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"Last chance, Mr Banducci": Woolies CEO threatened with jail time

<p>Outgoing Woolworths CEO Brad Banducci has been threatened with jail time for refusing to answer questions about price gouging at a fiery Senate enquiry. </p> <p>The parliamentary probe into supermarket prices has seen Banducci be grilled by senators about how the supermarket raked in record-breaking profits during the ongoing cost of living crisis. </p> <p>During the enquiry on Tuesday, Banducci was repeatedly warned by committee chair and Greens senator Nick McKim about giving evasive answers when asked about his company's return on equity.</p> <p>Banducci repeatedly told the committee that return on equity was not his focus, and Woolworths is instead more interested in return on investment, refusing the question and prompting a 15-minute adjournment. </p> <p>When the enquiry resumed, a similar exchange occurred, leading to another warning for the Woolworths chief executive.</p> <p>"Last chance, Mr Banducci," McKim said.</p> <p>"Do you accept that return on equity is an accepted measure of the financial profitability of a company?"</p> <p>When Banducci replied that "we measure return on investment", the committee was suspended.</p> <p>Its return immediately saw another round of the same questions and answers, with McKim warning Banducci about the consequences of not answering questions clearly.</p> <p>"It is open to the Senate to hold you in contempt, and that carries potential sanctions including up to six months imprisonment for you," he said after saying the Woolworths boss could simply say he didn't know the answer and take the question on notice.</p> <p>"That's why this is a critical matter so I'd just ask you to address your mind with absolute clarity, please, to the question I am asking."</p> <p>"I put it to you the reason you don't want to focus on return on equity is because you don't like the story that it's telling, which is that you are basically profiteering and making off with massive profits at the expense of farmers at the expense of your workers and at the expense of Australian shoppers who you are price gouging," Greens senator McKim said.</p> <p>The enquiry is still ongoing, with Coles counterpart Leah Weckert set to address the same Senate committee later on Tuesday as the government continues to probe allegations of price gouging.</p> <p><em>Image Credits: ABC - Four Corners</em></p>

Legal

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Woolies CEO quits after disaster interview

<p>Woolworths chief executive Brad Banducci has announced his retirement amidst a flurry of challenges facing the Australian supermarket behemoth. As the company grapples with a staggering loss and contends with allegations of price gouging and unfair dealings with suppliers, the announcement of Banducci's departure marks a significant shake-up at the top.</p> <p>The supermarket giant wasted no time in appointing a successor, promoting Amanda Bardwell to the coveted position after what was described as an "extensive international search process". Bardwell, a veteran of the company with 23 years of experience, currently leads WooliesX, a vital sub-division within Woolworths.</p> <p>Banducci's retirement comes hot on the heels of Woolworths' latest financial results, which revealed a substantial $781 million statutory loss. This loss was largely attributed to a $NZ1.6 billion ($1.5 billion) writedown in the value of its New Zealand grocery business and a $209 million reduction in the value of its stake in ASX-listed alcohol and hotels spin-off Endeavour. Despite these setbacks, Woolworths managed to announce a 2.5 per cent rise in half-year profit to $929 million, buoyed by a 4.4 per cent increase in revenue compared to the previous year.</p> <p>However, amidst these financial intricacies lies a more troubling narrative. Woolworths has found itself embroiled in allegations of price gouging and unfair practices with suppliers, casting a shadow over its operations. The spotlight intensified with the release of an ABC investigation featuring a contentious interview between Banducci and reporter Angus Grigg. The interview, part of a comprehensive examination of the Australian supermarket industry amid the ACCC's investigation into allegations of unfair pricing, saw Banducci visibly flustered and defensive.</p> <p>The program scrutinised how supermarkets profit from rising prices amid a cost of living crisis and included conversations with key industry figures, including Banducci and Coles boss Leah Weckert. Banducci's exchange with Grigg, particularly his dismissal of former ACCC head Rod Sims' remarks, underscored the tension surrounding the allegations. Banducci's subsequent request to edit his comments mid-interview, followed by a brief exit to confer with his PR team, highlighted the sensitivity of the issue.</p> <p>Grigg, reflecting on the incident, described Banducci's reaction as "pretty startling", while pointing out that the lack of scrutiny faced by supermarket executives over the years was very significant. </p> <p><em>Images: ABC / Woolworths</em></p> <p> </p>

