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Sussan Ley elected first female leader of the Liberal Party

<p>Sussan Ley has been elected as the new leader of the Liberal Party, defeating shadow treasurer Angus Taylor in a tightly contested party room vote, 29 to 25. In doing so, she becomes Australia’s first female opposition leader and the most senior woman in the party’s 80-year history.</p> <p>The leadership spill followed the Liberal Party’s devastating loss in the federal election on May 3, which saw then-leader Peter Dutton lose his seat in a historic defeat. The party convened at Parliament House on Tuesday morning to determine a new leadership team and chart a path forward.</p> <p>Ley, 63, has been a Liberal MP since 2001 and most recently served as deputy leader under Dutton. A former environment and health minister, she represents the regional New South Wales seat of Farrer. Her election marks the first time since the 1990s that a regionally based politician has led the federal opposition.</p> <p>Chief opposition whip Melissa Price announced the result just after 10:15am. Ted O’Brien, a Queensland MP and former energy spokesman, was elected deputy leader with 38 votes, defeating Phil Thompson, who received 16. Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, who had been expected to stand as Taylor’s deputy, withdrew from the contest following Taylor’s leadership loss.</p> <p>Born in Kano, Nigeria, Ley has a diverse background, having worked as a wool and beef farmer, tax office executive, and pilot. A mother of three and grandmother of six, she has long been seen as a resilient figure in Liberal ranks. Her academic journey includes a bachelor’s degree in economics from La Trobe University and master’s degrees in tax and accounting.</p> <p>Ley's career in politics has spanned the leaderships of Tony Abbott, Malcolm Turnbull, and Scott Morrison. She resigned from cabinet in 2017 over an expenses controversy, but returned to hold industry and small business portfolios from 2022.</p> <p>In the wake of the party’s election defeat, Ley has called for a reset in direction and tone. Speaking last Friday, she acknowledged the loss as a wake-up call.</p> <p>“We suffered a significant election defeat and since then, I have been having many conversations with my colleagues, members of the community, members of the party, and everyday Australians. I have listened,” she said on Sunrise. “We got it wrong. We need to do things differently, going forward, and we do need a fresh approach.”</p> <p>Ley now faces the task of rebuilding the Liberal Party’s credibility and unity from the opposition benches, as it seeks to reconnect with voters and prepare for the next federal contest.</p> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

Legal

"First time I've really cried": Star shares sad family news

<p>Christina Applegate is mourning the loss of her father, Robert "Bob" Applegate, who passed away last week. The 53-year-old actress shared the heartbreaking news during an emotional episode of her podcast MeSsy, which she co-hosts with fellow actress Jamie Lynn Sigler.</p> <p>Applegate broke down in tears as she revealed her father had died just a week earlier, marking the first time she publicly grieved his passing.</p> <p>"You're probably wondering why I'm crying right now, I'm sorry," Applegate said through tears. "My dad just passed away a week ago. This is the first time I've really cried."</p> <p>Struggling to hold back emotion, the <em>Dead to Me</em> star admitted that she had been suppressing her grief. "I think kind of, like, I wasn't allowing myself to have that yet. [I was] too busy with this, too busy with that."</p> <p>Applegate hinted that her father's death followed an illness, though she did not share specific details. “We knew he was going to die," she said. "Is that an excuse for not feeling? Because you know that someone's gonna go, and you've said your goodbyes?”</p> <p>The episode of MeSsy centreed on a conversation about grief with guest JoAnna García Swisher. Sigler, aware of how raw the topic might be, warned that the discussion could be "triggering" for Applegate. At the time, Applegate believed she would be able to handle it – but as the recording unfolded, her sadness surfaced.</p> <p>“I thought I was going to be OK, and I’m not,” she said. “I’m insanely sad.”</p> <p>Christina Applegate, the only child of Bob Applegate and actress Nancy Priddy, has largely kept her family life out of the spotlight. However, she and her father did share a public moment together in 2013 on TLC’s <em>Who Do You Think You Are</em>, exploring their family’s roots.</p> <p>Bob Applegate’s passing comes during an already difficult chapter in Christina’s life. In 2021, she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). She has spoken candidly about her battle with the illness, revealing on a recent episode of Dax Shepard's <em>Armchair Expert</em> that she has “30 lesions” on her brain.</p> <p>“My biggest one is behind my right eye, so my right eye hurts a lot,” she shared.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

A century after its discovery, scientists capture first confirmed footage of a colossal squid in the deep

