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Showing posts from December, 2019

PM failing to meet the tone of the community on bushfires: Albanese

Anthony Albanese has criticised Scott Morrison for a failure of leadership as fires devastate Australia’s east coast. The opposition leader told reporters on Wednesday the prime minister was not taking the situation seriously enough and again called on Mr Morrison to call a COAG to formulate a national response to the issue. “Obviously he is treating it seriously … but what we are not getting is the sort of coordination that we need,” Mr Albanese said. “We need a considered response but I think that the prime minister, in terms of some of his tone, could accurately reflect the views I am getting back from the community, where ever I go.” Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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London Celebrates New Decade With World-Class Fireworks Display

London welcomed in 2020 with a spectacular fireworks display. Thousands flocked to the banks of the River Thames to enjoy the celebration. Mayor Sadiq Khan promised the “best fireworks London has ever seen” to ring in the new decade. This video shows the fireworks over the London Eye. Credit: @amgedali via Storyful Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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Cabinet papers show govt held marathon meetings ahead of GST roll out

Almost 20 years since the introduction of the Goods and Service Tax (GST), Australia's longest-serving treasurer has revealed how onerous it was to sell the reform to his colleagues and the public. Cabinet papers released today show Coalition MP's held marathon meetings over many months in 1998, which Peter Costello told Sky News had been the key to getting the policy right. The Coalition narrowly won the 2008 election after then prime minster John Howard promised to implement the GST if his government was re-elected. After a marathon negotiation period with the Australian Democrats, the GST was finally implemented in 2000 and remains in place today. Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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Three dead in NSW fires, big home losses

January 1, 2020. NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons speaking to media in Sydney about the toll of bushfires in the state. Fitzsimmons says the three people have been killed overnight in the fires and large amount property losses. (AAP VIDEO/Andrew Leeson) Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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If you’ve done nothing to prepare your home, don’t expect miracles: NSW RFS warning as blazes continue

January 1, 2020. NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons speaking to media in Sydney about whether homes can be defended by residents in different circumstances. "Anyone that tells you it is not a frightening and confronting experience is rubbish, fire very quickly turns day to night, your visibility is dropped enormously, the noise is horrendous, the smoke that gets in your eyes and in your lungs it's a very, very confronting and difficult decision," Fitzsimmons says. "If you've done nothing to prepare your home don't expect firefighters to perform miracles," he says. (AAP Video/Andrew Leeson) Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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RAW: Sky turns red as fire approaches Batesmans Bay

Supplied footage obtained on December 31, 2019 of smoke filling the sky in Batesmans Bay as a fire bears down on the NSW town. Residents have evacuated to the beach in the town of Batemans Bay, which is surrounded by the Currowan fire to the north and the aggressive 31,000-hectare Clyde Mountain fire to the south and east. (AAP Video/Supplied/Josh Aldwell) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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2019 closes with heartbreaking firefighter death: Prime Minister

Supplied footage obtained on December 31, 2019 of Prime Minister Scott Morrison delivering a message amid ongoing bushfires around the country. Morrison says the death of a firefighter on the NSW /Vic border is a heartbreaking loss. "The fires in NSW and Victoria are continuing to rage and we expect further difficult news out of both of those states," he says. (AAP VIDEO/Supplied/PMO) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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NSW minister Andrew Constance unaccounted for after spending morning defending his home

Sky News understands New South Wales Transport Minister Andrew Constance is currently unaccounted for in the state fires. Mr Constance is the Member for Bega on the embattled NSW South Coast. Sky News understands he was this morning defending his property South of Batemans Bay but hasn't been heard from for several hours. Mr Constance's office does expect though to hear from him shortly, with communication currently impacted by several mobile phone towers that have knocked out by the fires. We will keep you across this developing news and update you when Mr Constance makes contact. Image: News Corp Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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Thousands told to ‘prepare to run into the water’ at Mallacoota beach

David Jeffery – the owner of the Wave Oasis bed and breakfast in Mallacoota - has described the town as a “disaster zone”. Conditions in the coastal town, in East Gippsland in Victoria’s far east, deteriorated early on Tuesday morning. More than 4000 people were forced to take shelter at the town's beach, with residents told to run to the water when the CFA sirens sounded. Image: Twitter/@bluesfestblues Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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Four people missing, homes destroyed and we are not yet into 2020 – Daniel Andrews

December 31, 2019. Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews updates the bushfire situation from the State Control Centre in Melbourne. Andrews pays tribute to volunteer firefighter Samuel Paul who died when his truck rolled at a NSW-Victoria border town. Andrews says there are four people unaccounted for in the Gippsland fires, and he describes the ferocious fires that are creating their own weather systems. (AAP Video/Alex Murray) Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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Homes being lost to fire on the outskirts of Mallacoota as we speak – Victorian bushfires update

December 31, 2019. Emergency services update the conditions of the bushfire threat in Gippsland, with homes being lost to fire on the outskirts of Mallacoota as the press conference is taking place. Emergency Management Commissioner, Andrew Crisp confirms that four people are unaccounted for. (AAP Video/Alex Murray) Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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Turtles used in sea temperature research

