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Christian Oliver's ex-wife shares devastating tribute following fatal plane crash

<p>The ex-wife of late actor Christian Oliver has broken her silence following a plane crash that killed the actor and their two young daughters, Madita Klepser, 10, and Annik Klepser, 12.</p> <p>Jessica Klepser took to Instagram to share a statement just days after the tragedy. </p> <p>"We are deeply saddened by the tragic plane accident on January 4, 2024, which took the lives of our beloved family members," <span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">she said in the post shared by Wundabar Pilates, the studio where she works.</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">Klepser added that Oliver and their daughters were returning from a holiday in the Caribbean, when the </span>single-engine plane they were traveling in experienced engine trouble and fell into the ocean.</p> <p>"Unfortunately, all four passengers on the small aircraft did not survive," the statement continued. </p> <p>Klepser then went on to honour her two daughters. </p> <p>"Madita, a vibrant 7th-grade student at Louis Armstrong Middle School, was known for her lively spirit and excelled in academics, dance, singing, and performances. </p> <p>"Annik, a 4th-grade student at Wonderland Ave Elementary School, was recognized for her gentle yet strong demeanor. She was always the first to offer a kind word or a comforting hug. Her passions included basketball, swimming, and various forms of art."</p> <p>"The deep bond, infectious laughter, and adventurous spirit shared by Madita and Annik will be profoundly missed in their communities," adding that Oliver's loss will also be "deeply felt by all who knew him."</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C1vgVoCrY4v/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C1vgVoCrY4v/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by WundaBar Pilates by Amy Jordan (@wundabarpilates)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The post included a picture of their daughters hugging in front of a sunset, and also noted that in lieu of flowers, the family is accepting donations via a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-christian-madita-and-annik?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_source=customer" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe</a> page, to help cover the costs of returning "Christian and the girls home," among other expenses. </p> <p>The 51-year-old actor had a couple of roles in TV and film, but is mostly known for his role as Snake Oiler in the 2008 action film, <em>Speed Racer</em>. </p> <p>His career began in 1994 with a 26-episode role on the show <em>Saved by the Bell: The New Class</em>.</p> <p>According to <em>The <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2024/jan/07/christian-oliver-daughters-plane-crash-tribute" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Guardian</a></em>, Oliver and Klepser tied the knot on July 2010, before Oliver filed for divorce in December 2021 after 11 years of marriage. </p> <p>The divorce was finalised in June, with the couple sharing joint custody of their daughters. </p> <p>Oliver is survived by his sister and parents in Germany. </p> <p><em>Images: GoFundMe/Instagram</em></p> <p> </p>

Family & Pets

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Ex-Finnish Prime Minister’s rebrand after divorce and leaving office

<p dir="ltr">The former Finnish Prime Minister is living her best life after filing for divorce and leaving her position in office. </p> <p dir="ltr">Sanna Marin, the youngest ever female world leader, has kicked off her single girl summer by attending a three-day music festival in Helsinki, leaning into her love of partying. </p> <p dir="ltr">The 37-year-old shared photos from her summer adventures on Instagram, flaunting her relaxed politics-free new life. </p> <p dir="ltr">“This summer I’ve had a proper summer vacation for the first time in a while,” Marin wrote on Instagram while sharing snaps of her fun-filled days.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It has included, among other things, being busy with [5-year-old daughter] Emma, sports, friends, good food, and unforgettable trips.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Most of her followers applauded the change in her lifestyle, and were happy she was taking some quality time for herself. </p> <p dir="ltr">“You look AMAZING. Thank you for showing the world that you can fill the chair as a president and dress as you like at the same time,” influencer Dr. Caecilie Johansen commented.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Pretty sure we would’ve achieved world peace already if most world leaders were as chill as Sanna,” wrote one.</p> <p dir="ltr">Another agreed, “A politician having fun and looking really cool. This gives a really good example to young people and you give Finland great PR.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Marin’s drastic lifestyle change comes after she officially left her post as Finland’s prime minister three weeks earlier, when the National Coalition Party’s Petteri Orpo took office.</p> <p dir="ltr">As well as being out of a job in politics, Marin is also going through divorce proceedings with her ex-husband of three years and partner for 19 years Markus Raikkonen. </p> <p dir="ltr">The pair announced their separation in May, and said they would still remain best friends and happy co-parents to their daughter Emma despite jointly filing for the separation.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Instagram / Getty Images</em></p>

Beauty & Style

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Love Actually child star engaged to Elon Musk's ex-wife

<p dir="ltr">Actress Talulah Riley has announced that she is engaged to former child star Thomas Brodie-Sangster after two years together.</p> <p dir="ltr">She revealed the news in a tweet with a photo of the couple cuddled up under a blanket and the caption: "Very happy to share that after two years of dating, Thomas Brodie-Sangster and I are engaged!"</p> <p dir="ltr">The <em>Pride and Prejudice</em> actress, 37,  and the <em>Love Actually </em>star, 33, first met during the filming of their TV series <em>Pistol </em>where they also played a couple. </p> <p>Twitter and Tesla CEO Elon Musk responded to his ex-wife's happy news with a simple: "Congratulations!"</p> <p>Elon's sister Tosca also replied with "Congratulations, Talulah" and a red heart emoji. </p> <p>Fans took to the comments on Twitter to congratulate the couple. </p> <p>"Congratulations! I wish the couple much happiness," wrote one fan. </p> <p>"Love conquers all. When you find love, hold on to it and never let it go. Very good news," wrote another. </p> <p>"Congratulations. Happy for you!" commented a third. </p> <p>"Congratulations, great couple!" wrote a fourth with two red heart emojis. </p> <p>The couple were rumoured to be together in 2021, but they didn't confirm their relationship until the following when they arrived arm-in-arm at the Gala Dinner for the 2022 <em>British Academy Film Awards</em>. </p> <p>Riley was previously married to Elon Musk, 52, twice before her relationship with Brodie-Sangster. </p> <p>Their first marriage was in 2010 after a 10-day whirlwind romance, which lasted for two years. After they split, they remarried in 2013 with the second  marriage lasting three years before they ultimately split. </p> <p><em>Image: Twitter/ Getty</em></p>

