I’ve spoken to the coach of the 1988 South Australian debating team, Anthony Durkin, about his recollections of the international debating competition at Sydney University at the centre of the allegations against Christian Porter, which the attorney general strenuously denies. Durkin coached the alleged victim.
He told the Guardian he fully supported an inquiry into the circumstances of her death and the allegations. Durkin made it clear that he had not seen or heard anything that confirmed whether the allegations were true.
He had not seen them alone together, he said, or been given any information to suggest there had been an incident between them. But he also made it clear that he supported an inquiry and that the alleged victim did not seem “a fabulist”.
Christian seemed like a nice boy to me. At the same time, there’s nothing about [the alleged victim] that makes me in retrospect think she’s a fabulist. That she would invent anything like that.
She was straight up and down.
Updated
What we learned, Thursday 4 March
That’s where I will leave you for today. Here’s what we learned:
- The prime minister, Scott Morrison, rejected the growing calls to launch an independent inquiry into a historical rape allegation against the attorney general, Christian Porter, who has proclaimed his innocence. On Thursday Morrison insisted he could only form a judgment on the matter “based on the report of the police”.
- The New South Wales police issued a lengthy and detailed statement that outlined their dealings with the woman at the centre of the allegations who has since died. The statement revealed the woman had sent police an email indicating she “no longer felt able to proceed with reporting the matter, citing medical and personal reasons” shortly before her death.
- The family of the woman released a statement saying they would support “any inquiry” that would “potentially shed light on the circumstances” surrounding her death.
- Brittany Higgins, a former government staffer who alleges a colleague raped her, says Linda Reynolds referring to her as a “lying cow” is “incredibly hurtful”. She is now threatening to pursue legal action if the defence minister does not apologise.
- The NSW premier, Gladys Berejiklian, faced a string of questions at budget estimates about her five-year secret relationship with the former MP Daryl Maguire, with the opposition claiming she made decisions that would “benefit” her “boyfriend”.
- Police in New Zealand revealed they arrested two men in Christchurch over alleged online threats against the two mosques targeted during that city’s devastating terrorist attack two years ago. The men have yet to be charged.
- A teenager died a week after being stung by a box jellyfish while swimming at a beach on Queensland’s western Cape York. It is the first recorded fatality from a box jellyfish sting in Australia in 15 years.
Updated
The Greens senator Mehreen Faruqi has rebuffed a request from the Sky News Australia contributor Lauren Southern to remove and apologise for a tweet that the rightwing commentator’s lawyers have argued is “false and defamatory”, reports my colleague Daniel Hurst.
We reported earlier that former government staffer Brittany Higgins has hit back at her former employer Linda Reynolds’ referring to her as a “lying cow”.
Higgins says those comments are “incredibly hurtful” and “never excusable”.
Now it’s understood that Higgins has engaged the services of Rebekah Giles, a reputational risk specialist with her own firm.
Giles has written to Reynolds signalling defamation action unless an apology is forthcoming.
Guardian Australia asked Reynolds’ office whether the minister would apologise to Higgins and retract the comments in the light of potential legal action.
Her spokesperson replied: “I refer you to the statement provided by the Minister last night.”
Updated
New Zealand police arrest two people over threats against Christchurch mosques
New Zealand media is reporting that police have arrested two men in Christchurch over alleged online threats against the two mosques targeted during that city’s devastating terrorist attack two years ago.
NewsHub reports police arrested the men after threatening a terrorist attack involving car bombs against Al Noor and Linwood mosques on 15 March, the second anniversary of the massacre at the two mosques.
According to reports, police carried out search warrants at the properties in St Albans and Linwood shortly before 6pm on Thursday. Two men were arrested, but have yet to be charged.
“We take all threats of this nature seriously and we are working closely with our Muslim community,” the Canterbury district commander, Superintendent John Price, told NewsHub.
“Any messages of hate or people wanting to cause harm in our community will not be tolerated – it’s not the Kiwi way.”
Fifty-one people were murdered and a further 40 injured at the mosques in 2019.
Updated
Brittany Higgins considering defamation against Linda Reynolds
Another exclusive via Sharri Markson at the Australian. Brittany Higgins is reportedly considering defamation action against the defence minister, Linda Reynolds.
EXCLUSIVE: Defence Minister Linda Reynolds faces defamation action from Brittany Higgins for "demeaning" and "belittling" comments unless she issues a public apology and withdraws the remarks. https://t.co/7ZpvfzGVUu
— Sharri Markson (@SharriMarkson) March 4, 2021
Updated
Per AAP, international flights into Victoria remain on hold, with the premier unable to say when they will resume.
They were paused during last month’s five-day lockdown and on Thursday the premier, Daniel Andrews, said more research was needed before that changes.
We’ve asked our medical experts to look at what the impacts of (virus) variants of concern are on the risk profile in our hotels.
When that work is completed, and when they can satisfy me that we can have a system where we have the lowest possible risk, then flights will start again.
The inconvenience involved in that, I think, pales into insignificance when you think about ... a very easily transmitted virus, a changing virus, changing challenge, and the prospect of further lockdowns. I want to try and avoid that at all costs.
Andrews also confirmed the hotel quarantine workforce would be retained, saying it would cost a lot more to “start from scratch”.
Updated
Morrison says he does not support extension of gas exploration licence off NSW coast
The prime minister, Scott Morrison, says he does not support the extension of a petroleum exploration licence that would allow for gas exploration off the coast of NSW between Sydney and Port Stephens.
The permit, known as Petroleum Exploration Permit 11 (PEP11) expired last month. The permit holders, Advent Energy and Bounty Gas, have sought to have the licence renewed for exploratory drilling.
A series of MPs, including the Liberal MP Jason Falinski and fellow moderate Dave Sharma, want the application rejected. The NSW deputy premier, John Barilaro, has also said it should not be renewed.
The decision rests with the resources minister, Keith Pitt. On Thursday during a visit to Port Stephens, Morrison was asked for his view.
Reporter: “Are you saying that you don’t support the extension of that licence?”
Morrison: “I am. Pretty clearly.”
Reporter: “That will make some of our tourist operators very happy.”
Morrison: “It’s going to make me very happy. I think that’s the right decision.”
Pitt hasn’t made his official decision yet and Morrison said the government was working through the matter.
Updated
A teenager has died from a box jellyfish sting in Cape York, with marine biologist and jellyfish expert Dr Lisa-Ann Gerswhin saying it was a tragedy that could have been avoided.
The teenager was stung at Patterson Point, near Bamaga, on 22 February and died in hospital on 1 March.
Dr Gerswhin said Australia “needed to do better” when it came to resourcing and educating remote communities on the dangers of box jellyfish.
There’s education programs, there’s stinger nets, there’s protective clothing. There’s all these things that we use in the more populated areas of Queensland, in Cairns, Townsville and Mackay.
