of a true "bush bash," complete with Akubras, ciggies, beer and rum. The celebration, described as a return to "country style," featured over 80 guests who arrived in 4WDs, reflecting the down-to-earth atmosphere that defined the day. The pink and ivory-themed wedding showcased Campion in a strapless cream tulle dress with a long train, complemented by gold earrings and heeled black cowboy boots. Despite the criticism, pictures captured the couple's genuine happiness as they mingled with guests, five years after their relationship first became public. The wedding also marked a reunion with Joyce's young sons, Thomas and Sebastian, aged four and five, while his four adult daughters were notably absent. The absence of Joyce's adult daughters <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/family-pets/i-ve-moved-on-barnaby-joyce-s-former-wife-speaks-out-after-media-circus-wedding" target="_blank" rel="noopener">stirred earlier controversies</a>, adding another layer to the media scrutiny surrounding the event. Despite the tumultuous journey that led to this moment – Joyce's resignation as deputy prime minister and Nationals leader following the exposure of their relationship – the couple's commitment to each other remained unshaken. The ceremony took place at a location with special meaning to Joyce, creating a touching and sentimental atmosphere. The wedding's inclusive nature, with guests from various backgrounds and perspectives, symbolised the couple's ability to transcend the public scrutiny that had surrounded them. Campion's response to critics showcased her resilience and determination to focus on the positives, celebrating the love that brought them together. As Vikki Campion and Barnaby Joyce embark on this new chapter of their lives, they do so with the unwavering belief that their wedding, labelled "trash" by some, will forever be perfect in their hearts. Love prevailed over judgment, and the couple's ability to rise above the criticism serves as a testament to the strength of their bond. Images: Office of the Deputy Prime Minister / Instagram

Relationships

Police officer in critical condition after terrifying cliff fall

A WA police officer is fighting for her life after she was severely injured in a 10m fall from a clifftop in Pile, Croatia. Ella Cutler, 25, sustained life threatening injuries including multiple fractures to her skull, spine, 12 ribs and several limbs, puncturing both her lungs, leaving her in critical condition overseas. She is currently receiving around-the-clock care in a Dubrovnik hospital, and her family is desperate to bring the "much loved" police officer home. "We can only imagine how scared she would be if she knew the full extent of her injuries, and we cannot even begin to convey how frightened we are for her, and how important it is for her to come home," her brother Joshua Cutler wrote in a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/please-help-us-bring-ella-home" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe</a> page created for Ella. "She has too much living left to do, too many people to help, and too much love to give for this to be how this chapter ends. "She has a long hard road ahead of her, and she will need all the help she can get," he added. Although her loved ones have flown to be by her side, her travel insurance claims have reportedly been knocked back, and her medical bills are increasing by the day. The family hopes to raise $500,000 to cover hospital bills and an air ambulance to bring the “devoted public servant” home. “She will require many more months of care, multiple surgeries and months of physical rehabilitation before she is able to impact the world as she once did,” Josh said. "She can't do this alone, and neither can we," he added. They also thanked the doctors for their hard work, and explained that they hope to provide better facilities for Ella by moving her to a bigger hospital where she can receive specialised care, which is vital for further recovery. "They know the best thing for her is to be home where she can feel the full impact of the love from her family, friends, and community." Images: 7News

Caring

"We don't storm planes, this is not TV": Police respond to criticism of Sydney plane bomb threat

