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“Petty”: Steve Price’s bid to ban Dan Andrews called out

<p>It seems that golf, the sport known for its calm demeanour and leisurely strolls, is continuing to become a battleground for political disagreements. Move over, parliamentary debates; we've got a straight-up fairway feud on our hands.</p> <p>It all started when former Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews decided he wanted to swap the political arena for the green one. Little did he know that his membership application to the Portsea Golf Club would turn into a full-blown scandal, complete with threats to <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/travel/travel-trouble/i-ll-quit-steve-price-s-fairway-feud-with-dan-andrews" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tear up memberships</a> and accusations of petty behaviour.</p> <p>The took another turn on a recent episode of <em>The Project</em>, where hosts Waleed Aly and Sam Taunton found themselves caught in the crossfire of their co-star Steve Price's golfing fury.</p> <p>The dispute centres around the fact that more than 100 club members have written a strongly-worded letter, demanding that Andrews be rejected. </p> <p>Price, the self-proclaimed defender of fairways and greens, threatened to "tear up" his Portsea Golf Club membership if Andrews gets the green light. Aly, doing his best to keep the peace, questioned Price about the gravity of the situation.</p> <p>"But why is it a big deal?" he asked Price on the panel. "If he gets admitted, you don’t have to walk around the golf course."</p> <p>Price, however, had a different concern: "I have to go into the bar, and he might be having food." Ah, the horror of sharing a clubhouse with a former premier!</p> <p>Taunton, sensing the absurdity of the situation, almost called the whole debacle "petty" before wisely biting his tongue. But Price, ever the instigator, goaded him to finish his sentence, to which Taunton finally admitted, "No,  I was going to say it is petty. It was years ago, and at some point, don’t you move on? Why?"</p> <p>Price, standing firm as the guardian of golfing justice, declared, "No. Because we don’t want him there!" It seems the only thing harder to overcome than a water hazard is a political grudge.</p> <p>In the grand scheme of things, it's a bit bewildering that a golf club membership is causing such a ruckus. You'd be forgiven for thinking they were discussing nuclear disarmament, not whether Andrews should be allowed to practice his swing in peace.</p> <p>As the world anxiously awaits the fate of Andrews' golfing aspirations, we're left to wonder: will he get the coveted membership, or will Price be left tearing up his golf club card like a rejected love letter? Only time will tell if this golfing saga will go down in history as a hole-in-one or just another bogey.</p> <p><em>Images: Network Ten</em></p>

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“I’ll quit”: Steve Price’s fairway feud with Dan Andrews

<p><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">Steve Price, </span>the Sky News shock jock and host of <em>The Project</em>, has threatened a full-scale membership mutiny of his hallowed Portsea Golf Club, turning Victoria's Mornington Peninsula into the stage for a golf-centric feud that looks set to make more divots than a toddler with a sand wedge.</p> <p>Price has vowed to unleash the ultimate golf club warfare if former Victorian premier Daniel Andrews dares to follow through on his ambition to become a member of his beloved club.</p> <p>Price declared on <em>Sky News Australia</em> that if Andrews is welcomed into the exclusive golfing enclave, he would take his membership and tear it into more pieces than a scorecard after a disastrous round.</p> <p>“This is the premier who stopped us playing golf for two years during Covid,” Price exclaimed in much the same way one would (<em>1 wood?</em> too much) if Andrews personally walked up and confiscated his seven-iron. “No way should that man come into the golf club.”</p> <p>Former pro golfer Mark Allen joined the chorus of disapproval, claiming that other golf clubs along the Mornington Peninsula were contemplating a similar blockade against Andrews. </p> <p>The uproar stems from the dark days of Covid when golfers in certain parts of the Mornington Peninsula were banned from fairways and greens, as well as a specific restriction that allowed certain parts of the peninsula to carry on playing, while others areas were banned altogether. Andrews, in his role as the "lockdown czar", earned the ire of golf enthusiasts who found solace only on the "wrong" side of the bay.</p> <p>“Remember one side of the peninsula they were able to play and get around, the other side of the peninsula, they were not allowed to play,” explained Allen.</p> <p>In a stunning display of commitment to the cause, golf clubs were allowed to reopen in September 2021, but toilets remained off-limits, prompting golf enthusiasts to question whether they were being punked by an elaborate <em>Candid Camera</em>-style golf course edition.</p> <p>Andrews, who recently announced his retirement from politics, now plans to spend more time with his family and on the golf course. However, the threat of being ostracised from the Peninsula's golfing elite looms large, like a shadow on the putting green.</p> <p>As the turf wars intensify, it's clear that the Mornington Peninsula is not just a geographical location; it's a battlefield, where the clash of golfing ideologies may rival the intensity of a Ryder Cup final day. Will Andrews dare to follow through on his membership application, knowing the potential fallout? Will Price stick to his membership-ripping threat, or will he ultimately decide that a day on the green is more important than a political greenhorn?</p> <p>In this gripping saga of fairways and fracas, the only certainty is that the Mornington Peninsula has become ground zero for a golfing soap opera that will have enthusiasts on the edge of their golf carts, eagerly awaiting the next putt-plot twist.</p> <p><em>Images: Sky News</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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Slain St Andrew’s staffer identified

