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The Prime Minister has given his condolences to the family of Melbourne teenager Bianca Jones who has died after consuming a drink laced with methanol on a holiday in Laos.
The 19-year-old teen’s family has confirmed her death after a suspected mass-poisoning at a bar last week.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says the tragic event is beyond sad.
“This is every parent’s very worst fear and a nightmare that no one should have to endure. All Australians offer them our deepest sympathy in this time of deep heartbreak. Bianca’s trip should have been a joyous time and a source of fond memories in years to come. Memories that she should have carried with her into the long, bright future that lay ahead of her. It’s beyond sad that this was not to be.”
Ms Jones’ friend Holly Bowles remains in hospital in a critical condition.
Meanwhile, a US citizen has also died along with two Danish women in ther 20s.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has updated its travel advice for Laos following the suspected methanol poisoning.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has responded to criticism from the Federal opposition related to major changes to the investment mandate of Australia’s Future Fund.
The Albanese government has pitched a move to prioritise housing and the green energy transition in the fund as part of its strategy to strengthen the nation’s long-term economic resilience and address the housing and climate crises.
The Future Fund was established in 2006 by the Howard government to strengthen the Commonwealth’s long-term financial position.
The Coalition have accused Labor of jeopardising the independence of the fund and using it for their own agenda.
But, in Question Time, Treasurer Chalmers says the coalition’s opposition to the move is due to a lack of ambition in tackling some of Australia’s most pressing challenges.
“They don’t want to see more investment in housing, they don’t want to see more investment in cleaner and cheaper energy. They don’t want to see more investment in the kind of infrastructure that makes our economy more resilient and our people more secure. The changes that we’re announcing today are not about messing with the independence of the Future Fund. They’re not about changing the expected rate of return. But what it is about is about making sure that this tremendous national asset that we have as Australians is working in the service of our national economic interests.”
Politicians from both Labor and the Coalition have condemned vandalism that involves anti-Israel slogans in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.
New South Wales Police says two people were captured on CCTV spraying slogans condemning Israel on a building and several vehicles, one of which was set on fire.
In a statement, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemns the behaviour, calling it “disturbing” and “deeply troubling”.
The Opposition leader Peter Dutton also condemns the vandalism.
New South Police says the damage to the vehicles is estmated to be up to $80,000.
Alex Ryvchin is the co-Chief Executive at the Executive Council of Australian Jewery.
He says he’s not surprising about the violence.
“Over a year now, we’ve seen the extremism of the anti-Israel movement, we’ve seen an escalation in their rhetoric and in their deeds, we’ve seen graffitti distort around this neighbourhood, we’ve seen the targeting of Jewish businesses, the scorching of the Jewish MP office, and for us the escalation at this point is hardly surprising. I think Australians have a gutful of this. It’s a time for strong leadership, decisive police action, and put an end to this nonsence for once and all.”
Pay negotiations between the New South Wales government and transport unions will continue today, in an attempt to keep trains running on Australia’s busiest rail network.
As a three-day shutdown looms, Premier Chris Minns will again meet with Rail, Tram and Bus union representatives.
If no agreement is reached, trains from Newcastle to Wollongong and across Sydney will lay dormant from Friday morning until Sunday night.
There are numerous events in Sydney across that period, including a Pearl Jam concert and six A-League double headers.
A spokesperson for Sydney Trains Matt says they are hopeful of a breakthrough, but are still urging commuters to plan ahead.
The union wants a 32 per cent pay rise across four years, while the government has offered 11 per cent across three.
The Matildas will make their debut at the SheBelieves Cup in February next year, locking in games against Japan, the United States and Colombia.
The team will also expect to announce their new full-time coach after Tony Gustavsson, and possibly Sam Kerr’s international return from injury.
Chelsea coach Sonia Bompastor this week flagged Kerr could return to training with her club team by the end of the year.
In a statement, Football Australia’s chief executive James Johnson says it’s a “tremendous opportunity” to elevate the Matildas for the next FIFA Women’s World Cup.
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