PM condemns abuse directed at Lidia Thorpe – as it happened

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What we learned; Thursday 5 October

And with that, we are going to put the blog to bed. Before we go, let’s recap the big headlines from today:

Thank you so much for spending part of your day with us – we will be back tomorrow to do it all again.

Updated at 03.44 EDT

Anthony Albanese condemns abuse directed at Lidia Thorpe

When prime minister was speaking earlier he was asked about Lidia Thorpe referring to the referendum as a genocide. This is what he said:

I think that people need to be respectful during this debate. It is important that people are respectful with each other. I saw – I’ve seen the video that is referred to that is threatening towards Senator Thorpe and towards the government. And the sort of Nazi rhetoric and statements that are in that video have no place in discourse in Australian political life.

Updated at 01.48 EDT

Thorpe accuses Albanese of wanting to ‘shut me down’ over voice

Senator Lidia Thorpe has held a press conference in Melbourne after she was sent a video of a balaclava-clad man making racist remarks, performing the Nazi salute and burning the Aboriginal flag earlier this week.

Standing outside of the Royal Exhibition Building – the home of Australia’s first parliament – Thorpe accused the prime minister, Anthony Albanese, of wanting to “shut me down” over the voice referendum:

This building behind us is where it all began in 1901. The racist constitution came out of this building, this caused nothing but pain and misery for my people in this country.

The referendum is an act of genocide against my people. And the prime minister knows exactly what he’s doing.

Albanese had earlier condemned the video, saying it was “quite horrific”.

Updated at 23.46 EDT

Greens target Labor over moving asylum seekers to Nauru

The Greens have taken aim at Labor after Guardian Australia revealed that a group of asylum seekers attempting to come to Australia by boat have been moved to the detention centre in Nauru.

Greens immigration spokesperson, Nick McKim, said:

Secret transfers of people seeking asylum to Nauru is a disgraceful continuation of the last government’s war on refugees. They need to explain why they are exiling people to Nauru instead of ending the barbaric practice of offshore detention immediately.

Labor’s approach to asylum seekers is so flawed it may as well have been designed by Scott Morrison or Peter Dutton. This government was elected on a platform of change, not just to offer the same rubbish in a different bin.

Labor has announced a $160m package to deal with the backlog of asylum claims, and related appeals. But it’s true that on offshore detention and boat turnbacks, Labor and the Coalition are in agreement.

Updated at 23.01 EDT

Get your final votes in for bird of the year

An urgent reminder!

The final day of voting is upon us! Guardian Australia/BirdLife Australia’s bird of the year poll closes at midnight, tonight!

Our ten finalists are:

The winning bird will be the one that receives the most votes in today’s poll. Tomorrow we announce the winner … so get your vote in while you can.

May the best bird win:

Updated at 23.05 EDT

Australia to rejoin Green Climate Fund

The Albanese government says Australia will rejoin the Green Climate Fund, a global body that aims to help developing countries cut emissions and adapt to climate change, reversing a decision to withdraw made under Scott Morrison.

A spokesperson for the foreign minister, Penny Wong, said Australia would announce a “modest contribution” to the fund before the end of the year.

Morrison announced Australia would quit the fund during an interview with broadcaster Alan Jones in October 2018, saying he would not be “throwing money into some global climate fund”. The Coalition had committed $200m to the body under Tony Abbott and Malcolm Turnbull.

Wong’s spokesperson said the government had “taken onboard feedback from our partners in the Pacific on the best ways to direct our climate finance efforts and ensure all elements deliver for Pacific priorities”.

We recognise that the GCF is the most prominent global climate finance fund, and we will work with partners to improve the GCF’s effectiveness.

At the same time, Australia is supporting the Pacific’s transition to renewable energy and is helping countries build climate resilience. We will continue to boost financing to the Pacific directly, building on our increased development assistance for the region.

We are also helping countries access more climate financing from the major multilateral funds by embedding climate finance experts in eight Pacific Island countries in partnership with the Climate Finance Access Network.

Spokesperson for Penny Wong (pictured) says Australia will announce a ‘modest contribution’ to the fund before the end of the year. Photograph: Derek French/Shutterstock

Updated at 21.00 EDT

‘It physically hurts’: scientist criticises government after penguin chick deaths due to record-low sea ice

An Australian climate scientist has told a Senate inquiry she felt physical pain when she read that thousands of emperor penguin chicks were believed to have died due to record-low sea ice levels in Antarctica.

The British Antarctic Survey confirmed a “catastrophic breeding failure” in late 2022. Analysis of satellite images showed the break-up of usually stable sea ice and the disappearance of four colonies at a time when chicks had not yet grown their waterproof feathers.

