Posts

Showing posts from December, 2020

National anthem changed to reflect ‘all Australians’

Australians will soon be singing a slightly different national anthem after Scott Morrison used his power to change the song to better reflect the country’s Indigenous history. http://dlvr.it/RpgGKH

Mark Knight’s 2020 rollercoaster ride

A ROLLERCOASTER provides a fitting backdrop for Mark Knight’s front-page cartoon tribute to the biggest headline-makers of 2020, a year that will go down as one of the most tumultuous in global history. http://dlvr.it/Rpfd1w

Why backyard beekeeping is creating such a buzz

Image
Backyard beekeeping is booming across the state. http://dlvr.it/RpfNzM

Young female boss paid less than male staff

A young female manager of a major Victorian hospital department who was paid far less than a male clinician who reported to her has been told her treatment was not disciminatory. http://dlvr.it/Rpdsxq

Young female boss paid less than male staff

A young female manager of a major Victorian hospital department who was paid far less than a male clinician who reported to her has been told her treatment was not disciminatory. http://dlvr.it/Rpdstm

Victoria’s most luxurious holiday rentals

Luxury Victorian holiday homes are being rented out for up to $10,750 a night and offering a chance to get away to homes visited by famous faces, from rock stars to Olympians. http://dlvr.it/RpbQgm

Victoria’s most luxurious holiday rentals

Luxury Victorian holiday homes are being rented out for up to $10,750 a night and offering a chance to get away to homes visited by famous faces, from rock stars to Olympians. http://dlvr.it/RpbKJR

Victoria records disastrous year for drownings

A record amount of Victorians have drowned in our waterways this year, with authorities urging for vigilance over the New Year period. http://dlvr.it/Rpb4Gr

Bikie numbers soar as gangs muscle up

Top bikies promoting their wealth has helped swell the number of gang members statewide by 75 per cent in the past seven years. http://dlvr.it/RpZWbG

Schools prepare counsellors for VCE results

Schools are mobilising career counsellors and psychologists on-site and online to help students through the VCE day of reckoning. http://dlvr.it/RpZWZP

Trampoline park owners beg for a jump start to stay open

After 45 years bringing joy to kids, the trampolines at Lorne are set to close for good if the state government does not step in and save them. http://dlvr.it/RpX3cT

Melbourne driver allegedly pinned officer to wall with car before hour-long chase

Image
A woman is arrested in Seaford in Melbourne's south after she allegedly hit two police officers with her car and then led police on an hour-long chase, reaching speeds of up to 170kph. http://dlvr.it/RpWwwx

Crashes spark holiday season road mayhem

Image
Major Melbourne roads have been brought to a standstill after two serious collisions halted traffic on the West Gate and Monash freeways. http://dlvr.it/RpWhPD

Call for pre-flight UK testing to stop super strain spread

Anyone flying to Australia from the UK should be subjected to mandatory coronavirus tests before boarding to stop further spread of a super contagious strain, according to the state government. http://dlvr.it/RpW7tY

Decision on ‘G hosting third Test hours away

Image
A decision on the fate of the third Test due to be held in Sydney will be made on Tuesday. http://dlvr.it/RpW7t0

India transforms from laughing stock into appealing winners in just three days of Test cricket

Image
Steve Smith averaged over 100 at the MCG heading into this year's Boxing Day Test, but even he wasn't immune as India powered through Australia's flimsy batting on day three, writes Russell Jackson. http://dlvr.it/RpSngg

Job tracker to map COVID carnage

A database tracking live job vacancies after the pandemic could change how education courses are offered in Victoria. http://dlvr.it/RpSd81

How ‘perfectly healthy’ 23yo collapsed and died

A family that was ripped apart by the death of its only child is pleading for more research to be funnelled into one of the country’s biggest killers. http://dlvr.it/RpSS0n

Community rallies for Lincoln after Christmas tragedy

Image
A two-year-old boy who died after falling from an all-terrain vehicle in the state’s far northwest has been remembered as a “beautiful son” with a big smile. http://dlvr.it/RpRyC4

