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"Heavy heart": Susie O'Neill breaks down as she resigns live on air

<p>Olympic swimmer turned radio host Susie O'Neill has broken down live on air as she announced her resignation from her role with the Brisbane Nova breakfast show.</p> <p>The 51-year-old tearfully told her co-hosts David 'Luttsy' Lutteral and Ashley Bradnam that she would be taking a step back from radio after 10 years with the network. </p> <p>"I do this with a heavy heart, the decision wasn't easy. It's hard for me to articulate exactly why I'm leaving," Susie began.</p> <p>"Turning 50 last year, I realised I'm at a whole new stage in my life. The next chapter will see me pursue other goals, both professionally and personally."</p> <p>Susie added that she was already contemplating what her next career moves would be, as she reassured listeners that she would stay on the air for another six weeks, with her final show being on November 28th.</p> <p>"I want to get back to the grassroots of sport and involve myself in the wider community. It's going to be an emotional final day, saying goodbye to everyone," she said.</p> <p>"Whatever this next chapter brings, my Nova family won't be far away."</p> <p>She went on to thank both of her co-hosts a she reflected on her time on the show, saying, "Thanks to Ash and Luttsy for bringing me into your world and life a bit over 10 years ago now, when I pretty much had nothing going on in my life to be honest."</p> <p>"I joked that it saved my life at the time. You were both so supportive of me. I was horrible at radio and I’d be upset and say, 'I can’t do it' and you would say, 'no, just keep going, just keep going'."</p> <p>Co-host Luttsy was quick to pay tribute to Susie, saying, "It's been an incredible adventure becoming great mates with you. Can't wait to see your next chapter."</p> <p>Before joining the world of radio in 2023 as a sports broadcaster, Susie rose to fame at the age of just 14, joining the Olympic team and going on to score 35 Australian titles and retiring after the 2000 Sydney Olympics. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Nova</em></p>

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Another Channel Seven presenter announces shock resignation

<p>Veteran Channel Seven weather presenter Liz Cantor has announced her resignation on Wednesday after 17 years with the network. </p> <p>The TV host shared the shock news in a statement and revealed she has accepted a new position at Network Ten. </p> <p>"I was a seven, now I'm a ten. I feel honoured to be part of the return of local news to Queensland. I'm really excited to take weather out into our community," she said. </p> <p>She paid tribute to her former colleagues and shared her excitement at starting the new role alongside a gallery of photos from her time at Seven. </p> <p>"I just want to use this space to take a moment and jump in to say thank you to my 7News colleagues," she shared.</p> <p>"I cherish the friendships, experiences, lessons and growth I've experienced while running alongside you all, over the past 17 years.</p> <p>"You're the most incredible, hard working bunch of inspirational people. I count my lucky stars I got to share such an influential part of my life with you all."</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C_NSXdcTySW/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C_NSXdcTySW/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by LIZ CANTOR (@lizcantor)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Cantor will start her new role on Monday. </p> <p>She joins Sharyn Ghidella, who was axed from Seven last month, but will soon join Network 10 to anchor the 5pm Queensland news bulletin. </p> <p>Her move to Network 10 will also bring the <em>10 News First </em>show back to the Brisbane studio after years of it being read from Sydney. </p> <p>In an <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C_OWPdxTOgF/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">update</a> shared on Wednesday morning, Cantor shared a photo alongside Ghidella in front of the Network 10 desk, sharing her excitement to be working with her again. </p> <p>"Also, @sharynghidella people know you as a calm, composed, intelligent news anchor - and you are all of these things - but I also know you as someone witty (YES!) and always encouraging and supportive of the people around you," she wrote. </p> <p>"I am beyond thrilled, to call you my colleague again. See you all Monday."</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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AFP commander resigns after drink driving accident

<p>Former Australian Federal Police commander Danielle Anne Woodward has resigned after she drunkenly crashed her car into a tree following a police function in Canberra.</p> <p>The Olympic medalist pleaded guilty to a drink driving charge in the ACT Magistrates Court after blowing nearly three times the legal limit in November 2023. </p> <p>Woodward had attended an end-of-year function on the night of the accident, and intended to walk home or catch an Uber, but felt unwell after drinking champagne, so she decided to take the short drive back home. </p> <p>However, she crashed into a tree on her way home causing “extensive front-end damage” to her Mercedes-Benz. </p> <p>After getting help from members of the public, she immediately reported the incident to her supervisor and told him she had alcohol in her system.</p> <p>She also reportedly co-operated with lower-ranking officials who attended the scene, with the defence saying that she was "frank in her submission". </p> <p>"She was certainly not belligerent," Woodward's lawyer Michael Kukulies-Smith told the court. </p> <p>She was then arrested and taken to the police station for a breath analysis, which came back with a reading of 0.148. </p> <p>A police statement of facts also said that officers found Woodward with a flushed face and sleepy, watery eyes.</p> <p>“Police could smell a strong odour of intoxicating liquor emanating from [Woodward] and formed the opinion that [she] was well under the influence,” the statement of facts read. </p> <p>The court also heard that Woodward had been experiencing a "high level" of stress from her job, so had "at times resorted to alcohol, in a way she has been able to control."</p> <p>"The offending conduct is not only out of character … [but] her actions are usually the complete opposite. They're usually designed to benefit and protect the community," prosecutor Samuel Carmichael said.</p> <p>Woodward's lawyer asked Chief Magistrate Lorraine Walker to record a non-conviction, as this was a "one off" offence, and the media coverage of the accident had already caused her "an unusual degree of reputational damage", which has impacted her mental health and career. </p> <p>While Magistrate Walker agreed to a non-conviction, she said that a general deterrence still needed to be served, with Woodward disqualified from driving for six months, taking into account a 90-day immediate suspension notice that was issued after the crash.</p> <p>The Chief Magistrate told the court: "What ultimately influences me … is Ms Woodward is a woman suffering from ill health.</p> <p>"It is often people of good standing in this community … who find themselves before the court for this type of offence."</p> <p>She also said that Woodward had shown “obvious and palpable” remorse, and was not someone who would ordinarily demonstrate “this level of stupidity”. </p> <p>Woodward was a highly decorated police officer who worked for the AFP for almost four decades. She became a commander in 2022 and received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 2002.</p> <p>In 2020 she was awarded the Australian Police Medal in the Australia Day honours. </p> <p>Prior to her role in the AFP, she was a a triple Olympian in slalom canoeing and won a silver medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. </p> <p><em>Image: ABC News</em></p>

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"I have some very big news": Today host announces shock resignation