Prof Dana Bergstrom, who recently left the Australian Antarctic Division after 22 years, has criticised the Australian government for not monitoring penguin populations on the east coast of Antarctica in person, as planned. The inquiry has been told that satellite images were used instead.

Here’s what Bergstrom told the inquiry:

The death of 10,000 penguin chicks hurts. It physically hurts. It’s eco-grief.

For an organisation not to be able to organise the logistics of an approved [science] project to fly the east coast of the Australian Antarctic territory, to confirm the location of emperor penguin colonies … I think it needs to look at itself.

Greens senator Peter Whish-Wilson asked Bergstrom what she thought about the Australian Antarctic Division expressing concern about the event on social media, given an approved project to monitor more than 20 penguin populations still hasn’t occurred.

Of course I felt [it was] cynical.

When you have approved projects and you don’t get support … This is the frustration of all Australian Antarctic Division scientists. You go through the process of getting a project approved … but every year you have to ask logistics for funding. You can’t guarantee that.

Updated at 19.59 EDT

Ministers condemn ‘disgusting’ video sent to Lidia Thorpe from suspected neo-Nazi

AAP reports that federal government ministers have condemned a “disgusting” video, sent to Senator Lidia Thorpe from a suspected neo-Nazi, of a man threatening her and burning the Indigenous flag.

In the video, a man makes racist statements about First Nations people before burning the Indigenous flag and performing a Nazi salute.

The home affairs minister, Clare O’Neil, is supporting the Gunnai, Gunditjmara and Djab Wurrung senator from Victoria, telling Nine:

That video is menacing, disgusting, and it is obviously deliberately targeting her to stop her from expressing her views

We will do everything we can to support Senator Thorpe.

Bill Shorten told Nine’s Today program that the video is “cowardly and disgusting”.

The Australian federal police were made aware of the video on Tuesday when it was posted to X, formerly known as Twitter.

It has since been taken down and the account that posted it has been deactivated, but the AFP is continuing to investigate the matter.

Updated at 19.50 EDT

Face of King Charles III to appear on Australia’s coins

King Charles III’s face is set to appear on our coins within months, AAP report.

The Royal Australian Mint released an effigy of the King today, which will start circulating before Christmas.

The dollar coin will be the first to bear the effigy – others will be rolled out progressively next year based on demand from banks.

New Australian coin featuring king Charles – only 10m will be produced this year, if you want a Charles with the 2023 date Photograph: Amy Remeikis/The Guardian

The image of King Charles III is the official Commonwealth effigy and was designed by the Royal Mint in London and given royal approval. In line with tradition, King Charles will appear on coins facing left. (The late Queen Elizabeth II faced right.)

Assistant treasury minister Andrew Leigh said for most Australians it would be the first time they’ve seen a different face on the currency.

For seven decades, Australians have seen a Queen on their coins. Every decimal currency coin has featured Queen Elizabeth II.

Now, for the first time since 1953, the King’s effigy will appear on an Australian coin.

For most Australians, this will be the first time they have held in their hands a coin with a king.

Amy Remeikis says only 10 million will be produced this year, “so if you want a Charles with the 2023 date, luck is going to have to be on your side”.

Updated at 19.24 EDT

Victorian attorney general on youth bail law decision: ‘not a backflip, just a pause’

Attorney general Jaclyn Symes has denied she’s done a backflip in delaying youth bail laws.

Speaking outside parliament, she says youth bail laws should be dealt with separately from the wider bail reform that will pass the upper house today:

How you apply a holistic system to youth offending is going to be a better conversation in a couple of months time … early next year, as opposed to the bail reforms right now, which the … driver for this reform [is] keeping the low level offenders out of our custodial settings and ensuring that we get the balance right in a sensible way. It is unconnected in a sense from the advocacy in relation to the coroner’s findings from the tragic passing of Veronica Nelson that did not look at child bail. So there are separate issues both in my remit and I’m dealing with them separately as I think it makes more sense to the public. Particularly in light of recent incidences involving young offenders that have been quite serious.

Symes was then asked if the decision was political, to which she replied:

We also have a responsibility to ensure that the perception of safety is maintained. As I’ve outlined, child bail reform is still on the agenda. This is not a blackflip, this is just a pause. The practical effects of this are minimal, but I do not want a discussion about a youth crime crisis that doesn’t exist.

Victorian attorney general Jaclyn Symes. Photograph: Joel Carrett/AAP

Updated at 18.49 EDT

Strong winds cause chaos at Sydney airport

Strong winds are causing chaos at Sydney airport, where authorities are considering shutting one runway, and more than 50 flights have been cancelled.

