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Channel 9 slammed for "pathetic" Olympics move

<p>Aussie viewers have vented their frustrations at Channel 9 after the broadcaster chose not to show Jess Hull's Paris debut on their main channel. </p> <p>Viewers at home were eagerly waiting to see Hull's heat live, as she broke the 2000m world record in the lead up to the Olympics, but instead they were shown replays of the surfing heat from earlier. </p> <p>While Hull's race was shown on other secondary streaming channels on Nine, it was not on the main broadcast. </p> <p>Many were forced to watch Hull's race after it had already occurred. </p> <p>"Where is the 1500m heat with Jess Hull?" a confused viewer tweeted. </p> <p>"Agree, pathetic," replied another. </p> <p>“Channel 9 cutting to a surfing replay over showing Jess Hull’s 1500m heat live might just be the stupidest sh*t I’ve ever seen in sports producing in my life. And yes. I watched it on 9Now. But seriously,” Sprinter and athletics coach Tim Rosen said. </p> <p>“I wondered the same thing, why wouldn’t they show the third heat live with Jess Hull considering they spent the last half-hour talking her up?” Journalist Luke Dennehy tweeted. </p> <p>“Disgraceful @Channel9, Jess hull is racing, top hope and you cut to go to equestrian and rock climbing. Ridiculous decision,” one fan wrote. </p> <p>"Can’t wait to watch Jessica Hull’s heat on 9! Our fastest ever women’s 1500m runner and gold medal chance! Wait- what’s this? Surfing with no waves (at least an Aussie was in the final) equestrian, springboard diving … No Jess! Thanks @Channel9,” another wrote. </p> <p>“What is wrong with Channel 9’s coverage … prelim diving and surfing replay on their 2 free to air channels!! No Jess Hull!! …. do they not cover track and field unless there’s a big name competing!! … Really disappointing! Second rate coverage," a third added. </p> <p>“We missed the action because you completely forgot about it. Jess Hull is our only odds-on favourite for a track medal — she just ran her one and only Aus prime time race and you completely missed it," a fourth wrote. </p> <p>Hull finished in the top six and landed a spot in the semis, and she wasn't the only Aussie qualifier, with Georgia Griffith finishing fourth. </p> <p><em>Image: JAMES ROSS/EPA-EFE/ Shutterstock Editorial</em></p>

TV

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"Pathetic": Council slammed after move against FREE health program

<p>A woman who runs a free mental health yoga program has been ordered to pay the council $10,000 because her classes at St Kilda beach in Melbourne have become too popular. </p> <p>The City of Port Phillip Council was slammed for their actions after they told Eliza Hilmer she must pay them hundreds of dollars  per session for her <em>Feel Good Flows </em>classes.</p> <p>Hilmer, who does not make a profit from the classes, said she started the program during the pandemic to help people manage their mental health. </p> <p>“I play by the rules as much as I can,”  Hilmer told <em>Yahoo News</em>, adding that she acquired personal trainer permit as requested by the council. </p> <p>“We’ve been operating as an outdoor gathering for mental health practices more than anything, and it’s been really incredible." </p> <p>The classes, which initially attracted a few people, has gained a bit of traction with around 50 to 80 regular attendees. </p> <p>Hilmer encourages her attendees to leave a donation and provides free hot drinks and a live musician at the biweekly sessions. </p> <p>Because of its popularity, the council have classified <em>Feel Good Flows </em>as a commercial event, as the classes exceed the number of people covered by Hilmer's personal training license, and she was ordered to pay $400 a session. </p> <p>Hilmer was also given the option to cap the sessions at 15 people a time, but she said that "this isn't an option" as “many vulnerable people” rely on the service.</p> <p>With Hilmer having to pay three months upfront to keep classes running, the total adds up to $10,000, and locals are furious. </p> <p>"Another pathetic decision by useless bureaucrats,” one wrote on social media. </p> <p>“This council is being very mean spirited. Leave her alone!!”</p> <p>“Keep on going love don’t bow to the council,” a third added. </p> <p>Despite the outrage and being asked to pay to host her free yoga sessions, Hilmer remains positive. </p> <p>“I don’t want to fight,” she said.</p> <p>“The council can be the solution”.</p> <p>Port Phillip Mayor Heather Cunsolo replied saying that while she was "delighted" to see so many taking part in yoga sessions, "the business needs to adhere to its Personal Training Licence" to "ensure our popular public spaces remain available, safe and enjoyable for everyone." </p> <p>“We encourage Feel Good Flows to look at hosting additional yoga sessions on the foreshore to support its growing popularity," the <span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">Port Phillip </span><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">mayor said. </span></p> <p>“Other businesses operating along the foreshore pay a licence fee for the use of public open space and adhere to the 15 person limit per session.</p> <p>"These capacity limits help provide fair access for many businesses operating with a Personal Training Licence, while minimising any potential disruption for visitors to our foreshore." </p> <p>She added that she has been in contact with  Feel Good Flows, and are happy to discuss details further. </p> <p>"If the petition is sent to Council the matter will be heard in the Council Chamber.”</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Legal