Retirement Life

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"I think I'm done": The question that made Woolies CEO leave interview

<p>Woolworths CEO Brad Banducci has cracked under the pressure during a tense interview with ABC's <em>Four Corners</em>. </p> <p>The supermarket boss sat down with reporter Angus Grigg as part of a deep dive into the supermarket industry in Australia amid the ACCC's investigation into allegations of unfair price gouging.</p> <p>The program questioned how supermarkets have been profiting from rising prices amidst the cost of living crisis and spoke with a number of key players, including Banducci and Coles boss Leah Weckert. </p> <p>The supermarkets have long denied the allegations have since become the focus of investigations by both the Senate and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).</p> <p>“Rod Sims, the former head of the ACCC, says that we have one of the most concentrated supermarket [sectors] in the world, is he lying?” Griggs asked Banducci.</p> <p>“It’s not true. [He’s] retired, by the way,” Banducci said.</p> <p>The comment caught Griggs off guard, to which he responded, “I don’t think you would impugn his integrity and his understanding of competition law. He retired 18 months ago.”</p> <p>Banducci then began to appear agitated and asked if his comments could be removed.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">This is what happened when Four Corners asked Woolworths CEO Brad Banducci about the lack of competition in the Australian grocery market. </p> <p>Watch the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/4Corners?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#4Corners</a> documentary tonight: <a href="https://t.co/dDRYGLaw2i">https://t.co/dDRYGLaw2i</a> <a href="https://t.co/bsrJD9IETB">pic.twitter.com/bsrJD9IETB</a></p> <p>— ABC News (@abcnews) <a href="https://twitter.com/abcnews/status/1759391473567490367?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2024</a></p></blockquote> <p>“Can we take that out? Is that ok? Angus, are we going to leave it in?” he said.</p> <p>“I shouldn’t have said that about Rod, about him being retired. I mean, he is retired, but I shouldn’t have said that. Are we going to leave that in there?”</p> <p>Upon being told that his comments were “on the record” and would not be taken out, Banducci said, “I think I’m done guys.”</p> <p>“I do this with good intent, and I don’t do this with bad intent,” he said as he walked away.</p> <p>“Really, you’re walking out?” Grigg asked.</p> <p>Banducci then disappeared from view, reportedly to talk with his PR team, before returning a few moments later to complete the interview.</p> <p>Speaking to <em>ABC’s News Breakfast </em>on Monday after the episode aired, Griggs called the move “pretty startling”.</p> <p>“I think it shows you that, there you have the boss of the largest supermarket chain in the country really unwilling to face too many questions,” he said. </p> <p>“It shows how little scrutiny they’ve had over the years and I think that’s a really big problem.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: ABC</em></p>

Money & Banking

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"Welcome to the world": TV stars share heartwarming news

<p>A fan favourite couple from the 2023 season of <em>Farmer Wants a Wife</em> have announced some heartwarming family news. </p> <p>Brad Jones and Clare Hockings took to Instagram to announce the birth of their first child together. </p> <p>“Roy Grahame Jones has arrived,” Brad, 32, wrote in the caption.</p> <p>Their announcement was flooded with well wishes for the new parents and baby Roy, with the post racking up almost 10,000 likes. </p> <p>Their fellow <em>Farmer Wants a Wife</em> contestant David McMahon shared a comment for the couple, writing, "Very happy for you both! Welcome to the world Master Jones."</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/C0i6z2qhLnv/?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/C0i6z2qhLnv/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Brad Jones (@farmerbradau)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The couple first announced their pregnancy in June, just one month after the show finished airing.</p> <p>At the time, Clare, 28, posted a picture of herself with Brad on their Cootamundra farm, showcasing a pair of baby booties resting on top of a saddle.</p> <p>“We’re so excited to meet our newest little farm hand!” the excited mum-to-be said in the caption.</p> <p>“Baby Jones due December.” </p> <p>Brad opened up about the surprise pregnancy in <em><a href="https://www.newidea.com.au/farmer-wants-a-wife-brad-clare-pregnant" target="_blank" rel="noopener">New Idea</a></em> at the time, admitting they “didn’t think it would happen as quick as it did”.</p> <p>Despite the news of their growing family coming as a shock to the couple, starting a family was always on the cards for the couple, as they told <a href="https://7news.com.au/lifestyle" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>7Life</em></a> shortly after the series ended that they were <br />"ready to settle down". </p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p>