<p>In a shock announcement on Friday morning, beloved <em>Today </em>show presenter Brooke Boney revealed that she will be bidding farewell to the morning program.</p> <p>Boney, known for her vibrant presence and insightful reporting, has been an integral part of the show since 2019, captivating audiences with her charisma and professionalism. However, her journey is about to take a new turn as she embarks on a remarkable academic pursuit at Oxford University.</p> <p>“Guys, I have some very big news for you this morning," Boney said to her co-hosts on the panel. "I’ve been offered a place at Oxford University later this year, which means I’ll be leaving the show after the Olympics</p> <p>“I don’t want to go into too much right now, because there’ll be plenty of time for goodbyes and thank yous, but I just wanted to share that good-slash-bad news with you all this morning.</p> <p>“It’s been a dream of mine to be able to study at an overseas university, and it just felt like the right time to take that step.</p> <p>“I’m so grateful to come in here every day and I love you all so much. So it’s made the decision really difficult. But it just means that you’ll all have to plan trips to the UK to come and visit."</p> <p>The news of Boney's departure stirred a wave of emotions among fans and colleagues alike. With tears and heartfelt messages, the tight-knit morning show panel expressed their pride and support for her next endeavour. Co-hosts Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo showered Boney with words of encouragement, acknowledging her longstanding dream of studying at an overseas university.</p> <p>“We are very, very proud of you,” Stefanovic said. “So proud of you,” Abo added.</p> <p>Boney's journey to this pivotal moment has been marked by dedication and perseverance. Hailing from the Hunter Region of NSW, she discovered her passion for media at a young age, volunteering at a local community radio station. Her path led her to Sydney, where she pursued an advertising cadetship before delving into university education as a mature-age student. Graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism in 2013, Boney's career trajectory took her to various roles, from political correspondent to newsreader on Triple J's breakfast show.</p> <p>Now, as she prepares to embark on a Masters in Public Policy at Oxford University, Boney reflected on the significance of this opportunity. "I thought if I don't do this now, then I'm probably never going to," she shared.</p> <p>While bidding farewell to the <em>Today</em> show, Boney reassured viewers that her departure is not the end of her journey with Nine. Expressing her desire to explore future collaborations with the network, she remains optimistic about the possibilities that lie ahead.</p> <p>As Brooke Boney prepares to embark on her next chapter, her legacy as a trailblazing journalist and cherished presenter continues to inspire. As she bids adieu to the morning show, audiences eagerly await the next chapter in her remarkable journey.</p> <p><em>Images: Nine</em></p>

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Elite school headmaster resigns in the wake of damning exposé

<p>The headmaster at an elite Sydney school has resigned after a damning exposé about historic toxicity and sexism within the school. </p> <p>Cranbrook School headmaster Nicholas Sampson announced his resignation on Thursday night after an emergency meeting was called to discuss the serious allegations made by former staff members in an episode of <em>Four Corners</em>.</p> <p>In the damning episode, former staffers shared their experiences of the "toxic boys's club" and systemic sexism in the school, which the <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/elite-school-teacher-blackmailed-for-naked-photos-by-student" target="_blank" rel="noopener">female teachers</a> allege was swept under the rug by the headmaster and his deputy.</p> <p class="paragraph_paragraph___QITb" style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1rem; font-family: abcsans, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif;">In a statement to the school community on Friday morning, the council said, "The circumstances of the matter and subsequently Mr Sampson's failure to disclose the matter to the current School Council in the context of this week's ABC <em>Four Corners</em> broadcast, have led to an irrevocable breakdown of trust between the Headmaster and the School Council."</p> <p class="paragraph_paragraph___QITb" style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1rem; font-family: abcsans, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif;">"The School Council communicated this to Mr Sampson and this morning received his resignation."</p> <p><span style="font-family: abcsans, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">The council said it, "deeply regrets the distress to our students, our staff, our parents, our alumni and the broader Cranbrook family arising from the current circumstances".</span> </p> <p>Sampson's resignation comes after <span style="font-family: abcsans, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">revelations he kept a teacher on staff after discovering he sent multiple graphic emails to a former female student. </span></p> <p><span style="font-family: abcsans, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Helvetica Neue, Arial, sans-serif;">The teacher in question was still working at Cranbrook this week and had recently been promoted. Cranbrook confirmed on Friday he is now on immediate leave pending an investigation.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-family: abcsans, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Helvetica Neue, Arial, sans-serif;">Image credits: Cranbook School</span></em></p>

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Scott Morrison resigns from parliament

<p dir="ltr">Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison has resigned from parliament, marking an end to his 16-year career in politics. </p> <p dir="ltr">Mr Morrison said he would leave politics at the end of February, setting up a by-election a year out from the next federal election.</p> <p dir="ltr">In a lengthy statement, the 55-year-old explained that he would be stepping back from politics to spend more time with his family, and be more involved in his church community. </p> <p dir="ltr">ScoMo paid tribute to his family – wife Jenny and daughters Lily and Abbey – in the statement, who he said “have sacrificed a great deal to support my service to our country and local community”. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I am grateful for their support, but the time has come for me to return to my private life and support my family to pursue their goals and for us to spend more time together as a family,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I am also looking forward to being more active in my church community outside the constraints of public office.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Mr Morrison said it had been his “great privilege” to represent his constituents in the Sydney electorate of Cook and noted the decision to leave had been “difficult”. </p> <p dir="ltr">“However, I believe the timing is now right to move on to a new season with my family and take on fresh challenges,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">After making the announcement of his resignation, Morrison appeared on <em>Sky News</em> to discuss his lasting legacy as one of Australia’s most controversial prime ministers. </p> <p dir="ltr">He told the <em>Sky News</em>’ Paul Murray, “I’m sure there’s things that people will need to forgive me for and I’ll forgive them. You just don’t carry these things around with you. You look forward.”</p> <p dir="ltr">He then quoted former US president Theodore Roosevelt, who Mr Morrison described as a “hero” for him. </p> <p dir="ltr">“He used to talk about – I’m one of those ones who was on the field, who has known victory and defeat, not one of those timid souls who have known neither, and just looks on from the outside,” he said.<span id="docs-internal-guid-a7151a37-7fff-a3f1-de75-5a7687aa9fec"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

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Shock on-air resignation plunges Kyle and Jackie O show into chaos

<p dir="ltr">The <em>Kyle and Jackie O Show</em> has been thrown into disarray after a key player in the production announced their shock resignation live on air. </p> <p dir="ltr">On Friday, one of the show’s producers unexpectedly quit in the middle of the broadcast, shocking the radio hosts. </p> <p dir="ltr">Kyle and Jackie O were presenting their show as normal when their producer Kayla, who uses they/them pronouns, made the bombshell announcement. </p> <p dir="ltr">Upon hearing the news of their departure, Kyle was so shocked by it he spilled the coffee they were handing him onto the computer, short circuiting the system and taking them off the air.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s Friday and the radio show is half broken,” Sandilands shared.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We're in a weird studio because I knocked coffee all down the computers. Non-binary Kayla came in and gave me the very sad news,” he later told listeners once the technical difficulties had been resolved. </p> <p dir="ltr">“They're abandoning us to live their own life. As they were handing the coffee over I grabbed it and was in such shock I spilt it all over the equipment.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Sandilands and Henderson said they didn’t know what was going on as equipment kept beeping and going off left, right and centre, and the second studio they were moved to “also failed”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It wasn’t just you with the coffee Kyle, something crazy is going on here,” Henderson said. “None of our studios work, the sensor machine is beeping … it’s just crazy.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The shocking incident pulled the show off the airwaves for more than an hour, as technicians were called in to fix the coffee-covered equipment. </p> <p dir="ltr">They were eventually let back into their original studio but were sat among “wires everywhere”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s like we’re on <em>M*A*S*H</em>,” Henderson joked. “We’re in an army tent and we’ve got some little box here that’s apparently broadcasting to air.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: KIISFM</em></p>

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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>

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"No one cares": Kyle's ABC rant after journalist resigns

<p>Kyle Sandilands has taken aim at the ABC, claiming no one watches the public broadcaster, after veteran journalist Juanita Phillips announced her resignation. </p> <p>The KIISFM radio host launched into an on-air tirade about the ABC on Tuesday, slamming the broadcaster's popularity and relevance, wondering why Phillips' resignation was something to report on.  </p> <p>Sandilands said "anyone who watches the ABC is deluded," before claiming the "the ABC is not on anyone's radar".</p> <p>Kyle then challenged his co-host Jackie O to recall what Juanita Phillips looks like, with Jackie O unable to recall a single physical detail about the veteran journalist. </p> <p>Kyle continued to say, "No one watches that rubbish. No one cares. No one cares about the ABC," before saying Phillip's career "doesn't belong" in KIISFM news.</p> <p>"Never heard of her. Doesn't need to be on our news. That's ABC rubbish," he said.  </p> <p>Juanita Phillips announced on Tuesday that she would be leaving her coveted role on ABC's 7pm news after 21 years at the helm. </p> <p>"Change is in the air, so it seems the right time to take the next big step in my own life," Phillips wrote on ABC News.</p> <p>"After 21 years presenting the 7pm news, I have decided to leave the ABC and take a break for a while."</p> <p>"It's my choice, and I'm excited to start the next phase of my life."</p> <p>Phillips gave a special mention to her viewers claiming she is "sorry to say goodbye", with her final bulletin airing on September 10th.</p> <p>"It's a privilege to have played a small part in something so important in people's daily lives, and I appreciate the warmth and support I've received from them over the years," the journalist wrote.</p> <p><em>Image credits: ABC News / KIISFM</em></p>

