Good afternoon. There are some big stories floating around this afternoon. The Uluru Dialogue heads have called on the no campaign to stop using “racist jokes” after comedian Rodney Marks’ comments at the CPAC conservative political conference.
The president of the Spanish football federation, Luis Rubiales, is under fire after he grabbed one of the team’s forwards Jenni Hermoso and kissed her on the lips during Women’s World Cup victory celebrations. The kiss was beamed across the world and has prompted a wave of backlash.
And Qantas is facing a class action.
- Uluru Dialogue heads slam no campaign for ‘racist jokes’?| Prof Megan Davis and Pat Anderson have called on the leaders of the no campaign to?stop using “racist jokes and misinformation”. CPAC Australia, which the anti-voice campaigner Warren Mundine chairs, defended a comedian who referred to traditional owners as “violent black men”.
- Spanish football president’s kiss sparks outrage?| During Spain’s World Cup celebration, the Spanish football federation president, Luis Rubiales, was filmed grabbing player Jenni Hermoso and?kissing her on the mouth. Rubiales has defended the kiss, saying there was nothing inappropriate in the gesture.
- Qantas faces class action over pandemic travel credits?| The national carrier is?facing a class action lawsuit over its refund policy?for flights cancelled due to the pandemic. Lawyers for Echo Law who lodged the proceedings allege the airline’s use of travel credits allowed them to treat their customers’ money as more than “$1bn in interest-free loans”.
- Trump confirms he will skip primary debate?| Donald Trump has confirmed he will not attend the first Republican primary debate on Wednesday. Trump claimed this was because recent polls show him leading the field, but others closer to the former president said he is trying to?starve the other runners of oxygen and spite Fox News?over recent coverage.
- Treasury to release draft of PRRT reform bill today?| The treasurer, Jim Chalmers, has?announced Treasury will release the first tranche of draft?petroleum resource rent tax (PRRT)?legislation today. The PRRT taxes profits generated from the sale of petroleum commodities and has been criticised in the past for not being effective in raising more public revenue from gas exports.
- Australia to spend $1.7bn on long-range defence capability?| The Albanese government has?announced it will drop $1.7bn on hi-tech anti-tank and anti-radiation missiles. The defence minister, Richard Marles, has said they are necessary to “hold our adversaries further from our shores”.
- Spain’s World Cup-winning goalscorer learned of father’s death after final?| Olga Carmona was told her?father had died after Sunday’s final against England. The left-back’s strike in the first half of the match earned the team its 1-0 victory over the Lionesses.
- Global markets brace as Woodside Energy workers strike?| Offshore platform workers at Woodside Energy are preparing to strike, as protracted negotiations over pay and conditions?threaten to disrupt Australian gas exports, putting international markets on edge.
- Female players ask Rugby Australia to treat them fairly?| Australia’s top female rugby players have launched a social media campaign against the organisation over its?alleged favouritism of the men’s team. It includes a list of grievances such as being told there was not enough money for full-time contracts while paying over $5m for one male player.
