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Woolworths staff seen throwing and kicking boxes of groceries in viral video

<p><span>A Brisbane shopper has hit out at Woolworths after he caught workers flinging and kicking boxes of groceries down the aisles in a Queensland store.</span></p> <p><span>Michael Langanis was visiting a Woolworths store in Banyo, northside of Brisbane on Saturday night when he saw and filmed the incident.</span></p> <p><span>“Went into Banyo Woolworths on Saturday night to buy a few groceries and this is what I witnessed! This is what they call stocking the shelves?” Langanis wrote on Facebook alongside his video. </span></p> <p><span>“Meanwhile there are still customers in the store dodging flying boxes full of groceries we purchase. Imagine what they get up to when no one’s there! </span></p> <p><span>“It’s pretty shocking. Especially to do this in front of customers! Low standards that’s for sure…”</span></p> <p><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fmichael.langanis%2Fvideos%2F10206317911104700%2F&amp;show_text=0&amp;width=220" width="220" height="476" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p> <p><span>Some commenters expressed concern over the staff’s conduct.</span></p> <p><span>“This is horrific. That store is in shambles,” one commented.</span></p> <p><span>“Just wrong – lack of care, concern or respect,” another added.</span></p> <p><span>However, others claimed it is a common practice in retail.</span></p> <p><span>“I worked nightfill for years and this is the way things have been forever. Frozen foods need to get away as fast as possible,” one shared.</span></p> <p><span>“They put the boxes down first (should be gentler though) from the entire pallet, and then fill everything. Saves walking to the pallet and back 1000 times and getting in each other’s way,” another wrote. “There’s often not an option of waiting until the stores close to get their loads done completely. It’s not a flawless method I agree but it happens.”</span></p> <p><span>A Woolworths spokesperson told <em><a href="https://au.news.yahoo.com/shopper-films-woolworths-employees-throwing-boxes-brisbane-store-074457262.html">Yahoo News Australia</a> </em>that the practice found in the footage “is clearly at odds with the standards we expect”. </span></p> <p><span>“Our customers quite rightly expect the products in our stores to be in the best possible condition when they buy them,” the spokesperson said.</span></p> <p><span>“We are addressing this with the store team and reiterating the importance of moving stock carefully and safely.”</span></p>

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Kyle Sandilands blasts Channel 9 over its treatment of Karl Stefanovic

<p>Kyle Sandilands has put Channel 9 on blast after the way they treated Karl Stefanovic, as he says the TV star should be reinstated as the<span> </span><em>Today<span> </span></em>show co-host immediately.</p> <p>Speaking to<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/tv/morning-shows/kyle-sandilands-blasts-channel-9-over-its-treatment-of-karl-stefanovic/news-story/8de5f38fd93dc4f77a6ae1cb21e7c54e" target="_blank"><em>news.com.au</em></a><span> </span>shortly after he was interviewed by Stefanovic in stage at the recent Radio Alive conference in Brisbane, the shock jock didn’t hold back when asked for his opinion on the struggling<span> </span><em>Today</em><span> </span>show.</p> <p>“If I was running Channel 9 I would immediately add Karl to Georgie (Gardner) and Deb (Knight),” said the KIIS FM star.</p> <p>“I think Georgie and Deb are great, but they’ve got all these try-hard dudes in there … if they put Karl back in there as the main host with those two female co-anchors, that thing would kick a**e, everyone knows it!</p> <p>“It’s as if they (Channel 9 executives) won’t do it because they’ll look stupid,” said Sandilands. “But you don’t need to be a great programmer to realise that if you put Karl back, everything is fixed.</p> <p>“F**k knows why it’s not done. It should be done right now.”</p> <p>Stefanovic was sacked from the<span> </span><em>Today</em><span> </span>show in December last year while he was on his honeymoon with Jasmine Yarbrough.</p> <p>The Channel 9 star opened up about his axing during a post-Logies event in July, saying: “It wasn’t a great surprise to me – in fact it was a relief in many ways – that I was taken off the<span> </span><em>Today<span> </span></em>show. Because I just wasn’t at my best and you can’t be doing that show unless you’re at the top of your game.</p> <p>“You’ve got to be sharp, you’ve got to be witty, you’ve got to be funny. You’ve got to see the angles, and to be honest, at the end of last year I wasn’t seeing much,” he said.</p> <p>But Sandilands disagrees, saying Stefanovic, whom he considers a “solid friend”, should have been sacked in the first place.</p> <p>“It was just a f**king stupid decision,” he told<span> </span><em>news.com.au</em>. “I believe they (Channel 9 executives) all thought, ‘Women don’t like Karl because him and his wife (Cassandra Thorburn) didn’t last.’ That’s f**king bulls**it.</p> <p>“it’s just not reality,” said Sandilands. “Every chick I know, from 20 year old’s to my mums age, all think Karl is funny and sexy and witty and amazing.”</p>

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Peter FitzSimons’ furious rant at Racing NSW boss Peter V’landys