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"I'm glad you're resigning": Kochie's run-in with a heckler

<p>David Koch has shared the details of a nasty altercation he had with a stranger after announcing his departure from <em>Sunrise</em>. </p> <p>Kochie <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/news/news/the-world-s-best-job-kochie-quits-sunrise" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced</a> on Monday that he would be leaving the Channel Seven breakfast show after 20 years in the hosting chair. </p> <p>The response to his shock resignation has been mostly positive and supportive, as famous friends and loyal viewers have flooded online spaces with well wishes for the veteran TV presenter. </p> <p>However, Kochie shared that after taping had finished for Monday morning's show, he was approached by a heckler on the street while walking with his wife, Libby.</p> <p>“In all of that lovely euphoria, this is just life, I’m walking to lunch with Lib and walked by a bloke and he goes, ‘I’m glad you’re resigning, you are just a paid mouthpiece for Big Pharma’,” Koch said.</p> <p>“An anti-vaxxer. He started yelling at me across the road. Lib’s going ‘What the hell?’.”</p> <p>Koch’s co-host Natalie Barr said, “We take the good with the bad, and we know that.”</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Kochie has thanked all the well-wishers who responded to the news he is leaving Sunrise, before revealing one random heckler gave him a send-off to forget! <a href="https://twitter.com/kochie_online?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kochie_online</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kochie?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kochie</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/sunriseon7?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#sunriseon7</a> <a href="https://t.co/uhUhxONeNN">pic.twitter.com/uhUhxONeNN</a></p> <p>— Sunrise (@sunriseon7) <a href="https://twitter.com/sunriseon7/status/1663321697208918018?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 29, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p>Speaking to <a href="https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/tv/morning-shows/david-koch-reveals-he-was-brutally-sledged-in-street-after-quitting-sunrise/news-story/551069985f00f3a4909a32502b4aae91" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>news.com.au</em></a>, Koch said that after decades in the game, he was okay with not pleasing everybody.</p> <p>“Yes, we all have faults. I’ve stuffed up and people love me or hate me, but what they see is what they get, and I think they respect that even if they disagree with your views,” he said.</p> <p>“It’s a really intimate relationship with the viewers.”</p> <p>Despite the heckler, Kochie went on to say he had received a lot of kind messages, with one of the nicest tributes coming form his breakfast TV show rival Karl Stefanovic. </p> <p>“A wonderful, classy, respectful [message] from Karl Stefanovic was so nice, really adored that one,” he said on-air.</p> <p>“But so many great messages.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Sunrise</em></p> <div class="media image" style="caret-color: #000000; color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; width: 705.202209px; margin-bottom: 24px; max-width: 100%;"> </div>

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"Exhausted" Premier Mark McGowan calls it quits

<p>Western Australia Premier Mark McGowan has announced he is stepping down as premier and member for Rockingham after six years, saying he is “exhausted”.</p> <p>McGowan announced his resignation after calling a snap press conference in Perth and read out a “brief statement” to reporters.</p> <p>"Today I am announcing that I will be stepping down as Premier and member for Rockingham," the statement read.</p> <p>"I was elected premier of Western Australia in March 2017, more than six years ago. Prior to that I served as Opposition Leader for more than six years.</p> <p>"Now is the right time to step away from the job I love.”</p> <p>McGowan said he is stepping down partly because he is confident Labor will win the next state election.</p> <p>"I'm tired, extremely tired. In fact, I'm exhausted," he said.</p> <p>"The role of political leadership does not stop, it is relentless, with huge responsibility but it is all consuming, each and every day. And combined with the COVID-19 years, it has taken it out of me.</p> <p>"I'm convinced WA Labor can win and will win the next election in 2025. But I just don't have the energy or drive that is required to continue in the role as Premier.”</p> <p>He revealed he had been considering stepping down for a while, and will take a break after he finishes.</p> <p>"It is not a decision I have taken lightly, I've been considering it for quite a while," he said.</p> <p>"I will leave Parliament and leave the role by the end of this week. It will be up to my colleagues to select my replacement.</p> <p>"I don't want to finish work completely. Once I am rested and recuperated, I will look for something else to do.”</p> <p>McGowan thanked his wife Sarah and three children, Samuel, Alexander and Amelia, for their support over the years.</p> <p>"To my family can I pass on my love and thanks, being Premier takes a huge toll on family life," he said.</p> <p>"Thank you for every thing over so many hard years.”</p> <p>The politician added that he is a “phone call away” should his successor ever need advice.</p> <p>Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he had spoken to McGowan and congratulated him on his retirement, commending the work he’s done for Western Australia.</p> <p>"Mark leaves office as he led, on his own terms and as his own man. He has been a great Premier of his proud state, an extraordinary leader for WA Labor and a trusted friend," Albanese said.</p> <p>"Above all, Mark will be remembered for seeing the people of Western Australia safely through one of the most challenging crises in our nation's history. In unprecedented times, Mark always held to his convictions and always sought to do the right thing by his state.</p> <p>"I wish Mark, Sarah and their family all the very best for the next chapter of their lives.”</p> <p>Throughout his time as state leader, McGowan has faced several challenges including threats against himself and his family, and pressure over his strict handling of Covid-19.</p> <p>In November 2021, McGowan and his family had considered moving out of their home in Rockingham after threats were allegedly made against them.</p> <p>Police charged two men over phone calls made to the state premier, which allegedly included threats to behead his wife and children.</p> <p>“In terms of my own family, obviously it’s not pleasant. It’s not very nice and I just urge the people doing it to stop,” McGowan told reporters at the time.</p> <p>According to police, a 20-year-old from Canning Vale and an 18-year-old from Harrisdale allegedly called the premier personally and issued threats via voicemail.</p> <p>McGowan copped serious backlash for mandating vaccinations and locking down WA’s borders during the pandemic.</p> <p>Despite the criticism, the WA government continued to pursue a 90 per cent vaccination rate.</p> <p>“It’s not going to change our approach. We’re going to continue to work to get West Australians vaccinated,” he said.</p> <p>“We’re going to continue with the rules we’ve put in place because that is what is needed.”</p> <p>McGowan has also been approached and verbally abused by protesters on several occasions.</p> <p>He was confronted by Covid-19 protesters opposed to mandatory vaccinations, with a mob seen swarming his car.</p> <p>The encounter was captured on video and the premier is seen walking to his car before he was descended upon by a group shouting and holding signs.</p> <p>A woman attempted to approach the premier and his security, demanding he “give us our jobs back”.</p> <p>As the politician stepped into his car, the group called him a “f***ing coward” while banging on the vehicle’s windows.</p> <p>“Aren’t you down here to convince us?” one woman yelled.</p> <p>“We will rise up,” another remarked as he drove off.</p> <p>McGowan was also involved in a legal battle, with mining magnate Clive Palmer taking him and the state of WA to court multiple times during the pandemic.</p> <p>Both men fell short of a victory in the defamation trial after they sued each other in the NSW Federal Court, with $5,000 in damage awarded to Palmer and $20,000 to McGowan.</p> <p>“Both men went too far in their political jousting and both men litigated, but only one was willing to draw back and avoid the long and costly hearing,” Justice Michael Lee said after the trial.</p> <p>Palmer had claimed that the politician defamed him in multiple comments including that he was a “threat” to WA.</p> <p>McGowan countersued Palmer’s claims that he “lied” to the public about Covid-19, among several other comments.</p> <p>The defamation trial came about after Palmer lost his High Court battle with WA over its harsh border.</p> <p>Palmer sought $30 billion from the state after claiming that legislation introduced but WA Labor was unconstitutional.</p> <p>The bill amended a 2002 state agreement with Palmer’s Mineralogy company and was designed to bar him from suing over a decision by the previous Liberal government to not assess one of his mining projects.</p> <p>“Time and time again, Clive Palmer has attempted to bring our state down – first, by challenging the hard border that kept Western Australians safe through a pandemic, and then by launching an outrageous legal claim for damages,” the politician said in a social media post.</p> <p>Palmer responded to McGowan’s resignation on Twitter with, “Goodbye, Mark McGowan, Goodbye.”</p> <p>In addition to the considerable obstacles he’s faced, McGowan was also involved in a car accident.</p> <p>The premier was fortunately uninjured, and the woman who hit him was on her way to her first day at a new job.</p> <p>Despite hearing a large bang, McGowan said there was only minor damage to the car.</p> <p>“I’m fine. It wasn’t that bad,” he told <em>Seven West Media</em>.</p> <p>“We were just coming around a corner and another car sort of hit us, it felt worse than it was.</p> <p>“It was all very dramatic, I think, for her, but she was great. She was good-humoured, a bit shaken up, a bit shocked but we had a good chat.”</p> <p><em>Image credit: Getty</em></p>