<p dir="ltr">The body of a female staff member at St Andrew’s College in Sydney has been identified, just hours after she was found dead in the school’s gymnasium. </p> <p dir="ltr">Lilie James, 21, was the water polo coach at the prestigious school, and was <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/news/news/young-female-staffer-found-dead-in-school-bathroom" target="_blank" rel="noopener">found dead</a> with serious head injuries just before midnight on Wednesday. </p> <p dir="ltr">Police are continuing their investigation into her alleged murder, while also searching for Ms James’ friend and colleague Paul Thijssen. </p> <p dir="ltr">Mr Thijssen, who is also a sports coach at the college, is wanted for questioning by police, as it is believed he could help with inquiries into her “apparent” homicide. </p> <p dir="ltr">On Thursday morning, police established a second crime scene near The Gap in Vaucluse that they believe is linked to Ms James’ death. </p> <p dir="ltr">Superintendent Martin Fileman said, “We don’t want to make any assumptions of the fact that that person may have taken his own life, but that’s just another line of inquiry we’re looking at at the moment.” </p> <p dir="ltr">Fileman also confirmed that the two school staffers were known to each other, saying, “There’s nothing to indicate that there was any domestic violence, any [apprehended violence orders] or anything between both of them,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">A post-mortem examination has yet to be conducted to formally determine the cause of the woman’s death.</p> <p dir="ltr">“From her injuries, it was apparent that she was a victim of homicide,” Fileman said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“As you can probably imagine, it’s an extremely daunting experience, a very sad time for everybody. Not only the families, the students also who are turning up today to be confronted by this.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The grim discovery was made after emergency services were called to the scene following reports of concern for the woman's welfare. </p> <p dir="ltr">The Superintendent went on to say the crime scene at the elite school was "confronting" for the officers who found the body.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Last night police from Sydney city police area command were responding to a welfare check and attended the school at St Andrew's cathedral where police located the body of a female in her early 20s in the gym area of the school," he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">"From her injuries it was apparent she was a victim of a homicide.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Facebook</em></p>

News

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AFL star’s wedding evacuated over emergency

<p>West Coast Eagles veteran Andrew Gaff's wedding celebrations took an unexpected turn on a sunny Sunday as an encroaching bushfire threatened the joyous occasion. The unexpected incident unfolded in the picturesque setting of Bold Park in City Beach, Perth, creating an alarming backdrop to what was meant to be a memorable day.</p> <p>According to 7Sport, the flames that ignited in Bold Park posed a severe threat to lives and homes in the surrounding area, prompting the swift intervention of emergency services. This meant that Gaff's wedding reception had to be evacuated promptly, disrupting the festivities and leaving guests in shock.</p> <p>Among the guests in attendance were Gaff's Eagles teammates, including Elliot Yeo and Jack Darling, as well as premiership-winning hero Scott Lycett. The abrupt evacuation was a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of Australian bushfires.</p> <p>"We were just at a wedding, and the police came and said we've got to leave; there is a fire over the hill," recounted one startled guest. Another guest added, "We were dancing... I was busting a move," before they were rushed out of the venue by police.</p> <p>The bushfire outbreak triggered a "watch and act" warning for parts of City Beach, Floreat and Mount Claremont, underlining the gravity of the situation. Amid the chaos, the father of Gaff's new bride, Emma Van Woerden, was seen carrying the wedding cake away from the Quarry Amphitheatre, a symbol of the disrupted celebration.</p> <p>The cause of the fire was attributed to squatters, and it took the efforts of as many as 50 firefighters to bring the blaze under control. Thankfully, there were no reported threats to lives or homes after the situation was contained.</p> <p>Gaff is not the only footy star who has chose to either get engaged or tie the knot during the post-season. Carlton hero <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/relationships/all-the-footy-stars-are-getting-married" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jack Silvagni, for example, wed Grace Phillips</a> in an intimate ceremony attended by family and friends. His teammates Patrick Cripps, Jack Martin and Sam Docherty were among the guests.</p> <p>In the world of rugby, NRL star Reuben Cotter married his new wife, Mackenzie Falco, the day after representing Australia against Samoa. Cotter's dedication to his country led him to cancel his own bachelor party, choosing to participate in the Pacific Championship instead. </p> <p><em>Images: Nine News / Instagram</em></p>

Relationships

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Harry Potter star's delightful baby name has fans enthralled

<p>Bonnie Wright, renowned for her role as Ginny Weasley in the 'Harry Potter' film series, has welcomed a baby boy with husband Andrew Lococo. The 32-year-old British actress joyfully shared the wonderful news with her fans via Instagram, expressing the overwhelming love she and Andrew feel for their newborn son.</p> <p>Elio Ocean Wright Lococo, the couple's pride and joy, made his entrance into the world at home on Tuesday, September 19th. Bonnie marked the occasion by posting an endearing picture of their newborn, along with the heartwarming caption:</p> <p>"Say hello to Elio Ocean Wright Lococo," wrote the proud new mum. "Born at home on Tuesday 19th September. We’re all healthy and happy. Andrew and I are so in love with our sun 🌞!</p> <p>"So grateful for our birth team that have held our hands throughout and made the journey so joyous and expanding. Birth is the wildest experience! Our perfect and loving midwives Tiffany and Taylor @dosmidwifery our wise and wonderful doula Patti @umamother our doctor Phabby if we had needed to transfer @phabulouscare 🕊️</p> <p>"During these healing postpartum days we’ve been visited by some angels thank you @meaghan_snider_ @motherbees and @themilkywaymamas 🕊️ and thank you @ccmeyer for your incredibly informative course I took in the early weeks of pregnancy. Birth workers are amazing 🕊️ !</p> <p>"Lastly thanks to Andrew my rock throughout birth quite literally as I squeezed onto you so tight and you never wavered. Elio has the most tender loving papa. Ok hormonal emotional extra long caption over!"</p> <p>Prior to welcoming their bundle of joy, Bonnie and Andrew took some time to relax and enjoy a babymoon in Laguna Beach, California. Bonnie cherished these moments, captioning one of her posts, "Our last quiet holiday as just two".</p> <p>Throughout her pregnancy, Bonnie proudly displayed her growing baby bump in various photos, captioning one of them, "A summer of growth".</p> <p>Bonnie Wright and Andrew Lococo exchanged vows in a heartwarming ceremony in March of the previous year. Reflecting on their special day, Bonnie shared her happiness with a caption beneath a picture of their wedding rings, writing, "Yesterday was the best day of my life 💙, Thanks to my husband!!"</p> <p>Many well-wishes poured in, including a heartfelt message from Tom Felton, known for his portrayal of Draco Malfoy, Harry Potter's rival at Hogwarts. The 34-year-old actor wrote, "Congratulations B x."</p> <p>Bonnie Wright's journey in the world of entertainment began at the age of 11 when she made her on-screen debut in the first Harry Potter film, <em>Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone</em>, released in 2001.</p> <p>In recent years, Bonnie has garnered recognition for her passionate environmental activism – a definite nod to the "Ocean" element of her newborn's name. She now resides in San Diego, having moved there in February 2020 to be with her now-husband, Andrew Lococo.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Mining tycoon's father dies aged 95

