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“Breaking Aussies’ spirits”: Karl rips into Reserve Bank

<p dir="ltr">Karl Stefanovic has ripped into the Reserve Bank for their decision to pause interest rates at an all time high. </p> <p dir="ltr">The <em>Today</em> host blasted their decision to freeze the cash rate at an 11-year high of 4.1 percent, as Aussies continue to struggle through the cost of living crisis. </p> <p dir="ltr">Karl Stefanovic has accused the Reserve Bank of “not giving a toss” about the millions of Australians struggling to keep their homes amid seemingly endless interest rate rises. </p> <p dir="ltr">On Thursday, Karl let loose on the RBA, slamming their decision to put Aussies under further financial strain.</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-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CuQTWInBqdU/?utm_source=ig_embed&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/reel/CuQTWInBqdU/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by thetodayshow (@thetodayshow)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“They have single-handedly crushed, strangled Australian households,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Aussies who go to work, pay their bills, and just made the mistake of wanting to own their own home. Now you are being held to ransom.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“Everything you have built is now on the line because our central bank missed the inflation tidal wave. This is what's worse though.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“It's not over-spending respective governments carrying the can. It's you at home.” </p> <p dir="ltr">“It's you trying to put food on the table, pay your power bills and keep a roof over your family's head. It's no wonder it's breaking Aussies' spirits right now.”</p> <p dir="ltr">On Tuesday, the RBA moved to pause interest rates at an 11-year high of 4.1 per cent for the next month. </p> <p dir="ltr">Governor Philip Lowe hinted at more monetary policy tightening because inflation is still too high, even after the most aggressive rate rises since 1989.</p> <p dir="ltr">Even if interest rates don't rise again, mortgage repayments could still be hiked.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Today</em></p>

Don't get caught out: 6 holiday scams ripping off travellers

<p>If you’re planning to take a trip across the world soon, then be warned, as there is an influx of new holiday scams affecting tourists as they travel to their dream break.</p> <p>Holiday-makers have money to spend and relaxation on their minds, which is why they are seen as easy targets for con artists.</p> <p>UK-based consumer group <a href="https://www.which.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Which?</a> has listed the six most common frauds travellers need to be aware of, along with tips on how to avoid getting scammed, <em><a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Sun</a></em> reported.</p> <p>So, if you’re planning a trip abroad, here are the things you need to watch out for:</p> <p><strong>1. Accommodation booking scams</strong></p> <p>While the introduction of the internet has been a blessing in terms of ease, it’s also made it easier for scammers to lure you into their traps. With the growth of online holiday bookings, fraudsters often need nothing more than a few fake pictures to lure their victims.</p> <p>A common scam is one that includes picturesque photographs of holiday rentals that don’t seem to exist, advertised at affordable price points. The deals were often advertised on mainstream websites but asked those who were interested in booking to contact them via email, rather than use the site’s own booking system.</p> <p>Bookers were then sent a link to a convincing payment page, which suggested the payment hadn’t cleared. They then ask for a bank transfer instead.</p> <p><strong>How to protect yourself: </strong>Do your research. Google the property to see if it shows up on other reputable websites to check its authenticity. You could use Google Maps and Street View to see if the accommodation actually exists. Also, never pay by bank transfer.</p> <p><strong>2. Dodgy flight deals</strong></p> <p>Con artists have created fake airline websites that advertise budget deals on long haul flights that leave their victims high and dry.</p> <p>The UK government’s fraud agency has reported a recent surge of scams targeting those who are travelling to Asia, Africa and the Middle East.</p> <p>In many instances, tickets were purchased with stolen credit cards and then sold to unsuspecting victims, complete with a reference number.</p> <p>But tickets were then cancelled after the credit card was reported as stolen, leaving the victims out of pocket and nothing to show for it.</p> <p><strong>How to protect yourself:</strong> Book tickets through trusted agencies.</p> <p><strong>3. Wi-Fi hacks</strong></p> <p>It’s become human instinct to try and find Wi-Fi wherever you go, and the same applies when travellers land at airports.</p> <p>While it’s important to stay connected in order to get in touch with friends and family, there is a risk involved. Fraudsters have set up their own free networks in airports and use them to gain free information about anyone that logs on.</p> <p>Many passengers have been tricked into entering their credit card details before logging on.</p> <p><strong>How to protect yourself:</strong> Ask airport staff about the real Wi-Fi connection to make sure it’s the real deal and be on the lookout for connections that don’t ask for passwords straight away. Also, if you are asked for confidential information then provide fake details where possible.</p> <p><strong>4. “Free” holidays</strong></p> <p>This decade-long scam has been one that con artists have perfected throughout the years. Back in the day, people would be pressured into buying timeshares after accepting a complimentary break.</p> <p>Now, the con is conducted through scratch cards and other fake competitions.</p> <p>In one example of the scam, around 500 British travellers in Spain’s Costa del Sol have been scammed of around $27.5 million in the last year alone.</p> <p><strong>How to protect yourself:</strong> Refuse all offers of free holidays because if it’s too good to be true, then it probably is.</p> <p>Do you know of any other travel scams? Let us know in the comments below.</p> <p><strong>5. Document fraud</strong></p> <p>Over the years, the internet has seen a growth in websites selling fake travel visas and other important documents needed to visit foreign countries.</p> <p>A few cases were found to not be conducting illegal activity but were responsible for reselling documents at a huge premium compared to official channels.</p> <p>Some common examples included websites selling the European Health Insurance Card and US visa (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation, or ESTA) documents.</p> <p>While the sites looked extremely convincing, they had nothing to do with the governments of the countries they claimed to represent.</p> <p>According to Which?, out of the top 20 search results for “ESTA visa” over half were unofficial.</p> <p><strong>How to protect yourself:</strong> Follow links to official government websites through the Department of Foreign Affairs website.</p> <p><strong>6. Fake tickets</strong></p> <p>It’s no secret that music concerts and major sporting events are on top of the list of potential scams, but travellers are now falling victim to fake packages to international events and are only finding out the true worth of their ticket once they arrive in the country.</p> <p>The FIFA World Cup in Russia was one example where countless websites offered travel packages including tickets when the only tickets that were considered valid and authentic were the ones purchased directly from FIFA themselves.</p> <p>Scammers love to lure desperate fans with fake tickets, as they know the demand is high and it’s easy to trap people who are willing to go the extra mile for a ticket to their chosen event.</p> <p><strong>How to protect yourself:</strong> Make sure the tickets you are purchasing are from legitimate websites and web pages that start with “https” and have the padlock symbol in the URL bar. And if you’re on the hunt for second-hand tickets, then do a quick check if whether or not resale is allowed, as some tickets are only valid for the original buyer.</p> <p>“Criminals are finding ever more sophisticated ways to dupe holiday-makers, both in the booking process and when they’re on the holiday itself,” Which? Travel editor Rory Boland said.</p> <p>“If something seems too good to be true, it almost certainly is. Don’t hand your money over until you can be sure it’s the real deal.”</p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

