What we learned today, Sunday 14 August.
Today was not filled with good news, unfortunately. But there were some brighter spots!
Many of us woke to the news of a terrifying shooting in Sydney that left two women dead. Police declared it an “assassination”.
A gunman was detained after firing at Canberra airport – but no one was injured.
Need a politics fix? Katharine Murphy is far from impressed at opposition leader Peter Dutton’s shenanigans.
There’s no short queue for long Covid sufferers, and dozens of Australians are still dying daily.
But on the other hand, tens of thousands of people got out for a fun run in the sun at the City2Surf in Sydney, and we learned that cows can be good for your mental health.
And Salman Rushdie is off the ventilator and able to talk.
I hope you’re in for a relaxing Sunday evening, and the blog will be back first thing in the morning. Until then!
Updated
Business groups welcome plan to boost skilled migration
The federal government’s flagging of increases to the skilled migration cap has tickled business groups, with the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry calling a boosted migrant number “essential to addressing unmet labour demand”. ACCI chief executive officer, Andrew McKellar, said:
As the global race to attract skilled migrants heats up, we cannot risk getting left behind. We must have efficient and cost-effective visa settings to attract and retain talent which will be crucial to strengthening our economic recovery in the years ahead.
Businesses of every size in every sector reporting significant barriers to getting the skilled workforce they need, forcing them to operate below capacity or close their doors entirely.
He called for more resourcing of visa processing, to cut down wait times.
Skills minister Brendan O’Connor today pledged Labor would work to “unclog the application process”, but stopped short of promising more public servants behind desks approving visa forms. He said:
What people should understand is when we talk about increasing the permanent migration skilled stream, we’re talking also about existing temporary visa applicants already in our labour market, but who have no security and no permanency when it comes to their status.
That part of the equation would be “providing temporary visa holders a pathway to permanent residency”, he said.
Australian Council of Trade Unions president, Michele O’Neil, flagged similar concerns, saying unions backed moves towards permanent migration rather than temporary migrants who might be paid less. She said:
In many sectors wages have been kept low by unscrupulous employers who drive down wages and conditions for local and migrant workers by exploiting temporary workers who are fearful of speaking up because their visas are tied to their employment. This cannot continue.
We support a system which provides genuine decent job opportunities and training for local workers and permanent migration.
Updated
Sean Davey brings you “healing cattle cuddles”:
The cows were really big, sweet animals that allowed me to hug them and lie down with them.
Services resume at Canberra airport after shooting incident
Back to “normal” at Canberra airport:
The airport has resumed normal operations. Please check your travel plans directly with your airline if you are travelling today.
— Canberra Airport (@CanberraAirport) August 14, 2022
Updated
Queensland’s building industry watchdog prosecutes four owners over combustible cladding
Queensland’s building industry watchdog has successfully prosecuted four building owners for failing to provide the required documentation for potentially combustible cladding.
The Queensland Building and Construction Commission said in a statement:
One owner was charged with three counts of failing to provide the QBCC a completed combustible cladding checklist, a Building Fire Safety Risk Assessment and a Fire Engineer Statement, in contravention of the Building Regulation 2006 (Qld).
The charges related to three separate private buildings, and resulted in a total of $15,000 in fines and an order to pay $750 in legal costs.
The other three owners pleaded guilty to the same charges, in relation to their individual properties, and were fined $8,000, $7,000 and $5,000 respectively and ordered to pay legal costs.
QBCC commissioner, Anissa Levy, said Queensland’s Safer Buildings Program had helped create more certainty and safety in regard to construction materials used on Queensland buildings:
These laws help protect us all in the buildings where we live, work and gather, and were introduced following the tragic death of 72 people in London’s Grenfell Tower.
The QBCC is currently prosecuting a number of other private building owners in Queensland who have allegedly failed to submit the required documentation.
Updated
I hear it was very cold for those waiting outside Canberra airport:
Thank you to AFP for acting quickly and keeping people safe. I understand some people are being let back into the airport now and it has been a freezing wait outside. Thanks everyone for your patience and understanding. https://t.co/6dFeokirbU
— Catherine King MP (@CatherineKingMP) August 14, 2022
Red panda found up tree after escape from Adelaide zoo
And now for something completely different. A red panda that escaped from Adelaide zoo has been found up a nearby tree and will have to be shot down with a dart.
According to the Advertiser, Ravi the red panda went awol on Friday, not long after arriving from Queensland. He’s been found in a Moreton Bay fig tree in nearby Botanic Park. They’re trying to work out how the Houdini did it. Here’s a cute picture of a red panda that is NOT Ravi:
Updated
Here are some shots from AAP from outside Canberra airport:
Updated
Alleged Canberra airport gunman did not appear to target anyone, police say
ACT policing detective acting superintendent, Dave Craft, said the man entered the airport terminal around 1.30pm, taking a seat near the departures area on level two of the airport.
After around five minutes, the man allegedly removed a firearm and discharged five rounds into the glass windows of the terminal.
Craft said the man did not appear to have targeted any person in the building. No age or description of the man was given.
Craft gave no details of the man’s detainment by police, but said he was arrested and had been taken to a Canberra police station. The man has not been charged yet. Craft said:
I just need to reassure people that the airport is safe, that ACT policing have responded, and there is no ongoing threat to the community or to passengers arriving and departing.