<p>Andrew "Twiggy" Forrest's father, Donald Forrest, peacefully passed away at their ancestral Western Australian home at the age of 95 on a Sunday morning.</p> <p>In a heartfelt obituary, the Forrest family shared, "Don passed away peacefully in his sleep, knowing he was with people and places he loved."</p> <p>“We all wish him well in his onward journey.</p> <p>“He goes with the love, deep affection and enduring memories of all those whose lives his 95-year history has embraced.</p> <p>“His legacy will be cherished by all who knew him.”</p> <p>Donald was remembered as a “loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, stepfather, uncle and patriarch”.</p> <p>The family will host his funeral on Sunday October 1 “at his beloved Minderoo Station”, which has been in the family for four generations and is located in WA’s Pilbara region.</p> <p>A memorial service will be held in Perth afterwards for family and friends unable to attend his funeral. </p> <p>The Forrest patriarch is survived by his wife Marie, sons David and Andrew and daughter Jane.</p> <p>The sad news comes just two months after Andrew announced his <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/relationships/australia-s-richest-couple-call-it-quits" target="_blank" rel="noopener">shock split</a> from his wife of 31 years, Nicola. </p> <p>Andrew and Nicola, who are known as Australia's richest couple, have <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/relationships/the-real-reason-behind-australia-s-richest-couple-s-split" target="_blank" rel="noopener">insisted </a>that the divorce won't affect the direction of their mining empire or philanthropic interests. </p> <p><em>Image: Getty </em></p>

Caring

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"He leaves a broken state behind him": Aussies react to Dan Andrews' resignation

<p>Victorian premier Dan Andrews has announced he will be resigning from his role after nine years in the job, prompting a very mixed response from Aussies. </p> <p>Andrews made the announcement on Tuesday, describing his time as premier as the “honour and privilege of my life”.</p> <p>For many Aussies, the news of his resignation came as a shock, with the announcement prompting a wave of mixed responses. </p> <p>Victorian Opposition Leader John Pesutto had one of the strongest reactions to the news, saying Mr Andrews had “trashed Victoria’s reputation”.</p> <p>“I wish Daniel Andrews well. But we have to face the facts. He’s leaving because Victoria, under his leadership, is falling apart,” he said. </p> <p>Shadow Immigration Minister Dan Tehan also had little nice to say about the outgoing premier, claiming he made the state of Victoria “poorer” while in the top job.</p> <p>“I think he’ll be remembered as a very good politician, very good at politics, but I think, sadly, over time, his legacy is going to be one in which he made the state of Victoria poorer, and he made Victorians poorer,” Mr Tehan said via <em>Sky News Australia</em>.</p> <p>“While we wish him and his family well, the sad reality is it’s Victorians who are going to have to pick up the pieces of his nine years in charge of this state.”</p> <p>Throughout his time as premier, Andrews attracted his fair amount of controversy, particularly around his harsh stance on Covid lockdowns, which saw Melbourne go through one of the longest continuous lockdowns on the planet.</p> <p>One of Mr Andrews’ biggest critics, <em>3AW</em> host Neil Mitchell, was also thrilled to bid the premier farewell, telling him, “Let’s hope we don’t see you in public life again”. </p> <p>He told <em>3AW</em> Mr Andrews had done “enormous damage to Victoria” and claimed to have been predicting his resignation for months. </p> <p>“I reckon he’s been thinking for some time. He’s been out of sorts for months. He’s been making unusual political errors. He’s seemed disinterested, he’s snappy at press conferences. I’ve said on air for some months, ‘he’s thinking about getting out’,” Mitchell said, adding “It’s time for him to go”.</p> <p>Liberal Party powerbroker Michael Kroger argued that Mr Andrews had over the years “got away with murder”, politically speaking.</p> <p>“Record debt. Small businesses are still broken and have not recovered from these extreme measures during the lockdown,’’ Mr Kroger told <em>Sky News</em>.</p> <p>“He leaves a broken, bankrupt state behind him. That’s his legacy. The financial recklessness of Daniel Andrews is unprecedented. And will take a generation to recover from."</p> <p>“Victoria will be better for Daniel Andrews having left today.”</p> <p>Despite many harsh words from his critics, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was quick to praise Andrews' time as premier. </p> <p>He wrote in a lengthy post on Facebook that it had been a pleasure working “alongside an old friend”. </p> <p>“Daniel Andrews is a person of deep conviction, great compassion and fierce determination and he brought all those qualities to his time as Premier of Victoria,” Mr Albanese said. </p> <p>“As Prime Minister, it was a pleasure for me to work alongside an old friend – and a leader of such vision and ambition. It made a huge difference to sit at the National Cabinet table with someone who believed so deeply in the power of government to change lives for the better."</p> <p>“Nearly nine years as Premier is a remarkable achievement. Dan Andrews can be proud that he didn’t waste a minute. I wish Dan, Cath and their children all the very best for their future together.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Legal

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Andrew O’Keefe breaks down in court

