Legal challenge looms over $1.55m Liberal party loan
The Victorian Liberals' administrative committee last week agreed to lend former leader John Pesutto $1.55 million to settle his debt to first-term MP Moira Deeming.
Mr Pesutto was ordered to pay $2.3 million in legal costs to Mrs Deeming after the Federal Court found he defamed her by implying she was associated with neo-Nazis.
It left him facing bankruptcy, which would have triggered his exit from parliament and a subsequent by-election in his marginal seat of Hawthorn, unless the debt was paid.
The payment deadline is Friday.
Mr Pesutto, who has already coughed up $315,000 in damages, had only raised about $750,000 through wealthy backers and a GoFundMe campaign.
A Liberal source with knowledge of the situation confirmed on Thursday that the $2.3 million had been transferred to Mrs Deeming's lawyers, including the $1.55 million loan from party entity Vapold.
However, a hearing to block the loan on the grounds it potentially breaches party rules has been listed for the Supreme Court on Thursday afternoon.
Documents connected to the proceedings are yet to be filed with the court.
Opposition Leader Brad Battin voted in favour of the loan, which must be repaid by Mr Pesutto at market-rate interest, and called for colleagues to drawn a line under the long-running feud.
Mrs Deeming was expelled from the Liberal party room over the furore but welcomed back in December as Mr Pesutto lost the leadership.
She offered to defer some of Mr Pesutto's legal bill in exchange for her guaranteed preselection and him swearing off trying to return as leader for three years, but the deal fell over.
Mrs Deeming and Mr Pesutto were contacted for comment.
A legal challenge is looming over a state Liberal party's $1.55 million loan to save a former leader's political career.
The Victorian Liberals' administrative committee last week agreed to lend former leader John Pesutto $1.55 million to settle his debt to first-term MP Moira Deeming.
Mr Pesutto was ordered to pay $2.3 million in legal costs to Mrs Deeming after the Federal Court found he defamed her by implying she was associated with neo-Nazis.
It left him facing bankruptcy, which would have triggered his exit from parliament and a subsequent by-election in his marginal seat of Hawthorn, unless the debt was paid.
The payment deadline is Friday.
Mr Pesutto, who has already coughed up $315,000 in damages, had only raised about $750,000 through wealthy backers and a GoFundMe campaign.
A Liberal source with knowledge of the situation confirmed on Thursday that the $2.3 million had been transferred to Mrs Deeming's lawyers, including the $1.55 million loan from party entity Vapold.
However, a hearing to block the loan on the grounds it potentially breaches party rules has been listed for the Supreme Court on Thursday afternoon.
Documents connected to the proceedings are yet to be filed with the court.
Opposition Leader Brad Battin voted in favour of the loan, which must be repaid by Mr Pesutto at market-rate interest, and called for colleagues to drawn a line under the long-running feud.
Mrs Deeming was expelled from the Liberal party room over the furore but welcomed back in December as Mr Pesutto lost the leadership.
She offered to defer some of Mr Pesutto's legal bill in exchange for her guaranteed preselection and him swearing off trying to return as leader for three years, but the deal fell over.
Mrs Deeming and Mr Pesutto were contacted for comment.
A legal challenge is looming over a state Liberal party's $1.55 million loan to save a former leader's political career.
The Victorian Liberals' administrative committee last week agreed to lend former leader John Pesutto $1.55 million to settle his debt to first-term MP Moira Deeming.
Mr Pesutto was ordered to pay $2.3 million in legal costs to Mrs Deeming after the Federal Court found he defamed her by implying she was associated with neo-Nazis.
It left him facing bankruptcy, which would have triggered his exit from parliament and a subsequent by-election in his marginal seat of Hawthorn, unless the debt was paid.
The payment deadline is Friday.
Mr Pesutto, who has already coughed up $315,000 in damages, had only raised about $750,000 through wealthy backers and a GoFundMe campaign.
A Liberal source with knowledge of the situation confirmed on Thursday that the $2.3 million had been transferred to Mrs Deeming's lawyers, including the $1.55 million loan from party entity Vapold.
However, a hearing to block the loan on the grounds it potentially breaches party rules has been listed for the Supreme Court on Thursday afternoon.
Documents connected to the proceedings are yet to be filed with the court.
Opposition Leader Brad Battin voted in favour of the loan, which must be repaid by Mr Pesutto at market-rate interest, and called for colleagues to drawn a line under the long-running feud.
Mrs Deeming was expelled from the Liberal party room over the furore but welcomed back in December as Mr Pesutto lost the leadership.
