Latest news with #ASIO
News.com.au
2 days ago
- Business
- News.com.au
Ex-ASIO chief questions Australia's defence spending amid Western budget boosts
The 'real issue' with Australia's defence spending is not if the Albanese government is splashing more cash but whether it is 'enough' and flowing 'fast enough', an ex-spy chief says. Duncan Lewis headed the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) from 2014 to 2019. Since departing the country's domestic spy service, he has become chair of the European Australian Business Council and the Australian arm of weapons maker Thales. Mr Lewis said on Monday there was no doubt Labor had increased the defence budget since coming to power. 'The government has increased defence expenditure and spending over the last couple of years, and the projections going forward continue that increase,' he told the ABC. 'The real issue is whether it is enough and whether it is fast enough.' Mr Lewis noted that the defence budget was sitting about 2 per cent of GDP or $59bn. Under Labor's spending commitments, that would increase to about 2.35 per cent of GDP by 2034 – the same year the Albanese government has warned a major conflict could break out. At roughly $100bn in the space of a decade, Mr Lewis said 2.35 per cent was 'a sizeable increase'. 'But the question is, is it enough to have the kind of defence force that we might require in the future?' he said. Anthony Albanese is facing domestic and international calls to boost the defence budget, with the US warning of a potentially 'imminent' threat from China in the Indo Pacific. But the Prime Minister has resisted, making Australia an outlier in the West – a position highlighted by NATO's decision last week to dramatically hike military spending to 5 per cent of GDP. The Trump administration has asked Australia to lift spending to 3.5 per cent. Both Labor and the opposition have pushed back on that target, with the Coalition proposing 3 per cent instead. Asked point blank if 2.35 per cent of GDP was enough, Mr Lewis said he thought Australia would need to front up more. 'I'm of the view that if we are going to run a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines, together with an effective defence force that's capable of doing the kind of things that we expect might be required in the future, there will have to be an increase in due course,' he said. 'But look, I'm cognisant of the fact that there are competing challenges for the public purse, and it's up to the government to get their balance right. 'But I think there is a sense of urgency in this matter, which is not universally being exhibited, and I think that needs to be something that we should pay more attention to.' Mr Lewis also said defence companies were not getting the 'certainty' needed to do business in Australia. 'There is a concern that we are unable to get into long-term, reliable partnerships with government,' he said. 'The defence industry in Australia requires long term, regular contractual arrangements if we are to develop sovereign defence capability, and that is a stated objective of the government. 'You can't have just episodic buys and expect defence companies to continue operating in Australia.'
SBS Australia
24-06-2025
- Business
- SBS Australia
Iran denies ceasefire agreement with Israel
Iran denies reports of Qatar-brokered ceasefire, despite US President's post Richard Marles says Australia will choose optimal path in AUKUS submarine deal Atletico Madrid ousted from Club World Cup Iran is denying widespread reports that it has reached a ceasefire deal with Israel, brokered by Qatar. The news first broke via Donald Trump on social media. The United States president posted on his own platform, Truth Social this morning saying the countries had agreed to a total and complete ceasefire. Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani had reportedly secured Tehran's agreement to the White House' proposal for a halt in the conflict between Israel and Iran, during a call with Iranian officials. The number of Australians who have registered for assistance to leave the Middle East now stands at around 2,900 in Iran and 1,300 in Israel. Foreign Minister Penny Wong says Australia suspended bus evacuations from Israel following the U-S attack on Iranian nuclear facilities but is preparing for potential evacuations if airspace is reopened over Israel. Australia has also sent two aircraft to the Middle East, to assist with civilian evacuations. The Prime Minister and Senator Wong say Australia's security agency ASIO [[ay-zee-oh]] is continuously monitoring terror threat levels and there are currently no changes to travel advice. "There are always risks - not only from escalation in the region, but also potential risks more broadly. I have indicated publicly that I have asked my department to consider whether - if there is any alteration to travel advice more generally." Defence Minister Richard Marles has declined to comment whether the government would be prepared to boost investment in the US industrial base, to secure nuclear submarines. Experts have raised concerns that Australia could be forced to increase its investment or miss out on acquiring a vital stop-gap capability. Speaking at a press conference in London, Mr Marles insisted Australia is focused on pursuing the best path. As part of the trilateral AUKUS pact, Australia has committed $3 billion to helping the U-S improve its defence manufacturing, in exchange for being allowed to purchase Virginia class submarines. Australia could potentially have Virginia class submarines from 2032. "We are working at a pace to implement the AUKUS arrangement, and this is a major step forward for both the United Kingdom and Australia. I mean - underpinning AUKUS will be the idea that in the future Australia and the U-K will be operating at the same class of submarine. That's a very significant step to take in terms of binding our two countries together and there's much work to do to achieve that." A jury which will decide the fate of a woman accused of murdering three people with toxic mushrooms, is set to return to a regional Victorian court this week, to receive the trial judge's final directions. 