No other details were given of the alleged shooter. Craft said police did not have an idea of the man’s motivation, but said it did not appear that the man had any employment or other connection to Canberra airport.
Updated
More than 60,000 people turned out for today’s City2Surf in Sydney – here are some pictures of the crowd (how does anyone get any speed up in that crush?! Also, kudos to the people in costumes):
Albanese briefed by AFP on Canberra airport incident
Prime minister Anthony Albanese, who’s on his last day of holidays:
Have been briefed by the AFP on the incident at Canberra Airport this afternoon. I am advised a man has been detained and there is no ongoing threat present.
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) August 14, 2022
Updated
Josh Butler is still at the airport, and has clarified what’s happened with the shooter. He has been arrested but not charged at this point – they haven’t released any details about him.
Butler has also helped me out with the name of the police spokesman – it was detective acting superintendent Dave Craft.
Sorry, Craft!
Updated
Well that was a pretty short, sharp press conference – the police obviously either don’t have a lot of information yet, or can’t release it. It’s over now, with police promising “we’ll know more tomorrow”.
Police say they have ‘no idea’ of motivation and believe gunman was acting alone
The police have “no idea” of any motivation, and believe the man was acting alone. He arrived at the airport, but hadn’t gone through any screening process before he used his gun.
The male is in custody.
Updated
Police hold press conference on Canberra airport gunshots
ACT Policing are now speaking to the media outside Canberra airport.
The crime scene has been processed, a spokesman says.
“I just need to reassure people that the airport is safe .. and there is no ongoing threat,” he says.
(PS, he’s not an anonymous spokesman, I just didn’t catch his name). He said:
As you can imagine, a number of resources are involved. Police have processed that crime scene and are looking to secure the area to enable passengers that are on arriving flights to exit the airport. I just need to reassure people that the airport is safe, that ACT Policing have responded, and there is no ongoing threat to the community or to passengers arriving and departing.
As you can appreciate, the airport is currently closed and we have a number of incoming and outbound flights that are waiting to arrive into Canberra.
It is our priority at ACT Policing not only to process the crime scene, investigate the matter thoroughly, but also ensure that working with airport staff, with airlines, that we can open the airport as soon as possible.
Updated
From ACT senator (and finance minister) Katy Gallagher:
Shocked to hear this news. Our local airport is such an important part of Canberra community and it must have been terrifying for everyone @CanberraAirport this afternoon. Thanks so much to first responders for keeping everyone safe. https://t.co/cW5rdGWHgA
— Katy Gallagher (@SenKatyG) August 14, 2022
The ABC has just crossed to star reporter Louise Milligan (who was evacuated from the airport) and radio presenter Dan Bourchier (who was in a plane grounded on the tarmac). Unintentionally excellent coverage on the ground from the national broadcaster!
That Royce Kurmelovs had quite the busy bloggy Sunday! Tory Shepherd with you now for the afternoon, and we’re hoping to hear some more from police shortly about the shots fired at Canberra airport.
Authorities working to resume flights at Canberra airport
Police say they are working to resume flights out of Canberra airport as soon as possible, and are hopeful service will resume this afternoon.
Flights are currently grounded, with some planes still sitting on the tarmac with passengers aboard.
Updated
Police confirm one person arrested after Canberra airport incident
One person has been arrested after the incident at Canberra airport with police confirming there have been no reported injuries.
In a statement issue on Sunday police say they responded to reports of gunshots in the main terminal building at the airport.
One person was taken into custody and a firearm was recovered.
Police believe only one person to be responsible for the incident and have reviewed CCTV footage.
The Canberra airport terminal was evacuated as a precaution and the situation at the airport is contained.
ACT police have asked the public not to attend the airport at this time.
Police say they are working to resume flights out of Canberra airport as soon as possible, and are hopeful service will resume this afternoon.
Flights are currently grounded, with some planes still sitting on the tarmac with passengers aboard.
A full statement is expected shortly.
Updated
No injuries yet reported from Canberra airport incident
Witnesses have described hearing several gunshots during an incident at the Canberra airport concourse where a man is alleged to have fired into glass overhead.
Four bullet holes can be seen in three large glass windows on the second floor of Canberra airport, following reports of the shooting.
Bullet holes and cracked glass in windows at Canberra airport, following reports of gunshots earlier this afternoon @GuardianAus pic.twitter.com/RDYa3nCWhV
— Josh Butler (@JoshButler) August 14, 2022
The gunshots prompted a chaotic mass evacuation of everyone present by security.
Police have still not confirmed any details but numerous officers are interviewing witnesses at the scene.
Large areas of the airport are blocked off with police tape, and officers are still stationed at the entry doors to the terminal.
There have been no reports of injuries at this stage and police are expected to give a statement shortly.
Updated
Witnesses describe evacuation ‘stampede’ and man 'shooting in the air' at Canberra airport
Helen, who was flying to Melbourne with her husband, said she saw a man “shooting in the air” not far from the airport check-in counter. She described the man as middle-aged and “clean cut”, holding a pistol.
She said she heard around about six shots.
“Security just said ‘run, run’, so we all ran outside,” she said.
Another witness, who declined to give his name, said he was just putting his property through the security X-ray machine when the shooting started. Security guards yelled at people to leave their effects and run. The man said he was worried about getting his phone and wallet back.
Other witnesses claimed they had heard no announcement or alarm over the airport’s PA system, and complained of having been given no information.
