Police are continuing to piece together the events that led to a man’s death after being assaulted in Saint Johns, Auckland, on Saturday night.
Emergency services were called to a bus stop on St Johns Road shortly before 10pm on Saturday, following reports a person had been attacked by at least two offenders.
The victim was transported to hospital in a critical condition, where he died from his injuries.
The victim is a 33-year-old Caucasian man; efforts are continuing to formally identify the man, but we believe we know who he is, and are in contact with next of kin. We will be working with them through this process and keeping them informed of any developments.
A post-mortem is scheduled to begin today.
We believe there are members of the public who may hold crucial information that can help us.
Police urgently want to speak with anyone who saw suspicious activity in the area, around a bus stop near 69 St Johns Road, between 9 and 10pm. We especially need to hear from any motorists who have dashcam footage from around that area.
Investigators are continuing to gather and review CCTV and track the victim’s movements throughout the course of Saturday. At this stage we believe that there are two assailants, and while they are not yet identified, someone will know who these people are.
Please do the right thing and contact Police.
The motive for this attack is not yet clear. We are keeping an open mind as to what may have happened in the moments before the attack, and the events preceding it. We also do not know if the victim was waiting for a bus at the time he was attacked, or whether he was taking shelter from the storm. Again, information or footage from the public is crucial to helping us understand that.
The scene examination on St Johns Road has been completed, and a large investigation team is continuing the work to answer the many questions around this tragic event.
If you can help us, please get in touch with us.
Even a small piece of information, which you might think is insignificant, could be the missing puzzle piece we need to hold these offenders to account.
If you have any information that could assist the investigation, please make a report via 105, using the reference number 250419/9858.
Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-nz.org.
Christchurch Police are appealing for any sightings of Rochelle Tabak (also known as Rochelle Fleming), who has been missing since Wednesday.
Rochelle, aged 50, has been reported missing and there are concerns for her welfare.
She left her home address at midday on 16 April and was last seen in the Addington area about an hour later. Rochelle was wearing a black jacket with a hood, plain black track pants, with black and white shoes.
She told a friend that she was going to the bank but has not been seen since.
The attached photo is around five years old but is the most recent photo that we have been able to obtain.
Rochelle is Caucasian, with red/maroon-coloured hair. She is approximately 154cm tall.
If you have seen Rochelle since Wednesday afternoon, or have information which might help us find her, please contact Police via 105 and quote the file number 250420/1386.
Police investigating ram raid incident in Bridgewater
Monday, 21 April 2025 – 2:19 pm.
Bridgewater Police is calling for information to assist an investigation into a ram raid incident that occurred at a business in Bridgewater on Friday night. About 12.03am on19 April a stolen white Ford Ranger (registration K28DF) was allegedly used to commit a ram raid on the front gate of a business in Crooked Billet Drive, Bridgewater. Once inside the business, the suspects reportedly stole a number of power tools before leaving in the stolen motor vehicle. It is alleged that the vehicle was stolen from an address in Howrah sometime between 10.30pm and midnight on 18 April and has not yet been recovered. Bridgewater Police is seeking information from members of the public who may have seen, or who has CCTV or dashcam footage of the white Ford Ranger since approximately 10.30pm on 18 April. Anyone with information should call Bridgewater Police on 131 444. Information can also be provided anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au
ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on April 21, 2025.
A secret mathematical rule has shaped the beaks of birds and other dinosaurs for 200 million years Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kathleen Garland, PhD Candidate, School of Biological Sciences, Monash University The faces of living and extinct theropod dinosaurs. Left: Riya Bidaye; right: Indian Roller model (NHMUK S1987) from TEMPO bird project – MorphoSource. Bird beaks come in almost every shape and size – from the straw-like beak
Curious Kids: if heat rises, why does it get colder in the mountains? Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By James Renwick, Professor, Physical Geography (Climate Science), Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington Shutterstock/EvaL Miko If heat rises, why does it get colder as you climb up mountains? – Ollie, 8, Christchurch, New Zealand That is an excellent and thoughtful question Ollie – why indeed?