She offered to defer some of Mr Pesutto's legal bill in exchange for her guaranteed preselection and him swearing off trying to return as leader for three years, but the deal fell over.
Mrs Deeming and Mr Pesutto were contacted for comment.
A legal challenge is looming over a state Liberal party's $1.55 million loan to save a former leader's political career.
The Victorian Liberals' administrative committee last week agreed to lend former leader John Pesutto $1.55 million to settle his debt to first-term MP Moira Deeming.
Mr Pesutto was ordered to pay $2.3 million in legal costs to Mrs Deeming after the Federal Court found he defamed her by implying she was associated with neo-Nazis.
It left him facing bankruptcy, which would have triggered his exit from parliament and a subsequent by-election in his marginal seat of Hawthorn, unless the debt was paid.
The payment deadline is Friday.
Mr Pesutto, who has already coughed up $315,000 in damages, had only raised about $750,000 through wealthy backers and a GoFundMe campaign.
A Liberal source with knowledge of the situation confirmed on Thursday that the $2.3 million had been transferred to Mrs Deeming's lawyers, including the $1.55 million loan from party entity Vapold.
However, a hearing to block the loan on the grounds it potentially breaches party rules has been listed for the Supreme Court on Thursday afternoon.
Documents connected to the proceedings are yet to be filed with the court.
Opposition Leader Brad Battin voted in favour of the loan, which must be repaid by Mr Pesutto at market-rate interest, and called for colleagues to drawn a line under the long-running feud.
Mrs Deeming was expelled from the Liberal party room over the furore but welcomed back in December as Mr Pesutto lost the leadership.
She offered to defer some of Mr Pesutto's legal bill in exchange for her guaranteed preselection and him swearing off trying to return as leader for three years, but the deal fell over.
Mrs Deeming and Mr Pesutto were contacted for comment.
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The Advertiser
an hour ago
- The Advertiser
Negligence ruling upheld for Ruby Princess COVID cruise
The operator of a cruise ship that embarked just as the COVID-19 pandemic gripped the globe will remain liable to pay passengers impacted by the virus after a failed appeal. Carnival's Ruby Princess set off from Sydney on a 13-day tour of New Zealand in March 2020 with 2671 passengers and 1146 crew on board. The voyage was cut short after 11 days just as Australia shut its borders when COVID-19 ran rampant globally. Twenty-eight people on the vessel died during the outbreak and 663 positive cases were reported amongst passengers. A class action lawsuit headed by Shine Lawyers and lead applicant Susan Karpik found that Carnival was misleading and negligent in October 2023. The company knew or ought to have known about the heightened risk of COVID-19 infection on the vessel and owed a duty of care to Ms Karpik to take reasonable care of her health and safety as a passenger, Federal Court Justice Angus Stewart said. A panel of three judges unanimously dismissed an appeal on Tuesday after Carnival challenged those findings. The Ruby Princess cruise should have been cancelled, Justices Brigitte Markovic, Sarah Derrington and Darren Jackson wrote. "It was a foreseeable consequence of Mrs Karpik's boarding (the ship) that she would be exposed to the heightened risk of there being COVID-19 on board the Ruby Princess," they said. The court also tossed a separate appeal seeking to increase the damages awarded to her by Justice Stewart. While she was allowed $4423 plus interest for out-of-pocket medical expenses, the judge declined to award non-economic damages as she had not been diagnosed with long COVID. She had originally sought more than $360,000 in damages for injuries, distress and disappointment. Carnival offered to settle the case for $15 million before a trial began in October 2022. But the offer was rejected by the passengers, who asked for $69 million. Carnival has been contacted for comment on the appeal's dismissal. Shine Lawyers joint head of class actions Vicky Antzoulatos said the firm was pleased with the appeal court's decision. "Passengers can now proceed to have their individual claims assessed," she said in a statement. "We hope this result will lead to a meaningful resolution of their claims so that they can finally put this sorry episode of their lives behind them." Justice Stewart will determine the next steps in the case at a later date. The operator of a cruise ship that embarked just as the COVID-19 pandemic gripped the globe will remain liable to pay passengers impacted by the virus after a failed appeal. Carnival's Ruby Princess set off from Sydney on a 13-day tour of New Zealand in March 2020 with 2671 passengers and 1146 crew on board. The voyage was cut short after 11 days just as Australia shut its borders when COVID-19 ran rampant globally. Twenty-eight people on the vessel died during the outbreak and 663 positive cases were reported amongst passengers. A class action lawsuit headed by Shine Lawyers and lead applicant Susan Karpik found that Carnival was misleading and negligent in October 2023. The company knew or ought to have known about the heightened risk of COVID-19 infection on the vessel and owed a duty of care to Ms Karpik to take reasonable care of her health and safety as a passenger, Federal Court Justice Angus Stewart said. A panel of three judges unanimously dismissed an appeal on Tuesday after Carnival challenged those findings. The Ruby Princess cruise should have been cancelled, Justices Brigitte Markovic, Sarah Derrington and Darren Jackson wrote. "It was a foreseeable consequence of Mrs Karpik's boarding (the ship) that she would be exposed to the heightened risk of there being COVID-19 on