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"Pathetic" fine for killer of beloved 40-year-old blue groper

<p>In a shocking act of disregard for both marine life and the law, a 26-year-old individual has plunged a spear into the heart of Sydney's Cronulla community by illegally spearing and killing the beloved blue groper known as Gus.</p> <p>Blue gropers, revered for their non-aggressive nature and inquisitive demeanour, have been the official fish of New South Wales since 1996, enjoying legal protection against spearfishing and commercial exploitation.</p> <p>After visiting and entertaining locals in the area for over 40 years, Gus, affectionately named by the community, met a tragic end at Old Park in Cronulla, a well-signed no-spearfishing zone. The incident has left the local community seething with anger and grief, prompting demands for harsher penalties and increased community education.</p> <p>A local Facebook post on the incident quickly garnered more than 100 comments and 500 reactions, reflecting the collective outrage of concerned locals. One individual expressed their frustration, saying, "Omg what an a**hole! I've been trying to find that groper for ages, and now I'll never get to see him. I hope this guy gets a massive fine."</p> <p>Witnesses to the distressing incident, including Tenielle Piek, reported the callousness of the spearfisherman to <a href="https://www.news.com.au/technology/environment/outrage-over-fishermans-pathetic-punishment-for-killing-iconic-blue-groper-in-cronulla/news-story/7dec503e9b95ec1fd8d7e7b0f8438036" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a>, who proudly displayed the lifeless groper. Piek lamented the loss of the "Labrador of the Sea" and the vulnerability of these tame and curious creatures to spearfishing. She fears that future generations may be deprived of the opportunity to experience these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat along the shores of Cronulla.</p> <p>Despite the gravity of the crime, the spearfisherman was initially handed a meagre fine of $500, sparking outrage among locals who believed the punishment to be woefully inadequate. NSW Fisheries then tacked on an additional $300, and while the culprit displayed remorse during the interview with fisheries officers and was a first-time offender, the community clearly still feels shortchanged by the leniency of the penalty.</p> <p>A spokesperson from the Department of Primary Industries claimed that the individual was provided with education and awareness material to understand the rules of spearfishing. However, the paltry $300 fine out of a potential $11,000 seems insufficient to deter future acts of this nature.</p> <p>As the investigation appears to conclude, the Cronulla community remains on edge, grappling with the inadequacy of the penalties issued. The tragic fate of Gus demands justice and a resolute commitment to preserving the delicate marine ecosystem. Anything less than a substantial deterrent risks further harm to these innocent creatures and the cherished natural beauty of Cronulla's shores.</p> <p><em>Images: Facebook</em></p>

Legal

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"What an embarrassing effort”: Locals furious over "pathetic" Christmas tree