<p dir="ltr">Andrew O’Keefe has broken down in court after promising the magistrate he would steer clear of drugs. </p> <p dir="ltr">The embattled TV host and his lawyer fronted court to make an unexpected guilty plea, after he was arrested for allegedly breaching an AVO. </p> <p dir="ltr">On August 19th, police were called to a unit in Point Piper and took O’Keefe to Waverley Police Station where he was charged with contravening a restriction of prohibition of an apprehended violence order.</p> <p dir="ltr">He was then refused bail in Parramatta Bail Court the following day, with the matter set down for August 30th.</p> <p dir="ltr">However, O’Keefe’s solicitor Sharon Ramsden fronted court on Friday for an unexpected mention where she told Magistrate Greg Grogin her client would be entering a plea of guilty.</p> <p dir="ltr">Ramsden told the court that O’Keefe was at the apartment, which he was prohibited from attending, to collect some of his belongings. </p> <p dir="ltr">“There was no contact between the parties, and she returned to the property at 11:45pm having been on a walk,” Ms Ramsden said.</p> <p dir="ltr">Ms Ramsden asked the Magistrate to consider sentencing O’Keefe to a conditional release order without a conviction, to which the police prosecutor Michael Cleaver did not oppose.</p> <p dir="ltr">Magistrate Grogin then addressed O’Keefe directly, asking if the former television presenter could abstain from drugs which aren’t prescribed by his doctors.</p> <p dir="ltr">“One thing I don’t do, I don’t try to set people up to fail … can you fulfil that obligation?” the magistrate asked.</p> <p dir="ltr">O’Keefe responded: “Your Honour, I can guarantee that will be my sincere endeavour.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Mr Grogin sentenced O’Keefe to a conditional release order with no conviction, to which O’Keefe thanked the magistrate through tears.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Mr O’Keefe, on a personal basis you have been through some hard times,” the magistrate said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“You’re going to have good days and bad days and you’re going to go forward and go back, you must comply with court orders … the leniency will not be extended forever.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Legal

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Andrew O'Keefe back behind bars

<p>Andrew O'Keefe, the once-celebrated television personality, has found himself under fresh legal scrutiny after an alleged incident on Saturday evening in a residential unit located in the serene eastern districts of Sydney.</p> <p>O'Keefe is now slated for a prolonged stay behind bars, as a result of his arrest on charges of reportedly violating the terms of an apprehended violence order.</p> <p>The 51-year-old was apprehended at a residence in Sydney's eastern suburbs, with his subsequent hours spent within a police holding cell.</p> <p>Law enforcement intervened in response to a situation at an address on Longworth Avenue in Point Piper, an enclave within Sydney's eastern quarters, at approximately 11:45 pm on Saturday.</p> <p>Appearing via remote video link at Parramatta Local Court on Sunday, the former host of <em>Deal or No Deal</em> was formally charged with violating the terms of the restraining order.</p> <p>According to a statement from New South Wales police: "Officers attended a unit on Longworth Avenue, Point Piper, following reports that a 51-year-old man was at the unit in breach of an Apprehended Violence Order. The man was arrested and taken to Waverley Police Station where he was charged with one count of contravene restriction/prohibition in AVO (domestic)."</p> <p>Bail was denied, and he will remain in custody until his upcoming appearance at Downing Centre Local Court on August 30.</p> <p>O'Keefe's legal woes extend to multiple charges stemming from previous incidents, encompassing accusations of resisting arrest, drug possession, and domestic violence-related assault in connection to a purported event at Point Piper in September 2021.</p> <p>Charges related to an alleged occurrence in January 2022 at his Sydney CBD residence were dropped in February after the sole witness and alleged victim, the prosecution's key source, left the country.</p> <p>According to police, O'Keefe was accused of choking a 38-year-old woman and subsequently assaulting her within his Sydney CBD dwelling in January 2022.</p> <p>O'Keefe, who previously practiced law and is the son of former NSW Supreme Court justice Barry O'Keefe, maintained that his actions were grounded in self-defense.</p> <p>Earlier this year, police prosecutor Michael Cleaver withdrew charges of intentional choking without consent, common assault, and assault causing actual bodily harm.</p> <p>In June 2021, O'Keefe managed to evade a domestic violence conviction, as charges were resolved under the purview of the NSW Mental Health Act.</p> <p>In May 2022, he was conditionally released to attend a rehabilitation facility for a period of up to 12 months, aimed at addressing his struggles with cocaine, methamphetamine, and cannabis misuse.</p> <p>In April, O'Keefe encountered charges after purportedly operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs in Sydney's eastern suburbs, arising from a routine roadside test in Point Piper in January.</p> <p><em>Images: Seven News</em></p>

Money & Banking

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Unseen photo of Dan Andrews slammed after gas ban fury

<p>Dan Andrews has come under fire after a photo emerged of him cooking on a gas stove, just weeks after announcing a state-wide ban on natural gas in new homes. </p> <p>The Victorian premier has been slated online after Liberal MP for Mornington Chris Crewther shared a photo of Mr Andrews cooking on a gas stove inside his home during Covid-19 lockdown in April 2020.</p> <p>“I agree with what Dan does: cooking with gas. It’s much better!” the Liberal MP wrote alongside the photo.</p> <p>“But I don’t agree with what Dan says: banning gas cooking in new homes from next year. Future cooking quality is going to go downhill!”</p> <p><iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FCrewtherChris%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0cbvPq9wQyCJXLcfBXyPj9fucoxTvNUiaRnTYXtS35m3G1xmSPaGcyWqgGu1Q6rcJl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="658" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p>Angry Victorians were quick to slam the premier in the comments of the photo, which has racked up over 6,000 comments. </p> <p>One person on Facebook said it was “proof we are truly living in a socialist dictatorship”.</p> <p>Another described Mr Andrews as a “menace”, while someone else asked “Why can’t we just have a Dan ban?”</p> <p>Slamming the new initiative, one commented wrote that “homeowners should be free to have the choice of gas or electricity”.</p> <p>The photo comes just weeks after Dan Andrews announced that from January 1st 2024, no new homes or residential subdivisions requiring a planning permit in Victoria would be connected to gas. </p> <p>The state government is dubbing the move as a measure to reduce cost of living pressures, claiming households will save up to $1,000 off their annual energy bills while reducing household emissions.</p> <p>The all-electric requirement would also apply to all new government buildings which have not yet reached design stage, including schools, hospitals, police stations and public housing.</p> <p>Despite the public backlash of the initiative, the Energy Efficiency Council applauded the decision.</p> <p>CEO Luke Menzel said “all-electric homes are all-good for Victorian families. They are cheaper to run, healthier to live in, and help lower emissions.”</p> <p>“Given the upfront costs of building an all-electric home are comparable to building a home with a gas connection, that makes going all-electric a no-brainer,’’ he said.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Facebook / Getty Images</em></p>