Travel Trouble

“Rip off”: Charity shop blasted over extortionate sale

<p dir="ltr">A local charity shop has come under fire for selling a pair of designer shoes for a hefty sum. </p> <p dir="ltr">The op-shop at Palm Beach on the Gold Coast is selling a pair of gold embellished Christian LouBoutin loafers for $500 after being discounted from $1,483. </p> <p dir="ltr">The eye-watering price tag was posted to Facebook and caused outrage among locals, as the shoes were propped up on a red velvet pillow. </p> <p dir="ltr">A woman by the name of Jo Sherwood posted the image to the Palm Beach community Facebook page, writing, “You know when Palmy has gone really upmarket (sic) … designer shoes at Vinnies.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Despite her claims, a spokesperson for the St Vincent de Paul Society has clarified the designer loafers were not from a Vinnies but another independent op shop in the area.</p> <p dir="ltr">Many were quick to slam the hefty price tag, calling the sale a “rip-off”. </p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s bloody disgusting the prices they charge on anything. I saw a Kmart dress in there last week, they were selling it for more than Kmart sold it for,” another wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">Others were quick to call out many op shops who seem to have forgotten who they are there for. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Think they need to remember they are selling donated goods, not operating a boutique store,” someone replied.</p> <p dir="ltr">Another said that “all op shops have forgotten that they are meant to be there for the poor people, not just the hipsters.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Facebook</em></p>

Beauty & Style

"RIP Pop": Michael Clarke reveals further heartbreak

<p>Former Aussie cricket captain Michael Clarke is mourning the loss of his “best mate”.</p> <p>Clarke revealed the extent of his heartache on social media after his grandfather Ray Fox passed away.</p> <p>In a touching post uploaded to Instagram, Clarke can be seen with one hand on the coffin as he walked away from the podium after delivering a eulogy at his grandfather’s funeral.</p> <p>“Never gets any easier,” Clarke wrote.</p> <p>“In losing my Grandfather, I lost a best mate. I feel blessed to be surrounded by so much love on an extremely tough day.</p> <p>“RIP Pop.”</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/CqSAtDtJ9OZ/?utm_source=ig_embed&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/CqSAtDtJ9OZ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Michael Clarke AO (@michaelclarkeofficial)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Friends and family were quick to pass on their condolences and support during this tumultuous time for Clarke.</p> <p>“Sorry to hear that news, mate,” Channel 7’s Larry Emdur commented. “Wishing you and the family all the best.”</p> <p>Businesswoman Erina Peters wrote, “I’m so sorry Michael! He truly loved you so much.</p> <p>“I have so many funny memories with him over the years and he was never short of a cheeky comeback.”</p> <p>Clarke previously said his grandfather was his inspiration behind playing cricket and the hardest part of retiring from the sport was telling Ray.</p> <p>“Definitely telling my grandfather was perhaps the hardest part and he was very emotional,” he said in 2015.</p> <p>“Pop’s made it clear to me over the past 10 years that watching me play cricket is a big part of what keeps him going.”</p> <p><em>Image credit: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

Top 7 common travel rip-offs

<div id="yiv7422957477yui_3_16_0_1_1449006757770_9618" class="yiv7422957477"> <p>Sometimes, when you’re travelling overseas it’s easy to feel like one big walking dollar sign. Avoid getting ripped-off with this guide to the seven most common tourist traps when travelling abroad.</p> <p><strong>1. Sim cards</strong></p> <p>It’s convenient to have a working phone when travelling overseas but the data and call costs can quickly add up. Rather than using your current phone plan, contact your provider and ask to have your plan suspended while you’re away. When you arrive at your destination, buy a local sim card and opt to manually top up your funds. It will allow you to make cheap local calls without the international roaming fees. Don’t forget to use wi-fi networks as well- many restaurants and hotels offer free wi-fi so you don’t have to pay for data.</p> <p><strong>2. Airport transfers</strong></p> <p>Big international airports often have a number of transport services that connect terminals to the city centre. The cost of these transfers can vary wildly. For example, the London Heathrow Express costs four times that of a standard train ticket to reach the city. Before you leave home, do a quick search about your options and where possible, book in advance to reap savings.</p> <p><strong>3. Inaccurate currency conversion rates</strong></p> <p>Some overseas card terminals will let you choose whether you’d like to be charged in local or Australian currency. While the latter might seem like the most obvious choice, it’s often linked to an added layer of fees.</p> <p>Similarly, some countries such as Turkey and Cambodia often accept foreign cash. It’s rarely worthwhile paying for goods with foreign dollars, as market stall holders and local vendors set the exchange rate, which is usually far off the market rate.</p> <p><strong>4. Hire car GPS</strong></p> <p>Hiring a car can be one of the best ways to escape the tourist path and see a country like a local. Be aware of added extras though, such as a GPS. Rather than pay the $10-or-so dollar-a-day fee, download an offline map app. alternatively, if you’ve got a GPS at home and know that you’ll need one on your trip, pack it! You can buy international maps on your GPS and it means you’ll own it for life, not just the duration of your car hire.</p> <p><strong>5. Mandatory tips</strong></p> <p>While some high-end cruises have a no-tip policy, most companies add an extra daily fee to your final bill, without even asking. Fees can range from $12-$18 per day, which adds up! Be sure to check what your travel provider’s tip policy is before making a booking.</p> <p><strong>6. Shopping tours</strong></p> <p>Taking a locally-guided tour is a wonderful way to see a city through the eyes of a local, but be wary of tour recommendations. The classic “my uncle runs a one-of-a-kind rug store” might seem innocent enough, but remember that many tour operators receive commission to take you to vendors, who’ll charge a higher price once they know you’re a tourist.</p> <p>Rather, jump online to sites like TripAdvisor to read up on real consumer reviews and take special note of the names of tour operators who receive glowing reviews. When you book the tour, ask for them to be sure you’re getting the same expert-led tour.</p> <p><strong>7. Rent full, return empty</strong></p> <p>It’s become mandatory at many car rental outlets for drivers to receive the car with a full tank of petrol and return it empty. While it might sound like a great deal, the reality is that car companies usually win out, as drivers over-fill the tank to avoid that nervous return drive when the red light is flashing.</p> <p>If you’re planning to hire a car, make sure you use the rent full, return empty policy to your advantage.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> </div>