But up on the cape, sadly, we really don’t. We don’t have those programs in place and I think we have absolutely failed our remote communities.
We have miserably failed, and this poor young man, and his family and his community, are paying the price for that failure.
The teenager’s death marked the first fatality from a box jellyfish sting since 2006.
Updated
Gladys Berejiklian grilled again over Daryl Maguire
Gladys Berejiklian has faced a barrage of questions about her five-year covert relationship with former Wagga Wagga MP Daryl Maguire at a fiery budget estimates hearing at the New South Wales parliament, AAP reports.
At times the NSW premier looked uncomfortable and flushed as she was grilled about her ex-lover, who she was in a relationship with until last year.
An independent commission against corruption’s investigation into the former Wagga Wagga Liberal MP is ongoing, and the premier appeared as a witness during hearings last year.
The premier is not accused of any wrongdoing, but on Thursday was repeatedly asked about the timing of her relationship with Maguire and why she didn’t declare it earlier.
Labor’s Adam Searle accused Berejiklian of failing to declare a conflict of interest when she met with her then-lover when she was the NSW treasurer.
The 2016 meeting was to discuss the funding of a highway 140km from Maguire’s electorate but within metres of his new investment property at Ivanhoe.
The Sydney Morning Herald reported that Maguire paid $8,000 for the property a few hundred metres from the Cobb Highway in far western NSW.
Searle accused the premier of making decisions to fund the project that would “benefit” her “boyfriend”.
Berejiklian said the suggestion was “a disgusting proposition”, laughable, wrong “and frankly offensive”.
She said the decision to fund the highway was one for the roads minister, and the government – with Labor’s support – had determined the highway was a priority project several years before.
But Searle said Berejiklian should have declared her relationship with her colleague before awarding more than $40,000 in grants to his electorate.
He asked:
How can you make a decision to allocate taxpayers’ dollars without disclosing that relationship? It lacks probity and it lacks integrity, doesn’t it?
The premier replied:
What you are suggesting is offensive ... I’ve never ever been accused of wrongdoing.
Berejiklian insisted she had always acted in the public interest and had not done anything wrong, and that all funding arrangements had to go through her department.
Searle also asked when her relationship with Maguire had begun:
Both you and Mr Maguire said you were in a close personal relationship from at least 2015 until at least August 2020 ... Mr Maguire says that relationship could have started as early as 2013 – that’s correct, isn’t it?
The premier responded saying: “Those matters have been canvassed.”
But Searle pressed the point:
Please be responsive and direct ... Which is it? Is it 2013?
Berejiklian dismissed the question saying she had responded to the question during last year’s Icac hearings.
She was also asked why she took annual leave on the day Mr Maguire was scheduled to appear at Icac on 13 July 2018.
Updated
The NSW energy and environment minister, Matt Kean, has taken a not-so-subtle shot at the Morrison government over its climate policies after a meeting with the UK’s energy and clean growth minister, Anne-Marie Trevelyan.
Kean and Trevelyan had a teleconference on Wednesday in which the two ministers had a “substantive and productive discussion” about the ambition of both governments to reach net zero emissions by 2050.
Kean said the ministers talked about their respective landmark emissions policies - NSW passed a major renewable energy bill in November - and the role sustainable financing will play in reaching net zero emissions.
In remarks highlighting how Australia’s states are filling the gap in the absence of a net zero target nationally, Kean said he had raised the role “state and sub-national governments are playing in driving decarbonisation”.
It was great speaking last night with UK Energy Minister @annietrev. Both the UK and NSW Governments recognise the need for strong action on climate change and the need for decisive leadership in developing net zero policies in the lead up to @COP26 #nswpol #auspol pic.twitter.com/bVn0hdtU19
— Matt Kean MP (@Matt_KeanMP) March 3, 2021
The Morrison government was accused last week of “shamefully doing nothing” to increase its climate targets ahead of the 26th United Nations climate conference in Glasgow in November (COP26)
Kean said he and Trevelyan discussed “the contributions both governments intend to make in the lead up to and as part of COP26”.
The ministers have agreed to stay in contact in the lead-up to the Glasgow meeting and to establish a working group for government officials to collaborate on reducing emissions in ways that support economic growth.
Updated
Back to Anthony Albanese, he says it’s “extraordinary” that Scott Morrison did not read the brief of allegations sent to his office.
Morrison, for his part, has said he did the appropriate thing in forwarding the documents to the Australian federal police.
Albanese:
Well, I just find it extraordinary and I think people will ask themselves: if they were in that position, would they read the documentation? Certainly, if I was in Mr Morrison’s position, I would have read the documentation. I think it is quite extraordinary, frankly.
But a whole lot of things, I think, that have been said in the past few weeks defy belief. That’s why I raised the issue of accountability. We actually need accountability here. We need to find out what the circumstances are.
At the moment, what we have is simply we know some of the circumstances but we don’t know all of them, and when it involves the attorney general of the commonwealth of Australia, that’s not acceptable going forward.
Updated
Labor MP Daniel Mulino has previously made public that he was aware of the allegation against the cabinet minister.
Now that Christian Porter has identified himself (and denied the allegation), Mulino has issued a fuller statement about how he was aware of the allegation.
Mulino said:
I was a friend of the complainant. I was a member of the Australian high school debating team in 1987, along with Christian Porter, Matt Deeble and the woman who made the complaint.
I first became aware of the complainant’s allegation in December 2019. She indicated to me that she was determined to proceed with a formal complaint and I supported her in that decision. I ensured that the complainant was receiving appropriate support.
I am greatly saddened by the death of my friend. I know that this has been a devastating period for the woman’s family and close friends. My thoughts are with them. I have conveyed to the Australian federal police, the NSW police force and the South Australian police an offer to assist with any investigations.
Updated
The opposition leader, Anthony Albanese, is speaking in Queensland. He’s calling on the prime minister, Scott Morrison, to hold an independent inquiry into the allegations levelled against the attorney general, Christian Porter.
Here’s what Albanese had to say:
The hope of the prime minister that this could be just unseen or unheard, these allegations, and go away without a full and proper and transparent inquiry is just not realistic – it defies commonsense. It simply doesn’t work like that.
He says that unless an inquiry is held, Porter will continue to face examination but it will only come via the media.
Now that the police have said that a criminal investigation cannot proceed, the issue does sit squarely with the prime minister. It’s time for the prime minister to give both himself and Australians confidence that Mr Porter is a fit and proper person to hold the office of attorney general.
Updated
'Incredibly hurtful': Brittany Higgins responds to defence minister's comments
Brittany Higgins has described comments made about her by defence minister Linda Reynolds as “incredibly hurtful”.
Earlier, Scott Morrison defended comments Reynolds made referring to Higgins as a “lying cow”, saying it was something said in the heat of the moment and in a private setting.