“People just flooded out in a stampede. People were getting knocked over,” one woman said.
One woman told me she saw a man holding a pistol, shooting into the air, near the Canberra airport check-in counter. She described the man as middle-aged, “clean cut”. Claims 5-6 shots fired
— Josh Butler (@JoshButler) August 14, 2022
Hundreds of people still waiting outside in the cold pic.twitter.com/M3K2UnamCG
Updated
Homes inundated by heavy rain in Tasmania
Tasmania has been battered by heavy rain and strong south-easterly winds across its south-east on Sunday morning.
Authorities have responded to about 95 calls for help on Sunday as heavy rainfall has lead to flood conditions across parts of the state.
Between 30mm to 60mm of rain has fallen over the state on Sunday.
Tasmania SES’s acting director Leon Smith said first responders had been active on the ground since 9am on SUnday.
“Initially the incidents were north of Hobart, in the Brighton and Bagdad areas, and then as the weather event moved we saw a big increase in activity in the Huon and Dover areas,” he said.
“While strong winds were forecast, what we’ve seen today from an SES perspective was rain related.
“Our crews have been responding to inundation into some homes and properties and are continuing to work alongside councils and Tasmania Police with road closures.”
“People are reminded to never walk, ride or drive through floodwaters.
Though conditions have eased, isolated thunderstorms and strong wind gusts may cause heavy rainfall to return this afternoon and continue overnight. If it does, authorities will issue a severe thunderstorm warning for heavy rain and damaging winds.
The event has caused minor flooding warnings to be issued for North Esk River, Jordan River, Macquarie River and Huon River. A Moderate warning has been issued for the South Esk River.
The Derwent and Coal River catchments remain in flood watch and are being closely monitored.
A slow-moving low-pressure system is responsible for the conditions on Sunday but is expected to move away to the east of Tasmania on Monday evening, with weather conditions settling on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Mountain river is torrent #tasmania pic.twitter.com/VPpgF3CSy8
— Dr SWIFT PARROT (@teamswiftparrot) August 14, 2022
Updated
Police preparing to give a statement on events at Canberra airport
Witnesses have reported hearing “eight to 10” gunshots, after a potential shooting incident at Canberra airport this afternoon.
A large contingent of police has blocked off Canberra airport, with armed AFP officers barring the doors. At least a dozen police vehicles are stationed at the airport, with all visitors evacuated from the terminal. Hundreds of people are gathered waiting outside the building.
One family told Guardian Australia they heard shooting near the Qantas terminal, claiming up to 10 shots were fired.
“They told us ‘run, run’. It was very scary,” one man, who declined to give his name, said.
Canberra police have confirmed an incident at the city’s airport but won’t confirm exactly what has happened or whether any arrests have been made. Police have said a statement will be issued shortly.
More than a dozen police cars and an ambulance at Canberra airport, after reports of gunshots fired inside the terminal this afternoon. One witness told me they heard “8 to 10 shots”. Hundreds of people outside after the airport was evacuated pic.twitter.com/wJQ8rsdRv7
— Josh Butler (@JoshButler) August 14, 2022
Updated
People waiting on planes at Canberra airport after gunshots heard
More details are emerging of people being held on planes as police work to respond to the development at Canberra airport.
Guardian Australia is still working to confirm with police that gunshots were fired at the airport.
Sitting on the tarmac of Canberra airport - where we are waiting on the plane, the captain just told us the AFP is doing a “security sweep” of the airport after we were told the airport has been evacuated.
— Dan Bourchier (@Dan_Bourchier) August 14, 2022
My daughter, who works at Canberra airport, reports that they are in lockdown on the upper level, due to armed man on lower level. She says shots fired.
— Deane-Peter Baker (@DPBEthics) August 14, 2022
She's just got the all clear. A man has been arrested. She doesn't know if anyone harmed.
— Deane-Peter Baker (@DPBEthics) August 14, 2022
She's hearing that 5 or 6 shots were fired into the glass near Qantas check in. Still unclear if anyone hurt.
— Deane-Peter Baker (@DPBEthics) August 14, 2022
Updated
Man reportedly detained at Canberra airport after incident
Early reports suggest at least three gunshots were heard at Canberra airport and a man has been detained after a search of the building by police.
Guardian Australia has not yet confirmed with police that gunshots were fired at the airport.
The whole of @CanberraAirport has been evacuated... reports of what sounded like 3 gunshots heard in the lower concourse, causing people to flee upstairs. Now AFP are doing a sweep of the entire airport.
— Fran Kelly (@frankelly08) August 14, 2022
Heavy police presence at #canberraairport as everyone evacuated after gunshots heard in the check-in concourse pic.twitter.com/BJBPK6xa6X
— Fran Kelly (@frankelly08) August 14, 2022
Video from Canberra Airport of police detaining a man following reports of shots fired.https://t.co/EMHnCvMA3L pic.twitter.com/oWehTLh99x
— Thomas O'Brien (@TJ__OBrien) August 14, 2022
ABC journalist Louise Milligan was among those evacuated from the Qantas lounge.
OK yes, apparently gunfire. We are all outside now and police are questioning people about what they saw and heard. They’re checking inside the terminal to make sure it is OK. pic.twitter.com/Dlgwcrr54D
— Louise Milligan (@Milliganreports) August 14, 2022
Updated
Reports of gunshots at Canberra airport
There is a heavy police presence and people have reportedly been evacuated at Canberra airport following reports gunshots were heard in the terminal.