Family & Pets

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Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie call it quits in epic legal battle

<p>Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have reportedly chosen to settle their acrimonious legal dispute over their jointly owned French winery, Château Miraval, through mediation rather than pursuing further court battles.</p> <p>According to recent court filings obtained from TMZ, Jolie, 48, and Pitt, 59, have mutually agreed to attempt mediation as a means to resolve their disagreements concerning the future of Château Miraval.</p> <p>This development comes in the wake of allegations from Jolie's former investment company, Nouvel, accusing Pitt and other "co-conspirators" of trying to maintain control over Château Miraval by allegedly misusing and depleting its assets.</p> <p>The court documents claimed that Pitt had mismanaged the company's funds by directing substantial amounts towards personal endeavours, such as extravagant swimming pool renovations, repeated reconstruction of a staircase, and investing millions in restoring a recording studio.</p> <p>The legal dispute initially arose when Pitt filed a lawsuit against his former wife, claiming that she had sold her share of the winery to a Russian oligarch in 2021.</p> <p>According to a court filing, Pitt appeared upset over Jolie's decision to sell Nouvel to Stoli instead of him, and he allegedly failed to treat Nouvel as an equal partner in their business dealings.</p> <p>Furthermore, there were allegations that Pitt attempted to leverage the winery business to silence Jolie regarding the circumstances surrounding their divorce, which included allegations of abuse and disputes over child custody.</p> <p>Jolie had previously accused Pitt of physical abuse towards her and two of their children during a flight in 2016, leading to their separation later that same year.</p> <p>According to documents reported by the <em>New York Times</em> in 2022, Jolie's team claimed that Pitt engaged in a prolonged outburst during a flight from France to California in September 2016. The allegations included claims that Pitt had choked one of the children and struck another in the face, and had grabbed Jolie by the head and shaken her.</p> <p>In response to these accusations, Pitt's lawyer asserted that Pitt took responsibility for his actions but would not accept false claims against him. The actor has faced numerous personal attacks and misrepresentations throughout the legal proceedings.</p> <p>The former celebrity couple purchased Château Miraval, a picturesque country estate and winery located in the south of France, in 2008. Since then, it has become a focal point of their high-profile divorce.</p> <p>As they embark on the mediation process, both Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt hope to find common ground and reach an amicable resolution to put an end to their protracted legal battle over Château Miraval.</p> <p><em>Images: CNN / Getty </em></p>

Legal

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Pitt stop! Snubbed rookie’s hilarious response to Brad Pitt’s F1 debut

<p dir="ltr">Brad Pitt is set to make his formula one debut at the Silverstone Grand Prix for his upcoming F1 movie that is co-produced by British F1 Driver, Lewis Hamilton.</p> <p dir="ltr">News that the Hollywood heartthrob will drive an adapted F2 car as part of his role prompted a hilarious response from snubbed rookie Colton Herta, who was denied a super-licence last year because he didn’t have enough points.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Brad Pitt got a super license before me. Tough,” he tweeted in response to the news.</p> <p dir="ltr">“You're not experienced enough mate! 😂,” another user jokingly replied.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Brad Pitt got a super license before me. Tough. <a href="https://t.co/r7gedm1esn">https://t.co/r7gedm1esn</a></p> <p>— Colton Herta (@ColtonHerta) <a href="https://twitter.com/ColtonHerta/status/1654225843042787330?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 4, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">The <em>Mr. &amp; Mrs. Smith</em> actor will begin filming on-site at the Silverstone Grand Prix in July between the main F1 sessions.</p> <p dir="ltr">Pitt will play a retired driver making his comeback, and while the movie remains untitled, the project is being led by Joseph Kosinski, director of <em>Top Gun: Maverick</em> and producer Jerry Bruckheimer.</p> <p dir="ltr">Hamilton has also spoken up about his involvement and experience in co-producing the film.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I don’t know absolutely every single plan with all the things we’ll be doing in the paddock, I’m more focused on making sure the script is where it needs to be,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“That’s where all the time is currently, going through the script.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We’ve got a really great and diverse cast. Joe’s focus is to make us as embedded in this sport as possible. For me it’s to make sure it’s authentic, and that all of you and racing fans see its authenticity and say ‘this is believable’, and have a view of racing from a different perspective than you might see on TV.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I’m spending a lot of time right now helping Joe and the team get the script right, it’s an amazing process and I’m really enjoying it.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Fans have also shared a bunch of memes in reaction to the news of Pitt being allowed to race on the track during Grand Prix weekends.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">brad pitt seeing max lap him for the 12th time <a href="https://t.co/fWMyLkSnYF">pic.twitter.com/fWMyLkSnYF</a></p> <p>— Maude⁴⁷ (@schumihoney) <a href="https://twitter.com/schumihoney/status/1654216747048742917?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 4, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">brad pitt at turn one in silverstone <a href="https://t.co/168nTurA43">pic.twitter.com/168nTurA43</a></p> <p>— bella (@lovesjenson) <a href="https://twitter.com/lovesjenson/status/1654235239911415808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 4, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Colton Herta when Brad Pitt is allowed to join F1 without any super licence points but he isn't <a href="https://t.co/Utlt6fRBLz">pic.twitter.com/Utlt6fRBLz</a></p> <p>— F1 Updates (@paddock2go) <a href="https://twitter.com/paddock2go/status/1654222779900633088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 4, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

