1. The resignation of Johnathan Davis from the ACT Legislative Assembly will create a vacancy to be filled by countback. The votes that elected Davis will be counted out creating a single member contest between any 2020 candidates that nominate. /2
This plot shows every September temperature recorded at Canberra Airport (since 1939). The orange circles represent the past week. https://t.co/h5IV45wukm
In a lengthy statement this afternoon, Shane Drumgold said he disputes many of the adverse findings against him, but has resigned to ensure public confidence in the office. Via @MarkusMannheim
https://t.co/eMS2ZatBDO
Solomon Islands PM Manasseh Sogavare has given a rather astonishing press conference on returning from China. Where to start. The PM accuses "traditional donors" (Aus, NZ, others) of suddenly withdrawing direct budget support but says China will plug the gap. Quantum not clear 1/
“According to the High Court application, the Russian Federation claims to have already spent $8.2 million on construction works and associated activities since entering a lease on the disputed block of land in December 2008” https://t.co/NmDFVIy1I8
Just in case anyone is wondering, Mark McGowan represents Rockingham, WA Labor's safest seat with a margin of 37.7%. Mark McGowan's first preference vote was 82.6%, the Liberals second on 9.8%. Labor likely to hold if there is a by-election. #wapol
ACT Supreme Court releases Witness J sentencing remarks, classified information sent over insecure system.
@ElizabethJByrne reports for @abccanberra: https://t.co/Vbh15TbhHL
Breaking- first details of the AUKUS nuclear submarine announcement. Confirmation Australia will push to obtain 3 to 5 Virginia class subs. Unsurprisingly, cost of total submarine program is eye-watering: up to $368 billion over the next three decades https://t.co/nohkpVc672
Albanese says after India he'll head to the US for "bilateral meetings" with Biden. Widespread expectation of an AUKUS announcement too. I'm told the Australian govt already lining up calls with several regional leaders/senior officials (eg in Indonesia, Singapore) for briefings
Worth noting: the Govt will introduce legislation "as soon as practicable" however the change won't actually come into effect until after the next election.
"This policy will go to the people and the Prime Minister and I think that is very important," Chalmers says.