<p>Locals in the coastal NSW town of Forster are furious over a "pathetic" Christmas tree that was decorated by the council. </p> <p>In an attempt to spread Christmas cheer, the local council haphazardly threw lights over a huge Christmas tree in the middle of town, prompting outrage from the community. </p> <p>One local posted a photo of the tree to Facebook, insinuating the tree looks like it was decorated by "Mr Squiggle", while tagging the council in the post to ensure they saw the complaint. </p> <p>“This is absolutely pathetic, what an embarrassing effort,” they wrote.</p> <p>“Not that I expect anything less from our council, but this needs to stop. Keep in mind before reading — the Mr. Squiggle effort took three days to complete."</p> <p>“There is nothing that screams neglect and lack of interest more than an unthoughtful, rushed, ugly, non-Christmassy, rope light installation on arguably one of the most noticeable trees in the entire Forster-Tuncurry."</p> <p>The poster then compared a Christmas tree from another year with the recent one, and asked whether this is the best that the council could create.</p> <p>“Is that really the best the creative minds at the council can come up with? A bit of rope light dangling out of a tree?” they asked.</p> <p>Other locals flocked to the post and agreed with the sentiment, sharing their disappointment in the Christmas tree.</p> <p>“It honestly would have been better off not being done at all … it’s a hideous mess,” wrote one.</p> <p>“Our beautiful paradise deserves a lot more so ugly such a disaster effort,” a local wrote.</p> <p>“How embarrassing for the town.”</p> <p>The local council caught wind of the disappointment from locals and posted a response to the matter on its website a day later.</p> <p>It said its staff were not “professional tree decorators” and pointed out that this “comes at a cost”.</p> <p>“MidCoast Council is aware of the community comment on social media on the Christmas decorations installed on an iconic tree in Forster,” the statement read.</p> <p>“Council’s Director of Liveable Communities, Paul De Szell, said that while the lighting might not be appreciated by some in the community, even the small amount of decorating comes at a cost."</p> <p>The council then said that in years to come, locals will be able to have their say for the town's Christmas decorations, with the website stating, "Some sections of the community appear to be very passionate about the lighting and this will give them the opportunity to be involved in the decisions around it."</p> <p>“Providing Christmas lighting is not a core service of Council, or something we have expert skills in, hence the decision to allow the community the opportunity to take ownership of the lighting going forward.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Facebook</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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Right royal nonsense: online scam roasted for being most pathetic ever

<p>It hasn’t taken long for scammers to swoop in and take advantage of the Queen’s death, only two short weeks after her funeral was watched by literally billions of people.</p> <p>Pretty audacious then for this particular scammer to think that pretending the Queen is actually still alive would fool anyone for even a moment.</p> <p>Twitter account UberFacts shared a screenshot of just such an attempt that has been circulating on Instagram.</p> <p>An account pretending to be the Queen herself is behind these ludicrous messages, with the handle @queenelizabet._3 ... and the messages claim the Queen isn't dead, that she's simply been shipped off to a desert island by King Charles so that he could ascend to the throne.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">I have some news <a href="https://t.co/f1QbInTJNl">pic.twitter.com/f1QbInTJNl</a></p> <p>— UberFacts (@UberFacts) <a href="https://twitter.com/UberFacts/status/1572279949201117186?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 20, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p>According to the message, "the Queen" "can't get hold of her royal money" - and needs people to send her some cash so she can return to the UK.</p> <p>The absurd message concludes with "Tea and biscuits" and a Union Jack flag emoji.</p> <p>As expected, the scam was thoroughly mocked online for its outrageous attempt at conning people out of money.</p> <p>Scammers come up with new ways to target social media users every day, but there are a few ways to help protect yourself and your information including: treating contact from unfamiliar accounts with caution - particularly if it claims to be an official account. Even if it is familiar, legitimate users often get hacked, so it still pays to watch out.</p> <p>Don't click on suspicious links or attachments - these are often the most dangerous parts of a scam message. As always, if you're unsure, better to be safe than sorry and avoid the links and messages altogether.</p> <p><em>Image: Twitter</em></p>

Money & Banking

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“Beyond pathetic”: Larry Emdur lets loose on looters

<p>As the extreme weather conditions and floodwaters continue to destroy homes and businesses right across the eastern seaboard, increasing reports of looters stealing from several towns near Brisbane have caused The Morning Show host Larry Emdur to erupt in fury.</p> <p>Writing on his personal Instagram account, Emdur slammed those responsible for being “a***holes”.</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/Cak6iyRBLPk/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cak6iyRBLPk/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by @larryemdur</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>“Dear absolute f***ing a***holes looting houses and businesses in the devastated flood zones, know this: every single person in Australia hates you right now,” Emdur wrote.</p> <p>“Stealing from people who have lost everything ... You are beyond pathetic!”</p> <p>The vitriolic post came after Queensland Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll confirmed reports of looting at Bundamba, Goodna and Blackstone, west of Brisbane.</p> <p>“I cannot overstate how disappointed and disgusted I am that this has occurred in areas where people have had to leave their houses,” Commissioner Carroll said.</p> <p>“Through this operation, we will ensure there is a strong police presence in flood-affected areas to protect our community against heartless thieves.</p> <p>“Our message to anyone thinking about stealing from homes or businesses is that you can expect police to track you down and ensure you are held responsible for your actions.”</p> <p>Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the looters’ behaviour was “absolutely outrageous”.</p> <p>“The police commissioner was telling me that some people in the Ipswich area were going in and looting while people were homeless,” the premier told reporters.</p> <p>“I don’t know where it stops.”</p> <p>“These people have got to have a good, hard look at themselves ... I cannot believe it in this day and age people would do that.”</p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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Furious dad slams childcare's "pathetic" penalty after son left in hot bus