Yesterday evening Airservices Australia – the government-run provider of air traffic control – advised airlines of the possibility of single runway operations today due to potential strong westerly crosswinds at the airport.

A Sydney airport spokesperson said:

As a result, a number of airlines have decided to consolidate services. Passengers who are travelling today are advised to get in touch with their airline to check the status of their flights.

According to Sydney airport’s website, more than 50 domestic flights arriving and departing into Sydney have been cancelled.

An Airservices Australia spokesperson said the move to single runway operations will likely be enacted later this morning.

“This decision is purely weather and safety-related to safeguard the travelling public,” Airservices said, citing international aviation safety regulations for runway usage in crosswinds.

More than 50 flights have been cancelled at Sydney airport due to strong winds. Photograph: David Gray/AFP/Getty Images

Updated at 18.24 EDT

Victorian government walks back plan for youth bail laws

The Victorian government has walked back a plan to make it easier for young people accused of crimes to receive bail, despite having the support for it to pass parliament.

Attorney general Jaclyn Symes has confirmed she will move amendments to have the presumption of bail for children become part of a standalone youth justice bill in early 2024 instead of in the bail amendment bill, which is expected to pass parliament later today.

The government had initially planned to implement a presumption of bail for children accused of any crime except terrorism and homicide offences, and had enough support on the crossbench for it to pass.

Other elements of the bill, which bans offenders charged with specific low-level offences from being remanded, as well as repeals a range of bail-related offences introduced in 2013, will go ahead.

Symes will also move an amendment to implement a review of the laws after two years of operation to ensure they are working as intended.

She said in a statement:

These reforms are sensible, proportionate and necessary. They get the balance right, and address the most urgent changes needed to our bail system so that we have a more balanced approach for those accused of minor, non-violent offending. We also have a responsibility to make sure Victorians know that their safety is at the forefront of deciding who gets bail. This is why our reforms maintain a tough approach on those who pose a serious risk to people’s safety. We are still dedicated to amending the system for young people applying for bail – but this work makes more sense as part of a broader youth justice bill.

Updated at 18.55 EDT

130 rural Vic homes at risk of flood waters

About 130 rural homes may be impacted by flooding in Newry, Tinamba and Tinamba West, Victorian SES deputy chief officer David Baker told ABC News.

Flood waters downstream of Lake Glenmaggie in the region are impacting communities in those regions within the hour, Baker said.

We estimate up to 130 properties may be impacted by the event, hence we issued an Emergency warning late yesterday afternoon which was renewed during the early hours of the morning.

It’s mainly homes in that area. Rural homes that may see what we call above floor inundation.

SES crews have worked overnight to evacuate locals to higher ground, Baker said.

A relief centre has been set up at Gippsland Regional Sports Complex. At this stage, VicSES have not had to undergo any rescues.

Updated at 16.51 EDT

Community sector leaders urge Australians to back voice

In a final campaign push for the voice to parliament, a joint statement coming more than 80 community groups across housing, health, legal, disability, financial aid and social welfare will be released today.

It will urge Australians “to vote Yes to ensure First Nations voices are heard,” according to an Australian Council of Social Service media release.

Brotherhood of St Laurence, Oxfam, Save the Children, Sacred Heart Mission, Mission Australia, Life without Barriers, Community Housing Industry Association, and Economic Justice Australia are among the group.

Hang Vo, Sacred Heart Mission CEO and ACOSS chair, said the voice aims to address the underlying causes of persistent disadvantage and social exclusion “by offering a path to justice, equity and self-determination for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people”.

ACOSS CEO Dr Cassandra Goldie AO said:

As the community sector has seen time and time again, the success or failure of policies affecting historically marginalised communities depends on whether the people they affect are at the centre of the advice. The status quo has not worked to close the gap between the health and wellbeing of Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. Next week’s referendum represents a once-in-a-generation chance to finally recognise First Nations peoples in the Constitution, and through the Voice, turn this around and chart a new path forward.

We understand that some people are still not sure and encourage people to be in touch with trusted community representatives to help make an informed decision.

Australian Council of Social Service CEO, Dr Cassandra Goldie, urges Australians to back the voice. Photograph: Lukas Coch/AAP

Updated at 16.40 EDT

Rental prices surge again, study shows

Rents are still going up but are starting to find a ceiling as tenant budgets can be stretched no further, Australian Associated Press reports.

National rents as tracked by the property data firm CoreLogic lifted 1.6% in the three months to September, down from a 2.2% jump in the June quarter.

