Good afternoon. Australia needs to change dramatically if it is to become truly inclusive of people with disability, who “continue to experience high rates of violence and abuse, multiple forms of neglect, and sexual and financial exploitation”, the royal commission has found.
The commission’s report made 222 recommendations for the government, including a new Disability Rights Act in line with UN standards, and three commissioners recommended phasing out segregated education.
The government said it would not immediately respond to any specific recommendations as, “given the breadth and scope of the final report”, it would take “a considered and staged approach”.
Top news
Extinction Rebellion protesters disrupt AFL grand final parade | Three protesters reportedly glued themselves to the road in front of cars carrying AFL players after four banner-holders halted the vehicles. The activists were wearing shirts reading “Climate breakdown has begun”, with the other side of their shirts reading “No footy in 50 degrees C”, a reference to the hot weather expected across grand final weekend.
Couch-surfing host arrested for allegedly spying on guests | A north Queensland man allegedly used a motion-sensor camera hidden in a can of insect spray to film hundreds of guests after advertising his home on a couch-surfing website. Police allege the camera was secreted in the bathroom to record guests showering. The man was arrested at Brisbane airport as he tried to board a flight to Singapore.
Clive Palmer to launch no ad blitz | The campaign against the Indigenous voice will be supported by millions of dollars from the mining magnate, who will reportedly launch an ad blitz against the referendum in the final fortnight.
Name of high-profile man accused of rape to remain secret | The man, facing two counts of rape in Toowoomba, was set to be named under law changes in Queensland which are due to take effect on Tuesday. The state passed laws in September to allow the naming of accused sex offenders after they are charged, but a court granted a temporary order to prevent him from being named.
Administrative appeals tribunal reshuffle | Members of the soon-to-be-axed tribunal will be asked to reapply for their jobs if they wish to continue on a new federal merits review body, after Labor complained the old tribunal was stacked with Liberal mates. The AAT is responsible for reviewing government decisions, including those related to Centrelink and welfare, the national disability insurance scheme (NDIS) and migration. Its senior members earn in excess of $400,000.
‘Risk of miscalculation’ rises in South China Sea | Tensions over the resource-rich region are intensifying as China attempts to cut access for nations with competing claims, such as the Philippines.
Japan to release second batch of nuclear wastewater | Japan will begin releasing wastewater from the crippled Fukushima nuclear plant from next week, its operator has said – an exercise that angered China and others when it began in August. China banned all Japanese seafood imports after the first release, and Russia is reportedly considering following suit.
US disappointed by Solomons snub | The prime minister of Solomon Islands, Manasseh Sogavare (pictured left with Chinese president Xi Jinping in July), was a notable absentee at a US-Pacific summit in Washington. Sogavare, who struck a security agreement with China last year, said earlier this week that the US should stop “lecturing” Pacific leaders.
Biden warns voters on a second Trump term | Another Donald Trump presidency will threaten democracy, US president Joe Biden has warned as he dramatically ups the ante in the coming presidential election campaign.
In pictures
This image by Gerwyn Davies is one of several finalists in the Museum of Australian Photography’s prestigious annual survey. See the gallery.
What they said …
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“You never change a country for the better through fear, you change it through hope and optimism and compassion and justice. That’s what this referendum is about.” – Anthony Albanese
In numbers
Sydney could reach a maximum of 35C on Sunday, making it the hottest day that an NRL grand final match has been played in history.
Before bed read
Figuring out what to stream in October? Maybe a Frasier reboot or a Wiggles documentary? Our culture desk has you covered – check out their guide.
Daily word game
Today’s starter word is: TARS. You have five goes to get the longest word including the starter word. Play Wordiply.
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