We are working to confirm the details of this story and will have more as it comes in.
Heavy police presence at #canberraairport as everyone evacuated after gunshots heard in the check-in concourse pic.twitter.com/BJBPK6xa6X
— Fran Kelly (@frankelly08) August 14, 2022
Updated
Queensland announces $20m spend on new police kit
Queensland police will be better protected under a rollout of a new state-of-the-art vest design, as part of a $20m investment from the state government.
The state government said its frontline officers would be among the “best protected” in the world. The integrated vests combined ballistic and edged weapon safety features.
Police minister Mark Ryan said the new vests would allow provide officers with added protection against offenders who may be armed with knives or firearms:
Our officers put their lives on the line whenever they respond to highly volatile and dangerous situations, and they should be protected with the latest technology in officer safety equipment.
Queensland’s police force has been the subject of a landmark inquiry into the institution’s responses to domestic and family violence which concluded this week. It was established after a task force concluded that “cultural problems” within the police force were widespread.
Our frontline police officers do an incredible job - they go into situations many of us couldn’t.
— Annastacia Palaszczuk (@AnnastaciaMP) August 14, 2022
I’m proud of our $20 million investment announced today to make @QldPolice among the best protected frontline officers in the world. pic.twitter.com/PBjNRXmVZ7
Every officer will have a new state-of-the-art vest, which will protect them from knives or firearms, while being light enough to enable them to go about their daily duties wherever they are in Queensland’s varying climates. pic.twitter.com/QbYgdvppa5
— Annastacia Palaszczuk (@AnnastaciaMP) August 14, 2022
This is one of the biggest purchases of police protective equipment in the world and is proof of how we’re providing better services to our police officers.
— Annastacia Palaszczuk (@AnnastaciaMP) August 14, 2022
Updated
National Covid summary
Here are the latest coronavirus numbers from around Australia today, as the country records at least 34 deaths from Covid-19:
ACT
Deaths: 0
Cases: 310
In hospital: 139 (with 3 people in ICU)
NSW
Deaths: 9
Cases: 6,979
In hospital: 2,148 (with 58 people in ICU)
Northern Territory
Deaths: 0
Cases: 111
In hospital: 26 (with 1 people in ICU)
Queensland
Deaths: N/A
Cases: 1,944
In hospital: 468 (with 27 people in ICU)
South Australia
Deaths: 0
Cases: 1,000
In hospital: 274 (with 11 people in ICU)
Tasmania
Deaths: 1
Cases: 375
In hospital: 63 (with 2 people in ICU)
Victoria
Deaths: 24
Cases: 3,450
In hospital: 575 (with 6 people in ICU)
Western Australia
Deaths: 0
Cases: 1,559
In hospital: 298 (with 8 people in ICU)
Updated
Prime minister back to work on Monday
The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, is returning from a week of leave tomorrow, and has marked the end of his holiday with a few little social media happy snaps.
The PM spent the week in Broome, and while he was spotted in restaurants and art galleries on his trip, he kept the holiday relatively low-key on his own online channels until yesterday.
After a week where he kept his timeline ticking over by posting some older photos from the previous week of parliament, Albanese last night posted a melancholic photo of the moon illuminating the Western Australian ocean.
The Instagram photo was geolocated at the Mangrove hotel, a beachside accommodation which bills itself on its website as “a bayside escape of unparalleled style and service”.
On Saturday afternoon, Albanese also posted an Instagram story – presumably snapped out the window of his plane – of the emerald green waters off the WA coast, subtitled “see you next time” with an emoji of a waving hand.
Last week he retweeted some photos from the Shire of Broome, showing him at a gallery.
PRIME MINISTER IN BROOME 🤩
— ShireOfBroome (@BroomeShire) August 9, 2022
It was great to welcome Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to the #Broome Civic Centre on Monday evening for the launch of the Kimberley Arts Network's ‘art above the 26th’ exhibition.
More photos to come! 📸 pic.twitter.com/8adR2arjPV
Albanese’s office had been upfront about his quick break, with the PM disclosing the holiday in an ABC radio interview last week and his office saying he’d be off until 15 August.
We’re told Albanese is back on the east coast and will be back on deck tomorrow, to take the reins from acting PM Richard Marles.
Updated
Northern Territory records no new Covid deaths
No one with Covid-19 has died in the Northern Territory overnight, with the state recording 111 new cases on Sunday morning, 26 people in hospital and one in ICU.
Updated
Organised crime ‘rulebook’s been thrown out the window’, say police
Some more on that “assassination” in Sydney, and comments from NSW police that the “unwritten law” of criminals – that they don’t touch families or women – have been “thrown out the window”.
Police detective superintendent Danny Doherty, the homicide squad commander, said:
There used to be an unwritten law with the criminal element, especially in organised crime … you don’t touch family, you don’t touch women.
I think that rule of engagement has almost been thrown out the window now, just disregarded. I think they just don’t care any more. I think this demonstrates how low they’ve got to at this point … they don’t care, they don’t discriminate if you’re male or female.
And I think that’s, that’s quite concerning, that the rulebook’s been thrown out the window.