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text "> <p>An explosive<span> </span><em>7.30 Report</em><span> </span>investigation into the slaughter of Australian racehorses continues to make shockwaves across the industry.</p> <p>After Peter V’landys defended Racing NSW’s efforts to protect horses after they’ve retired, he’s been receiving an increasing amount of criticism. Speaking to Channel 10 on Saturday, he said he was “proud of our animal welfare program where we try to re-home every horse that’s been domiciled in NSW”.</p> <p>The comment pushed sports commentator Peter FitzSimons from Channel 9’s<span> </span><em>Sports Sunday</em><span> </span>over the edge, as he asked, “Mate, what would it take before you’re not proud of it?”</p> <p>FitzSimons suggested the investigation – which claimed hundreds and possibly thousands of racehorses were being sent to slaughter each year – was so concerning that V’landys should reconsider his plan to take over as Australian Rugby League Commission chairman.</p> <p>“I mean this as a serious point,” tweeted FitzSimons. “If I was involved with either racing or the NRL, I would not be happy with V’landys having the dual roles of running Racing NSW and the NRL. He will, and should, have his hands completely full sorting out the atrocities of racing.”</p> <p>Also appalled was fellow<em><span> </span>Sports Sunday</em><span> </span>panelist Richard Freeman, who belongs to a famous horse racing family.</p> <p>“We’ve known for a long time in horse racing the whole future of our sport depends on how we treat the horses,” said Freedman.</p> <p>“Five years ago we have no rules or regulations around how horses were treated once they left racing. We’ve instituted a lot … around the people who are involved in horse racing, but it’s not enough.</p> <p>“What we saw on Thursday night … it was sickening. I’ve been around horse racing for 50 years. I couldn’t watch what I was seeing.”</p> <p>But Freedman jumped to V’landys’ defence, saying he shouldn’t be singled out.</p> <p>“In Peter’s defence he’s the first to institute some rules and regulations, which we had none of five years ago,” he said.</p> <p>“I’ve spoken to Peter privately, and he’s just as appalled as everyone else. He may express it differently and you may take a different view of that, but I can tell you he will not rest until we fix this problem.”</p> </div> </div> </div>

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The “real reason” behind Alan Jones’ stoush with Scott Morrison

<p><span>Scott Morrison had become the latest prime minister under Alan Jones’ attack after the radio host accused him of failing drought-stricken farmers in a live interview last week.</span></p> <p><span>On his 2GB breakfast radio show Tuesday, Jones claimed the Morrison government’s Farm Household Allowance was inadequate to <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/i-m-a-farmer-s-son-you-re-not-alan-jones-fires-back-at-scott-morrison-during-tense-interview-about-australia-s-drought-crisis/">provide relief to dairy farmers</a>, saying, “How does that feed a cow?”</span></p> <p><span>The broadcaster expanded on his criticism on the same day on his Sky News show. “The Morrison government tonight has a massive political crisis on its hands,” Jones said. “It can be solved, but it’d want to be solved in a hurry otherwise the political fallout will be terminal.”</span></p> <p><span>According to Niki Savva, political columnist and former adviser to John Howard, there was a <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/finance/business/media/the-real-reason-behind-the-alan-jones-stoush-with-scott-morrison/news-story/1af5c66f2a607ff93109db93ec8c2ce6" target="_blank">personal reason</a> behind Jones’ tirade against Morrison.</span></p> <p><span>“There’s a strong view inside the government that Jones is not prepared to cut any slack for Morrison over what he’s doing… because Morrison sided with Jacinda Ardern and not with Jones,” Savva said on ABC’s <em><a href="https://www.abc.net.au/insiders">Insiders</a></em>.</span></p> <p><span>In August, advertisers began withdrawing from Jones’ program after the shock jock suggested Morrison should “shove a sock down the throat” of New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern.</span></p> <p><span>At the time, Morrison said Jones’ comments were “way out of line” and “very disappointing”.</span></p> <p><span>Savva said Jones is prepared to hit back at Morrison for the PM’s defense of Ardern.</span></p> <p><span>“He’s not been willing to cut him any slack on this, not allowing him to get his messages out properly, as we saw the other day,” Savva said.</span></p>

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Why your newspaper today has blacked-out stories on the cover

<p>Media companies from all over Australia are uniting in a surprising front to fight for press freedoms and the public’s right to know what’s happening in Australia.</p> <p>The<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.righttoknow.org.au/" target="_blank">Right To Know</a><span> </span>coalition of more than a dozen of the nation’s top media companies and industry organisations are campaigning for change to six critical areas of law that allow a veil of secrecy over matters that are important to all Australians.</p> <p>Some of the media companies taking a stand for press freedom are<span> </span>NewsCorp,<span> </span>ABC<span> </span>and<span> </span>The Guardian. This is due to incidents of the government raiding journalists at News Corp and the ABC.</p> <p>NewsCorp<span> </span>journalist Annika Smethurst, who now faces possible criminal charges, reported on the government considering using new powers to spy on everyday Australians. There was also an unrelated raid at the<span> </span>ABC<span> </span>headquarters after a report detailed incidents of Australian special forces troops killing men and children in Afghanistan.</p> <p>New research from<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/national/when-government-keeps-the-truth-from-you-what-are-they-covering-up/news-story/b7e8d17423bd679156c79e74d203d291" target="_blank">NewsCorp</a><span> </span>has detailed that 87 per cent of Australians value a free and transparent democracy where the public is kept informed, but only 37 per cent believe that this is happening in Australia today.</p> <p>It doesn’t help that the government withholds information related to aged care abuse as well as also withholding information and the terms of land sales to foreign companies. These are issues that Australians believe they have a right to know about.</p> <p>“It’s unprecedented to see the front page of every single newspaper pointing out the same issue we are challenged with having to deal with, but this is serious. It’s serious for all Australians, not just for media, but it’s our job to actually serve our communities,” News Corp Australasia executive chairman Michael Miller said.</p> <p>“When you see every media organisation lining up together to make this point, we need to see some action.”</p> <p>Nine Entertainment’s CEO Hugh Marks has pointed out that the issue is not just about raids on media organisations.</p> <p>“This is much bigger than the media. It’s about defending the basic right of every Australian to be properly informed about the important decisions the government is making in their name,” he said.</p> <p>ABC’s Managing Director David Anderson agrees.</p> <p>“Australia is at risk of becoming the world’s most secretive democracy,” he said.</p> <p>“We’ve seen the public’s right to know slowly erode over the past two decades, with the introduction of laws that make it more difficult for people to speak up when they see wrongdoing and for journalists to report these stories.”</p> <p>The six Australia’s<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.righttoknow.org.au/blog" target="_blank">Right To Know</a><span> </span>reforms being sought are:</p> <ul> <li>the right to contest any kind of search warrant on journalists or news organisations before the warrant is issued;</li> <li>law change to ensure public sector whistleblowers are adequately protected;</li> <li>a new regime that limits which documents can be marked ‘secret’;</li> <li>review of Freedom of Information laws</li> <li>that journalists be exempt from national security laws enacted over the past seven years that currently can put them in jail for doing their job; and</li> <li>reform to defamation laws.</li> </ul>