board the Ruby Princess," they said. The court also tossed a separate appeal seeking to increase the damages awarded to her by Justice Stewart. While she was allowed $4423 plus interest for out-of-pocket medical expenses, the judge declined to award non-economic damages as she had not been diagnosed with long COVID. She had originally sought more than $360,000 in damages for injuries, distress and disappointment. Carnival offered to settle the case for $15 million before a trial began in October 2022. But the offer was rejected by the passengers, who asked for $69 million. Carnival has been contacted for comment on the appeal's dismissal. Shine Lawyers joint head of class actions Vicky Antzoulatos said the firm was pleased with the appeal court's decision. "Passengers can now proceed to have their individual claims assessed," she said in a statement. "We hope this result will lead to a meaningful resolution of their claims so that they can finally put this sorry episode of their lives behind them." Justice Stewart will determine the next steps in the case at a later date. The operator of a cruise ship that embarked just as the COVID-19 pandemic gripped the globe will remain liable to pay passengers impacted by the virus after a failed appeal. Carnival's Ruby Princess set off from Sydney on a 13-day tour of New Zealand in March 2020 with 2671 passengers and 1146 crew on board. The voyage was cut short after 11 days just as Australia shut its borders when COVID-19 ran rampant globally. Twenty-eight people on the vessel died during the outbreak and 663 positive cases were reported amongst passengers. A class action lawsuit headed by Shine Lawyers and lead applicant Susan Karpik found that Carnival was misleading and negligent in October 2023. The company knew or ought to have known about the heightened risk of COVID-19 infection on the vessel and owed a duty of care to Ms Karpik to take reasonable care of her health and safety as a passenger, Federal Court Justice Angus Stewart said. A panel of three judges unanimously dismissed an appeal on Tuesday after Carnival challenged those findings. The Ruby Princess cruise should have been cancelled, Justices Brigitte Markovic, Sarah Derrington and Darren Jackson wrote. "It was a foreseeable consequence of Mrs Karpik's boarding (the ship) that she would be exposed to the heightened risk of there being COVID-19 on board the Ruby Princess," they said. The court also tossed a separate appeal seeking to increase the damages awarded to her by Justice Stewart. While she was allowed $4423 plus interest for out-of-pocket medical expenses, the judge declined to award non-economic damages as she had not been diagnosed with long COVID. She had originally sought more than $360,000 in damages for injuries, distress and disappointment. Carnival offered to settle the case for $15 million before a trial began in October 2022. But the offer was rejected by the passengers, who asked for $69 million. Carnival has been contacted for comment on the appeal's dismissal. Shine Lawyers joint head of class actions Vicky Antzoulatos said the firm was pleased with the appeal court's decision. "Passengers can now proceed to have their individual claims assessed," she said in a statement. "We hope this result will lead to a meaningful resolution of their claims so that they can finally put this sorry episode of their lives behind them." Justice Stewart will determine the next steps in the case at a later date. The operator of a cruise ship that embarked just as the COVID-19 pandemic gripped the globe will remain liable to pay passengers impacted by the virus after a failed appeal. Carnival's Ruby Princess set off from Sydney on a 13-day tour of New Zealand in March 2020 with 2671 passengers and 1146 crew on board. The voyage was cut short after 11 days just as Australia shut its borders when COVID-19 ran rampant globally. Twenty-eight people on the vessel died during the outbreak and 663 positive cases were reported amongst passengers. A class action lawsuit headed by Shine Lawyers and lead applicant Susan Karpik found that Carnival was misleading and negligent in October 2023. The company knew or ought to have known about the heightened risk of COVID-19 infection on the vessel and owed a duty of care to Ms Karpik to take reasonable care of her health and safety as a passenger, Federal Court Justice Angus Stewart said. A panel of three judges unanimously dismissed an appeal on Tuesday after Carnival challenged those findings. The Ruby Princess cruise should have been cancelled, Justices Brigitte Markovic, Sarah Derrington and Darren Jackson wrote. "It was a foreseeable consequence of Mrs Karpik's boarding (the ship) that she would be exposed to the heightened risk of there being COVID-19 on board the Ruby Princess," they said. The court also tossed a separate appeal seeking to increase the damages awarded to her by Justice Stewart. While she was allowed $4423 plus interest for out-of-pocket medical expenses, the judge declined to award non-economic damages as she had not been diagnosed with long COVID. She had originally sought more than $360,000 in damages for injuries, distress and disappointment. Carnival offered to settle the case for $15 million before a trial began in October 2022. But the offer was rejected by the passengers, who asked for $69 million. Carnival has been contacted for comment on the appeal's dismissal. Shine Lawyers joint head of class actions Vicky Antzoulatos said the firm was pleased with the appeal court's decision. "Passengers can now proceed to have their individual claims assessed," she said in a statement. "We hope this result will lead to a meaningful resolution of their claims so that they can finally put this sorry episode of their lives behind them." Justice Stewart will determine the next steps in the case at a later date.