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Jacinda Ardern’s resignation: gender and the toll of strong, compassionate leadership

<p>“Uneasy is the head that wears the crown”, wrote Shakespeare, way back in the 1500s. It’s not a new idea that top-level leadership jobs are intensely <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1048984316300923">stressful</a> and pose a heavy toll. Extended periods of stress are known to put people at <a href="https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/abs/10.1146/annurev.psych.52.1.397">risk of burnout</a>.</p> <p>Yet probably few of us can ever grasp just how unrelentingly demanding and difficult leading a country actually is. Especially in times of crisis and with our modern media and online environment, every statement and every move a leader makes is subject to extensive scrutiny and commentary. </p> <p>Increasingly, a troubling feature of the commentary about New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has been its abusive, violent, sexist and misogynistic tenor.</p> <p>While she has not focused on this as a reason for her decision to <a href="https://theconversation.com/arderns-resignation-as-new-zealand-prime-minister-is-a-game-changer-for-the-2023-election-198149">resign yesterday</a>, being targeted in this way, and knowing <a href="https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/entertainment/2022/03/where-is-clarke-gayford-jacinda-ardern-laughs-off-conspiracy-theories-reveals-the-answer.html">her partner</a> and even <a href="https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/482761/the-hatred-and-vitriol-jacinda-ardern-endured-would-affect-anybody">her child</a> were also targeted, must surely have made an already difficult job so much more challenging.</p> <h2>Crises, kindness and courageous decisions</h2> <p>Crises have long been understood as the most intensive tests of a <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1048984322000649">leader’s skill and character</a>. They involve making weighty decisions, at times about matters that quite literally have life and death implications. Decisions have to be made at speed, but often with insufficient information to confidently predict the consequences of the choices made.</p> <p>Ardern’s premiership has thrown crisis after crisis her way. And time and time again, she has displayed a strength of character and <a href="https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9781003099109-10/leading-crisis-adaptive-leadership-jacinda-ardern-deidre-le-fevre">considerable leadership skills</a> in responding to them. </p> <p>Her handling of the Christchurch terror attacks won <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2019/03/18/new-zealands-prime-minister-wins-worldwide-praise-her-response-mosque-shootings/">global admiration</a> for her composure, compassion and decisive resolve to ensure such heinous acts could not be repeated here.</p> <p>Her response to the <a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/white-island-eruption-how-good-is-ardern-world-praises-pm-for-disaster-response/4S5BZ6NCOWXN4R63HDIEV4KXVM/">Whakaari White Island eruption</a> garnered similar praise, showing yet again her intuitive grasp that a leader offering support to those caught up in such a distressing event actually makes a difference. That Ardern has sought to combine compassion and kindness with the courage to make tough decisions is a key feature of <a href="https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/978-1-80262-157-020221003/full/html">her style</a>.</p> <h2>Unrealistic expectations of a leader</h2> <p>Throughout the pandemic, Arden has repeatedly proved her willingness to make courageous decisions. Combined with her prowess at <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1742715020929151">mobilising the public’s understanding</a> and support for the government’s COVID response, this was critical to the success of the elimination strategy. Many <a href="https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2022/03/21/two-years-since-nz-first-locked-down-expert-reaction/">lives and livelihoods have been saved</a> due to her leadership.</p> <p>When Delta and then Omicron emerged, Ardern <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-jacinda-arderns-clumsy-leadership-response-to-delta-could-still-be-the-right-approach-169926">sought to continually adapt</a> the government’s policies to a changing context. While tenacity and resilience may number among her many strengths, dogmatism is not one of her weaknesses. </p> <p>Of course not all decisions <a href="https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/coronavirus/300763211/ombudsmans-criticism-of-miq-virtual-lobby-doesnt-go-far-enough">proved to be optimal</a> – expecting them to be so would be wildly unrealistic. Some of her decisions have sparked a <a href="https://thespinoff.co.nz/summer-2022/04-01-2023/the-day-the-grounds-of-parliament-burned-2">strong negative response</a>. But it’s <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Thinking-Differently-About-Leadership-Critical/dp/1784716782">foolish to expect perfection from leaders</a>, and the job unavoidably means making tough calls not everyone will agree with.</p> <h2>Rise in sexist and mysogynistic abuse</h2> <p>No leader is omnipotent, especially in a democracy and in a globally interconnected world. </p> <p>The latest crisis Ardern has been grappling with – the cost of living – is in large measure <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2022/09/21/economy/central-banks-inflation-global/index.html">driven by global forces</a> far beyond the control of any New Zealand prime minister. New Zealand’s situation is <a href="https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/129353834/think-inflation-is-biting-spare-a-thought-for-turkey">better than many other countries</a>, but unfortunately for Ardern this holds little sway for some people. </p> <p>The reality, then, is that her growing unpopularity has in part been rooted in people having unrealistic expectations of what leaders can and can’t actually do, and needing someone to blame. But there’s also no getting away from the fact that far too much of the criticism directed at her has been coloured by sexist and misogynistic attitudes. </p> <p>There’s a continuum in how this is expressed. It starts with one C word – <a href="https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/opinion/122658284/shes-not-a-doll-so-dont-call-the-prime-minister-cindy">Cindy</a> – which is a sexist attempt to belittle her authority and status as an adult woman who is the elected leader of our country. </p> <p>It ends with the other C word. Research by the <a href="https://thedisinfoproject.org/2022/11/29/dangerous-speech-misogyny-and-democracy/">Disinformation Project</a> shows its usage is enmeshed within a wider discourse that denigrates other aspects of her identity as a woman and extends to <a href="https://twitter.com/justinsight/status/1616144565433663488">fantasising about her rape and death</a>.</p> <p>This kind of behaviour is simply inexcusable. It should be to New Zealand’s eternal shame that Ardern has been subjected to this. It cannot be justified by arguing her policies have been controversial and she “deserves” this abuse: that line of reasoning simply replicates the defence long used by rapists and domestic abusers.</p> <p>Ardern is New Zealand’s third woman prime minister. The <a href="https://www.ceeol.com/search/article-detail?id=277628">glass ceiling</a> for that role is well and truly broken. We now also have <a href="https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/477290/women-will-have-equal-share-of-seats-in-parliament-with-soraya-peke-mason-s-swearing-in">equal representation of women</a> within parliament. But the sexist and misogynistic nature of so much of the criticism and abuse directed at Ardern also shows we are a very long way from having equal treatment of women in leadership.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/jacinda-arderns-resignation-gender-and-the-toll-of-strong-compassionate-leadership-198152" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>. </em></p>