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“For goodness’ sake”: Jacqui Lambie blasts Labor’s deal with the Coalition

<p><span>Independent senator Jacqui Lambie has slammed Labor’s decision to strike a deal with the Coalition government, allowing it to abolish a $4 billion education investment funding and redirect the money to disaster relief.</span></p> <p><span>The opposition signed on to the emergency response fund on Wednesday night despite objections from the education spokeswoman Tanya Plibersek.</span></p> <p><span>“Australian communities will be better prepared to face the threats from natural disasters this summer because of commitments Labor has secured from the government to significantly increase the amount of money spent on disaster preparedness,” said shadow minister for emergency management Murray Watt.</span></p> <p><span>Lambie, who has been pushing for <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/national/breaking-news/lambie-demands-funds-for-tafe-in-tas/news-story/b1a4d349296074cdb7ad1b7a5fc6af9a" target="_blank">up to $100 million</a> in funding to upgrade ageing TAFE facilities in Tasmania, said the government and the opposition were “failing our children” by passing the legislation.</span></p> <p><span>“You may as well have shut down the [Education Investment Fund] and transferred all the money to ‘curling up on a rainy day with the good book fund’,” Lambie told the parliament on Thursday.</span></p> <p><span>“Here they are, the last election, we’re gonna build up our TAFEs. Fifty million bucks? God almighty. I can get more out of the government with just one of me than what you people can with you all together.</span></p> <p><span>“For goodness’ sake.</span></p> <p><span>“What you’ve done is absolutely rip off our kids for the future.”</span></p> <p><span>Watt said while the abolishment of the education fund was disappointing, the government’s commitment to provide an additional $50 million per year to TAFE encouraged Labor to lend support to the emergency response fund bill.</span></p> <p><span>“As a result of climate change, we do face the certainty of increased frequency and scale of natural disasters into the future,” Watt told the upper house.</span></p> <p><span>The Greens <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/oct/17/labor-agrees-with-coalition-to-redirect-education-funding-to-disaster-relief" target="_blank">lambasted the arrangement</a>, with Senator Mehreen Faruqi saying that Labor “used to be the party of public education”.</span></p> <p><span>Some Labor MPs, including Plibersek and former research minister Kim Carr, have also expressed objections over the fund diversion. Last month, Carr said shutting down a dedicated national research infrastructure fund “is to court disaster”.</span></p>

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Hundreds of racehorses sent to slaughterhouses for pet and food consumption

<p><span>Racehorses are being slaughtered in New South Wales and Queensland for pet food and human consumption, an <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-10-18/slaughter-abuse-of-racehorses-undermines-industry-animal-welfare/11603834" target="_blank"><em>ABC </em></a>investigation has revealed.</span></p> <p><span>The practice is occurring “on an industrial scale” at abattoirs and knackeries despite industry rules and animal welfare policies, the report found.</span></p> <p><span>The <em>ABC </em>found dozens of thoroughbreds were sold to NSW knackeries and abattoir to be used for pet food production and human consumption.</span></p> <p><span>“We’re talking about destroying animals on an industrial scale,” said Paul McGreevy, professor of animal behaviour and welfare science at the University of Sydney. “I don’t think anyone in the industry can defend this.”</span></p> <p><span>In one Queensland abattoir, 300 racehorses were slaughtered in just 22 days. According to Elio Celotto of the Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses, the Meramist Abattoir slaughters an estimated 500 horses a month for imports to Japan and various European countries.</span></p> <p><span>The workers at the abattoir were also recorded beating and abusing the horses before the slaughter. Some animals were kicked and given electric shocks while others were hit with a hose.</span></p> <p><span>“There’s no denying the footage. This is the sort of material that will shake the industry to its core,” said Celotto.</span></p> <p><span>While the killing of racehorses is not illegal in Australia, it is against Racing NSW’s policy and rules which state that the animals should be rehomed and treated “sympathetically and humanely” when they leave racing.</span></p> <p><span>Racing NSW and Racing ACT also prohibited horses from being directly or indirectly sent to an abattoir or knackery.</span></p> <p><span>Racing NSW chief Peter V’Landys said people who have breached the rules “will be dealt with pretty severely”.</span></p> <p><span>“We’ll put the full force of the rules of racing against anyone that does that because it’s a severe breach of our rules and our terms and conditions of being in the thoroughbred racing industry,” he told <em><a href="https://www.abc.net.au/7.30/the-dark-side-of-the-horse-racing-industry/11614022">7.30</a></em>.</span></p>