The Advertiser
an hour ago
- The Advertiser
Tilting at windmills is an act of self-harm
This is a sample of The Echidna newsletter sent out each weekday morning. To sign up for FREE, go to He's Labor's not-so-secret weapon, almost guaranteed to inflict damage on the Coalition whenever he opens his mouth. He's a gift to the government, even though he sits opposite. He is, of course, Barnaby Joyce, member for New England, one time deputy PM and former leader of the Nationals. As if the Coalition wasn't at a low enough ebb already, its numbers so depleted it barely registers as a political force. Along comes Barnaby with his latest doomed bid for attention - his private member's bill to scrap net zero. His more sensible Liberal partners are probably wondering if that brief separation after the election drubbing should have been permanent. Meanwhile, Labor is likely hoping for more Barnaby because if anyone makes the Coalition seem completely out of touch, it's him. Introducing his bill in the almost empty chamber yesterday, he cut a lonely figure - like an old and confused man yelling at clouds. His arguments for abandoning net zero were delivered in a hoarse voice. Shouting when few are listening can do that. Shouting is also necessary when you've failed to read the room and understand why your Liberal partners have been bleeding seats for so long now. Here's a hint, Barnaby: people want action on climate change. That's why they've chosen so many independents in once blue-ribbon Liberal seats. That's why the Coalition has been driven out of the cities. It's not just the domestic room Barnaby's failed to read. If he'd been paying attention he'd have learned that solar power is being embraced energetically around the world, even in the countries he lists as not setting net zero targets. New solar projects account for the equivalent of another coal-fired power station every 15 hours. Leading the charge towards renewables is China - one of the countries he singles out. Even Joyce's claim the bush is dead-set against renewables is flaky. A recent survey if 1000 regional residents in Renewable Energy Zones found 70 per cent supported renewables. I checked with a friend - a journalist based in the central west of NSW - who said opposition to wind farms and new transmission lines was probably overstated and the bigger issue was the lack of consultation over where they should go. Joyce's bill will get nowhere. The numbers tell us that. The only winner will be the government, which is thanking its lucky stars that not only does the electorate keep on returning Barnaby but he keeps throwing his oversized hat into the ring just like he did in October 2021. Remember that? That's when the then leader of the Nationals - yep, Barnaby Joyce - announced that he'd struck an agreement with then PM Scott Morrison to agree to committing to, you guessed it, net zero. So, really, this latest Quixotic titling at windmills is little more than a fall off the political planter box. A look-at-me moment Labor is relishing while the Coalition buries its face in its hands. HAVE YOUR SAY: Is Barnaby Joyce harming the Coalition with his stance on net zero? Would the Liberals have been wiser to make the brief split with the Nationals a permanent arrangement? Email us: echidna@ SHARE THE LOVE: If you enjoy The Echidna, forward it to a friend so they can sign up, too. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: - The United Nations is urging Australia to set ambitious climate and renewable energy targets in its next net-zero update to secure future jobs and a rich vein of clean exports for the country. - Parents are being warned their kids may be exploited online for child abuse material, amid a push to criminalise the use of apps that "nudify" pictures. - Three years after a fatal chopper crash, reality TV star Matt Wright has pleaded not guilty to attempting to pervert the course of justice. THEY SAID IT: "The shift to a cleaner energy economy won't happen overnight, and it will require tough choices along the way. But the debate is settled. Climate change is a fact." - Barack Obama YOU SAID IT: Donald Trump said he'd usher in a new golden age. He didn't expect it to be comedy and satire - at his expense. Sue writes: "Humour is my go-to for dealing with most things, good or bad. Particularly important in politics where so much is out of our immediate control and any limited control we have may be delayed or take a long time to have any effect. Laughter can provide a perspective that allows us to deal with difficult things, even if, sometimes, the humour is pretty dark. Favourite cartoonists include Petty, Leunig and Pickering but have to say that I really enjoy Pope's and Broelman's work as well." "Mockery, ridicule, satire and just laughing at them are highly powerful in politics and will bring down fake pretenders," writes John from Port Macquarie. "Imagine what the moniker Scottie from Marketing and all that cosplay behind truck steering wheels, pushing mops along already cleaned floors, waving lumps of coal, giving unwanted handshakes and conducting squeamish hairdressing sessions did to our most phoney of prime ministers." Deb writes: "Humour is essential in politics. It's able to cut through the crap and exposes the usually confronting main points. My opinions on an issue have definitely been shaped by cartoons or comedy sketches. And most importantly, they save us from