Movies

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Angelina Jolie's bombshell allegations against Brad Pitt

<p dir="ltr">Angelina Jolie has claimed that her ex Brad Pitt was physically abusive towards her and two of their six children on a flight in 2016.</p> <p dir="ltr">The Hollywood actress’s legal team claimed that Pitt grabbed Jolie’s head and shook her then choked one of their children and struck another when they tried to defend her.</p> <p dir="ltr">Pitt’s representation vehemently denied the allegations saying the allegations are "another rehash that only harms the family”.</p> <p dir="ltr">The couple have been locked in a legal fight over their French home and winery in which the description of the abuse came to light.</p> <p dir="ltr">News of the alleged abuse first came to light soon after it happened, however the details were kept private in divorce documents.</p> <p dir="ltr">Further investigations by the FBI and Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services found that no action against Pitt was necessary.</p> <p dir="ltr">Pitt was then granted 50-50 custody of the children but the decision was soon appealed by Jolie and eventually became nullified.</p> <p dir="ltr">Reports of the abuse were first reported by The New York Times which read that on September 14, 2016, Jolie, Pitt and their six children were travelling from the winery, Chateau Miraval, to Los Angeles.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Pitt's aggressive behavior started even before the family got to the airport, with Pitt having a confrontation with one of the children. After the flight took off, Jolie approached Pitt and asked him what was wrong," the filing says.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Pitt accused her of being too deferential to the children and verbally attacked her."</p> <p dir="ltr">"He pulled her into the bathroom and began yelling at her. Pitt grabbed Jolie by the head and shook her, and then grabbed her shoulders and shook her again before pushing her into the bathroom wall."</p> <p dir="ltr">It is then when one of their children verbally defended Jolie, which caused Pitt to lash out.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Pitt lunged at his own child and Jolie grabbed him from behind to stop him. To get Jolie off his back, Pitt threw himself backwards into the airplane's seats injuring Jolie's back and elbow," the filing says.</p> <p dir="ltr">"The children rushed in and all bravely tried to protect each other. Before it was over, Pitt choked one of the children and struck another in the face."</p> <p dir="ltr">Pitt then proceeded to pour beer on Jolie, and beer and red wine on the kids.</p> <p dir="ltr">Jolie reported the incident to police, which also showed a photo of a bruise on Jolie's elbow and a "rug-burn type injury" on her hand.</p> <p dir="ltr">Despite all this, it was agreed that Pitt would not be charged.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

Legal

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Brad Pitt has a list of actors he’ll never work with again