Relationships

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"An ugly bum": Karl unleashes on Gladys' ex-lover

<p>Karl Stefanovic and Peter Dutton have joined forced to slam Gladys Berejiklian’s ex, while dismissing the findings of the ICAC report that called out her "corrupt" practices. </p> <p>The Liberal party leader spoke with Stefanovic as a guest on the <em>Today</em> show, who both called out Daryl Maguire for being “a bum.”</p> <p>“She’s first-class and what you see in public is what you get in private as well,” Dutton said.</p> <p>“She’s just a very decent person. She chose a bum basically and he was a bad guy. I think that she has, you know, paid a big price for that. And her integrity is not in question. She’s not a corrupt person."</p> <p>“And I think she should hold her head high. She had a bad relationship, as everybody does, and I hope that that’s not the defining moment for her because she’s a much better person and we all know that.”</p> <p>Host Karl Stefanovic then interjected, “Not to kick a man when he’s down, not just a bum, an ugly bum.”</p> <p>Their comments come after a <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/serious-corrupt-conduct-gladys-report-handed-down" target="_blank" rel="noopener">corruption probe</a> has found Gladys Berejiklian and her former boyfriend engaged in "serious corrupt conduct". </p> <p>ICAC found Ms Berejiklian breached public trust between 2016 to 2017 by failing to disclose her five-year relationship with Mr Maguire, which the watchdog found could have had the “potential to influence the performance of her public duty”.</p> <p>Ms Berejiklian spoke out about the findings, saying "Serving the people of NSW was an honour and privilege. At all times I have worked my hardest in the public interest. Nothing in this report demonstrates otherwise."</p> <p>"Thank you to members of the public for their incredible support. This will sustain me always."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Today / Getty Images</em></p>

TV

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Red Symons' ex-wife Elly lists luxe apartment in award-winning Fitzroy House

<p>Australian-Greek community leader Elly Symons has listed her lavish apartment inside the award-winning Fitzroy House complex.</p> <p>Symons was married to TV and radio personality Red Symons for over 25 years before they split in 2016, with their former Fitzroy North home selling for a then-suburb record of $5 million in 2018.</p> <p>She is actively involved in the Australian-Greek community, including her role as vice president of the Australian Parthenon Committee. She co-founded the Acropolis Research Group, which focuses on the restoration of Ancient Greek cultural artefacts.</p> <p>The 2/75 Argyle Street, Fitzroy property has been Symons’ home for the past three years after purchasing it for $1.375m in 2020, according to CoreLogic records.</p> <p>The luxe apartment is now on the market with a price guide of $1.55m-$1.65m ahead of its auction on May 13.</p> <p>It has two bedrooms and is part of architectural firm Piccolo’s development of the heritage-listed corner site known as Fitzroy House, in association with famed architects Jackson Clements Burrows and interior designer Hecker Guthrie, which won a gold award at the 2022 Melbourne Design Awards.</p> <p>The home features marble and oak finishes, with two modern bathrooms including a “resort-style” ensuite and a freestanding bathtub. The kitchen showcases Gaggenau appliances and marble benchtops.</p> <p>Jellis Craig Fitzroy partner Charles Atkins declined to comment on the vendor but shared the home had a “fantastic feel” with a high-standard design.</p> <p>“It has a fabulous terrace facing west which is generous in its proportions,” Atkins said.</p> <p>He added that the listing had attracted interest from several downsizers seeking a place with convenience and lifestyle aspects, as well as a handful of young professionals.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Getty/Realestate.com.au</em></p>

Real Estate

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"He was a mess": Harry's drunken behaviour outed by ex-soldier

<p dir="ltr">A former soldier has revealed Prince Harry accidentally triggered a panic alarm at St James’s Palace after a drunken night out.</p> <p dir="ltr">The Duke of Sussex reportedly stumbled into a sentry box when he returned from a night out, banging into the emergency response button.</p> <p dir="ltr">Three armed soldiers from the Guards Division dashed out to find Harry, who was 27 at the time, on the floor in a “mess”.</p> <p dir="ltr">Two armed police officers also attended the scene and helped carry the young prince back to his apartment.</p> <p dir="ltr">A former soldier, who served in the Guards Division and was part of the Quick Response Force that found Harry, revealed how the Prince was “blind drunk”.</p> <p dir="ltr">He recalled, “He was a mess, he was on the floor drooling on himself.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“When we tried to get him up he was uncooperative and abusive.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The ex-soldier, who did not want to be named, said, “It was around midnight. An alarm went off in the guard room, but we’d never heard it before.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“One of the senior lads said it was one of the sentry boxes.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“Within a couple of minutes three of us who were in the QRF were out the door. There were two Met Police guys there as well.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“But instead of an intruder or terrorist, we found Prince Harry.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“He was slurring his words, not making any sense.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“When we tried to pick him up he started yelling, ‘Get off me, I don’t need any help’.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“He was pushing us off and being very abusive.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The source said they took him inside and up to his apartment – which was in a “right state”.</p> <p dir="ltr">He said, “It was like student digs, it was sh*t.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“The double bed was unmade, there were clothes and socks over the floor, cans of lager and dirty coffee cups lying around and packs of cigs.”</p> <p dir="ltr">He said the team carried Harry to his bed where the royal “passed out” and was left to sleep it off.</p> <p dir="ltr">He said, “We all had a good laugh and a joke about it.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The ex-soldier, an injured veteran with more than a decade’s service, came forward about the incident after becoming enraged by claims Harry made in his memoir <em>Spare</em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">He said the Prince had a reputation among military circles for being a “social hand grenade” who would often make trouble with his drunken antics.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