Travel Tips

“They’re ripping kids off”: Scott Cam slams cabbies

<p dir="ltr"><em>Block </em>host Scott Cam has lashed out at NSW taxi drivers for “ripping off” passengers by refusing to turn the meter on.</p> <p dir="ltr">Cam spoke to Ben Fordham about the issue on 2GB on Monday, saying he wasn’t aware of the issue until he jumped in a taxi with his wife on Friday.</p> <p dir="ltr">The presenter said he doesn’t often take taxis and that the driver informed him that the trip to the requested address would cost $45.</p> <p dir="ltr">When he asked the driver to turn on the meter instead, he was met with refusal.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We got out with a few choice words and we walked up the road and got an Uber for $27 to the same address,” Cam said.</p> <p dir="ltr">He added that his biggest concern was for his children and that he didn’t want his daughter to be forced to pay the price set by the driver or be “exposed” while waiting for an Uber to come home on a night out, as an example.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We’ve got to stamp this out, mate,” he said. </p> <p dir="ltr">“They’re ripping kids off. They’re ripping people off. You and I can afford to get a cab but, you know, kids can’t, trying to get home late at night and that’s what worries me.”</p> <p dir="ltr">After speaking to others about his experience, Cam discovered the issue was “rife” and one that his daughter had also experienced.</p> <p dir="ltr">“My daughter said to me ‘that happens in every cab ride,’” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">Fordham shared a similar experience he had where a taxi driver refused to turn on the meter, before reading out other complaints he had received from listeners.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I’ve had the same issue with taxis. $40 after the races from Randwick to Coogee. We didn’t realise the meter wasn’t on until we got to Coogee,” one said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We were asked to pay $100 from Olympic Park to Parramatta after the NRL grand final,” said another.</p> <p dir="ltr">One of the show’s producers said he paid $30 for a 2.6km trip on Sunday night after the driver refused to turn the meter on.</p> <p dir="ltr">Unlike Uber and other ride share service fares, which can be higher in different areas or after major events as a result of dynamic pricing, taxi drivers are required to use the meter during a rank and hail trip and cannot negotiate or demand a fare that is different - with the exception of applicable tolls.</p> <p dir="ltr">If drivers fail to use the meter, they could be hit with a $300 fine.</p> <p dir="ltr">In a statement shared with the show, the NSW Taxi Council said it had raised the complaint with the Point to Point Transport Commission Regulator, which has “the power to fine and prosecute drivers”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It is unacceptable and need to work with the regulator to stop this,” the statement said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“In Rank & Hail, it is illegal for drivers to refuse a fare and they need to run the meter.”</p> <p dir="ltr">In a recent media release, the Point to Point Transport Commission said its compliance team had been out on the streets to deter this behaviour, with Commissioner Anthony Wing saying the team had been “at a number of major events in Sydney and throughout NSW” to help ”deter illegal and unsafe driver behaviour at these locations”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“My compliance team of Authorised Officers continue to have a visible presence at targeted locations throughout NSW. Since the start of October, they have inspected more than 600 vehicles (taxis, hire car and rideshare)” Mr Wing said.</p> <p dir="ltr">The safety of drivers and passengers will always be my absolute priority and any instance where drivers are not following the law is unacceptable. As we go into the festive period we will be continuing to be out in force.”</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-76db020d-7fff-416e-86f4-d872c96c6c84"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: @scottycamofficial (Instagram) / Getty Images</em></p>

Travel Trouble

"What's happened to Australia?": Why Karl ripped into "woke" councils

<p dir="ltr">Karl Stefanovic has once again let rip at “woke” neighbours and local councils, this time over one that forced a Queensland mum to remove a basketball hoop off a nature strip alongside her own driveway.</p> <p dir="ltr">Mandy Overton from the Gold Coast was threatened with a $750 fine if she did not get rid of the basketball hoop from in front of her house.</p> <p dir="ltr">Furious neighbours complained to the local council about Ms Overton’s children playing basketball in their own front yard, for allowing the ball to bounce on the road and for being too noisy.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I got a knock at my door on Tuesday. The council officer came to the house and just basically said, if you don't move your basketball hoop by Friday, you will get $750 fine,' the mother told <em>The Today Show</em> co-host.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Not only that, but she also mentioned too many kids playing with my basketball hoop. I don't think that's a problem. Kids being kids and playing.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Also, they were saying if an accident would happen it would be on their call because it's on their land. They're just playing. I don't see what is the problem. They're getting out. Getting off iPads. Getting sociable with all the kids.”</p> <p dir="ltr">A furious Karl took aim at the local council and the neighbours who filed the complaints, saying the kids should be allowed to be kids.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Can I say something here? This is not politically correct at all. I don't know what has happened to Australia,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We have people around in our neighbourhood now who are just whingers and whiners.</p> <p dir="ltr">“They have nothing better to do with their day than complain to the local council, who are so woke and left that it passes on to us in the form of complaints and blah, blah, blah, I'm just sick of it.</p> <p dir="ltr">“What's happened to Australia? You can't have a basketball hoop on the median strip?</p> <p dir="ltr">‘I'm sick of it. I don't know what has happened to this great country. Everyone whines now.</p> <p dir="ltr">‘It's local councils who are awful. Just fix the potholes, bros, as Kyrgios would say. Just do council stuff. Don't get in our lives.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Today Show</em></p>