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“You’re a flop!” Kyle Sandilands hits back at Dan Andrews’ controversial new policy

<p dir="ltr">Kyle Sandilands has called out Dan Andrews and the Victorian government, as they move to ban all new homes in the state from using gas.</p> <p dir="ltr">The state government is dubbing the move as a measure to reduce cost of living pressures, claiming households will save up to $1,000 off their annual energy bills while reducing household emissions.</p> <p dir="ltr">Upon hearing the news of the proposal, the KIISFM radio host branded the Victorian Premier “a flop” and the policy “some bull***t.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“I’m sick and tired of everyone thinking we’re idiots,” he said on <em>The Kyle &amp; Jackie O Show</em>. “These laws are for idiots. Losers are doing these jobs.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“They will be banning Bic lighters next, we will be rubbing two sticks together to get a cigarette lit.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“That government sucks ass. That wandering eyed flop down there can’t have the Commonwealth Games because he can’t budget, now he thinks ‘’Oh, I’ll get the woke losers to vote for me by getting rid of gas’. You’re a flop!”</p> <p dir="ltr">From January 1st 2024, planning permits for new homes and residential subdivisions will only connect to all electric networks.</p> <p dir="ltr">To encourage new homeowners to go all-electric and abandon gas, eligible new home builders, as well as existing homeowners and renters, can access $1,400 solar panel rebates and interest free loans of $8,800 for household batteries. </p> <p dir="ltr">All Victorian households and businesses are also eligible for gas to electric rebates to upgrade heating and cooling and hot water heaters.</p> <p dir="ltr">Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio said getting Victorians on more efficient electric appliances would lead to big savings on bills, while also helping to reduce emissions. </p> <p dir="ltr">“We know that with every bill that arrives, gas is only going to get more expensive,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“That’s why we’re stepping in to help even more Victorians get the best deal on their energy bills.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“Reducing our reliance on gas is critical to meeting our ambitious emission reduction target of net zero by 2045 and getting more Victorians on more efficient electric appliances which will save them money on their bills.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Getty Images / KIISFM</em></p>

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"Gross exaggeration": Sporting officials slam Dan Andrew's Comm Games spending

<p>Dan Andrews has been the subject of a blistering attack by sporting officials just hours after announcing the 2026 Commonwealth Games would not go ahead. </p> <p>The Victorian premier broke the news in a press conference on Tuesday, saying the <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/finance/money-banking/i-m-not-here-to-apologise-dan-andrews-fires-up-as-comm-games-is-scrapped" target="_blank" rel="noopener">event has been cancelled</a> due to ongoing funding issues. </p> <p>He shared that the event, which was due to be held in numerous regional Victorian towns and was first expected to cost $2.6 billion, would now blow the budget out to a whopping $7 billion. </p> <p>However, following Andrews' announcement, Commonwealthh Games Australia Executive Officer Craig Phillips said the premier's cost update doesn't add up, with the $7 billion figure being a "gross exaggeration". </p> <p>“Beyond disappointing for us,” he said on Tuesday. </p> <p>“It’s a comprehensive let-down for the athletes, the excited host communities, First Nations Australians who were going to be at the heart of the Games and which millions of fans that would have embraced the sixth home Games in Australia.”</p> <p>Phillips also accused Andrews of telling misinformation surrounding the process in which the government put its hand up to host the event. </p> <p>After being confirmed to host in April 2022, planning documents showed the intentions were to establish hubs in Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat and Gippsland, each with an athlete’s village.</p> <p>Shepparton was also planned to host events, and the MCG would have hosted the opening ceremony.</p> <p>In a statement released on Tuesday afternoon, Phillips made bombshell claims government officials ignored advice to save costs by moving events to existing stadiums and facilities in Melbourne. </p> <p>Phillips also said Commonwealth Games Australia was not notified about the changed budgetary estimates until the government had already made its decision.</p> <p>He said, “The detailed budgetary implications announced today have not been sighted or discussed with the CGF or CGA ahead of being notified of the Government’s decision." </p> <p>“The stated costs overrun, in our opinion, are a gross exaggeration and not reflective of the operational costs presented to the Victoria 2026 Organising Committee board as recently as June."</p> <p>“Beyond this, the Victorian Government wilfully ignored recommendations to move events to purpose-built stadia in Melbourne and in fact remained wedded to proceeding with expensive temporary venues in regional Victoria."</p> <p>Many were up in arms over the Games being cancelled, including Victorian opposition senator Anne Ruston, who has called on prime minister Anthony Albanese to “take responsibility” for Victoria’s decision to cancel the Commonwealth Games, arguing it has dented Australia’s international reputation.</p> <p>“I say to the prime minister: Australia’s reputation has been damaged today and you should be very worried about the damage this does to Australia’s international reputation,” Ruston said. </p> <p>“This is a terrible decision for Australia but it is also very disingenuous and I think as we dig into the decision this morning, which we will do through our Senate inquiry, you will see that the Victorian government is hiding its incompetence behind a smokescreen of saying this is a budget blowout.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p> </p>