50-year-old mother of three, Erin Patterson denies she intentionally poisoned four members of her estranged husband's family when she served them a beef Wellington allegedly containing death cap mushrooms for lunch in July 2023. Justice Christopher Beale is set to spend two days giving his final directions to the jury in the court in Morwell, about two hours east of Melbourne. The jury will then deliberate on whether Ms Patterson is guilty or not guilty of three murders and one attempted murder. The Queensland state government is set to walk back cost-of-living relief measures when it hands down its budget today, as it looks at long-term budget repair before hosting the 2032 Olympics. Queensland's Liberal National government is promising a "responsible" budget, after winning the 2024 election, ending Labor's nine-year tenure. Queensland Premier David Crisafulli spoke to Channel Seven's Sunrise program earlier, saying they are doing everything they can to fulfill the government's election promise. "That is to lift home ownership. Home ownership rates in Queensland are at 63.5 per cent. That's the lowest in the country, and my vision is to go from last to first within a decade. And we're doing everything we can to get people into a home." Treasurer David Janetzki is looking at bringing down Queensland's projected total debt of almost $220 billion, ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Games. Under the former Labor government's 2024 budget, Queenslanders were treated to $1000 energy rebates and a 20 per cent reduction in car registration costs. And in football, a late strike from Antoine Griezmann has handed Atletico Madrid a 1-0 win over Botafogo - but the victory could not save the Spanish giants from a group stage exit at the Club World Cup. Following Paris St Germain's 2-0 over Seattle Sounders in Monday's other Group B game, the French side finished level on six points with Botafogo and Atletico. However, European champions PSG secured top spot thanks to a superior goal difference, with South American champions Botafogo also advancing to the last 16 after finishing second. Atletico, in third, and Seattle, bottom with no points after three games, were eliminated. PSG will face the Group A runners-up on Sunday, while Brazil's Botafogo will take on the Group A winners on Saturday.
7NEWS
23-06-2025
- Politics
- 7NEWS
PM Anthony Albanese is questioned on local terror threat level amid US strikes on Iran
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has sought to allay fears about an increase in terror threats in Australia, following the US bombing of nuclear facilities in Iran at the weekend. America's Donald Trump administration confirmed it had completed an attack on three nuclear sites in Iran on Saturday, including Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. Concern has been mounting the unilateral action could increase the terror threat in western cities, including Australia. Iran threatened the US with 'sleeper cell' attacks if they were attacked, according to NBC. The message was sent to Trump through an intermediary at the G7 in Canada last week, which forced the US president to leave the summit early to deal with the crisis in the Middle East. On Monday, Albanese was asked about the terror threat, which is currently 'probable'. 'Look, we are constantly monitoring (the threat),' Albanese said. 'The ASIO Director-General and our security intelligence agencies are constantly engaged in monitoring. There's been no change in any of the advice that has been issued.' Later in the press conference, Albanese touched on the possibility Aussies could become targets of attacks: 'Obviously we're opposed to any action against Australians or indeed against anyone else.' Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said she was looking into reviewing advice for Australians travelling to the Middle East. 'There are always risks not only from escalation in the region but also potential for risk more broadly,' Wong said. 'I indicated publicly this morning that I have asked my department to consider whether there are any ... if there's any alteration to travel advice more generally, which we will obviously make sure is updated.' Albanese was asked a number of questions about the use of Australian military support in the region. He refused to answer if Australia had intelligence in Iran 'imminently' at the point of securing a nuclear weapon, prior to the attacks. 'Well, we don't talk about intelligence matters, but we confirm, of course, that this was a unilateral action by the United States,' Albanese told reporters. Albanese was questioned if his government was briefed by the US, prior to the attack on Iran. Albanese confirmed it was 'unilateral' action by the country. He confirmed he has not spoken to President Donald Trump since the G7 summit. Albanese wrapped-up the press conference by saying Iran still had a significant stake in diplomacy and peace, even after the bombing of its nuclear sites. 'Iran has an interest, an interest very clearly as well,' he said. 'I believe in in ensuring that there is not an escalation in the region. 'That is the incentive that they have. The United States have made clear their position, and we continue to call for dialogue. 'Had Iran complied with the very reasonable requests that were made, including by the IAEA, then circumstances would have been different.'
