Multiple ACT schools shut after alert over asbestos in coloured sand products
Testing and remediation to take place in 16 schools after a consumer safety recall was issued for coloured sand used in sensory play and arts and craftsFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastMore than a dozen primary and preschools in the ACT have shut their doors, and a special school in Brisbane has made a snap closure, after an asbestos warning was issued for a range of colourful children’s sand products imported from China and sold at leading Australian retailers.As of Friday afternoon, 16 schools and six preschools were fully closed, up from three preschools and 10 schools when the alert was first issued around 9am. Eight schools and preschools were partially closed to multiple cohorts while testing and remediation took place. Continue reading...
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Australia news live: former Liberal MP argues climate debate ‘mostly driven by emotion and virtue signalling’
Keith Wolahan warns Liberal party must win more metro seats or remain ‘a voice in opposition’. Follow today’s news liveGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastSome ACT schools partially closed, with preschools also affected over asbestos warning for play sandThe list of schools closed in the ACT also includes partial closures affecting multiple classes and preschool closures.What we’ve done is been very clear and said we’re going back to an approach where the market will determine the types of technologies and the pathways. And that is the traditional Liberal approach to addressing these types of issues. And that’s how business gets certainty because it enables the market to dictate.I think people will understand that they don’t want us racing ahead of the rest of the world, costing us manufacturing jobs, costing us industry jobs and putting unrealistic and unreasonable pressure on households because of their electricity bills. Continue reading...
Watch: Blue Origin rocket successfully lands booster for first time
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Plan for Australia’s largest carbon capture project near Darwin criticised as creating ‘dumping ground’
Climate advocates fear the project, proposed by Japanese oil and gas giant Inpex, would turn the area into the ‘world’s largest carbon dumping ground’Sign up for climate and environment editor Adam Morton’s free Clear Air newsletter hereOil and gas giant Inpex has proposed Australia’s largest carbon capture facility in waters off the Northern Territory, which climate advocates have warned could turn Darwin into a carbon dumping ground.The Bonaparte carbon capture and storage (CCS) project proposes to pipe and store 8m to 10m tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) into an underground aquifer located about 250km offshore west of Darwin, according to documents lodged with the federal environment department. Continue reading...
Two hours a night: Japan PM’s sleep schedule prompts concerns about work-life balance
Takaichi caused a stir last week after she summoned aides to her office for a 3am meeting to prepare for a budget committee hearingJapan’s prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, has said she gets by on just two to four hours sleep a night – prompting concern over her commitment to a better work-life balance among the country’s fatigued employees.Pointing to the bags beneath her eyes, Takaichi told MPs that she survives on minimal sleep – a habit she shares with her political hero Margaret Thatcher – after being asked how she would tackle Japan’s notoriously long working hours. Continue reading...
Ivory Coast boosts border defence due to ‘unusual flow’ of Malian refugees
Ivorian authorities said the influx of Malian refugees was caused by 'attacks against civilians' from armed groups.
Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge make history with back-to-back MVPs
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Will Pakistan’s defence overhaul strengthen or upset its military balance?
Amendment reshapes military command, raising fears of weakened civilian control and diminished autonomy for services.
Alcaraz secures year-end world number one ranking at ATP Finals
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US announces ‘Southern Spear’ mission as forces deploy to South America
US reportedly carries out 20th attack on a vessel in the Caribbean and Pacific, killing four people with 'no survivors'.