Japanese researches have turned to Turtles in an effort to improve the accuracy of measuring sea temperatures. Five sea turtles in Indonesia have been fitted with monitoring devices – which will collect data for three months. All five turtles migrated between northern Australia and New Guinea Island - obtaining more than one thousand depth-temperature measurements during their dives. The researchers say traditional devices can lack accuracy because underwater equipment can't be used in shallow waters. Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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The QLD weather forecast for NYE

QUEENSLANDERS can expect a dry, warm and partly cloudy New Year’s Eve with temperatures across the state predicted to reach high 20-degrees to mid 30s and isolated storms “bringing little rain”. Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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One Dead After Plane Crashes Into Suburban Maryland Home

One person was killed when a small plane crashed into a house and the adjoining carport in New Carrollton, Maryland, on December 29. The crash happened shortly before 3pm, when a light aircraft hit the unoccupied suburban home before catching fire, according to a spokesman for Prince George’s County Fire Department. One person on board the plane was killed but no other injuries were reported, the spokesman added. Credit: PGFDPIO via Storyful Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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More than two million Australians ditch private health

More than two million people have ditched their private health insurance in the past five years, according to a new survey. Those surveyed said they were more inclined to drop their insurance due to the rising cost of premiums, with many claiming the cover was not good value for money. Image: Getty Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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Firefighters brace for disastrous conditions right across the country

Authorities are on high alert on Monday as bushfire conditions deteriorate right across the country. Two emergency warnings are in place for fires burning in Victoria’s East and residents in East Gippsland have been told to take immediate shelter as it is too late to leave. Meanwhile in South Australia there is concern a fire in the Adelaide Hills could destroy more homes if conditions do not ease in the state. Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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Girl, 17, knocked out at NSW house party

Five people have been arrested after a crowd of 150 people threw glass bottles at police officers responding to reports of an out-of-control house party in Lake Macquarie where a teenage girl was knocked unconscious. Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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‘Risky’ property developers to undergo mandatory checks

Property developers and construction companies who've been identified as ‘risky players' will reportedly have to undergo mandatory inspections if they want to sell high rise apartments in New South Wales. The federal government will examine developers, builders and certifiers in a bid to identify dodgy developers, according to the Daily Telegraph. The interim measure put forth by the Berejiklian government aims to prevent situations such as the Opal Tower cracking scandal. Image: News Corp Australia Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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Falls Festival in Lorne cancelled due to unsafe conditions

Festival-goers have been told to pack up and leave after the annual Falls Festival in Lorne was cancelled due to volatile fire conditions in Victoria. Some 9,000 music fans were told they must leave the campground early on Sunday morning after organisers announced they had been advised to cancel the festival. The attendees were given 24 hours to vacate the venue and will receive a full refund. Falls Festival events in Byron Bay, Marion Bay and Fremantle are set to go ahead as planned. Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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Planning ahead is ‘key’ to safe NYE celebrations

Security Expert Daniel Lewkovitz says planning in advance for New Year’s Eve celebrations is “key to a happy New Year”, because “nothing ruins a night more than people having a bad time”. Mr Lewkovitz told Sky News the “controversial” fireworks are going ahead, and it is vital to “take precautions when it comes to dealing with the activities of a large crowd”. “This means planning everything from transport, knowing where everyone is in your party at all times, and knowing what to do if things go wrong,” he said. Image: Getty Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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Newseum Visitors Wait in Line During Final Days Before December 31 Closure

The line for admission to Washington’s Newseum stretched down the street on Saturday, December 28, as patrons waited to enter the museum before it was shuttered indefinitely. The Newseum, an interactive museum dedicated to journalism around the world, was set to close on December 31 because “remaining in the current location has proved to be financially unsustainable”, according to management. The Newseum has been located on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington. The building was to John Hopkins University. One Twitter user filmed this long line of visitors stretching down 6th Street NW. Credit: @Jkid4 via Storyful Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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Hong Kong protesters stage violent rally at shopping centre

Riot police have detained 15 people in Hong Kong after a violent rally at a major shopping centre. One hundred masked demonstrators swarmed the centre, to protest parallel traders and shoppers from mainland China. Officers fired pepper spray at crowds, hoping it will be enough to stop them from gathering again on New Year's Day. The rally follows days of demonstrations over Christmas which resulted in more than 336 arrests Image: Getty Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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NSW firefighters battle extreme conditions to strengthen containment lines

Firefighters in New South Wales will continue to work to strengthen containment lines ahead of extreme conditions this week. A very high fire danger rating has also been issued for much of the state's east coast, with total fire bans place in the central and southern ranges Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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PM criticised for negotiating compensation deal for volunteer firefighters

Anthony Albanese has criticised Scott Morrison for negotiating a compensation deal with only NSW volunteer firefighters, as the bushfire crisis continues. "I don't understand why it is that the Prime Minister has just negotiated with the New South Wales Premier, rather than convening COAG and getting an approach across the nation," he said. On Sunday, the government announced volunteer NSW firefighters who have spent at least ten days battling blazes in the state would receive up to $6,000 in compensation. The move was designed to support crews through an 'unusually demanding' season, but prime minister said it should not set a precedent for permanent payments. The Opposition Leader said the ongoing crisis requires a national approach and again called Mr Morrison to convene a COAG meeting. Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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Energy agency backs US-Aus oil deal