The Advertiser
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Advertiser
'Farmer wow': tanties, texts and the 'chills you get walking home alone at night'
Farmer Wow! The 'previously on' package has given me chills down my spine as Farmer Tom tells Georgie in the most monotone, expressionless way that he has "fallen head over heels" for her. And not romantic chills either, more like the chills you get when you're walking home alone at night and you sense someone is following you. I can only hope that his flat affect is setting the scene for another fantastic episode of Farmer Wants a Wife. I am pretty bummed out to realise I missed seeing Farmer Corey's family and friends interrogating those poor, unsuspecting women. I wonder if any of these people have worked for ASIO? Farmer Corey - The lack of self-awareness is astounding as Farmer Corey gloats that his friends and family are the best ones to pick the love of his life because 'they know why my past relationships haven't worked'. Maybe he would know the reason, too, if he were a little more present. - Keeley goes in for the old 'Spiderman-style' upside-down kiss, and then backs it up later with some over-the-shirt action by the fire. Good for you Keeley. - I can't believe we're this far along in the season and Corey still has a shocked look on his face every time a woman reminds him they live in another state and might not be able to move at the drop of an Akubra. - Turns out Corey is behind on his farm chores, so he rallies the women to get the harvest to town. Nothing like a bit of free labour to increase on-farm income, just don't tell the ATO. - Jadee final gets some screentime but all Corey can think about is when she's moving in. He has a mortgage to pay and he's keen to go halvesies ASAP. She signs the tentative shareholder agreement with a snog. Farmer Thomas - Taking a plane ride to get to know someone seems like the best way to deal with rejection if it doesn't work out. - Poor Clarette is begging for old mate to communicate with her, but getting a compliment out of Thomas seems to be harder than finding the bung in an algae-filled trough. - Nothing says romance like tartan and Primo Twiggy Sticks, and Rachel can't help but succumb to Thomas' charms. - Thomas lines the women up and lets them know that he has a 'fun day' planned for them. Which is what my dad used to say to me before he'd leave me down the back paddock to rip out old fence posts. Apparently, his heart needs to know who can change a tractor tyre. - Clarette is sneaking around the side verandah to get Farmer T's attention. The camera does a quick pan to his hand rubbing the bit between her lower back and upper bum before they have a big old smooch. Farmer Jack - Who the hell is this guy? - He's nervous, excited and optimistic: sounds like every farmer who's just seen rain on the BoM radar. - He's looking for a woman who is 'down to earth, has a good sense of humour and someone who loves the outdoors'. I feel like he just described the majority of the alas, let the speed-dating begin! - Gold Coast-based Hayley is ready to play out the 'popular girl falls for the outcast' trope in some sort of Superbad meets Sweet Home Alabama mashup. They admit to ignoring each other in high school, but the uplifting music is making me think she's already won. Only time will tell. - Jack is happy to hear that Monique, the brickie, is no stranger to hard work, and it's starting to feel like these farmers are all just looking for a lackey. - After some consultation with the producer, he chose Sarah, Hayley, Olivia, and Monique. - Sarah gets to go back to the farm before the other women arrive, giving her a 24-hour advantage. - Jack takes Sarah out the back door to let her know that everything the light touches could be hers one day, and generously lets her name a few cows to show how serious he is. They reckon there would be some drama in this episode, and it's about blooming time. Farmer Jack: Back at the farm, new 10-year-old Farmer Jack attempts to master the smoulder as he wanders amongst his cows. Unfortunately, it comes across more as a lost primary school student considering a future of petty crime. - A carload of women yelling 'look at those bulls!' turns up. I just need to note toddler farmer Jack's bull is called Sponge Bob. - He says it's not a deal breaker if they can't work on the farm. He then gives them the crappiest job possible on a dairy - cleaning the milking shed. He makes Hayley shove her arm down a drain and pull out handfuls of poo. - The toddler takes his girls go-karting. GO-KARTING. They pull on hair nets and bore around. Sarah has a meltdown because she drives a go-kart like an 87-year-old woman trying to unwrap a barley sugar. - Meanwhile, the toddler and whoever was in his cart can't hear each other. This is how the conversation went: Him: I'm in primary school. Her: I like you toooo! Him: I look like a hobbit. Her: Thank you. My mum gave it to me. - After her crap driving, Sarah attaches herself to Bilbo Baggins, and incessantly rubs his nipple. - All the girls are staying in his play pen. Farmer Corey: - Corey and his girls go to play touch football - seeing five people attempt to play touch is like watching a goat trying to extract its head from a bucket. - Annie is cranky as a newly-spayed cow, and forces Corey into a conversation where she declares her worth. "I KNOW I'M A CATCHHHHH!'