A 45-year-old man is facing charges following a prolonged standoff aboard an airplane, which culminated in an arrest at Sydney Airport. Malaysia Airlines flight MH122, carrying 199 passengers and 12 crew members, took off from Sydney Airport at 1.40pm on Monday August 14. However, the flight had to return to the airport's runway at 3.47pm, where it remained stationary for several hours as emergency vehicles stood by. The arrest followed an alleged disturbance caused by a passenger on board. Finally, at around 6.30pm, passengers were able to disembark from the aircraft. The Australian Federal Police have now revealed that the man had made claims of having explosives on the plane. The authorities charged the 45-year-old individual, a resident of Canberra, with making a false statement regarding threats to damage an aircraft of division three, and with failing to comply with safety instructions from cabin crew. Video footage captured within the plane reportedly showed the man, who was carrying a backpack, making threats towards fellow passengers and crew members. During the flight, passengers took to social media to share videos depicting the man raising his voice and displaying aggressive behaviour towards cabin crew and fellow travellers. One passenger named Velutha Parambath shared on social media that approximately 30 minutes after takeoff, the individual began behaving disruptively, even becoming physically confrontational with other passengers. Parambath noted that the man's actions escalated to include preaching about his religious beliefs. He added that the man had something in his hand, and his conversations with the crew were marked by statements like "I'm not afraid of dying" and "I've got things with me," which generated fear among those on board. In the immediate aftermath, criticism emerged from several passengers aboard MH122 regarding the duration it took for the Australian Federal Police to arrest and remove the man from the aircraft once it returned to Sydney. In response, the AFP stated that an evacuation was initiated once it was determined safe for passengers and crew, leading to the man's arrest. The Australian Federal Police took the lead in managing the situation, with the support of the New South Wales Police. NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb defended the response, noting the volatile nature of the incident and the unpredictability of the situation. "Given it's a volatile situation and [it's] unpredictable we didn't know the severity of the incident and you have to deal with what we learn about the passenger," she said. "We didn't know if there was a bomb." "I praise the crew for what they did in keeping the passengers calm … to de-escalate the situation to the point that we got this matter resolved in three hours, I think three hours is pretty good. "The protocol in Australia is to negotiate, we don't storm planes, this is not TV, it's not the movies we want to protect the lives of all passengers." The incident caused significant disruptions to domestic travel at Sydney Airport, resulting in the cancellation of 32 flights and delays of up to 90 minutes. NSW Premier Chris Minns acknowledged the concerns about the AFP response and announced a review of the situation while highlighting that the resolution was achieved peacefully. Image: Twitter

Travel Trouble

“Rougher than sandpaper gate”: Warnie series a swing and a miss with fans

Since Channel 9’s Warnie series was first announced, <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/tv/let-him-rest-in-peace-viewers-slam-shane-warne-miniseries">Australians have been sceptical</a>, with some dubbing it “embarrassing and disgraceful” after the trailer was revealed as they called for television networks to “let him rest in peace”. And now, the first episode of the two-part miniseries has gone to air, and fans of the late cricket legend Shane Warne have wasted no time in making their thoughts clear. The episode detailed everything from Warne’s 1999 West Indies experience - when he was dropped from the team - to the start of his career, his St Kilda delisting, his rise and fall with the Australian team, the ‘Ball of the Century’, the diuretic scandal and his 2003 ban, and the John Bookmaker scandal. Warne’s personal life wasn’t off the cards, either, with the episode also dipping into his romance with then-wife Simone Callahan. It was enough ‘plot’ for hours of viewing, but while Warnie was a beloved fixture of Australian - and even international - sport, the series missed the mark, and prompted critics on social media to share their take, and warn anyone else from daring a watch. “Shane Warne would be embarrassed!!” a Twitter user announced. “And so should channel 9 and anyone involved in this”. “This is really good if you take out the actors and script and just look at the archive footage,” one allowed. “I am shocked I made it through the first 45 minutes [of] quite possibly the worst tv show produced by @Channel9,” another said, before going on to note that it had been some of the “worst casting, acting and make up of any show ever”. Another was annoyed that while the Warnie series had hit 9’s main channel, the Women’s Ashes had been pushed aside, a move raising eyebrows from the online cricket community. “Just a reminder, the women’s #Ashes Test which is set to go down to the wire is on one of Nine’s secondary channels while #Warnie gets the main channel treatment,” wrote CODE Sports’ Lachlan McKirdy, who also mentioned that the same would never have happened to the Men’s Ashes series. “#Warnie was predictably terrible, and not just because it was hopelessly cheesy. You need distance in the rear view mirror before a thing like this can work. We all know the stories, the moments, the guy's character. 20 years on, it would've been a fantastic trip down memory lane,” author Anthony Sharwood lamented. “I’ve had enough. This is an absolute disgrace and is tarnishing a legend of the game. It should have never seen the light of day. Shame on you @Channel9,” one other user said. One watcher, however, was at least willing to give the second episode a chance, sharing that “This #warnie series on 9 is already highly cringeworthy, poorly directed, and rougher than sandpaper gate. Warnie and Packer sitting somewhere highly bemused. I'll keep watching, see if it improves”. Images: Screentime, Channel 9