Wild weather, damaging winds lash Victoria

Image
Wild weather wreaked havoc across with the state on Sunday, tearing down trees and powerlines. http://dlvr.it/RpRy8T

Ajinkya Rahane's composure pulls India from the brink to a position of power at the MCG

Image
Stepping out of the shadow cast by Virat Kohli isn't easy, but if Ajinkya Rahane was at all overawed, he didn't show it on day two at the MCG, writes Russell Jackson. http://dlvr.it/RpQBZg

Why man tried to flee hotel quarantine

Image
A man has been arrested outside a Tullamarine quarantine hotel after escaping from his room on Boxing Day. http://dlvr.it/RpQ1m0

The greetings not allowed at New Year celebrations

New Year kisses and hugs should be off limits for anyone but immediate family members, the state government has warned, amid vigilance after Sydney’s COVID-19 outbreak. http://dlvr.it/RpPwvR

Total fire ban declared for parts of country Vic

Image
Victorians are being warned to brace for damaging wind gusts and thunderstorms, which could make for dangerous bushfire conditions in some parts of the state. http://dlvr.it/RpPW0l

Major projects to cause summer commuter chaos

A massive summer blitz of road and rail projects will help construction crews catch up from COVID-19 closures but major disruptions are expected frustrate commuters throughout. http://dlvr.it/RpPVyg

Off-duty cop’s heroic Christmas act

An off-duty police officer has told of the moment he pulled a man from a burning car on Christmas Day. http://dlvr.it/RpMlvB

Australia skittled on Boxing Day as India takes hold of second Test

Image
Australia is knocked over for just 195 on the first day of the Boxing Day Test, with India closing play at 1-36 and in a commanding position. http://dlvr.it/RpMc9C

Town reeling after toddler’s tragic death

A country town in Victoria’s northeast is reeling following the tragic death of a toddler who died in a quad bike accident on Christmas Day. http://dlvr.it/RpMVz1

New Leukaemia drug brings fresh hope

A new cancer drug developed in Melbourne is offering fresh hope to leukaemia patients around the world. http://dlvr.it/RpM5ds

New Leukaemia drug brings fresh hope

A new cancer drug developed in Melbourne is offering fresh hope to leukaemia patients around the world. http://dlvr.it/RpM5Zx

Christmas tragedy as man drowns at Wilsons Prom

One man is dead and a second is missing after a beach tragedy at Wilsons Promontory this afternoon. http://dlvr.it/RpKM47

West Gate set for hour-long Boxing Day delays

The West Gate Bridge will turn into the West Gate car park from Boxing Day, with three of five outbound lanes closed for maintenance and hour-long delays expected. http://dlvr.it/RpK7QP

West Gate set for hour-long Boxing Day delays

The West Gate Bridge will turn into the West Gate car park from Boxing Day, with three of five outbound lanes closed for maintenance and hour-long delays expected. http://dlvr.it/RpK5Vj

Melbourne’s data-hungry suburbs revealed

The households of Williams Landing in Melbourne’s west consumed the most daily data of any suburb in Australia this year. http://dlvr.it/RpJdkd

Melbourne’s data-hungry suburbs revealed

The households of Williams Landing in Melbourne’s west consumed the most daily data of any suburb in Australia this year. http://dlvr.it/RpJdhD

Regulator Performance Framework: Self-assessment report, July 2019 to June 2020

Image
Targets have been met for the measures under the six KPIs http://dlvr.it/RpFzM5

Christmas reunion for stolen dog

Image
An inflatable Christmas dog has been reunited with its owner just in time for Christmas Day after it was stolen from outside a house in Melbourne. http://dlvr.it/RpFpp3

AusPAR: Influenza virus haemagglutinin

Image
Australian Public Assessment Report for Flucelvax Quad (quadrivalent influenza vaccine) for the prevention of of influenza in adults and children 9 years and older http://dlvr.it/RpFbds

Howell’s ex reveals what it’s like being a murder suspect

The former boyfriend of Melbourne TV singer and mum Joanne Howell says he accepts he will never shake off being a suspect in her death. http://dlvr.it/RpF9Ld

Melbourne’s new baby capital revealed

Melbourne’s south east growth area is the state’s baby capital, new figures show. http://dlvr.it/RpBqZh

