Julia Gillard ‘disgusted’ by ‘ditch the witch’ ads targeting Victorian premier
Former prime minister Julia Gillard made a rare political statement following revelations that a Melbourne brothel owner funded advertisements targeting Victoria premier Jacinta Allan with the phrase “Ditch the Witch.”
The Sydney Morning Herald reported that the billboards were partially financed by Franco Puleo, who told the newspaper the ads were not intended as a “political” statement but rather reflected “basically what the Victorian public feel.”
Gillard expressed her dismay at the reuse of the phrase, which she herself had been subjected to during her tenure as prime minister.
“This was a slogan used against me as prime minister fifteen years ago.
It was roundly condemned then. In the years since, my view has been that things were slowly improving for women in politics. More women are leading, sexism hasn’t gone away but it is less ferocious in the political mainstream, though social media continues to be a toxic sewer.
I am saddened to see that improvement cast aside and this tired old trope resurrected.”
Older Australians seeking new RSV vaccine for illness more dangerous than ‘just a bad cold’
Older Australians are increasingly seeking the newly federally funded vaccine against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), as health authorities emphasize that this common winter illness poses far greater risks than being “just a bad cold.”
During RSV Awareness Week, the Australian Medical Association and the Immunisation Foundation of Australia are advocating for older Australians and pregnant women to include the RSV vaccine in their winter health protection plans.
The virus can lead to severe illness, hospitalisation, and death, particularly affecting babies, older adults, and individuals with underlying health conditions.
“Too many people still think RSV is just a bad cold, but for some Australians it can be far more serious than that,”
said the association’s president Danielle McMullen.
RSV vaccines have been incorporated into the national immunisation program, making free vaccinations available to people aged 75 and over, as well as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals aged 60 and above.
King's Birthday top honours awarded
On the King’s Birthday honours list, former Australian Democrats leader Natasha Stott Despoja was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia. She was honoured alongside former Liberal premier of Tasmania Will Hodgman and Australian-American mathematician Professor Terence Tao.
Renowned radio presenter and political correspondent Fran Kelly was appointed Officer of the Order for distinguished service to broadcast journalism, advancement of social justice and equality, and advocacy for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Acclaimed writer Gerald Murnane was also appointed Officer of the Order, as were former New South Wales premier Morris Iemma and South Australian premier Robert Kerin. Pat Turner, convener of the Coalition of Peaks—which oversees the Closing the Gap goals—and the longest-serving CEO of the now-defunct Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Commission, received an appointment as well.
Prime minister pays tribute to Richard Scolyer
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid tribute to Professor Richard Scolyer, describing him as one of Australia’s “brightest lights and one of our biggest hearts.”
“Every day, this remarkable man – the cancer specialist who became his own subject – took us into his confidence, and he lifted us all in the process.
Richard’s journey was difficult and confronting. ‘My uncertain path’, as he termed it with characteristic understatement.
Yet it was one he travelled with courage, determination, and a grace that never ceased to be remarkable. The way he shared it with us was an act of profound generosity. He showed us what it means to hope, and to keep searching for solutions. He showed us how to stand firm against fear and stay true to yourself.
Now Richard’s journey is done, yet his legacy will always be with us.”
Vale Richard Scolyer
Professor Richard Scolyer, the internationally renowned cancer researcher and former Australian of the Year, has died at age 59.
Scolyer’s family released a statement he authored before his final illness stages.
“My final message to all Australians is to say thank you for your outpouring of love and support for me and my family,”
Scolyer said in the statement.
“Those of you I met during my travels as joint 2024 Australian of the Year, my amazing online community which spans many countries, and of course my hometown Tasmanians – you’ve laughed with me, cried with me, and provided encouragement and support to keep going just when I needed it most,”
One Nation support surpasses Labor in Newspoll
Support for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has declined, while One Nation has overtaken Labor as the country’s most popular political party, according to a Newspoll published by The Australian.
The survey indicated a four-point increase in One Nation’s primary vote to 31%, while Labor’s support fell by one point to 30%, and the Coalition’s vote dropped two points to 18%.
The Newspoll also recorded a one-point decrease for the Greens to 11%, with support for minor parties and independents remaining steady at 10%.
The poll surveyed 1,240 voters online, with a margin of error of 3.2 points, and was conducted between Monday and Thursday of the previous week.
These results align with a recent Redbridge Group/Accent Research poll released a week earlier, which showed One Nation at 31%, Labor at 28%, and the Coalition at 20%.
Good morning and welcome to Monday’s news coverage.
Scientist and former Australian of the Year Richard Scolyer has passed away after a prolonged public battle with brain cancer at age 59.
Today is the King’s Birthday public holiday in the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Northern Territory, South Australia, Tasmania, and Victoria. Top honours have been awarded to Natasha Stott Despoja, Will Hodgman, and Terence Tao.