“I am not ashamed”: Aussie model shuts down her wedding dress critics

Australian model Ellie Gonsalves has spoken out against the wave of negativity surrounding her wedding look, putting pen to paper for 9Honey to highlight the sheer importance of universal bodily autonomy. As Ellie wrote in her piece, the controversy aimed at her dresses - one a floor-length embellished lace gown for the ceremony, another a figure-hugging gown that also reached the floor, and the other a shorter tulle swept dress for the reception - had “shed light on the ongoing societal expectations imposed on women.” She noted that “in an era where women are encouraged to exercise agency over their bodies, it is disheartening to witness the barrage of hate and derogatory comments I received for what some have described as my ‘daring’ dress.” And it was this that prompted her to dive into the wider issues regarding women’s autonomy, and the “restrictive narratives” that influenced their choices. According to Ellie, the hateful feedback she’d gotten for her outfits on her happy day served to “highlight a fundamental misunderstanding of women's agency over their bodies” in a society where women were expecting to meet “predetermined standards” that only limited their individual choices and desires. “Every individual, regardless of gender, should possess the autonomy to decide what they wear, how they present themselves, and what they share with the world,” she continued. “By denying women this autonomy, we perpetuate a harmful culture of control that infringes upon their fundamental rights.” Ellie noted that while “recognising and respecting” this autonomy would empower individuals, it would also have the added benefit of striding towards a society that was both “more inclusive and equitable”. As “when women are allowed to make decisions that shape their lives and bodies without judgement or interference, it leads to greater fulfilment and self-determination”, and embracing such agency assists in dismantling “harmful gender stereotypes” while supporting “individual choices and diversity”. “It is liberating to wear what I want,” she shared, “express myself freely, and reject the notion that my body is meant to be controlled or owned by anyone but myself.” She then revealed that the act of embracing her own agency was a reminder of her worth, and how it isn’t defined by - or limited to - how other people perceive her, their opinions, or their expectations. Instead, what’s important is her “ability to honour” her own truths and values. However, she did take the opportunity to point out that “it’s important to understand everyone’s life experiences are different so their choices will ultimately reflect that”, and that her own story had been shaped - at least in part - by her lifetime of experience in the modelling industry. “It's crucial to understand that these differences are perfectly acceptable and should be embraced as well,” Ellie wrote. “While the choices I make may be daring, I am not ashamed of them,” she declared, before stressing that people of all genders had to work together in the fight to “inspire and motivate more push back against negatives stereotypes” As a result, Ellie believes that women would “receive the support and resources” needed to “nurture their individual personalities”, and that challenging such “restrictive narratives” would allow room to celebrate choices at an individual level, and empower women all over. Images: Instagram