News

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Name a cockroach after your ex and feed it to an animal this Valentine's Day

<p>The San Antonio Zoo is making a unique offer for scorned lovers this Valentine's Day.</p> <p>For just $14 (AUD), the Texas zoo will name a cockroach after your ex and feed it to an animal, in a brutal display of hilarious pettiness to show someone how you really feel. </p> <p>The annual Cry Me a Cockroach fundraiser will "support the zoo's vision of securing a future for wildlife in Texas and around the world" the San Antonio Zoo says on its <a href="https://sazoo.org/cry-me-a-cockroach/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">website</a>.</p> <p>For those not into bugs, you can choose a vegetable for $7, or a rodent for $35 to be fed to a hungry zoo resident.</p> <p>All donors will receive a digital Valentine's Day Card showing their support for the zoo.</p> <p>They can also opt to send their ex-partner a digital Valentine's Day Card informing them that a cockroach, rodent, or veggie was named after them and fed to an animal.</p> <p>For those who really want to make a statement, you can pay for a $200 upgrade which includes a personalised video message to the recipient showing their cockroach, rodent or vegetable being devoured by an animal.</p> <p>The annual event continues to be a hit, with Cyle Perez, the zoo's director of public relations, telling CNN last year that they received more than 8,000 donations from all 50 states and over 30 different countries.</p> <p>"Right now, we are on track to break last year's record, with 'Zach,' 'Ray' and 'Adam' being the most submitted ex-names so far," Perez said.</p> <p>To participate, you'll need to <a href="https://sazoo.org/cry-me-a-cockroach/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">submit your ex's name online</a> before Valentine's Day.</p> <p><em>Image credits: San Antonio Zoo</em></p>

Relationships

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“I believe Prince Andrew”: Fergie’s ex speaks in bombshell interview

<p dir="ltr">Sarah Ferguson’s former partner has made bombshell allegations about Jeffrey Epstein, Prince Andrew and the late Queen, including claims that the convicted sex offender planned to blackmail the monarch.</p> <p dir="ltr">John Bryan, who was in a relationship with Ferguson for four years in the 1990s, made the claims in his first tell-all interview, per <em>The Sun</em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">The US businessman said that Epstein earned some of his wealth by blackmailing others in powerful positions into giving him money in exchange for his silence over their illicit behaviours.</p> <p dir="ltr">“People always ask how Epstein made his money. He was supposed to be this tax wizard. But it was all a con,” Bryan told the <em>Mail on Sunday</em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">“He blackmailed rich men and then made them pay to avoid scandal. He made hundreds of millions of dollars this way.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Bryan also claimed he was secretly drafted for crisis talks with Prince Andrew after the royal’s disastrous 2019 Newsnight interview, including that he was smuggled into the Royal Lodge to advise the royal in the wake of the Epstein scandal and amid claims he had sex with then-teenager Virginia Giuffre.</p> <p dir="ltr">He said the conversation involved probing Andrew about his relationship with Epstein and convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Andrew’s television interview had been a catastrophe so they needed an honest strategic plan that everyone could buy into,” Bryan recalled.</p> <p dir="ltr">“[Fergie] invited me to come over. She was desperate. She told me that Andrew was in terrible shape.</p> <p dir="ltr">“He was distraught. They were distraught.”</p> <p dir="ltr">He claimed that he helped the family come up with a “long term strategy” called “House of Kroy”, a backwards spelling of York.</p> <p dir="ltr">During the interview, Bryan said Epstein’s “ultimate” aim was to blackmail the Queen using the allegations of child sexual abuse and other sexual activities made against Andrew.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Epstein tried to lure Andrew into his web, but I believe his ultimate mark was the Queen,” Bryan said, adding that Epstein’s plan to target the Queen supported his belief that the allegations against Andrew were unfounded.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I believe Andrew is innocent. If he genuinely was involved in ‘orgies’ as has been alleged, then Epstein would have used that to try and bribe the Queen into paying out millions to protect her family,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Andrew has never had any money. The Queen was the one with money.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I truly believe Epstein was going after her but Andrew never gave him the ammunition to do so.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The financial advisor recalled another meeting with the royals, including Andrew, Princess Beatrice, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, Princess Eugenie and her husband, Jack Brooksbank.</p> <p dir="ltr">Bryan claimed Princess Beatrice told Andrew, “you’ve hurt our family”, and that Andrew was “downcast” and yelling: “I don’t care anymore, I don’t care. I am being treated unfairly.”</p> <p dir="ltr">He added that the Duke was in a state he had never seen him in before after the interview.</p> <p dir="ltr">“In the four years I dated Sarah I never once heard him raise his voice or lose his temper,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It showed what strain he was under, how much he cared about the damage this was doing to the Royal Family.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Bryan added that he had only seen Andrew with women aged in their mid-20s while he was dating Fergie, and that he believed there was “no hint” of “anything untoward going on”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I truly believe if there was anything untoward going on I would have known about it, Sarah would have known about it,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“But there was never a hint of that. I remain and will always remain an outsider, so let me be the first outsider to say that I believe Prince Andrew – and I don’t say it lightly.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-373a09ae-7fff-0a73-c907-818fd09b7e40"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">“This outsider has a lot of inside knowledge.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

Legal

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Australia is investigating whether ex-defence personnel provided military training to China. Would it matter if they did?