The federal government is negotiating with the US to buy millions of barrels of oil from the country’s fuel reserve. Australia has approximately 54 days of fuel reserves but under international agreements it is required to hold at least 90 days’ worth. The US deal would allow the government to store its own fuel in US facilities, preventing the need to spend billions on building storage facilities. Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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Detained Australian academic begins hunger strike

An Australian academic detained in Iran is on a hunger strike after losing an appeal against her 10 year jail sentence. Melbourne University lecturer Kylie Moore-Gilbert has been imprisoned in Tehran since 2018 on spying charges. A recent letter published by her supporters has confirmed she has been refusing food and water. Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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Refugee crisis unfolding in Syria

The United Nations says more than 200,000 people have fled their homes in Syria as Russian-backed government forces ramp up their offensive in the area. Airstrikes and ground attacks have intensified this month, forcing some cities to evacuate. US President Donald Trump weighed into the conflict on Twitter saying “Russia, Syria and Iran are killing, or on their way to killing, thousands of innocent civilians in Idlib Province. Don’t do it. Turkey is working hard to stop this carnage”. Image: AP Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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US zoo celebrates Christmas birth of endangered Black Rhino

A zoo in the United States is celebrating the birth of an endangered Black Rhino in Michigan in what is being hailed as a Christmas miracle. Security footage has been released showing a female black rhino giving birth to a baby boy. The Potter Park Zoo says the cow and her calf are doing well and are bonding. It's believed less than 5,000 black rhinos remain in the wild. Fifty per cent are under specialist care. Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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Did you see all these great 2019 movies?

In a year when big tentpole blockbusters, sequels, remakes and franchise instalments dominated the box office and broke multibillion-dollar records, it can be easy to forget that the industry still tells wonderful original stories. Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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‘It was really very stressful’: Comanche takes line honours in Sydney to Hobart

December 8, 2019. Skipper Jim Cooney speaks at Hobart's Constitution Dock after line honours winner Comanche takes out the 75th edition of the Sydney to Hobart. "That was dramatic. That was 30 minutes of my life that I'll never get back. It was really very stressful," skipper Tim Cooney says after Comanche made the most of strong overnight winds to break away from a five-strong pack of supermaxis before slowing in the River Derwent.  (AAP Video/Supplied/Ethan James) Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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Comanche ‘proved what it could do’ in 75th Sydney Hobart yacht race

Comanche Skipper Jim Cooney has told Sky News the 75th Sydney Hobart yacht race was "three races in one" but he and his crew "proved what this boat could do". The crew had a small scare on the home stretch after the wind flattened over the Derwent River bringing Comanche to a halt. "We were very nervous... I was replaying last year over and over again," he said. The supermaxi cruised into Hobart's Constitution Dock Saturday morning and finishing with line honours after a tense five-way battle for the lead earlier in the race. Mr Cooney said he was looking forward to celebrating with the "rest of the family" and was sure there's be "something cold" waiting for him at the dock. The victory is the third line honours Comanche has taken since 2015. Image: News Corp Australia Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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Six biggest movie disasters of 2019

The biggest box office bombs in history are The 13th Warrior (starring Antonio Banderas), 47 Ronin (starring Keanu Reeves) and The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (starring Eric Idle and Uma Thurman). Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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Weird name Woolworths was almost called

If you were to think of some of Australia’s most famous brands, Vegemite and Tim Tams might come to mind; perhaps Cherry Ripe and Darrell Lea. All of which are sold within the walls of another of Australia’s most famous brands – Woolworths. Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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Filly can take trainer on Magic ride

The equation is simple for Brent Stanley and his promising three-year-old filly It’s Kind Of Magic: win at the Valley on Saturday to secure a start in the Magic Millions Guineas (1400m) in a fortnight. Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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Sports Now: Around the grounds

Steve Smith has been dismissed early on Day Two for 85 on their Boxing Day Test Match against New Zealand and very little is separating the leading contenders in the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race as they hit Bass Strait and Liverpool have extended their lead at the top of the Premier League table with a commanding 4-0 win against Leicester. Image: AP Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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Yachts race out of the heads in the Sydney to Hobart

December 26, 2019. Super maxis Blackjack, Comanche and Wild Oats XI are among those preparing to race out of the harbour for the Sydney to Hobart yacht race. As the boats leave, InfoTrack leads the pack out of the heads followed sharply by the other super maxis before the smaller boats pour out in their wake racing to Hobart. (AAP VIDEO/Andrew Leeson) Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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RAW: Climbers at Tasmania’s Candlestick after emergency beacon activated

Supplied video obtained Thursday, December 26, 2019 of rock climbers at Tasmania’s Candlestick. Six climbers were rescued from the rock formation at the base of Cape Huary after an emergency beacon was activated on Christmas night. (AAP Video/Supplied/Department of Police, Fire and Emergency Management) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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Boult takes out Burns early in Boxing Day Test