In response to questions from our political editor, Katharine Murphy, Higgins said the comments were “incredibly hurtful”.
Higgins said:
I appreciate that it has been a stressful time but that sort of language is never excusable.
It’s just further evidence of the toxic workplace culture that exists behind closed doors in Parliament House.
New, from @BrittHiggins_ #auspol pic.twitter.com/9XopagAoU5
— Katharine Murphy (@murpharoo) March 4, 2021
Updated
Lawyers for abuse survivors are dismayed it took the threat of financial penalties for the Jehovah’s Witnesses to say it will join the national redress scheme.
AAP reports the organisation says it will join because of new rules introduced by the federal government which mean it would lose its charity status – and subsequent tax exemptions – for continuing to hold out.
Maurice Blackburn lawyer Michelle James has welcomed the move but remains concerned about the religious group’s behaviour.
She said:
It’s extremely disappointing that it has taken the threat of financial penalties such as the stripping of charitable status to force the Jehovah’s Witnesses to do the right thing by abuse survivors.
In our experience the Jehovah’s Witnesses continues to be one of the worst when it comes to delaying claims and withholding relevant documents.
Their failure to sign up to redress has been just another example of the hard tactics that they employ when defending claims by survivors, which is contrary to the recommendations of the royal commission.
The multibillion-dollar scheme was a result of the royal commission into institutional child sex abuse. It provides access to counselling, a redress payment and a direct personal response such as an apology from an institution, if the survivor wants it.
But they can’t be given redress unless the institution they were abused by has joined the scheme.
James has called for maximum redress payments to increase to $200,000 from $150,000, in line with the royal commission’s recommendations. She said:
We also continue to urge the federal government to step up as the funder of last resort for national institutions to ensure the scheme can operate efficiently.
Updated
A review of the Melbourne casino licence held by James Packer’s Crown Resorts has been called off because the Victorian government is holding a royal commission into the Southbank money pit instead.
In a statement, Crown said the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation told the review, which was due to take place this year, it “will not proceed at this time”.
The review is supposed to happen every five years but the Victorian government moved it forward after evidence of money laundering at Crown’s casinos and criminal involvement in junket operators who brought in high-rollers started to emerge during an inquiry in NSW last year.
The company’s statement read:
Crown will fully co-operate in relation to the royal commission and will continue to engage with the VCGLR and the Victorian government in relation to its reform agenda and any further remedial steps identified in response to the NSW ILGA inquiry.
Updated
Family of Christian Porter accuser support inquiry into daughter's death
Via the Australian’s Sharri Markson and News.com’s Samantha Maiden. Both claiming it as an exclusive. Not sure that part matters a lot...
..the deceased’s passing. They ask that their privacy be respected during this difficult time,” a spokeswoman for the family said. Full story @australian
— Sharri Markson (@SharriMarkson) March 4, 2021
EXCLUSIVE: @KatBermingham reports the family the woman who accused @cporterwa SUPPORT “any inquiry” into their daughters death - coronial or independent @newscomauHQ pic.twitter.com/TYkSC7DKUQ
— Samantha Maiden (@samanthamaiden) March 4, 2021
Updated
Councillor Kun Huang received the letter on a Monday. Among the insults about his name, the threats of death, the blame for the Covid-19 pandemic, the accusation that he had been stealing all the milk powder, buying up all the houses and bringing disease to Australia “for centuries”, the staff at the Cumberland council noticed a name and an address. This was a race hate letter signed by its supposed perpetrator.
Two days later, councillor Craig Chung at the City of Sydney, councillor Christina Wu at the Georges River council and another local councillor received similar letters.
The note sent to Huang, which threatened death to him and “all Chinese people”, is now being investigated by New South Wales police.
It is the latest disturbing incident in what data shows is a surge in anti-Chinese and anti-Asian sentiment in Australia during the Covid pandemic which has renewed calls for a centralised hate tracker and raised concerns it is putting people off standing for public positions.
The Lowy Institute this week released the findings of a landmark survey that found nearly one in five Chinese Australians had experienced physical racist assaults during the pandemic.
Read more about how threatening letters sent to Asian councillors and a surge in race hate attacks during the pandemic has renewed calls for a centralised hate tracker:
Updated
Federal environment minister Sussan Ley has rejected calls for an independent inquiry into allegations attorney general Christian Porter raped a woman in Sydney in 1988.
Ley said Porter’s press conference on Wednesday – when he strongly rejected the allegation saying it had “never happened” – was a “very tough day” for the family of the woman, who died last year, as well as for all survivors of sexual abuse.
I won’t be backing an independent inquiry. In a Westminster liberal democracy the rule of law should prevail and it has prevailed and no-one is outside that law and no one should be treated any differently and nor should the attorney general.
Ley was speaking to reporters by a creek in Brisbane at the launch of the government’s National Plastics Plan. She said she had known Porter as a “colleague and a friend” for more than 10 years and watched his press conference and his “anguish was writ large for all to see”.
As we confront some very personal and individual cases, I would say we must never forget that whenever these issues are discussed women across Australia – and I say many women of my generation we grew up in an era where sexual abuse was never discussed, it happened and we just got on with it and brushed it under the carpet.
Many of those women are thinking about experiences that were heartbreaking in their own lives.
So if we can take the politics out of this and step back and work out how we can come together as we are in the parliament of Australia now in a cross-party and collaborative way to empower young women to talk about consent.
To wish harder I suppose that the activities that we have sometimes seen in communities that haven’t respected women and ways we can address that ... I think if we can take something positive out of this then we should.
The issues with the attorney general relate to purported criminal actions or crimes that may or may not have been committed, hence the reference to police and hence the response by the prime minister and my colleagues that this is a tragic and awful situation and I don’t ever want to downplay the level of tragedy for the people involved.
She said the “rule of law has prevailed” and there would be positives to come out of the review into workplace culture being conducted by finance minister Simon Birmingham, in response to the allegations from former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins that she was raped in the building.
Asked by the ABC if she thought Australians were ready to move on from the case, she said there were “a lot of opinions out there” and she wasn’t inclined to try and gauge a national mood.
Overwhelmingly I feel very sad as a woman for other women who have survived sexual assault. I also know this process has been dealt with by the rule of law by the police and they are the appropriate authority to direct any concerns people have about whether that went the way people imagined or thought it should. Those questions need to go to the police.
On working in the national parliament, she said:
Sometimes people behave in ways that they shouldn’t and we should call that out when it happens, but I think it is a safe and supportive workplace overall but I will never invalidate a woman’s personal experience in that workplace.
If any woman or man or person in any situation comes to me with either a complaint or concern I will hear them and I will take them seriously.
We can make it better and that’s what we are doing.
Updated
The Queensland government admits it knows little about a new Russian variant of Covid-19 as it prepares to test dozens of hotel quarantine guests for the strain.