<p>Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles <a href="https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/statements/2022-11-09/statement-efforts-recruit-former-adf-pilots" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced</a> he had directed the Department of Defence to investigate reports “that ex-Australian Defence Force personnel may have been approached to provide military related training to China”.</p> <p>This announcement comes just weeks after the British Ministry of Defence <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/top-guns-for-hire-british-pilots-training-chinese-military-slammed-as-morally-repugnant-20221019-p5bqvx.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">revealed</a> around 30 of their former military pilots had been delivering flight training services to members of China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) through a company based in South Africa.</p> <p>Marles has <a href="https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/transcripts/2022-11-09/press-conference-parliament-house" target="_blank" rel="noopener">committed</a> to conducting a</p> <blockquote> <p>detailed examination [of] the policies and procedures that apply to our former Defence personnel, and particularly those who come into possession of our nation’s secrets.</p> </blockquote> <p>He explained there’s a “clear and unambiguous” obligation on current and former Commonwealth officials to “maintain [government] secrets beyond their employment with, or their engagement with, the Commonwealth”.</p> <p>Australia’s highly trained defence personnel are a huge asset to us, as much as our cutting-edge physical assets and technologies. As far as possible, we should ensure these assets are protected. There should also be clear guidelines around how and when privileged information can be employed.</p> <h2>Impending investigation</h2> <p>According to Britain’s Minister for Armed Forces and Veterans James Heappey, their authorities had <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/top-guns-for-hire-british-pilots-training-chinese-military-slammed-as-morally-repugnant-20221019-p5bqvx.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">been aware of the situation for several years</a>. None of the pilots had broken existing British law.</p> <p>The BBC <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-63293582" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a> the British government issued this “<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/oct/18/uk-officials-threat-alert-china-attempts-to-recruit-raf-pilots" target="_blank" rel="noopener">threat alert</a>” to deter other would-be trainers from taking up similar offers. There’s also an updated National Security Bill currently before the House of Commons, which seeks to “create additional tools” to address security challenges like this one.</p> <p>By comparison, it’s unclear whether any ex-Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel took up Chinese offers to train the PLA, or whether such an action would be considered a violation of the secrecy of information provisions of the Australian Criminal Code.</p> <p>Marles <a href="https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/transcripts/2022-11-09/press-conference-parliament-house" target="_blank" rel="noopener">explained</a> the Counter Foreign Interference Taskforce is “currently investigating a number of cases” identified by the department’s initial inquiries.</p> <p>This investigation will also seek to determine whether current policies and procedures are fit for purpose when it comes to former defence personnel and the protection of official secrets.</p> <p>Taking such measures has bipartisan support. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton <a href="https://www.skynews.com.au/australia-news/politics/peter-dutton-calls-on-albanese-government-to-tighten-up-laws-to-prevent-adf-personnel-spreading-australian-secrets/news-story/37ee6dc4c585922f7abf98edcc51b7b6" target="_blank" rel="noopener">has indicated</a> “if there is a hole in the legislation now, the Coalition will support a change which will tighten it up”. He added that Australia “can’t allow our secrets and our methodologies to be handed over to another country, and particularly not China under President Xi”.</p> <h2>Exposing our tactics</h2> <p>Dutton’s comments highlight an important distinction: while the training of PLA (or any foreign) pilots by ex-ADF personnel may not necessarily constitute a disclosure of official secrets, it still risks exposing the ways in which the ADF is trained to fight to a potential adversary – what are referred to as its tactics, techniques and procedures.</p> <p>There are many exchange personnel from overseas embedded in the ADF (and vice versa). But given the sensitivities involved, these positions are typically restricted to close partners such as the United States, United Kingdom, New Zealand or Canada. One of the benefits of close cooperation between militaries is that they can then operate more effectively alongside each other in the event of a conflict.</p> <p>But if ex-ADF personnel train the armed forces of potential adversaries, those opponents may be able to use this knowledge to better develop methods of their own to erode Australia’s military advantages.</p> <p>Professor <a href="https://twitter.com/alessionaval/status/1582232133086892032" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Alessio Patalano</a> of King’s College London points out that</p> <blockquote> <p>skilled personnel are valued capabilities and this know-how is a national security resource, and for the same reason a potential vulnerability.</p> </blockquote> <p>He further <a href="https://twitter.com/alessionaval/status/1582230651834548224" target="_blank" rel="noopener">explained</a> the “reverse engineering of professional skills” has a long historical tradition. That is, personnel undergoing this training would improve their skills, but could also work backwards from the instruction they receive to draw further insights into how the other state might operate in the event of war.</p> <p>For example, in the so-called “<a href="https://www.usni.org/magazines/naval-history-magazine/2019/december/jump-starting-japanese-naval-aviation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sempill Mission</a>” of British aviators to Japan in the 1920s, British personnel provided detailed instruction to their Japanese counterparts on how to conduct and train for aircraft carrier operations – at the time a brand new and rapidly emerging form of naval warfare. This training mission contributed significantly to the Imperial Japanese Navy’s prowess in aircraft carrier operations displayed in 1941.</p> <p>While foreign governments and intelligence services are always looking for opportunities to obtain classified information about Australia and its partners, the converse is also true.</p> <p>The Daily Express <a href="https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1686465/RAF-news-china-uk-nato-raf-pilots-british-security-agencies" target="_blank" rel="noopener">claimed</a> British intelligence services used their knowledge of these recent activities as an opportunity for some pilots to obtain information on the current state of the PLA.</p> <p>The pilots allegedly had first-hand experience flying China’s frontline combat aircraft, and relayed the information to British authorities on their return.</p> <h2>Protecting our assets</h2> <p>Nevertheless, despite the “clear and unambiguous” obligation for former Commonwealth officials “to maintain [Australia’s] secrets”, ex-ADF personnel have been engaged in training foreign militaries for many years. In an interview with the ABC, former Secretary of Defence Dennis Richardson noted his <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-11-09/ex-defence-secretary-dennis-richardson-adf-members-china/101635972" target="_blank" rel="noopener">surprise</a> “at some of the positions that some former ADF officers have occupied in other countries” and expressed his hope the government’s review “goes beyond China”.</p> <p>The most prominent of these figures is <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-01-14/former-australian-soldiers-caught-up-in-yemen-civil-war/7087566" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Major General (Ret’d) Mike Hindmarsh</a>, a former Commander of Australia’s Special Operations Command who was subsequently appointed as the Commander of the United Arab Emirates’ Presidential Guard.</p> <p>Australia already has <a href="https://www.defence.gov.au/business-industry/export/controls/export-controls/export" target="_blank" rel="noopener">export control</a> regulations, which limits the physical export and intangible transfer of controlled military and dual-use goods and technologies. Also, stringent <a href="https://www.afr.com/work-and-careers/education/o-neil-alters-ministerial-sign-off-for-postgrad-students-20220630-p5axwq" target="_blank" rel="noopener">limitations</a> on international students undertaking postgraduate research in Australia on critical technologies were legislated in the last Parliament. However, these measures aren’t being currently being implemented until the government can more clearly define the relevant list of critical technologies.</p> <p><strong>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/australia-is-investigating-whether-ex-defence-personnel-provided-military-training-to-china-would-it-matter-if-they-did-194252" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>.</strong></p>