Home & Garden

"RIP champion": Bondi Rescue star dies

<p dir="ltr">Tributes have poured in for <em>Bondi Rescue</em> lifeguard Terry ‘Tezz’ McDermott after the news of his passing broke on Friday night.</p> <p dir="ltr">In an emotional post on the Bondi Lifeguards Instagram account, it was revealed that McDermott died after a long battle with cancer.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-9c745433-7fff-2239-870f-13d53cc29fd1"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">“The lifeguard community is mourning the loss of one of the nicest watermen to don a jersey,” the post read.</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/CiAMBn7LU2_/?utm_source=ig_embed&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/CiAMBn7LU2_/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Bondi Lifeguards (@bondilifeguards)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“This selfless man saved countless lives during his career spanning more than 30 years working at many different beaches.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Terry, Tezzy, T-Mac, Moondoggy McDermott… Thank you for your service to the community.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Rest easy great man.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Sunshine Coast Lifeguards shared on social media that McDermott passed away “surrounded by family in Sydney” and paid tribute to the “champion”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Terry was a charismatic articulate character who always had a wonderful story to tell,” the Facebook post <a href="https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid0FU55nE5KJYX1i3k1fLdk1a1Y6QBwVpGqybeU7mdoYTJg6k7RjzSNKWveY7MhWj4Bl&id=104517091618709" target="_blank" rel="noopener">read</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">“He was a friend and colleague to many Lifeguards around the country and in fact well known all over the world.”</p> <p dir="ltr">After working as a lifeguard on the Central Coast for 20 years, McDermott spent a decade working at Bondi Beach, starring in both <em>Bondi Rescue</em> and <em>Bondi Rescue: Bali</em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">Fans, friends and fellow lifeguards quickly flocked to social media to pay tribute to McDermott and share their sympathies with his family.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Gonna miss you Tez. If there were more people like you in this world it would be a better place. So many great memories that I will always hang on to. Think of Jo and Matty during this tough time. RIP my good friend,” a friend commented.</p> <p dir="ltr">“So sad to hear of his passing. He always came across as a man full of compassion for young and old. My sympathy goes out to his family and friends. Memories last a lifetime and Terry has left a lot of memories for everyone to cherish,” one fan wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-11a6130a-7fff-55fd-8512-bfee101bf468"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">Rest In Peace 'Ricky' Terry McDermott thanks for teaching me the ropes of life guarding,” lifeguard Trent ‘Maxi’ Maxwell shared in an emotional Facebook tribute.</p> <p><iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Ftrent.m.maxwell%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02h9FxoM6sH5UhX4YzVffZRnzyq7ps5P4KrEqnsvadoWupyRZGy9ueVfd1JWspATo3l&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="742" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p dir="ltr">“I will miss you mate, never a dull moment you were a great waterman and always had some great wisdom to share to the young blokes.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We had some great times together, you will be missed.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-5b0d8eff-7fff-76ac-3110-a7932841a9f2"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">Weeks before his passing, McDermott shared a video of him singing ‘The Horses’ and laughing with another cancer patient at the Prince of Wales cancer ward.</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/tv/CcPdOJehVmf/?utm_source=ig_embed&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/tv/CcPdOJehVmf/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Terry McDermott (@lifeguardterry)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">In the post’s caption, McDermott wrote that he struck up “an instant friendship” with Dave, despite them supporting “Souths and Easts” teams respectively, and that “singing and laughing” is the “answer to Cancer”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Cancer can’t get us, we’re too happy,” he said in the clip.</p> <p dir="ltr">He is survived by his wife Joanna and their son, Matt.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-ccd335b5-7fff-9833-87e9-56d5eadab946"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: @bondilifeguards (Instagram)</em></p>

News

Ally Langdon rips into Meghan Markle

<p>Ally Langdon has torn into Meghan Markle in the wake of her new podcast hitting Spotify, admitting she "tries to like" the exiled royal, but "there's just something" about her. </p> <p>The <em>Today Show</em> host was joined by Australia's minister for sport and aged care, Anika Wells, on Wednesday morning, as the pair discussed the launch episode of <em>Archetypes</em>: Meghan's new Spotify exclusive podcast. </p> <p>Together the women dissected Meghan's chat with tennis champion Serena Williams, and the story in which Meghan <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/family-pets/meghan-markle-confirms-fire-in-archie-s-nursery" target="_blank" rel="noopener">confirmed a fire in baby Archie's nursery</a> during a royal engagement in Africa in 2019. </p> <p>In the podcast, Meghan explained how their family had only been in the township of Nyanga for a few hours before the incident took place.</p> <p>She detailed how then four-month-old Archie narrowly avoided a fire in his nursery as his nanny took him to another part of the residence when the heater burst into flames. </p> <p>The Duchess then shared how she was required to attend another formal engagement, rather than stay home with her child. </p> <p>While discussing the clip, Langdon pointed out that Meghan often "divided opinion".</p> <p>She said, "I really try to like Meghan Markle... but there's just something, you know?"</p> <p>Ms Wells agreed and said Meghan "should have pushed harder" to be with her child and taken him to the second public engagement.</p> <p>"Ultimately I think, she should have pushed on, she should have fought harder," the minister said.</p> <p>"She should have just brought the baby, made the point and said something."</p> <p>"Because I think ultimately what everyone wants is authenticity in people in public life, and if that means being honest about caring responsibilities that ultimately creates better public policy."</p> <p>Channel Nine's entertainment reporter Peter Ford also weighed in on the Duchess of Sussex's new project in a tweet, writing that it was "just another way she can talk about herself".</p> <p>The first episode of <em>Archetypes </em>is available now on Spotify, and will feature a new guest each week, with next week's guest being music legend Mariah Carey. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Spotify / The Today Show</em></p>

"RIP my beloved Lionheart": Liz Hurley's tribute to Shane Warne

<p dir="ltr">Shane Warne’s former fiancée Liz Hurley penned an emotional tribute following the news of his shocking death.</p> <p dir="ltr">The legendary cricketer, 52, died of a suspected heart attack on March 4 in a luxury villa on the Thailand holiday island of Koh Samui.</p> <p dir="ltr">Taking to Instagram, Liz shared cherished photos of the pair at the time of their engagement along with a heartfelt message. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I feel like the sun has gone behind a cloud forever,” she wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">“RIP my beloved Lionheart.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Her son Damien also took to social media to pay tribute to Warnie who was a “father figure” to him.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I’m still trying to wrap my head around this… SW was a father figure to me for most of my formative years and was truly one the best men I’ve ever known. My heart is broken. Thinking of and sending love to all SW’s family,” he wrote along a series of family photos. </p> <p dir="ltr">Shane and Liz first met at Goodwood Racecourse in 2010 as their relationship blossomed into a whirlwind romance.</p> <p dir="ltr">The couple were engaged a year later when Shane proposed to the English actress on James Packer’s boat off the coast of Spain in 2011. </p> <p dir="ltr">Despite being “madly in love” the pair did not make it down the aisle and split up in 2013. </p> <p dir="ltr">Hurley was just one of hundreds of high-profile figures to share their love and respect for Warne, who will receive a State Funeral in Victoria.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Victoria has lost an icon. Australia has lost a legend. And the entire cricket world is mourning the loss of the King,” Victorian Premier Dan Andrews wrote. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Shane Warne didn't just inspire a cricketing generation - he defined it…To us, he was the greatest - but to his family, he was so much more. Our hearts are breaking for Shane's family and friends - and they are in the thoughts of all Victorians.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Prime Minister Scott Morrison also issued a statement upon hearing the shocking news. </p> <p dir="ltr">"We have lost one of Australia's greatest cricketers. We are bewildered by this sad and sudden loss.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Opposition leader Anthony Albanese also issued a statement reading: “He was an artist, he was a magician with a ball in his hand, he was an Australian character larger than life in the way he conducted himself, he was a larrikin character there's no doubt about that - it is shocking news he has passed.</p> <p dir="ltr">“To all of his children, to his many, many friends who will be mourning him today, I pass on my sincere condolences.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Fellow cricketers, who played the field with Warnie also sent out messages of disbelief. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Hard to put this into words. I first met him when I was 15 at the Academy. He gave me my nickname,” former cricketer now coach Ricky Ponting wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We were teammates for more than a decade, riding all the highs and lows together.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Through it all he was someone you could always count on, someone who loved his family someone who would be there for you when you needed him and always put his mates first.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The greatest bowler I ever played with or against.</p> <p dir="ltr">“RIP King. My thoughts are with Keith, Bridgette, Jason, Brooke, Jackson and Summer.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“Shocked, stunned & miserable…,” former captain of the Indian national team <a href="https://indianexpress.com/about/sachin-tendulkar/">Sachin Tendulkar</a> wrote on Twitter.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Will miss you Warnie. There was never a dull moment with you around, on or off the field. Will always treasure our on field duels & off field banter. You always had a special place for India & Indians had a special place for you.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Gone too young!”</p> <p dir="ltr">Retired cricketer Glenn McGrath was “devastated” when he heard the crushing news about his “great mate”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Just absolutely devastated today,” he began.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Warnie was larger than life. I thought nothing could ever happen to him. He lived more in his life than most people would live in 20. </p> <p dir="ltr">“He was the ultimate competitor. He thought the game was never lost, that he could turn it around & bring us to victory, which he did so many times. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I think he lived his life the same way. There seemed to be never a dull moment. He was a great mate & a loving father. He loved his kids so much & my thoughts are with Brooke, Jackson & Summer. </p> <p dir="ltr">“My thoughts are also with Keith, Bridgette & Jason. Rest In Peace my good mate, there’ll never again be anyone like you.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Rolling Stone frontman Mick Jagger took to Twitter and wrote: "I'm so saddened by the sudden death of Shane Warne. He brought such joy to the game and was the greatest spin bowler ever," he wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Instagram</em></p> <p> </p>