AAP reports that three people who arrived on a Qatar Airways flight in Brisbane on 17 February tested positive for the virus, with two having the Russian strain. A fourth person who was on that flight but continued to New Zealand has also tested positive.
Queensland Health has ordered 74 people who were also on that plane to extend their mandatory 14-day quarantine for another five days.
Health minister Yvette D’Ath said authorities acted swiftly because so little is known about the Russian strain. She said experts don’t know if it’s more contagious or if the symptoms are more severe.
She said:
We don’t know yet if it’s highly contagious like the UK, South African and Brazilian variants.
We don’t know if it causes more severe reactions, we don’t know if people if they’ve got symptoms, all of that we’re still learning about.
The health minister said the guests were tested on Thursday and they will be tested again on Saturday.
Those who test negative will be able to leave quarantine on Monday.
D’Ath said it wasn’t an easy decision to extend quarantine, but it would ensure the mysterious new virus variant did not get into the community.
We have to do this because we just don’t know enough about this variant and we can’t afford for it to get it to get out into the community before we do find out just how prevalent it could be and how infectious it could be.
The health minister said the vaccine makers have also said the current vaccines are able to be updated to deal with new strains.
The vaccine rollout continues with the Queensland government planning to open a number of new regional hubs when it receives the AstraZeneca vaccine from the Commonwealth.
D’Ath said the vaccine wasn’t mandatory, but warned that refusing to get the jab was a health risk.
This is not one of those viruses and vaccines where if the majority of the population gets vaccinated and you choose not, then you’re protected anyway because everyone else is doing the job for you.
That’s not the case – if you don’t want to get Covid, if you don’t want to get sick, if you don’t want end up in ICU, you have to get vaccinated, that is the only way you are going to be protected.
Updated
Attorney general Christian Porter will soon find out whether the game of electoral musical chairs has left him without a seat, AAP reports.
Porter, who represents the West Australian electorate of Pearce, has gone on sick leave following the furore over historical rape allegations, which he vehemently denies.
The Australian Electoral Commission is putting the final touches to its proposed redistribution reports for WA and Victoria.
With WA set to lose one seat due to population shifts, one option raised with the AEC is to abolish Pearce and redistribute its voters into neighbouring seats, which have low growth projections and are below the voter quota.
Labor says the change is the least disruptive to four other seats in order to achieve the loss of one seat in the state.
The Liberals have proposed the abolition of the seat of Cowan, held by Labor backbencher Anne Aly, which would make major changes to six other seats.
It is understood the Victorian redistribution report, which will see it gain one seat, is due in mid-March and will be closely followed by the WA report a few weeks later.
Updated
NSW police release detailed statement on dealings with woman at centre of allegations against Porter
The New South Wales police have issued a long and detailed statement on their contact with the woman at the centre of historical rape allegations against attorney general Christian Porter.
The statement has also addressed why police did not speak to Porter, as he stated during his press conference.
I’ll give you the statement in full:
On 27 February 2020, New South Wales Police Force detectives attached to the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad met with the woman at Kings Cross Police Station. Also present was a friend of the woman in support.
The woman disclosed to investigators during this meeting that she had a number of health issues. She also advised investigators that she dissociates and wanted to ensure when supplying her statement that she was ‘coherent and as grounded as possible’.
At the woman’s instigation extensive discussion was had in relation to also having a support person with her during the making of her complaint statement.
At this time the primary concern of investigators was victim care and welfare. The woman indicated she had support from a number of sources, including both professional assistance and family support, including her partner.
Investigators had ongoing contact on at least five occasions with the woman over the next three months.
During the contact had with her, her ongoing welfare was discussed along with a plan for how and when her statement would be taken.
On 23 June 2020 the woman sent detectives an email indicating she no longer felt able to proceed with reporting the matter, citing medical and personal reasons.
The woman very clearly articulated in that email that she did not want to proceed with the complaint.
She also thanked investigators in this email. She was very grateful for the time and support the Investigators provided to her.
On 24 June 2020 a strike force detective replied to that email.
On 25 June 2020 South Australia Police advised Strike Force WYNDARRA investigators that the woman had passed away.
As previously indicated, it was only following the woman’s death that NSW Police came into possession of a personal document purportedly made by the woman sometime prior.
Putting an allegation to the person of interest:
From a legal and investigative standpoint, due diligence is required, particularly in historical sexual assault allegations, to ensure that the matter is comprehensively investigated and all available evidence is obtained, reviewed, and corroborated where possible.
Investigative strategies need to be considered as part of this best practice model.
Providing a version to a suspect prior to obtaining a formal statement would have an impact on any future investigative strategies.
It is current standard practice in sexual assault investigative training that upon all of the available information being obtained (in statement form) that the formal allegation can and should be provided to the person of interest as per the procedural fairness principles for investigators, to be able to determine prima facie and whether charging of the person is appropriate.
Updated
No new Covid-19 cases in South Australia today.
South Australian COVID-19 update 4/3/21. For more information, go to https://t.co/mYnZsGpayo or contact the South Australian COVID-19 Information Line on 1800 253 787. pic.twitter.com/Y5advryYMX
— SA Health (@SAHealth) March 4, 2021
The Northern Territory and ACT are again calling on the federal government to restore their right to make voluntary euthanasia laws, AAP reports.
NT attorney general Selena Uibo and the ACT’s human rights minister Tara Cheyne jointly wrote to the federal attorney general Christian Porter, deputy prime minister Michael McCormack and assistant regional development and territories minister Nola Marino.
They want Liberal MP Kevin Andrews’ 1996 bill banning both territories from passing legislation on voluntary euthanasia to be overturned, saying it conflicts with Australia’s human rights obligations.
Cheyne said:
We have emphasised our ongoing concerns about the stark inequity between states and territories regarding voluntary assisted dying.
All the states have either passed legislation relating to voluntary assisted dying or have a bill before their parliament but the territories are unable to consider such legislation.
NT chief minister Michael Gunner said repealing the federal law and restoring the territories’ ability to make their own decisions about important issues needn’t be controversial.
More than 20 years ago Territorians had some of their democratic rights taken away from them because of some bloke from Melbourne who thought he was better than us.
Now that bloke has been dumped by his own party, and the offensive law that he passed should be dumped as well.
Andrews recently lost Liberal party preselection to stand again for his Victorian seat of Menzies at the next federal election.
Gunner said NT and ACT residents were being treated like second-class citizens.
The rest of the country isn’t better than us. They shouldn’t get to tell us what laws we can and can’t pass.
Cheyne said the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights guaranteed Australian citizens the right to take part in public affairs directly or through freely chosen representatives.
Individuals are entitled to enjoy their human rights without distinction or discrimination of any kind.
But people in the ACT and NT are being denied their right to participate because they’re residents of a territory.
We are asking that the federal government finally show leadership on this issue and restore our territory right.