despair. If we don't laugh we would flood the world with tears." This is a sample of The Echidna newsletter sent out each weekday morning. To sign up for FREE, go to He's Labor's not-so-secret weapon, almost guaranteed to inflict damage on the Coalition whenever he opens his mouth. He's a gift to the government, even though he sits opposite. He is, of course, Barnaby Joyce, member for New England, one time deputy PM and former leader of the Nationals. As if the Coalition wasn't at a low enough ebb already, its numbers so depleted it barely registers as a political force. Along comes Barnaby with his latest doomed bid for attention - his private member's bill to scrap net zero. His more sensible Liberal partners are probably wondering if that brief separation after the election drubbing should have been permanent. Meanwhile, Labor is likely hoping for more Barnaby because if anyone makes the Coalition seem completely out of touch, it's him. Introducing his bill in the almost empty chamber yesterday, he cut a lonely figure - like an old and confused man yelling at clouds. His arguments for abandoning net zero were delivered in a hoarse voice. Shouting when few are listening can do that. Shouting is also necessary when you've failed to read the room and understand why your Liberal partners have been bleeding seats for so long now. Here's a hint, Barnaby: people want action on climate change. That's why they've chosen so many independents in once blue-ribbon Liberal seats. That's why the Coalition has been driven out of the cities. It's not just the domestic room Barnaby's failed to read. If he'd been paying attention he'd have learned that solar power is being embraced energetically around the world, even in the countries he lists as not setting net zero targets. New solar projects account for the equivalent of another coal-fired power station every 15 hours. Leading the charge towards renewables is China - one of the countries he singles out. Even Joyce's claim the bush is dead-set against renewables is flaky. A recent survey if 1000 regional residents in Renewable Energy Zones found 70 per cent supported renewables. I checked with a friend - a journalist based in the central west of NSW - who said opposition to wind farms and new transmission lines was probably overstated and the bigger issue was the lack of consultation over where they should go. Joyce's bill will get nowhere. The numbers tell us that. The only winner will be the government, which is thanking its lucky stars that not only does the electorate keep on returning Barnaby but he keeps throwing his oversized hat into the ring just like he did in October 2021. Remember that? That's when the then leader of the Nationals - yep, Barnaby Joyce - announced that he'd struck an agreement with then PM Scott Morrison to agree to committing to, you guessed it, net zero. So, really, this latest Quixotic titling at windmills is little more than a fall off the political planter box. A look-at-me moment Labor is relishing while the Coalition buries its face in its hands. HAVE YOUR SAY: Is Barnaby Joyce harming the Coalition with his stance on net zero? Would the Liberals have been wiser to make the brief split with the Nationals a permanent arrangement? Email us: echidna@ SHARE THE LOVE: If you enjoy The Echidna, forward it to a friend so they can sign up, too. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: - The United Nations is urging Australia to set ambitious climate and renewable energy targets in its next net-zero update to secure future jobs and a rich vein of clean exports for the country. - Parents are being warned their kids may be exploited online for child abuse material, amid a push to criminalise the use of apps that "nudify" pictures. - Three years after a fatal chopper crash, reality TV star Matt Wright has pleaded not guilty to attempting to pervert the course of justice. THEY SAID IT: "The shift to a cleaner energy economy won't happen overnight, and it will require tough choices along the way. But the debate is settled. Climate change is a fact." - Barack Obama YOU SAID IT: Donald Trump said he'd usher in a new golden age. He didn't expect it to be comedy and satire - at his expense. Sue writes: "Humour is my go-to for dealing with most things, good or bad. Particularly important in politics where so much is out of our immediate control and any limited control we have may be delayed or take a long time to have any effect. Laughter can provide a perspective that allows us to deal with difficult things, even if, sometimes, the humour is pretty dark. Favourite cartoonists include Petty, Leunig and Pickering but have to say that I really enjoy Pope's and Broelman's work as well." "Mockery, ridicule, satire and just laughing at them are highly powerful in politics and will bring down fake pretenders," writes John from Port Macquarie. "Imagine what the moniker Scottie from Marketing and all that cosplay behind truck steering wheels, pushing mops along already cleaned floors, waving lumps of coal, giving unwanted handshakes and conducting squeamish hairdressing sessions did to our most phoney of prime ministers." Deb writes: "Humour is essential in politics. It's able to cut through the crap and exposes the usually confronting main points. My opinions on an issue have definitely been shaped by cartoons or comedy sketches. And most importantly, they save us from despair. If we don't