Body

How to teach children to think critically about money

Dr Carly Sawatzki, a lecturer at Monash University, is a teacher-educator with expertise in curriculum and pedagogy across the Victorian and Australian curricula (VCE, Victorian Curriculum, Australian Curriculum). Advice on money often boils down to <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/money/planning/what-aussies-get-wrong-about-money-and-schools-dont-help-20170522-gwa4hm.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">simplistic messages</a> about budgeting, understanding compound interest and avoiding debt. But <a href="http://www.fsa.gov.uk/pubs/consumer-research/crpr69.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">research</a> suggests financial decision-making depends as much on our values, expectations, emotions and family experiences as information taught at school. In short, the way people interact with money is highly complex and so the way we teach our kids needs to catch up. It’s time for a shift from teaching children rote-learned financial rules of thumb to instilling dispositions and a thinking process that underlies good financial decision-making. Funnily enough, the debate over “<a href="https://theconversation.com/the-smashed-avo-debate-misses-inequality-within-generations-70475" target="_blank" rel="noopener">smashed avocadoes</a>” illustrates two concepts that can make all the difference to how we approach financial decisions. The first is a future orientation and the second is self-regulation. Thinking about the future, or a “future orientation” is incredibly important when it comes to managing money. This is a tendency to consider future consequences and a willingness to delay gratification in favour of longer term goals. Self-regulation is the process by which we control our thoughts, feelings and behaviours. Being aware of our financial motivations and having the ability to critically analyse our decisions is also important. These are the kinds of thought processes necessary for good financial decision-making. Money is a limited resource <a href="http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167487005000577" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Research shows</a> that both parental behaviour (like discussing financial matters with children) and dispositions (such as future orientation) have an impact on their children’s financial behaviour into adulthood. This means that simply discussing money can help children build financial independence by practising making decisions. For example, parents and children can discuss what they want to do with any money they receive, and maybe encouraging them to bank and save. Giving children pocket money is another strategy for accomplishing this. Although not everyone has the means or the inclination to pay their children for helping out around the home. And you don’t have to. <a href="http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/0038038516668125" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Research also shows</a> that financial hardship - living on a limited income and going without – can be just as useful in shaping financial understandings as the experience of growing up rich. In fact, there are things that children observe and experience – like problematic gambling and the financial fallout of marriage separation - that can influence them to think and feel more conservatively about money. As part of my ongoing research, I have spent time working with parents, teachers, and 10-12 year old students. I’ve found that the experience of financial hardship is not lost on children. During interviews some have described the importance of working to earn an income. Others have told me that their parents work multiple jobs to make ends meet and money is stressful. Some children suggested <a href="https://www.merga.net.au/publications/counter.php?pub=pub_conf&id=2148" target="_blank" rel="noopener">selling a car to save money</a>, or competently described sophisticated economic concepts (supply, demand and market equilibrium) in relation to buying and selling second-hand goods, particularly electronic games. These examples show that children for whom money is a limited resource bring valuable insights to their financial literacy education at school. There are ways that parents and teachers can sensitively tap into these insights during lessons. Promoting critical thinking and financial independence We live in a world that sells immediacy and makes it easy to tap and go. Figuring out how to balance short term desires with longer term financial goals that may seem out of reach - like funding higher education and purchasing a home - requires focus. Ultimately, children need practice applying their literacy and numeracy skills to make financial decisions independently. This can take place both at home and in the classroom. For instance, instead of giving children values-laden advice about what makes a wise financial decision (such as avoiding debt), use questioning techniques to stimulate and guide their thinking. These <a href="https://www.questia.com/read/1P3-1447133181/critical-thinking-the-art-of-socratic-questioning" target="_blank" rel="noopener">could include</a>: <ul> <li>Reasons: What are your reasons for making that decision?</li> <li>Evidence: Can you convince me that is the best decision?</li> <li>Argument: What would someone who disagreed with you say?</li> <li>Impact on others: Will your decision affect anybody else?</li> <li>Consequences: What might happen next?</li> </ul> These questions engage children to think about what drives them and what all their available choices might be. As painful as it can be, it can also be productive to let go and allow children to experience the odd financial misadventure and mistake. Later, you might ask… <ul> <li>Reflection: How did that work out? What might you do differently next time?</li> </ul> These questions have the potential to promote critical thinking, a future orientation and self-regulation - without seeming to be too judgemental or interfering. This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-to-teach-your-kids-to-think-more-critically-about-money-84699" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>. Images: Getty

Money & Banking

“Make up your own mind”: Ed Sheeran slams music critics

Ed Sheeran has made a bold declaration that professional music critics are not needed in this day and age. The British singer-songwriter was speaking with <a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/ed-sheeran-interview-jay-z-sword-hot-sauce-bruno-mars-1234704439/">Rolling Stone</a> about the shift to streaming and music in the digital age, when he suggested that critics are obsolete given how accessible music is these days. “Why do you need to read a review?” he questioned. “Listen to it. It’s freely available! Make up your own mind. I would never read an album review and go, ‘I’m not gonna listen to that now.’” Sheeran’s controversial comments were met with mixed reactions, with some fans pointing out that critics have a much more varied role. One music fan said, “Ok, except music critics aren’t just there for ppl to decide what to listen to?? Taking a deeper look at music thru a deeper critical lense [sic], both positive and negative, is a celebration of music as a whole if anything.” Another added, “I don’t even think that critics are meant to sway the general public these days. It’s just a way for journalists to create discourse about music.” Elsewhere in the interview, Sheeran also shared his opinion on dividing music into genres, “I think it’s not being bogged down by what you started off as.” “I think there’s two genres. It’s good and bad. And I don’t think kids believe in genres anymore, either. Now it’s just playlists and kids are like, well, I like this song by this artist, and I like this song by that artist. And it might be a Skrillex song next to a Doja Cat song next to a Kendrick Lamar song.” Image credits: Getty Images