From the doable to the downright impossible: your guide to making sense of election promises Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Frank Rindert Algra-Maschio, PhD Candidate, Social and Political Sciences, Monash University Three weeks into the federal election campaign and both major parties have already pledged to spend billions in taxpayer dollars if elected on May 3. But with so many policies announced — and surely more to
Security without submarines: the military strategy Australia should pursue instead of AUKUS Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Albert Palazzo, Adjunct Professor in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at UNSW Canberra, UNSW Sydney For more than a century, Australia has followed the same defence policy: dependence on a great power. This was first the United Kingdom and then the United States. Without properly
Prison needle programs could save double what they cost – our new modelling shows how Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Farah Houdroge, Mathematical Modeller, Burnet Institute ChameleonsEye/Shutterstock Needle and syringe programs are a proven public health intervention that provide free, sterile injecting equipment to people who use drugs. By reducing needle sharing, these programs help prevent the spread of blood-borne viruses such as hepatitis C and HIV
‘Puppy blues’: how to cope with the exhaustion and stress of raising a puppy Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Susan Hazel, Associate Professor, School of Animal and Veterinary Science, University of Adelaide Lucigerma/Shutterstock Caring for a new puppy can be wonderful, but it can also bring feelings of depression, extreme stress and exhaustion. This is sometimes referred to as “the puppy blues”, and can begin anytime
A survey of Australian uni students suggests more than half are worried about food or don’t have enough to eat Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Katherine Kent, Senior Lecturer in Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Wollongong StoryTime Studio/ Shutterstock Being a university student has long been associated with eating instant noodles, taking advantage of pub meal deals and generally living frugally. But for several years, researchers have been tracking how students are
Low effort, high visibility: what bumper stickers say about our values and identity Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Paul Harrison, Director, Master of Business Administration Program (MBA); Co-Director, Better Consumption Lab, Deakin University Justin Sullivan/Getty You may have seen them around town or in the news. Bumper stickers on Teslas broadcasting to anyone who looks: “I bought this before we knew Elon was crazy.” You
How a new ‘Fishheart’ project is combining science, community and Indigenous art to restore life in the Baaka-Darling River Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Claire Hooker, Senior Lecturer and Coordinator, Health and Medical Humanities, University of Sydney A new state-of-the-art tube fishway technology called the “Fishheart” has been launched at Menindee Lakes, located on the Baaka-Darling River, New South Wales. The technology – part of the NSW government’s Restoring the Darling-Baaka
Newspoll steady as both leaders’ ratings fall; Labor surging in poll of marginal seats Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne With less than two weeks to go now until the federal election, the polls continue to favour the government being returned. Newspoll was steady at 52–48 to
Indicators of alien life may have been found – astrophysicist explains what the new research means Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ian Whittaker, Senior Lecturer in Physics, Nottingham Trent University Darryl Fonseka/Shutterstocl What do you think of when it comes to extra terrestrial life? Most popular sci-fi books and TV shows suggest humanoid beings could live on other planets. But when astronomers are searching for extra-terrestrial life, it
A 17-year-old from Port Huon has had his vehicle clamped for 28 days after he failed to stop and evaded police on 12 April. Police from Geeveston Police Station were conducting patrols along Arve Road near the Tahune Airwalk as part of ongoing road safety operations about 2.15pm on 12 April when the driver of a Ford Falcon failed to stop for a routine check. The vehicle was located a short time later and was subsequently clamped for 28 days under Tasmania’s vehicle seizure laws. The driver, a 17-year-old from Port Huon will be proceeded against by way of summons for traffic-related offences. Police will continue to detect and deter hooning and anti-social behaviour on Tasmanian roads and urge anyone who witnesses such behaviour to report it by contacting police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au. If you can’t report it at the time but you have footage, you can upload it to police.tas.gov.au/report/
RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment is investigating an attempted robbery in Cole Harbour.
On April 19, at approximately 6:05 p.m., RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment and EHS responded to a report of an altercation between two men in the parking lot of a grocery store on Forest Hills Parkway.
Upon arrival, officers observed two men fighting inside a car. One man immediately complied with officers’ directions while the other tried to drive away when officers attempted to arrest him. One of the responding officers deployed their conductive energy weapon to aid in the arrest of the man. The 31-year-old man of Cole Harbour was then safely arrested for attempted robbery.
The investigation, which is in its early stages, indicates that the 31-year-old man attempted to steal the car and the other man, who was the vehicle owner, tried to prevent him from doing so. Both men are known to each other. The two suffered minor injuries due to the altercation. No one else was injured in the incident.
The 31-year-old man was transported to hospital by EHS; he remains in police custody. The vehicle owner was treated at the scene and released pending further investigation.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone who may have witnessed this incident and has not yet spoken with police is asked to contact RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment at 902-490-5020. To remain anonymous, contact Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submitting a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or using the P3 Tips app.
The family of an innocent man who was fatally shot and stabbed while cycling home after watching a football match have appealed for the public’s help to get justice.
Ola Raji, a 21-year-old student, was attacked and killed in Peckham on the night of Tuesday, 21 April 2015.
Ola had spent the evening at a friend’s house watching a Champion’s League football match between Bayern Munich and Porto. Later, while cycling on the East Surrey Grove estate, near Commercial Way, SE15, he was stabbed and shot in a senseless attack by two men. Despite the best efforts of emergency services, Ola later died in hospital.
Ten-years on from his murder, Ola’s family and the officers leading the investigation are appealing for any information that could lead to the arrest, charge and prosecution of those responsible.
The independent charity Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to £20,000 for information that leads to the identification and prosecution of those responsible for Ola’s murder. Police are particularly interested in speaking witnesses described as:
A female driving a black Vauxhall Corsa in the area between 21:45 – 23:00.
Two males who returned to an address in Pear Court at 23:10.
In an appeal for information,Ola’s sisters, Zainab Raji and Ruki Ware said: “This is a painful reminder of 10 years of loss – our family is not going to get that time back. When we get together, there is always that sense of something missing. There are children who never get to know their Uncle, who would still be so young even now. The laughter we share is that little less loud. There is a smile absent in the photographs.
“But this is not just about our family. It’s about safety on the streets of Peckham and the wider south London area. There is no doubt the people who did this once could carry out similar attacks again. Maybe they already have.
“We are getting closer to the truth – for example, we now know about phone calls Ola received shortly before the attack. Just the smallest piece of evidence from any witnesses or those with knowledge of what happened could be enough to put those responsible behind bars and make the streets safer for the entire community.”
Detective Chief Inspector Alex Gammampila, who is leading the investigation, said: “Ola was an innocent man, in the wrong place at the worst time. His murder has devastated his friends and family, and those in the local community.