<p>A Perth childcare centre has been penalised for inadequate supervision after a four-year-old boy was found locked inside a mini-bus.</p> <p>Mulberry Tree Childcare Centre in Mt Hawthorn has been hit with a $15,000 fine after the incident in October last year.</p> <p>Tom Shipp was picked up from his nearby kindergarten, but when he arrived at the Loftus Recreation Centre, the little boy was left on the bus.</p> <p>The worker did not do a headcount or check the bus was empty before locking the door.</p> <p>The child was left alone on the bus for 11 minutes on a 31C day, with the vehicle parked in direct sunlight.</p> <p>When Tom was found, he was crying and unsettled.</p> <p>Staff went to look for him after his father arrived at the centre asking where he was.</p> <p>Mulberry Tree Childcare has since implemented new bus run procedures with more checks and balances.</p> <p>But Tom's father Anthony Shipp is not satisfied with the $15,000 fine, telling The West Australian his son could have died.</p> <p>“Purely by chance, I went to the centre at 3.30pm. We normally pick him up at 5pm,” he said.</p> <p>“I think it’s just a minor slap on the wrist for an organisation as big as Mulberry Tree - it’s nothing to a company that size.</p> <p>“It’s pathetic.”</p> <p>Shipp said the fine was not a big enough deterrent and he was shocked at how many incidents such as this have occurred at other daycare centres around the country.</p> <p>“Personally, I no longer trust any centre to transport kids in buses.</p> <p>“Clearly these fines have very little impact on this happening again and again.”</p> <p>The WA Regulatory Authority released a statement saying it was important for service providers to review their transportation policies, risk assessments and practices.</p> <p>“Being approved to operate an education and care service in WA carries significant responsibilities and obligations to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children,”<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://dlgc.communities.wa.gov.au/LegislationCompliance/Lists/Enforcement%20Actions%20ECRU/DispForm.aspx?ID=242&amp;Source=https%3A%2F%2Fdlgc%2Ecommunities%2Ewa%2Egov%2Eau%2FLegislationCompliance%2FPages%2FECRU%2DEnforcement%2DActions%2Easpx&amp;ContentTypeId=0x01001680BDFDBEEA1C4ABE0B192F984CBB9E" target="_blank">the department said</a><span> </span>in a statement.</p> <p>“It is important that service providers review their transportation policies, procedures, risk assessments and practices to ensure they are adequate, and that staff - including casual and relief staff- are frequently trained in following these policies and procedures.</p> <p>“The transportation practices put in place must be robust to protect against human error and to ensure thorough vehicle checks are undertaken every time.”</p>

Legal

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Scott Morrison slammed for “pathetic” coronavirus address