Caring

Carrie Bickmore rips into Scott Morrison

<p>Carrie Bickmore has ripped into Scott Morrison by claiming that he allowed his wife, Jenny, to take 'complete responsibility' for his mistakes during their tell-all TV interview.</p><p>The Project host picked apart the PM's interview with Karl Stefanovic on 60 Minutes that was aired on Sunday night. During the interview, Mrs Morrison said they believed they were making the 'right decision' by taking their children to Hawaii during the horror 2019 bushfires.</p><p>'Did we make the right decision? I thought I was making the right decision for my kids. I obviously was wrong,' she said on the program.<br />Bickmore then accused Mr Morrison of being 'weak' for repeatedly allowing his wife to take the brunt of the tough questions.</p><p>"I don't know if it's part of the edit, but Jenny had to take the complete responsibility for the Hawaii situation,' Bickmore said.</p><p>'She takes responsibility as he sat there. I think the whole thing made him look so weak.'</p><p>Bickmore then said it appeared like it was a 'push' to have her address all of the failures of his tenure.</p><p>'I felt like he sat there and smiled the whole time while his wife, who is not the Prime Minister, had to answer to all the mistakes,' she said.</p><p>'It's a simplistic way to deal with what is perceived as Scott Morrison having a problem with women,' co-host Steve Price added.</p><p>Waleed Aly said the criticism at the time was not of Mrs Morrison's decision to take the trip, but instead the PM.</p><p>'Even if the holiday was her idea, it was still ultimately his idea to go along,' he said.</p><p>Mrs Morrison said she wishes the scandal 'never happened' but repeatedly defended the decision to take the family overseas during a national crisis, as Mr Morrison sat quietly.</p><p>'I obviously was wrong. Yes, we were over there seeing it and we were like... we really need to get home.</p><p>'I wish that had never happened. But I can't change it.'</p><p>The family were forced to cut their trip short with the Prime Minister copping heavy public backlash upon on his return home as the bushfire crisis raged.</p><p>Mrs Morrison pointed out the spotlight on politicians today is relentless, unlike those in her husband's position almost four decades ago.</p><p>'It's 24-7,' she said. 'Can you imagine back in the day when Bob Hawke was Prime Minister and he had a phone and a fax machine.</p><p>'People want you to be seen to be doing something all the time.'</p><p><em>Image: The Project</em></p>

“Ripped off”: SAS fans lash out at Jana Pittman not passing

<p><em>Image: Channel 7</em></p> <p><em>SAS Australia</em><span> </span>fans have aired their outage after Olympian and “super mum” Jana Pittman was eliminated from the course just before the final challenge, despite correctly completing a mission.</p> <p>During Tuesday night’s explosive finale, the remaining four recruits were tasked with a terrifying helicopter insertion into enemy territory to locate a cache containing important information about an enemy.</p> <p>Jana, who was paired up with tennis legend Mark Philippoussis, was reaching her breaking point physically. But with just seconds to spare, the two athletes completed the challenge in time.</p> <p>Despite passing the mission, Jana was eliminated by the DS.</p> <p>“Outstanding effort. We are all super proud of you. We would have loved to have brought you forward but your reserve is empty,” Ant told the mother-of-four before giving her a warm hug.</p> <p>Diehard SAS fans took to Twitter to express their outrage that Jana was culled right before the final task.</p> <p>“Really? Jana has killed it in every challenge. I’m gutted for her,” one fan wrote.</p> <p>“Not happy with that! Needed to show why Jana failed. She looked as though she passed the challenge – and didn’t pass out or leave her partner for dead,” said another.</p> <p>“So the last task is hanging on a rope and Jana is sent home? She deserved to have a go at it. Kind of ridiculous after making her do the task before,” another fan wrote.</p> <p>“Jana was incredible! I think she was a bit ripped off.”</p> <p>Viewers widely hailed Jana as a "supermum" and an inspiration to women throughout her time on the course due to her courage, grit, determination and physical strength.</p>

Kyle Sandilands rips into producer for anti-vax stance

<p><em>Image: Instagram </em></p> <p><span>Kyle Sandilands has outed his radio producer on-air for refusing the Covid-19 vaccination.</span></p> <p>During Monday morning’s Kyle and Jackie O Show, the 50-year-old shock jock asked why one of his producers, Pedro, wasn’t in the studio.</p> <p>“Where’s Pedro?” Kyle asked, with someone telling him, “He’s working from home.”</p> <p>Sandilands said, “Oh, because he’s still ‘I’m not vaccinated’. Stupid prick. What a bloody pain in the arse.”</p> <p>His brutal statement prompted his co-host, Jackie ‘O’ Henderson, to defend Pedro, saying, “You can’t say that!”</p> <p>But Kyle doubled down on Pedro the next day on air, declaring he wouldn’t attend his colleague’s funeral if he died from the virus.</p> <p>“He’s made his stance. What does he do now? Look like the fool?” he said. “Or he gets the virus. He’ll probably be the one that dies of it.</p> <p>“Will I show up to the funeral? No, I will not. Will I send a message? No, I will not.”</p> <p>Pedro lives in an LGA of concern in Sydney’s west and has been forced to work from home due to his decision to not get the jab.</p> <p>In late July, Pedro opened up on-air about his anti-vaccine views and being “into conspiracies.”</p> <p>Sandilands asked him if he was an “anti-vaxxer”, to which Pedro replied, “I am, but I won’t be discussing it.”</p> <p>The radio host has been a fierce advocate for getting vaccinated, even writing his own “vaccine anthem” in July, Get Vaxxed Baby, set to the music of Vanilla Ice’s<span> </span><em>Ice Ice Baby</em>.</p> <p>An ARN spokesperson released a statement saying the company understood vaccination was a “personal choice”.</p> <p>“ARN are keen to do our part in helping Australian businesses get back on their feet and for everyone to reconnect face-to-face in the community,” a spokesperson said.</p> <p>“Vaccination is the pathway to getting there. To make it easy for people to vaccinated, everyone at ARN can receive paid vaccination leave to ensure more flexibility when scheduling and attending their vaccination appointment.</p> <p>“While we understand vaccination is a personal choice, in line with NSW government health orders people who are from the LGAs of concern and are not vaccinated are required to work from home.”</p>