Updated
Shooting was 'organised, methodical, planned murder': NSW police
Women killed in shooting on Saturday night were targeted
NSW police have declared a fatal shooting on a Sydney street a planned and methodical “assassination”.
Two women – one aged 48 and the other 39 (not 36, as originally reported) – died after the offender opened fire on them as they sat in a car in Revesby.
Two people in the back seat – a girl, 16, and man, 20 – were not seriously injured.
Police detective superintendent Danny Doherty, the homicide squad commander, described the attack as an “organised, methodical, planned murder”.
“Significant resources attended last night, and significant resources are there now,” he said.
“That will be ongoing because this is an appalling attack on two women who lost their lives in a planned assassination.
“It’s not acceptable … it’s unprecedented.”
The 48-year-old woman was known to police, Doherty said, because of past relationships.
“One theory is that she would have been more than likely the target,” he said.
Doherty said there was no evidence of a link to current bikie gang conflicts, but that the killing bore the hallmarks of organised crime.
Police are concerned that the attack seems to breach an “unwritten law” of criminal gangs not to target families or women.
“I think they just don’t care any more,” he said.
Police have established Strike Force Laurantus. They are searching for ballistic evidence and any other clues across a range of crime scenes, and asking the public for assistance.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Updated
Western Australia records no new Covid deaths
No one with Covid-19 died in Western Australia overnight, with the state recording 1,559 new cases on Sunday morning, 298 people in hospital, and eight in ICU.
South Australia records no new Covid deaths
No one with Covid-19 has died in South Australia overnight, with the state recording 1,000 new cases on Sunday morning, 274 people in hospital, and 11 in ICU.
South Australian COVID-19 update 14/08/22.
— SA Health (@SAHealth) August 14, 2022
For more information, go to https://t.co/IVC8oNpPjb pic.twitter.com/5vLqk5QPey
Sydney shooting was a targeted 'assassination', NSW police believe
New South Wales police say they believe the shooting that left two women dead in Sydney’s south-west was targeted.
They believe the shooting at Revesby was an “assassination” and a “planned murder” targeting a 48-year-old while she was on a night out with three others in the car.
Another 39-year-old woman also died during the attack overnight. Two others were uninjured.
More details to come.
Updated
New South Wales police are about to begin a press conference with details on the shooting death of two women in Revesby in Sydney’s south-west overnight.
We will bring you the details when they come.
Updated
Victorian Liberals pledge free public transport for health workers if elected
Victoria’s opposition has pledged to offer the state’s healthcare workers free public transport if it wins the November election.
In a pre election cost of living promise, the Victorian Liberals said all 260,000 healthcare workers in the state would receive free public transport. The measure would be available for nurses, aged care workers, allied health care workers, paramedics and other staff. The scheme would run for three years from November.
Opposition leader Matthew Guy said eligible healthcare workers could save $7200 on public transport across the three year scheme:
To fix the healthcare crisis we need innovative solutions to attract, retain and reward health workers.
Updated
Daniel Andrews backs skilled migration boost
The Victorian premier, Daniel Andrews, has backed the federal government’s plan to raise Australia’s skilled migration cap to plug critical workforce shortages.
The Albanese government has announced it wants to increase the migration intake to between 180,000 to 200,000. The current cap is 160,000.
Speaking to reporters, Andrews said he supported increasing the nation’s skilled migration intake:
I’m all for lifting that and for more and more people coming and making their home Melbourne, Victoria.
I can say that with a sense of clarity because we’re investing very strongly in our domestic training.
Andrews on Sunday said Victoria had recruited more than 700 international healthcare workers over the past year. The government’s budget in May included a $12bn health funding blitz which included a plan to hire and train 7,000 healthcare workers including 2,000 from overseas.
Updated
National average weekly fuel costs rise above $100 for first time
Average weekly fuel costs have risen more than $5 to 100.39 a week across the country in the past three months, according to figures from motoring body AAA.
According to its latest Transport Affordability Index the weekly household transport cost in capital cities is now $412.21 and $342.98 in regional households.
These figures include the halving of the fuel excise rate, an inflation rate of 6.1% and the flow on effects of price shocks caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
In a statement on Sunday, AAA managing director Michael Bradley said this is the first time the national weekly average spent on fuel has passed $100 since the index’s inception in 2016.
Average fuel costs now stand at an average of $98.37 in capital cities with the average cost breaking down.
Hobart ($102.63 pw)
Darwin ($99.84 pw)
Sydney ($99.13 pw)
Canberra ($98.92 pw)
Brisbane ($98.15 pw)
Melbourne ($97.29 pw)
Perth (95.71 pw)
Adelaide ($95.28 pw)
Regionally costs are more expensive at $102.71 per week with Bunbury ($122.70 pw), Geelong ($118.31 pw) and Launceston ($114.67 pw) the highest.
Sydney is still Australia’s most expensive capital city for total transport costs averaging $486.18 per week, followed by Melbourne ($461.01 pw) and Brisbane ($454.52 pw).
Alice Springs is Australia’s most expensive regional city at $370.59 per week followed by Bunbury ($362.85 pw) and Geelong ($361.53 pw).
Updated
Queensland records 1,944 new Covid cases
Queensland has recorded 1,944 new Covid cases on Sunday morning, with 468 people in hospital and 27 in ICU.
The state is not reporting death numbers on Sunday and Monday.
Today we have recorded 1,944 new COVID-19 cases.