laugh we would flood the world with tears." This is a sample of The Echidna newsletter sent out each weekday morning. To sign up for FREE, go to He's Labor's not-so-secret weapon, almost guaranteed to inflict damage on the Coalition whenever he opens his mouth. He's a gift to the government, even though he sits opposite. He is, of course, Barnaby Joyce, member for New England, one time deputy PM and former leader of the Nationals. As if the Coalition wasn't at a low enough ebb already, its numbers so depleted it barely registers as a political force. Along comes Barnaby with his latest doomed bid for attention - his private member's bill to scrap net zero. His more sensible Liberal partners are probably wondering if that brief separation after the election drubbing should have been permanent. Meanwhile, Labor is likely hoping for more Barnaby because if anyone makes the Coalition seem completely out of touch, it's him. Introducing his bill in the almost empty chamber yesterday, he cut a lonely figure - like an old and confused man yelling at clouds. His arguments for abandoning net zero were delivered in a hoarse voice. Shouting when few are listening can do that. Shouting is also necessary when you've failed to read the room and understand why your Liberal partners have been bleeding seats for so long now. Here's a hint, Barnaby: people want action on climate change. That's why they've chosen so many independents in once blue-ribbon Liberal seats. That's why the Coalition has been driven out of the cities. It's not just the domestic room Barnaby's failed to read. If he'd been paying attention he'd have learned that solar power is being embraced energetically around the world, even in the countries he lists as not setting net zero targets. New solar projects account for the equivalent of another coal-fired power station every 15 hours. Leading the charge towards renewables is China - one of the countries he singles out. Even Joyce's claim the bush is dead-set against renewables is flaky. A recent survey if 1000 regional residents in Renewable Energy Zones found 70 per cent supported renewables. I checked with a friend - a journalist based in the central west of NSW - who said opposition to wind farms and new transmission lines was probably overstated and the bigger issue was the lack of consultation over where they should go. Joyce's bill will get nowhere. The numbers tell us that. The only winner will be the government, which is thanking its lucky stars that not only does the electorate keep on returning Barnaby but he keeps throwing his oversized hat into the ring just like he did in October 2021. Remember that? That's when the then leader of the Nationals - yep, Barnaby Joyce - announced that he'd struck an agreement with then PM Scott Morrison to agree to committing to, you guessed it, net zero. So, really, this latest Quixotic titling at windmills is little more than a fall off the political planter box. A look-at-me moment Labor is relishing while the Coalition buries its face in its hands. HAVE YOUR SAY: Is Barnaby Joyce harming the Coalition with his stance on net zero? Would the Liberals have been wiser to make the brief split with the Nationals a permanent arrangement? Email us: echidna@ SHARE THE LOVE: If you enjoy The Echidna, forward it to a friend so they can sign up, too. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: - The United Nations is urging Australia to set ambitious climate and renewable energy targets in its next net-zero update to secure future jobs and a rich vein of clean exports for the country. - Parents are being warned their kids may be exploited online for child abuse material, amid a push to criminalise the use of apps that "nudify" pictures. - Three years after a fatal chopper crash, reality TV star Matt Wright has pleaded not guilty to attempting to pervert the course of justice. THEY SAID IT: "The shift to a cleaner energy economy won't happen overnight, and it will require tough choices along the way. But the debate is settled. Climate change is a fact." - Barack Obama YOU SAID IT: Donald Trump said he'd usher in a new golden age. He didn't expect it to be comedy and satire - at his expense. Sue writes: "Humour is my go-to for dealing with most things, good or bad. Particularly important in politics where so much is out of our immediate control and any limited control we have may be delayed or take a long time to have any effect. Laughter can provide a perspective that allows us to deal with difficult things, even if, sometimes, the humour is pretty dark. Favourite cartoonists include Petty, Leunig and Pickering but have to say that I really enjoy Pope's and Broelman's work as well." "Mockery, ridicule, satire and just laughing at them are highly powerful in politics and will bring down fake pretenders," writes John from Port Macquarie. "Imagine what the moniker Scottie from Marketing and all that cosplay behind truck steering wheels, pushing mops along already cleaned floors, waving lumps of coal, giving unwanted handshakes and conducting squeamish hairdressing sessions did to our most phoney of prime ministers." Deb writes: "Humour is essential in politics. It's able to cut through the crap and exposes the usually confronting main points. My opinions on an issue have definitely been shaped by cartoons or comedy sketches. And most importantly, they save us from despair. If we don't laugh we would flood