<p>Scott Morrison has been lambasted for his address to the nation about the coronavirus, with viewers accusing the Prime Minister of “bending the truth” and putting a “marketing spin” over the health crisis.</p> <p>Speaking on a rare television address on Thursday night, Morrison said the government has a “clear plan” to deal with the impacts of the pandemic.</p> <p>“I want to assure you and your family tonight that while Australia cannot and is not immune from this virus, we are well prepared and are well equipped to deal with it,” he said.</p> <p>“We do have a clear plan to see Australia through.”</p> <p>He said the three priorities in the government’s strategy consisted of: protecting the health of Australians through travel restrictions; providing economic stimulus to protect jobs and livelihoods, and; ensuring industries can “bounce back” after the crisis.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">WATCH: Prime Minister Scott Morrison delivered a rare address to the nation about coronavirus tonight <a href="https://t.co/m4AY5t5Km1">pic.twitter.com/m4AY5t5Km1</a></p> — The Age (@theage) <a href="https://twitter.com/theage/status/1238017427436220416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2020</a></blockquote> <p>The address came hours after Morrison announced a $17.6 billion stimulus package, including $750 one-off payments for up to 6.5 million welfare recipients and assistance of up to $25,000 for small and medium-sized businesses.</p> <p>Many Australians have expressed lack of confidence in Morrison following the address, with some accusing the PM of “spinning” the address to promote the Coalition.</p> <p>“It’s a campaign ad masquerading as a public health notice,” one wrote on Twitter.</p> <p>“Scott Morrison’s address sounded like an infomercial,” another commented.</p> <p>“The worst address to the nation I have ever witnessed. No information, just throw money here and there and let’s keep calm. Sooo SMUG! We’re not idiots, we need a leader!” one said.</p> <p>“This $750 stimulus payment is literally just the government trying to avoid a recession thanks to their pathetic economic handling - and here is ScoMo acting like it’s to help businesses cause of the Coronavirus,” one wrote.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">I can see <a href="https://twitter.com/ScottMorrisonMP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ScottMorrisonMP</a>'s <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/coronavirus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#coronavirus</a> address becoming meme fuel for years to come, what with the faint smirk, peppy tone and rapid blinking. It's a campaign ad masquerading as a public health notice. <a href="https://t.co/cuVoDRFsIB">https://t.co/cuVoDRFsIB</a></p> — Henry Chen (@hcnyre) <a href="https://twitter.com/hcnyre/status/1238064204495482881?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2020</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Having ScoMo address the nation sitting at a desk in front of a giant bookcase does not actually make him appear more trustworthy or knowledgeable about COVID-19. He should have had a small press conference where our top medical and scientific folk gave us facts and direction.</p> — Cᴀʀᴅiɴᴀʟ Ciᴘʜᴇʀ (@Cardinal_Cipher) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinal_Cipher/status/1238070253550108672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2020</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Surprised in his address to the nation by <a href="https://twitter.com/ScottMorrisonMP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ScottMorrisonMP</a> didn’t give people advice on what to do to prevent the spread of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/covid19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#covid19</a>, and how to access government support. I feel like practical measures are so important why not use every opportunity to send the message?</p> — Stephanie March (@steph_march) <a href="https://twitter.com/steph_march/status/1238013869064220674?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2020</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Such an underwhelming address by Scott Morrison. At a time when our nation needs strong, decisive, compassionate and emotionally intelligent leadership- we get a pitch from the marketing team <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/leadership?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#leadership</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/coronavirusaustralia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#coronavirusaustralia</a> <a href="https://t.co/3NsmrBIXKt">https://t.co/3NsmrBIXKt</a></p> — TheRealVoter (@TheOG1) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheOG1/status/1238019856009551873?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2020</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none"> <p dir="ltr">And how the hell did Morrison last night not address the panic buying?</p> — Greg Jericho (@GrogsGamut) <a href="https://twitter.com/GrogsGamut/status/1238210210201665536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2020</a></blockquote> <p>However, others believed the address was effective in reassuring Australians.</p> <p><em>The Australian</em>’s editor-at-large Paul Kelly said Scott Morrison’s address was an “effective performance” which “sold a message of reassurance”.</p> <p>One wrote, “Thank you ScoMo. Great address to us tonight.  Good to know you and your team are looking after us.”</p> <p>More than 126,000 people around the world have been infected with COVID-19.</p>

Retirement Income

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“Pathetic”: Julie Bishop slams “gender deafness” and misogyny in Australian politics