Travel Trouble

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Shaynna Blaze on divorce: "My whole life was turned upside down"

<p>Shaynna Blaze has shared the emotional details of her divorce from ex-husband Steve Vaughan, saying she felt blindsided by her sudden marriage breakdown.</p> <p>On Nine's <em>Country Home Rescue</em>, Shaynna opened up about her separation while speaking to her adult children Carly and Jess about the importance of having a family home as they embarked on a bold renovation together.</p> <p><em>The Block</em> judge, 59, announced her split from her personal trainer ex-husband in August 2018 after years of marriage. </p> <p>Now, she has reflected on what the marriage breakdown meant for her family. </p> <p>"I really need them to understand this is important to us as a family," Shaynna said. </p> <p>She then hinted her break-up took her by surprise, telling producers, "In only a few minutes, my whole life was turned upside down."</p> <p>"We sold our family home, my marriage broke down and all those things that give you security suddenly vanished."</p> <p>Jess agreed the divorce was "quite shocking to our family".</p> <p>At the time of her separation, Shaynna's children had bought a 130-year-old run-down house in regional Victoria to use as a location for a low-budget horror film they were making.</p> <p>Carly and Jess had plans to flip it and sell it at a later date, but Shaynna now wants it to be a proper family home that will accommodate all of them, while documenting their renovation journey on <em>Country Home Rescue</em>. </p> <p>Shaynna rarely speaks about her private life, but did tell TV Week magazine last year she was "very happy".</p> <p>She added, "I'm taking my love life private. My life has been splashed out there more than I ever wanted."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Nine / Instagram </em></p>

Relationships

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Camilla’s ex-husband carries out official duty on her behalf

<p dir="ltr">Queen Consort Camilla's ex-husband, whom she shares two kids with, has carried out an official duty on her behalf.</p> <p dir="ltr">Brigadier Andrew Parker Bowles formally represented the Queen Consort at his cousin John Bowes-Lyon’s funeral at the London Oratory.</p> <p dir="ltr">This is the first official duty he has performed on behalf of his ex-wife and it is believed that it won’t be the last time the 82-year-old former Army officer would represent the Queen Consort.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Andrew is happy to do anything he is asked. He still enjoys a warm relationship with Camilla,” a source told Daily Mail. </p> <p dir="ltr">Camilla and Andrew married in 1973 before they separated in the 1980s and divorced in 1995.</p> <p dir="ltr">They share two children, Tom and Laura. </p> <p dir="ltr">Earlier this year, the Queen Consort spoke candidly about cooking for her children despite not being a great in the kitchen. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I always cooked for the children growing up, and they were good eaters, but I was never the most adventurous of cooks,” she said. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I was sent on a cooking course in Sussex when I was young but, really, I learnt from my mother. I’ve never followed a recipe in my life...</p> <p dir="ltr">“I could fill a book with all my cooking disasters. I’m not a natural baker, to say the least. </p> <p dir="ltr">“As for baked potatoes… many a poor, incinerated specimen has been found in the bottom of the Aga, put in, then forgotten about.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Camilla married King Charles III in 2005 following a whirlwind romance and affairs dating back to when Charles was married to Diana. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Hugh Sheridan’s ex-husband’s identity revealed

<p dir="ltr">The identity of the high profile entertainer who was <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/relationships/zero-regrets-hugh-sheridan-reveals-secret-marriage" target="_blank" rel="noopener">married to Aussie actor Hugh Sheridan</a> has been revealed. </p> <p dir="ltr">The former <em>Packed to the Rafters</em> actor, who is non-binary and uses they/them pronouns, appeared on Jessica Rowe's <em>Big Talk Show</em> podcast and said they were married for nine years to an unidentified actor. </p> <p dir="ltr">But fans did a little digging and have concluded that Hugh, 37, was married to 35-year-old <em>Dynasty</em> star and Venezualan actor Rafael de la Fuente. </p> <p dir="ltr">It is understood that at the time of the relationship, Rafael was openly gay and Hugh was yet to share that he too was gay.</p> <p dir="ltr">On the podcast, Hugh said he did not want to reveal their former partner’s name but said the pair tied the knot on July 11, 2011 and were married for nine years. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cf14Mh9OQeV/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cf14Mh9OQeV/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Rafael De La Fuente (@rafaeldlf)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“I can't say their name because they were in the same industry, so. Couldn't really be specific about that, but I was married,” Hugh said. </p> <p dir="ltr">“We were solidly together for about seven years and then the last couple of years we were travelling a lot and it got too hard and, but we're still very good friends.” </p> <p dir="ltr">Hugh confessed that close family and friends knew about the marriage but they decided to keep it private from the public. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I was finding out if you don't speak out about your private life, people can assume that you're ashamed or that you've got some sort of an agenda or that you are denying other people their self expression by not talking about it.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

Relationships

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Julie Bishop’s VIP snub to ex-partner