. She is so humble. - The whole of Biloela - so 10 people - turn out to watch them play the local team, who appear to be children. The farmer team shows the practice session earlier did not pay off. Farmer Corey doesn't pass the ball to Annie, so she's filthy. - That night at dinner, Annie chucks a tanty because she reckons Keeley is sneaking off to Corey's bed at night. They hiss at each other over the table, and when he returns to tears and scowls, Detective Corey senses there's drama. Keeley and Corey say nothing went on, Annie runs off crying, decides to break up with Corey before he dumps her, and leaves. Farmer Thomas: - Thomas' girls head to the coast on a perfect beach day - windy and gloomy. Thanks again, BoM. Clarette is sticky as a tick in the tropics, and gets the poos when other girls want to see their boyfriend. - But back at the farm, more poop is brewing than in Farmer Jack's dairy drain. Thomas got a text from Claire - you know the girl who left weeks ago? The girls are fuming like a shearer who turns up to full sheep. Farmer Thomas is very respectful towards Claire. "She's dead to me," he declares. He admits he sent Claire a photo of a tractor. Clarette does not want the tractor compromised. - Thomas sends a text to Claire to tell her to bugger off. He then gets cranky with the cameras following him - on a REALITY TV SHOW. Clarette wants to see the messages - there's more there than EBVs for a top-selling bull. He admits to flirting and Clarette calls him names that we got our mouths washed out with soap for. Thomas has had enough - and does a big burn-out in the dirt in the ute and drives away. We're so glad the production crew thought to include the sound of tyres screeching on bitumen for this scene. Farmer Wow! The 'previously on' package has given me chills down my spine as Farmer Tom tells Georgie in the most monotone, expressionless way that he has "fallen head over heels" for her. And not romantic chills either, more like the chills you get when you're walking home alone at night and you sense someone is following you. I can only hope that his flat affect is setting the scene for another fantastic episode of Farmer Wants a Wife. I am pretty bummed out to realise I missed seeing Farmer Corey's family and friends interrogating those poor, unsuspecting women. I wonder if any of these people have worked for ASIO? Farmer Corey - The lack of self-awareness is astounding as Farmer Corey gloats that his friends and family are the best ones to pick the love of his life because 'they know why my past relationships haven't worked'. Maybe he would know the reason, too, if he were a little more present. - Keeley goes in for the old 'Spiderman-style' upside-down kiss, and then backs it up later with some over-the-shirt action by the fire. Good for you Keeley. - I can't believe we're this far along in the season and Corey still has a shocked look on his face every time a woman reminds him they live in another state and might not be able to move at the drop of an Akubra. - Turns out Corey is behind on his farm chores, so he rallies the women to get the harvest to town. Nothing like a bit of free labour to increase on-farm income, just don't tell the ATO. - Jadee final gets some screentime but all Corey can think about is when she's moving in. He has a mortgage to pay and he's keen to go halvesies ASAP. She signs the tentative shareholder agreement with a snog. Farmer Thomas - Taking a plane ride to get to know someone seems like the best way to deal with rejection if it doesn't work out. - Poor Clarette is begging for old mate to communicate with her, but getting a compliment out of Thomas seems to be harder than finding the bung in an algae-filled trough. - Nothing says romance like tartan and Primo Twiggy Sticks, and Rachel can't help but succumb to Thomas' charms. - Thomas lines the women up and lets them know that he has a 'fun day' planned for them. Which is what my dad used to say to me before he'd leave me down the back paddock to rip out old fence posts. Apparently, his heart needs to know who can change a tractor tyre. - Clarette is sneaking around the side verandah to get Farmer T's attention. The camera does a quick pan to his hand rubbing the bit between her lower back and upper bum before they have a big old smooch. Farmer Jack - Who the hell is this guy? - He's nervous, excited and optimistic: sounds like every farmer who's just seen rain on the BoM radar. - He's looking for a woman who is 'down to earth, has a good sense of humour and someone who loves the outdoors'. I feel like he just described the majority of the alas, let the speed-dating begin! - Gold Coast-based Hayley is ready to play out the 'popular girl falls for the outcast' trope in some sort of Superbad meets Sweet Home Alabama mashup. They admit to ignoring each other in high school, but the uplifting music is making me think she's already won. Only time will tell. - Jack is happy to hear that Monique, the brickie, is no stranger to hard work, and it's starting to feel like these farmers are all just looking for a lackey. - After some consultation with the producer, he chose Sarah, Hayley, Olivia, and Monique. - Sarah gets to go back to the farm before the other women arrive, giving her a 24-hour advantage. - Jack takes Sarah out the back door to let her know that everything the light touches could be hers one day, and generously lets her name a few cows to show how serious he is. They reckon there would be some drama in this episode, and it's about blooming time. Farmer Jack: Back at the farm, new 10-year-old Farmer Jack attempts to master the smoulder as he wanders amongst his cows. Unfortunately, it comes across more as a lost primary school student considering a future of petty crime. - A carload of women yelling 'look at those bulls!' turns up. I just need to note