<p>Julie Bishop has condemned a sexist attack against former prime minister Julia Gillard, calling it “pathetic” and “grotesque in brutality”.</p> <p>Speaking to Andrew Denton on<span> </span><em>Interview</em>, Bishop said the sexism and misogyny that she witnessed during her 20-year political career would not cease until more women enter parliament.</p> <p>The former deputy Liberal leader recalled a 2013 Liberal National fundraiser in Queensland where a menu included a “Julia Gillard Kentucky Fried Quail” dish, which was described as having “small breasts, huge thighs and a big red box”.</p> <p>The event sparked controversy and was eventually condemned by then-party leader Tony Abbott.</p> <p>Bishop said the incident was “grotesque in its brutality”.</p> <p>The former WA representative said, “We have to remember that in recent times, parliament was all male. And so you had a whole bunch of men in Canberra and they set the rules, they set the customs, the precedence and the environment.</p> <p>“There was very much that culture around politics ... but that kind of behaviour’s just pathetic.”</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> <p dir="ltr">"The more women that are in politics, the more they would say that behaviour is unacceptable." - <a href="https://twitter.com/HonJulieBishop?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@honjuliebishop</a> on Julia Gillard's treatment from male politicians. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/InterviewAU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#InterviewAU</a> <a href="https://t.co/LZYoJp6lk5">pic.twitter.com/LZYoJp6lk5</a></p> — Andrew Denton's "Interview" (@InterviewAU) <a href="https://twitter.com/InterviewAU/status/1161238702586077185?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2019</a></blockquote> <p>Bishop said she herself often encountered “gender deafness” when she was the only woman in the room.</p> <p>“If I spoke in a room of 20 men, if I would put forward my idea, there was sort of silence,” Bishop said.</p> <p>“It was as if I hadn’t spoken and then somebody would say precisely what I said or come up with precisely the same idea. And then they’d all say, ‘Oh that’s a great idea. Why don’t we do that?’</p> <p>“And I’d say, ‘Excuse … Didn’t I just say that?’”</p> <p>While she initially thought it was an isolated problem, she later found women around the world are facing the same issue.</p> <p>“I just labelled it gender deafness,” she said. “I love men and I think they have a wonderful contribution to make to humanity. But if you’re the only female voice in the room, they just don’t seem to hear you. It’s as if they’re not attuned to it.”</p> <p>Bishop, who was the only woman in Tony Abbott’s 2013 cabinet, said greater female representation would help change the environment.</p> <p>“There must be a critical mass of women, and 50 per cent sounds like a good idea,” she said.</p> <p>“So I would think that the more women that are in politics, the more they would say that behaviour is unacceptable. So I think the numbers really do matter in this instance.”</p> <p>Bishop retired from politics in May. At the end of July, she was announced as the next chancellor of the Australian National University, becoming the<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/money-banking/julie-bishops-big-new-job-first-woman-to-hold-the-position/" target="_blank">first woman to hold the position</a>. She has also attracted controversy for<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/im-not-interested-pauline-hanson-tells-georgie-gardner-what-she-really-thinks-about-julie-bishop/" target="_blank">joining the board of international consultancy firm Palladium</a>.</p>

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Customer blindsided by Bunnings' "pathetic" rule

<p>A Perth shopper has hit out at Bunnings’ “pathetic” rule after she tried to take her pet into the store.</p> <p>The woman took to Facebook to complain after she was told she needed to muzzle her dog in store.</p> <p>“You have to muzzle your dog in Bunnings?! Just because some silly kid didn’t ask permission before touching a dog and got nipped? F***ing pathetic,” she wrote.</p> <p>“It wasn't my f***ing dog that bit some brat. Mine are friendly and love people.”</p> <p>According to Bunnings, pet owners are allowed to bring pets into the store if they are secured in a vehicle, carried, or on a lead and muzzled.</p> <p>The muzzle rule was introduced after a five-year-old girl got bitten on the leg by a dog in one of the Melbourne stores. Prior to this, dogs without muzzles were allowed entry provided they were “under appropriate control, not aggressive and did not compromise anyone's safety”.</p> <p>Pet industry consultant Susie Willis lambasted the rule when it first came into place. “Who’s going to put a muzzle on a dog to go to Bunnings?” she said. “A well-socialised, well-trained dog on a lead should be able to accompany its owner just about anywhere.”</p> <p>Throughout the years, pet owners have also lamented the fact that they could not bring their pups in without a muzzle. A woman wrote on Facebook alongside a picture of her and her dog, “Can't go in unless she is muzzled... She is a puppy for goodness sake.”</p> <p>While some dog owners find the rule to be unfair, others are more supportive of the policy.</p> <p>“I regularly take my dogs into their stores, some days they ride the trolley on a [leash] and other days they [wore] a muzzle,” a customer wrote.</p> <p>“I think it is great that dogs get to wear muzzles such that they get comfortable doing so as it may be needed for vets etc some day or if they were hurt. I believe this also helps the public understand muzzles are not just for dangerous dogs but a part of a dog’s attire just like a collar lead and harness.”</p> <p>Another commented, “Everyone says their dog is not aggressive until it bites some poor kid.”</p> <p>Some also said that they could bring their dogs into the store on a trolley.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> <p dir="ltr">Yippee Ya Hoo !!<br />A directive came from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bunnings?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bunnings</a> Head Office 😱<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dogs?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Dogs</a> ARE allowed IN their trolleys, so long as they're sittin on somethin 😁 <a href="https://t.co/ZEUjQ7Xkix">pic.twitter.com/ZEUjQ7Xkix</a></p> — OverTheMalarkey 🙅‍♀️ (@BarkyMalarkey1) <a href="https://twitter.com/BarkyMalarkey1/status/902389377715789824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2017</a></blockquote> <p>This is not the only Bunnings safety rule to come under public backlash. Last year, the hardware giant was slammed for ordering the stores’ barbecues staff to <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/money-banking/the-big-change-coming-to-bunnings/" target="_blank">put onion on the bread before sausage and sauce</a> to avoid slipping hazards and incidents at sausage sizzles.</p>