<div class="theconversation-article-body">The colossal squid was first described in 1925 based on specimens from the stomach of a commercially hunted sperm whale. A century later, an international voyage captured the first confirmed video of this species in its natural habitat – a 30-centimetre juvenile, at a depth of 600 metres near the South Sandwich Islands.</p> <p>Colossal squid can grow up to seven metres and weigh as much as 500 kilograms, making them the heaviest invertebrate on the planet. But little is known about their life cycle.</p> <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lzPoG9H8Hlo?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><figcaption><span class="caption">The first sighting of a juvenile colossal squid in its natural environment. Credit: Schmidt Ocean Institute.</span></figcaption></figure> <p>The footage of a young colossal squid in the water column was a serendipitous sighting, as many deep-sea squid observations are.</p> <p>It was seen during the live “divestream” feed of a remotely operated vehicle during the <a href="https://2022annualreport.schmidtocean.org/">Schmidt Ocean Institute</a> and <a href="https://oceancensus.org/">Ocean Census</a> partner expedition searching for new deep-sea species and habitats in the far south Atlantic, mostly focusing on the seafloor.</p> <p>Those tuned into the stream had the remarkable experience of seeing a live colossal squid in its deep-sea home, although its identity was not confirmed until the high-definition footage could be reviewed later.</p> <p>Predators such as whales and seabirds are still one of our best sources of information about the colossal squid (<em>Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni</em>) because they are much better at finding it than we are.</p> <p>This partially explains why we have only just filmed this species in its natural habitat. Not only do these animals live in an enormous, dark and three-dimensional environment, they are also probably actively avoiding us.</p> <p>Most of our deep-sea exploration equipment is large, noisy and uses bright lights if we are trying to film animals. But the colossal squid can detect and avoid diving sperm whales, which probably produce a strong light signal as they swim down and disturb bioluminescent animals.</p> <p>The squid best able to avoid such predators have been passing on their genes for millions of years. This leaves us with a current population of visually acute, likely light-avoiding animals, well capable of detecting a light signal from many metres away.</p> <h2>Delicate beauty of deep-sea animals</h2> <p>The colossal squid is part of the “glass” squid family (Cranchiidae). Three known glass squid species are found in the Antarctic ocean, but it can be difficult to distinguish them on camera.</p> <p>Researchers from the organisation Kolossal, aiming to film the colossal squid, observed a similarly sized glass squid during their fourth Antarctic mission in 2023. But since the characteristic features needed to identify a colossal squid – hooks on the ends of the two long tentacles and in the middle of each of the eight shorter arms – weren’t clearly visible, its exact identity remains unconfirmed.</p> <p>In the Schmidt Ocean Institute footage, the mid-arm hooks are visible. And for this young individual, the resemblance to other glass squids is also clear. With age and size, colossal squid likely lose their transparent appearance and become much more of an anomaly within the family.</p> <p>While many will be amused by the idea of a “small colossal” squid, this footage showcases a beauty shared by many deep-sea animals, in contrast to the monster hype and “stuff of nightmares” click-bait titles we see all too often.</p> <p>This colossal squid looks like a delicate glass sculpture, with fins of such fine musculature they are barely visible. It has shining iridescent eyes and graceful arms fanned out from the head.</p> <p>At full size, the colossal squid may be a formidable predator, with its stout arms and array of sharp hooks, able to tackle two-metre-long toothfish. But in our first confirmed view of it at home in the deep sea, we can marvel at the elegance of this animal, thriving in an environment where humans require so much technology even to visit remotely.</p> <h2>Stranger than science fiction</h2> <p>Until recently, few people were able to take part in deep-sea exploration. But now, anyone with an internet connection can be “in the room” while we explore these habitats and observe animals for the first time.</p> <p>It’s hard to overstate the importance of the deep sea. It holds hundreds of thousands of undiscovered species, it is probably where life on Earth started, and it makes up 95% of the available living space on our planet.</p> <p>It has animals more splendid and strange than our most creative science fiction imaginings. This includes squids that start life looking like small light bulbs and then grow into true giants; colonies of individuals living together with each contributing to the group’s success; animals where males (often parasitic) are orders of magnitude smaller than females.</p> <p>This first confirmed sighting of a colossal squid inspires and reminds us how much we have left to learn.</p> <hr /> <p><em>The expedition that captured the footage of the colossal squid was a collaboration between the Schmidt Ocean Institute, the Nippon Foundation-NEKTON Ocean Census, and GoSouth (a joint project between the University of Plymouth, GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research and the British Antarctic Survey).</em><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/254584/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <hr /> <p><em>By <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/kat-bolstad-646280">Kat Bolstad</a>, Associate Professor of Environmental Science, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/auckland-university-of-technology-1137">Auckland University of Technology</a></em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/a-century-after-its-discovery-scientists-capture-first-confirmed-footage-of-a-colossal-squid-in-the-deep-254584">original article</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Image: </em><em>Schmidt Ocean Institute</em></p> </div>

Technology

Tragedy on first cruise: Aussie couple’s dream trip ends in heartbreak

<p>What began as a dream getaway for Aussie couple Glenn and Beverley Stein has ended in devastating tragedy, after Glenn, 74, died suddenly during their very first cruise.</p> <p>Described as "humble and hardworking", the couple had never been overseas or on a cruise before. Their four-day voyage from Brisbane to Airlie Beach, a generous gift from their son after a lucky windfall, was meant to be a long-overdue escape for the pair, who had spent more than 50 years side by side.</p> <p>"They had never been on a cruise before, never even been overseas," daughter-in-law Sarah <a href="https://au.news.yahoo.com/carnival-cruise-passengers-8500-blow-after-on-board-tragedy-they-didnt-realise-033649566.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">shared with Yahoo News</a>. "One of their sons won some money so he thought it might be nice to buy them a cruise."</p> <p>According to Sarah, the couple were thoroughly enjoying their time onboard. But just a few days into the trip, Glenn began to feel unwell, suspecting it was merely “a bit of food poisoning”. True to their no-fuss nature, the Steins tried not to worry and went to bed, assuming he would feel better by morning.</p> <p>Tragically, Beverley awoke the next day to find Glenn unconscious. In shock, she raised the alarm with the ship’s housekeeping staff, who immediately called the onboard medical team. “The staff were amazing. We’ve got a 43-page report detailing all the care they gave him," Sarah said, commending the cruise medical team for their efforts and support during the ordeal.</p> <p>Glenn’s condition rapidly deteriorated. Doctors soon discovered he was suffering from a life-threatening strangulated hernia, requiring emergency surgery. As they awaited an airlift to Bundaberg Hospital, the crew urged Beverley to speak with her husband and prepare for the worst.</p> <p>Even aboard the emergency helicopter, Glenn’s health continued to fail. Once at the hospital, paramedics warned the couple’s children, already en route, to call in immediately.</p> <p>“They managed to speak to Glenn, which was really nice,” Sarah said. Heartbreakingly, just minutes later, when Sarah and her husband tried to call, they were told Glenn had passed away. "He had literally just passed away as soon as they got off the phone."</p> <p>Adding to the family's anguish, they soon discovered that because Glenn and Beverley had unknowingly crossed into international waters, and hadn't purchased travel insurance, Beverley was left facing an $8,500 medical bill.</p> <p>“This was their first cruise; they didn’t realise it was actually out of Australian waters,” Sarah explained, calling the experience a “cautionary tale” for other travellers. While understanding of the fees, the family is now hoping the cruise company might show some compassion and reduce the amount.</p> <p>Loved ones have <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-bev-after-the-sudden-loss-of-her-beloved-husband-glenn?cdn-cache=0" target="_blank" rel="noopener">launched a GoFundMe</a> to help cover the medical costs and funeral expenses. "Bev is not only grieving the loss of her life partner but is now also facing overwhelming financial pressure," the family wrote. "Any contribution, no matter how small, will go directly toward covering the significant costs associated with Glenn’s passing and supporting Bev as she begins to navigate life without him."</p> <p>Despite their grief, the family has found bittersweet moments of humour in the aftermath. “It’s really funny,” Sarah recalled, “his daughter mentioned, ‘Dad always said he never wanted a fuss and just wanted to go quietly,’ and it’s ended up being a helicopter out and on the news – so he couldn’t have been more dramatic."</p> <p>As they rally around Beverley, the Steins’ loved ones hope their story will serve as a reminder of the importance of travel insurance — and of cherishing every moment with the ones you love.</p> <p><em>Images: GoFundMe</em></p>