The NT in 1995 was the first jurisdiction in the world to pass laws allowing a doctor to end the life of a terminally ill patient at the patient’s request.
The legislation permitted both physician-assisted suicide and active voluntary euthanasia in some circumstances with strict conditions.
This caused a furore nationally and internationally, generating extensive criticism and extensive support from politicians, health care professionals, religious groups, ‘pro-life’ and ‘pro-choice’ pressure groups, academics, the media and members of the general public.
Andrews’ Private Member’s Bill effectively quashed the NT law, which the Commonwealth has the power to do under the constitution.
Updated
With that, I might leave you in the capable hands of Michael McGowan (not the premier) to take you through the rest of the day’s news.
Two people dead in WA light plane crash
A light plane has crashed near the popular tourist town of Exmouth in Western Australia’s north-west, killing two people on board, reports AAP.
WA police say the microlight aircraft was reported overdue from an aerodrome in Exmouth at about 4.30pm local time on Wednesday.
Hours later, it was found south of Exmouth.
A recovery operation was set to commence at first light on Thursday.
Updated
Victoria will establish a $6m mental health centre for emergency service workers, premier Daniel Andrews announced today.
The centre would be delivered by Phoenix Australia, which conducts research into and advises on policy around post-traumatic stress, and will be available to emergency service personnel such as paramedics, police, with a GP referral.
Through the work that they do, through the fact that they run towards the danger and they deal with the most complex people often at their lowest point, it does take a real toll.
I mentioned earlier today the Victorian government is working to completely rebuild the state’s mental health care system after a royal commission report found it had catastrophically failed, was inadequate for current pressures let alone future demands.
Andrews also said they would work towards paramedics taking the lead in responding to mental health incidents as opposed to relying on police; one of the royal commission’s more than 65 recommendations.
We need to be much less law and order focused. This is not a police issue, this is a health issue...
There will always be, sadly, some cases where police will need to be there. But that shouldn’t be the first call.
Updated
Teenage boy dies from box jellyfish sting
A teenage boy has died a week after being stung by a box jellyfish in far-north Queensland.
The 17-year-old died in Townsville hospital on Wednesday after being stung by the jellyfish while swimming off the tip of the Cape York Peninsula on 22 February.
He had been swimming at Patterson Point, near the village of Bamaga, when he was strung by the Chironex fleckeri jellyfish, the world’s most venomous animal.
The boy was then airlifted by the Royal Flying Doctor’s Service to Townsville hospital’s intensive care unit.
The teen died on Wednesday and police are preparing a report for the coroner.
The boy’s death is the first reported Chironex fleckeri fatality in 14 years.
Qld Box Jellyfish Death
— Joe O'Brien (@JoeABCNews) March 4, 2021
A 17yo boy has died in hospital a week after being stung by a box jellyfish while swimming at a beach on Western Cape York, in the first recorded box jellyfish fatality since 2006.
The boy was stung while swimming at Patterson Point, near Bamaga Feb22
We will bring you updates as soon as we can.
Updated
The NSW health minister has given an update on the male baboon that spectacularly escaped into a Sydney hospital carpark around this time last year. (I refer to the baboon era of Australia news as the “before times”.)
Hazzard says he “is very happy and he is doing well”.
"He is very happy and he is doing well." - NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard gives an estimates update on the baboon who escaped RPA a year ago. CC: @rachelclun
— Mary Ward (@marywardy) March 4, 2021
But it’s worth remembering that the 16-year-old is a scientific testing baboon, so personally, I still have some questions about just how happy he truly is.
Here is Calla Wahlquist’s coverage from last year:
Updated
At the very start of the day, I mentioned yesterday news about chief of defence Angus Campbell coming under fire for telling first-year cadets to reduce their risk of being sexually assaulted by avoiding the “four As” – alcohol, out after midnight, alone and attractive.
He has now made a statement to AAP saying that sexual assault perpetrators are always to blame.
I am aware that my comments have been interpreted by some in a way that I did not intend.
There is never an excuse for perpetrating sexual assault or sexual harassment and the perpetrator is always to blame.
Updated
Look who else is a fan of Graham Readfearn’s zebrafish story!
Australian scientist gets baby fish to bust a move to MC Hammer classic | Research | #Hamm400aos https://t.co/btqy8oTss9
— MC HAMMER (@MCHammer) March 3, 2021
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Premier Daniel Andrews won’t say when international flights will be allowed to resume in Victoria, suggesting more research is needed.
He was asked about this at today’s press conference:
We’ve asked our medical experts to look at what the impacts of [virus] variants of concern are on the risk profile in our hotels...
When that work is completed, and when they can satisfy me that we can have a system where we have the lowest possible risk, then flights will start again.
The inconvenience involved in that, I think, pales into insignificance when you think about ... a very easily transmitted virus, a changing virus, changing challenge, and the prospect of further lockdowns. I want to try and avoid that at all costs.
But Andrews confirmed the hotel quarantine workforce would be retained as it would cost more to “start from scratch”.
AstraZeneca rollout to start tomorrow
Also, this nearly got missed in that press conference but it looks like the first doses of AstraZeneca will be administered in South Australia tomorrow.
These will consist of some of the 300,000 vaccine doses imported from overseas as the TGA is still working through the approval process for domestically manufactured AZ doses.
While these initial doses of AstraZeneca that have come in from overseas have been approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration, and now batch-tested, will be rolled out. And that commences from tomorrow.
What will follow is, ultimately, the approval of the manufacturing process here in Australia for the AstraZeneca vaccine, which will launch the next very significant phase of the home-grown vaccination of Australians for Covid-19.
The ABC is reporting these first doses will be delivered to frontline health workers in the regional town of Murray Bridge, east of Adelaide.
Updated
Morrison also clarified Reynolds’ comments were not referring to Higgins’ core allegation of sexual assault, but instead about her characterisation of the level of support by the government after the alleged rape:
I want to be very clear about is she was not making those comments, as she said to me this morning, in relation to the allegation of sexual assault.
She was not saying that about that, at all. Her comments, she said to me, related to the further commentary about levels of support provided, and her frustrations about how she felt that they were doing everything they believed in their power to provide support.
Clearly, over a period of time, there was a very different view about that. And we’ve acknowledged that, and that’s why we’re addressing the issues the way that we are.
Updated
Morrison says Reynolds' comments about Brittany Higgins were 'offensive' but she 'deeply regrets' them
Morrison has been asked about reports that defence minister Linda Reynolds called alleged rape victim and former staffer Brittany Higgins a “lying cow”.
Morrison confirmed she made “offensive remarks” but say Reynolds apologised to staff not long after, and before they were made public.
She has deeply regretted them. She made them in a private office. She immediately apologised. It was soon after, I should say ... She apologised to the staff about making what were inappropriate comments, long before it became public ...