Music

Critics slam "botched surgery" of Roald Dahl rewrites

Roald Dahl’s children’s books are a staple on bookshelves across the world, and their subject matter is often a topic of conversation for students. This time around, Dahl’s books have garnered attention over publisher Puffin’s move to bring in censorship readers, and the subsequent decision to remove certain terms and phrases from certain works in a bid to make them more appropriate for modern audiences. “Words matter,” reads the notice on the copyright page of Puffin’s latest editions of Roald Dahl’s books. “The wonderful words of Roald Dahl can transport you to different worlds and introduce you to the most marvellous characters. This book was written many years ago, and so we regularly review the language to ensure that it can continue to be enjoyed by all today.” The changes made to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory reportedly reach the hundreds, but most notable are those made to the character Augustus Gloop. In the original text, published in 1974, Augustus is described as being “enormously fat”, but in Puffin’s edits, he is simply “enormous”. In The Witches, women are no longer limited to being a “cashier in a supermarket or typing letters for a business man”, but instead can be a “top scientist or running a business”. Additionally, an explanation of the witches’ baldness now concludes with a line about how “there are plenty of other reasons why women might wear wigs and there is certainly nothing wrong with that.” Of such edits, the Roald Dahl Story Company have said “it’s not unusual to review the language” during new print runs, and that any changes made to Dahl’s works were minimal, and that they had to be “carefully considered”. The changes were made in conjunction with Inclusive Minds, which is described as being “a collective for people who are passionate about inclusion and accessibility in children’s literature.” However, not everyone is on board with this move towards a more gentle and kind reading experience for children. Sky News host James Morrow claimed the edits have made the books “boring”, and went as far as to describe one sensitivity reader as an “Orwellian political commissar”. “They were so much fun, and they made fun of people’s appearances,” James said of his passion for the original texts, “so many people loved them. Now apparently, you know, they have been transformed.” James then took to Twitter, where like minded critics voiced their outrage, with many blaming the “woke police” for what had occurred. One even posed the question “I wonder how many 10 year olds will be able to think for themselves in 10 years time?” “These masterpieces should never be edited," wrote another. “Reading these as a kid was a gift and the woke police should not take that away.” Author Salman Rushdie took to his Twitter account to offer his take on the matter, telling both Puffin and the Dahl Estate that they should be ashamed of their actions. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Roald Dahl was no angel but this is absurd censorship. Puffin Books and the Dahl estate should be ashamed. <a href="https://t.co/sdjMfBr7WW">https://t.co/sdjMfBr7WW</a> — Salman Rushdie (@SalmanRushdie) <a href="https://twitter.com/SalmanRushdie/status/1627075835525210113?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2023</a></blockquote> Dahl passed away in 1990, and despite his enormous success with writing, he was - as Salman Rushdie put it - “no angel”, having made antisemitic comments throughout his life. In 2020, The Dahl family acknowledged the “lasting and understandable hurt caused by Roald Dahl’s antisemitic statements” and issued an apology. Sunday Times’ deputy literary editor Laura Hackett also shared her thoughts, and while she recognised that Dahl was “a very nasty man - a racist, misogynistic, antisemitic bully”, she wouldn’t let that stop her from sharing the original texts with her children. “The editors at Puffin should be ashamed of the botched surgery they’ve carried out on some of the finest children’s literature in Britain,” she stated. “As for me, I’ll be carefully stowing away my old, original copies of Dahl’s stories, so that one day my children can enjoy them in their full, nasty, colourful glory.” Images: Getty

Books

Saving Private Ryan star in critical condition

Tom Sizemore has been hospitalised and is in intensive care after suffering a brain aneurysm, his spokesperson, Charles Lago, told CNN. Sizemore is in critical condition and is in a “wait and see situation,” said Lago. "His family is aware and waiting for updates," Lago told the outlet. "There is no further update at this time.” At 61 years of age, the Saving Private Ryan star hails from Detroit and has appeared in several hit crime and war movies in the ‘90s and 2000s, including the films Heat, Natural Born Killers, Pearl Harbor and Black Hawk Down. Often portraying a tough guy, he is likely best known for playing Sergeant Mike Horvath in the World War II movie Saving Private Ryan. Sizemore was nominated for a Golden Globe Award in 2000 for Best Performance by an Actor in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television for his role in Witness Protection. More recently, the actor appeared in episodes of Cobra Kai and Twin Peaks. Sizemore has long struggled with drug addiction and has had a catalogue of legal issues during his career. In 2003 he was convicted on domestic violence charges stemming from his relationship with former fiancée Heidi Fleiss. In 2006 he pleaded no contest to using methamphetamine outside a motel. He was then arrested in Los Angeles in 2009 for suspected battery of a former spouse and then again in 2011 for the same offence. Speaking to Larry King on CNN in a 2010 interview, Sizemore revealed he had been addicted to cocaine, heroin and meth. He also participated in the 2010 season of the reality show Celebrity Rehab with Dr Drew. Image credit: Getty <p style="color: #0e101a; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;">