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"I'm not here to apologise": Dan Andrews fires up as Comm Games is scrapped

<p dir="ltr">Dan Andrews has fired up at disappointed journalists after making the shock announcement that the 2026 Commonwealth Games would be cancelled.</p> <p dir="ltr">The Victorian premier shocked the nation with the announcement during a press conference on Tuesday, saying the event would not go ahead due to funding issues.</p> <p dir="ltr">He said the government had considered “every conceivable option” to still hold the games, but new budgets revealed the event, which was originally tipped to cost $2.6 billion, would likely blow out the budget to $7 billion.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I’m not here to apologise for not spending $7bn to deliver an event,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s about, do you deliver it at any cost or not? And the answer is we’re not.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Journalists then quizzed Andrews on what the cost of abandoning the event would be, which he refused to answer but assured the costs would be “fully accounted for” at a later date.</p> <p dir="ltr">While he said he would not “speculate” on discussions, he confirmed “very little costs had been incurred to this point”.</p> <p dir="ltr">Regional Victoria were awarded the rights to host the 2026 event last year after no other countries in the Commonwealth Games Federation volunteered.</p> <p dir="ltr">The Games were set to be held from March 17th to 29th in the regional towns of Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat, Gippsland and Shepparton.</p> <p dir="ltr">Andrews went on to say the state could benefit much more from allocating the hefty multi-billion budget to other areas.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Today it’s not about finding fault with those cost estimates,” Mr Andrews said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I will not take money out of hospitals and schools in order to fund an event that is three times the cost as estimated and budgeted for last year.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Mr Andrews said he had informed the Commonwealth Games authorities the state would seek to terminate the contract and said the subsequent meetings had been “amicable and productive”.</p> <p dir="ltr">In lieu of the Games, Mr Andrews announced the government would deliver the legacy benefits of the “housing, sporting infrastructure and tourism” benefits through other policies, using funds from the allocated $2.6 billion budget.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Money & Banking

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Bombshell twist in split between Australia's richest couple

<p>Just days after announcing their separation, there has been a bombshell twist in the split between Australia's richest couple Andrew and Nicola Forrest. </p> <p>The couple, who were married for 31 years and have a shared fortune of $32 billion, <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/relationships/australia-s-richest-couple-call-it-quits" target="_blank" rel="noopener">confirmed their separation</a> in a joint statement on Wednesday after living apart for months.</p> <p>During those months apart, it has been revealed that Andrew's own mining company investigated allegations he had a secret relationship with an employee.</p> <p>The board of Mr Forrest's company Fortescue Metals Group became aware of an anonymous letter that made allegations against the mining billionaire while the Forrests were figuring out their separation. </p> <p>The board contacted an outside law firm to investigate claims made in the letter about the behaviour of the executive chairman towards a lower level employee. </p> <p>The Australian Financial Review reported the investigation included a review of whether he had a relationship with an employee at the mining company, with the investigation concluding that the allegations were unsubstantiated.</p> <p>"The directors of Fortescue became aware of an anonymous letter concerning the behaviour of the executive chairman," Fortescue Metals said in a statement.</p> <p>"The board immediately met and engaged Seyfarth Shaw LLP, to independently investigate the letter and provide a report. Seyfarth Shaw LLP provided a full report to the board."</p> <p>"The investigation concluded that none of the matters in the letter were substantiated. There were no adverse findings."</p> <p>It added that Mr Forrest was excluded from the investigation as "it related to him".</p> <p>Fortescue went on to say that the report in full would not be released to shareholders or to the public.  </p> <p>The revelations the investigation emerged just days after Andrew and Nicola announced their separation. </p> <p>"After 31 years of marriage, we have made the decision to live apart," the couple said in a joint statement.</p> <p>"Our friendship and commitment to our family remains strong."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images </em></p>

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Australia's richest couple call it quits

<p>Australia's richest couple have announced their separation after 31 years of marriage. </p> <p>Andrew and Nicola Forrest, who made their fortune through their mining company Fortescue Metals, said their split would have no impact on their work projects. </p> <p>"After 31 years of marriage, we have made the decision to live apart," the couple said in a joint statement.</p> <p>"Our friendship and commitment to our family remains strong."</p> <p>"There is no impact on the operations, control or direction of Fortescue, Minderoo or Tattarang."</p> <p>The couple said they would aim to convey a sense of stability for their business during the transition.</p> <p>"We will continue our shared mission to create and gift our wealth to tackle community and global challenges, as recently shown by last month's donation of one-fifth of our Fortescue shareholding to Minderoo Foundation," they said.</p> <p>The news of their split comes after Mr Forrest gave Ms Forrest half the ownership of their flagship company, Tattarang, and more than $1.1 billion worth of Fortescue shares was moved into a new company, Coaxial Ventures, owned by her, according to the <em><a title="Australian Financial Review" href="https://www.afr.com/companies/mining/andrew-and-nicola-forrest-to-pursue-separate-lives-20230712-p5dnpi" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Australian Financial Review</a></em>.</p> <p>Mr Forrest remains Australia's second-richest person in the latest AFR <a title="Rich List" href="http://Australian Financial Review's annual Rich List" target="" rel="">Rich List</a>, with an estimated wealth of $31.44 billion, as only fellow mining magnate Gina Rinehart is richer, with $44.33 billion to her name.</p> <p>After amassing their billions in the mining industry, the Forrests founded the philanthropic Minderoo Foundation in 2001.</p> <p>Its work in recent years has included several environmental projects and supplying millions of Covid-19 tests to Australia in the early days of the pandemic.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Relationships

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Queensland MP pleads with Taylor Swift to bring her tour to town