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Pauline Hanson breaks down on Alan Jones’ show: “Give me an opportunity to keep fighting”

<p>One Nation leader Pauline Hanson broke down in tears on Alan Jones’ morning radio show during a discussion about the plight of dairy farmers in Australia. </p> <p>The politician spoke about her fight to introduce a code of conduct so dairy farmers are given a guarantee for farmgate price for their milk. </p> <p>Senator Hanson has gotten the support of Labor and various crossbench senators, but was still opposed by the Coalition and independent politician Cory Bernardi.</p> <p>Hanson had an emotional moment during the show where she broke down in tears. </p> <p>"Give me an opportunity to keep fighting," she told Jones on 2GB.</p> <p>"I don't want these farmers to give up."</p> <p>Jones went on to speak about Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s comments about farmers on Thursday.</p> <p>When Senator Hanson began to talk again, Jones interrupted and urged her to “go and have a rest”. </p> <p>"She's worn out, as are the farmers."</p> <p>Jones also choked back tears on Tuesday during his Sky News show. </p> <p>He criticised the Prime Minister for his handling of the drought. </p> <p>"I begged him to provide food, water and freight so farmers wouldn't have to send their breeding stock to slaughter. He just didn't understand," Jones said.</p> <p>"Canberra had better start understanding the gravity of the situation it's not addressing.</p> <p>"There must be a moratorium on bank debt. There must be help with water and electricity. Where things stand politically today is this: drought and the farmer are now a massive political issue."</p> <p>On Friday morning, Jones suggested Mr Morrison was referring to himself when he described people being “panicked” about the drought. </p> <p>"I mean, a lot of people are running around at the moment getting all panicked and wanting crisis measures," the Prime Minister told 2SM on Thursday. </p> <p>"Well, no, look, we just need to keep our heads, keep our discipline, not go and blow the Budget."</p>

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“You’ve got to stay connected”: Scott Morrison talks about his mental health

<p>Prime Minister Scott Morrison has shared the most valuable piece of advice he was given before he entered parliament in his new role.</p> <p>“It was about maintaining your relationships outside of the parliament, outside of your workplace,” the Prime Minister tells<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health/mind/scott-morrison-talks-about-his-mental-health/news-story/72b81b810630b5970c846e9b4f336f7c" target="_blank">news.com.au</a>.</p> <p>“Ensuring that you have time to spend with family and friends, I think, is critically important. You’ve got to be careful you don’t isolate yourself in the challenges that you face. You’ve got to remain connected to people.</p> <p>“I don’t just mean those you work with, but particularly those outside your work, who can bring some balance and perspective to your life.”<span> </span></p> <blockquote 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);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B12dXiyHwYD/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <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> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B12dXiyHwYD/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">Thanks girls (and Jen and Buddy) for a wonderful Father’s Day morning.</a></p> <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 post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/scottmorrisonmp/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank"> Scott Morrison</a> (@scottmorrisonmp) on Aug 31, 2019 at 6:55pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Morrison freely admits that his job can cause him anxiety.</p> <p>“That comes with the job, and it always has. It’s not unique to my position, or anyone else’s for that matter. I mean, what you’re talking about is being human. And, yes, I can happily admit to that, with the same vulnerabilities that others face,” he says.</p> <p>However, he’s aware that isolating yourself does more harm than good.</p> <p>“The problem is that people sort of fold in on themselves. As the pressures mount, they withdraw even more, and what you need is the exact opposite,” Mr Morrison says.</p> <p>There are things you can do to ease the pain you’re feeling, he says.</p> <p>“Talk about it. Talk about it. That’s the most important thing. And ensure that you’re maintaining your relationships to have that opportunity to talk about it,” he says.</p> <p>“That’s always been very important to Jenny and I. And look, Jenny is an enormous support in making sure that we do that, and that I remain connected in that way. Family and friends, my church community and all of these things are very important in maintaining balance in life.</p> <blockquote 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);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B2jHmOznf11/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <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> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B2jHmOznf11/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">Doesn’t Jen look gorgeous! We’re off to a ball tonight in Canberra.</a></p> <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 post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/scottmorrisonmp/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank"> Scott Morrison</a> (@scottmorrisonmp) on Sep 18, 2019 at 3:11am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span>“Internalising it can only create greater stress. And not just on your </span><span>mental health. That can manifest itself in physical health problems as well.”</span></p> <p>The Prime Minister has his own ways of dealing with anxiety when the pressure gets too much.</p> <p>“What I try to do is keep a fairly balanced routine, as much as is possible in this job. And getting some headspace by jumping in the pool and doing my laps most days, is probably one of the most important things I do in terms of managing that,” he says.</p> <p>“People obviously need me to be at my best, and in order to do that, I’m quite disciplined about ensuring that I have those opportunities built into my program. My team around me understand that very well, and they’re very supportive of ensuring that, you know, if the PM doesn’t get his swim he’s going to be a bit grumpy.”</p>

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83-year-old may be evicted for taking too many cookies