Cruising

Hanson Handover: Pauline Hanson's daughter steps into the political arena

<p>It seems politics really does run in the family. Lee Hanson, daughter of the ever-controversial Pauline Hanson, has decided to follow in her mother’s well-trodden (and often stormy) footsteps, announcing her candidacy for a Tasmanian senate seat under the One Nation banner. </p> <p>Lee, who has spent the past 13 years in Tasmania – presumably perfecting her ability to handle both cold weather and heated debates – says her top priorities are cost of living, education and healthcare. All reasonable concerns, although we can't help but wonder if she’s also prepared for the free political rollercoaster ride that comes with being part of One Nation.</p> <p>Both mother and daughter took to the <em>Sunrise</em> stage to discuss this next-generation political move, and the conversation was a mix of admiration, mild surprise and the kind of family banter that makes family barbeques look tame.</p> <p>When host Nat Barr asked Lee why she was willingly stepping into the political firestorm, she admitted: “If you had asked me 10 years ago if I would be standing here right now, I would say, ‘Absolutely not, no way!’”</p> <p>Pauline, ever the proud mother, was quick to throw her support behind her daughter: “I have an immense amount of pride in her… She has a lot to offer on the floor of parliament. It’s not an easy job. It’s a tough job.” (That’s politician-speak for good luck, kid – you’ll need it.)</p> <p>The interview also touched on how the two Hansons navigate political disagreements. Surprisingly, there aren’t many, but Lee assures us she challenges her mother’s thinking. “No, (we) don’t argue politically," she said. "I test her thinking and provide a different context from a next generation.” </p> <p>Pauline, in a rare moment of concession, admitted Lee is probably “a bit more diplomatic” – which, given Pauline’s long history of fiery speeches and memorable headlines, is a bit like saying a housecat is slightly more diplomatic than a lion.</p> <p>The interview wrapped up with a wholesome twist, as Pauline took a moment to wish her grandson, Noah, a happy birthday.</p> <p>So, will Lee Hanson make her own mark in politics? Or will she remain forever in her mother’s shadow? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure – Australian politics just got a whole lot more interesting.</p> <p><em>Images: Sunrise</em></p>

Brittany Higgins celebrates birth of first child

<p>Brittany Higgins and husband David Sharaz, have announced the birth of their first child together. </p> <p>The former Liberal Party staffer took to Instagram to share her baby joy, with a photo of her newborn son asleep in a hospital cot. </p> <p> “Last night we welcomed our little boy into the world," she began in the caption. </p> <p>“A huge thank-you to the amazing midwives, nurses and doctors for their care and kindness,” Higgins continued. </p> <p>“We’re both looking forward to getting to dote on the newest member of the family — forever grateful for all the love and support we’ve received.”</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/DGsdv2DJh-n/?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/DGsdv2DJh-n/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Brittany Higgins (@brittanyhiggins___)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Her comments were flooded with messages of congratulations from friends and followers, with one writing: "Very lucky little man to have you both as his parents" </p> <p>Another commented: "So lovely. Congrats to you both. You will be fabulous parents." </p> <p>"Omg!!!!! Best news. Congrats to you both let the fun begin 🫶🏼" a third wrote. </p> <p>Higgins revealed she was pregnant with her first child in July 2024, three months later she shared an emotional update, saying that she had a pregnancy health scare during her second trimester. </p> <p>"A fortnight ago, David Sharaz and I had the scare of our lives after the midwife told us halfway through my second trimester my blood test had raised red flags," she said at the time. </p> <p>“Our baby had a high probability of a genetic disorder — which wouldn’t have mattered to us — but scarily could mean he may be incompatible with life outside of the womb.”</p> <p><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">Fortunately, doctors had since given the all-clear, and her baby is now "perfectly fine and healthy." </span></p> <p><em><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">Images: Instagram</span></em></p>

Family & Pets

Ozempic shown to reduce alcohol intake in world-first trial

<p>A world-first study has shown that Ozempic can reduce drinking among those with alcohol-use disorder (AUD). </p> <p>A small clinical trial, published in <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2024.4789?utm_campaign=articlePDF%26utm_medium=articlePDFlink%26utm_source=articlePDF%26utm_content=jamapsychiatry.2024.4789">JAMA Psychiatry</a>, studied 48 people with signs of moderate alcohol-use disorder and found that those taking semaglutide – the generic name of Ozempic – for nine weeks saw significantly reductions in how much alcohol they drank, as well as cravings for alcohol, compared with people on a placebo.</p> <p>The findings underscore many real-world claims of those taking these medicines have already hinted at: Ozempic and similar drugs, already incredibly popular, could help reduce risks of over-consuming alcohol, if the results bear out in larger and longer trials.</p> <p>Christian Hendershot, director of clinical research at the University of Southern California Institute for Addiction Science and the lead author of the study, said, "We hoped to see a reduction in drinking and craving."</p> <p>"What I didn't expect was the magnitude of the effects looks fairly good … compared to other alcohol-use disorder medications."</p> <p>The drug works in both the gut and the brain, which may be the way they could help with alcohol-use disorder, said Lorenzo Leggio, a physician-scientist at the US National Institutes of Health who wasn't involved in this study.</p> <p>"More research is needed to understand the mechanism(s) of action of these medications in AUD," Leggio, who's published research on semaglutide's ability to reduce alcohol drinking in animals, wrote to <em><a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2025/02/12/health/ozempic-alcohol-use-disorder-trial/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CNN</a></em>.</p> <p>"Nonetheless, the work done now suggests that mechanisms may include their effect in reducing alcohol craving and in reducing the rewarding effects of alcohol."</p> <p>Whether Ozempic and other similar drugs present a new way of treating AUD will depend on larger trials in patients more heavily afflicted by the disorder, experts said, and potentially whether research can yield a better understanding of how the medicines work to reduce drinking.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

Body

Returning home after a flood? Prioritise your health and take it one step at a time