“Ten-years on, we continue to appeal for anyone who has any information to come forward.
“Were you out in Peckham that night? Were you also watching the football that night, or were you near Commercial Way? Did you see or hear the shooting or anything that struck you as being unusual?
“No piece of information is too small, and could be the final piece of the puzzle that leads us to identify Ola’s attackers.”
Alexa Loukas, London Regional Manager at Crimestoppers said: “As the family of Ola Raji continue their heartfelt appeal for justice 10 years after this tragic murder, we want to remind people that his attackers have still not been caught.
“This is deeply unsettling for his loved ones and the local community. That is why, as part of this 10th anniversary appeal we are offering of up to £20,000 for information received to our charity Crimestoppers, that helps lead to the conviction of Ola’s attackers.
“We know that there may be several witnesses who have information but for whatever reason talking to the police is not an option. We are an independent charity, separate from the police, and we are unable to identify anyone who contacts us.”
Anyone with information can call 101 or message @MetCC on X, giving the reference 2597/16APR25. Information, including photos or videos, can also be easily uploaded to the dedicated appeal page.
To provide information anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. They are an independent charity, separate from the police. They won’t ask for your name and can’t trace your call. The reward will only be payable for information passed directly to Crimestoppers and not to the police. A reward code must be asked for when calling the charity on 0800 555 111. If you contact Crimestoppers via the online form anonymously, the ‘keeping in contact’ facility must be used and a reward code must be requested on your initial contact with the charity.
Detectives continue to investigate the possibility that Ola’s attackers left the scene on foot via a cut through from Cator Street, into Sumner Road, before turning into Rosemary Road heading in the direction of the Surrey Canal Path.
Three individuals were arrested on suspicion of murder. A further two individuals were arrested for perverting the course of justice. However, no further action was taken against these individuals and no criminal charges were ever brought.
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Paul Harrison, Director, Master of Business Administration Program (MBA); Co-Director, Better Consumption Lab, Deakin University
You may have seen them around town or in the news. Bumper stickers on Teslas broadcasting to anyone who looks: “I bought this before we knew Elon was crazy.”
You might assume it’s there to prevent someone from keying the car or as an attempt to defuse potential hostility in a hyper-politicised landscape. But while it may signal disapproval to like-minded passersby, a sticker is unlikely to dissuade someone already intent on committing a crime (which keying is).
What it does offer, though, is a form of symbolic insurance. You might call it a way to clarify identity in a hostile political environment.
Equal parts apology, protest and cultural timestamp, the message can say more in eight words than a full-blown op-ed. But it’s not just about a car. It’s also about values, identity management and the evolving politics of consumption.
A signal to others
At their core, car bumper stickers function as a vehicle (literally and metaphorically) for identity projection. They are symbols of what psychologists call “low-cost identity displays”, used to project who we are or perhaps more accurately, how we want to be seen.
Buying a Tesla may once have signalled innovation, environmental consciousness, or social progressivism. But Musk’s increasingly polarising public behaviour and political commentary have altered the cultural meaning of the brand.
This creates a sense of cognitive dissonance for those consumers whose values no longer align with what the brand’s owner now represents. Enter the bumper sticker.
Sales of Tesla have fallen sharply this year as Elon Musk has become more political. Shutterstock
In an increasingly fragmented society, where people are eager to differentiate themselves, even a sticker can be a subtle form of moral positioning. But more than anything, it’s often a way to signal to the groups that matter most to us, “please like me”.
Social identity theory suggests people derive part of their self-concept from their perceived membership in social groups. Bumper stickers make these group affiliations visible, projecting values, ideologies, affiliations, or even contrarian attitudes to the outside world.
My tiny fading Richmond Tigers sticker on my car may not be performative in the same way a bold political slogan might be. But it still signals a form of identity and belonging.
Bumper stickers can make affiliation with social groups visible. Shutterstock
The North Face jacket
Bumper stickers act as a form of “peacocking”. It’s similar to wearing branded clothing, like Dan Andrews’ The North Face jacket during COVID that made him appear more approachable than he would have in a formal suit. Or like even curating a bio on LinkedIn. This is a behavioural strategy where people communicate their traits to others without words.
In marketing, this links closely to the theory of conspicuous consumption, which can include symbolic consumption, where we buy and display products not just for utility, but for what they say about us.
Bumper stickers are a literal version of this. They are symbolic, declarative and public. They’re low-effort, high-visibility communicators of group affiliation, virtue, humour, rebellion or outrage.
The intention might be to inform or persuade, but their actual influence is more complicated.
Marketing class 101
In introductory marketing classes, taught at pretty much every university, awareness is often presented as the first stage of the hierarchy of effects model. The model suggests consumer action progresses from awareness to knowledge, liking, preference, conviction, and finally, purchase.
Stickers are unlikely to influence behaviour. Shutterstock
But in practice, this progression is significantly more complicated. Bumper stickers may generate awareness, but there’s little evidence they influence behaviour – especially when considered in isolation.
This is particularly relevant in areas such as tourism promotion. For example, an unofficial, but nevertheless provocative tourism slogan like the “CU in the NT” ad campaign might spark conversation and recognition, but recognition does not equate to conversion.
Despite the hope that underpins the millions of dollars spent on slogans and taglines, awareness is necessary but not sufficient for behavioural change.