Enviro Tech Holdings Pty Ltd fined $13,320 for alleged unlawful importation of surgical face masks in relation to COVID-19

Image
The TGA has issued an infringement notice to Melbourne-based company Enviro Tech Holdings Pty Ltd for the alleged unlawful importation of surgical face masks in relation to COVID-19. http://dlvr.it/RpBPS4

Tenofovir Disoproxil Emtricitabine Mylan 300/200

Image
 Recall - potential for split tablets to lead to ineffective dose http://dlvr.it/Rp9lLs

Infants' Friend oral liquid

Image
Recall due to presence of chloroform http://dlvr.it/Rp9lHk

Fresh twist in fatal Hungry Jack’s fight

A man has fronted court charged with stabbing another man to death outside a Hungry Jacks in Melbourne’s west as police reveal they are searching for two more people over the fatal fight. http://dlvr.it/Rp9YH9

Council’s whopping bill for staff injuries

Trips, slips and assaults were among dozens of injuries suffered by City of Melbourne employees last year, council data shows. http://dlvr.it/Rp77Tf

Symes named new AG in Cabinet shake-up

Jaclyn Symes is Victoria’s next Attorney-General, with Premier Daniel Andrews on Tuesday announcing a reshuffle to his Cabinet. http://dlvr.it/Rp6dfr

Victoria records positive coronavirus case from traveller who visited Sydney's northern beaches

Image
Victoria has recorded a positive coronavirus case from a returned traveller who is believed to have acquired the infection in NSW's northern beaches area. http://dlvr.it/Rp5y94

ACCC rejects Google behavioural undertakings for Fitbit acquisition

Image
22 December 2020 The ACCC has announced that it will not accept a long-term behavioural undertaking offered by Google that sought to address competition concerns about its proposed acquisition of wearables supplier and manufacturer Fitbit. The ACCC will therefore continue its investigation into Google’s proposed acquisition of Fitbit and has set a new decision date of 25 March 2021. “The ACCC continues to have concerns that Google’s acquisition of Fitbit may result in Fitbit’s rivals, other than Apple, being squeezed out of the wearables market, as they are reliant on Google’s Android system and other Google services to make their devices work effectively,” ACCC Chair Rod Sims said.  The proposed acquisition also further consolidates Google’s leading position in relation to the collection of user data, which supports its significant market power in online advertising and is likely to have applications in health markets. “We are also continuing to investigate the acquisition’s

Test method: UPLCC01 - Cannabinoids

Image
TGA Laboratories have published a method used for the analysis of medicinal cannabis products http://dlvr.it/Rp5rL0

Police sound warning on jet ski sex attacks after assault at Melbourne beach

Image
Police are concerned there could be more victims of a man who lured a teenager onto a jet ski then sexually assaulted her in Melbourne's west last month. http://dlvr.it/Rp3RQd

How Melbourne’s most brazen robbery unfolded

It was a clear and sunny afternoon in Melbourne when one of the strangest robberies in the city’s history happened on St Kilda Rd. http://dlvr.it/Rp31gr

Report reveals flaws with Victoria’s ‘dumb’ economy

Victoria’s “dumb growth” economy fuelled by huge population increases has been brutally exposed by the coronavirus pandemic, says a new report. http://dlvr.it/Rp2BXV

Sick way creeps are targeting school girls

Schoolgirls across Melbourne are being approached to share intimate images over the internet. http://dlvr.it/Rp16Kk

Sick way creeps are targeting school girls

Schoolgirls across Melbourne are being approached to share intimate images over the internet. http://dlvr.it/Rp0zlj

What sparked second Victorian gold rush

Gold fever has struck Victoria with local experts saying it has been the biggest year for prospecting despite the pandemic. http://dlvr.it/Rp0bLW

Horror truth behind Melbourne’s beaches revealed

Melbourne’s cleanest beaches can be revealed with people set to flock to the bay over the festive season. http://dlvr.it/Rp0MJb

Victoria to step up border watch ahead of mass NSW exodus

Victoria Police will begin checking travel permits for tens of thousands of motorists fleeing NSW in a major step-up of the state’s coronavirus border protection. http://dlvr.it/RnzZq4