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/kazi-mizanur-rahman-1057615">Kazi Mizanur Rahman</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/bond-university-863">Bond University</a></em></p> <p>Parts of North Queensland have received almost <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvgpvrgezp3o">two metres</a> of rain since the weekend, causing flash and riverine flooding that claimed the lives of <a href="https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/second-death-confirmed-in-flood-hit-north-queensland-as-threat-eases-20250204-p5l9l1.html">two women</a> around Ingham.</p> <p>While some North Queensland residents are <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-02-05/north-queensland-flooding-townsville-rainfall-flood-recovery/104894530">on alert</a> for more flooding, others are <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-02-05/north-queensland-flooding-townsville-rainfall-flood-recovery/104894530">returning home</a> to assess the damage.</p> <p>This can be very confronting. You may have left in a rush when the evacuation order <a href="https://www.fire.qld.gov.au/aws">was issued</a>, taking only a few valuables and <a href="https://www.getready.qld.gov.au/emergencykit">necessary items</a>, and maybe your <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2024.1423501/full">pet</a>. You may have been <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37791723/">scared</a> and unsure of what would happen.</p> <p>Coming back and seeing the damage to the place you lived in and loved can be painful. You might also be worried about the <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35681967/">financial consequences</a>.</p> <h2>First, focus on safety</h2> <p>Make sure it’s <a href="https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/After-a-flood-returning-home-safely">safe to return home</a>. Check with your energy provider whether power has been restored in your area and, if so, whether it’s <a href="https://www.ewoq.com.au/news-and-publications/news/support-for-customers-affected-by-floods">safe to turn the main switch back on</a>. Do not use appliances that got wet, as electrical hazards can be <a href="https://floodlist.com/dealing-with-floods/electricity-safety">deadly</a>.</p> <p>Look for any <a href="https://asic.gov.au/about-asic/news-centre/news-items/what-to-do-if-you-are-affected-by-floods-in-queensland/">structural damages to your property</a> and any hazards such as <a href="https://www.asbestos.qld.gov.au/sites/default/files/asbestos-cleaning-removing-asbestos-containing-materials.pdf">asbestos exposure</a>. Watch out for sharp objects, broken glass, or slippery areas.</p> <p>The hardest part is cleaning up. You will need to be patient, and prioritise your health and safety.</p> <h2>What risks are involved with flood clean ups?</h2> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/dont-go-wading-in-flood-water-if-you-can-help-it-its-a-health-risk-for-humans-and-dogs-too-178027#:%7E:text=Health%20risks%20from%20flood%20water,thrive%20in%20mud%20and%20water">Floodwater</a> carries <a href="https://www.health.qld.gov.au/newsroom/doh-media-releases/health-risks-lurking-in-far-north-queensland-floodwaters#:%7E:text=Queensland%20Chief%20Health%20Officer%20Dr,risk%20of%20disease%20and%20infection.">mud</a> and <a href="https://www.publish.csiro.au/ma/Fulltext/MA23051">bugs</a>. It can also be contaminated with sewage.</p> <p>Contaminated flood water can cause <a href="https://theconversation.com/drinking-water-can-be-a-dangerous-cocktail-for-people-in-flood-areas-178028">gastroenteritis</a>, skin infections, conjunctivitis, or ear, nose and throat infections.</p> <p>Mud can <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosntds/article?id=10.1371/journal.pntd.0010486">make you sick</a> by transmitting germs through broken skin, causing nasty diseases such as the bacterial infection <a href="https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/clinical/melioidosis-a-deadly-infection-that-can-spread-aft">melioidosis</a>.</p> <p>Your house may also have <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-04-04/qld-pest-controllers-report-spike-in-rats-snakes-after-floods/100958648">rodents</a>, <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-04-04/qld-pest-controllers-report-spike-in-rats-snakes-after-floods/100958648">snakes</a>, or <a href="https://theconversation.com/after-the-floods-stand-by-for-spiders-slugs-and-millipedes-but-think-twice-before-reaching-for-the-bug-spray-157600">insects</a> that can bite. Rats can also carry diseases that contaminate water and enter your body through <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9151845/#:%7E:text=It%20is%20presumed%20that%20infection,urine%20from%20animal%20reservoir%20hosts.">broken skin</a>.</p> <p>Be <a href="https://asthma.org.au/triggers/flooding-and-mould/">careful about mould</a>, as it can affect the air quality in your home and make asthma and allergies worse.</p> <p>Stagnant water in and around your home can become a place where <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/16/8/1393">mosquitoes breed and spread disease</a>.</p> <h2>How can you reduce these risks?</h2> <p>When you first enter your flood-damaged home, open windows to let fresh air in. If you have breathing problems, wear a face mask to protect yourself from any possible air pollution resulting from the damage, and any mould due to your home being closed up.</p> <p>Cleaning your home is a long, frustrating and exhausting process. In this hot and humid weather, drink plenty of water and take frequent breaks. Identify any covered part of your home with sufficient ventilation which is high and dry, and where flood water did not enter. Use that as your resting space.</p> <p>While assessing and cleaning, wear <a href="https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/emergency_preparedness/weather/Pages/household-cleanup.aspx">protective clothing</a>, boots and gloves. Covering your skin will reduce the chance of bites and infection.</p> <p>Wash your hands with soap and water <a href="https://www.redcross.org.au/emergencies/coping-after-a-crisis/cleaning-up-wind-water/">as often as possible</a>. And don’t forget to <a href="https://www.torres-cape.health.qld.gov.au/about-us/news/take-care-of-health-and-safety-during-flood-and-rain-20241213">apply</a> sunscreen and mosquito repellent.</p> <p>Throw away items that were soaked in floodwater. These could have germs that can make you ill.</p> <p>Empty your fridge and freezer because the food inside is <a href="https://www.foodsafety.asn.au/when-the-power-goes-off/#:%7E:text=Food%20stored%20in%20freezers&text=If%20the%20freezer%20door%20is,food%20chilled%20for%2024%20hours.">no longer safe</a>.</p> <p>If there is standing water, avoid touching it.</p> <p>When you can, empty outdoor containers with stagnant water to prevent mosquitoes breeding.</p> <h2>Don’t overlook your mental health</h2> <p>When cleaning up after a flood, you may feel sad, anxious, or stressed. It’s hard to see your home in this condition.</p> <p>But know you are not alone. Stay connected with others, talk to your friends and families, and accept support. If you feel too overwhelmed, seek help from mental health support services in your area or contact <a href="https://www.lifeline.org.au/">Lifeline</a> on 13 11 14.</p> <p>On top of everything, be mindful about those who are vulnerable, such as older people and those with disabilities, as they may be <a href="https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/12/8/e056210.abstract">more affected and find the clean up process harder</a>.</p> <p>Recovering from a flood takes time. Focus on what needs to be fixed first and take it step by step.</p> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/kazi-mizanur-rahman-1057615"><em>Kazi Mizanur Rahman</em></a><em>, Associate Professor of Healthcare Innovations, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/bond-university-863">Bond University</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/returning-home-after-a-flood-prioritise-your-health-and-take-it-one-step-at-a-time-248902">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Domestic Travel

Want your loved ones to inherit your super? Here’s why you can’t afford to skip this one step