<p dir="ltr">Julie Bishop has delivered the perfect snub to her ex-partner when he tried to enter Virgin's ultra-VIP lounge.</p> <p dir="ltr">The former Minister for Foreign Affairs was <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/relationships/julie-bishop-and-david-panton-end-their-relationship" target="_blank" rel="noopener">dumped by her boyfriend David Panton</a> over dinner at a restaurant on Sydney's Circular Quay on July 1. </p> <p dir="ltr">Panton spilled the breakup news four days later, leaving Ms Bishop blindsided after her boyfriend of eight-years pulled the plug.</p> <p dir="ltr">But now, Ms Bishop has set her own revenge when Panton was trying to enter the Virgin's Beyond lounge with his access card that had not yet expired.</p> <p dir="ltr">Panton and his travel partner however were advised that they were unable to access the VIP area as the card was “disassociated”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“He and his companion were advised in hushed tones that his Velocity profile had been ‘disassociated’ from that of the primary Beyond member,” the <a href="https://www.afr.com/rear-window/julie-bishop-purges-ex-beau-from-chairman-s-lounge-20220905-p5bfko" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Australian Financial Review's Rear Window</a> column reported.</p> <p dir="ltr">Panton was contacted by the publication who said he was happy to be downgraded to a different lounge and that it wasn’t a huge deal.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It was no trouble at all,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I was more than happy to be downgraded to the [regular] club.”</p> <p dir="ltr">He then joked that maybe he could try his luck at the Qantas Lounge.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I could always try my luck with my Qantas Chairman’s Lounge membership…but probably won’t. I’ll just be happy in the Qantas Club again.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

Relationships

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Michael Slater’s alleged text messages revealed

<p dir="ltr">A former partner of cricketer Michael Slater has revealed the disturbing text messages she claims he sent her. </p> <p dir="ltr">The mother-of-three and the cricketer broke off their relationship which saw Slater allegedly threaten to release intimate videos and photos he had of her.</p> <p dir="ltr">The woman described Slater as a “narcissist” and tried to get him to sign a legal document to ensure he didn’t release the private photos. </p> <p dir="ltr">In the series of text messages shown to <a href="https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/exgirlfriends-of-cricketer-michael-slater-reveal-harrowing-physical-emotional-torment/news-story/428f3b352dd71d6eb833c2206b408592" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Herald Sun</a>, Slater allegedly called the woman “heartless” when she refused to get back with him and he threatened that she would “feel his pain”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I am going to do my best to make you feel my pain,” he allegedly sent in one of the messages.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I’m now completely over you and going to bring you down. No one deserves the treatment I’ve received,” another message allegedly read.</p> <p dir="ltr">“You’ve (sic) f***ed and a piece of dog s**t,” he allegedly sent in a third.</p> <p dir="ltr">The woman told the publication that Slater allegedly threatened to self harm and had also thrown her on the ground during an argument. </p> <p dir="ltr">The 52-year-old cricketer is currently in a mental health facility in Sydney and is not allowed to contact those who made a complaint against him due to apprehended violence orders. </p> <p dir="ltr">Earlier this year on July 14, the cricketer was charged for breaching his bail after police attended his home following concerns for his welfare. </p> <p dir="ltr">He was granted strict conditional bail, and must stay away from alcohol and drugs, and be on good behaviour.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

Legal

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Ellen DeGeneres’ frosty response to ex’s car crash

<p dir="ltr">Ellen DeGeneres has commented on ex Anne Heche’s horrifying incident which has landed her in a coma. </p> <p dir="ltr">The 53-year-old actress was reportedly driving at an extraordinary 140km/h when she crashed her Mini Cooper into a house in Los Angeles. </p> <p dir="ltr">Her <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/news/news/new-details-of-actor-anne-heche-s-fiery-crash" target="_blank" rel="noopener">car burst into flames</a> and Anne was pulled out, suffering severe burns and has since ended up in a coma. </p> <p dir="ltr">Anne’s ex, talk show legend Ellen, was inquired about the incident and asked if she has spoken to her.</p> <p dir="ltr">“No, I have not. We’re not in touch with each other, so I wouldn’t know,” she responded, <a href="https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/celebrity-life/ellens-cold-response-to-ex-anne-heches-horror-car-crash/news-story/e58a3fbbd62c457c1e050a0206a70e55" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a> reported. </p> <p dir="ltr">Ellen was then asked if she had any well wishes for her former partner to which she just responded with a, “Sure, I don’t want anyone to be hurt”.</p> <p dir="ltr">The crash is <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/actress-fighting-for-her-life-after-horror-car-crash" target="_blank" rel="noopener">currently being investigated</a> by the LAPD who have confirmed that if Anne is found to have been drunk she would face significant charges. </p> <p dir="ltr">"If found intoxicated, [Heche] could be charged with misdemeanour DUI hit and run. No arrests have been made so far,” a representative said. </p> <p dir="ltr">Anne’s representative has confirmed that she is in an “extreme critical condition”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“She has a significant pulmonary injury requiring mechanical ventilation and burns that require surgical intervention,” her representative said. </p> <p dir="ltr">“She is in a coma and has not regained consciousness since shortly after the accident.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Anne and Ellen made their relationship public on the red carpet for the movie premiere of Volcanoes back in 1997.</p> <p dir="ltr">However, Anne was told she would lose her contract if she appeared with Ellen, who was also advised to appear alone.</p> <p dir="ltr">The pair did not adhere to what they were asked to do and instead showed up on the red carpet but were reportedly kicked out before the movie ended.</p> <p dir="ltr">Their relationship lasted three-and-a-half years before they broke it off and within hours, Anne was spotted at a stranger's house which saw the police called.</p> <p dir="ltr">She also had a public breakdown amid the break-up. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

Caring

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Woman graffitis ex-boyfriend’s car