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"Pretty pathetic": Air New Zealand slammed for "profiting" off Christchurch tragedy

<p>A New Zealand airline has dropped fares for Christchurch flights after a customer lambasted the skyrocketing ticket prices in the face of recent terror attacks.</p> <p>National carrier Air New Zealand has announced that it will cap one-way domestic fares to and from Christchurch at NZ$139 following backlash from the public and government.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> <p dir="ltr">Air NZ has capped one-way domestic fares for flights directly to and from Christchurch at $139 to assist customers needing to travel there to support those affected by the shooting tragedy – <a href="https://t.co/myG1nRfbfE">https://t.co/myG1nRfbfE</a></p> — AirNZMedia (@AirNZMedia) <a href="https://twitter.com/AirNZMedia/status/1107044554497130496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2019</a></blockquote> <p>Previously, a return trip between Auckland to Christchurch had cost between $747 and $787 following Friday’s terror attacks on two mosques.</p> <p>Activist Guled Mire took to Twitter to criticise the pricing on Saturday. “This is ridiculous! People are literally trying to fly in to Christchurch to be with loved ones and for funerals happening in the next day or so. Pretty pathetic to be prioritising profit in current circumstances,” Mire wrote.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> <p dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/FlyAirNZ?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FlyAirNZ</a> this is ridiculous! People are literally trying to fly in to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Christchurch?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Christchurch</a> to be loved ones and for funerals happens in the next day or so. Pretty pathetic to be prioritising profit in current circumstances. <a href="https://t.co/NtFD8egEHY">pic.twitter.com/NtFD8egEHY</a></p> — Guled Mire (@GuledMire) <a href="https://twitter.com/GuledMire/status/1106828140121227264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2019</a></blockquote> <p>The airline replied that the fares were increased because of the limited availability, even after they had added additional capacity.</p> <p>Finance Minister Grant Robertson, the shareholding minister for Air NZ, also reprimanded the airline. The NZ government owns 52 per cent of the carrier.</p> <p>“I have just made contact with Air New Zealand and made my views clear,” Robertson wrote on Twitter. “I know they do offer compassionate fares at times and this would have to be one of them.”</p> <p>In a statement published on Sunday, Air NZ said they have offered free flights to immediate family members of the deceased as well as compassionate fares “to other affected friends and family with close to 100 bookings made so far, including a number of group bookings.”</p> <p>The airline will also pay retroactive refunds for domestic bookings made after 3 pm on Friday to reflect the $139 cap.</p> <p>On Friday, Christchurch saw mass shootings at two mosques. At least 50 people were killed, and 50 others were wounded, with the victims hailing from Afghanistan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, India and Egypt. So far, the only perpetrator found to be linked to the terror attacks is 28-year-old Australian man Brenton Tarrant.</p>

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Karl Stefanovic explodes over cricket cheating scandal: "It was pathetic"