News

“Appalling”: Dan Andrews rips into protestors after nurses are spat on

<p>Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has slammed the “appalling behaviour” of protesters after they “spat on” nurses at Melbourne’s Town Hall and now one of the protestors has tested positive to COVID, sparking fears of a superspreader event.</p> <p>About 300 to 400 protesters swarmed the city on Wednesday, despite stay-at-home orders and repeated warnings from authorities.</p> <p>The protestors are workers from the construction industry and they are protesting against lockdowns and mandatory vaccinations.</p> <p>On Monday night, Andrews announced that the construction industry would be shut down for two weeks in metropolitan Melbourne, City of Ballarat, City of Greater Geelong, Surf Coast Shire and Mitchell Shire.</p> <p><strong><img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="/nothing.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/319df788968f43ea843d1e44315507aa" /><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7844355/melbourne-protests-3-um.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/319df788968f43ea843d1e44315507aa" /></strong></p> <p><strong>Protestor tests positive for COVID</strong></p> <p>On Thursday, the Victorian health department confirmed a person who attended the protests in Melbourne’s CBD on Wednesday has returned a positive COVID test result.</p> <p>The individual is being treated in a Melbourne hospital.</p> <p>The department stated: “We are urging protestors to get tested should they experience COVID-like symptoms, no matter how mild.”</p> <p>The person will be included in Friday’s COVID-19 case numbers for Victoria.</p> <p>With many protesters not wearing masks, the possibility of transmission has been a major concern to Victorian health authorities.</p> <p>Police have made 92 arrests over this set of protests so far.</p> <p><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

News

The biggest rip offs in retirement and how to avoid them

<p>Despite millions of Australians having super in their savings, it also means that there are scammers eager to take your fortune away.</p> <p>Superannuation has revolutionised the way people retire. Many ordinary, working Australians are finding themselves entering retirement with more than a million dollars in retirement savings.</p> <p>While this should set them up for a long and happy life, living with financial security, sadly it means many will become the victims of various rip-off schemes. Rip off schemes that can be easily avoided with a little bit of knowledge.</p> <p><strong> Online Scams</strong></p> <p>The most obvious are on-line scams. ASIC estimates Australians lose some $30 million to online scams every year and sadly, once your money is lost, there is very little that can be done to get it back.</p> <p>Online scams come in many forms, from bogus emails just appearing on your computer requesting you to send money to clear a tax debt or outstanding judgement, to the infamous on-line love affair scams.</p> <p>The best advice is just don’t. Don’t send money to an online bank account and never give your bank account details or identification documents like your driver’s license to anyone online without knowing exactly who you are dealing with.</p> <p><strong>Simplistic Investments</strong></p> <p>The next biggest scam to avoid is investments that are simply too good to be true. The most common, are companies promoting investments they describe as being like term deposits or secured against property, but which offer a much higher return.</p> <p>Typically, if you dive into these investments you will learn your funds are being used to provide ‘mezzanine’ finance to property developers and instead of being secure, usually, they are totally at risk should the development not prove profitable.</p> <p><strong>Watch out for family</strong></p> <p>Unfortunately, another keyway retirees end up losing money is at the hands of their family or loved ones. Too often on entering retirement, people will discuss with their loved ones just how much money they have in superannuation.</p> <p>In doing so, it is easy for family members to think you can or should spare just a little of it and give it to them. This can be as simple as making you feel guilty if you don’t, through to actually breaking the law to get their hands on your precious savings.</p> <p>The best way to avoid all of this is to never discuss your finances in detail with family members or loved ones. Unless you are very confident about your financial situation, you should keep every cent of retirement savings to provide for you in retirement.</p> <p>While many will argue this is not strictly a rip-off, I believe maintaining a self-managed super fund, or do-it-yourself super fund, in retirement is.</p> <p><strong>Self-managed super</strong></p> <p>Self-managed super funds can be a great vehicle for creating wealth but typically, they lose their reason for being in retirement and just become a time consuming and costly way of keeping your superannuation savings.</p> <p>They require your accountant to lodge reports and tax returns for the fund, which in turn means accounting and compliance bills of several thousand dollars each year.</p> <p>This money can be saved by simply closing the SMSF and moving your savings into a quality retail fund. Typically, you will have the same level of control over your savings as you do with an SMSF but at a fraction of the cost.</p> <p><strong>Be wary of retirement homes</strong></p> <p>Finally, many people choose to move into retirement homes for the easier lifestyle they offer and for the support and comfort of having a strong community around them. However, this can often end in tears. Make sure you find a good solicitor to review any paperwork and ensure your financial rights and obligations are fully explained to you before you sign on the dotted line so you know exactly what you can expect in the future.</p> <p>Patricia Howard, author of <em>The No-Regrets Guide to Retirement: how to live well, invest wisely and make your money last (Wiley)</em>, is a licenced Australian financial adviser. She has a Commerce Degree from the University of Melbourne, holds her own Australian Financial Services Licence and recently passed the FASEA Financial Adviser exam. Find out more at <a href="http://www.patriciahoward.com.au">www.patriciahoward.com.au</a></p> <p><em>Note this is general advice only and you should seek advice specific to your circumstances.</em></p> <p><em>Written by Patricia Howard</em></p> <p><em>Image: Reader’s Digest</em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on </em><a href="mailto:https://www.readersdigest.com.au/food-home-garden/money/the-biggest-rip-offs-in-retirement-and-how-to-avoid-them"><em>Reader’s Digest.</em></a></p> <p> </p>