Supplied video obtained Thursday, December 26, 2019 of New Zealand paceman Trent Boult dismissing Australia opener Joe Burns in the Boxing Day Test at the MCG. Australia hold a 1-0 advantage in the three-Test series. (AAP Video/Supplied/Seven Network) NO ARCHIVING AAP VIDEO BEYOND 48 HOUR NEWS USAGE Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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Kylie Minogue encourages Brits to go Down Under in new Tourism Australia campaign

Kylie Minogue has resurrected her Neighbours character more than 30 years on in an advert for Tourism Australia aimed at encouraging Britons to go Down Under. The $15 million campaign, titled ‘Matesong’, celebrates the deep and longstanding ties between our two nations. The singer, 51, who got her big break in the soap between 1986 and 1988, is dressed in mechanic overalls and rolls out from under a car in character. She starts out delivering a mock Queen's Speech and references Brexit by saying "this year has been tough and confusing". Minogue then encourages Britons to travel to her native country, declaring "all of Australia loves you, and we'll never judge you". Managing Director of Tourism Australia Phillipa Harrison told Sky News Kylie Minogue “embodies what we are trying to sell to the UK” which shows how Australia is a “warm and welcoming nation”. “The great thing about the Brits is they travel further into the country, so they really spread the econ
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Policeman saves choking baby in Perth

Supplied video obtained Thursday, December 26, 2019 of a police officer administering first aid to a young child after a man and woman entered a Perth police station with the toddler who was choking. The CCTV footage from the police station shows a man and a woman rushing into the police station and asking for help at about 11.30pm on Tuesday. (AAP Video/Supplied/Western Australia Police Force) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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Santas Take to Surf For Annual Christmas Event in Australia

Hundreds of festive holidaymakers took to the ocean for the annual Christmas Santa surfing event in Crescent Head, at New South Wales’s Mid North Coast, on December 24. Revellers dressed in their best Christmas outfits and were filmed floating and paddling at the Killick Creek reserve on Christmas Eve. The Crescent Head Santa Surf had been a community tradition for eight years. Credit: cotswold.yoga via Storyful Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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Extinction rebellion was a mainstay of 2019: Year in Review

Mass protests in support of the environment and climate change have been a hallmark of 2019 both overseas and in Australia. The Extinction Rebellion 'campaign' grabbed the headlines across the globe using unconventional tactics to promote their climate change agenda initially claiming to be peaceful protests. These protests saw city streets grind to a halt in the name of climate action, with some protesters chaining themselves to fences in busy city thoroughfares in an attempt to convince state and federal governments to declare a climate change emergency. Hundreds were arrested during these protests, which started out small but eventually gained a mass following with very regular occurrences much to the dismay of commuters. Image: News Corp Australia Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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Hundreds of Santas Take a Dip at Annual Christmas Surf Event in New South Wales

Hundreds of festive holidaymakers took to the ocean for the annual Christmas Santa surfing event at Crescent Head, at New South Wales Mid North Coast on December 24. Revellers dressed in their best Christmas outfits and were filmed floating and paddling at the Killick Creek reserve on Christmas Eve. The Crescent Head Santa Surf had been a community tradition for eight years. Credit: Sue Head via Storyful Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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Queensland man airlifted to hospital with multiple injuries in a stable condition

A Queensland man has fallen 20 metres at Mount Beerwah and has been airlifted to Sunshine Coast University Hospital in a stable condition. Rescue crews winched down to help the man who slipped and fell, before paramedics treated him for multiple injuries. Image: News Corp Australia Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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Mild conditions in SA ease fight against monster blaze in Adelaide Hills

South Australia has experienced slightly milder conditions giving volunteer fire fighters a chance to get atop of the Adelaide Hills monster blaze. The disastrous bushfire burning in the Adelaide Hills east of Adelaide, has gutted more than 80 homes and wine business as 200 firefighters spend Christmas on the ground battling the blaze. Crews are racing against the clock as strong winds and 40-degree temperatures forecast for the weekend. Image: News Corp Australia Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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Trump brushes off North Korean warning

President Donald Trump has brushed off North Korea’s warning of a “Christmas gift”, saying the United States would “deal with it very successfully”, amid concerns that Pyongyang might be preparing a long-range missile test. Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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‘Family is key’ for children affected by horrible drought

As drought continues to ravage parts of New South Wales and Queensland, the impacts it has had on the younger and next generation of farmers is often forgotten. Two brothers in Burroway NSW have seen the effect of the drought on their parents and of course their family's livestock as the property has suffered through drought for almost three years. Lachlan and Murray Devlin told Sky News "family is key" as they tell of the struggles their family has endured including hand feeding their live stock for three years, and shooting stock. Murray, 12, has turned to tending to his mother's vegetable garden as a much needed reprieve from the daily struggles the drought has brought. Image: Getty Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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Planned pumped hydro project aims to lower energy prices