toddler farmer Jack's bull is called Sponge Bob. - He says it's not a deal breaker if they can't work on the farm. He then gives them the crappiest job possible on a dairy - cleaning the milking shed. He makes Hayley shove her arm down a drain and pull out handfuls of poo. - The toddler takes his girls go-karting. GO-KARTING. They pull on hair nets and bore around. Sarah has a meltdown because she drives a go-kart like an 87-year-old woman trying to unwrap a barley sugar. - Meanwhile, the toddler and whoever was in his cart can't hear each other. This is how the conversation went: Him: I'm in primary school. Her: I like you toooo! Him: I look like a hobbit. Her: Thank you. My mum gave it to me. - After her crap driving, Sarah attaches herself to Bilbo Baggins, and incessantly rubs his nipple. - All the girls are staying in his play pen. Farmer Corey: - Corey and his girls go to play touch football - seeing five people attempt to play touch is like watching a goat trying to extract its head from a bucket. - Annie is cranky as a newly-spayed cow, and forces Corey into a conversation where she declares her worth. "I KNOW I'M A CATCHHHHH!'. She is so humble. - The whole of Biloela - so 10 people - turn out to watch them play the local team, who appear to be children. The farmer team shows the practice session earlier did not pay off. Farmer Corey doesn't pass the ball to Annie, so she's filthy. - That night at dinner, Annie chucks a tanty because she reckons Keeley is sneaking off to Corey's bed at night. They hiss at each other over the table, and when he returns to tears and scowls, Detective Corey senses there's drama. Keeley and Corey say nothing went on, Annie runs off crying, decides to break up with Corey before he dumps her, and leaves. Farmer Thomas: - Thomas' girls head to the coast on a perfect beach day - windy and gloomy. Thanks again, BoM. Clarette is sticky as a tick in the tropics, and gets the poos when other girls want to see their boyfriend. - But back at the farm, more poop is brewing than in Farmer Jack's dairy drain. Thomas got a text from Claire - you know the girl who left weeks ago? The girls are fuming like a shearer who turns up to full sheep. Farmer Thomas is very respectful towards Claire. "She's dead to me," he declares. He admits he sent Claire a photo of a tractor. Clarette does not want the tractor compromised. - Thomas sends a text to Claire to tell her to bugger off. He then gets cranky with the cameras following him - on a REALITY TV SHOW. Clarette wants to see the messages - there's more there than EBVs for a top-selling bull. He admits to flirting and Clarette calls him names that we got our mouths washed out with soap for. Thomas has had enough - and does a big burn-out in the dirt in the ute and drives away. We're so glad the production crew thought to include the sound of tyres screeching on bitumen for this scene. Farmer Wow! The 'previously on' package has given me chills down my spine as Farmer Tom tells Georgie in the most monotone, expressionless way that he has "fallen head over heels" for her. And not romantic chills either, more like the chills you get when you're walking home alone at night and you sense someone is following you. I can only hope that his flat affect is setting the scene for another fantastic episode of Farmer Wants a Wife. I am pretty bummed out to realise I missed seeing Farmer Corey's family and friends interrogating those poor, unsuspecting women. I wonder if any of these people have worked for ASIO? Farmer Corey - The lack of self-awareness is astounding as Farmer Corey gloats that his friends and family are the best ones to pick the love of his life because 'they know why my past relationships haven't worked'. Maybe he would know the reason, too, if he were a little more present. - Keeley goes in for the old 'Spiderman-style' upside-down kiss, and then backs it up later with some over-the-shirt action by the fire. Good for you Keeley. - I can't believe we're this far along in the season and Corey still has a shocked look on his face every time a woman reminds him they live in another state and might not be able to move at the drop of an Akubra. - Turns out Corey is behind on his farm chores, so he rallies the women to get the harvest to town. Nothing like a bit of free labour to increase on-farm income, just don't tell the ATO. - Jadee final gets some screentime but all Corey can think about is when she's moving in. He has a mortgage to pay and he's keen to go halvesies ASAP. She signs the tentative shareholder agreement with a snog. Farmer Thomas - Taking a plane ride to get to know someone seems like the best way to deal with rejection if it doesn't work out. - Poor Clarette is begging for old mate to communicate with her, but getting a compliment out of Thomas seems to be harder than finding the bung in an algae-filled trough. - Nothing says romance like tartan and Primo Twiggy Sticks, and Rachel can't help but succumb to Thomas' charms. - Thomas lines the women up and lets them know that he has a 'fun day' planned for them. Which is what my dad used to say to me before he'd leave me down the back paddock to rip out old fence posts. Apparently, his heart needs to know who can change a tractor tyre. - Clarette is sneaking around the side verandah to get Farmer T's attention. The camera does a quick pan to his hand rubbing the bit between her lower back and upper bum before they have a big old smooch. Farmer Jack - Who the hell is this guy? - He's nervous, excited and optimistic: sounds like every farmer who's just seen rain on the BoM radar. - He's looking for a woman who