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“It’s time”: Jacinda Ardern announces shock resignation

<p>New Zealand’s prime minister Jacinda Ardern has announced she will be stepping down from her position.</p> <p>Ardern confessed that she “no longer had enough in the tank to do it [her role] justice”, and confirmed a national election for October 14th. While her term will conclude no later than February 7th, she will continue on as an MP until the election. </p> <p>Jacinda has served as the 40th prime minister of New Zealand since 2017, when she made history by becoming the world’s youngest female head of government at 37 years old, and is a member of the Labour Party. </p> <p>Of her decision to resign, she stated, “I’m leaving, because with such a privileged role comes responsibility. The responsibility to know when you are the right person to lead and also when you are not.”</p> <p>“I don’t want to leave the impression that the adversity you face in politics is the reason that people exit. Yes, it does have an impact. We are humans after all, but that was not the basis of my decision,” she went on to explain. </p> <p>She noted that she has her family’s support, and looks forward to spending more time with them. Jacinda and her partner, Clarke Gayford, welcomed their first child, Neve, in 2018. In her address, she told them, “to Neve: mum is looking forward to being there when you start school this year. And to Clarke – let’s finally get married.”</p> <p>Her announcement comes in a tight election year for the Labour party, but she is confident in their victory, and stressed that the polls were not the driving force behind her decision, “I’m not leaving because I believe we can’t win the election, but because I believe we can and will, and we need a fresh set of shoulders for that challenge.” </p> <p>Australia’s prime minister, Anthony Albanese, took to Twitter to share his respect for Jacinda after the news broke, writing, “Jacinda Ardern has shown the world how to lead with intellect and strength … Jacinda has been a fierce advocate for New Zealand, an inspiration to so many and a great friend to me.”</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Jacinda Ardern has shown the world how to lead with intellect and strength.</p> <p>She has demonstrated that empathy and insight are powerful leadership qualities. </p> <p>Jacinda has been a fierce advocate for New Zealand, an inspiration to so many and a great friend to me. <a href="https://t.co/QJ64mNCJMI">pic.twitter.com/QJ64mNCJMI</a></p> <p>— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlboMP/status/1615871202580639744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p>Albanese went on to add that he looks forward “to working with the next Prime Minister of New Zealand,” and that he wishes Jacinda and her family well in this next chapter of their lives. </p> <p>He cited her “powerful leadership qualities” in her empathy and her insight, both demonstrated by Jacinda herself when she admitted that she has always worked with and relied on her team, and has not led on her own. She asked only that people remember her “as someone who always tried to be kind.”</p> <p>“I hope I leave New Zealanders with a belief that you can be kind, but strong, empathetic but decisive, optimistic but focused. And that you can be your own kind of leader – one who knows when it’s time to go,” she added. </p> <p>Ardern has faced many challenges over her five and a half years in the role - from natural disasters to an international pandemic. Of the experience, she reflected, “it’s one thing to lead your country through peace time, it’s another to lead them through crisis. I had the privilege of being alongside NZ in a crisis and they placed their faith in me.”</p> <p><em>Images: Getty Images</em></p>

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Prince William's godmother resigns amid racism row

<p>Prince William's godmother and Queen Elizabeth's lady-in-waiting has resigned from her royal position after making "unacceptable comments" towards a black guest at Buckingham Palace. </p> <p>The incident reportedly took place earlier this week, when Camilla, Queen Consort was joined by Crown Princess Mary of Denmark, Queen Mathilde of Belgium and Queen Rania of Jordan at an event to highlight domestic violence survivors and charities.</p> <p>Ngozi Fulani, chief executive of Sistah Space, was invited to the afternoon reception at the palace through Safe Lives, a charity the Queen Consort is patron of.</p> <p>The next day, Fulani took to social media where she detailed an exchange with Lady Susan Hussey, saying the woman repeatedly asked where she was "really from", saying "this event remains a blur after the violation".</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Mixed feelings about yesterday's visit to Buckingham Palace. 10 mins after arriving, a member of staff, Lady SH, approached me, moved my hair to see my name badge. The conversation below took place. The rest of the event is a blur.<br />Thanks <a href="https://twitter.com/ManduReid?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ManduReid</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/SuzanneEJacob?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SuzanneEJacob</a> for support🙏🏾 <a href="https://t.co/OUbQKlabyq">pic.twitter.com/OUbQKlabyq</a></p> <p>— Sistah Space (@Sistah_Space) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sistah_Space/status/1597854380115767296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 30, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p>The palace released a statement saying it took the matter "extremely seriously", labelling it "unacceptable" and confirming the staff member had stepped aside.</p> <p>"In this instance, unacceptable and deeply regrettable comments have been made," a statement from Buckingham Palace on Wednesday afternoon (Thursday morning AEDT) said.</p> <p>"We have reached out to Ngozi Fulani on this matter, and are inviting her to discuss all elements of her experience in person if she wishes."</p> <p>"In the meantime, the individual concerned would like to express her profound apologies for the hurt caused and has stepped aside from her honorary role with immediate effect."</p> <p>Prince William's spokesperson almost made a statement to the BBC, saying "Racism has no place in our society."</p> <p>"The comments were unacceptable, and it is right that the individual has stepped aside with immediate effect," they said.</p> <p>As the Palace claims it has reached out to Fulani, she told London radio station LBC and UK newspaper The Independent she hadn't heard from Buckingham Palace yet.</p> <p>Hussey, who served as Queen Elizabeth's lady-in-waiting for over 60 years was given a role in the royal household by King Charles after his mother's death.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