Ristevski moved out of maximum security prison

EXCLUSIVE: Wife killer Borce Ristevski has been moved out of maximum security prison, it can be revealed. http://dlvr.it/RnyT2j

Mum, daughter in court stoush over Portsea kitchen

A wealthy Melbourne family is at war over who can use the kitchen at their luxurious Portsea mansion for Christmas. http://dlvr.it/RnyGry

Christmas may be our biggest coronavirus test yet

In a year filled with family separations, heartbreak and – in some cases – tragedy, Christmas seems like a bright light blinking on the horizon. http://dlvr.it/Rnxvx1

Police probe deaths of elderly pair in house fire

Police are investigating if a fire in Kingsbury in Melbourne’s north was a murder-suicide. http://dlvr.it/RnxgKp

Exodus out of NSW amid border closure fears

Image
Travellers flying in from Sydney have told of their relief at landing safely in Melbourne amid concerns over border closures. http://dlvr.it/Rnwj75

Total border closure considered by Vic government

The total closure of the border with NSW is being considered by the Victorian government in a desperate bid to avoid a third wave. http://dlvr.it/Rnv6XH

What to know about travelling to NSW from Victoria

Q: Can I travel to NSW? http://dlvr.it/Rntf3z

Melbourne’s 10 most affordable suburbs

Melton is the only suburb left in Melbourne where a typical house costs less than $400,000. http://dlvr.it/RntLL4

Another top fire boss quits CFA

Another top fire boss has quit in the fallout of the state’s controversial fire services merger. http://dlvr.it/Rnt3Df

170 Liberals to be expelled after bombshell probe

The Victorian Liberal Party is poised to expel 170 members after a branch-stacking investigation found their fees were paid with another person’s credit card. http://dlvr.it/Rns0k4

Historic tea rooms’ new home revealed

Melbourne culinary icon Hopetoun Tea Rooms will have a new home in the CBD. http://dlvr.it/Rnq5Sq

How Melbourne Airport is helping families fly again

Melbourne Airport has cut some of its carparking rates by more than half in a desperate bid to entice people to travel. http://dlvr.it/Rnpg7D

Photos show big difference between Metro Tunnel, City Loop

Tunnel boring images of the City Loop construction in Melbourne last century have been unearthed to show how the state-shaping project compares to the new Metro Tunnel. http://dlvr.it/RnpX6r

'Incredibly disturbing': 60 asylum seekers moved to new hotel with 15 minutes' notice, lawyers say

Image
Dozens of police escort a busload of refugees through a crowd of protesters outside a Melbourne hotel, where the men were being held. http://dlvr.it/RnpDTZ

Why Crown’s Victorian casino licence is on the line

Crown’s suitability to hold Victoria’s only casino licence will be probed in a major review triggered by explosive admissions of money laundering. http://dlvr.it/Rnn9vW

North East Link deal paves way for new tennis centre

A new $21 million tennis centre will be built in Melbourne’s southeast to replace the facility being lost to the Andrews Government’s $15.8 billion North East Link. http://dlvr.it/RnlF5V

Why Hennessy’s sudden exit has rocked Labor

Attorney-General Jill Hennessy’s sudden exit from cabinet makes it six ministers Daniel Andrews has lost this year. http://dlvr.it/RnkvXH

Beloved postie killed in road accident

A much-loved community icon has tragically died in a road accident while delivering mail on his daily post run. http://dlvr.it/Rnkm6t

Hopes grow for Chinese New Year party plans

Preparations are under way for Chinese New Year celebrations to be held just two weeks after the Australia Day Parade, which the state government has cancelled on health grounds. http://dlvr.it/RnkSxk

Six properties to be demolished for Suburban Rail yard

Six properties in Melbourne’s southeast will make way for a Suburban Rail Loop train stabling yard that will also create hundreds of new jobs. http://dlvr.it/RnjJPw

High-rise fire sends plumes of smoke through city

A fire at a high-rise building in the CBD sent plumes of smoke billowing into the air on Tuesday afternoon. http://dlvr.it/RngTjg