is 'down to earth, has a good sense of humour and someone who loves the outdoors'. I feel like he just described the majority of the alas, let the speed-dating begin! - Gold Coast-based Hayley is ready to play out the 'popular girl falls for the outcast' trope in some sort of Superbad meets Sweet Home Alabama mashup. They admit to ignoring each other in high school, but the uplifting music is making me think she's already won. Only time will tell. - Jack is happy to hear that Monique, the brickie, is no stranger to hard work, and it's starting to feel like these farmers are all just looking for a lackey. - After some consultation with the producer, he chose Sarah, Hayley, Olivia, and Monique. - Sarah gets to go back to the farm before the other women arrive, giving her a 24-hour advantage. - Jack takes Sarah out the back door to let her know that everything the light touches could be hers one day, and generously lets her name a few cows to show how serious he is. They reckon there would be some drama in this episode, and it's about blooming time. Farmer Jack: Back at the farm, new 10-year-old Farmer Jack attempts to master the smoulder as he wanders amongst his cows. Unfortunately, it comes across more as a lost primary school student considering a future of petty crime. - A carload of women yelling 'look at those bulls!' turns up. I just need to note toddler farmer Jack's bull is called Sponge Bob. - He says it's not a deal breaker if they can't work on the farm. He then gives them the crappiest job possible on a dairy - cleaning the milking shed. He makes Hayley shove her arm down a drain and pull out handfuls of poo. - The toddler takes his girls go-karting. GO-KARTING. They pull on hair nets and bore around. Sarah has a meltdown because she drives a go-kart like an 87-year-old woman trying to unwrap a barley sugar. - Meanwhile, the toddler and whoever was in his cart can't hear each other. This is how the conversation went: Him: I'm in primary school. Her: I like you toooo! Him: I look like a hobbit. Her: Thank you. My mum gave it to me. - After her crap driving, Sarah attaches herself to Bilbo Baggins, and incessantly rubs his nipple. - All the girls are staying in his play pen. Farmer Corey: - Corey and his girls go to play touch football - seeing five people attempt to play touch is like watching a goat trying to extract its head from a bucket. - Annie is cranky as a newly-spayed cow, and forces Corey into a conversation where she declares her worth. "I KNOW I'M A CATCHHHHH!'. She is so humble. - The whole of Biloela - so 10 people - turn out to watch them play the local team, who appear to be children. The farmer team shows the practice session earlier did not pay off. Farmer Corey doesn't pass the ball to Annie, so she's filthy. - That night at dinner, Annie chucks a tanty because she reckons Keeley is sneaking off to Corey's bed at night. They hiss at each other over the table, and when he returns to tears and scowls, Detective Corey senses there's drama. Keeley and Corey say nothing went on, Annie runs off crying, decides to break up with Corey before he dumps her, and leaves. Farmer Thomas: - Thomas' girls head to the coast on a perfect beach day - windy and gloomy. Thanks again, BoM. Clarette is sticky as a tick in the tropics, and gets the poos when other girls want to see their boyfriend. - But back at the farm, more poop is brewing than in Farmer Jack's dairy drain. Thomas got a text from Claire - you know the girl who left weeks ago? The girls are fuming like a shearer who turns up to full sheep. Farmer Thomas is very respectful towards Claire. "She's dead to me," he declares. He admits he sent Claire a photo of a tractor. Clarette does not want the tractor compromised. - Thomas sends a text to Claire to tell her to bugger off. He then gets cranky with the cameras following him - on a REALITY TV SHOW. Clarette wants to see the messages - there's more there than EBVs for a top-selling bull. He admits to flirting and Clarette calls him names that we got our mouths washed out with soap for. Thomas has had enough - and does a big burn-out in the dirt in the ute and drives away. We're so glad the production crew thought to include the sound of tyres screeching on bitumen for this scene. Farmer Wow! The 'previously on' package has given me chills down my spine as Farmer Tom tells Georgie in the most monotone, expressionless way that he has "fallen head over heels" for her. And not romantic chills either, more like the chills you get when you're walking home alone at night and you sense someone is following you. I can only hope that his flat affect is setting the scene for another fantastic episode of Farmer Wants a Wife. I am pretty bummed out to realise I missed seeing Farmer Corey's family and friends interrogating those poor, unsuspecting women. I wonder if any of these people have worked for ASIO? Farmer Corey - The lack of self-awareness is astounding as Farmer Corey gloats that his friends and family are the best ones to pick the love of his life because 'they know why my past relationships haven't worked'. Maybe he would know the reason, too, if he were a little more present. - Keeley goes in for the old 'Spiderman-style' upside-down kiss, and then backs it up later with some over-the-shirt action by the fire. Good for you Keeley. - I can't believe we're this far along in the season and Corey still has a shocked look on his face every time a woman reminds him they live in another state and might not be able to move at the drop of an Akubra. - Turns out Corey is behind on his farm chores, so he rallies the women to get the