Caring

Madonna takes aim at "ageist" critics

Madonna has spoken out against wide-spread criticism of her appearance after presenting at the Grammy Awards. The 64-year-old musician introduced Sam Smith and Kim Petras' performance of their hit song Unholy at the annual music award ceremony, but rather than focus on the "history making" performance, many were quick to comment on Madonna's appearance. Following her moment on the stage, Madonna's social media was flooded with comments calling her scary, unrecognisable and denouncing her supposed "obsession with plastic surgery", despite the singer never confirming having cosmetic enhancements. Hitting back at online trolls, Madonna took to Instagram to condemn the "ageism and misogyny" of her critics, while refusing to apologise for her "creative choices". In a lengthy post, she wrote, "Instead of focusing on what I said in my speech which was about giving thanks for the fearlessness of artists like Sam and Kim - Many people chose to only talk about close-up photos of me taken with a long lens camera By a press photographer that Would distort anyone’s face!!" "Once again I am caught in the glare of ageism and misogyny that permeates the world we live in. A world that refuses to celebrate women past the age of 45, and feels the need to punish her if she continues to be strong willed, hard-working and adventurous." She continued, "I have never apologised for any of the creative choices I have made nor the way that I look or dress and I’m not going to start. I have been degraded by the media since the beginning of my career but I understand that this is all a test and I am happy to do the trailblazing so that all the women behind me can have an easier time in the years to come." She concluded the post by saying, "I look forward to many more years of subversive behaviour, pushing boundaries, standing up to the patriarchy, and most of all enjoying my life." While her post was flooded with support from her celebrity friends, she also welcomed a new wave of criticism with many commenters thinking her anger was misdirected. One person said, "Ok but there's an elephant in the room here - This is not ageism - it is plastic surgery and filler! How is this ageism when YOU did all this to yourself in order to prevent looking old? Give yourself a break from those fillers and stop blaming ageism for what you choose to do to yourself." Image credits: Getty Images

Beauty & Style

“Wear what makes you feel good!”: 73-year-old hits back at critics

Model and fashionista Colleen Heidemann doesn’t let anything stop her - hitting back at critics who deem her outfits “not age appropriate”. The model, who gained over 319,000 followers on TikTok for breaking stereotypes against seniors, posted an empowering video of her rocking various swimsuits. “‘This swimwear is not age appropriate,’ is what they say,” she captioned at the start of her <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@colleen_heidemann/video/7110591110669454597" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TikTok</a>. “I say: Wear what makes you feel good!” The 73-year-old gained a following by consistently proving that age does not matter. The model started her career at the age of 69 and now posts various videos of behind-the-scenes footage during her photo shoots, all her stylish outfits, and workout clips with bold and motivational captions. "Temperatures are climbing and I just want to tell you, wear what makes you feel beautiful. EVERY BODY IS A SWIMSUIT BODY" she captioned. Various viewers have commented on the video, showing their support for her. “OMG YOU ARE GORGEOUS!” commented one user. "I love that kind of positivity," commented another, to which Colleen replied: Thank you, it is so important to find something positive in each day". "You're an inspiration to us 'mature' women and girl you rock that swimwear," another user complimented Image: TikTok, Instagram Here are some of her stunning looks:

Beauty & Style

“Good things will happen”: Brendan Fraser breaks down at Critics Choice Awards

Actor Brendan Fraser, best known for his roles in The Mummy trilogy and George of the Jungle, broke down in tears at the 2023 Critics Choice Awards while accepting the honour of Best Actor for his role in Darren Aronofsky’s The Whale. “I was in the wilderness,” Brendan said to his director, after making his way through the cheers and celebration of his colleagues to the stage, “and I probably should have left a trail of breadcrumbs, but you found me.” Brendan’s win comes after over a decade since his last leading role in a major film, and 13 years without an awards nomination. The actor, 54, thanked director Darren Aronofsky for the role set to revitalise his career in a heartfelt dedication. “Like all the best directors,” he went on, “you merely just showed me where to go to get to where I needed to be.” In The Whale, Brendan portrays a depressed 270 kg English teacher named Charlie, who is seeking to restore his relationship with his estranged daughter. Brendan underwent an immense physical transformation and donned prosthetics for the role, but it was the emotional weight of his experience that shone through in his speech. “If you - like a guy like Charlie, who I played in this movie - in any way, if you struggle with obesity, or you just feel like you are in a dark sea, I want you to know that if you too can just have this strength to just get to your feet and go to the light,” he said, voice breaking, “good things will happen.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Brendan Fraser’s acceptance speech after winning Best Actor 😭🖤 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CriticsChoiceAwards?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CriticsChoiceAwards</a> <a href="https://t.co/iQgFe4FnjS">pic.twitter.com/iQgFe4FnjS</a> — Natalie ❁ (@livelyackles) <a href="https://twitter.com/livelyackles/status/1614817219917250561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2023</a></blockquote> Brendan’s emotions ran high backstage, with the modest actor’s gratitude flowing well into the night, telling one reporter, “I had no idea what this would feel like because I had no idea. I’m still pretty new to this so you’ll forgive me if I’m still trying to get used to it. Maybe I never will and that’s okay. But I know I’m grateful.” Fans of the actor took to social media to share their delight at his success, many opening up about their own tears as they saw Brendan recognised after decades of hardship in the industry. “Definitely didn’t expect for Brendan Fraser to make me teary today haha. Glad he won. He’s a great guy and deserves the award,” tweeted one fan, to an outpouring of likes from like-minded supporters. “So happy for him! I want him to win the Oscar he deserves it,” chimed another, amid growing Oscars buzz after a thus far successful awards season for the film and Brendan’s performance. With the nominations for the 95th Academy Awards set to be announced on the 24th of January, and many outlets predicting nominations in the categories of Best Actor and Best Picture for The Whale, things are looking good for the talented cast and crew behind the film.

Movies

How to receive criticism with grace and open arms

Tom Cronin is a meditation teacher, life coach and writer. He is the founder of The Stillness Project, a global movement that aims to help people on their journey towards calmness and fulfilment. Put your hand up if you like to receive criticism. Of course you kept your hand down. No one likes to be criticised. To the point where we often hold ourselves back from doing many great things in fear of being criticised. I saw a quote this week by Aristotle: “There is only one way to avoid criticism, say nothing, do nothing, be nothing.” Criticism can cut to the core of our ego. It challenges all the false beliefs that we’ve had about ourselves. We tend to measure ourselves by the perspectives of others and when that perspective becomes negative, then OUCH! It hurts. I’ll let you in on a secret, which is not so secret now. I’m a recovering perfectionist, recovering in that I’ve been in ‘perfectionist rehab’ trying to wean myself off being a perfectionist. One thing about perfectionists is that we love to be perfect…. and what does criticism from others say about our perfectness? That it doesn’t exist! Our illusion becomes shattered and it’s brutally painful. It was for this reason that I held back from writing, speaking, and teaching. I mean what if someone faulted what I did? Heaven forbid! But the compulsion became stronger and it was a tussle between what was the natural flow forward and my ego holding me back in fear. The block was in my ego, so that’s what I had to work on… dissolving that pesky little thing (only it wasn’t little, it was gargantuan!) Through my meditation practice I was able to slowly dissolve the big E and allow my clear fearless expression to shine through. (Mind you it’s not totally dissolved, there is still some there) Sure, I get criticised. It’s going to happen. But now I see criticism as something very constructive. It’s up to you; it can be destructive or constructive. I find it useful market research that helps me refine what I do and become better at it. In fact, only the other day I asked my children to critique me as a parent. I sat them both down and said to them (true story): “Hey kids, so I have never been trained as parent and this is my first time at it. So I may be doing things wrong or things that you don’t like. I’m still learning. I want you to let me know how you’d like me to change as a parent and what you think I could do better?” To which they replied along the lines of: “Nah, we think you’re doing a great job Dad, you don’t need to change anything.” It was a nice to hear but I was seriously looking for some constructive criticism to help me become better at parenting. I used to really struggle receiving criticism, it was a painful experience. But not I welcome it with gratitude. It teaches me to evolve and adapt. But coming back to Mr. Aristotle, and his quote. What would you prefer? Not being criticised and playing the small safe, game or growing, expanding and inspiring others while you expose yourself to potential criticism? You think Gandhi, Mother Theresa, Jesus, Martin Luther King or Nelson Mandela were never criticised? The choice is yours and you have greatness within you to share with the world. So what are you waiting for? Share with us how you would like to share your gifts with the world in the comments below. Written by Tom Cronin. First appeared on <a href="http://stillnessproject.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Stillness Project</a>.