Whale carcass attracting sharks to shore

Coastal beachgoers have been warned about increased shark activity on the Surf Coast, as temperatures are tipped to reach 30C this morning. http://dlvr.it/Rng1QN

Delay warning issued as ambulance demand surges

A surge in demand for ambulances in Melbourne on Monday night sparked a warning for people to hold off on calling triple-0 unless it was an emergency. http://dlvr.it/Rng0WH

Whale carcass attracting sharks to shore

Coastal beachgoers have been warned about increased shark activity on the Surf Coast, as temperatures are tipped to reach 30C this morning. http://dlvr.it/Rnfjjh

Medicare set for radical shake-up

A safety net designed to cut costs for sick Australians is being rorted by some doctors who are instead jacking up their fees, according to the most comprehensive review of Medicare since its inception. http://dlvr.it/Rnc0rT

Victorians paid deadly price for state government’s failures

Too little, too late. http://dlvr.it/Rnbns7

Neighbour drags drowning baby from pond

A baby is fighting for life after being found unconscious in a fish pond at a home in Melbourne’s southeast. http://dlvr.it/RnbLFb

How a Clifton Hill tram conductor became a ruthless killer

Melbourne was just short of 50 years old in 1891 when a young man named John Wilson committed a horrible murder. http://dlvr.it/RnbLBY

Eerie warning before mum plunged to death

The tragic news of Rosy Loomba’s fatal fall did not stop tourists flocking to the Boroka Lookout on Sunday. http://dlvr.it/Rnb4h0

‘It was huge’: Swimmers’ close call at Lorne

A swimmer has described his close call with a great white shark in shallow water in Lorne. http://dlvr.it/RnY5ws

Shock drowning statistic despite COVID lockdown

Victoria is on track for the deadliest year on record for drownings, prompting a $1.7 million Life Saving Victoria boost. http://dlvr.it/RnXzt9

Public or private? Which schools come out on top

Paying hefty fees for private education doesn’t guarantee higher academic results than in public schools, a new Australian study has found. http://dlvr.it/RnXgQs

How Melbourne invention could change bloodclot care

A device which could help save the lives of patients who develop potentially deadly blood clots while on life support in hospital has been developed by engineers in Melbourne. http://dlvr.it/RnXgQB

What led surfer back to water after shark attack

WARNING GRAPHIC CONTENT http://dlvr.it/RnXSVV

2020’s best political moments revealed

“Everybody right to go?” — Premier Daniel Andrews’ press conference starting question became a pandemic catchphrase. http://dlvr.it/RnVPt9

2020’s best political moments revealed

“Everybody right to go?” — Premier Daniel Andrews’ press conference starting question became a pandemic catchphrase. http://dlvr.it/RnVHvB

Why Fox could be driving force behind Dan’s next move

When a TV microphone was put in front of Lindsay Fox at the height of harsh coronavirus lockdown in October, no one expected him to talk about the premier’s balls. http://dlvr.it/RnV1Pl

Man drowns at Frankston Beach

A man has died after being pulled from the water at Frankston Beach this afternoon. http://dlvr.it/RnV1PM

Infant dead after tragic accident in Ocean Grove

An infant girl has died after she was struck by a car driven by her mother in a tragic accident at Ocean Grove on Friday afternoon. http://dlvr.it/RnTnKt

Melbourne surgeons’ miracle allow girl to walk

Standing straight and walking tall for the first time in her life, Nichole Jamelo can’t wait to take on the world. http://dlvr.it/RnQyck

Melbourne surgeons’ miracle allow girl to walk

Standing straight and walking tall for the first time in her life, Nichole Jamelo can’t wait to take on the world. http://dlvr.it/RnQqYy

Metro Tunnel’s mega budget blowout

The cost of the Melbourne Metro Tunnel has blown out by $2.74 billion, with taxpayers set to cough up half the eye-watering overrun. http://dlvr.it/RnQSDj

‘Terrified’: Magistrate’s stress before taking own life

A new magistrate felt “trapped and a failure” as she grappled with a mounting caseload before taking her own life. http://dlvr.it/RnQSBQ