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/tobias-barkley-1271340">Tobias Barkley</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/la-trobe-university-842">La Trobe University</a></em></p> <p>What happens to our super when we die? Most Australians have superannuation accounts but about <a href="https://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/journals/SydLawRw/2024/10.html#Heading24">one in five</a> of us die before we can retire and actually enjoy that money.</p> <p>If we do die early our money is paid out as super “death benefits”. They can be substantial. Even people who die young can have $200,000–$300,000 of death benefits through <a href="https://moneysmart.gov.au/how-life-insurance-works/insurance-through-super">super life insurance</a>.</p> <p>Death benefits have recently been in the news for all the wrong reasons. Last week <a href="https://ministers.treasury.gov.au/ministers/jim-chalmers-2022/media-releases/mandatory-service-standards-superannuation-industry">the Treasurer Jim Chalmers</a> expressed concern about delays paying out death benefits.</p> <p><a href="https://lawcouncil.au/resources/submissions/proposed-reform-to-superannuation-death-benefits">The Law Council</a> is concerned people do not have enough control over how death benefits are distributed. <a href="https://www.watoday.com.au/national/western-australia/championing-for-molly-perth-mum-s-milestone-in-her-quest-for-justice-20241206-p5kwiu.html">Others are devastated</a> about death benefits being paid to alleged violent partners.</p> <h2>How can you decide who gets your unspent super?</h2> <p>Our first thought might be writing it in our will. However, super is not covered by our will as it does not become part of our <a href="https://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/cases/cth/FCA/2001/1535.html">deceased estate</a>.</p> <p>Instead, death benefits are distributed by the trustee of your superannuation fund. Under the law, there are two main mechanisms controlling distribution: <a href="https://www.australiansuper.com/superannuation/access-your-super-early/nominate-a-beneficiary#:%7E:text=A%20binding%20nomination%20instructs%20AustralianSuper,the%20date%20we%20accept%20it.&text=Lapsing%20binding%20nomination%20%E2%80%93%20This%20nomination,date%20you%20sign%20the%20form.">binding nominations</a> and the trustee’s discretion.</p> <p>Every super member has the option to create a binding nomination. It’s like a will for your super that the super trustee is obliged to follow. It also needs two witnesses to execute it. However, there are actually more ways for a binding nomination to fail than for a will to fail.</p> <p>The law only allows you to nominate certain people: your “<a href="https://www.lawsociety.com.au/resources/resources/my-practice-area/elder-law/superannuation-FAQs#collapse_165">dependants</a>” or your estate. If you nominate anyone else your entire nomination stops being binding. Plus, unlike wills, there is no way to fix execution errors. Also, many binding nominations expire after three years.</p> <p>If you don’t have a binding nomination, then the trustee can choose who your death benefit goes to. There are two main mechanisms controlling how the trustee chooses who gets your death benefit.</p> <p>First, <a href="https://treasury.gov.au/sites/default/files/2019-03/c2019-t371937-discussion-paper.pdf">legislation</a> requires the trustee to give the death benefit to your dependants or deceased estate before anyone else. This means that your parents, for example, will only receive something if you have no children, partner or other dependants.</p> <p>Second, decisions made by trustees can be disputed by complaining to the <a href="https://www.afca.org.au/">Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA)</a>. The authority has a rigid approach to who should get death benefits and trustees usually follow this course of action.</p> <p><a href="https://openjournals.library.sydney.edu.au/SLR/article/view/20199">Research I’ve done with Xia Li</a> of La Trobe University reveals what AFCA does in practice.</p> <p>Most crucially, people’s wishes expressed in non-binding nominations were essentially ignored. Our research found there was no statistically significant association between being nominated in a non-binding nomination and receiving any of the death benefit. This was true even for recent nominations.</p> <p>Other factors the complaints authority ignores are family violence and financial need. In one case, five daughters provided evidence, including a police report, that their deceased mother was a victim of violence perpetrated by her new partner. <a href="https://service02.afca.org.au/CaseFiles/FOSSIC/701195.pdf">In keeping with the Federal Court, AFCA gave the alleged perpetrator</a> everything because he alone would have benefited from the deceased’s finances if she had lived.</p> <p>In another case, <a href="https://service02.afca.org.au/CaseFiles/FOSSIC/874050.pdf">the deceased’s adult son received nothing</a> despite living with disability and “doing it tough”. He had refused financial help so was not financially dependent. AFCA gave everything to the partner.</p> <p>AFCA ignores these factors because of one key issue. It places “<a href="https://service02.afca.org.au/CaseFiles/FOSSIC/832049.pdf">great weight</a>” on whether beneficiaries are financially dependent on the deceased.</p> <p>This means when choosing between a financial dependent – such as a new partner who shares home expenses with the deceased, and non-financial dependants, such as most adult children – AFCA will almost always give everything to the spouse.</p> <p>Relying on financial dependence can be arbitrary. Unlike in family law, a de facto partner <a href="http://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/legis/cth/consol_act/sia1993473/s10.html#spouse">does not need to be living with you for two years</a> before becoming entitled. For example, <a href="https://service02.afca.org.au/CaseFiles/FOSSIC/753556.pdf">in one case AFCA gave a partner of possibly only seven months</a> (and 41 years younger than the deceased) everything and the deceased’s three children aged 27–33 nothing.</p> <p>Also, AFCA treats any regular payment that supports daily living as financial dependence. For example, <a href="https://service02.afca.org.au/CaseFiles/FOSSIC/714258.pdf">a son paying A$100 a week board to parents means both parents are financially dependent on the son</a>. In another case, payments from the deceased to his brother of $5,000, $7,000 and $5,000 made over a year <a href="https://service02.afca.org.au/CaseFiles/FOSSIC/842323.pdf">was not financial dependence because they were irregular</a>.</p> <p>The whole process is slow. The average time it takes to resolve a death benefit case that goes to AFCA is nearly <a href="https://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/journals/SydLawRw/2024/10.html#Heading248">three years and the longest case I’ve seen took over six</a>.</p> <p>The only thing that you can do that will make a difference is execute a binding nomination; non-binding nominations are worthless.</p> <p>But take care to execute your binding nomination correctly (get legal advice) and leave reminders for yourself to review it every three years.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/248019/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/tobias-barkley-1271340"><em>Tobias Barkley</em></a><em>, Lecturer, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/la-trobe-university-842">La Trobe University</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock</em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/want-your-loved-ones-to-inherit-your-super-heres-why-you-cant-afford-to-skip-this-one-step-248019">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Money & Banking

Social media star Pesto the penguin celebrates first birthday

<p>Social media star Pesto the penguin, who has earned an army of online followers for his big and fluffy appearance, is turning one.</p> <p>The King Penguin, who calls the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium home, has celebrated his birthday with a slimmed down look, worlds away from the 23.5 kilogram big boy who went viral in 2024.</p> <p>"It's kind of crazy how fast this year has gone, it feels like only yesterday that he hatched out of his little egg," Sea Life Aquarium Melbourne's Catherine Bushell told <em>Today</em>.</p> <p>"He only weighed around 200 grams, then went up to 23.5 kilograms at his heaviest and now back down to around 16 kilograms."</p> <p>Pesto's special day will be celebrated on Friday, which also happens to be Sea Life Aquarium Melbourne's 25th anniversary.</p> <p>"It's going to be a pretty big day, lots of celebration going on both in and out of the exhibit. Pesto has got a jelly cake today and lots of fun enrichment for he and the rest of his colony to enjoy," she said.</p> <p>"There's also lots of fun for the people, our first 1000 guests today will all get a free cupcake, but the party's going on all weekend, we've got a DJ and all sorts of celebrations happening tomorrow as well, so it will certainly be a party fit for a king."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p>