A pumped hydro project in South Australia looks to be given a tick of approval to move forward. The project, which is part of the government's 2020 energy underwriting program, was one of three hydro projects on a shortlist to gain financial support. The project aims to lower prices, boost competition and increase reliability of supply as Energy Minister Angus Taylor says he's taking action to bring energy prices down. Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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At least seven killed in northeast Brazil landslide

At least seven people have been killed in a landslide in northeastern Brazil. Local authorities said the group had been gathering for Christmas celebrations when the landslide occurred. Firefighters pulled five bodies from the debris, while sniffer dogs had to be used to find two additional bodies. Image: AP Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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UAE chat app revealed as spying tool

There are allegations a social media 'chat app', that's quickly became popular in the United Arab Emirates, is actually a government spying tool. The app is being used to track the conversations, locations, images and other data of users who install it, according to The New York Times. The Emirates kingdom has blocked other popular chat apps such as Apple's FaceTime, Facebook's Messenger and WhatsApp. Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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Fast News: Today’s top stories

NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons says volunteer firefighters do not need to be paid for their firefighting efforts and five people have been sentenced to death in relation to the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Image: News Corp Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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UK Football Association demands action on racism

The UK Football Association is calling for a national inquiry into racism in game after numerous unsavoury incident occurred during this week's clash between Chelsea and Tottenham.'' Tottenham said it will employ lip readers to study crowd footage after Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger alleged he had been subjected to racist abuse. In Sunday's Premier League match between the two clubs, play was halted at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium while announcements reminded fans there is "no place for racism in the game". According to the game's governing body, at least 15 high profile incidents of players facing alleged racism at matches or on social media within the professional English game has been recorded so far this season. The UK government has warned it will help crack down on racism within the game, and warned fans they face possible jail terms if found guilty. Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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NZ authorities suspend search for missing White Island victims

NZ authorities will suspend the search for the bodies of Sydney teen Winona Langford and NZ tour guide Hayden Marshall-Inman, who remain missing after New Zealand White Island volcano eruption. Authorities said the decision followed "extensive shoreline and substantial aerial searches" of the waters around the volcano. The official death toll from Monday the 9th's eruption stands at 17. Image: Michael Schade Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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Calling a Royal Commission into veteran suicides is ‘not political but bipartisan’

Grieving Adelaide mother Julie-Ann Finney has met Labor Leader Anthony Albanese for a second time as she continues her campaign for a Royal Commission into veteran suicides. Ms Finney told Sky News there has been six veteran deaths in the last three weeks and “now is not the time to stop and think about what we are going to do next year but perhaps call a royal commission”. “The prime minister has promised that money is not an issue with a royal commission, so just call it,” she said. “Give the veterans and their families a reason to breathe easily going into 2020, knowing that it is coming up… call it now, you’ve got nothing to lose, it's not political it's bipartisan.” Image: Getty Anyone who may be feeling distressed can contact the following organisations for support. SANE Helpline 1800 18 72 63 Lifeline 131 114 Beyond blue 1300 22 4636 Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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HK braces for protests over Christmas

Hong Kong is gearing up for demonstrations over Christmas week with protesters planning events in districts across the city, including in prime shopping malls, the latest in more than six months of unrest. Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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Dollar supported after upbeat US data

The dollar held firm at start of holiday-thinned week on Monday after US data pointed to solid economic growth while the British pound found some stability after having suffered its biggest weekly fall in three years. Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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North Korea poised to test missiles

There are concerns North Korea could be preparing to test fire another ballistic missile. The regime threatened the United States to be more flexible with denuclearisation talks before Christmas, however American officials refused to back down on sanctions. The move would end Pyongyang's self-imposed weapons test moratorium and heighten tensions in the region. Earlier this month, the authoritarian regime conducted what the US said was an engine test. Image: AP Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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Former Victorian premier John Cain dies aged 88

Former Victorian premier John Cain has died, aged 88. Mr Cain was Labor's longest-serving premier, leading the state from 1982 to 1990. In a statement Mr Cain's family said he had suffered a severe stroke in early December and passed away overnight. Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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Uzbekistan’s election to test reforms

Voters in Uzbekistan are heading to the polls for parliamentary elections seen as a test of the state's commitment to democratic reforms following the death of the country's long-time authoritarian leader three years ago. Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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Uber co-founder sells 90 pct of shares

Uber co-founder Travis Kalanick has sold over the past few weeks shares in the lift-sharing platform worth more than $US2.5 billion ($A3.6 billion), or more than 90 per cent of his shares, the Wall Street Journal reports. Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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London Bridge terror attack hero breaks silence

A civil servant has described for the first time how he fought off a terrorist on London Bridge with a narwhal tusk. Darryn Frost, who works in the Ministry of Justice's communications department, has spoken about how he grabbed the artefact from the wall in Fishmongers' Hall as Usman Khan ran at members of the public with knives on 29 November. Khan, armed with two knives and wearing a fake suicide vest, killed Saskia Jones, 23, and Jack Merritt, 25, in the attack during a prisoner rehabilitation programme. Despite footage showing Mr Frost and other members of the public fending off Khan as they moved from the hall onto the bridge, the civil servant's identity has remained a mystery until now. The 38-year-old South African, who has lived in the UK for 14 years, gave his account of the "horrible day" to urge people to unite against terrorism and raise money for the victims' families. Image: Facebook Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.c
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Tensions beginning to ‘ratchet up’ between US and North Korea

