A giant petrel found north of Newcastle at Hawks Nest has become the sixth confirmed case of the deadly H5N1 bird flu virus in Australia, and the first in New South Wales. A seventh bird found in Western Australia is also being tested for the virus.
Political warnings and coalition tensions
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told Labor’s NSW conference that a rightwing “axis of grievance” was forming between the Liberals, Nationals and One Nation. Coalition frontbencher Dan Tehan responded by stating the Liberals were “not entertaining” a coalition with One Nation, which is currently ahead of his party in opinion polls.
Great Barrier Reef under threat
UN science advisers expressed “utmost concern” about the future of the Great Barrier Reef, stating that the government’s climate targets needed to be improved to protect the reef from further degradation.
Other incidents and investigations
Two men have been charged after police in NSW alleged an imitation pistol had been pointed at a Sydney synagogue. The Australian Space Agency is assisting with an investigation after four objects – suspected to be space debris – were found north of Townsville. A 27-year-old man is fighting for his life with head injuries after an incident during a suburban football match in Melbourne.
Authorities remind the public that if they spot any dead or sick birds or marine mammals along the coast, they should avoid handling the animals, take photos or video, and call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