— Queensland Health (@qldhealth) August 14, 2022
Death numbers are not reported in our case posts on Sunday and Monday - they will appear on Tuesday.
Full details ➡️ https://t.co/rKHIwroZeI pic.twitter.com/shLflIPVvi
Fire breaks out in high-rise residential tower in Sydney's CBD
Fire crews in Sydney’s central business district have evacuated 500 people this morning as they battled a fire in a high-rise residential tower.
The fire broke out in an apartment in the 37-floor building in Pitt Street just before 1am.
First responders cleared the building while two fire crewed entered the tower to determine the extent of the blaze.
A sprinkler system within the building extinguished the first and it is currently thought it began when a mattress caught alight.
Sydney | Around 500 people evacuated during high-rise fire: Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews have overseen the evacuation of around 500 people this morning during a fire in a high-rise residential tower in the... https://t.co/CglUbZzVwp
— Fire and Rescue NSW (@FRNSW) August 13, 2022
Updated
ACT records no new Covid deaths
The Australian Capital Territory has recorded 310 new Covid-19 cases and no deaths, with 139 people in hospital, three in ICU and two on ventilation.
ACT COVID-19 update – 14 August 2022
— ACT Health (@ACTHealth) August 14, 2022
🦠 COVID-19 case numbers
◾ New cases today: 310 (173 PCR and 137 RAT)
◾ Active cases: 2,615
◾ Total cases since March 2020: 198,183 pic.twitter.com/yo60aFl2fw
🏥 COVID-19 hospital numbers
— ACT Health (@ACTHealth) August 14, 2022
◾ In hospital: 139
◾ In ICU: 3
◾ Ventilated: 2
◾ Lives lost: 0
◾ Total lives lost since March 2020: 110
💉
ℹ For more detail, including an age breakdown of case numbers, please visit https://t.co/qRDoepyJkh
Updated
About 60,000 people take part in City2Surf charity run in Sydney
Sydney’s annual City2Surf charity fun run has returned to the streets of Sydney after Covid restrictions saw the main event scuttled in 2020 and 2021.
About 60,000 people took part in the 14km race from Hyde Park to Bondi, organisers say, with the event celebrating its 50th year.
Liam Adams won the men’s race for the third time, crossing the finish line in a time of 41:12. Canberra athlete Leanne Pompeani won the women’s race in 45:43.
Adams, 35, has been dubbed the “fastest electrician in Australia” and recently competed in the marathon at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, coming in fourth place. His first place in Sunday’s race comes 10 years after his last win in the Sydney event.
The race encourages participants to raise money for charity and since 2008 has raised some $51m for 305 organisations.
All major roads running between the Sydney city centre and the eastern suburbs were closed early Sunday morning in preparation for the race.
Roads begin to reopen from 11.30am with most closures expected to be lifted by 4pm.
People travelling through Sydney’s eastern suburbs were warned of significant delays and heavy traffic, with Transport for NSW’s Craig Moran urging people to take public transport or alternative routes.
Results are available from the City2Surf website.
– from AAP
Updated
Police to hold press conference on Sydney shooting
NSW police will hold a press conference at midday on the shooting in Revesby that left two women dead.
In a press release, police said just before 8.50pm last night, officers found two women – aged 48 and 36 – inside a vehicle suffering gunshot wounds. According to the release:
Both women were treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics; however, the older woman couldn’t be revived and died at the scene.
The younger woman was taken to Liverpool Hospital in a critical condition, where she later died.
Two other occupants in the vehicle – a man and woman – were not physically injured.
Crime scenes have been established, which will be examined by specialist forensic police.
Strike Force Laurantus has been established to investigate the incident, involving officers from the Homicide Squad, Bankstown Police Area Command and the South West Metropolitan Region.
Anyone who may have information, dashcam or CCTV from the surrounding areas is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
More details are emerging, and we’ll confirm them as soon as possible.
Updated
Tasmania records one new Covid death
One person with Covid-19 has died in Tasmania overnight, with the state recording 375 new cases on Sunday morning. There are 63 people with the virus in hospital in the state, and two in ICU.
14 Aug 2022
— COVID Tasmania (@CovidTasmania) August 14, 2022
Sadly another reported death
see tablet for daily stats pic.twitter.com/jCXP1Rt6MS
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Adam Bandt confirms he will attend Labor's jobs summit
Greens leader Adam Bandt has confirmed he will attend the government’s jobs summit, potentially leaving Peter Dutton as the only major party leader to not accept a seat at the table.
Bandt will use the summit to renew the Greens’ appeal for Labor to repeal the Stage 3 tax cuts, and instead use the money – estimated at $224bn over 10 years – for social services investment like free dental in Medicare and social housing.
Around 100 business, union and political leaders will attend the jobs and skills summit on 1-2 September in Canberra, with Bandt announcing on Sunday morning he and Greens employment spokesperson Barbara Pocock would “alternate” their appearances at the summit.
The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, is an obvious attendee, while Nationals leader David Littleproud said he would also accept an invitation. Dutton, the Liberal leader, has declined.
In a statement on Sunday, Bandt said:
The Greens will use the summit to seek community support for a major shift away from neoliberalism to improve the lives of workers, especially women and young people, starting with a repeal of the Stage 3 tax cuts and a big investment in social services instead.
Labor’s Stage 3 tax cuts will make life worse for workers, especially for women and young people, by widening the gender pay gap and ripping $224b out of the Budget.