Family & Pets

"We'll miss him terribly": Alex Cullen steps down from Today

<p>Alex Cullen is "stepping down permanently" from <em>Today</em> after accepting a huge cash prize from billionaire Adrian Portelli. </p> <p>After Cullen referred to Portelli as "McLaren Man" on the Channel Nine morning show and pocketed $50,000 for using Portelli's preferred moniker, Cullen disappeared from screens for several days for breaching the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA) Journalist Code of Ethics.</p> <p>Despite handing the money back, which has since been <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/finance/money-banking/billionaire-adrian-portelli-responds-to-50k-mclaren-man-controversy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">donated to charity</a>, Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo confirmed on Friday morning that Cullen would not be retuning to the show. </p> <p>“As most of you are well aware, our colleague Alex Cullen has not been on air with us this past week,” Stefanovic said.</p> <p>“There has been widespread reporting on the circumstances surrounding this, what I can say is that last night, Alex and Nine agreed that he would finish with the network."</p> <p>“Alex has, of course, been part of the <em>Today</em> family for five years now, he’s always ready with a smile and a laugh and without hesitation speaking for all of us here, we can say that we are going to miss him terribly, that’s for sure."</p> <p>“Alex is a terrific fella, what you see is what you get and he has been a great mate to all of us over these years and we wish Alex, his wife Bonnie and his beautiful kids all the very best for the future.”</p> <p>The scandal began when Portelli put a call out on social media, challenging journalists to refer to him publicly as "McLaren Man" instead of his common nickname "Lambo Guy", which he earned after showing up to <em>The Block</em> auctions in a bright yellow Lamborghini. </p> <p>Portelli said whoever completed the challenge would earn a hefty cash prize, and after Cullen used the new nickname live on <em>Today</em> just hours later, Portelli shared a screenshot of a bank transfer to Cullen for a whopping $50,000. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Today </em></p>

Bruce Willis makes first public appearance in three years

<p>Bruce Willis has been spotted out in public for the first time in three years for one very good reason. </p> <p>After living away from the spotlight for many years after being diagnosed with dementia, the 69-year-old stepped out to share his gratitude to the firefighters battling the LA fires. </p> <p>The actor's wife, Emma Heming Willis, took to Instagram to share a video of Willis shaking hands and chatting with firefighters before posing for a picture.</p> <p>"Spotting a first responder, Bruce never missed a chance to show his gratitude with a heartfelt handshake and a "thank you for your service."," Emma wrote in the caption.</p> <p>"Yesterday was no different ❤️🤍💙".</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/DE5Iup8Pylc/?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/DE5Iup8Pylc/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Emma Heming Willis (@emmahemingwillis)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>This is the first time the Hollywood icon has been seen in public since his family announced he has been diagnosed with the language disorder aphasia in 2022, before also being diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia.</p> <p>The actor stepped away from the spotlight after his dual diagnosis, with his family regularly sharing updates about his health battle on social media.</p> <p>In December, Emma shared a touching tribute to her husband on their 17th anniversary.</p> <p>"Anniversaries used to bring excitement – now, if I'm honest, they stir up all the feelings, leaving a heaviness in my heart and a pit in my stomach," she wrote beside what appeared to be a throwback image of the couple in Turks and Caicos.</p> <p>"I give myself 30 minutes to sit in the 'why him, why us,' to feel the anger and grief. Then I shake it off and return to what is. And what is… is unconditional love. I feel blessed to know it, and it's because of him. I'd do it all over again and again in a heartbeat 💞".</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p>

Caring

John Farnham to become a grandfather for the first time

<p>John Farnham is set to become a grandfather for the first time. </p> <p>On Thursday, the legendary singer's son James took to Instagram to announce that his partner Tessa is pregnant with a baby boy due later this year. </p> <p>The clip showed James setting alight a burn away cake with the words "coming 2025" inscribed on it. The inscription peeled away to reveal the word "Boy", confirming that the couple are having a son. </p> <p>He also shared a photo of an ultrasound of their unborn baby's hand, with the caption: "Coming 2025! Tessa, I love you so much!"</p> <p>James' celebrity friends were quick to congratulate the couple's joyous baby news. </p> <p>"Congratulations guys. Great news to kick off the year," wrote <em>Sunrise </em>weatherman Sam Mac's fiancée Rebecca James.</p> <p>"Ahhhhhhh this is the best ever! So happy for you guys," added Neighbours star Bonnie Anderson.</p> <p>"Yeah wooohooo, so happy for you both. Congratulations to the coolest parents," wrote one person. </p> <p>"Woohoo! Massive congratulations to you both! Baby Boy is very lucky to have you both as their mummy and daddy! Big love," added another. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DEj0BaHzmRM/?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/DEj0BaHzmRM/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by James Farnham (@jimbofarnham)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>James has been in a relationship with Tessa for several years, and even attended the premiere of the <em>John Farnham: Finding the Voice</em> documentary together in Melbourne in 2023.</p> <p>The joyful news comes after a challenging period for Farnham and his family following his battle with mouth cancer. </p> <p>In August 2022, Farnham underwent surgery and treatment for mouth cancer. The following year, he was declared cancer free following multiple surgeries and eight weeks of radiation therapy. </p> <p>However, the beloved singer later shared that the life-saving surgery has left him unable to sing. </p> <p>“My facial disfigurement from the surgery means I can’t open my mouth wide enough for a strip of spaghetti, let alone to sing,” Farnham said in an excerpt from his memoir published by the <em>Sydney Morning Herald</em>.</p> <p>“I can’t get the movement to make the sounds I want to make, that’s where the vibrations and my voice come from. It’s a very disconcerting thing. And trying hurts.”</p> <p>Despite the challenges, the legendary singer hopes that he will be able to perform again one day. </p> <p>“I was given a gift and to be able to get out there and affect people in some way was special, I would like to continue doing that,” he said.</p> <p>“Though I am not putting all my hopes into it, we’ll see.”</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

