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Inflation figures ‘unwelcome but unsurprising’, treasurer says
The treasurer, Jim Chalmers, has described today’s increase in inflation as “unwelcome but unsurprising”.
In a statement, he said inflation, which was sitting at 3.8% through the year to December, had increased but remained “much lower” than its peak.
Today’s data shows our inflation challenge reflects a mix of temporary factors and some more persistent pressures. Temporary factors, like the end of energy rebates and a rise in travel prices, contributed to the result, and there are some more persistent pressures in areas like housing.
The data also reflects the recovery we’ve seen in the private sector. We’ve seen around the world that inflation doesn’t always moderate in a straight line – having increased recently in some advanced economies.
Chalmers said the federal government had “made a lot of progress” on the economy but the job’s “not done” as people were still under pressure.
That’s why we continue to roll out responsible cost-of-living relief at the same time as we modernise Australia’s economy. The three big economic priorities for the Albanese government this year are addressing inflation, productivity and global uncertainty, and these figures show why that’s the right approach.
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Paddle out for Sydney shark bite victim Nico Antic
Surfers and swimmers have been urged to return to the water to commemorate a schoolboy who died after being mauled by a shark.
Nico Antic sustained critical injuries after he was bitten near a popular swimming spot at Vaucluse in Sydney’s east, and died on Saturday, reports AAP.
In memory of the 12-year-old, his school Rose Bay Secondary College has organised a community paddle out on Sunday morning at North Bondi.
“Nico was a happy, vibrant and social young person - widely known and deeply loved by a large network of friends,” the school said in a statement posted to social media:
He brought warmth, energy and kindness to those around him and will be remembered for the joy he shared so freely.
Nico will be deeply missed.
The school highlighted his sporting achievements, noting he held its 12 years 800m athletics record.
The family of a young lawyer fatally mowed down on a weekend morning will not get justice over the tragedy after the driver allegedly behind the wheel died.
Zisi Kokotatsios had been accused of illegally using his phone when going to collect a passenger about 4am on 17 March, 2024.
He allegedly ran over 28-year-old lawyer Mitch East while driving through Tamarama in Sydney’s east and failed to stop to help.
Emergency services were called and they attempted to revive East, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Kokotatsios was expected to go to trial after pleading not guilty to dangerous driving occasioning death, and failing to stop and assist after a vehicle impact causing death. On Friday, Downing Centre district court was told the 65-year-old had passed away.
The criminal charges against him – which included two backup charges of negligent driving occasioning death and illegally using a mobile phone while driving – have been withdrawn and the case dismissed.
He died on 11 November with a funeral held at Rookwood Cemetery later that month, according to an online death notice.
Kokotatsios’s criminal matter experienced numerous delays after his arrest in March 2024. He eventually pleaded not guilty at the Downing Centre local court about 16 months later.
A trial set for August was set but then postponed. A new trial date was yet to be locked in.
- Australian Associated Press
Daisy Dumas
Thank you, as ever, Caitlin Cassidy. Let’s get on with the remainder of the day’s live news coverage.
Caitlin Cassidy
With that, I will pass you into the safe hands of Daisy Dumas. Thanks for reading.
Total fire ban issued for NSW Northern Slopes region for tomorrow
The New South Wales Rural Fire Service (RFS) has issued a total fire ban for the Northern Slopes region tomorrow amid a forecast for hot, dry and windy conditions.
The fire ban, beginning at midnight, covers Gunnedah, Gwydir, Inverell, Liverpool Plains and Tamworth.
The NSW RFS said under extreme fire conditions, residents should check their bush fire plan and reconsider travel.
The NSW RFS may issue a Harvest Safety Alert for areas of heightened risk. Harvest operators should monitor conditions and regularly check that they are operating within guidelines.
No fires may be lit in the open and all fire permits are suspended during a Total Fire Ban. Gas and electric barbecues may be used provided certain conditions are met.
Australian wine exports weakened by 8% last year, comprising $2.34bn
Australian wine exports dropped by 8% in value to $2.34bn last year, a report released today by Wine Australia has found.
The export report also found the average value of exports fell by 3% to $3.81 per litre. The report attributed the overall reduction to declines in the value of exports to mainland China and the United States, and in volume to the United Kingdom.
It was offset by value growth for Australian wine in Canada, Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia, indicating areas of opportunity for market diversification.
Wine Australia manager of market insights, Peter Bailey, said the overall weakened export performance was consistent with the long-term trend of declining wine consumption in major markets around the world.