Fears QR code check-in systems being abused

Victoria’s privacy watchdog has raised concern businesses are using coronavirus QR code check-in systems to sneakily amass databases for marketing. http://dlvr.it/RnQB77

Top musos bring buzz back to Melbourne’s CBD

Visitors to the CBD might do a double take when they see buskers in action over the next two weeks. http://dlvr.it/RnM7mG

Harvest help to come from across the Tasman

Kiwi workers are being called on to save Australian harvests, as fears grow the price of fruit and vegetables will soar because of labour shortages this summer. http://dlvr.it/RnLlXM

Healthcare workers caught COVID-19 in Victoria in their thousands, so what went wrong?

Image
An investigation into the large number of Victorian healthcare workers who caught COVID-19 at work identifies some of the key factors that allowed so many to get infected — and what we can do to avoid a similar outbreak in the future. http://dlvr.it/RnLYm6

Former Labor minister Adem Somyurek accuses Premier Daniel Andrews of historical branch stacking

Image
Disgraced former Victorian government minister Adem Somyurek has accused Premier Daniel Andrews of branch stacking, during an extraordinary speech upon his return to State Parliament. http://dlvr.it/RnLYhd

‘Australia’s cheapest block’ less than top-end TV

A dirt cheap block of land 45 minutes from Mildura is offering the great Australian dream of a quarter acre block for less than the price of a big-screen TV. http://dlvr.it/RnLHYP

China trade stoush blocks Victorian lamb exports

Two Victorian abattoirs are the latest to be caught in China’s trade crackdown, with their lamb exports in limbo after they were voluntarily suspended during COVID-19 outbreaks. http://dlvr.it/RnHJDf

Sacked St Kevin’s teacher allegedly stroked student’s cheek

The embrace that led to the sacking of a St Kevin’s College maths teacher was the kind of hug a parent would give a child, a court heard on Wednesday. http://dlvr.it/RnGsps

Search for toddler who vanished from shopping centre

Image
A desperate search is under way to find a toddler who vanished from a shopping centre in Melbourne’s outer south east four days ago. http://dlvr.it/RnGjwd

Dramatic citizen’s arrest after worksite shooting

A gunman believed to be aged in his 80s has been taken down in a dramatic citizen’s arrest at a construction site in Melbourne’s west. http://dlvr.it/RnGjvz

Victoria drives campaign for national electric car tax

Victoria is leading the push for all Australian states to tax electric vehicle owners with a road usage fee, according to a leaked document. http://dlvr.it/RnGWp8

Melbourne man’s death at dentist’s office probed

A trip to the dentist turned into an untimely death for a Melbourne man who went into cardiorespiratory arrest after being sedated for a root canal procedure. http://dlvr.it/RnCSxC

How a $21 mistake led to man vanishing

A mystery disappearance 32 years ago seemingly sparked over an innocent mistake worth $21 has finally been resolved. http://dlvr.it/RnC9LP

Major setback in West Gate Tunnel toxic soil saga

Efforts to solve the toxic soil saga that has delayed the West Gate Tunnel have been thrown into turmoil, with the state’s environmental authority admitting approvals granted for sites to hold the contaminated dirt were invalid. http://dlvr.it/RnC15t

How a $21 mistake led to man vanishing

A mystery disappearance 32 years ago seemingly sparked over an innocent mistake worth $21 has finally been resolved. http://dlvr.it/RnC12q

Hero airport guard says he was just doing his job

A switched-on security guard who raised the alarm about two German travellers who’d mistakenly bypassed quarantine says he was just doing his job. http://dlvr.it/RnBqBw

International travellers who skipped NSW quarantine to fly to Victoria return second negative test

Image
Two international travellers who flew to Melbourne instead of going into hotel quarantine in New South Wales return a second negative result for COVID-19, meaning their close contacts can now end their self-isolation. http://dlvr.it/Rn7s7t

Sacked St Kevin’s teacher hugged students despite warning

Explosive testimony involving sexual misconduct has been heard about a sacked St Kevin’s College teacher who is seeking reinstatement. http://dlvr.it/Rn7Yy0