<p dir="ltr">When international music sensation <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/music/taylor-swift-s-massive-news-sends-aussie-fans-into-a-frenzy">Taylor Swift announced her international tour dates</a>, most Australian fans fell into one of two categories: delighted or devastated.</p> <p dir="ltr">For while the star was answering the prayers of thousands and bringing her Eras Tour down under, she was only set to play in Sydney and Melbourne, leaving a number of other major cities out of the loop. </p> <p dir="ltr">And while most took to social media to share their heartbreak, some even <a href="https://www.change.org/p/get-taylor-swift-to-brisbane">launching a change.org petition</a> to bring her their way, one Queensland MP and Swift superfan opted instead to share his heartbreak with reporters down in Canberra. </p> <p dir="ltr">Andrew Wallace, who joined the Swiftie ranks thanks to car rides with his daughters and a soundtrack courtesy of the singer-songwriter’s impressive catalogue, also seized it as an opportunity to beg Taylor to reconsider her tour dates, and bless Brisbane with her presence.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Interestingly, there is about a week in between her three concerts in Sydney and two concerts in Melbourne. That is the perfect opportunity,” he pointed out. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Taylor, I’m asking you, begging you, I’m pleading with you. I’ll get down on my knees if I have to. Please come to Queensland. There are so many Swiftie fans in Queensland. I am one of them.”</p> <p dir="ltr">As he went on to note, addressing “the guys at Frontier Touring”, it wasn’t clear why Queensland had been left out, as “it’s the first time Taylor will be visiting Australia and not Queensland.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Wallace wasn’t the only one with strong feelings on the matter either, with Sports Minister - and fellow Queenslander - Anika Wells dropping by the press conference to announce that it was an “outrage” to be excluded, and Taylor should know that all too well. </p> <p dir="ltr">However, Wallace wasn’t going to hold it against Taylor, promising that their love story would continue as “no one would ever be able to develop ‘Bad Blood’ between myself and Taylor Swift. It just would not be possible.”</p> <p dir="ltr">He even went on to dedicate <a href="http://andrewwallacemp.com.au/taylorswift/">an entire section of his own website</a> to the cause, where he reiterated that he was “the dad of four daughters, and I’m an unashamed Swiftie. And I’m a proud Queenslander who knows that thousands of fans are disappointed to see Queensland left off the Eras Tour map.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I’m calling on Frontier Touring to extend Taylor’s tour to Queensland – and particularly to the Sunshine Coast, the heart of Queensland’s Swiftie population … we know that a visit to the Sunshine Coast would mean the world to tens of thousands of Queenslanders who think the absolute world of Taylor Swift.” </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Facebook</em></p>

Music

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Caring Kyle asks Fergie the one question she's never gotten

<p>Sarah Ferguson has spoken candidly about what life has been like in the public eye since Prince Andrew's indiscretions have been made public. </p> <p>The Duchess of York made her first appearance on <em>The Kyle and Jackie O Show,</em> sharing how she has been keeping silent on the controversy surrounding her ex-husband of 26 years.</p> <p>In a touching moment, Kyle asked how Fergie was dealing with the media storm around Prince Andrew, in an interview-first for the Duchess. </p> <p>Kyle began, "I've never heard anyone ask it how you're doing through all this – because you're going through lots of ups and downs a lot of wonderful things with the grandchildren, the career everything. </p> <p>"But the other side, are you doing all right? Because you're holding someone else's hand, who's holding your hand through all that?"</p> <p>The Duchess was caught off guard by the kind question, fumbling for words before admitting to the radio host, "You're the first person ever who's asked me, on air, how I am."</p> <p>"Are you kidding?" asked a shocked Sandilands, "After all these years, no one's asked how you're doing?"</p> <p>The duchess replied with a simple "No", before quickly moving on.</p> <p>Fergie went on to share the difficulties of dealing with the media probing into her public life, with Sandilands asking her about rumours that she and Prince Andrew were "scared" to move out of the Royal Lodge in fear that King Charles will kick them out for good.</p> <p>"It's so hard, and I think Philip Schofield summed it up when he said there is a human being at the end of this, there is a human being and I, and I think it is, it's hard, Kyle and you Jackie, you both know it's hard when...you can't answer," she said.</p> <p>"You can't say much you just got to get on, and I think the best way to answer any detracting is to be successful."</p> <p>She went on to say she has learned to be more guarded in her answers in interviews over the years, admitting that she once would've spilled all her secrets. </p> <p>Fergie mentioned a recent interview with Piers Morgan's wife, Celia Walden, where she asked "so many good questions, which are fantastic. And I said, you know, about 20 years ago, I would have probably jumped in with both feet and gone, 'Yeah, blah, blah, blah'."</p> <p>"And now, I'm more guarded about my responses and thinking of the ramifications of my actions and she said, 'I wish I could have met you 20 years ago, and then we'd have had really great front pages'."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Caring

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Andrew Johns quits radio over on-air family feud