the world with tears." This is a sample of The Echidna newsletter sent out each weekday morning. To sign up for FREE, go to He's Labor's not-so-secret weapon, almost guaranteed to inflict damage on the Coalition whenever he opens his mouth. He's a gift to the government, even though he sits opposite. He is, of course, Barnaby Joyce, member for New England, one time deputy PM and former leader of the Nationals. As if the Coalition wasn't at a low enough ebb already, its numbers so depleted it barely registers as a political force. Along comes Barnaby with his latest doomed bid for attention - his private member's bill to scrap net zero. His more sensible Liberal partners are probably wondering if that brief separation after the election drubbing should have been permanent. Meanwhile, Labor is likely hoping for more Barnaby because if anyone makes the Coalition seem completely out of touch, it's him. Introducing his bill in the almost empty chamber yesterday, he cut a lonely figure - like an old and confused man yelling at clouds. His arguments for abandoning net zero were delivered in a hoarse voice. Shouting when few are listening can do that. Shouting is also necessary when you've failed to read the room and understand why your Liberal partners have been bleeding seats for so long now. Here's a hint, Barnaby: people want action on climate change. That's why they've chosen so many independents in once blue-ribbon Liberal seats. That's why the Coalition has been driven out of the cities. It's not just the domestic room Barnaby's failed to read. If he'd been paying attention he'd have learned that solar power is being embraced energetically around the world, even in the countries he lists as not setting net zero targets. New solar projects account for the equivalent of another coal-fired power station every 15 hours. Leading the charge towards renewables is China - one of the countries he singles out. Even Joyce's claim the bush is dead-set against renewables is flaky. A recent survey if 1000 regional residents in Renewable Energy Zones found 70 per cent supported renewables. I checked with a friend - a journalist based in the central west of NSW - who said opposition to wind farms and new transmission lines was probably overstated and the bigger issue was the lack of consultation over where they should go. Joyce's bill will get nowhere. The numbers tell us that. The only winner will be the government, which is thanking its lucky stars that not only does the electorate keep on returning Barnaby but he keeps throwing his oversized hat into the ring just like he did in October 2021. Remember that? That's when the then leader of the Nationals - yep, Barnaby Joyce - announced that he'd struck an agreement with then PM Scott Morrison to agree to committing to, you guessed it, net zero. So, really, this latest Quixotic titling at windmills is little more than a fall off the political planter box. A look-at-me moment Labor is relishing while the Coalition buries its face in its hands. HAVE YOUR SAY: Is Barnaby Joyce harming the Coalition with his stance on net zero? Would the Liberals have been wiser to make the brief split with the Nationals a permanent arrangement? Email us: echidna@ SHARE THE LOVE: If you enjoy The Echidna, forward it to a friend so they can sign up, too. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: - The United Nations is urging Australia to set ambitious climate and renewable energy targets in its next net-zero update to secure future jobs and a rich vein of clean exports for the country. - Parents are being warned their kids may be exploited online for child abuse material, amid a push to criminalise the use of apps that "nudify" pictures. - Three years after a fatal chopper crash, reality TV star Matt Wright has pleaded not guilty to attempting to pervert the course of justice. THEY SAID IT: "The shift to a cleaner energy economy won't happen overnight, and it will require tough choices along the way. But the debate is settled. Climate change is a fact." - Barack Obama YOU SAID IT: Donald Trump said he'd usher in a new golden age. He didn't expect it to be comedy and satire - at his expense. Sue writes: "Humour is my go-to for dealing with most things, good or bad. Particularly important in politics where so much is out of our immediate control and any limited control we have may be delayed or take a long time to have any effect. Laughter can provide a perspective that allows us to deal with difficult things, even if, sometimes, the humour is pretty dark. Favourite cartoonists include Petty, Leunig and Pickering but have to say that I really enjoy Pope's and Broelman's work as well." "Mockery, ridicule, satire and just laughing at them are highly powerful in politics and will bring down fake pretenders," writes John from Port Macquarie. "Imagine what the moniker Scottie from Marketing and all that cosplay behind truck steering wheels, pushing mops along already cleaned floors, waving lumps of coal, giving unwanted handshakes and conducting squeamish hairdressing sessions did to our most phoney of prime ministers." Deb writes: "Humour is essential in politics. It's able to cut through the crap and exposes the usually confronting main points. My opinions on an issue have definitely been shaped by cartoons or comedy sketches. And most importantly, they save us from despair. If we don't laugh we would flood the world with tears."