There will be “tense days ahead” with top US diplomats preparing for another North Korea missile test, according to Sky News contributor Bruce Wolpe. According to the New York Times, North Korea is planning to imminently test an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of reaching American shores, with Pyongyang warning the world should expect a “Christmas gift” if sanctions against the rogue nation are not lifted. Mr Wolpe told Sky News the situation on the Korean Pennisula is fraught. “North Korea wants relief from relentless US sanctions, but the US wants some progress on nuclear weapons, right now that is at an impasse," he said. Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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UK PM serves Christmas lunch to troops in Estonia

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has served Christmas lunch to British troops based in Estonia on a one-day visit to the Baltic country. Mr Johnson thanked the servicemen and women for their work as he joined them for lunch at the Tapa military base near the capital Tallinn. The base hosted 850 British troops from the Queen's Royal Hussars who lead the NATO battlegroup, along with personnel from Estonia, France and Denmark. It is the UK's largest operational deployment in Europe and forms part of NATO's Enhanced Forward Presence in the region. The prime minister posed for selfies with some of the soldiers and then asked them to form an orderly queue as he served up the festive lunch of turkey and Yorkshire puddings. Image: Getty Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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PM apologises for taking holiday during bushfire crisis

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has apologised, admitting he caused a great deal of anxiety in Australia by taking a holiday during the bushfire crisis. Mr Morrison cut his family holiday short and returned home on Saturday night after receiving widespread criticism for leaving the country. One man remains missing, and it is feared dozens of homes have been damaged or destroyed by a mega blaze burning in Upper Turon and the Blue Mountains, north-west of Sydney. Damage assessment teams will head to the fire zones on Sunday, while fire crews take advantage of cooler conditions to strengthen containment lines. Meanwhile in South Australia, financial assistance has been extended to residents affected by the bushfires under the National Disaster Recovery Fund. In Queensland, a total fire ban is in place for large parts of the state as emergency crews attempt to gain the upper hand on blazes. Temperatures are forecast to soar in areas of inland Queensland, eventually moving across the state
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Smoke in Plane Forces Passengers to Exit Onto Runway in Dallas

An American Airlines flight was forced to return to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport shortly after takeoff on December 21 when smoke started filling the cabin, according to passenger Laura Hebert. Videos filmed by Hebert show passengers disembarking onto the tarmac as emergency vehicles surrounded the plane. Credit: Laura Hebert via Storyful Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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PM quizzed over Hawaii holiday

December 22, 2019. Prime Minister Scott Morrison speaks to reporters in Sydney after returning from a holiday in Hawaii. Mr Morrison is quizzed over his decision to holiday while much of Australia burned. Later, Mr Morrison is asked why his trip to Hawaii was kept secret, if he accepts whether the realease of information about the trip was handled poorly and why the deputy PM’s office directed enquiries to Mr Morrison’s office. (AAP Video/Michael Wade) Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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PM extends sympathy to families of fallen NSW Rural Fire Service volunteers

December 22, 2019. Prime Minister Scott Morrison speaks to reporters from the headquarters of the RFS in Sydney after returning from a holiday in Hawaii. Mr Morrison extends sympathy to the families of NSW Rural Fire Service volunteers Geoffrey Keaton and Andrew O'Dwyer who were killed on Thursday night fighting fires. It was their deaths that prompted Mr Morrison on Friday morning to say he planned to rush home. (AAP Video/Michael Wade) Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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Adelaide International ‘fantastic’ for South Australia

Sports Commentator Jaslyn Hewitt says the shifting of the Sydney International to Adelaide is "fantastic" for promoting tennis and applauded the SA government for "getting a major event" back into the city. The summer of tennis is just around the corner and much of the focus will be on the Adelaide International in the early new year. "You've got Ash Barty locked in, Alex De Minaur, Simona Halep - Djokovic as well - so it's a star-studded line-up," Ms Hewitt said. "It's only going to get bigger." Image: AP Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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Rapid Relief Team assisting NSW fire crews with water supply on fire fronts

Rapid Relief Team Chairman Ron Arkcoll, part of the charitable arm of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, says RRT has developed a pump do deliver water to firefighters more quickly to reduce the time spent pumping trucks for water deployment. His team rallied to create a solution of delivering rapid-water fast for firefighters that "pipes and pumps" water to the fire front for easier access for firefighters. "Fighting fires requires strategy and planning which requires accessing bulk water fast to put those fires out," he said. "What we're hearing on the fire front is the lack of water due to the impact of the drought." "The dams have dried up and these firetrucks are having to head back into town where there's town water and the turn-around time can take hours," Mr Arkcoll said. Image: News Corp Australia Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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Firefighters Douse Trees for Thirsty Bats in Melbourne Amid Record Heatwave