The pace of growth has wound back a little even as national vacancy rates, the percentage of properties available, found a new record low of 1.1% in September.

A persistent shortage of listings, combined with more people moving to Australia and fewer leaving, were largely to blame for the extremely low rental availability.

CoreLogic economist Kaytlin Ezzy said the affordability ceiling in part explained the unusual combination of slower rent price growth and a falling vacancy rate.

Rental values have lifted a material 30.4% since July 2020, with the average renter now forking out nearly $140 extra a week. Ezzy said:

With the rising cost of living adding additional pressure on renter’s balance sheets, it is likely tenants have hit an affordability ceiling, seeking to grow their households to share the growing rental burden.

Rents grew in every major city aside from Canberra and Hobart, with the latter bumping aside Adelaide as the capital with the lowest median rent.

Adam Goodes ‘happy and passionate’ backer of yes vote

AFL legend Adam Goodes is the latest sporting hero to lend support to the yes campaign, appearing in a referendum ad to encourage voters to back the vote.

Goodes, the former Sydney Swans star, said he was “happy and passionate about the opportunity we have as a nation to rectify our constitution”. The new ad, from the Yes23 campaign, was posted to social media last night. Goodes has been a longtime supporter of the voice. He said:

Not only to include our Indigenous Australians but more importantly to enshrine a voice as well. When we have Indigenous voices not only part of the conversation but actually making the decisions for other Indigenous Australians, we see success.

Goodes is the latest footballer to speak up for the referendum, following support from Nathan Cleary, Cameron Munster, Eddie Betts and Johnathan Thurston. Fellow Australian sporting legends Cathy Freeman and Evonne Goolagong Cawley have also thrown their weight behind a yes vote.

Adam Goodes, the former Sydney Swans star, said he was ‘happy and passionate about the opportunity we have as a nation to rectify our constitution’. Photograph: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

Updated at 16.27 EDT

Residents evacuate after increased flood waters in eastern Victoria

Residents in eastern Victoria were told to evacuate overnight following a sudden increase in flood waters, two days after the region faced bushfire threats, AAP reports.

People in Tinamba, Tinamba West, Newry, Mewburn Park, Bellbird Corner, Riverslea and Maffra were told to leave immediately with flooding expected from 10pm on Wednesday.

Significant inflows into Lake Glenmaggie were still happening early on Thursday, prompting an increase in the release of water from 1am to more than 58,000 megalitres a day, Vic Emergency said.

Residents were told to gather their pets, mobile phones and medications and head to a relief centre set up at Gippsland Regional Sports Group in Sale to bunker down with friends and family outside the flood zone.

A major flood warning was issued to residents along the Macalister River downstream of Lake Glenmaggie, with locals told to move to higher ground.

At 4am on Thursday, the Macalister River downstream of Lake Glenmaggie measured 6.87 metres and steady, above the major flood level.

The Bureau of Meteorology said a severe weather warning for heavy rainfall was current for eastern Victoria into Thursday.

Updated at 16.37 EDT

Welcome

Good morning and welcome to our rolling news coverage. I’m Martin Farrer and I’ll be running through some of our top stories this morning before Rafqa Touma gets fired up for the day.

Big news this morning are flood warnings in Gippsland – an area that barely 48 hours ago was fighting dangerous bushfires. There are three emergency warnings: the towns of Newry and Tinamba are being told to evacuate immediately due to flood water coming out of Lake Glenmaggie; there is a major flood warning for the Macalister River, with people in the area being advised to move to higher ground; and there is also a major flood warning on the Wonnangatta River at Waterford, where there is ‘“move to higher ground” advice. In addition, more areas have “watch and act” warnings .

In other news, a report by the Australia Institute says the Coalition’s controversial stage-three tax cuts could be remodelled in four different ways to save the budget up to $130bn while still delivering bigger tax cuts to most earners.

The voice to parliament is still dominating the political landscape, and our reporter Mostafa Rachwani has been out and about in western Sydney to speak to voters. He’s found an alarming message for campaigners, with many people saying they still don’t understand what the referendum is and others who don’t even know it is taking place. It comes as Sydney Swans legend Adam Goodes became the latest high-profile figure to appear in an ad supporting the yes vote. More coming up on that.

Academic experts and the consumer watchdog have issued calls for more regulation of e-bike batteries after a suspected faulty device sparked a fire at a backpackers’ hostel in Sydney. Associate Prof Robert Kerr, from Deakin University’s Institute for Frontier Materials, told Guardian Australia that one of the major issues was a lack of regulation surrounding how the technology is developed and how people charge the batteries. And the ACCC said there should more safety measures to protect consumers.

Let’s get going!