Most marketing efforts fail not because people are unaware of the brand, but because they have no reason, opportunity, or inclination to act – that is, to buy the product or change behaviour.
Culture has fragmented
Contemporary consumer culture is increasingly tribal and fragmented. Social media algorithms reinforce echo chambers, while physical signals such as car stickers or even political corflute signs signal belonging and in-group and out-group boundaries.
As a result, bumper stickers probably reinforce identity for the already converted, but are unlikely to persuade those outside the tribe.
Visible preferences, however, can serve as a form of shorthand for identity, especially when they align with the symbols and language of the in-group. Although their direct influence on behaviour is limited, these signals, when repeated and reinforced within a receptive community, can shape and shift social norms over time.
In the end, bumper stickers rarely change behaviour. But they do something more subtle. They allow people to express, perform and affirm identity. They act as signals to others, markers of tribe, values, humour or defiance. They help us say this is who I am, or maybe, this is what I am not.
Paul Harrison has received research funding from Consumer Action Law Centre, Australian Securities and Investment Commission, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, and the Victorian Health Association.
A murder investigation has been launched following the death of a 45-year-old woman in Enfield.
On Saturday, 19 April at around 19:00hrs police were called to an address in Ayley Croft, Enfield following reports of a stabbing.
Officers attended alongside the London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance who treated one 45-year-old woman.
Sadly, despite their best efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
The next of kin has been informed and is being supported by specialist officers.
There have been no arrests at this early stage of the investigation.
Detective Chief Inspector Neil John, from the Metropolitan Police who is leading the investigation, said: “Our thoughts are with the victim’s family at this difficult time.
“As our investigation continues there will be an increased police presence in the area, and a crime scene remains in place.
“We understand this will be very distressing to the local community and anyone who has concerns can speak to local officers.
“To aid us with our investigation, I would like to appeal to the public for information. We are particularly interested in talking to anyone who was driving through Ayley Croft between 1830hrs and 1930hrs that may have dashcam footage.
“To share footage or any other information, no matter how insignificant you believe it may be, please call 101, referencing CAD 5741/19APRIL.”
Detective Chief Superintendent Caroline Haines, Borough Commander who oversees policing for Enfield, said:
“We understand the concern that this will cause local residents. Neighbourhood officers will be working alongside specialist officers in the coming days to progress the investigation and support the local community.
“Please contact officers if you have any information or any concerns.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact police by calling 101 quoting the reference 5741/19APRIL. Alternatively, to remain anonymous you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
A multi-agency search for a child who fell into the water in Cook’s Cove, Guysborough County, has been suspended.
On April 17, at approximately 1:40 p.m., Guysborough County RCMP, fire services and EHS were dispatched to a report of a chid who had fallen into the water while fishing with a man and another child. The man entered the water immediately to rescue the child but was unsuccessful.
Since that time, more than 13 agencies have been involved in the search for the child, including multiple fire departments, EHS LifeFlight, several volunteer ground search and rescue teams (Pictou County GSAR, Strait Area GSAR, Inverness County GSAR, Colchester GSAR), Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Joint Rescue Coordination Centre, Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources Air Services, Nova Scotia Public Safety Field Communications, Civil Air Search and Rescue Association, Coast Guard Auxiliary, and multiple RCMP units.
There is no information to suggest that the child got out of the water safely and the extensive search efforts have not resulted in information that would enable searchers to identify a specific search location for the child’s remains.
On April 19 at 5 p.m., the search was suspended. Any further search efforts would resume by air at a later date.
The child’s family has been kept updated on the search efforts and RCMP victim services is engaged.
Our thoughts are with the child’s loved ones and the community at this difficult time.
The Met Police is appealing for information following criminal damage to seven statues during a protest in Parliament Square, Westminster on Saturday, 19 April.
Officers are currently trawling CCTV footage from the surrounding area after statues were defaced with graffiti and are appealing to anyone who may have been in attendance with information, footage or pictures to come forward by calling 101 quoting 01/7396927/25.
No arrests have been made.
Chief Superintendent, Stuart Bell, who led the policing operation for the protest, said:
“Criminal damage and vandalism like this has no place on the streets of London and spoils the area for locals and those visiting.
“While the police support the public’s right to protest, criminality like this is senseless and unacceptable. We are pursuing this and will take action against those responsible.
“Working with the Greater London Authority (GLA) plans are underway to remove the graffiti but this requires specialist equipment and we are confident this will be done shortly.
“We are keen to speak to those who saw anything on the day and urge anyone with information, pictures or footage to come forward. Please call 101, quoting 01/7396927/25.”
Officers are also dealing with a number of complaints from the public about signs and images shared on social media that were reportedly displayed at the protest yesterday.
Officers are investigating but to date the images and signs are from historic events, did not take place in London, or do not constitute a criminal offence. Available footage of the protest is being reviewed and action will be taken if there are signs displayed that breach of the law.
As it seeks to gain some momentum for its campaign, the Coalition on Monday will focus on law and order, announcing $355 million for a National Drug Enforcement and Organised Crime Strike Team to fight the illicit drug trade.
A Dutton government would put Australian Federal Police teams into the states and territories, which would be nationally led and supported by specialist financial investigative and prosecutorial teams.
This would bring an anticipated “significant increase in the seizure of criminal assets and proceeds of crime, which we will reinvest into communities,” Opposition Leader Peter Dutton and shadow ministers said in a statement.