<p>Elsie Cruey was left shocked when she received an email telling her she could be kicked out of her apartment. </p> <p>The 83-year-old grandmother of five was issued with a strange violation that apparently could result in her losing her home - taking too many cookies from a community event. </p> <p>The apartment block, located in Virginia, U.S, was made with 62-year-old’s and up in mind. </p> <p>“On 06/12/2019 — The Resident was stopped from taking a partial gallon of milk by the Assistant Community Manager at Breakfast,” the email read, the<span> </span><em><a href="https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/world/shes-83-and-might-get-kicked-out-of-her-apartment-among-her-violations-taking-too-many-cookies/ar-AAISZBq?li=AAgfYrC">Washington Post</a><span> </span></em>read. </p> <p>“During Mix and Mingle the Resident was observed by the Community Manager taking a plate full of cookies.</p> <p>“On 06/13/2019, the resident and Community Manager had a conversation and the resident admitted to taking the cookies and having them with milk before bedtime.”</p> <p>“The Resident must immediately cease taking and/or attempting to remove food, beverages and other service items from the community events.”</p> <p>Cruey says another email popped into her inbox on September 16, this time it told her she would have to be out by October 17. </p> <p>However, Cruey says she will put up a fight and does not want to leave. </p> <p>“I adjusted to it,” she says. “And I’d be happy to stay here the rest of my life. If it takes negotiation, whatever it takes, I’d like to stay right where I am.”</p> <p>Elsie’s daughter, Sandra, said the apartment was a “perfect fit” for her mother who thrives in atmospheres where she is able to live independently. </p> <p>“I want my mother to stay, but if she can’t, I want other people to know they need to be careful before they sell their parents’ property,” she said. </p> <p>“They might think they found somewhere for their loved ones to stay long-term and later realize they were wrong.</p> <p>“You might think you found a great place, but things might change.”</p> <p><em>Images: (Theresa Vargas/TWP)</em></p>

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Pain relief without the risks: World-first discovery of opioid alternative found in Tasmanian mud

<p>Australian scientists think they have found the world’s first alternative to opioid pain relief. </p> <p>The catch? It is in the form of a tiny fungus. </p> <p>The organism was discovered 16 years ago embedded in mud on a boat ramp in Huon Valley, Tasmania. </p> <p>Researchers at the University of Sydney and Queensland University told<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/health-news-pain-killing-drugs-alternative-to-opioids-found/7e2e1c11-4895-47b8-b060-86963cef3b69" target="_blank">9News</a><span> </span>they discovered the fungus had an unusual molecule which looked almost identical to endorphins, used as a natural pain relief mechanism. </p> <p>"The molecules we've found hit that opioid receptor just as potent as morphine, but we are very hopeful we have good scientific evidence to believe that they will not have the same adverse side effects," Professor Rob Capon from the University of Queensland said. </p> <p>"No one has ever looked at microorganisms, bacteria and fungi before as a source of pain drugs."</p> <p>One of the dangerous side effects of opioids is that they are able to induce respiratory depression.</p> <p>However researchers are confident this new drug will provide the same pain relief without that risk. </p> <p>"Overdose deaths should decrease dramatically with this drug" Professor Macdonald Christie from the University of Sydney told reporters. </p> <p>"If it's not addictive, then that's even better, because part of the problem is people become addicted to opiates, they use too much, they start to use them illicitly and that's where the problem is."</p> <p>The drug is currently in the discovery phase and scientists are looking for industry partners to take up licenses to their patent. </p> <p>However, it may still be decades before the product hits shelves.</p>

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Alan Jones breaks down in tears over drought crisis and Scott Morrison interview

<p>An emotional Alan Jones was reduced to tears on his television show as he described the struggles drought-stricken farmers are currently going through, while criticising Prime Minister Scott Morrison in the process.</p> <p>The PM sat with Jones on his 2GB breakfast radio show yesterday morning where the shock jock interrogated him with questions regarding the action he’s taking to help desperate primary producers.</p> <p>Morrison’s answers didn’t hold weight and the pair were embroiled in a tense exchange, garnering media attention across the country.</p> <p>Addressing the incident on his Sky News program Jones &amp; Credlin, Jones slammed the response that came out of Canberra, and in doing so, he cracked.</p> <p>“The Prime Minister today on radio with me has disappointed millions of Australians,” he said.</p> <p>“I begged him to provide fodder, water and freight so farmers wouldn’t have to send their breeding stock to slaughter. He just didn’t understand.”</p> <p>The radio star spoke about a call he received from a farmer 10 minutes before he interviewed Morrison, in which the man began to cry about having to sell off his stock.</p> <p>Jones then addressed a listener named Mary, who had contacted him and urged him to keep up the pressure on political figures.</p> <p>“We will fight because I have been exactly where the people of Bourke are,” he said. “My old man would be ashamed of me if I didn’t fight. I can’t speak for Canberra …”</p> <p>A clearly emotional Jones then struggled to speak, as he put his hands up asking to “take a break”.</p> <p>“Look sorry about that,” he said when the show returned.</p> <p>After taking a number of calls from angry listeners, Jones then delivered a stark warning to the PM.</p> <p>“The Morrison government tonight has a massive political crisis on its hands. It can be solved, but it’d want to be solved in a hurry otherwise the political fallout will be terminal.”</p>

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“I’m a farmer’s son, you’re not”: Alan Jones fires back at Scott Morrison during tense interview about Australia’s drought crisis