AFL star welcomes first child after devastating loss

<p>AFL star Harry Himmelberg and his wife Taylia have announced the birth of their first child. </p> <p>The couple, who tied the knot in October, announced the birth on Instagram and revealed their newborn daughter's sweet name.</p> <p>"12.12.24 Hazel Olive Himmelberg 🤍," they wrote in their joint post, underneath some sweet family pictures.</p> <p>Their post was flooded with messaged of congratulations from friends and fans, with Kellie Finlayson, the wife of Port Adelaide star Jeremy Finlayson, writing, "Welcome to this big world you special little soul <3."</p> <p>GWS Giants, the team Himmelberg plays for, added, "Congratulations <3."</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/DDtJ7XFviYJ/?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/DDtJ7XFviYJ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Taylia Himmelberg (@taysarris)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The baby girl's arrival comes after the pair revealed they had suffered two devastating miscarriages prior to welcoming their daughter.</p> <p>"I had two miscarriages prior, one like the month before I fell pregnant with our little girl now and our problem was definitely not getting pregnant, just trying to hold on to it," Taylia told <a title="The Herald Sun" href="https://www.heraldsun.com.au/subscribe/news/1/?sourceCode=HSWEB_WRE170_a&dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.heraldsun.com.au%2Fentertainment%2Fconfidential%2Fgws-giants-defender-harry-himmelberg-says-miscarriage-isnt-spoken-about-enough%2Fnews-story%2F6fc19034578dd92607965594b32c6519&memtype=anonymous&mode=premium&v21=GROUPA-Segment-2-NOSCORE" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"><em>The Herald Sun</em>.</a></p> <p>"It is pretty scary, the whole process, until she's born, and we get to hold her I don't think that anxiety will go away because you never know what can happen."</p> <p> </p> <p>Himmelberg added, "There is a stigma about it and the doctors said it's quite common and were really positive, which eased our mind as well."</p> <p>The new parents are believed to have first started dating back in 2020.</p> <p>They got engaged in a romantic proposal in Paris in October 2023, and tied the knot at a registry office in October.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

Purple Wiggle welcomes first child

<p>Purple Wiggle John Pearce is officially a dad!</p> <p>Pearce welcomed his first child together with his wife Jessie on Monday and recently shared the news to fans on social media. </p> <p>“Welcome to the world our beautiful angel,” they wrote on Instagram.</p> <p>“We have never felt a love like this.”</p> <p>They shared an adorable family photo of them holding their baby boy, Henry Nicholas Adamo Pearce, and another photo of their sleeping bub.</p> <p>Pearce’s fellow Wiggles members congratulated the couple, who have been married since 2019.</p> <p>“Congratulations John and Jess. So happy for you both and can’t wait to meet Henry. Lots of love,” Red Wiggle Simon Pryce said.</p> <p>“Beautiful boy welcome to the world! Congratulations Jesse and Johnny,” veteran Blue Wiggle Anthony Field wrote.</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/DDtPAO-yRvM/?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/DDtPAO-yRvM/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by John Adamo Pearce (@johnpearce)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Youngest member Tsehay Hawkins added: “Congratulations you two!!! So happy for you guys. Love lil Henry already.”</p> <p>"Gorgeous boy little Henry 😍 congratulations Mama and Papa, can’t wait to meet the little treasure 💜" added Red Wiggle Caterina Mete, who also <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/family-pets/double-the-joy-red-wiggle-welcomes-twin-daughters" target="_blank" rel="noopener">recently gave birth</a> to identical twin girls, Dolly and Gigi, in July.</p> <p>"Jess, Johnny and Henry sending you all the love in the world 💜💜💜" commented veteran Purple wiggle Lachlan Gillespie.</p> <p>Pearce first started capturing hearts all over Australia as a member of the Aussie pop band Justice Crew before joining The Wiggles in 2021.</p> <p><em style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #323338; font-family: Figtree, Roboto, 'Noto Sans Hebrew', 'Noto Kufi Arabic', 'Noto Sans JP', sans-serif; background-color: #ffffff; outline: none !important;">Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

Queensland's first TV star dies aged 90

<p>Queensland's first television star, Hugh Cornish, has died at a retirement village in Hamilton, Brisbane aged 90. </p> <p>A major figure in television, the iconic presenter made history as the first person to ever greet Channel 9 audiences in Queensland when television went live on August 16, 1959.</p> <p>"I said something like, 'Hello Brisbane, welcome to television' and really, that was it," Cornish recalled in a 1990s interview. </p> <p>His son Tim, confirmed the news of his passing on social media. </p> <p>"Last night we lost one of the remaining burning stars. He was the greatest gentleman you could ever hope to meet," he shared.</p> <p>Cornish began his media career as a radio presenter at 4IP in Ipswich in 1934. </p> <p><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">Following his first TV appearance, Cornish eventually became the general manager of Channel 9 Queensland, and was the first person to run the same shows every night instead of once a week. </span></p> <p><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">In the 1960s he hosted the variety show </span><em>Brisbane Tonight </em>before he went on to present the talent show <em>Stairway to the Stars </em>in the 1970s.</p> <p>He later served as an executive at Nine and the Seven Network.</p> <p>The TV star was remembered by his loved ones today after news of his death. </p> <p>"Every time I think of Hugh Cornish, I think, I know we had the best days in the television industry because they were pioneering days," former television director Garry Gibson said.</p> <p>"I just remember him as a kind loveable person who would help anybody.</p> <p>"This man was interested in television and he wanted to make entertainment and we all chased that."</p> <p>Managing director of Nine Queensland Kylie Blucher said his contributions to the media landscape were second to none. </p> <p>"His face and voice became a trusted presence in countless homes," Blucher said in a statement.</p> <p>"For decades, he brought warmth, professionalism, and dedication to Channel Nine's screen."</p> <p>Veteran newsman Brett DeBritz added that many in this industry "owed their careers" to Cornish. </p> <p>"Everybody who grew up in the sixties and seventies knew his face. He was the guy who brought local current affairs to Channel Nine, and he was also an entertainer.</p> <p>"A lot of people owe their careers to him."</p> <p>"He probably made a bigger impact on getting talent known and up and running in Brisbane than anybody else I know, ever," producer-director and friend John Stainton said.</p> <p><em>Images: Nine</em></p> <p> </p>

Caring

Australia's first supermodel dies at age 87

<p>Australia's first supermodel Maggie Tabberer has passed away at the age of 87. </p> <p>The two-time Gold Logie winner and Australian television icon died on Friday morning, her daughter confirmed in an emotional Instagram post.</p> <p>“This morning we lost our beautiful mother and Nanna,” Maggie’s daughter, author and stylist Amanda Tabberer wrote.</p> <p>“She was an icon in every sense of the word and we will miss her dearly … along with the rest of Australia. Rest in peace Nanna. We love you to bits forever.”</p> <p>Kicking off decades of work in the modelling and television industry, Ms Tabberer was one of Australia’s best-known entertainment personalities after being named Australia’s Model of the Year in 1960.</p> <p>Throughout her career, Tabberer wrote a fashion column for <em>The Daily Mirror</em>, was the subject of two Archibald prize winning artworks, hosted her own chat show, launched her own clothing label, and was the fashion editor of <em>The Australian Women’s Weekly</em>.</p> <p>In 1998, Ms Tabberer was awarded the Order of Australia for her contributions to the fashion industry and support for various charities.</p> <p>Journalist Andrew Hornery led the tributes for Maggie, as he took to his Instagram account with a touching tribute to Ms Tabberer, calling her a “legend, icon (and) champion”.</p> <p>“There are not enough descriptors to truly encapsulate what she represented over a seven decade career,” Mr Hornery wrote. “We crossed paths many times and it was always a pleasure."</p> <p>“She enjoyed a little tittle tattle and had a wonderful sense of humour - self deprecating but always positive. What a life. Vale lovely lady.”</p> <p>TV host and journalist Leila McKinnon wrote, "Beautiful Maggie, what a wonderful woman, vale to such a generous spirit, we loved her. Sending our love to you ❤️."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram / Australian Women’s Weekly / news.com.au</em></p>