She deeply regrets it. They were offensive remarks. She should never have made them. I don’t condone them. But what matters is that we continue to address the substance of the issues here, as we are.
Morrison said the comments were made during a stressful week:
I would just simply say to people – you know, it’s been a very traumatic several weeks for many people. People directly involved by these events who are our primary concern. But equally, there have been others who have been drawn into this. They’re human beings. They say things that sometimes they deeply regret ...
And I would simply ask you, given the comment was made in a private place, that you offer the same generosity to how you perceive something you might have said, and perhaps apply the same standard to Linda Reynolds who, at the time, was under significant stress.
Updated
I couldn’t hear the question but Morrison is now discussing the timeline of when his office received key documents about the historical rape allegations level against Christian Porter.
The dossier was provided directly to the federal police. On the Wednesday evening when I spoke to the attorney general, we had not received the dossier at that time.
We were aware that such an anonymously provided set of documents had been provided to other members – in particular, Celia Hammond, as well as Senator Wong and Senator Hanson-Young.
At that time, I had not received – my office had not received – those documents. But we were aware of the contents of those documents, because I contacted both – well, had a discussion with Celia Hammond, and she advised me of its contents and that she’d provided them to the federal police.
So I spoke to the federal police commissioner, and we had a discussion about the contents of that material, and he advised me of the process that they were following, and then I spoke to the attorney general about these matters, and he rejected the allegations very specifically – very clearly, I should say.
I received it in the office – not I personally – it came to my office on Friday afternoon. I was in Sydney. It came to Canberra. And so I instructed that the materials immediately be sent to the federal police, which they were.
Updated
Scott Morrison says Christian Porter will not be retiring:
No, there’s been no suggestion of that whatsoever. He is looking forward to coming back and to resuming his duties. We have a lot to do, and we are doing it.
Morrison 'looking forward' to Porter returning
Questions have now turned to Porter:
Reporter:
Have you spoken with the attorney general since his press conference yesterday?
Morrison:
Yes, I have, and yes, I am. I spoke to the attorney [general] yesterday and I’m pleased that he’s taking some time to get support to deal with what has obviously been a very traumatic series of events, as you’d appreciate.
He’s getting that support, as well as the support of his colleagues, as he takes that time. I’m looking forward to him returning to his duties once that period of leave is completed.
Reporter:
Did you believe his account of events that he said yesterday?
Morrison:
Look, my judgment is based on the report of the police. That’s the point I was making before.
They are the competent and authorised authorities to make the judgments about any such allegations. And they have made their conclusions.
And that’s – as people have said in similar occasions in the past – that’s where the matter rests.
Updated
A reporter has asked Morrison about the UK energy minister’s calls for a more ambitious emission reduction target from the Australian federal government.
I’ve outlined that our commitment is to get to net zero is a priority as soon as possible, especially by 2050.
That shouldn’t be done by regional Australia and regional Australia shouldn’t be asked to carry that burden on behalf of others who are in, you know, northern Sydney, in metropolitan areas of northern Sydney, or in southern Sydney for that matter, or anywhere else.
I’m very conscious of the change that is going to take place over many decades, and Australia is playing its part.
Updated
OK, I guess I will bring you some manufacturing news after all, given this bit is lasting longer than I expected.
Morrison has been asked if the global demand for coal is at risk given an increased appetite for renewables:
I’ve been in Japan recently, I’ve been to many places where the demand for what Australia produces continues. And that will be the case for some considerable time into the future.
The rate at which coal-fired plants are being built in China and other parts of the world – I mean, that’s a reality ...
If it wasn’t Australia, it’d be another country that was doing that. That wouldn’t change any emissions outcome, but it would mean the removal of jobs in Australia. And so I’ve never seen that as a particularly smart thing to do.
Updated
Morrison will take questions about this soon, but for now, we are back to discussing manufacturing.
Morrison speaking about Porter:
In this country, there is a lot at stake. If you don’t go too far from here, you will find countries where the rule of law does not apply. And you will be aware of the terrible things that can happen in a country where the rule of law is not upheld and is not supported, in whatever the circumstances. The rule of law is essential for liberal democracies. And we weaken it at our great peril.
And it can be hard at times. And I understand, particularly under these circumstances, it can be hard to understand just how important that principle is in how we deal with these, the most sensitive and the most traumatic and the most personal of issues.
But we must reflect on that principle, because it is that principle that undergirds our democracy itself. The presumption of innocence. The investigation of allegations involving criminal activity by competent and authorised bodies – that is, the police – and to act in accordance with the decision of those bodies and, indeed, the courts that deal with any allegations that are taken forward for prosecution.
Updated
Morrison is now addressing the comments made by attorney general Christian Porter in his press conference yesterday:
Porter is been accused of the historical rape of a 16-year-old in 1988 when he was 17. He vehemently denies these allegations.
These are harrowing events. And for the family of the woman at the centre of these issues, as the attorney general commenced his remarks yesterday, my heart can only break for anyone who has lost a child ...
This must be a harrowing time for her friends and for her family. And I don’t want to do anything that would seek to add any further difficulty for them.
Christian Porter, the attorney general, has made it very clear in his statement yesterday that he has rejected absolutely the allegations that have been made. That is the same rejection that he made to me last week.
Updated
The prime minister is in the Hunter Valley to talk about an industry-led economic recovery from Covid-19, but he has quickly moved on to other topics.
He said batch testing from AstraZeneca vaccine rollout will begin tomorrow:
The AstraZeneca vaccine, as you know, has arrived in Australia. The minister for health announced that a few days ago.
I can now tell you that the batch testing for the AstraZeneca vaccine that has arrived has been distributed to the states and those first will be administered in South Australia tomorrow. That’s welcome news.
Updated
The prime minister is speaking now from Tomago in NSW.
Fourth round of stimulus payments will land from this week.
The federal government’s fourth rounds of economic support payments, worth around $1.3bn in total, will arrive in bank accounts this week says the treasurer.
The payment of $250 will be automatically paid to individuals living in Australia who received eligible payments, including age or disability pension, carer allowance or held a concession card on 26 February 2021.
Josh Frydenberg has put out a statement this morning:
Combined, the four economic support payments are expected to inject around $12bn into the Australian economy.
As we move towards a more optimistic and stronger recovery this year, this latest payment will provide further support to millions of low-income households recovering from the impacts of Covid-19.
Updated
In extremely important news Australian scientists have managed to get baby fish to bust a move to MC Hammer classic.
This from Graham Readfearn:
Jacqui Lambie says Linda Reynolds' 'career is done'
Senator Jacqui Lambie has had some strong words this morning about defence minister Linda Reynolds, who has not denied claims that she called her former staffer and alleged rape victim Brittany Higgins a “lying cow” after Higgins told the media the government’s response was inadequate.
Lambie told Sky News this was the end of Reynolds career:
She’s gone this morning, she needs to resign immediately. You know, there’s just no need for this ...