Retirement Income

The biggest rip offs in retirement and how to avoid them

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Superannuation has revolutionised the way people retire, as many ordinary, working Australians are finding themselves entering retirement with more than a million dollars in retirement savings.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">While this should set them up for a long and happy life, living with financial security, sadly it means many will become the victims of various rip-off schemes. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Rip off schemes that can be easily avoided with a little bit of knowledge.</span></p> <p><strong>Online Scams</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The most obvious are on-line scams. ASIC estimates Australians lose some $30 million to online scams every year and sadly, once your money is lost, there is very little that can be done to get it back.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Online scams come in many forms, from bogus emails just appearing on your computer requesting you to send money to clear a tax debt or outstanding judgement, to the infamous on-line love affair scams.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The best advice is just don’t. Don’t send money to an online bank account and never give your bank account details or identification documents like your driver’s license to anyone online without knowing exactly who you are dealing with.</span></p> <p><strong>Simplistic Investments</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The next biggest scam to avoid is investments that are simply too good to be true. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The most common are companies promoting investments they describe as being like term deposits or secured against property, but which offer a much higher return.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Typically, if you dive into these investments you will learn your funds are being used to provide ‘mezzanine’ finance to property developers and instead of being secure, usually, they are totally at risk should the development not prove profitable.</span></p> <p><strong>Watch out for family</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Unfortunately, another keyway retirees end up losing money is at the hands of their family or loved ones. Too often on entering retirement, people will discuss with their loved ones just how much money they have in superannuation.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In doing so, it is easy for family members to think you can or should spare just a little of it and give it to them. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The best way to avoid all of this is to never discuss your finances in detail with family members or loved ones. Unless you are very confident about your financial situation, you should keep every cent of retirement savings to provide for you in retirement.</span></p> <p><strong>Self-managed super</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Self-managed super funds can be a great vehicle for creating wealth but typically, they lose their reason for being in retirement and just become a time consuming and costly way of keeping your superannuation savings.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This money can be saved by simply closing the SMSF and moving your savings into a quality retail fund. Typically, you will have the same level of control over your savings as you do with an SMSF but at a fraction of the cost.</span></p> <p><strong>Be wary of retirement homes</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Finally, many people choose to move into retirement homes for the easier lifestyle they offer and for the support and comfort of having a strong community around them. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">However, this can often end in tears. Make sure you find a good solicitor to review any paperwork and ensure your financial rights and obligations are fully explained to you before you sign on the dotted line so you know exactly what you can expect in the future.</span></p> <p><em>Image credit: Shutterstock</em></p> <p><em>This article first appeared in <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/food-home-garden/money/the-biggest-rip-offs-in-retirement-and-how-to-avoid-them" target="_blank">Reader’s Digest</a>. </em></p>

Retirement Income

Store owner rips Scott Morrison to shreds over lockdown debacle

<p><span>A store owner has slammed Scott Morrison in a brutal letter, blaming him for the current lockdown.</span><br /><br /><span>“Dear Customers, we will be closed for the foreseeable future because Scott Morrison is a useless d***head who only ordered enough vaccine to vaccinate 4 per cent of the population 18 months into a pandemic,” the sign read in the window of the Roulette store and art studio in Annandale.</span><br /><br /><span>Artist James Powditch displayed the sign on Saturday, after NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian revealed that there would be a two-week lockdown of Greater Sydney, the Blue Mountains, the Central Coast and Wollongong.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7842081/sxomo-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/62c9a1f888a54c17a9e71049892aa5e8" /></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><em>Image: Supplied</em><br /><br /><span>NSW recorded 18 new Covid-19 cases on Monday, bringing the total number of cases to 130.</span><br /><br /><span>The Delta variant of COVID-19 has now spread to other states and territories, sparking a major crisis as restrictions, border closures and lockdowns have been implemented once again.</span><br /><br /><span>Australia’s less than impressive vaccination rollout has partly contributed to the worrying situation, experts have claimed.</span><br /><br /><span>Across the nation, less than one-third of adults have received even one dose of a vaccine, and just 6 per cent have been fully vaccinated.</span><br /><br /><span>Experts say people who have received two doses of a vaccine are less likely to be hospitalised or die from the Delta variant than those who have received only one.</span><br /><br /><span>“We can’t leave the country, people can’t come in, and we end up periodically in lockdowns, which cost a friggin’ fortune,” Mr Powditch told CNN.</span><br /><br /><span>“People have been accepting that this is a diabolically difficult situation, but once we start watching the rest of the world open up, we’re going to turn to anger over the way things like vaccines have been rolled out here.”</span><br /><br /><span>The PM has announced they will be accelerating the vaccine rollout by opening up the AstraZeneca vaccine to under-60s.</span><br /><br /><span>Mr Morrison said in a method to speed up the rollout, GPs would be covered by a no-fault indemnity scheme in the event of the extremely rare blood clot risk.</span><br /><br /><span>The clotting disorder is called vaccine-induced thrombotic thrombocytopaenia (VITT) or thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS).</span><br /><br /><span>Out of 2.1 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine, only 24 cases of TTS have been reported.</span><br /><br /><span>“The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) advice talks about a preference for AstraZeneca ... for those over 60, but the advice does not preclude persons under 60 from getting the AstraZeneca vaccine,” Mr Morrison said.</span><br /><br /><span>“And so if you wish to get the AstraZeneca vaccine, then we would encourage you to go and have that discussion with your GP. Secondly, we are also providing the indemnity scheme for those general practitioners, so they can actively engage with you, and you can make the best decision for your health.”</span><br /><br /><span>Mr Morrison said people under 40 can now go to their GP and get the AstraZeneca vaccine immediately.</span><br /><br /><span>“To get access to AstraZeneca, if they’re willing to take on that risk, if they wish to go and speak to their job or their doctor and have access to the AstraZeneca vaccine, they can do so,” he said.</span></p>

Legal

"Just ripped our hearts out": Lisa Curry reveals final moments with late daughter Jaimi

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in"> <p>It's been four months since Lisa and Grant Kenny's oldest daughter Jaimi passed away on September 14th after a private battle with a long-term battle.</p> <p>The pain is still fresh for the family, as Lisa marked the time in a heartbreaking Instagram post and recounted the moment the family learned about Jaimi's fate.</p> <p>"Four months ago, the doctor gave us the news we had dreaded for years, that Jaimi would not survive the night," she began.</p> <p>"It was like they just ripped our hearts out. Total disbelief ... and even though we had prepared ourselves for the worst for weeks, months and even years and thought we were prepared... nothing... absolutely nothing prepares you for that moment or those words.</p> <p>"Our beautiful girl couldn't beat the enemy... but she fought and fought.. every single day.😢 We miss her so much🌸❤️"</p> <blockquote 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);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CJ-pDGELX3a/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <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> <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;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CJ-pDGELX3a/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Lisa Curry AO (@lisacurry)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>She also shared another snap of her daughter in "her happy space" as Jaimi looked delighted at a bouquet of flowers.</p> <blockquote 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);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CKAMDwEre1s/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <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> <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;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CKAMDwEre1s/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Lisa Curry AO (@lisacurry)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>"Jaimi, in her happy space," Lisa wrote.</p> <p>Fans were incredibly supportive of her posts, sending her strength.</p> <p>" You probably don’t even know how many people you’ve helped in writing these words. Love and strength to you too," one fan wrote.</p> <p>"A beautiful tribute. I'm so desperately sorry for your pain," another wrote.</p> <p>Another fan said she hopes Lisa finds peace.</p> <p>"Love to you. Your courage, emotion, devotion and love shines through. It is breathtakingly beautiful. May you find peace."</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="post-action-bar-component-wrapper"> <div class="post-actions-component"> <div class="upper-row"><span class="like-bar-component"></span> <div class="right-box-container"> <div class="post-editor-container"></div> </div> </div> </div> </div>