<p dir="ltr">Andrew and Matthew Johns are familiar faces in the world of NRL, and while they may have achieved legendary - or ‘Immortal’, in Andrew’s case - status in their sport, their public feuds have become a significant contributor towards their wider fame over the years. </p> <p dir="ltr">As recently as May 2023, the Johns brothers had an on-air disagreement over the year’s State of Origin series, in which each of them backed an opposing team. </p> <p dir="ltr">Joey is a staunch supporter of the NSW Blues side - and was a former player for the squad, regarded by many as one of the game’s best - and took issue with his brother’s praise and admiration for the QLD Maroons, as well as Matthew’s support for the side’s coach, Billy Slater. </p> <p dir="ltr">Matthew ‘Matty’ Johns set things off when he noted that Queensland were coming prepared, and when Andrew asked if that meant New South Wales didn’t, Matty confirmed it. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Mate I’m sick of you rapping Queensland, that’s what I’m sick of,” Andrew then declared.</p> <p dir="ltr">Their spat continued from there, with Andrew going on to share that he “couldn’t give a s**t. I don’t even look at Queensland”. </p> <p dir="ltr">But he wasn’t done there, concluding his take when he told his brother, “you’re blowing smoke up their backsides, I couldn’t care about Queensland.</p> <p dir="ltr">“He [Matty] said they’re easy to admire - they’re the enemy,” he said, before informing their audience, and co-host Andrew Webster, that the two had grown up “hating” the Maroons together. </p> <p dir="ltr">And now, according to Fox Sports, Andrew ‘Joey’ Johns has reportedly stepped down from his position at SEN’s <em>Morning Glory with Matty Johns </em>for the rest of the year in the wake of the argument. </p> <p dir="ltr">Additionally, the head of SEN Craig Hutchison had reportedly tried to keep the peace between them by suggesting that he’d take the two out for a lunch to clear the air, once the 2023 State of Origin series had wrapped up. </p> <p dir="ltr">It has even been reported that Andrew and Matty haven’t spoken since the on-air incident, with Matthew revealing that Andrew was “off me” after making his own return to the show.</p> <p dir="ltr">Meanwhile, Hutchison - who is also the host of Nine’s <em>Footy Classified</em> - had more to add on the matter, and the likelihood of mending the rift and getting Andrew back on air with them. </p> <p dir="ltr">“We love Joey and we love Matt,” he began. “They’ve been a fantastic part of SEN 1170 on Friday mornings.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We respect Joey’s wishes to concentrate on Origin at the moment. We understand he’s got a fair bit on his plate. And I probably underestimated how worked up he is.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We look forward to sitting down with him after Origin and welcoming him back with open arms. I’ll get them both together for a bite to eat and go from there.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

TV

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Prince Andrew “terrified” to leave Royal Lodge amid eviction rumours

<p dir="ltr">Prince Andrew is refusing to exit his royal residence as renovations are carried out on the Windsor property, despite advice to the contrary.</p> <p dir="ltr">According to <em>The Daily Mail</em>, the 63-year-old is putting his foot down over fears that he “might never get back in”, likely in response to circulating rumours that his brother - King Charles - wants to evict Andrew from the home as part of his grand plan to scale back the monarchy. </p> <p dir="ltr">While Andrew no longer holds any official royal duty after his involvement in the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, he still maintains his claim on the mansion with his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson.</p> <p dir="ltr">And now, that same property is set to become “virtually a building site”, with Andrew having hired builders to undertake necessary repair work on the property, tackling everything from damp to mould. </p> <p dir="ltr">As a source told <em>Page Six</em>, Andrew was reportedly advised to vacate “while work was undertaken” over the course of a few months, “but he’s refused because he’s so terrified that the property might be seized in his absence.</p> <p dir="ltr">“In the meantime, Harry and Meghan vacated Frogmore after being told they needed to leave to make way for Andrew but he is refusing to go there, even though he was given the keys.</p> <p dir="ltr">“He’s allowing Eugenie to stay there. She’s just given birth to her second child so while she recovers and gets back on her feet, she’s staying in Frogmore to be near her mum and dad.”</p> <p dir="ltr">And while some believe the temporary move would make sense for Andrew, his fears remain at the forefront. </p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s become farcical,' an insider told <em>The Daily Mail</em>.  “Andrew has roof repairs scheduled later this summer which will take several months to complete and has been advised that staying in the house during those renovations could prove problematic. But he is reluctant to leave.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Buckingham Palace has yet to comment on the rumours, but another source is adamant that the Duke of York will remain in the property, <a href="post.php?post=134779&amp;action=edit&amp;classic-editor">regardless of alleged drama and financial woes</a>. </p> <p dir="ltr">As <em>Page Six</em> noted, Andrew has been making the most of money left to him by the late Queen Elizabeth to fix up the house, with one source explaining that “he’s been quite open about where the money has come from because he doesn’t want people to think he’s come up with it through other means.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The costs are expected to reach into the hundreds of thousands of pounds.”</p> <p dir="ltr">And, as they surmised, Andrew “is adamant that he will see out the end of his [75-year] lease at Royal Lodge.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

Real Estate

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Andrew O’Keefe opens up about drug charge

<p>Former TV presenter Andrew O’Keefe will fight allegations that he drove with methamphetamine in his system, challenging the reliability of saliva testing, a court has been told.</p> <p>O’Keefe, 51, returned to court and entered a not guilty plea after allegedly failing a roadside breath test.</p> <p>The 51-year-old was driving his grey Mercedes C200 through Sydney’s Point Piper, when he was pulled over by police on January 20, 2023.</p> <p>He underwent a random roadside breath test not long after midnight, which returned a positive result for methamphetamine, according to police.</p> <p>O’Keefe was then taken to Waverley Police Station for a second oral fluid test and his driver’s licence was suspended.</p> <p>He was arrested at his home in April and was charged with driving a vehicle with an illicit drug present in blood and breaching his bail conditions.</p> <p>The former TV personality appeared inside Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court as his solicitor Sharon Ramsden entered a not guilty plea on his behalf.</p> <p>O’Keefe plans to contest the matter at a hearing later in the year, with Ramsden telling the court, “The analysis is in issue.”</p> <p>Speaking outside the court, he said he was looking forward to testing the allegations during a hearing in December.</p> <p>“There are certain things that might affect the credibility of a saliva test or urine test,” O’Keefe responded when asked what he hoped the outcome of the hearing would be.</p> <p>Pressed on his concerns about the testing, he said, “My particular reaction to the testing.”</p> <p>The eastern suburbs resident was initially refused bail in April 2023, after being given conditional release after appearing in court the day after the incident.</p> <p>He was granted bail on the condition that he undergo drug and alcohol testing, not take alcohol or non-prescription drugs and be treated by a psychologist or psychiatrist.</p> <p>O’Keefe is also due to return to court in November 2023 where he will contest numerous unrelated charges, including two counts of common assault, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, two counts of possessing a prohibited drug and two counts of contravening an AVO.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Getty</em></p>

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