What is she sitting in denial is she? Seriously.
Yeah, I think Reynolds has gone ... she’s not coming out and denying that, now she’s trying to smooth it over and throw it somewhere else.
Then I think she’s finished, her career is done.
Reynolds said in a statement that she “never questioned Ms Higgins’ account of her alleged sexual assault” but did “comment on news reports regarding surrounding circumstances that I felt had been misrepresented”.
Updated
John Howard backs government's handling of rape allegation
Former prime minister John Howard told Syndey radio station 2GB that he supports the government’s decision not to stand down Christian Porter or conduct an independent inquiry into allegations of historical rape.
I agree with the handling of this very difficult and sensitive issue by the prime minister and the minister ...
I believe very strongly in our justice system.
It’s been instilled over hundreds of years, things such as the presumption of innocence, and the role of the police in investigating criminal complaints.
Updated
Victoria reports no new Covid-19 cases
No cases in Victoria for the 6th day in a row, but perhaps more interestingly they have announced they have now conducted five million tests since the start of the pandemic.
The state’s population is only 6.36 million, although I reckon I account for at least, like, eight of those tests.
Thank you Victoria.
— VicGovDH (@VicGovDH) March 3, 2021
Every test helps us keep on top of this virus and today marks 5 MILLION tests in Vic.
Even if your symptoms are mild, or you’ve been tested before, get tested and help make sure we can keep doing the things we love.
Info: https://t.co/6fxm69jPGP #COVID19VIc pic.twitter.com/wUXh8m8M8u
Yesterday there were no new cases reported. 19,133 test results were received. Thanks for getting tested - #EveryTestHelps.
— VicGovDH (@VicGovDH) March 3, 2021
More later: https://t.co/lIUrl0ZEco #COVID19Vic #COVID19VicData pic.twitter.com/n8OrzS08fB
Updated
Here is a bit more from Penny Wong’s interview with RN this morning, when she calls for an independent inquiry into the allegations leveled again Christian Porter.
I think the problem here is that a press conference in which serious allegations are denied is not going to give Australians the confidence that is required for a member of the cabinet and as you say the person who is the first law officer of the country ...
He should take action that recognises that this trial by media – and I do agree, actually, that that is not the optimal way the right way we should deal with it in a democracy – he should take action to ensure that the trial by media is not the way we proceed.
This because the reality is, unless there is some form of investigation, some form of process that gives Australian assurance, the confidence in the first law officer.
I think these questions will continue and it is a matter for the prime minister. He is responsible for the membership of the cabinet and he’s responsible for all of us.
Updated
Union warns on Victoria maritime coronavirus testing
The Victorian Maritime Union of Australia has warned that holes in Covid-19 testing systems at shipping ports risks a repeat of the state’s hotel quarantine disaster, reports AAP.
MUA Victoria deputy branch secretary David Ball says while testing is mandatory at some wharfs for workers he is worried that international sailors aren’t being tested on boats:
Testing waterfront workers seven days after boarding a vessel, rather than the international seafarers arriving from foreign ports, is like breathalysing the barman instead of the drink driver.
The union said Victoria is the first state to introduce mandatory tests for wharfies and other workers at ports of entry.
While he does not oppose testing port workers, Ball wants national testing of all international seafarers as they arrive at Australian ports.
Once Australian maritime workers have been infected with Covid, it is already too late, with those workers potentially spreading this virus to family, friends, coworkers, and the broader community,” Ball said in a union statement:
By testing international seafarers on arrival, appropriate medical treatment can also be made available while the vessel is in port, protecting the health, welfare and safety of all these workers who play a vital role in Australia’s maritime supply chains.
Updated
For those who have just sat down at their desk this morning and want to get up to date on the reports that defence minister Linda Reynolds called alleged rape victim and former staffer Brittany Higgins a “lying cow”, Guardian political editor Katharine Murphy has the full story.
You can read her report here:
Updated
It looks as though Victorian premier Daniel Andrews and the minister for mental health James Merlino will stand up for a press conference at 9am.
The Victorian government has been working hard to save face this week after a damning royal commission report into the state’s mental health system was released, basically calling for the current system to burnt to the ground and rebuilt from the ashes. (I’m exaggerating, but only slightly.)
The government had already began renewed investment into the sector in the last budget so has been working to fast-track projects this week.
Given that Merlino will be there today, perhaps there are more announcements on the way? I’ll bring you updates from that press conference soon.
Updated
Cyclone warning cancelled for north Queensland
While Cyclone Niran has been upgraded to a category three intensity storm, cyclone warnings have been cancelled for north Queensland as it edges further away from shore.
Cairns and surrounding areas have been battered by damaging winds and flash floods this week, with banana crops destroyed and thousands of homes left temporarily without power.
Cyclone warning cancelled for north Queensland. #CycloneNiran reaches category 3 intensity while edging away from the mainland https://t.co/rVLE6i5J4y pic.twitter.com/76MZV4dqak
— Bureau of Meteorology, Queensland (@BOM_Qld) March 3, 2021
Updated
Josh Frydenberg is making the media rounds this morning. He was meant to be taking a victory lap celebrating the Australian economy’s bounce-back, with the release of the new GDP figures.
But, given the events of the past week, that is clearly not how his interviews have played out.
Here is part of his interview with Lisa Millar on ABC News Breakfast:
Millar:
Last time you were on the program, Michael asked you whether you believed Brittany Higgins, do you still believe her?
Frydenberg:
I mean, in terms of what has happened to Brittany Higgins, I absolutely do believe her but the point being those matters are in the hands of the police where they need to be but again, every victim of sexual assault needs to have their voice heard and needs to feel comfortable in actually putting their case.
But it’s not for me to really say whether I believe one person or another, these issues are very serious criminal matters and it’s up to the police to ascertain the voracity of the facts in question.
Millar:
Do you believe Christian Porter?
Frydenberg:
The same applies there. My answer is the same, which is that it’s up to the police to ascertain the voracity of the facts in that particular case.
The police are the only body, Lisa, who are authorised to deal with such serious criminal matters and, in the case of the New South Wales police, they have spoken, said the matter is closed.
Yesterday yes saw an emphatic denial [from] Christian Porter at his press conference and in his statement in the glare of the nation’s media and the glare of the Australian public.
He’s entitled to the presumption of innocence as any citizen is entitled to and he has the prime minister’s support and he has my support.
Treasurer @JoshFrydenberg responds to issues surrounding his colleagues Christian Porter and Linda Reynolds. #auspol pic.twitter.com/0aZeHvPXgA
— News Breakfast (@BreakfastNews) March 3, 2021
Updated
Zali Steggall has also thrown her weight behind calls for an independent inquiry into the historical rape allegations levelled against Christian Porter (allegations he vehemently denies):
I think the Australian public deserves to know exactly what is the case. What evidence is there?