“This means every dollar seized from drug dealers and criminal cartels will go towards helping the families and communities devastated by their crimes.”
In what it dubs a crackdown on crime from “the border to the backyard” the opposition has brought together its various initiatives in a $750 million “Operation Safer Communities” package. Apart from the taskforce, other measures have been previously announced.
The initiatives include:
new laws to disrupt organised criminal syndicates
upgrading border screening to intercept drugs and cracking down on the importation of date-rape drugs used in drink spiking
extra funding for Crime Stoppers
more money for the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation, and piloting a national child sex offenders disclosure scheme that would provide more information to parents about the risks in their communities
investment in e-safety education through the Alannah and Madeline Foundation
introducing national “post and boast” laws making it illegal to post social media material glamorising involvement in crime
working with other jurisdictions to standardise knife crime laws, and funding a national rollout of detector wands
restoring the Safer Communities Fund to support local projects to improve social cohesion
reintroducing fast track processes for visa appeals to deal with bad actors overstaying.
The Coalition is also promising stronger action against antisemitism and against corruption and crime in the construction industry.
Dutton said the community felt less safe than three years ago.
“I have the experience and determination to stand up to the outlaw motor cycle gangs and organised crime syndicates which are wreaking havoc on our streets and in our communities.”
Opposition defence spending announcement this week
The Coalition this week will release its long-awaited defence policy.
The Australian Financial Review is reporting it will be based on two stages. The first would be a target above Labor’s proposed spending over the forward estimates. A second stage would be a target of spending at least 2.5% of gross domestic product annually in the early 2030s.
Greens say public service should prepare a brief on their policies too
The major parties are always saying they don’t want to get ahead of themselves – being seen to assume the outcome before the election is decided. The Greens have no such inhibition.
Greens leader Adam Bandt has written to the Secretary of the
Prime Minister’s Department, Glyn Davis, declaring minority government looks probable.
“It is increasingly clear that whoever forms government will likely rely on crossbench support, and in turn need to be in a position to discuss in detail the policy proposals put forward by members of the crossbench,” he said in his letter, sent on Thursday.
So Bandt wants the public service to prepare a brief on Greens’ policies, to assist any such negotiations.
The context is that the bureaucracy prepares so-called “red” (Labor) and “blue” (Coalition) books, which contain briefs on the policies of each side. The appropriate book is ready for whoever wins.
Bandt wants a “green book” prepared. “This will enable an incoming government to discuss and begin to implement key policy priorities of the Australian Greens, should they agree to them during negotiations in relation to the formation of government.”
Bandt said as a “top priority” in this exercise, the public service should prepare in-depth work on reforming negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount. This should cover reducing these concessions for investors owning more than one property, which the Greens support.
Bandt referred the bureaucracy to work done by the Australia Institute, a progressive think tank, and to the views of various economic commentators who have advocated reform.
He also pointed to Treasury advice on the subject, over which debate flared last week, when Anthony Albanese claimed the government had not asked for modelling. Treasurer Jim Chalmers said he had asked for a “view ” from Treasury. The government says it has no plans to change negative gearing arrangements.
Albanese has repeatedly ruled out negotiating with the Greens if he was forced into minority government. But he wouldn’t need to – the Greens have said they would not have a bar of giving support to a Dutton minority government.
How important the Greens were when it came to particular pieces of legislation in a hung parliament would depend on the actual numbers. including how many crossbenchers a minority government needed to pass bills and how big the crossbench was. The bigger the crossbench, potentially the more choice of dancing partners for the government.
The importance of the lower house Greens if there was a minority government would also depend on how many of them there were. Bandt is safe in his seat of Melbourne, but the other three Greens, all from Queensland, won their seats in 2022 and these electorates are being strongly targeted by the major parties.
Michelle Grattan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
UK fighter jets intercept Russian aircraft near NATO’s eastern flank
UK fighter jets have intercepted two Russian aircraft flying close to NATO airspace
UK fighter jets have intercepted two Russian aircraft flying close to NATO airspace as part of the UK’s contribution to NATO’s enhanced Air Policing in the region.
Two RAF Typhoons were scrambled from Malbork Air Base in Poland on Tuesday (April 15) to intercept a Russian Ilyushin Il-20M “Coot-A” intelligence aircraft over the Baltic Sea.
Whilst on Thursday (17 April) another two Typhoons scrambled from the base, to intercept an unknown aircraft leaving Kaliningrad air space and close to NATO airspace.
The intercepts mark the RAF’s first scramble as part of Operation CHESSMAN and come just weeks after the aircraft arrived in eastern Poland to begin their deployment alongside Sweden in defence of NATO’s Eastern Flank.
It follows the Prime Minister’s historic commitment to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP, recognising the critical importance of military readiness in an era of heightened global uncertainty.
Keeping the country safe is the Government’s first priority and foundation of its Plan for Change. The work of the Royal Air Force is critical to the security and stability of the UK, supporting the delivery of the Government’s five missions.
Minister for the Armed Forces Luke Pollard said:
The UK is unshakeable in its commitment to NATO. With Russian aggression growing and security threats on the rise, we are stepping up to reassure our Allies, deter adversaries and protect our national security through our Plan for Change.
This mission shows our ability to operate side by side with NATO’s newest member Sweden and to defend the Alliance’s airspace wherever and whenever needed, keeping us safe at home and strong abroad.