Caring

First driver fined under new road rules

<p>The driver of a luxury car is believed to be the first person fined under new rules that requires high-powered vehicle owners to hold a special license.</p> <p>New legislation in South Australia came into force on December 1st this year that requires drivers of ultra high-powered vehicles (UHPV) to hold a U class licence.</p> <p>Drivers who flout the rules can be hit with six demerit points a maximum fine of $2,500 for the first offence, with the penalty for subsequent offences potentially leading to one year of imprisonment.</p> <p>On Monday, police in South Australia revealed a man driving a Lamborghini had been fined for allegedly breaching the new law on Sunday: the first day the legislation came into force.</p> <p>“About 7.30am on Sunday 1 December, police stopped a Lamborghini Huracan on Queensborough Ave, Hillcrest after noticing it was not bearing a rear number plate,” a South Australia Police spokesman wrote in a media release.</p> <p>“The officer identified the vehicle as being classed as an UHPV however checks on the man’s licence revealed that he did not have the required ‘U’ class licence endorsement."</p> <p>“A 36-year-old man from Evandale was issued with an expiation notice for driving with an expired licence for that class of vehicle.”</p> <p>The requirement for the licence was introduced following the death of Sophia Naismith, according to the Department for Infrastructure and Transport.</p> <p>In 2019, Sophia Naismith, 15, and her friend were struck luxury Lamborghini after the luxury car mounted the kerb and hit the teenagers before crashing into a restaurant. </p> <p>The Naismiths campaigned for changes and they were introduced, with Attorney-General Kyam Maher saying: “If you drive an ultra high-powered vehicle, you need to go through training to have that accredited on your licence.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: South Australia Police</em></p>

Legal

Lindt Cafe siege hero revealed for the first time

<p>The name of the hero police officer who killed terrorist Man Haron Monis ten years ago during the Lindt Cafe siege in Sydney has finally been revealed. </p> <p>For the last decade, Ben Besant was only known as Officer A, his name suppressed for his own protection. </p> <p>Now, he can finally tell his story publicly for the first time, following a court decision to lift his suppression order on Friday. </p> <p>“I’m never one to walk away from a fight, and I have been fighting for a long time to have my name returned to me,” he told told Seven’s <em>Spotlight </em>program.</p> <p>The former NSW Police Tactical Operations Unit Officer led the assault and fired the final shots that took Monis down. </p> <p>While the suppression order was for his own protection, Besant said that not being able to tell anyone about the moment aggravated his PTSD, that cost him his career, marriage and home.</p> <p>“It’s become such a big issue for me to be able to get my name back,” he said.</p> <p>The siege lasted 17-hours and Besant told Spotlight that it took 17 shots to bring down the terrorist. </p> <p>His mission now is to help other frontline responders deal with the effects of PTSD. </p> <p>Besant added that having his identity back will help him deal with what has become the most difficult day of the year for him. </p> <p>The decision comes two weeks before the 10-year anniversary of the siege. </p> <p>On the morning of December, 15, 2014, Monis took eight staff members and 10 customers hostage inside the popular cafe on Martin Place, Sydney. </p> <p>Police quickly evacuated the area and surrounded the building, as the terrorist claimed he was armed and had a bomb in his backpack. </p> <p>At 2.13am the next morning the cafe’s manager, Tori Johnson, 34, was shot dead by Monis, promoting police to storm the building.</p> <p>Barrister and Sydney mother-of-three, Katrina Dawson, 38, died when she was hit by fragments of police bullets.</p> <p><em>Images: Seven/Spotlight</em></p>

Legal

Australia passes world-first social media ban for children under-16

<p>Children under-16 will be banned from using social media from the end of next year, after the world-first legislation passed the parliament on Thursday. </p> <p>The law means that anyone under the age of 16 will be blocked from using platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook among others, and will make the platforms liable with fines of up to $50 million for failing to prevent these children from holding social media accounts. </p> <p>The Senate passed the bill 34 votes to 19 last Thursday, with The House of Representatives approving the legislation by 102 votes to 13 on Wednesday.</p> <p>The platforms will have one year to work out how to implement the ban before penalties are enforced, however the laws have received mixed reviews from tech companies and mental health experts alike. </p> <p>Meta Platforms, which owns Facebook and Instagram, said the legislation had been “rushed.”</p> <p>Digital Industry Group Inc., an advocate for the platforms in Australia, also questioned how it would work and the impact it would have on children. </p> <p>“The social media ban legislation has been released and passed within a week and, as a result, no one can confidently explain how it will work in practice – the community and platforms are in the dark about what exactly is required of them,” DIGI managing director Sunita Bose said.</p> <p>The platforms cannot force people to provide government-issued identity documents, including the Digital ID, to assess their age. </p> <p>“This policy will hurt vulnerable young people the most, especially in regional communities and especially the LGBTQI community, by cutting them off,” Greens senator David Shoebridge said. </p> <p>Mental health experts agreed that the social media ban could dangerously isolate children who used social media to find support. </p> <p>Christopher Stone, executive director of Suicide Prevention Australia, added the legislation failed to consider positive aspects of social media in supporting young people's mental health. </p> <p>“The government is running blindfolded into a brick wall by rushing this legislation. Young Australians deserve evidence-based policies, not decisions made in haste,” Stone said in a statement.</p> <p>Online safety campaigner Sonya Ryan, whose 15-year-old daughter Carly was murdered by a 50-year-old pedophile who pretended to be a teenager online, described the Senate vote as a “monumental moment in protecting our children from horrendous harms online," in an email to the AP. </p> <p>Wayne Holdsworth, a father whose son took his own life following a sextortion scam, also approved the decision to introduce the age restriction. </p> <p>Meta Platforms has responded to the new laws saying: “Naturally, we respect the laws decided by the Australian Parliament."</p> <p>“However, we are concerned about the process which rushed the legislation through while failing to properly consider the evidence, what industry already does to ensure age-appropriate experiences, and the voices of young people.”</p> <p><em>Image: </em><em>BigTunaOnline / Shutterstock.com</em></p>

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Australia passes world-first social media ban for children under-16

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