harvest to town. Nothing like a bit of free labour to increase on-farm income, just don't tell the ATO. - Jadee final gets some screentime but all Corey can think about is when she's moving in. He has a mortgage to pay and he's keen to go halvesies ASAP. She signs the tentative shareholder agreement with a snog. Farmer Thomas - Taking a plane ride to get to know someone seems like the best way to deal with rejection if it doesn't work out. - Poor Clarette is begging for old mate to communicate with her, but getting a compliment out of Thomas seems to be harder than finding the bung in an algae-filled trough. - Nothing says romance like tartan and Primo Twiggy Sticks, and Rachel can't help but succumb to Thomas' charms. - Thomas lines the women up and lets them know that he has a 'fun day' planned for them. Which is what my dad used to say to me before he'd leave me down the back paddock to rip out old fence posts. Apparently, his heart needs to know who can change a tractor tyre. - Clarette is sneaking around the side verandah to get Farmer T's attention. The camera does a quick pan to his hand rubbing the bit between her lower back and upper bum before they have a big old smooch. Farmer Jack - Who the hell is this guy? - He's nervous, excited and optimistic: sounds like every farmer who's just seen rain on the BoM radar. - He's looking for a woman who is 'down to earth, has a good sense of humour and someone who loves the outdoors'. I feel like he just described the majority of the alas, let the speed-dating begin! - Gold Coast-based Hayley is ready to play out the 'popular girl falls for the outcast' trope in some sort of Superbad meets Sweet Home Alabama mashup. They admit to ignoring each other in high school, but the uplifting music is making me think she's already won. Only time will tell. - Jack is happy to hear that Monique, the brickie, is no stranger to hard work, and it's starting to feel like these farmers are all just looking for a lackey. - After some consultation with the producer, he chose Sarah, Hayley, Olivia, and Monique. - Sarah gets to go back to the farm before the other women arrive, giving her a 24-hour advantage. - Jack takes Sarah out the back door to let her know that everything the light touches could be hers one day, and generously lets her name a few cows to show how serious he is. They reckon there would be some drama in this episode, and it's about blooming time. Farmer Jack: Back at the farm, new 10-year-old Farmer Jack attempts to master the smoulder as he wanders amongst his cows. Unfortunately, it comes across more as a lost primary school student considering a future of petty crime. - A carload of women yelling 'look at those bulls!' turns up. I just need to note toddler farmer Jack's bull is called Sponge Bob. - He says it's not a deal breaker if they can't work on the farm. He then gives them the crappiest job possible on a dairy - cleaning the milking shed. He makes Hayley shove her arm down a drain and pull out handfuls of poo. - The toddler takes his girls go-karting. GO-KARTING. They pull on hair nets and bore around. Sarah has a meltdown because she drives a go-kart like an 87-year-old woman trying to unwrap a barley sugar. - Meanwhile, the toddler and whoever was in his cart can't hear each other. This is how the conversation went: Him: I'm in primary school. Her: I like you toooo! Him: I look like a hobbit. Her: Thank you. My mum gave it to me. - After her crap driving, Sarah attaches herself to Bilbo Baggins, and incessantly rubs his nipple. - All the girls are staying in his play pen. Farmer Corey: - Corey and his girls go to play touch football - seeing five people attempt to play touch is like watching a goat trying to extract its head from a bucket. - Annie is cranky as a newly-spayed cow, and forces Corey into a conversation where she declares her worth. "I KNOW I'M A CATCHHHHH!'. She is so humble. - The whole of Biloela - so 10 people - turn out to watch them play the local team, who appear to be children. The farmer team shows the practice session earlier did not pay off. Farmer Corey doesn't pass the ball to Annie, so she's filthy. - That night at dinner, Annie chucks a tanty because she reckons Keeley is sneaking off to Corey's bed at night. They hiss at each other over the table, and when he returns to tears and scowls, Detective Corey senses there's drama. Keeley and Corey say nothing went on, Annie runs off crying, decides to break up with Corey before he dumps her, and leaves. Farmer Thomas: - Thomas' girls head to the coast on a perfect beach day - windy and gloomy. Thanks again, BoM. Clarette is sticky as a tick in the tropics, and gets the poos when other girls want to see their boyfriend. - But back at the farm, more poop is brewing than in Farmer Jack's dairy drain. Thomas got a text from Claire - you know the girl who left weeks ago? The girls are fuming like a shearer who turns up to full sheep. Farmer Thomas is very respectful towards Claire. "She's dead to me," he declares. He admits he sent Claire a photo of a tractor. Clarette does not want the tractor compromised. - Thomas sends a text to Claire to tell her to bugger off. He then gets cranky with the cameras following him - on a REALITY TV SHOW. Clarette wants to see the messages - there's more there than EBVs for a top-selling bull. He admits to flirting and Clarette calls him names that we got our mouths washed out with soap for. Thomas has had enough - and does a big burn-out in the dirt in the ute and drives away. We're so glad the production crew thought to include the sound of tyres screeching on bitumen for this scene.