<p><span>Channel Nine’s<em> Today</em> show co-host Karl Stefanovic has slammed Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland for refusing to use the word “cheating” in the wake of the ball tampering scandal.</span></p> <p><span>This morning, Stefanovic expressed his fury on air as he labelled Sutherland’s response to the incident as “pathetic”.</span></p> <p><span>“Let’s not beat around the bush. James Sutherland’s response this morning was pathetic,” Stefanovic said</span></p> <p><span>“He was questioned directly about cheating as you heard and refused to answer. Questioned over and over and over and refused to answer. Why dodge it? It’s cheating plain and simple. Plain, premeditated cheating.</span></p> <p><span>“You know it and I know it and the ICC know it and James Sutherland knows it.</span></p> <p><span>“No actual punishment was handed down this morning at a time when the game needs strong and decisive leadership. (There are) Seemingly no ramifications for the coach.</span></p> <p><span>“Whether you know about it or not in leadership there’s responsibility. Mistakes have been made. Admit them. Own them. Deal with them. Accept the consequences and move on.</span></p> <p><span>“There needs to be a clear message sent to every player, every fan, every young boy and girl in this country who loves sport that this behaviour will not be tolerated. That message just wasn’t there this morning.</span></p> <p><span>“James Sutherland’s response was at best weak. At worst, negligent. He must act or go.”</span></p> <p><span>On Wednesday morning, Sutherland appeared before the media to reveal that Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft would be sent home after ball tampering in the third Test against South Africa.</span></p> <p><span>When asked if the players were responsible for cheating, Sutherland bypassed the question.</span></p> <p><span>“It’s not in the laws of the game, it’s not in the spirit of the game,” he said.</span></p> <p><span>When asked a second time if they had cheated, Sutherland replied, “I am angry and disappointed. It’s not a good day for Australian cricket.”</span></p> <p><span>“Clearly we are not at all comfortable with what has taken place. We have conducted an investigation, we have conducted reports and sanctions will be issued tomorrow and they will be significant, and they will reflect the gravity of the situation.”</span></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Cricket Aus boss James Sutherland won't say the 'c' word - cheating.<br />Is it cheating? "It's against the spirit of the game"<br />But is it cheating? "It's not a good day for Aus cricket".</p> — Martyn Ziegler (@martynziegler) <a href="https://twitter.com/martynziegler/status/978687817348939776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2018</a></blockquote> <p>Australian journalist Michael Best was one of the reporters who had asked Sutherland about if their actions were deemed as cheating and said he was surprised Sutherland had refrained from answering.</p> <p><span>“I guess it’s a difficult word for a CEO to say. If he says it’s cheating, well, clearly the implications are enormous,” Best said.</span></p> <p><span>“There’s a large chunk of the Australian public who think it was cheating but to avoid the question directly was an interesting move from the CEO.”</span></p> <p><span>Although Sutherland did not answer questions about cheating, he apologised for the actions of the guilty Aussie players.</span></p> <p><span>“I understand and share the anger and disappointment of Australian fans,” Sutherland said.</span></p> <p><span>“On behalf of Cricket Australia, I want to apologise to all Australians that these events have taken place, especially to all the kids.</span></p> <p><span>“I want to also apologise to Cricket South Africa and South African fans that this issue has overshadowed what should have been a great series.”</span></p> <p><span>The penalties of Smith, Warner and Bancroft will be revealed from Cricket Australia within the next 24 hours via a statement. </span></p> <p><span>Do you agree with Karl Stefanovic? Let us know in the comments below. </span></p>

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“Pathetic!” Fans accuse My Kitchen Rules of bullying

<p>Channel Seven are facing a swathe of angry comments from disgruntled My Kitchen Rules fans, who are incensed by a trailer promoting Sunday's episode.</p> <p>Uploaded to their Facebook page on Wednesday with the dramatic caption “It's the scandal that will rock Australia”, the clip shows Sonya and Hadil making disparaging comments about Vietnamese contestant Suong “not being able to afford fine dining”.</p> <p>“Thank God she doesn't go out for fine dining... she wouldn't be able to afford it,” the duo cackle on screen.  </p> <p><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FMyKitchenRules%2Fvideos%2F10156040314010149%2F&amp;show_text=0&amp;width=560" width="560" height="315" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p> <p>In the comments, fans accused the network of promoting bullying behaviour and “editing content” to glorify hate speech. Viewers also took issue with the promo stating the show was airing “tonight” but in fact it actually airs on Sunday.</p> <p>One angered fan wrote: “Come on Channel 7! As a civilisation we are trying to stop bullying and teach future generations to show respect for others!”</p> <p>“Constantly showing bullying, on a show which should be about cooking, just to get a few rating is ridiculous.”</p> <p>Another posed the question: “Where is the integrity and responsibility for content on television. How about shifting the focus to the real reason for the show! Which I assume is food?!”</p> <p>“More bullying from the same channel that is trying to start an anti-bullying campaign. Get your act together Channel 7!” another pleaded.</p>

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