7NEWS
an hour ago
- 7NEWS
Former Australian tennis star Sam Groth's relationship with wife becomes hot political football
Questions are suddenly being asked about former Australian tennis star Sam Groth and his relationship with his wife, Brittany. Groth is now deputy leader of the Victorian Liberal party and the questions are centreing on how their relationship started way back in 2011 when Groth was coaching at Templestowe Park tennis club. Brittany was also at the club and she would have been 16 or 17 at the time. Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today Groth is about seven years older. The Victorian law says: 'If you are between 16 and 17 years old, even if you agree, a person who is caring for you or supervising you (like a teacher, youth worker or foster carer) can't have sex with you, touch you sexually or get you to touch them sexually, perform a sexual act in front of you.' It has been reported that some of Groth's colleagues leaked their concerns to the media after Groth, 37, was made deputy leader in December. The fear is now that the relationship, in its infancy, breached the law, and it could be used against Groth and his party during an election. Labor insiders are already calling it 'inappropriate'. Labor Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said on Tuesday: 'If you're asking me whether I think it's appropriate for a person that is in a position of influence or authority, like a teacher or coach, to be dating a teenager, then the answer to that is no. 'It's evidence that the Liberals remain at war with one another, and quite clearly, if you can't govern yourselves, then you can't govern the state'. Another senior Labor MP told News Corp: 'What he has done is really not appropriate.' Groth left his first wife Jarmila Wolfe (also a tennis player) in 2011. His relationship with Brittany followed not long after. The couple have previously discussed how their relationship started, with Brittany admitting they 'ended up hitting with each other and connecting from there'. She said Groth 'added me on Facebook immediately ... I think that I knew I wanted to be with him but he was in such a different space to what my friends and girlfriends were in.' In 2017 Groth spoke to about the start of their relationship. 'We met during my year off. So I had that year off in 2011 where I sort of stepped away from tennis,' Groth said. 'We are actually from the same suburb in Melbourne, and I was coaching at a club and Brit was playing a little bit there ... yeah, we sort of met through that time.' Brittany called it 'fate'. 'There was only a few small weeks where we could have possibly met each other. It was a small local club, I mean not many people play there,' she said. Opposition leader Brad Battin has defended Groth and called the questions over his relationship a dirty attack. 'Any attempt to besmirch the relationship of Sam, Britt and their children is a disgrace,' Battin said. 'Politics is a dirty business, but this attack has hit a new low in public life.' It's not the first time Groth has hit the headlines this year over allegations of impropriety. In May this year he was accused of getting drunk at the Australian Open and then using a colleague's chauffeur-driven vehicle to take him and his wife home. Groth had hosted a political fundraiser with Nationals MP Jade Benham and then entered a party zone at the tennis where it was claimed he got 'smashed'. Then-opposition upper house leader Georgie Crozier lent him her car for the trip home and later said Victorians 'deserve a lot better'. 'I'm incredibly disappointed,' Crozier told media in May. 'I think that Sam needs to explain his actions. I can't.' Groth was shadow minister for tourism, sport and events at the time, and the car was used for a trip from Melbourne Park to Rye on the Mornington Peninsula, a distance of about 100km. Groth later said he had nothing to hide and attended the 2024 Australian Open in both an official capacity and personal capacity. 'I was at the event to meet various stakeholders and attend meetings before being part of a fundraising initiative,' he said. 'The accusations around intoxication are wrong. 'Everything was and is above board.'