Caring

Steve Price rips apart COVID rules

<p><span>Steve Price has shared his opinions about the COVID-19 vaccine roll-out on Wednesday’s episode of The Project.</span><br /><br /><span>It is no secret frontline healthcare workers and the elderly community will be first in line to get the necessary vaccine, but Price believes that this will cause “discrimination” against younger people who will have to wait a lot longer to get the jab.</span><br /><br /><span>“Steve, do you agree that you should be getting the vaccine over a 20-something-year-old?” asked host Waleed Aly.</span><br /><br /><span>“I’m not quite at the top of the list, they are starting at 80-plus. I think most of us were surprised to learn this morning that they are going to limit the vaccinations for people under the age of say 60, and the 20-year-olds won’t get it until later in the year. I would have thought once you got all essential workers, frontline health care workers and the elderly vaccinated then it would be a free-for-all but apparently that is not going to happen," said Price.</span><br /><br /><span>“It does. Particularly given what happened with the aged care in Victoria in particular where tragically we lost many people. I don’t think most Australians were prepared to think that there was going to be vaccination discrimination, that you are 25 years old, come say April or May next year you won’t be able to get on a plane but if you are my age, 65 years old you will be able to fly.</span><br /><br /><span>“I’m not sure how they are going to work that out and there is a lot of questions to be asked about exactly who is going to get this and when,” Price continued.</span><br /><br /><span>Reports have emerged on Wednesday stating simply that people will be separated into 12 age groups for the rollout of the coronavirus vaccine.</span><br /><br /><span>The government’s blueprint says that the first group that will be prioritised is those at risk of serious illness and those with chronic diseases.</span><br /><br /><span>Paul Kelly revealed that people on the frontline such as health and aged care workers would be second.</span><br /><br /><span>“The third priority will be essential workers that are needed to keep our society going,” Professor Kelly said, adding international airline crew would also be up the top of the list.</span><br /><br /><span>“Our aim for 2021 is to have anyone in Australia who wants to get this vaccine, vaccinated, and so yes there will be a queue.”</span><br /><br /><span>Australia signed a deal to buy 10 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine, which is enough to cover five million people for the two required doses.</span><br /><br /><span>The nation's vaccine roll-out won’t begin until March 2021.</span></p>

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Sam Armytage rips into PM and Qld Premier on Sunrise

<p><span><em>Sunrise</em> host Sam Armytage says she was left “astounded” on Thursday afternoon as she watched the events unfold between Qld’s Premier and the Prime Minister.</span><br /><br /><span>The stoush between the two prominent Australian figureheads follows after a 26-year-old Canberra woman was denied an exemption to leave hotel quarantine to attend her father’s funeral in Brisbane with her 11-year-old sister and mother.</span><br /><br /><span>However, she was granted permission to wear personal protective equipment for a 10 minute private viewing.</span><br /><br /><span>After Prime Minister Scott Morrison heard Sarah Caisip’s story on radio on Thursday morning, he says he made a personal phone call to Qld Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and pleaded with her to allow an exemption.</span><br /><br /><span>The call did not sit well with Ms Palaszczuk however, who said she refused “to be bullied by the Prime Minister”, and slammed the “disgusting and disgraceful politics of division.”</span><br /><br /><span>Armytage said she was astounded that the Queensland Premier had “played the bullying card”.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7837793/sunrise-premier-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/080b0decde3745b4850a052ef405752e" /><br /><br /><span>“I was astounded (when) I watched the news last night and I saw Annastacia Palaszczuk play the bullying card. Scott Morrison got involved in this situation... He shouldn’t have had to but he did,” she said.</span><br /><br /><span>She said what Ms Caisip had been put through was “beyond comprehension”.</span><br /><br /><span>“It is beyond comprehension that this would happen here in Australia,” she said.</span><br /><br /><span>One Nation MP Mark Latham told Armytage he also found it “hard to believe.”</span><br /><br /><span>“...That governments can create a bubble for football players, for 400 AFL officials lounging by the pool, for Tom Hanks who’s already brought COVID here once flying into the Gold Coast, but we can’t have a compassionate arrangement so a grieving daughter can go to her father’s funeral, so small children can visit their dying father in hospital,” he said.</span><br /><br /><span>“There’s two sets of rules... it seems a shocking double standard that could be corrected</span><br /><br /><span>“Palaszczuk hasn’t been bullied, in many cases she is the bully.”</span><br /><br /><span>Queensland’s Chief Health Officer on Thursday defended the strict border measures and her decision to not let Sarah be with her family during her father’s funeral.</span></p> <p dir="ltr">"She is heartless, absolutely heartless"<a href="https://twitter.com/RealMarkLatham?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RealMarkLatham</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/jeff_kennett?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Jeff_Kennett</a> joined us with their take on Queensland Premier <a href="https://twitter.com/AnnastaciaMP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AnnastaciaMP</a>'s controversial border decisions this week. <a href="https://t.co/FWAtmgdKq0">pic.twitter.com/FWAtmgdKq0</a></p> <p>— Sunrise (@sunriseon7) <a href="https://twitter.com/sunriseon7/status/1304169302505922560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2020</a> ><br /><span>She says that Canberra was a hotspot and a high risk to Queensland, although there being no new cases in two months.</span><br /><br /><span>There has also been no community transmission in more than 130 days.</span><br /><br /><span>Dr Jeannette Young said funerals were also an “unacceptable risk”.</span><br /><br /><span>Ms Palaszczuk on Thursday said all decisions ultimately rested with Dr Young.</span><br /><br /><span>“I have made it very clear, these are awful times that every single person has to go through,” Ms Palaszczuk said.</span><br /><br /><span>“Around the world, we have seen bodies buried in pits … where no families have been able to say goodbye … This is a world pandemic, this is not the time to carry on like this.”</span><br /><br /><span>Speaking on <em>Sunrise</em> this morning, Queensland Opposition Leader Deb Frecklington said that if she could have, she would have let Sarah “hug her mum and her little sister”.</span><br /><br /><span>“When I spoke to Sarah, because Sarah was reaching out to anyone that would listen, Sarah hadn’t even heard back from the Premier’s office... this is so unacceptable.</span><br /><br /><span>“We need strong border controls but we also need compassion in this decision making. It is not good enough for the Premier to say it’s an authority decision.</span></p>

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