<p dir="ltr">A man has been left reeling after his ex-girlfriend graffitied his expensive Mercedes after he cheated on her. </p> <p dir="ltr">The Melbourne man was about to leave his home when he saw the words “CHEATER” and “LIAR” spray painted in red on his Mercedes-Benz ML320.</p> <p dir="ltr">On the bonnet, the livid ex-girlfriend had also spray painted “ALL MEN R TRASH”.</p> <p dir="ltr">A neighbour who spotted the man’s shocked face joked that he had “pi**ed off the wrong person”.</p> <p dir="ltr">The man then jumped into his car and drove off, presumably to a car wash to help remove the graffiti. </p> <p dir="ltr">It's not quite the first time women have gotten back at their cheating partners by vandalising their cars. </p> <p dir="ltr">In 2018, an Adelaide woman spray painted the words “cheater”, “man wh***” and “sl**” on her ex-boyfriend's luxury $400,000 car.</p> <p dir="ltr">She also used a steel baseball bat and smashed the driver’s side window with such force that the mirror also fell off. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Pedestrian TV</em></p>

Relationships

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Nick Kyrgios charged with assaulting ex-girlfriend

<p dir="ltr">Nick Kyrgios has been charged with assaulting his ex-girlfriend Chiara Passari.</p> <p dir="ltr">Police confirmed that a 27-year-old man will face the ACT Magistrates Court on August 2 in relation to one charge of common assault. </p> <p dir="ltr">He faces up to two years’ jail if found guilty. </p> <p dir="ltr">Kyrgios, who is dominating headlines during Wimbledon, is accused of grabbing his girlfriend Chiara Passari. </p> <p dir="ltr">Wimbledon officials released a statement confirming Kyrgios’ match will still go ahead.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We have been made aware of legal proceedings involving Nick Kyrgios in Australia, and as they are ongoing, we are not in a position to offer a comment,” the statement read.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We are in touch with Nick’s team and he remains scheduled to play his quarter-final match tomorrow.”</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CfoJRVJI51k/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CfoJRVJI51k/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Nick Kyrgios (@k1ngkyrg1os)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">His barrister Jason Moffett, told The Canberra Times that Kyrgios is taking the allegations “very seriously”.</p> <p dir="ltr">"It's in the context of a domestic relationship," he said. </p> <p dir="ltr">"The nature of the allegation is serious, and Mr Kyrgios takes the allegation very seriously.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Given the matter is before the court ... he doesn't have a comment at this stage, but in the fullness of time we'll issue a media release."</p> <p dir="ltr">Reporters approached Kyrgios at Wimbledon on Tuesday but Kyrgios refused to comment. </p> <p dir="ltr">He later shared a photo of himself interacting with a young fan captioned: “This is why I play. To all my youngsters out there, believe in yourself.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Kyrgios is currently dating Costeen Hatzi and the pair occasionally share photos and videos of each other.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

News

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Woman marries ex-boyfriend’s dad

<p dir="ltr">A woman who married her ex-boyfriend’s father in which there is a 24-year age gap has spoken out about how the exciting relationship came to be. </p> <p dir="ltr">Sydney Dean, 27, from Ohio was only in year 6 when she met her childhood boyfriend’s dad, Paul.</p> <p dir="ltr">Unfortunately, the relationship came to an end but Sydney and Paul’s son remained friends until he got another girlfriend in high school. </p> <p dir="ltr">Sydney felt like a third wheel and ended up speaking to Paul who she never “expected to fall in love with”.</p> <p dir="ltr">The pair began dating when Sydney turned 16, the legal age of consent in the state of Ohio before Paul proposed in 2016. </p> <p dir="ltr">It was difficult for the loved up couple to explain to family and friends that their relationship was real.</p> <p dir="ltr">“My mum already knew who Paul was and, from the few times they have talked, they got along just fine,” Sydney told Jam Press.</p> <p dir="ltr">“But when I first told my mum that we were together, she was not happy.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The age gap really got to her and it stayed that way for about a year [until] eventually she came around.” </p> <p dir="ltr">Sydney’s parents eventually grew to love Paul, with her mother visiting “all the time”. </p> <p dir="ltr">But it was rough on Paul’s youngest son who already “knew” Sydney who took the news the hardest.</p> <p dir="ltr">“He didn’t agree with the relationship for a couple of years,” Sydney said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“But now that we are married, he supports us being together.</p> <p dir="ltr">“He comes over with his girlfriend and their three children every other weekend just to hang out.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Sydney is hoping that her love story removes the stigma toward relationships with big age gaps. </p> <p dir="ltr">She said that Paul “is the best husband” and he treats her well. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: 7News/Jam Press</em></p>

Relationships

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Familiar faces return to celebrate Today Show's 40th anniversary