The tax cuts were legislated by the former Coalition government, with Labor support, but the new government has so far declined to entertain any discussion of repealing the tax changes.
Bandt claimed the Liberals were “sliding into far-right irrelevance”, and labelled Labor as “a centre-right party of tax cuts for the wealthy”.
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Labor announces plan to lift skilled migration to address skills shortages
The federal skills and training minister, Brendan O’Connor, has announced a plan to respond to critical skill shortages by increasing a cap in skilled migrants.
Under the plan the annual migration cap would be lifted from 160,000 to between 180,000 and 200,000.
The proposal would also those with professional or higher level qualifications to undertake bridging programs rather than having to study all-new degrees.
O’Connor said in a statement on Sunday that one of the “biggest challenges facing businesses” is the availability of skilled workers.
“The answer is not a binary choice between skilled migration and training the local workforce, both are needed,” O’Connor said.
“Owing to a decade of inaction, the challenges have grown, as has the need for planning and a coordinated national response to skills and labour shortages.”
O’Connor said the very first piece of legislation created an independent body that will engage in workforce planning in order to resolve skill shortages.
It is anticipated the plan may be contentious among union groups when it is discussed at the jobs and skills summit next month.
“The upcoming Jobs and Skills Summit will also be pivotal to ensuring the economy is not held back by skills shortages,” O’Connor said.
Updated
‘We’re not going about things with chest-beating’: Marles on China approach
Richard Marles said the new Labor government has sought to change the tone in how Australia engages with China and to stabilise relations.
What we have sought to do is really change the tone in the way in which we are engaging with the world, but that includes the way in which we engage with China. We’re not going about things with chest-beating.
What we are really trying to speak with a considered voice in a manner which is professional, which is sober and which is diplomatic.
The acting prime minister said the broader region would be critical to Australia’s national interest.
China’s ambassador to Australia, Xiao Qian, addressed the National Press Club earlier this week.
In the speech, Xiao said China would pursue reunification with Taiwan.
We cannot, we can never rule out the option to use other means, so when necessary, when compelled, we are ready to use all necessary means.
As to what does it mean, ‘all necessary means’? You can use your imagination.
Marles said on Sunday that Australia’s stance on the One China policy had not changed.
We’re not wanting to see any changes to that. But it is really important that we get back to that normal, peaceful set of behaviours.
– from AAP
Updated
World would ‘breathe a sigh of relief’ if Taiwan situation cools, Marles says
The acting prime minister, Richard Marles, says the world “would breathe a sigh of relief” if the situation in Taiwan de-escalated.
Tensions have heightened in the Taiwan Strait after China conducted military drills in the region – including the launch of ballistic missiles – in response to US Speaker Nancy Pelosi visiting Taiwan.
China has said it has finished the military drills, but Marles told Sky News on Sunday the global community wanted a return to calm in the Taiwan Strait.
The world would breathe a sigh of relief if we could get to that moment.
From Australia’s point of view, we’ve been calling for a de-escalation, intentions which have been underpinned by our position of not wanting to see any unilateral changes to the status quo across the Taiwan Strait.
Marles said Australia still sought a stabilising of the relationship with China.
– from AAP
Updated
Bowen says China’s solar panel dominance offers ‘real challenges and real opportunities’
Bowen is then asked about the solar panel supply chain, which is heavily concentrated in China. He uses the moment to promote Australia’s mining industry and how we will be supplying these minerals and how Australia will need to work with its international partners – but he does acknowledge China’s dominance of the solar panel supply chain is an issue:
For example, 85% of solar panels in the world are currently made in China. Over the next few years, that will rise to 97%. That provides real challenges and real opportunities for a country like Australia because we should be making more solar panels in Australia. We put 60m panels on roofs. We can do a lot better.
And that’s it for the interview – which was a strange one. A lot of problems outlined, a lot of emphasis on being “sensible” and engaging in “consultation”, but not much news there.
Updated
Bowen says climate reforms will help Australian industry avoid carbon tariffs
Bowen says how this will work has yet to be determined and gives a nod to an upcoming discussion paper, with the details to be hammered out in consultation with industry. But he raises some interesting points that this needs to happen as there is a growing risk Australian industry will be exposed to carbon tariffs if nothing changes.
This will help us avoid these, by showing the EU and the rest of the world, you don’t need to slap tariffs on our manufacturers and our producers because Australia is working with industry to get emissions down in a very sensible way.
Speers asks Bowen directly: Will new coal and gas projects be banned?
Bowen says the mechanism is “not designed to do that” but that it’s “designed to ensure that all facilities, whether they be old or new, are reducing their emissions”.
The safeguard mechanism is taking the 315 biggest emissions and working with them to reduce emissions, because if we don’t, we will continue the 10 years of no reductions from those facilities and it won’t cut the mustard.
Updated
Bottom line from Bowen:
Any facility which emits more than 100,000 tonnes … whether it is new or existing, which is just increasing its activity, we are not having the same architecture. They will be put on a trajectory to net zero, facility by facility. We have designed this in a very sensible way.
Bowen really emphasising this transition is going to be “sensible”.
Updated
‘We are putting these emitters on a pathway to net zero by 2050’: Bowen
Speers asks Bowen about the safeguard mechanism passed with the recent climate change bill that will ensure the 315 biggest emitters actually lower their emissions. He asks: What penalties will they face if they don’t?