Firefighters with Victoria’s Metropolitan Fire and Emergency Services Board turned the water on in Melbourne’s Yarra Bend Park on December 20 to provide much needed hydration to thirsty bats living among the trees. According to 9News reports, the heat reached record-breaking levels in recent days, ahead of another scorching weekend. The temperature in Melbourne was forecasted to reach 44 degrees Celsius, or 111 degrees Fahrenheit on December 21, the report said. The last time temperatures reached to that extreme level during the month of December was in 1876. Credit: Metropolitan Fire and Emergency Services Board via Storyful Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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Hospitals, nursing homes evacuated ahead of Blue Mountains blaze

December 21, 2019. NSW Ambulance Commissioner Dominic Morgan speaking to media at the RFS headquarters in Sydney's west about the removal of patients from Blue Mountains hospitals and elderly residents from aged care homes. Around 500 patients were evacuated from hospitals as a safety measure as a massive blaze continues to burn in the area. (AAP VIDEO/Andrew Leeson) Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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RAW: Orkopoulos enters car before leaving Long Bay jail

December 20, 2019. Ex-NSW Labor minister and child sex offender Milton Orkopoulos leaves Long Bay prison. He was jailed after he was convicted of 30 offences including supplying cannabis and heroin, sexual intercourse with a male between 10 and 18 years and possessing child pornography. (AAP Video/Steve Zemek) Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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Four fire fighters injured in SA

Four firefighters at the Cudlee Creek bushfire in South Australia have been injured. Paramedics are treating one for burns and three others with smoke inhalation. Two emergency warnings are in place in South Australia for fires at Kudla and Cudlee Creek. Image: Getty Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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Man sentenced to 20 years jail for murder of Melbourne law student

A man has been sentenced to 20 years jail for the murder of Melbourne law student Laa Chol. The man, whose identity has been suppressed, was found guilty for stabbing the 19-year-old woman during a brawl with a group of young men outside an apartment in July 2018. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Kaye said the killer was responsible for taking the life of a caring, young woman. Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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Every firefighter puts their life at risk: Berejiklian

December 20, 2019. NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian speaks to the media in Sydney after two volunteer firefighters from the Horsley Park brigade were killed in a truck crash on Thursday night. Ms Berejiklian says many families will be shaken up by last night's accident. "Every time a loved one goes out the door to fight a fire you hope that they'll come back through the front door, and that obviously hasn't happened for two families a week before Christmas," she says. "I don't think you can think of a worse set of circumstances to see two young dads lose their lives in this way and the impact that is having, obviously on their families, but also on all the volunteers." (AAP VIDEO/Michael Wade) Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons urges NSW motorists to reevaluate their travel plans

December 20, 2019. RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons speaks to the media in Sydney and says there are more than 100 fires burning across NSW and half of them are not contained. The Green Wattle Creek fire is burning at Emergency Warning alert level. The Gospers Mountain fire and the Kerry Ridge fire are both burning at Watch and Act alert level. "My advice is, I would avoid travelling down the Princes Highway tomorrow. It is most likely that a number of fires are going to impact the Princes Highway," he says. "The last thing we want is people blocked and trapped on the highways if we've got fires burning in a strong westerly wind condition, spreading to the east across that highway." (AAP VIDEO/Michael Wade) Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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Fast News: Today’s top stories

Two Rural Fire Service volunteer firefighters have died after their truck rolled in NSW and Nancy Pelosi has cast doubt over the impeachment process after she refused to commit to sending the articles of impeachment against President Trump to the senate. Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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Morrison has ‘no operational responsibility’ for bushfires

Sky News host Chris Kenny says Scott Morrison has "no operational responsibility" for bushfires in New South Wales and any attempts to call this heatwave a national crisis is “silly”. Mr Kenny said the attacks on the prime minister and the “deliberate hyperbole about the fires” is “driven by people trying to play climate change politics”. He said using bushfires as a political weapon is “low, silly and opportunistic but typical of the Greens”. “But now bushfire has just become another excuse for leftist abuse of their political enemies”. Image: News Corp Australia Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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Companies need to ‘hit back’ at climate activist shareholders

Sky News host Chris Kenny says companies “need to learn how to hit back” at climate activists, otherwise they will “turn banks into climate policy instruments”. “Activist groups with tiny shareholders are putting climate related items on the agenda and trying to get companies to do more on climate policy,” Mr Kenny said. “This could create a lot angst in the future, this is why so many companies bend over backwards to appease the leftist agenda on environmental and social issues.” Image: Getty Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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Republicans told they must ‘uphold our Constitution’ amid impeachment vote

US House Intelligence Committee chairman Adam Schiff says if Republicans say the president may "refuse lawful process, or cheat an election" because he is the president of their party then “you do not uphold our Constitution or your oath of office”. "When we say we uphold the Constitution we are not talking about a piece of parchment, we are talking about a beautiful architecture in which ambition is set against ambition in which no branch of government can dominate another, that is what it means to uphold the Constitution," he said. Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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Trump holding rally as House impeachment vote underway

United States President Donald Trump has spoken to a supportive rally in Michigan as members of the House of Representatives cast their impeachment votes. Mr Trump addressed the excited crowd and assured his supporters there was nothing to fear. “We did nothing wrong and we have tremendous support in the Republic Party like we’ve never had before,” he said. The president maintained the country was doing better than it ever had before, with lots of international investment and business. Image: Getty Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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Trump’s cocky response to impeachment