Mind

“I have not had a day off”: Anthony Albanese hits back at critics

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has hit back at critics claiming he is spending too much time overseas, asserting that he hasn’t “had a day off in a very long period of time”. Several opposition MPs have raised concerns about Mr Albanese’s travel itinerary since he took over the top job in May. The Prime Minister was flying to Tokyo for the Quad Security Meeting just hours later, and in the weeks since has made his first official state visit to Indonesia and embarked on visits across Europe, including the NATO summit, a meeting with French President Emmanual Macron, and a stop in Ukraine to <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/anthony-albanese-makes-historic-visit-to-war-torn-ukraine">meet with Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelenskyy</a>. Shadow Immigration Minister Dan Tehan has described this slew of trips as “concerning”. “What we’re seeing from Mr Albanese is very much a focus on everything international and we’re starting to see serious drift when it comes to incredibly important domestic issues, like energy, like skills shortages, like these floods we’re now confronting on the eastern seaboard,” the Victorian MP said on Monday. However, Mr Albanese has rejected the claims during an impromptu press conference on his way back from Europe. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Back in Australia – had briefings with Emergency Management Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/MurrayWatt?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MurrayWatt</a> and Director-General of Emergency Management Australia Joe Buffone before talking to the media about the floods in NSW. <a href="https://t.co/5I1kiBELGv">pic.twitter.com/5I1kiBELGv</a> — Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlboMP/status/1544189367807184902?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 5, 2022</a></blockquote> “I have attended the Quad leaders meeting the day after [being sworn in after the election]. That wasn’t a decision of mine. That was a decision of the former prime minister to hold the election on May 21,” Mr Albanese said. “I attended the NATO summit. It was important that Australia be represented there, it was important that we deal with the relationship with France and Europe, and I believe my visit to Ukraine was important to show solidarity. “We can’t separate international events from the impact on Australia and Australians, and those people might like to say which of the events I’ve attended on behalf of Australia that I shouldn’t have attended.” He dismissed claims Labor had been too harsh on Scott Morrison for being slow to arrive in flood-affected areas. “I have not had a day off in a very long period of time,” he said. “If people want to argue that I’m not working hard then they can argue that case.” Despite speaking with NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet about the floods on July 4 - two days after the heavy rain began - Nationals Leader David Littleproud and shadow treasurer Angus Taylor have both called Mr Albanese out for the time it took him to discuss the floods. “It was flooding for 48 hours and [the prime minister] has only just picked up the phone to Dominic Perrottet to ask if he needs a hand,” Mr Taylor told 2GB on Monday. “I think we want to be fair and equitable on this but you can’t have your cake and eat it too,” Mr Littleproud told Today. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Have crossed into Poland from Ukraine and left radio silence. My first actions were briefings by <a href="https://twitter.com/MurrayWatt?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@murraywatt</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/Dom_Perrottet?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Dom_Perrottet</a> on NSW flooding and ensuring Federal Government assistance is being provided. — Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlboMP/status/1543827131083304960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 4, 2022</a></blockquote> This criticism comes after Mr Albanese tweeted on Monday afternoon that he was “under radio silence” during his trip to the Ukraine over the weekend for security reasons, and that his “first actions” after leaving the war-torn country were briefings with Mr Perrottet and federal emergency minister, Murray Watt. Mr Perrottet has also defended the Prime Minister, telling reporters on Tuesday that Mr Albanese called him “as soon as he could”. “I won’t go into where he was, from an operational perspective, but he called me yesterday as soon as he could,” Mr Perrottet said. “He’s overseas on work that’s important for Australia.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Seeing flood damage first hand with <a href="https://twitter.com/DomPerrottet?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@domperrottet</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/MurrayWatt?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MurrayWatt</a> and the <a href="https://twitter.com/NSWSES?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NSWSES</a>. <a href="https://t.co/MtA4vMR7L7">pic.twitter.com/MtA4vMR7L7</a> — Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlboMP/status/1544492407474900992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2022</a></blockquote> Mr Albanese met with Mr Perrottet, Mr Watt, and Steph Cooke, the NSW Minister for Emergency Services and Flood Resilience for a briefing by NSW SES Commissioner Carlene York on Wednesday morning, before visiting flood-affected areas of Hawkesbury, NSW with Mr Perrottet. Image: @AlboMP (Twitter)

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