Bowen:
In relation to the finer implement detail - the trajectory is very clear. We are putting these emitters on a pathway to net zero by 2050. Again, there is detail to work through. I will be issuing a discussion paper in the next week on some of the finer details about how we help emission intensive trade exposed industries, for example, those facilities based on the principle of comparative impact to ensure it doesn’t get taken overseas.
Bowen goes on to say that the government will be taking a “very sensible approach” and will be “consulting”.
From this we can establish that there is more detail to come.
Updated
Chris Bowen on energy market emissions objective:
It certainly make it is easier to get transmission up, certainly make it is easier for energy companies to make sensible decisions about renewables, to provide certainty to new investors which we are opening to the world. It is a big change, unanimously agreed between myself and the states and territories.
Bowen is now talking very quickly now about the work the government is doing – their ambition is to boost the share of emissions in the power grid to 82% and they’re doing that by setting up “mechanisms” and bodies to help make that happening. This includes what Bowen calls is an orderly transition to get the right kit in place to make that happen.
Updated
It’s not entirely clear but basically Bowen is trying to say that companies that make decisions about what kind of plant or equipment to install will also need to consider how their project will lower emissions. Bowen gives a practical example:
A little while ago TransGrid wanted and suggested that to help Broken Hill they would put in a micro grid of renewable energy. It was much more reliable, much lower emissions and but they were told at that point: “No, you’ve got to keep your old diesel generators running.”
It wasn’t their fault, it was what the objective said.
So basically under the old rules, companies, utilities and other groups involved with the NEM would be forced to make decisions that propped up old fossil fuel power projects. Bowen suggests this will address that.
Updated
Chris Bowen says National Energy Market’s new emissions objective will ‘make a material difference’
The climate change minister, Chris Bowen, is now up on ABC Insiders with the first question about the new emissions objective that has been incorporated into the rules of the National Energy Market.
David Speers’s question is a basic one: what does it actually mean in practice?
Bowen:
The national energy objectives really decide how the three bodies, the market operator and the commission work, and they have to comply with the objectives and all the work they do. Electricity generation is Australia’s largest source of emissions, 33%, and our laws, our objective, haven’t given our three bodies the capacity to consider emissions reduction.
It will make a material difference as to how these three very good bodies do their work because they can only comply with the objectives in all the decisions they make and that has led to really silly and perverse outcomes in the past.
Updated
The acting prime minister Richard Marles is set to appear on Sky News this morning and the climate change minister Chris Bowen will be giving an interview on ABC Insiders.
We will bring you the latest as it happens.
• This post was amended on 14 August 2022. An earlier version mistakenly described Marles as the federal treasurer.
Updated
NSW records nine Covid deaths
New South Wales has recorded nine Covid-19 deaths and 6,979 new cases on Sunday morning, with 2,148 people withe the virus in hospital in the state and 58 in ICU.
COVID-19 update – Sunday 14 August 2022
— NSW Health (@NSWHealth) August 13, 2022
In the 24-hour reporting period to 4pm yesterday:
- 96.9% of people aged 16+ have had one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine*
- 95.3% of people aged 16+ have had two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine* pic.twitter.com/7DAPCNrXIp
Updated
Victoria records 24 Covid deaths
Victoria has recorded 24 more Covid-19 deaths and 3,450 new cases on Sunday morning, with 575 people with the virus in hospital, 29 in ICU and six on ventilation.
We thank everyone who got vaccinated and tested yesterday.
— VicGovDH (@VicGovDH) August 13, 2022
Our thoughts are with those in hospital, and the families of people who have lost their lives.
More data soon: https://t.co/eUcG51fFhA pic.twitter.com/vz8flGSizx
3 doses (16+): 69.5%
— VicGovDH (@VicGovDH) August 13, 2022
2 doses (12+): 94.7%
Doses total: 6,334,838
Hospital: 575
ICU: 29
Ventilated: 6
Lives lost: 24
New cases: 3,450 (Rapid antigen test cases: 2,396, PCR test cases: 1,054)
PCR tests: 9,216
Active cases (all): 29,914
Updated
Good Morning
And welcome to another Sunday morning Guardian live blog.
The federal jobs minister Brendan O’Connor has floated a plan to deal with Australia’s skills shortage by increasing the cap on skilled migrants. The plan, as reported by the Sydney Morning Herald and the Age on Sunday morning, would lift the annual migration cap from 160,000 to between 180,000 and 200,000. The scheme would reportedly include a mechanism to recognise credentials obtain overseas and will be carefully discussed with unions at the jobs and skills summit next month.
New South Wales police are investigating after two women, aged 48 and 36, were shot dead in southwestern Sydney on Saturday night. Emergency services responded to reports of a shooting in Revesby just before 8.50pm where they found the two women inside a car. Both women later died but other other occupants, a man and a woman, were not injured. A taskforce has been established to investigate.
And 60,000 people are taking part in the City2Surf on Sunday for the first time since 2019 as the race returns to its traditional Hyde Park to Bondi route.
I’m Royce Kurmelovs, taking the blog through the day. With so much going on out there, it’s easy to miss stuff, so if you spot something happening in Australia and think it should be on the blog, you can find me on Twitter at @RoyceRk2 where my DMs are open.
With that, let’s get started ...
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