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Boris Johnson resigns

<p dir="ltr">Boris Johnson has resigned as Prime Minister of the UK.</p> <p dir="ltr">The leader of the controversial Conservative Party was plagued with various scandals from holding parties during lockdown to offering his colleague who was under investigation for sexual misconduct a high profile job. </p> <p dir="ltr">Within 48 hours, 59 people resigned from Johnson’s parliament with many of them calling for him to quit. </p> <p dir="ltr">Johnson eventually resigned from the top job at 12.30pm on Thursday UK time.</p> <p dir="ltr">He said he will remain in his position until a new leader of the Conservative Party is appointed. </p> <p dir="ltr">"It is clearly now the will of the parliamentary Conservative Party that there should be a new leader of that party and therefore a new prime minister,” he said outside 10 Downing street.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I've agreed with Sir Graham Brady, the chairman of our backbench MPs, that the process of choosing that new leader should begin now and the timetable will be announced next week. </p> <p dir="ltr">“And I've today appointed a cabinet to serve, as I will, until the new leader is in place.</p> <p dir="ltr">"So I want to say to the millions of people who voted for us in 2019, many of them voting Conservative for the first time: 'Thank you for that incredible mandate, the biggest Conservative majority since 1987, the biggest share of the vote since 1979’.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Johnson revealed that he tried to convince his party to stick together and how switching governments now would be “difficult”.</p> <p dir="ltr">"In the last few days, I've tried to persuade my colleagues that it would be eccentric to change governments when we're delivering so much... and when the economic scene is so difficult domestically and internationally," he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I regret not to have been successful in those arguments, and of course, it's painful, not to be able to see through so many ideas and projects myself.</p> <p dir="ltr">"To you, the British public: I know that there will be many people who are relieved and, perhaps, quite a few will also be disappointed.</p> <p dir="ltr">"And I want you to know how sad I am to be giving up the best job in the world, but them's the breaks."</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Read his full speech below.</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">"It is clearly now the will of the parliamentary Conservative Party that there should be a new leader of that party and therefore a new prime minister, and I've agreed with Sir Graham Brady, the chairman of our backbench MPs, that the process of choosing that new leader should begin now and the timetable will be announced next week. And I've today appointed a cabinet to serve, as I will, until the new leader is in place.</p> <p dir="ltr">"So I want to say to the millions of people who voted for us in 2019, many of them voting Conservative for the first time: 'Thank you for that incredible mandate, the biggest Conservative majority since 1987, the biggest share of the vote since 1979’.”</p> <p dir="ltr">"And the reason I have fought so hard in the last few days to continue to deliver that mandate in person was not just because I wanted to do so, but because I felt it was my job, my duty, my obligation to you to continue to do what we promised in 2019.</p> <p dir="ltr">"And of course, I'm immensely proud of the achievements of this government: from getting Brexit done to settling our relations with the continent for over half a century, reclaiming the power for this country to make its own laws in parliament, getting us all through the pandemic, delivering the fastest vaccine rollout in Europe, the fastest exit from lockdown, and in the last few months, leading the West in standing up to Putin's aggression in Ukraine.</p> <p dir="ltr">"And let me say now, to the people of Ukraine, that I know that we in the UK will continue to back your fight for freedom for as long as it takes.</p> <p dir="ltr">"And at the same time, in this country, we've been pushing forward a vast program of investment in infrastructure and skills and technology, the biggest in a century. Because if I have one insight into human beings, it is that genius and talent and enthusiasm and imagination are evenly distributed throughout the population but opportunity is not. And that's why we must keep levelling up, keep unleashing the potential in every part of the United Kingdom. And if we could do that, in this country, we will be the most prosperous in Europe.</p> <p dir="ltr">"And in the last few days, I've tried to persuade my colleagues that it would be eccentric to change governments when we're delivering so much and when we have such a vast mandate and when we're actually only a handful of points behind in the polls, even in midterm after quite a few months of pretty relentless sledging and when the economic scene is so difficult domestically and internationally.</p> <p dir="ltr">"And I regret not to have been successful in those arguments, and of course it's painful not to be able to see through so many ideas and projects myself. But as we've seen at Westminster the herd instinct is powerful and when the herd moves, it moves. And my friends, in politics, no one is remotely indispensable, and our brilliant and Darwinian system will produce another leader, equally committed to taking this country forward through tough times, not just helping families to get through it but changing and improving the way we do things, cutting burdens on businesses and families and yes, cutting taxes, because that is the way to generate the growth and the income we need to pay for great public services.</p> <p dir="ltr">"And to that new leader, I say wherever he or she may be, I say I will give you as much support as I can.</p> <p dir="ltr">"And to you, the British public, I know that there will be many people who are relieved and perhaps quite a few who will also be disappointed. And I want you to know how sad I am to be giving up the best job in the world. But them's the breaks.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I want to thank Carrie and our children, all members of my family who have had to put up with so much, for so long. I want to thank the peerless British civil service for all the help and support that you have given our police, our emergency services, and of course, our fantastic NHS who at a critical moment helped to extend my own period in office, as well as our armed services and our agencies that are so admired around the world, and our indefatigable Conservative Party members and supporters whose selfless campaigning makes our democracy possible.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I want to thank the wonderful staff here at Number 10 and of course Chequers, and our fantastic prop force detectives, the one group, by the way, who never leak.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Above all I want to thank you, the British public for the immense privilege that you have given me. And I want you to know that from now on, until the new prime minister is in place, your interests will be served and the government of the country will be carried on.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Being Prime Minister is an education in itself. I've travelled to every part of the United Kingdom and in addition to the beauty of our natural world, I found so many people possessed of such boundless British originality and so willing to tackle old problems in new ways that I know that even if things can sometimes seem dark now, our future together is golden.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Thank you all very much."</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

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Brian Houston resigns from Hillsong amid more scandal

<p dir="ltr">Brian Houston’s reign as the head of Hillsong Church has come to a shocking end, after it was announced he resigned from the global megachurch.</p> <p dir="ltr">The church’s founder resigned as Global Senior Pastor after an internal investigation into two incidents involving Brian found he had breached the church’s code of conduct, as reported by <em><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/hillsong-church-brian-houston-resigns-as-head-of-megachurch/f4ead2f0-5292-418f-a38a-5c579ee2680b" target="_blank" rel="noopener">9News</a></em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Dear Church, we would like to advise you that Pastor Brian Houston has resigned as Global Senior Pastor of Hillsong Church and the board has accepted his resignation,” a statement from the church read.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Irrespective of the circumstances around this, we can all agree that Brian and (his wife) Bobbie have served God faithfully over many decades.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We ask that you continue to pray for them, and the entire Houston family, during this challenging time.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The church revealed last week that Brian had breached its moral code following the investigation.</p> <p dir="ltr">He allegedly sent inappropriate text messages to a staff member a decade ago, and entered a woman’s room at a conference in 2019 after mixing medication and alcohol.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The first issue was approximately a decade ago and involved inappropriate text messages from Pastor Brian to a member of staff, which subsequently resulted in the staff member resigning,” last week’s statement read.</p> <p dir="ltr">“At the time, Pastor Brian was under the influence of sleeping tablets, upon which he had developed a dependence.</p> <p dir="ltr">Hillsong said Brian apologised to the staff member and received help from the church for his use of sleeping pills.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Following an in-depth investigation, it was found that Pastor Brian became disoriented after a session at the Hillsong Conference, following the consumption of anti-anxiety medication beyond the prescribed dose, mixed with alcohol,” the statement said of the second incident.</p> <p dir="ltr">“This resulted in him knocking on the door of a hotel room that was not his, entering this room and spending time with the female occupant.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Although members of the church were likely rocked by the news on Wednesday afternoon, this moment has been a long time coming for critics of the church and its leader.</p> <p dir="ltr">Brian Houston‘s resignation as Global Senior Pastor of the church comes just a month after he stepped down as the church’s figurehead last month while facing charges of concealing historic child sex abuse offences committed by his father, Frank.</p> <p dir="ltr">He was charged with concealing a serious indictable offence of another person in October last year, pleading not guilty to the charges after he returned to Australia from the US.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Hillsong’s external legal counsel gave the board advice regarding the current charge I’m facing and that it would be best practice for me to step aside completely from church completely during court proceedings,” Brian previously said.</p> <p dir="ltr">These aren’t the first scandals Hillsong has been embroiled in either, with accusations of homophobia, celebrity pastor infidelity, and the accepting of millions in tax-free donations from attendees being just a few.</p> <p dir="ltr">“With that tax-free status must come greater responsibility. If you don’t pay taxes, like you and me, then you ought to be more accountable,” former Senator Nick Xenaphon told <em><a href="https://9now.nine.com.au/a-current-affair/hillsong-church-critic-reacts-to-leader-brian-houstons-resignation/fe878186-9fa6-4b1b-adf1-345478595282" target="_blank" rel="noopener">9News</a></em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Obviously there’s a lot to unravel here but if you’re the leader then the buck must stop with you.”</p> <p dir="ltr">With Brian’s resignation, Phil Dooley and his wife Lucinda have now taken over leading the church.</p> <p dir="ltr">However, it’s still possible that this will simply be an interim measure until a new leader is appointed.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-0b1858bb-7fff-6b2b-a4e0-f89b17a71040"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