<p>Prime Minister Scott Morrison gave an explosive interview with Alan Jones this morning, as Jones increasingly grew agitated at Morrison’s responses to the government’s drought relief policies.</p> <p>"Can I ask you this. Why, if the drought response is adequate, would a farmer write to me and say this – and I don't mean to offend, I'm just telling you what he said – 'So you're going to interview Morrison. Why bother? I guarantee Australia will have no more confidence in the Morrison government after your interview than before. I guarantee there'll be no admission from Morrison that his government is seriously lacking in a number of crucial matters,'" Jones said, according to<span> </span><em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/finance/work/leaders/australian-politics-live-tuesday-october-15/live-coverage/aa1e9d0bad1dde2f507f48d4fea10a3c" target="_blank">news.com.au</a></em>.</p> <p>"What I'm doing is exactly what I told the Australian people I was going to do. Whether it's on energy, on water, our support for farmers in the drought, and we just finished the most recent financial year, where we put an additional $318.5 million in additional support to farmers," Mr Morrison said.</p> <p>Jones was fired-up as he had received personal calls from farmers who cannot afford food and water for their livestock and were sending them to slaughter and criticised the Farmers Household Allowance scheme.</p> <p>The scheme gives farmers fortnightly payments and, in some case, lump sum payments of up to $12,000.</p> <p>"You say Farm Household Allowance. Now PM, come on. You go and tell Jenny that she can live on $250 a week."</p> <p>"It's not $250 a week Alan. It's not just that," Mr Morrison said.</p> <p>"If you live in the city, and your business goes bust or you lose your job, then you have access to Newstart. But if you are on a farm property and you get access to the Farm Household Allowance."</p> <p>"Why are they walking off? Why are they sending their cattle to slaughter?" Jones pressed.</p> <p>Morrison didn’t budge, and Jones’ frustrations boiled over.</p> <p>"Oh don't talk to me, I'm a farmer's son and you're not," he snapped.</p> <p>Morrison eventually relented and said the government can’t “make it rain”.</p> <p>"The government, whether it's state, federal or anyone else, we can do a lot of things to try and help people get through this. But the government can't make it rain, and it can't make life as it was before the drought," he said.</p> <p>"We both want the same thing. We want the farmers to be able to get through this drought. But we can't kid ourselves that there's a magic wand and a magic cash splash that's going to make this thing totally solved."</p> <p>2GB listeners are furious after hearing the interview, saying that Morrison is a “waste of space”.</p> <p>"I'm just devastated. This guy's a waste of space. I just can't believe it," said Jim.</p> <p>"My blood's boiling after hearing that. I'll describe it, right. Complete failure as a Prime Minister. He's arrogant. They've been conning the public after the election," said Robert.</p> <p>"As a former one-eyed Liberal, I felt like putting my fist through the radio listening to Scott Morrison this morning," said Anna.</p>

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Update on Zantac carcinogen fears: "It's pretty scary"

<p>Australia’s drug regulator has discovered three-quarters of a popular heartburn medication it recently tested contained increased levels of a suspected cancer-causing substance.</p> <p>“We’re just validating those results and we’ll be publishing that on our website soon,” said Professor Paul Kelly, the Therapeutic Goods Authority’s chief medical advisor to ABC’s<span> </span><em>7.30</em>.</p> <p>The TGA recalled the popular medicine Zantac, also known as ranitidine, on October 4 after regulators around the world found that it had been contaminated with the probable carcinogen NDMA.</p> <p>Despite the risk being low, the TGA took what it described as a “very precautionary approach” by issuing a recall and conducting their own testing.</p> <p>“It terms of the level of concern, it’s three parts per million. Very, very small amounts,” Professor Kelly said.</p> <p>“We’ve now tested 135 different batches of this medicine, and we’re finding about 75 per cent of those are positive above that level of three parts per million.</p> <p>“If someone were to take a ranitidine tablet for their entire life for 70 years, every day, then the risk of cancer may go up by about one in 100,00, so I think you can see from those figures it’s a very small risk.”</p>

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"He made it up": Police hit back at motorist fined for drinking water while driving

<p>Police have confirmed a motorist who claimed he was fined for drinking water made up the fine. </p> <p>However, QLD police have warned drivers they could still be prosecuted for taking a sip of any liquid -whether water or not -  if they are caught being reckless behind the wheel.</p> <p>Brock Harris, from Beaudesert, west of Gold Coast, said he was pulled over as he was turning into his driveway after working 12 hours in 39C heat. </p> <p>Mr Harris told radio listeners on<span> </span>ABC Radio Brisbane<span> </span>he was handed a $173 fine as well as one demerit point for driving with due care and attention. </p> <p>“As I was pulling into my street I was pulled over by the police and told it was illegal to drink anything while driving,” he told ABC’s Rebecca Levingston at the time. </p> <p>“If it is against the law then I’ll pay the fine, but it’s not compassionate to fine someone on a 39-degree day (for trying to) stay hydrated.</p> <p>“The policeman told me there was nothing I could do and he was doing his job — but I am going to challenge the fine.”</p> <p>While QLD Police have confirmed the fine was not issued to Mr Harris, the state’s Police Superintendent David Johnson told the ABC motorists must still be cautious behind the wheel. </p> <p>“There are many people who consume drinks while driving and do it safely in a safe manner,” he said. </p> <p>“For us to issue a fine we have to look at the circumstances to see if the driver's actions are causing risks to themselves or others.</p> <p>“Driving without due care and attention was once put before court, but these days it’s a traffic infringement notice that is issued.</p> <p>Driving without due care and attention carries a $533 fine and three demerit points, according to the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads website.</p>