We have a situation where very sadly the alleged victim is no longer able to put forward her version of events. We need to know is there any corroborating evidence? What are the facts so that we can clearly assess the weight of the allegations?
The difficulty is the person involved, the attorney general, is a person that holds the highest legal position in the land. We are lawmakers. We have to have the Australian public satisfied that he is a fit and proper person to be in that role.
Updated
Federal NSW independent Zali Steggall has told the Today show she was shocked to hear defence minister Linda Reynolds reportedly described her staffer Brittany Higgins, who alleged she was raped by a colleague, as a “lying cow”:
I was rather shocked to read that. That’s incredibly disappointing and inappropriate of Linda Reynolds and the minister should know better.
I think it makes her position all the more untenable. I think there’s serious questions around her handling of the situation for Brittany Higgins, what happened in 2019.
And these comments, if correct, would show a real issue in terms of appreciating the importance and the bravery for Brittany Higgins in coming out.
Reynolds responded in a statement on Wednesday night, saying she had never questioned Higgins’ account but did not specifically deny making the remark.
AAP says it’s understood the minister took issue at the suggestion she did not offer Higgins proper pastoral care after she was told about the alleged rape.
Updated
Senate opposition leader Penny Wong is speaking to Radio National now.
I’ll bring you the full comments soon but, in broad terms, she has said questions about integrity will hang over the government’s head unless there is an independent investigation into the historical rape allegation against Christian Porter.
She was also asked about allegations levelled several years ago against Bill Shorten but says they are “very different” and aren’t comparable.
Shorten was accused of raping a woman in the 1980s but Victorian police said in 2014 that they had investigated and there was “was no reasonable prospect of conviction”, and closed the investigation.
Updated
More from treasurer Josh Frydenberg:
He insisted on Sky news this morning that the historical rape allegations against Christian Porter were finished after the attorney general emphatically denied the claims:
The matter is at an end because the police have spoken ...
It’s the police whose judgment and whose decision is the most important here ...
Christian Porter has emphatically denied the events and he’s entitled to the presumption of innocence.
But this issue isn’t just falling along party lines. The Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce supported an inquiry, suggesting to ABC radio that it could end the “demeaning” speculation on social media:
I believe some form of external inquiry would be a vastly better alternative than what we’re seeing.
Updated
Treasurer and deputy Liberal leader Josh Frydenberg has appeared on Sky News this morning and has been asked about reports that defence minister Linda Reynolds called alleged rape victim and former staffer Brittany Higgins a “lying cow”.
It seems he wouldn’t be drawn on if the language was unacceptable.
Deputy Liberal Leader Josh Frydenberg asked by @peterstefanovic repeatedly if this language is unacceptable - his reply: "you are asking me in the abstract - Linda Reynolds hasn't said she used that language"
— Trudy McIntosh (@TrudyMcIntosh) March 3, 2021
Although Reynolds hasn’t confirmed she said “lying cow”, her statement in response to media reports did not deny it.
Updated
Let’s talk about those Buckingham Palace bullying allegations for a second.
Ben Quinn, Archie Bland and Caroline Davies have the coverage:
Buckingham Palace is to investigate allegations of bullying against the Duchess of Sussex by former royal staff member, it announced on Wednesday, as relations between members of the royal family appeared to descend to new lows.
In a highly unusual statement, the palace said it was “very concerned” by a report in the Times of claims that Meghan had driven out two personal assistants during her time as a working royal, while Kensington Palace staff had been “humiliated” on several occasions.
It came hours after sources close to Meghan and Prince Harry suggested that the emergence of the bullying allegations was timed to undermine their forthcoming interview with Oprah Winfrey.
You can read the full report below:
Updated
Good morning, Matilda Boseley to take you through the news today and the fallout from the Christian Porter press conference.
If there is something you reckon I’ve missed or think should be in the blog but isn’t, shoot me a message on Twitter @MatildaBoseley or email me at matilda.boseley@theguardian.com.
Before I jump in, I just want to acknowledge how tough yesterday has been for so many groups of people, with Grace Tame’s amazing speech, the Porter saga, and defence chief Angus Campbell’s comments about young cadets needing to avoid making themselves vulnerable to sexual assault.
If you found it particularly hard, or are even just feeling a bit “blah” this morning make sure you reach out to people or even think about calling the Australia crisis support service Lifeline on 13 11 14.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, family or domestic violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au
This morning defence minister Linda Reynolds has not denied reports that she called her former staffer Brittany Higgins a “lying cow” the day she went public with allegations that she was raped by a male colleague in Reynolds’ office and did not receive adequate support from the minister or government.
According to the Australian Reynolds made the comment in the open part of her office and was heard by several staff members, including public servants on secondment from the Department of Defence.
In a statement, Reynolds said she did make some comments expressing her feelings that media reports misrepresented some parts of the situation:
A report in The Australian attributed some remarks to me regarding the very serious allegations made by my former staff member, Ms Brittany Higgins.
I have never questioned Ms Higgins’ account of her alleged sexual assault and have always sought to respect her agency in this matter.
I did however comment on news reports regarding surrounding circumstances that I felt had been misrepresented.
I have consistently respected Ms Higgins’ agency and privacy and said this is her story to tell and no one else’s.
Ms Higgins’ allegations are very serious and that is how they must be treated to ensure her legal rights are protected. I welcome her decision to progress this matter with the Australian Federal Police.
Reynolds is off work sick and isn’t expected to be back until next Monday, but the minister is already facing questions about the viability of her position given the handling of the alleged rape case.
Some other things to look out for:
- Senior government ministers are standing behind attorney general Christian Porter’s decision not to step down after he was accused of a historical rape, an allegation he vehemently denies. Porter says resigning, would mean the “would be no rule of law” and would set a precedent that “any person in Australia can lose their career, their job, their life’s work, based on nothing more than an accusation that appears in print”. He says he does not support an independent inquiry for similar reasons. NSW police this week ended a criminal investigation into the allegations due to a lack of admissible evidence to proceed, partially because the alleged victim has since died.
- SA coroner David Whittle has asked SA police to further investigate the death of this woman, who took her own life in the state in 2020. Police had provided the coroner with a case file on Monday but the investigation was found to be “incomplete”, Whittle said. He noted the need to gather further information on allegations contained in recent media reports. He said he would determine whether to hold an inquest, once the investigation is complete.
- Prominent scientists are calling for the release of convicted NSW child killer Kathleen Folbigg. She was jailed in 2003 for murdering her children Patrick, Sarah and Laura, and for the manslaughter of her son Caleb, but a petition signed by 90 eminent scientists says important scientific and medical discoveries have since been made, pointing to evidence that the children died from natural causes.
- Buckingham Palace says it will investigate allegations of bullying made by former staff of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. This follows a Times article claiming that former staff of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were bullied out of their jobs.
Updated