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Priest resigns after botching thousands of baptisms with single phrase

<p dir="ltr">An Arizona priest has voluntarily resigned from his church after it was ruled that he botched thousands of baptisms over the past 25 years - all by using one incorrect phrase.</p><p dir="ltr">Father Andres Arango left the St Gregory Catholic Church in Phoenix this month <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10511635/Phoenix-Catholic-priest-forced-resign-incorrectly-performed-THOUSANDS-baptisms.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">after</a> revealing he used an “incorrect formula” that made the baptisms invalid.</p><p dir="ltr">Rather than invoking the power of God by saying “I baptise you”, as required by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Father Arango said “we baptise you”, referring to the community.</p><p dir="ltr">As a result of his phrasing, every baptism he has performed since he was ordained in 1995 until June 2021 has been invalid.</p><p dir="ltr">This could also mean that subsequent confirmations and First Communions for those baptised by Arango could also be invalidated.</p><p dir="ltr">The Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix said even some marriages could possibly be affected, though they did not expand on how.</p><p dir="ltr">Father Arango will now work full-time offering spiritual guidance to Catholics whose baptisms have been deemed invalid so he can baptise them again.</p><p dir="ltr">In 2020, the Vatican issued a doctoral note clarifying that baptisms performed with the phrase “We baptise you in the name of the Father and the Son of the Holy Spirit” were invalid, prompting church leaders to investigate faith leaders including Father Arango.</p><p dir="ltr">His invalidated baptisms also came from his time working in churches in Brazil and San Diego.</p><p><span id="docs-internal-guid-b2bb13ae-7fff-280b-bab7-d38f8c5653e4"></span></p><p dir="ltr">In a letter announcing his resignation, Father Arango apologised to those affected and asked the community for “prayers, forgiveness, and understanding”.</p><p dir="ltr"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/02/father-arango-letter.png" alt="" width="322" height="826" /></p><p dir="ltr"><em>Father Arango announced he would leave the church after the Vatican ruled that baptisms he performed over the past 25 years have been invalid. Images: St Gregory Catholic Church Bulletin</em></p><p dir="ltr">“It saddens me to learn that I have performed invalid baptisms throughout my ministry as a priest by regularly using an incorrect formula,” Father Arango wrote.</p><p dir="ltr">“I deeply regret my error and how this affected numerous people in your parish and elsewhere.</p><p dir="ltr">“With the help of the Holy Spirit and in communion with the Diocese of Phoenix I will dedicate my energy and full time ministry to help remedy this and heal those affected.”</p><p dir="ltr">The Diocese has said Father Arango remains a priest in good standing and that he has not been disqualified from his vocation or ministry as a result of his mistake.</p><p dir="ltr">Diocese of Phoenix Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted said he didn’t believe Father Arango intentionally harmed or deceived parishioners through his error.</p><p dir="ltr">“On behalf of our local Church, I am too sincerely sorry that this error has resulted in disruption to the sacramental lives of a number of the faithful,” Olmsted said in a <a href="https://www.stgregoryphx.com/note-on-baptism-validity" target="_blank" rel="noopener">statement</a>.</p><p dir="ltr">“This is why I pledge to take every step necessary to remedy the situation for everyone impacted.”</p><p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-a7665fe9-7fff-43e3-b9f2-e43368b1e9d8"></span></p><p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Padre Andres Arango Phoenix AZ (Facebook)</em></p>

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10 ways New Zealand employers can turn the ‘great resignation’ into a ‘great recruitment’

<p>Internationally, and especially within the US, there has been a lot of talk about the so-called “<a rel="noopener" href="https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2021/10/great-resignation-accelerating/620382/" target="_blank">great resignation</a>” – the trend seeing large numbers of workers leaving their jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic, having reevaluated their priorities or simply because there are more opportunities than ever before.</p> <p>While there isn’t enough firm data to confirm this is happening in New Zealand yet, there is little doubt a <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/457103/skills-shortages-top-challenge-facing-company-bosses-survey" target="_blank">chronic skills shortage</a> has given workers more bargaining power. Perhaps not surprisingly, <a rel="noopener" href="https://news.aut.ac.nz/news/the-great-resignation,-nz-style" target="_blank">research</a> shows more and more workers are at least thinking about either changing or quitting their jobs since last year.</p> <p>But this phenomenon – defined as “turnover intentions” – could also fuel what we’re calling the “great recruitment”. After all, as physics teaches us, for every action there is a reaction.</p> <p>Calling it the great recruitment is obviously related to the sheer volume of recruitment activity that logically follows a great resignation. But it is also a reference to the related importance of a positive – great – recruitment experience for potential employees.</p> <p><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/435205/original/file-20211202-25-bujsov.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt="" /> <span class="caption"></span> <em><span class="attribution"><span class="source">Shutterstock</span></span></em></p> <p><strong>Not a negative trend</strong></p> <p>Classic supply and demand principles tell us that if more workers are seeking greener employment pastures, there will be more ready-to-hire talent in the marketplace. For that reason alone, we urge organisations not to consider the great resignation a negative trend in the job market.</p> <p>Of course, to be successful the great recruitment must be supported by businesses that prioritise the recruitment process, from candidate care to the vetting and hiring team, to the use of technology and protecting the organisation’s reputation and brand.</p> <p>However, there are many practices that not only undermine but entirely defeat the positive potential of a great recruitment, including:</p> <ul> <li> <p>“<a rel="noopener" href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/jackkelly/2021/02/17/a-new-study-by-indeed-confirms-that-ghosting-during-the-hiring-process-has-hit-crisis-levels/?sh=7bdd556599c4" target="_blank">ghosting</a>”, where candidates apply for a role but get no response or experience a sudden silence part way through the process</p> </li> <li> <p>posting vague or corny job descriptions – “customer services expert” anyone? – that do nothing to excite or provide context for potential applicants</p> </li> <li> <p>relying too heavily on quasi-scientific personality profile tests and asking questions that are at best tokenistic, at worst discriminatory.</p> </li> </ul> <p><strong>Making recruitment great</strong></p> <p>We also see recruitment processes stumble at the last hurdle by engaging in Game of Thrones-style salary negotiations, where candidates feel like they’re challenging a noble family. This is particularly disadvantages <a rel="noopener" href="https://hbr.org/2020/07/stop-asking-job-candidates-for-their-salary-history" target="_blank">women</a> and <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.employeenetworks.govt.nz/assets/Uploads/Pou-Matawaka-Final-Report-Ethnic-Pay-Gap-March-2019-for-release-.pdf" target="_blank">ethnic minorities</a>.</p> <p>How then to ensure your organisation is capturing the talent potential released by the great resignation and maximising the employment potential of the great recruitment? Here are our top 10 tips:</p> <ol> <li> <p>Choose your words carefully: write inspiring, authentic job advertisements. If your recruitment team can’t do it, get someone who can.</p> </li> <li> <p>Be realistic: create reasonable candidate specifications – wanting extreme levels of skill, attitude and experience is likely put off good candidates.</p> </li> <li> <p>Canvas others: when designing employee value propositions, get input from recruiters and current employees.</p> </li> <li> <p>Remember glass houses: recognise there is no such thing as perfect behaviour when using behavioural-based interview questions, especially given the organisation itself may be questionable in some of its conduct.</p> </li> <li> <p>Consider the context: give due consideration to reference check results – if a candidate’s last boss says he or she was disconnected in the end, perhaps it’s because they were already in a high state of turnover intention.</p> </li> <li> <p>Go back to the future: be open to hiring past employees. Initiatives such as alumni programmes can be used to connect with and recruit former employees.</p> </li> <li> <p>Know your team: be open to conversations about the attributes and attitudes of the person a successful candidate will be reporting to, and the team they will be working with.</p> </li> <li> <p>Be technology wise: use automated recruitment technology (such as SnapHire, JobAdder or QJumpers) to enhance – not replace – an integrated people-oriented recruitment experience.</p> </li> <li> <p>Provide <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/hr-topics/talent-acquisition/pages/salary-most-important-part-job-ad.aspx" target="_blank">clear pay ranges</a>: if an applicant knows what the pay is from the outset, it saves everyone valuable time and energy.</p> </li> <li> <p>Be gracious: formally thank all candidates for applying – this can help ensure you retain them as future applicants and/or customers.</p> </li> </ol> <p><strong>Great expectations</strong></p> <p>With more talent in the market, those in recruitment will need to sharpen their games. Given much recruitment activity is outsourced and many recruiters will be booming in the current climate, organisational clients should have great expectations of recruitment professionals, too.</p> <p>Employees face enough challenges in their working lives without having to endure a recruitment experience that is anything less than great.</p> <p>Finally, the great recruitment must also account for future talent. Before we know it, the <a href="https://www.webwise.ie/parents/explainers/explained-what-is-roblox/">Roblox</a> generation will be hitting the workforce, already adept at digital creation and collaboration, and expecting similar things from recruiters.</p> <p>If we get it right, the great recruitment is a chance for employers to recast the great resignation as an opportunity for everyone to do better – now and into the future.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/172952/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em><a rel="noopener" href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/candice-harris-611631" target="_blank">Candice Harris</a>, Professor of Management, <a rel="noopener" href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/auckland-university-of-technology-1137" target="_blank">Auckland University of Technology</a> and <a rel="noopener" href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jarrod-haar-521652" target="_blank">Jarrod Haar</a>, Professor of Human Resource Management, <a rel="noopener" href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/auckland-university-of-technology-1137" target="_blank">Auckland University of Technology</a></em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a rel="noopener" href="https://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a rel="noopener" href="https://theconversation.com/10-ways-new-zealand-employers-can-turn-the-great-resignation-into-a-great-recruitment-172952" target="_blank">original article</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