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“Disgraceful”: Bathurst tactics under review as McLaughlin claims controversial win

<p>Officials are set to re-open an investigation into Supercars driver Fabian Coulthard’s “disgraceful” behaviour during a late safety car period at the Bathurst 1000.</p> <p>Coulthard is allegedly being looked into after he decided to slow down dramatically and hold up the field behind his Ford teammate Scott McLaughlin, who went to claim his maiden Great Race on Sunday.</p> <p>He was hit with a drive-through penalty during the race as he breached safety car procedures, but officials are now taking a look at the incident for the second time to see if it influenced the outcome of the 161-lap race.</p> <p>Coming third-place at the time, Coulthard slowed down and backed up the rest of the field as top two Jamie Whincup and McLaughlin raced to their garage for a pit stop to get much-needed fuel during the safety car period with 26 laps left.</p> <p>His slow pace ensured he avoided double stacking or being forced to wait behind his teammate McLaughlin in the pits.</p> <p>The team radio showed van Gisbergen was furious about Coulthard’s scheme. “Fabian is going stupidly slow,” he said.</p> <p>“Fabian should get a penalty for that, going stupidly slow. That was shocking.”</p> <p>McLaughlin later went on to claim his first Bathurst title by beating Gisbergen by 0.68 seconds.</p> <p>Supercars legend Larry Perkins said Coulthard’s actions were “disgraceful” on Sunday night.</p>

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“Utter disbelief”: Wallabies player’s mother involved in Israel Folau scandal

<p>Wallabies players are said to be in “utter disbelief” after a mother of young Wallabies star Jordan Petaia has admitted to “infiltrating” Israel Folau’s church.</p> <p>Helen Petaia confessed to<span> </span><em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/wallabies-mother-infiltrates-church-run-by-israel-folaus-father/news-story/8ba7761db554bea22040c64a981e1037" target="_blank">The Herald Sun</a></em><span> </span>that she was the anonymous parent who had gone undercover in Folau’s church to learn more about it.</p> <p>She explained that she became concerned when Folau started inviting players to the church that was set up by his father Eni in 2013. The church is called the Truth of Jesus Christ Church.</p> <p>"I honestly do not want my son involved in what I have come to understand is false teachings and counterfeit Christianity,” she told <em>The Herald.</em></p> <p>Helen explained that it “disturbed her greatly” after deciding to attend the church for herself.</p> <p>“I’ve gone, I’ve checked it out and I would call them an isolated hate group.”</p> <p>However, her actions might have had the opposite effect as the Wallabies camp has sent a flood of messages of support for Folau.</p> <p>According to<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/mother-of-wallabies-star-jordan-petaia-infiltrates-church-run-by-israel-folaus-father/news-story/582fd00bbcfc19736916671db0f5ac72" target="_blank"><em>The Australian</em></a>, “many of the messages expressed players’ disappointment and ‘utter disbelief’ that Petaia’s mother had gone to such ‘extreme lengths’, going to the media to warn of Folau’s ­religious beliefs and her concerns about his influence on young rugby players.”</p> <p>Helen has since spoken out about the controversy, saying that Folau’s father Eni has said that she’s “going to hell”.</p> <p>“I have no doubt many Christian parents would be concerned if their child was to become entangled in the false teachings and religious practices Israel Folau endorses,” she told <em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/rugby/rugby-world-cup-2019/jordan-petaias-infiltrated-israel-folaus-church-to-protect-her-son/news-story/1815de9c460381a387a6c4e6584de084" target="_blank">The Daily Telegraph</a></em>.</p> <p>“There are many Christian leaders who agree with my assessment of the Folau church.”</p>

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Schapelle Corby set to reveal “raw and uncensored” story in her updated memoir

<p><span>Schapelle Corby is set to release a “revised and updated” version of her memoir.</span></p> <p><span>Titled <em>Schapelle Corby, My Story</em>, the book is a revised edition of the biography first published in 2006. The new version promises to give a glimpse into Corby’s journey since her release from prison in 2014 and return to Australia two years ago.</span></p> <p><span>In an Instagram post on Thursday, Corby said the book is “very raw and uncensored”.</span></p> <p><span>“It’s been a very difficult time emotionally working on this,” the 42-year-old wrote.</span></p> <p><span>“If it weren’t for all of your support - and having the confidence and actually being brave enough to go back and go ahead and do this.”</span></p> <blockquote 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);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B3baGv5BNPr/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <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> <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;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B3baGv5BNPr/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Schapellecorby (@schapelle.corby)</a> on Oct 9, 2019 at 11:50pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span>“This is the first time since 2006 that Schapelle has spoken, driven by a determination to show she has emerged, scarred, but with her dignity, humour and courage intact,” the book description stated on the publisher Macmillan’s website.</span></p> <p><span>Written with author Kathryn Bonella, the book will be out later this month.</span></p> <p><span>Corby spent nine years behind bars in Bali after airport customs officers found 4.1 kilograms of marijuana in her boogie board bag in 2004. After being released, she stayed in Bali until her parole expired in May 2017.</span></p>

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URGENT: Worldwide recall of common heartburn drug over cancer fears