<p>In celebration of the <em>Today Show</em>'s 40 year anniversary, a group of alumni returned to the couch on Friday morning to share some of their favourite moments from working on the show. </p> <p>In the special anniversary episode, Karl Stefanovic and Ally Langdon were joined by former hosts Steve Liebmann, Sue Kellaway, Liz Hayes, Tracy Grimshaw, Georgie Gardner, and Richard Wilkins to reminisce on the show's history. </p> <p>When quizzed about their most memorable time while in the hosting chair, Liz Hayes said it was <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit;">the time she was banned by then-premier Joh Bjelke-Petersen from visiting, or living in, Queensland.</span><a style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 24px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; color: #ff8000; text-decoration-line: none; text-decoration: none;" href="https://9now.nine.com.au/today/sign-up-for-the-today-show-newsletter/57b05181-ffe6-4143-9ddf-54d56d42db7f" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></a></p> <p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit;">Steve Liebmann, who hosted <em>Today</em> </span></span>for<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit;"> close to 20 years, reflected on covering the tragedy of 9/11 in 2001, saying it was a "long night", as he spoke to his sister who was in New York when the situation unfolded. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit;">Liz Hayes and Tracy Grimshaw bonded over their </span></span>hatred for the early morning starts, but admitted their love of the job was worth the sleepless nights. </p> <p>Tracy also reflected on her coverage of a live birth almost 20 years ago, saying she will "never forget such a moment". </p> <p>Richard Wilkins, who worked with each of the ex-hosts throughout his career, shared his adoration for all them as a "great bunch of talent", as he reflected on the big names in entertainment he had interviewed over the years. </p> <p>With musicians such as P!nk, Taylor Swift, Robbie Williams, Keith Urban, Michael Bublé performing on the show over the years, Wilkins said working on the show had been a "privilege".</p> <p>Georgie Gardner reflected on all the heart-warming community stories the show has run over the years, saying helping people and connecting with the audience "is one of the best parts of the job." </p> <p>Georgie also laughed as she recalled the many times she fumbled over her lines while reading the news, admitting, "As the years went on I am ashamed to say I got smuttier and looser."</p> <p>Ex-host Lisa Wilkinson also made a surprise appearance in a pre-recorded tribute to the show, five years after her dramatic exit. </p> <p>She said, “A big piece of my heart with always stay right there with the <em>Today</em> show family and all the years we spent together at breakfast”.</p> <p>Karl and Ally finished up the reunion saying they are excited to see what the next 40 years brings with the future of the <em>Today Show</em>. </p> <p><em>Image credits: The Today Show</em></p> <div class="advert" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 24px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; text-align: center;" data-ad-type="MOBILE" data-ad-loc="BTF" data-ad-maxwidth="767" data-smart-refresh="false"> </div>

TV

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"Final act of cowardice" by Hannah Clarke’s ex-husband

<p dir="ltr"><em>Content warning: This article contains distressing content and descriptions of domestic violence.</em></p> <p dir="ltr">A coroner has recommended widespread changes to domestic violence training and support in Australia while delivering her findings on the deaths of Hannah Clarke and her children at the hands of her ex-husband.</p> <p dir="ltr">Deputy State Coroner Jane Bentley became emotional while delivering her findings, detailing the final moments of the young family during Rowan Baxter’s “final act of cowardice”.</p> <p dir="ltr">Clarke and her children, six-year-old Aaliyah, four-year-old Laianah, and three-year-old Trey, died after Baxter, her ex-husband, ambushed the family on their way to school in February, 2020.</p> <p dir="ltr">After dousing their car in petrol, neighbours watched on in horror as he set the vehicle alight.</p> <p dir="ltr">In Bentley’s findings, published on Wednesday, it was revealed that Clarke died from multi-organ failure as a result of the fire.</p> <p dir="ltr">Bentley said the three children died at 8.25am on February 19 from the effects of the fire, while Baxter died from a self-inflicted stab wound.</p> <p dir="ltr">"The children died almost immediately from the inhalation of fumes and burns," Bentley said.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Hannah had received full-thickness, non-survivable burns."</p> <p dir="ltr">Despite suffering severe injuries, Bentley said Clarke showed “astounding bravery” and was able to describe what Baxter had done to nearby witnesses.</p> <p dir="ltr">Her findings come three months after the long-awaited coronial inquest into the deaths began.</p> <p dir="ltr">During the inquest, the court was told of how Baxter displayed controlling and abusive behaviour towards Clarke, including controlled what she wore and who she could see, demanding sex every night, and berating her body image.</p> <p dir="ltr">The court was told that Baxter abducted Laianah on Boxing Day 2019, taking her to northern NSW before returning her several days later.</p> <p dir="ltr">In another incident, Baxter assaulted Clarke after she confronted him about why he had explicit photos of her in his car - which was evidence he hoped to use in court.</p> <p dir="ltr">Bentley said she found it unlikely that police, service providers or family could have stopped Baxter from carrying out his “murderous” plans, describing him as a “master of manipulation”.</p> <p dir="ltr">"After Hannah left him and he realised he could no longer control her, he began to rally support from friends he had not seen for years and professionals he considered could advance his cause,” Bentley said.</p> <p dir="ltr">She described him killing himself as a “final act of cowardice” since he was unable to live with the public denunciation and punishment he would be subject to.</p> <p dir="ltr">"The truth is Hannah, who knew him best, was initially in favour of him having contact with the children … but she perceived he was becoming more dangerous," Bentley said.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Her fears were genuine and realistic and ultimately confirmed in the worst way."</p> <p dir="ltr">The coroner said there were missed opportunities to keep Baxter accountable, including their response to his breaching of the domestic violence order.</p> <p dir="ltr">The court heard that training of police officers, particularly frontline officers, around domestic violence was insufficient, and that there was a “significant lack of counselling programmes and support” for perpetrators in Queensland.</p> <p dir="ltr">"However, in this case, I am satisfied that even had it been available, Baxter was not interested in engaging in such programmes unless it furthered his cause … [of] Hannah agreeing to his wishes," she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">Bentley made four recommendations, including that the Queensland government fund the police to provide "five-day face-to-face domestic violence training programme for all specialist domestic violence police officers", and mandatory face-to-face training for all police officers.</p> <p dir="ltr">"My final recommendation is that the Queensland government provide funding for men's behaviour change programmes both in prisons and in the community as a matter of urgency," Bentley said.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I offer my most sincere condolences to Mr and Mrs Clarke, other family members and friends and family of their children."</p> <p dir="ltr">Outside court, Hannah’s parents Sue and Lloyd Clarke said they were pleased with the findings.</p> <p dir="ltr">"We expected most of the results," Clarke told reporters.</p> <p dir="ltr">"We need to see everything that's been recommended implemented in every state."</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong><em>If you are in need of support or are a victim of domestic violence, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the national family violence counselling service on 1800 737 732.</em></strong></p> <p><em><span id="docs-internal-guid-d0e10153-7fff-5753-895b-89513ece704c"></span></em></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Nine News</em></p>

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