TRANSCRIPT
- The former CEO of Abercrombie and Fitch charged with sex trafficking
- A new mandatory industry code on baby formula advertising in Australia
- The Matildas prepare for upcoming friendlies against Switzerland and Germany
The former CEO of the Abercrombie and Fitch clothing empire, Michael Jeffries, has been arrested and criminally charged with sex trafficking and interstate prostitution.
US prosecutors allege that between December 2008 and March 2015, Mr Jeffries, his partner Matthew Smith and their employee James Jacobson used a combination of force, fraud and coercion to traffic men while operating a prostitution enterprise.
The US Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Breon Peace, announced the arrests and charges.
"To anyone who thinks they can exploit and coerce others by using the so-called casting couch system, this case should serve as a warning – prepare to trade that couch for a bed in federal prison. Sexually exploiting vulnerable human beings is a crime. And doing so by dangling dreams of a future in fashion and modeling is no different."
Fifteen anonymous victims were cited in the charging documents, but prosecutors say they believe the scale of the alleged offending is likely far larger - and they called on witnesses or victims to come forward."
---
The federal government will establish a new code of conduct to oversee the way baby formula products are advertised in Australia.
The new mandatory code replaces the existing voluntary agreement.
The federal Department of Health says that the current scheme carries no penalties for breaches, has limited ability to regulate digital marketing practices or manage complaints and does not extend beyond products advertised to children over 12 months old and toddler milk products.
They say effective regulation of formula is essential to protecting and promoting breastfeeding.
---
Airport authorities in the New Zealand city of Dunedin have defended their decision to impose a time limit on hugging loved ones at the terminal.
They have put up signs saying there's a three-minute time limit on goodbye hugs in the airport's drop-off area.
He says the time limit is their way of preventing the lingering hugs from causing traffic jams.
"Like anything, you're going to create a bit of debate. But I don't see this as inhumane at all. And actually, really, really important that we are having a bit of fun with this. We don't have hug police, not yet anyway. And if people over-extend their hugging time, that's ok. But really the message here is getting it front of mind for people to kind of help create space for others to drop off and also have their hugs."
---
In sports, Matildas forward Michelle Heyman says preparations are going well for the team's upcoming friendlies against Switzerland this Saturday (AEDT), and Germany next Tuesday in Europe.
Tom Sermanni is Interim Head Coach as the search continues for a successor to Tony Gustavsson.
Matildas veteran Michelle Heyman says she is focused on having the right mindset heading into the games.
"These are two games coming up that are going to be extremely challenging. They are both quality countries to play against. So it is going to be a big test for us to see where we're at. And you know, I think it is a big learning curve. And with new staff in a new environment, anything can happen. And it is all fresh starting from now. So let's take it as it comes - and be as positive as possible."