The UK’s deployment of six Typhoon jets and nearly 200 personnel from 140 Expeditionary Air Wing is the UK’s latest contribution to NATO’s air policing efforts, following successful operations in Romania and Iceland last year.
It also represents a landmark in NATO integration with RAF jets from RAF Lossiemouth operating alongside Swedish Gripens – the first time Sweden has contributed fighter aircraft to another Ally’s air policing since joining NATO in 2024.
The intercepts come after the Defence Secretary’s visit to NATO last week where he reaffirmed the UK’s unshakeable commitment to the alliance and co-led a meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group in which more than 50 nations pledged a total of £21 billion of support to Ukraine.
The Typhoon programme supports more than 20,000 jobs across all regions of the UK every year, which is defending our security whilst creating jobs back home.
The RAF’s Quick Reaction Alert forces, based at RAF Coningsby, Lossiemouth, and Brize Norton, remain ready to protect UK airspace around the clock, while deployed operations like Op CHESSMAN ensure that British airpower is defending the Alliance wherever it is most needed.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Basic Law Quiz Competition Final and Prize Presentation Ceremony was held today (April 19), which was jointly organised by the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB), the Committee on the Promotion of Civic Education (CPCE) and the Local Community Sub-group under the Working Group on Constitution, Basic Law and Hong Kong National Security Law of the Constitution and Basic Law Promotion Steering Committee. This year’s competition received an overwhelming response, attracting over 37 000 participants.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Under Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Mr Clarence Leung, said that the Constitution is the fundamental and supreme law of the state, an important symbol and sign of the nation, and holds the highest legal status. The Constitution gives the legislative backing and source of validity for the Basic Law. Without its authorisation, the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region would not have existed. The country has long supported and safeguarded Hong Kong’s interests across various domains. Being part of the country, it is imperative for Hong Kong to understand that upholding national sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity is the fundamental responsibility and due obligation of all Chinese people, including people in Hong Kong.
He added that the promotion of the Constitution, the Basic Law, and safeguarding national security education is a long-term task that requires concerted efforts of all sectors of the community to create a conducive atmosphere. He encouraged participants to deepen their understanding of the Constitution, the Basic Law, and safeguarding national security throughout the competition, and expressed hope that young people can actively equip themselves and make contributions to building an even better Hong Kong and advancing national rejuvenation.
The quiz competition covered the relationship between the Constitution and the Basic Law, the Basic Law and its history and safeguarding national security. The competition comprises the Family, Senior Primary School, Secondary School and Open categories. To tie in with the quiz competition, the organisers hosted five seminars from February to April to introduce the Constitution and the Basic Law to secondary and primary school students.
The HYAB has long been working closely with the CPCE in promoting the Constitution, the Basic Law and safeguarding national security at the community level through various channels and diverse means, including publishing parent-child magazines, creating websites and social media pages, organising competitions, seminars and exhibitions, as well as sponsoring eligible organisations to organise various promotional and exchange activities on civic and national education.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, will lead a delegation to visit Zhejiang on April 22 (Tuesday) to attend the High-Level Meeting cum First Plenary Session of the Hong Kong/Zhejiang Co-operation Conference in Hangzhou, and the Hong Kong Investment Promotion Conference – Zhejiang (Ningbo) Forum cum Ningbo-Hong Kong Economic Co-operation Forum in Ningbo. He will return to Hong Kong on April 25.
Mr Lee said that Hong Kong and Zhejiang have long maintained frequent exchanges, keeping close ties in economic affairs and trade, cultural exchanges and youth engagement. Under the overall blueprint of the country, both places play important and unique roles. A specific co-operation mechanism between the two places will be established through this visit, further strengthening collaboration, achieving complementarity and mutual benefits, and making greater contributions to the country’s high-quality development.
Officials including the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; the Deputy Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong; the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Erick Tsang Kwok-wai; the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau; the Secretary for Housing, Ms Winnie Ho; the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong; and the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, will join parts of the trip. The Director of the Chief Executive’s Office, Ms Carol Yip, will also accompany Mr Lee on the trip.
During the visit, Mr Lee and the delegation will meet with leaders from Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou and Ningbo, and will visit local facilities and projects in areas including innovation and technology, and healthcare.
Mr Chan will depart on April 23 and return to Hong Kong on April 24. He will be the Acting Chief Executive from the afternoon of April 22 to noon on April 23, and from the evening of April 24 to April 25. The Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, will be the Acting Chief Executive during Mr Chan’s absence.
The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), under the Ministry of Home Affairs, has alerted the public about online booking frauds, especially those targeting religious pilgrims and tourists across the country. These frauds are being perpetrated through fake websites, deceptive social media pages, Facebook posts, and paid advertisements on search engines like Google.
These scams involve the creation of professional-looking but fake websites and social media profiles and WhatsApp accounts offering services such as:
Helicopter booking for Kedarnath, Chaar Dhaam
Guest house and hotel booking for pilgrims
Online cab/taxi service bookings
Holiday packages and religious tours
Unsuspecting individuals, upon making payments through these portals, often realize they have been duped when no confirmation or service is received, and the contact numbers go unreachable.
People are advised to exercise extreme caution:
Always verify the authenticity of websites before making any payments.
Verify before clicking on “sponsored” or unknown links on Google, Facebook, or WhatsApp.