ABC News
17-05-2025
- ABC News
What we know about violent threats allegedly made on SA school and public events
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas has described it as "probably the most complex and significant case" he has ever been briefed on. It involved, he said, not just the police but multiple government departments — as well as the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO). So, what do we do know about the investigation into the 18-year-old man who now stands accused of threatening to attack the community? The teenager, who cannot be identified, was arrested on Wednesday, May 15 and charged with offences including blackmail and making repeated violent threats — including through the use of explosives and food poisons — against an Adelaide high school and public events. He appeared on Thursday in the Adelaide Magistrates Court, where his bail request was refused. A police prosecutor said the man allegedly sent multiple emails to Glenunga International High School and made further threats in communication with an undercover operative. "The content of those emails [was] threatening in nature and caused alarm within the school community, prompting the school to make extra security measures," the prosecutor said. "The sender nominated himself as being the 'prophet of justice' and a 'hero' to cleanse and renew the corrupted institution known publicly as the Glenunga High School. "He also said there were two futures that could happen, a 'physical attack violent future' or a 'future without a physical attack/non-violent future'." The prosecutor said the emails allegedly stated that to avoid a physical attack, the school must communicate with the sender via email. She said the alleged threats — some of which were graphic or explicit in nature, and which the ABC has chosen not to detail — were made against the school's staff and students. The prosecutor said the accused also contacted other organisations via 15 web inquiry forms which reiterated similar threats, and allegedly included threats to make "bombs that could kill or injure visitors that come to the state for events like the Fringe Festival, or the AFL Gather Round and other public spaces". She said the alleged threats also included that there was "a violent attack planned for South Australia, and Jews, and a further dislike of Glenunga International High School". The court also heard the 18-year-old had been experimenting with a homemade explosive and allegedly claimed to be conducting experiments with poison which he planned to inject into a variety of foods. The prosecutor also told the court the man was adept with computers and hacking. The man has been accused of demanding more than $20 million in Bitcoin and cash. The prosecutor told the court police had seized items from his home, and said they were investigating whether he was acting alone. She asked the magistrate to refuse bail to allow police to complete their investigation, and said officers had concerns the teen could hamper their investigation if released. The premier on Friday said the "technically extremely complicated" investigation involved more than 100 police, the health and education departments, and ASIO. "I met the police commissioner on the evening of May 2 and was briefed on probably the most complex and significant case I have ever received a briefing on in my capacity as either premier or previously as police minister," Mr Malinauskas said. "There's also been the collaboration at the federal level, including with ASIO, which speaks to the seriousness in which SAPOL took up this challenge. "The arrest itself required a very substantial operation, and there were men and women who put themselves in harm's way to be able to execute that risk without fear or favour, and they deserved great credit as well." Meanwhile, SA Deputy Police Commissioner Linda Williams said that, so far, no ideology had been linked to the alleged threats. "The school community is safe," she said on Friday. "We say that we have mitigated the threat significantly. Deputy Commissioner Williams said police security officers would continue to be present at the school. Glenunga International High sent a letter to its school community, thanking them for their cooperation and understanding. "We extend our gratitude to SAPOL for their diligent work and commitment to ensuring the safety of our students, staff, and the broader school community," the letter stated. "Their efforts have been instrumental in reaching this point. "The school will continue to operate as usual, and we remain committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for everyone." The accused will remain in custody, and the case was adjourned until December to allow for police to finalise their investigation.