2GB Interview with Deborah Knight

2GB Interview with Deborah Knight Mon, 12/07/2020 - 16:28 Francis Keany Mon, 12/07/2020 - 16:28 Transcript E&OE Subjects:  Casual Workers, National Skills Commission Report. DEBORAH KNIGHT: Well, it is the last week of Federal Parliament for the year and the Government is bringing in some massive changes, or hoping to, at least to industrial relations laws. They want to simplify the system. They want to make it easier for businesses to be able to hire more workers and, at the heart of it all is the definition of casual work. What casual work involves and providing more security to casual workers. Michaelia Cash is the Minister for Employment and she's on the line for us now. Minister, thanks for joining us. MINISTER CASH: Great to be with you, Deb. DEBORAH KNIGHT: Thanks for stepping in here earlier too. I was going to talk to you on my show a little later, but you've come to the party - well done, you. So why is this reform package so significant? MINISTER

2GB Interview with Deborah Knight

2GB Interview with Deborah Knight Mon, 12/07/2020 - 16:28 Francis Keany Mon, 12/07/2020 - 16:28 Transcript E&OE Subjects:  Casual Workers, National Skills Commission Report. DEBORAH KNIGHT: Well, it is the last week of Federal Parliament for the year and the Government is bringing in some massive changes, or hoping to, at least to industrial relations laws. They want to simplify the system. They want to make it easier for businesses to be able to hire more workers and, at the heart of it all is the definition of casual work. What casual work involves and providing more security to casual workers. Michaelia Cash is the Minister for Employment and she's on the line for us now. Minister, thanks for joining us. MINISTER CASH: Great to be with you, Deb. DEBORAH KNIGHT: Thanks for stepping in here earlier too. I was going to talk to you on my show a little later, but you've come to the party - well done, you. So why is this reform package so significant? MINISTER

Heartbroken family pay tribute to Point Cook fire victim

The parents of Abbey Forrest have spoken of how they talked to their daughter and said “I love you” the night before a fire claimed her life and that of her partner and baby girl. http://dlvr.it/Rn7DqG

Puckapunyal Primary School destroyed by fire

Fire has ripped through Puckapunyal Primary School as police probe the cause of the blaze. http://dlvr.it/Rn54Tv

COVID threat forces Syd to Melb passengers to isolate

Image
Scores of people could be forced to isolate after two international travellers who failed to quarantine in New South Wales caught a flight from Sydney to Melbourne on Saturday. http://dlvr.it/Rn4smn

Troops land in Melbourne to prepare for new hotel quarantine

Australian Defence Force troops have touched down in Melbourne to undertake critical training ahead of the state’s revamped hotel quarantine program on Monday. http://dlvr.it/Rn4hLb

Could Dan have a Fox in his future?

Could Premier Daniel Andrews be about to pass up an offer at Linfox? http://dlvr.it/Rn4hKV

Warnie’s drastic move to sell Brighton mansion

Spin king Shane Warne is offering buyers a million-dollar discount on his elaborate Brighton mansion, after it failed to sell at a private auction. http://dlvr.it/Rn4cD5

Big change to home loans that could save you thousands

Banks would have to tell homeowners every year if their interest rate was their best offer, under changes that could slice tens of thousands of dollars off mortgage costs. http://dlvr.it/Rn2HFF

Warnie’s drastic move to sell Brighton mansion

Spin king Shane Warne is offering buyers a million-dollar discount on his elaborate Brighton mansion, after it failed to sell at a private auction. http://dlvr.it/Rn2Byz

Port Arthur massacre survivor fears film will ’normalise’ evil killer

A Victorian survivor of the Port Arthur massacre says she does not want to see evil gunman Martin Bryant’s “name up in lights” by making him the focus of a new film. http://dlvr.it/Rn20bK

Dan’s China comments ‘read like he’s living in the 90s’

Premier Daniel Andrews has been slammed for naivety and accused of “living in the 1990s” after he dismissed concerns about foreign interference from China. http://dlvr.it/Rn20X7

How sound waves can help select healthy sperm

A new process developed by Monash University researchers has found that by using sound waves to sift through sperm the strongest swimmers can be picked out. http://dlvr.it/Rn1w7n