Cross-check bookings only through official government portals or trusted travel agencies.
Report such websites immediately at the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal:www.cybercrime.gov.inor call 1930 in case of any frauds.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, met with the Director of the General Administration of Sport of China (GASC), Mr Gao Zhidan, at Government House today (April 19) to exchange views on Hong Kong’s preparations for the 15th National Games. The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, also attended the meeting.
Mr Lee welcomed Mr Gao and his delegation to Hong Kong and expressed gratitude for Mr Gao’s opinions and guidance on the preparation work for the 15th National Games in Hong Kong. Mr Lee said he is pleased to meet Mr Gao again since they last met during his visit to Harbin in February. He thanked the GASC for its continued support for Hong Kong’s sports development and noted that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government will maintain close co-operation with the GASC to further enhance sports exchanges and co-operation, as well as integrated development between Hong Kong and other cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
Mr Lee said that the HKSAR Government will press ahead with the preparation work for the 15th National Games in Hong Kong and continue to conduct test events to ensure readiness for the official events. The HKSAR Government is committed to working closely with the Guangdong Provincial Government and the Macao Special Administrative Region Government to conduct a simple, safe and wonderful 15th National Games.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The launching ceremony of Hong Kong Reading Week 2025 and 2025 Hong Kong Reading+ at New Town Plaza in Sha Tin was held today (April 19), marking the start of diverse reading activities of the second Hong Kong Reading Week (HKRW) from today until April 27. The event was held by the Hong Kong Public Libraries (HKPL) of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) and the Hong Kong Publishing Federation (HKPF).
The Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing, addressed the ceremony in a video message. The officiating guests at the ceremony included the Under Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Raistlin Lau; the Deputy Head of the Publicity Department of the Shenzhen Municipal Committee of the CPC, Mr Su Rongcai; the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Ms Manda Chan; the Assistant Commissioner for Cultural and Creative Industries, Mrs Lowell Cho; and the President of the HKPF, Dr Elvin Lee.
Under the theme “Zoom/LIBRARY”, the HKRW offers an array of activities suitable for people of all ages. To tie in with the HKRW, the HKPF is holding the 2025 Hong Kong Reading+ at New Town Plaza in Sha Tin from April 18 to 27, with activities including author sharing sessions, an exhibition, music performances, and workshops. The HKPL will also introduce its electronic resources to the public and hold handicraft workshops at the venue.
To foster a reading habit among the public, the HKRW will hold about 450 online and on-site events, including “Reading Together for Half an Hour” activities on the Hong Kong Reading for All Day on April 23, an array of fun day activities at the Hong Kong Central Library on April 26 and 27, and a Pop-up Library@Hong Kong Reading Week at D·PARK in Tsuen Wan on April 27.
The HKPL, in collaboration with Radio Television Hong Kong Radio 5, has invited celebrities from various sectors, including artiste Alex Fong and Cantonese opera performer Law Kar-ying to share their reading experiences in short videos and audio clips.
Collaborating with the Art Promotion Office, the HKPL has selected a number of e-books and displayed a series of artistic and creative images with QR codes at various government venues. Members of the public can scan the QR codes and instantly read the e-books, and are encouraged to utilise the HKPL’s electronic resources.
During the HKRW, patrons borrowing physical library materials will receive a bookmark, and children aged 9 or below applying for library cards will receive a height metre.
All activities of the HKRW are free of charge, while seat reservations are required for some events. For details, please visit the website: www.hkpl.gov.hk/hkrw.
The 2025 Hong Kong Reading+ is one of the programmes of the Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival 2025. This year, the LCSD presents the third Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival, themed “More Than Joy”. For more information, please visit www.pcf.gov.hk/en.
The 2025 Asian Forum on Human Rights opens in Chongqing, southwest China, April 19, 2025. [Photo courtesy of the Human Rights Institute of the Southwest University of Political Science and Law] The 2025 Asian Forum on Human Rights opened in Chongqing, southwest China, on April 19, bringing together scholars to explore the relationship between technological advancements and human rights. The forum, hosted by the Southwest University of Political Science and Law (SWUPL), was organized under the theme “Science & Technology and Human Rights.” Jiang Jianguo, executive vice president of the China Society for Human Rights Studies, said at the opening ceremony that Asian countries’ shared history, development realities and cultural traditions provide a foundation for human rights discussions. He emphasized continued efforts to build a community with a shared future for mankind, placing human survival and development at the center of technological innovation. He urged greater application of technological advances in climate, food security and health care, ensuring that innovation benefits all of humanity. SWUPL President Lin Wei, who also serves as dean of its Human Rights Institute, spoke about how technology redefines the human experience. Lin said that if human rights are understood as “the conditions that make one human,” then technology is significantly expanding those conditions. However, Lin warned that technological innovation poses new challenges to human rights protection. He highlighted emerging technologies such as gene editing and brain-computer interfaces, which, if misused, could create a “biological class divide,” undermining equality and human dignity. Lin stressed the need to harmonize technological progress with human rights, affirming that the non-transferable bottom line of human values must be upheld to ensure technology liberates humanity rather than dehumanizes it. In his keynote address, Jayanath Colombage, director general of the Institute of National Security Studies of Sri Lanka, discussed artificial intelligence’s influence on human rights, particularly autonomous weapon systems. Colombage expressed concerns about the risks of autonomous weapon systems, which could lead to wrongful killings and indiscriminate attacks, threatening the fundamental right to life. He stressed that without the right to life, no other rights can be enjoyed. He called for international governance and regulation to establish legal and ethical standards for autonomous weapons deployment. Zamir Ahmed Awan, founding chair of the Global Silk Road Research Alliance think tank, examined the relationship between technological competition and justice. Awan said access to advanced technologies is a key component of human rights and criticized the United States for limiting opportunities for international students. He condemned the U.S. government’s recent cancellation of visas or legal status for more than 1,000 international students, calling it a human rights violation. In contrast, Awan praised the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative and Global Development Initiative for promoting international cooperation, sharing economic development experiences and cultivating high-tech talent through partnerships. A key highlight of the forum was the participants’ consensus that technology must be fundamentally oriented toward the protection of human rights. Participants said Asia needs to lead regional collaboration on human rights issues in emerging technologies. They called for efforts to build an equitable and inclusive global science and technology framework that advances the fulfillment of human rights. The forum also included three parallel sessions on emerging human rights issues in Asia, technology for good and other topics. This year’s forum builds on the inaugural Asian Forum on Human Rights held at Renmin University of China in 2022. The first forum centered on the theme of “Environment & Climate Change and Human Rights,” underscoring the vital link between environmental challenges and human rights.