Consumers are reducing overall alcohol consumption in line with wellness trends and in order to save money as the cost-of-living increases.
For wine exporters around the world, trade barriers and regional conflicts are also making it more difficult and costly to get product into markets.
Exports to mainland China saw a particularly dramatic drop, with shipments down by 17% year-on-year to $755m, following the initial restocking period after the removal of import tariffs on Australian wine.
Recruitment drive by ABS to hire census field manager
It’s census year – and the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) needs, maybe, you.
The ABS is now hiring more than 2,700 field managers to help run this year’s census.
Census national spokesperson, Emily Walter, said field managers would be hired locally, where possible, to provide valuable local knowledge and support to Census staff on the ground in communities.
To run a successful census, we need to reach everyone across Australia, from our capital cities to our most remote towns. While we expect most people will choose to complete the census online, there are many people who will require extra support. Field Managers will play a key role in providing this support.
Field managers also help places like local hotels, hospitals and caravan parks to prepare for the census, because not everyone will be in a house on census night.
The census will take place on Tuesday, 11 August, and is the first since the pandemic.
Inflation figures ‘unwelcome but unsurprising’, treasurer says
The treasurer, Jim Chalmers, has described today’s increase in inflation as “unwelcome but unsurprising”.
In a statement, he said inflation, which was sitting at 3.8% through the year to December, had increased but remained “much lower” than its peak.
Today’s data shows our inflation challenge reflects a mix of temporary factors and some more persistent pressures. Temporary factors, like the end of energy rebates and a rise in travel prices, contributed to the result, and there are some more persistent pressures in areas like housing.
The data also reflects the recovery we’ve seen in the private sector. We’ve seen around the world that inflation doesn’t always moderate in a straight line – having increased recently in some advanced economies.
Chalmers said the federal government had “made a lot of progress” on the economy but the job’s “not done” as people were still under pressure.
That’s why we continue to roll out responsible cost-of-living relief at the same time as we modernise Australia’s economy. The three big economic priorities for the Albanese government this year are addressing inflation, productivity and global uncertainty, and these figures show why that’s the right approach.
Labor Friends of Palestine has penned a letter to the home affairs minister, Tony Burke, urging his department to refuse to grant the Israeli president a visa ahead of his visit to Australia next month.
The letter, signed by Peter Moss, Wendy Turner and Oliver van Ingen on behalf of rank-and-file Labor members, noted the invitation of Isaac Herzog to visit Australia and questioned whether Burke had, or would, apply the character test to his visa application.
They pointed to two clauses, including that a person didn’t pass the character test if they had been involved in “the crime of genocide, a crime against humanity, a war crime, a crime involving torture or slavery or a crime that is otherwise of serious international concern; whether or not the person, or another person, has been convicted of an offence constituted by the conduct” and that there would be a a “risk that the person would ...incite discord in the Australian community or in a segment of that community”.
The letter read:
We urge you to find that Herzog does not pass the character test, and therefore that you should refuse to grant him a visa.
Co-convenor for Labor Friends of Palestine, Peter Moss, said the president’s visit “makes a mockery of all the fine words about hate speech, social cohesion, unity and healing”.
Isaac Herzog is a divisive inflammatory figure whose statements have been cited by the UN Independent Commission of Inquiry as allegedly inciting genocide.
Herzog is a substitute for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, who would be arrested if he entered Australia under warrants issued by the Criminal Court.
The presence of this Israeli leader will distress and anger millions of Australians, including Labor members and Labor voters.
Palestine Action Group plans 'national day of protest' during Israel president’s visit to Australia
Jordyn Beazley
The Palestine Action Group plans to hold a “national day of protest” during the president of Israel’s visit to Australia in early February.
In a post to social media, the group said it would meet with representatives of the Palestinian movement around the country tonight to plan “details of a massive national day of protest”.
Earlier today, a spokesperson for Isaac Herzog confirmed he would visit Australia’s Jewish communities and meet with political leaders between 8 February and 12 February after the Albanese government invited him in the wake of the Bondi terror attack.
No specifics of his visits have been announced, with his office saying “further details of the visit schedule will be announced in due course”.
The Palestine Action Group, in its post to social media, urged Herzog be arrested if he “lands here” for “inciting genocide”.
The group has put in a form one with police to carry out a protest this Sunday in Hyde Park, and which will call for the government to cancel its invitation to Herzog.