Fears Exhibition Building’s heritage is under threat

Residents fear a planned five-storey development near Royal Exhibition Building will breach UNESCO world heritage protections. http://dlvr.it/RmyWYh

Why Scott Morrison’s new nickname is Tin Ear

Prime Minister Scott Morrison is known to loath his nickname “Scotty from marketing”. http://dlvr.it/RmyWVj

Metro Tunnel workers ‘on edge’ amid safety fears

Insiders have warned of safety fears on the Metro Tunnel after a recent string of concerning incidents across different parts of the $11 billion project. http://dlvr.it/RmyRLM

North East Link early works blasted over asbestos

Families are packing up and fleeing the $15.8 billion North East Link’s early works amid concerns about dust and asbestos. http://dlvr.it/RmyRJY

Bushfire warning system locked in despite concerns

THE “watch and act” warning which the bushfire royal commission found caused “significant confusion” during the Black Summer crisis has been retained in a new national alert system. http://dlvr.it/RmyLW6

Why you should visit a local cellar door this weekend

Image
Victorians are being encouraged to support local wine producers after they endured the “most challenging year on record”. http://dlvr.it/Rmtflm

New twist in lockdowns’ effectiveness revealed

Highly restrictive lockdowns do not appear to be any more effective at containing COVID-19 than partial ones, an analysis by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development has found. http://dlvr.it/Rmtfjh

Gladys Liu praises man accused of foreign interference

THE charity work of a Melbourne man accused of preparing an act of foreign interference for China has been praised by Liberal MP Gladys Liu. http://dlvr.it/Rmtffv

Anti-lockdown protesters set sights on new target

Rowdy protesters have been warned to expect a “very firm” response from police if they cause trouble during a planned freedom rally in Melbourne this weekend. http://dlvr.it/Rmtf5Q

Vic rules tougher than NSW, despite zero cases

Major coronavirus rules will be eased in New South Wales next week, as Victorians continue to live under tougher restrictions despite recording zero new cases for 33 consecutive days. http://dlvr.it/RmtcHC

First look at unrivalled view from 100-storey mega tower

These sky high images reveal the highest — and some of the most expensive — views Melburnians will call home in the southern hemisphere’s highest residential skyscraper. http://dlvr.it/RmptPH

‘I thought he was going to kill us’

A rookie cop who fatally shot Hassan Khalif Shire Ali feared the Bourke St attacker was going to kill him. http://dlvr.it/RmptNr

Victoria Police’s eye-watering cost to cover up Lawyer X saga

Victoria Police has spent at least $64 million in managing and attempting to cover up the Lawyer X scandal. http://dlvr.it/RmptM9

AusPAR: Eculizumab

Image
Australian Public Assessment Report for Eculizumab http://dlvr.it/Rmpsxc

Victoria’s COVID envoys linked to Chinese Community Party

Two senior figures in organisations linked to the Chinese Communist Party’s foreign influence operation were chosen as COVID-19 “community ambassadors” by the state government. http://dlvr.it/Rmpr3b

Severe weather warning for Victoria

Victoria will experience all four seasons over four days as it prepares to welcome summer this week. http://dlvr.it/Rml4LH

Mega-plan to lure world-class events to Melbourne

Victoria is ready to make a raid on some of the world’s best sporting and cultural events using a record $100m-a-year tourism war chest. http://dlvr.it/Rml4LF

Why Monash property market is among nation’s best

A property market boom like no other in Melbourne is forecast for the City of Monash, where major infrastructure projects are tipped to supercharge house prices. http://dlvr.it/Rml4Kn

ABC issued a ‘please explain’ over sex scandal expose

The Morrison government has reignited its feud with the public broadcaster over its sex scandal expose, sending a stern “please explain” to ABC chair Ita Buttrose. http://dlvr.it/Rml34s

Developer pressure made Labor MP ‘uncomfortable’

Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards became increasingly uncomfortable about pressure from developer John Woodman in the lead-up to the 2018 state election, but continued to meet with him while he made a $20,000 donation to Victorian Labor, the state’s corruption watchdog has heard. http://dlvr.it/Rml26r