Chief Executive John Lee will lead a delegation to visit Zhejiang on Tuesday to attend the High-Level Meeting & First Plenary Session of the Hong Kong/Zhejiang Co-operation Conference in Hangzhou, and the Hong Kong Investment Promotion Conference – Zhejiang (Ningbo) Forum & Ningbo-Hong Kong Economic Co-operation Forum in Ningbo.
Mr Lee will return to Hong Kong on April 25.
The Chief Executive said that Hong Kong and Zhejiang have long maintained frequent exchanges, keeping close ties in economic affairs and trade, cultural exchanges and youth engagement. Under the overall blueprint of the country, both places play important and unique roles.
He noted that a specific co-operation mechanism between the two places will be established through this visit, further strengthening collaboration, achieving complementarity and mutual benefits, and making greater contributions to the country’s high-quality development.
Officials including Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki, Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong, Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang, Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau, Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho, Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong and Secretary for Home & Youth Affairs Alice Mak will join parts of the trip. Director of the Chief Executive’s Office Carol Yip will also accompany Mr Lee on the trip.
During the visit, Mr Lee and the delegation will meet leaders from Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou and Ningbo as well as visit local facilities and projects in areas including innovation and technology, and healthcare.
Mr Chan will depart on April 23 and return to Hong Kong on April 24. He will be Acting Chief Executive from the afternoon of April 22 to noon on April 23, and from the evening of April 24 to April 25.
Secretary for Justice Paul Lam will be Acting Chief Executive during Mr Chan’s absence.
Police investigation ongoing into death at Montrose
Sunday, 20 April 2025 – 1:11 pm.
Police are continuing to investigate the death of a 19-year-old man near the Brooker Highway at Montrose early Saturday morning. Inspector Jason Klug said that following a call for information yesterday, a man is assisting police with their enquiries. “Following receipt of the autopsy report yesterday which suggested the man was likely struck by a vehicle, police put out a call for public information and have since spoken to a truck driver who is assisting with our enquiries.” “While it remains early in our investigation, at this stage information suggests the young man was squatting on the roadside, wearing dark clothing in an unlit area of the highway when he was not seen by the driver and struck by the truck.” “We have seized the truck we believe was involved, and several pieces of CCTV, which will be forensically examined.” “We’d like to thank members of our community who responded to our call for information – assistance from the public is vital in assisting with police investigations.” “If you have information that would assist our ongoing investigation, and you haven’t already come forward, please do so.” Information can be provided to Glenorchy Police on 131 444 or to Crime Stoppers Tasmania on 1800 333 000 or crimestopperstas.com.au – information can be provided anonymously.
Public dissatisfaction is mounting in Taiwan over a recent policy from the region’s authorities that requires mainland residents who are married to people born in Taiwan to retroactively submit proof of mainland household registration loss, or risk losing their right to reside in Taiwan. Dozens of mainland spouses of Taiwan residents attended a meeting in Taipei held by the New Party on Saturday. Participants denounced the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities for unfairly targeting families who have long been settled in Taiwan, and for disrupting their livelihoods. According to the DPP authorities, spouses from the mainland who have become residents of Taiwan but did not submit the required documentation are now being ordered to do so within three months. Failure to comply could result in the revocation of their residency status and household registration. Hou Han-ting of the New Party, a councilor on Taipei’s city council, called the new policy “unreasonable,” accusing the DPP of using mainland spouses as scapegoats amid heightened cross-Strait tensions. Legal experts at the meeting argued that the policy violates the principle of equality and the non-retroactivity rule under existing laws. Chen Li-ling, a lawyer and New Party spokesperson, urged affected individuals to unite and defend their rights through collective lawsuits. Several civil society organizations have also voiced opposition. Yeh Ching-yuan, vice chairman of the Taiwan Law and Policy Association, warned that stripping mainland spouses of their Taiwan residency rights could destabilize a large number of families. Taiwan-based The United Daily News noted in an editorial that the reason why the DPP authorities led by Lai Ching-te target mainland spouses lies in their separatist ideology and the new policy is merely one move of Lai’s systematic campaign.