China to lift trade restrictions on Australian rock lobster by the end of the year, the Deputy Prime Minister's chief of staff makes bullying claims; and in Tennis, Australian Open boss Craig Tiley hopeful Nick Kyrgios will feature in the 2025 tournament.
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TRANSCRIPT
- China to lift trade restrictions on Australian rock lobster by the end of the year
- The Deputy Prime Minister's chief of staff makes bullying claims
- In Tennis, Australian Open boss Craig Tiley hopeful Nick Kyrgios will feature in the 2025 tournament
China will lift its trade restrictions on the import of Australian live rock lobster by the end of this year.
The restrictions have been in place since 2020.
The Australian rock lobster is the last remaining product to have tariffs still imposed on it, after China lifted tariffs on Australian wine in March and restrictions on Australian beef last December.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made the announcement at the ASEAN summit in Laos, after he met with Chinese premier, Li Qiang.
Mr Albanese says it's a great outcome.
"This of course will be in time for Chinese New Year and this will be welcomed by the people engaged in the live lobster industry in places like Geraldton and South Australia and Tasmania and so many parts of particularly regional Australia where this is just one of the elements that produce jobs for Australians."
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Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles has defended his actions following allegations raised by his most senior staff member about bullying in his office.
Jo Tarnawsky, Chief of Staff to Richard Marles, alleges she has been blocked from doing her job after she claims she raised bullying allegations with the Deputy Prime Minister.
Ms Tarnawsky has not claimed that Richard Marles perpetrated the alleged bullying.
She claims she has been barred from entering her office without giving notice and says she has been moved to work on a temporary project with the Prime Minister's Office for several months.
Mr Marles says he is satisfied he has upheld the ministerial code of conduct, requiring ministers to uphold the highest workplace standard including maintaining a safe and respectful workplace for their staff.
"In this moment, I feel deeply sad that events have got to where they have. This is obviously very difficult. Let me say that in the way in which I have tried to manage this, I have done so with Jo's welfare in mind at every moment as I would try to manage things on that basis for all of my staff. As is evident, this matter is now in the hands of lawyers, and of course that is absolutely Jo's right. But it does mean that it is difficult for me to say anything more on this issue."
A spokesperson for Marles said in a statement that a number of the assertions and recollections are contested, that Ms Tarnawsky has been treated with respect and courtesy. The statement also adds that all times, the wellbeing of staff, including Ms Tarnawsky has been front of mind.
If you or someone you know needs support, call Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
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Hurricane Milton has made landfall in Florida as a category three storm with sustained winds of up to 190 kilometres per hour.
The US National Hurricane Center is warning of a life-threatening storm surge, extreme winds and flash flooding as Milton moves inland along the Florida west coast.
More than one point five million homes and businesses are without power, with many residents sheltering in evacuation centres.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis says massive amounts of search and rescue equipment, and personnel, are standing by.
"There's already been 116 tornado warnings with 19 confirmed touchdowns throughout the state, nine flash flood warnings and four additional flood watches with many, many more to come. Numerous counties have reported tornado damage."
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Two-thirds of Australians aged over 50 have poor bone health.
Healthy Bones Australia's national burden of disease report has revealed more than three quarters of older Australians have osteopenia or low bone density, and 23 per cent have osteoporosis.
The report suggests the number of people living with osteoporosis has soared by 34 percent in the past decade.
The group's Medical Director, Professor Peter Moore, says poor bone health must be addressed for the sake of the people it impacts, and the health system.
"We need to work on prevention, early diagnosis and early treatment. And there are lots of opportunities to improve osteoporosis prevention. There are also many very effective treatments that thicken bones and lower the risk of fracture."
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In Tennis, Australian Open boss Craig Tiley says he is hopeful Nick Kyrgios will make his long-awaited injury return and play the 2025 event in Melbourne.
Kyrgios, who has been affected by wrist and knee injuries over the past two years, hasn't played at Melbourne Park since 2022.
The 29-year-old has played just one tour singles match since October, 2022, spending more time commentating - but recently ramped up his training.
Craig Tiley told Channel Nine, Kyrgios would be a welcome addition to the tournament this January.
"Well, like every other people. We would like Nick back. We know he is out there practising and preparing for the summer. He loves playing in Australia. We expect to see him back - and we know he is on track with that preparation. A lot can play out in the next couple of months. We look forward to seeing Nick back."
