Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
ABC News
ABC News
National
Tom Williams

The Loop: Scott Morrison apologises over ministry revelations, former NRL star Brett Finch pleads guilty, and a chief health officer's Bollywood dance moves

Hi there. It's Tuesday, August 16 and you're reading The Loop, a quick wrap-up of today's news.

Let's start here: There have been more revelations about Scott Morrison's secret self-appointments

It's been another big day for former prime minister Scott Morrison.

Here's what you need to know:

  • Yesterday, it was revealed that Mr Morrison appointed himself to three ministries while he was PM, but the Australian public (and some of his cabinet ministers) weren't told about it
  • Today, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he'd received information that Mr Morrison had actually appointed himself to five ministries, including treasury and home affairs
  • Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said he wouldn't back calls for Mr Morrison to resign from parliament, after then-home affairs minister Karen Andrews said the ex-PM 'needs to leave'
  • Mr Morrison then released a lengthy statement defending his actions while apologising to his colleagues and admitting his self-appointments were "unnecessary"
  • Mr Albanese has asked the solicitor-general for legal advice on Mr Morrison's decisions, which he said would be delivered on Monday

Karen Andrews says Scott Morrison must quit parliament following revelations he secretly took control of several ministries. (ABC News: Nicholas Haggarty)

You can catch up on all of this story's developments by looking back at our live blog.

We heard about a 'brave' intervention during the alleged stabbing of two children

Police in South Australia have praised a "brave" man who intervened in the alleged stabbing of two boys on a motorway north-west of Adelaide last night.

The boys' mother is accused of the attack and has been charged with attempted murder.

WARNING: This story contains content that some readers may find upsetting.

It is alleged the mother stabbed her sons, aged three and eight, after stopping her car on the North-South Motorway at Wingfield.

SA Police said a man was able to disarm her, and other members of the public helped detain her before calling emergency services.

"We are extremely grateful to the people that stopped and rendered assistance, intervening in this incident, as no doubt the situation would have been much worse had they not stopped," Superintendent Selena Dinning said.

"If this man hadn't stopped, I'm sure the situation would have been much worse.

The boys remain in hospital.

Two children critically injured after being allegedly attacked by their mother

News you might have missed

Earlier this month, Beijing fired missiles over the island and into the Taiwan Strait and sent warplanes and navy ships across the waterway’s midline. (Source: Xinhua News)
  • A report into former New South Wales deputy premier John Barilaro's appointment to a lucrative US trade role has found the recruitment process was not done at "arm's length" from the government. It has recommended more transparency during hiring processes

The review released today focused on John Barilaro's selection for a plum US trade job. (AAP: Bianca De Marchi)

Here's what Australia has been searching for online

  • Brett Finch. The former NRL star has pleaded guilty to sending child abuse material using an adult phone chat service. He was one of eight men arrested in late 2021 as part of investigations into an alleged child abuse material ring
Brett Finch (left) was arrested in 2021 during investigations into an alleged child abuse material ring. (ABC News)
Former premier William Crowther's statue, erected in 1889, stands in the heart of Hobart. (ABC News: Andy Cunningham)

One more thing: Victoria's Chief Health Officer has the moves

Victoria's Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton has proved he's capable of delivering more than just health news.

Footage has emerged of Mr Sutton delighting crowds at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne awards night this week by dancing Bollywood style.

The festival said Mr Sutton "Bhangra-ed his way into our hearts" by getting down with actor Rithvik Dhanjani on stage.

You're up to date!

We'll be back tomorrow with more newsy goodness.

ABC/wires

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.