"It doesn't really feel like we're being impeached", says Donald Trump as he kicks off a rally in Michigan while the House votes on his impeachment. "We did nothing wrong, we did nothing wrong", says the US President Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons says fires are not going out until we see some “good rain”

Supplied video obtained Thursday, December 19, 2019, of NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons speaking to media after the NSW government declared a state of emergency. Mr Fitzsimmons talks about some of the challenges that firefighters are facing during a fire season which kicked off in winter. "The big thing that I am picking up from crews is their sense of despair," he says. "When they see the devastation in their local community they take it very personally. When they see loss, they see that as a failure. "But my job, our job collectively is to boost them and say, the reality is, you simply can't save everything and everybody under these sorts of conditions, despite your very best of efforts." (AAP VIDEO/Supplied/NSW Rural Fire Service) Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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Chinese ambassador foreshadows charges against Australian journalist

Chinese Ambassador to Australia Cheng Jingye has foreshadowed official charges being laid against Australian journalist Yang Hengjun. Dr Yang, who became an Australian citizen in 2002, was arrested in August on suspicion of espionage, seven months after he was originally detained. The ambassador said the case was still under further investigation but said formal charges would be laid “in due course”. “As I understand, he is in good condition and his rights have been protected and will be protected,” Mr Cheng said. “In due time you will know the details.” Image: Twitter / @yanghengjun Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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Half of the fires burning across NSW are not contained: RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons

Supplied video obtained Thursday, December 19, 2019, of NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons speaking to media after the NSW government declared a state of emergency. Mr Fitzsimmons says there are nearly 100 fires burning across NSW and half are not contained. "We've got just on 2000 personnel on these fires at the moment and we've got another 500 people that will be elevated onto standby today," he says. He also says the forecast for Saturday is going to be "even worse". (AAP VIDEO/Supplied/NSW Rural Fire Service) Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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Sport Now: Around the grounds

Jeff Horn has floored Michael Zerafa twice in the ninth on his way to a majority points decision and a Josh Philippe batting masterclass has steered the Sydney Sixers to an impressive eight wicket win over the Perth Scorchers. Image: News Corp Australia Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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Fast News: Today’s top stories

A dangerous day ahead for NSW and Queensland fire crews with the hot weather set to aggravate dozens of blazes and Winston Peters admits he would not be opposed to tourists being allowed to return to White Island but visitors need to be made aware of the risks. Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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Greens in other countries ‘support nuclear energy’

Nationals MP Keith Pitt says the moratorium on nuclear energy "should be lifted" for new technologies like "small modular reactors" noting the "Greens in other countries" are very "supportive" of nuclear energy. "Big SMRs don't need to be located near large bodies of water ... and I think there would be regional towns out there who'd be quite happy to have a five, six or $10 billion reactors," he said. "We have a Labor party that is against gas, hydro, nuclear and coal - all of which will reduce emissions. "They want to leave us with intermittent wind and solar which simply can't run the nation and its industries." A bid to remove a nuclear moratorium in Australia has been rejected. Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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CCTV footage released following Bendigo burglary

Supplied video obtained Wednesday, December 18, 2019, of a man who may be able to assist Victoria Police with their investigation into a burglary which occurred at a jewellery store on Mitchell Street, Bendigo, about 3:45am on November 14. (AAP VIDEO/Supplied/Victoria Police) Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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Surprising feat for hit song

Everyone’s favourite song to drunkenly belt out at the office Christmas party, All I Want For Christmas Is You has finally made it to the top of the Billboard singles chart. Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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Major Collision investigators renew their witness appeal following Balliang East fatal

Supplied video obtained Wednesday, December 18, 2019, of two vehicles that investigators from the Major Collision Investigation Unit are looking to identify to help assist their investigation into a fatal crash in Balliang East on Friday, December 13. Investigators believe a metal towing component fell from an unknown vehicle travelling north on the Geelong-Bacchus Marsh Road about 2.15pm. It is believed a white b-double tip-truck also travelling north ran over the towing component and caused it to flick up into the path of a grey Hyundai SUV driving in the opposite direction. The object entered through the windscreen of the Hyundai striking the driver. The vehicle continued for approximately eighty metres before running off the road striking a tree and rolling. (AAP VIDEO/Supplied/Victoria Police) Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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More needed to end violence: HK gov’t

Hong Kong's chief secretary, Matthew Cheung, says he is disappointed with recent protest violence after a period of relative calm, as the Asian financial hub geared up for more anti-government demonstrations in coming days. Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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$1m reward after Turkish diplomat killing

The daughter of a Turkish diplomat assassinated in Sydney almost 40 years ago has recalled the "horrible" moment she saw him shot dead, as police announced a $1 million reward for information in relation to the killing. Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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Anger continues over India citizenship law

Thousands of university students flooded the streets of India's capital, while a southern state government led a march and demonstrators held a silent protest in the northeast against a new law giving citizenship to non-Muslims. Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au
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