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Dan Andrews stands firm after calls for resignation

<p dir="ltr">Victorian Opposition Leader Matthew Guy has called for Daniel Andrews to resign following the revelation his conduct is being investigated by the state’s anti-corruption commission.</p> <p dir="ltr">The Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission, or IBAC, is looking into the conduct of Andrews and a senior public servant regarding their roles in controversial deals that benefited the United Firefighters Union and its boss, Peter Marshall. The commission was initially examining the union’s role in the merging of the Melbourne Fire Brigade with the Country Fire Authority’s career firefighters into Fire Rescue Victoria, but sources have revealed the commission was also investigating whether Mr Andrews was sufficiently transparent in informing the public and his cabinet about his dealings with the UFU.</p> <p dir="ltr">In parliament on Wednesday, Mr Andrews fielded questions about the investigation, but declined to stand down or comment on the matter. “If you want to know who’s been called to IBAC, if you want to know the circumstances in which they’ve been called, then those questions will be directed to IBAC,” Mr Andrews said. Two years ago, in July 2019, he said the IBAC probe into the union’s activities “doesn’t involve me”.</p> <p dir="ltr">Opposition Leader Matthew Guy said, “[Daniel Andrews] is being investigated and he refuses to stand down. I hope that tells the whole state of Victoria about the strength of his integrity compared to what he expects of others.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We have always believed this to be a grubby deal. We knew the involvement of the firefighters union and the state government was too close – a deal designed to stitch up our volunteer firefighters, the people we rely on every summer to protect us.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Guy also referenced<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://oversixty.com.au/news/news/no-option-bombshell-gladys-resignation-amid-anti-corruption-probe" target="_blank">Gladys Berejiklian’s resignation</a>, saying, “The Premier in NSW just stood down for being investigated by ICAC”.</p> <p dir="ltr">Guy asked Mr Andrews if he would insist that any of his ministers who were being investigated by IBAC step aside, and Andrews stood firm, telling Guy, “No and again who IBAC investigates and the circumstances in which they investigate them, who participates in the inquiry, who assists … that is a matter for IBAC.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Secondly, it might not be a matter anyone in the government would even know about. Thirdly, it is not a matter that would necessitate them standing aside, so the simple answer to your question is no.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images</em></p>

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“No option”: Bombshell Gladys resignation amid anti-corruption probe

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian has announced her resignation, following the revelation she was under investigation by the state’s corruption watchdog.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ms Berejiklian is being investigated by the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) to determine whether there was a conflict of interest between her public duties and private life while she was in a relationship with former MP Daryl Maguire.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“It pains me to announce but I have no option but to resign from the office of Premier,” Ms Berejiklian told reporters at Friday’s press conference.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Standing aside is not an option for me as Premier of NSW.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“The people of the state need certainty as to who their leader is during the challenging time of the pandemic.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">While reading from a prepared statement, Ms Berejiklian said she regretted leaving during the pandemic, but was left with no alternative following the announcement from ICAC.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.0304449648712px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7844573/gladys-abc.jpeg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/9871d1da82be473bbe96d8e182a9ccec" /></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: ABC News / YouTube</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“My resignation as Premier could not occur at a worse time but the timing is completely outside my control as the ICAC has chosen to take this action during the most challenging weeks of the most challenging time of the state’s history,” she <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-10-01/icac-investigating-gladys-berejiklian-daryl-maguire/100506956" target="_blank">said</a>.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Resigning at this time is against every instinct of my being and something I do not want to do.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ms Berejiklian also announced she would be resigning from Parliament and would step down as soon as a by-election could be held.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">She denied involvement in any corrupt conduct while in Parliament.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I have always acted with the highest level of integrity,” she said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I have absolutely no regrets during my time in public life.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“My only regret will be not to be able to finish the job to ensure the people of NSW transition to living with COVID.”</span></p> <p><strong>ICAC investigates corruption claims</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The premier confirmed she was in a relationship with Mr Maguire during an ICAC hearing last year.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In the new investigation, Ms Berejiklian will be questioned about grants awarded to community organisations in Wagga Wagga in 2012, when Mr Maguire was the local member for the area.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The hearings are expected to run for 10 days, and will examine whether the premier breached public trust by failing to report anything in relation to her relationship with Mr Maguire at the time which may constitute corrupt conduct.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The ICAC will also investigate whether Mr Maguire used his membership of the NSW Parliament to the benefit of himself and his associates.</span></p> <p><strong>Meet the potential candidates</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ms Berejiklian remains Premier until the Liberal Party decides on her successor, and some members have already announced they will put their names forward for the job.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7844571/rob-stokes.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/3508b2061fdd4ca894f673a9d27e020d" /></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: @robstokesmp / Instagram</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Planning Minister Rob Stokes has announced that he will contest for leadership, having run against Ms Berejiklian following Mike Baird’s resignation.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It is understood that Mr Stokes would be prepared to nominate himself for the position when the party room meets to elect the new Premier on Tuesday.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7844569/dom-perrottet.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/19987bb8387f401d9c06636b111bb539" /></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: @dom.perrottet / Instagram</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Treasurer Dominic Perrottet is also believed to be a frontrunner to replace Ms Berejiklian, though he is yet to announce whether he will.</span></p> <p><img id="__mcenew" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7844568/constance.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/f08dd422ed324ddda6a71cf48025de81" /></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Stuart Ayres (left) and Andrew Constance (right) are also potential contenders for the premiership. Image: Instagram</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Other potential candidates <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw/perrottet-and-stokes-emerge-as-frontrunners-for-nsw-premier-20211001-p58whc.html" target="_blank">include</a> Tourism Minister Stuart Ayres and Transport Minister Andrew Constance.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Getty Images</span></em></p>

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