<p>A popular medicine for heartburn and stomach ulcers known as Zantac has been urgently recalled in all markets over fears that it’s contaminated with a chemical that’s linked to cancer.</p> <p>The Medicine and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) at the UK’s Department of Health has sent an alert to healthcare professionals, calling for all unexpired stocks of four types of Zantac to be returned. These four types are made by GlaxoSmithKline.</p> <p>The recall is due to the possible contamination of ranitidine, which is the active substance in the medication that reduces stomach acid levels. There is an impurity that is linked to the development of certain cancers.</p> <p>Traces of the impurity known as N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) are found in some food and water supplies, but can be dangerous at higher concentrations.</p> <p>The four affected products, which are all prescription-only medicine are:</p> <ul> <li>Zantac 150mg/10ml Syrup,</li> <li>Zantac 50mg/2ml Injection</li> <li>Zantac 150mg Tablets</li> <li>Zantac 300mg Tablets<span> </span><span> </span> </li> </ul> <p>Doctors have been told to stop supplying the product immediately and to return all remaining stock to their supplier, according to <em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/zantac-cancer-ranitidine-recall-heartburn-drug-prescription-gsk-health-a9148401.html" target="_blank">The Independent</a>.</em></p> <p>It’s important to note that over-the-counter products that also bear the Zantac name are made by a different company and therefore are unaffected.</p> <p>Dr Andrew Gray, MHRA deputy director of inspections, enforcement and standards, said: “Whilst this action is precautionary, the MHRA takes patient safety very seriously.</p> <p>“Patients should keep taking their current medicines but should speak to their doctor or pharmacist if they are concerned and should seek their doctor’s advice before stopping any prescribed medicines.”</p> <p>He added: “Currently, there is no evidence that medicines containing nitrosamines have caused any harm to patients, but the agency is closely monitoring the situation, and working with other regulatory agencies around the world.”</p>

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Outrage over Kmart child attacker verdict as Peter Dutton calls for review

<p>A man who abducted a seven-year-old girl from a Queensland Kmart toy aisle and sexually assaulted her in bushland nearby has been jailed for a maximum of eight years.</p> <p>The mother of the young girl has been left “shaken” by his sentence, says child safety advocates.</p> <p>Prominent child safety campaigner Bruce Morcombe spoke outside court, saying he “fears for the children of Australia” after Sterling Mervyn Free was given eight years in prison over the abduction this morning.</p> <p>The man, Sterling Free, will be eligible for parole in August 2021.</p> <p>Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton has slammed the sentence as an “outrage” and has called on the Queensland Government to appeal the decision.</p> <p>“You cannot have a young girl taken and put in a situation that no parent could ever imagine for their child,” he told the <em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/crime-and-justice/bruce-denise-morcombe-peter-dutton-slam-sterling-free-sentence/news-story/093f4dc9a89d55eb6994ed99fc945a00" target="_blank" title="www.couriermail.com.au">Courier Mail.</a></em></p> <p>“For a child that’s sexually abused or abducted, for somebody to get essentially a penalty of about two and a half years is unacceptable.”</p> <p>The 27-year-old father of twins lured the girl from the Kmart at Westfield North Lakes in December last year, but was sentenced today.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> <p dir="ltr">The 27-year-old man who lured a girl from Kmart before sexually assaulting her has been sentenced to a maximum of eight years behind bars. He will be eligible for parole in less than two years. Sterling Free’s statement has been read by his lawyer outside court. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/7NEWS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#7NEWS</a> <a href="https://t.co/qOObCLYJi7">pic.twitter.com/qOObCLYJi7</a></p> — 7NEWS Sunshine Coast (@7NewsSC) <a href="https://twitter.com/7NewsSC/status/1182441043469295616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2019</a></blockquote> <p>Judge Julie Dick said Free’s offending was “every parent’s nightmare”.</p> <p>Child safety advocates Denise and Bruce Morcombe read a statement on behalf of the girl’s mother outside court.</p> <p>“While disappointed with the sentence, my daughter and our family are moving forward,” the statement read, according to<span> </span><em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/national/queensland/courts-law/brisbane-kmart-child-attacker-faces-20-years-in-jail/news-story/be0dca06e3d26c96708bd3ab0cbd8998" target="_blank">news.com.au</a></em>.</p> <p>“The bar needs to be sufficiently high to say to these other people, these other creeps that are out there that have fascination about our kids, don’t go there or you’ll be locked up for decades,” he said. “I’m not sure this sentence does that.”</p> <p>Free’s lawyer read out a statement from Free, saying that he was sorry for the “pain I caused her (the victim), her family and my own family and my children.</p> <p>“I today accept the punishment imposed upon me by the justice system,” the statement read. “I do not wish to cause any further pain upon the young victim, her family nor delay justice any further.</p> <p> <span>“I cannot comprehend the pain I’ve caused her. I took away her innocence and scared her family. I hope that today my sentence provides her and her family some closure.</span></p> <p>“I can only ever say sorry. I know this is not good enough. I cannot imagine the pain and fear I’ve caused. I can’t take that back.”</p> <p>The mother of the young girl has released a statement herself, saying that despite her daughter being taught about “stranger danger”, Free had managed to trick her.</p> <p>“My tiny innocent girl was well aware of stranger danger, however this person was friendly to her and tricked her into following him,” she said in a statement.</p> <p>“No child should ever have to go through this type of trauma, and no sentence will ever be long enough to make up for the ongoing effects this will have on her.</p> <p>“We, as a family, remain positive and are trying to move forward. We would like to thank the QPS, the QDPP and the Australian public for their support throughout this ordeal.”</p>

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