Jasmine Duff, from the Students for Palestine group, said they would also stage “mass protests” during his visit across the country, including in Sydney and Melbourne this coming Sunday.
Islamic Council of Victoria urges politicians to ‘avoid sowing division’ after Morrison comments
The Islamic Council of Victoria has joined The Australian Imams Council in expressing disappointment over Scott Morrison’s suggestion that imams in Australia should deliver their teachings in English and be subject to an accreditation system for imams with an “enforceable disciplinary authority”.
Chief executive officer of the Islamic Council of Victoria, Zakaria Wahid, said the body “unequivocally condemns” the former PM’s proposal to combat extremism by targeting Muslim communities and schools.
The Australian government does not hold entire communities accountable for acts of violence committed by individuals, and the same standard must apply to Muslims.
When the dreadful Christchurch massacre was committed by an Australian, who was radicalised here, it would have been insulting and outrageous to say that Australians had to accept some level of blame. In the same way, it’s absurd to hold the Muslim community collectively responsible for the horrific Bondi attack.
Muslims are subject to the same laws as all Australians that prohibit racism, hate speech and promoting violence. Within those laws, we must be afforded the same freedom to practice our faith, not be treated exceptionally or subject to more suspicion, scrutiny and regulation because of our religion.
We urge former and current politicians to exercise more responsibility in their public statements and avoid sowing division and hostility between Australia’s diverse communities.
Melissa Davey
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Putland said while it can be difficult for clinicians to attribute cases as being directly related to extreme heat in the moment, the broader impact becomes clear when data is reviewed over time, with spikes in hospital presentations and deaths during heatwave periods.
He said the growing health burden of extreme heat reflects a broader failure to act on climate change.
We have to acknowledge we’ve globally dropped the ball on climate completely. We’re seeing the consequences now in hospitals, and it’s playing out most in people who have the least voice in society, which is the really heartbreaking part of it.
He warned that prolonged heatwaves place strain not only on patients but on health systems themselves, particularly in regional and smaller hospitals with fewer resources and ageing infrastructure.
Melbourne doctor concerned for vulnerable Victorians amid extreme heat
Melissa Davey
As record-breaking heat continues across regional Victoria, Dr Mark Putland, the director of emergency medicine at Royal Melbourne hospital, says he is worried the most vulnerable people are bearing the brunt.
Putland said while Melbourne had so far experienced single extreme heat days, he is “quite worried about what colleagues in regional Victoria are going to be facing in the coming days”.
I think north of the ranges they’re looking at five or six days in a row well over 40C. That becomes really hard to bear, because people’s reserves just get worn down. People’s houses just heat up. It gets difficult when it doesn’t cool down at night and people don’t get any relief.
Putland said emergency departments see a spectrum of heat-related illness during extreme weather, ranging from severe heatstroke, where patients can become unconscious and face multi-organ failure, to dehydration, exhaustion and milder organ injury in people who have been working, exercising, or living in poorly ventilated housing.
But he said a large and less visible impact was on people with chronic illness and older patients, where heat exacerbates existing conditions.
A very common presentation is an elderly person who manages OK most of the time, but during heat they become confused, they faint, or they fall. We see a lot more of that when it’s hot.
Putland said extreme heat disproportionately harms people living in poor-quality housing without insulation or air conditioning, including those in small flats or caravans, as well as people who are socially isolated or managing mental illness, substance use, or medications that interfere with heat regulation.
There are huge inequities in who suffers from extreme heat. The people we see coming in are often the people with the least reserves and the least support.
Continued in next post.
Littleproud says he respects ‘the right to voice different opinions’ as s colleague launches leadership challenge
The s leader, David Littleproud, has released a statement after his colleague, Colin Boyce, confirmed he would launch a challenge to overthrow his leadership in the fallout to the Coalition’s split.
He says as leader of the party, he has “always respected the Party Room’s decisions and direction, that includes the right to voice different opinions”.
We celebrate that freedom within The s.
I stand by my record as Leader of The s and what our Party Room has achieved, through important policy work and standing up for regional, rural and remote Australia.
The s held all of its House of Representatives seats at the last election.
The s also fought to keep important policies, including the Regional Australia Future Fund, tougher action on supermarkets with divestiture powers, Universal Service Obligation reform to ensure better mobile phone coverage in regional areas, and dumping net zero while keeping all energy options on the table, including nuclear.
More recently, The s opposed Labor’s hate speech laws, due to the unknown slippery slope of stopping freedom of speech.