<p dir="ltr">The people you work with have the power to make going to work heavenly or hellish, so it should come as no surprise that Brad Pitt - whose career in acting and producing spans 35 years - would be selective about who he works with.</p> <p dir="ltr">In fact, <em>Bullet Train</em> co-star Aaron Taylor-Johnson has revealed that Pitt has a “long” list of actors he never wants to work with again.</p> <p dir="ltr">Taylor-Johnson told <em>Variety</em> that Pitt keeps notes on who he likes and dislikes when he’s making films.</p> <p dir="ltr">“He just wants to bring light and joy into the world and be around people who are there to have a good time,” the 32-year-old explained.</p> <p dir="ltr">“You work with many actors and after a while you start making notes - ‘I am definitely not working with this person ever again’.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Brad has this list too: the ‘good’ list and the ‘s**t’ list.”</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-0b58473c-7fff-a28a-53f3-7b4800d2810c"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">But, Taylor-Johnson was tight-lipped as to who was on Pitt’s “s**t list”.</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/CgPY8Eyr9kZ/?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/CgPY8Eyr9kZ/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Aaron Taylor-Johnson (@aarontaylorjohnson)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">It comes after the <em>Fight Club</em> star recently revealed he would be winding down his acting career to the dismay of her millions of fans.</p> <p dir="ltr">Pitt told a popular men’s magazine that he was on the “last leg” of his career and that he chooses his new projects very carefully.</p> <p dir="ltr">Taylor-Johnson said his 58-year-old costar “is in a new chapter of his life”, describing him as “a humble and gracious human being”.</p> <p dir="ltr">Quentin Tarantino, who worked with Pitt on <em>Once Upon A Time In Hollywood</em>, said that when Pitt does retire, Hollywood will lose “one of the last remaining big-screen movie stars”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s just a different breed of man,” Tarantino said.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-c7a240c0-7fff-ce3d-7ca0-1b30139672c6"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">“And frankly, I don’t think you can describe exactly what that is because it’s like describing starshine.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

Movies

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Inside Brad Pitt's cliffside bachelor pad

<p>Brad Pitt has forked out a hefty $40 million for the historic D. L. James house, known as “Seaward”.</p> <p>The beautiful home is his latest purchase and overlooks California’s stunning central coast.</p> <p>Rich in history, the famed property was built in 1918 and is believed to be the most expensive property ever sold in the area of Carmel.</p> <p>Locals are reportedly thrilled to have another big-name celebrity joining them, especially after the iconic property has sat empty for years.</p> <p>Pitt is reportedly a big fan of Craftsman-style homes, which could be why he has purchased his latest bachelor pad. It is rumoured he could be joined by his brood of six children with ex-Angelina Jolie.</p> <p>Known as the D.L. James House, the property was designed by 20th century architect Charles Sumner Greene. It was designed on a piece of land owned by infamous author Daniel Lewis James.</p> <p>Previously, it was owned by Searock since 1999, a limited liability company tied to the late Chicago financier Joe Ritchie and his wife, Sharon Ritchie.</p> <p>The luxury property, which is just metres from the beach, boasts a ‘wooden aesthetic’ and is built from locally quarried sandstone and granite. It has arched windows, with bricks individually chosen by Charles Greene, and a tiled Mediterranean-style roof.</p> <p>According to the organisation’s website, as part of the design Mr. Greene “built up the outer walls so that they appear to be growing out of the cliffs.”</p> <p>The actor already has a $5million beach house in Goleta, California, which he purchased in 2000 when he married Jennifer Aniston.</p> <p>Carmel-by-the-Sea first became popular with the Hollywood elite when Clint Eastwood became the town’s mayor, in 1986, with the iconic actor still residing in the area.</p> <p><em>Images: Vertikoff Archive</em></p>

Real Estate

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Brad Pitt gives rare insight into what's next

<p>Brad Pitt has opened up about his high-profile divorce from Angelina Jolie in a candid new interview. </p> <p>The Oscar-winning actor told <a href="https://www.gq.com/story/brad-pitt-august-cover-profile" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GQ magazine</a> that he felt deep turmoil over the split, but believes deep sadness is a vital part of growth. </p> <p>“I think all our hearts are broken,” Pitt said. </p> <p>“I always felt very alone in my life, alone growing up as a kid, alone even out here, and it’s really not ’til recently that I have had a greater embrace of my friends and family.”</p> <p>Pitt and Jolie, 47, ended their 12-year relationship in 2016, prompting a years-long divorce battle which is yet to be finalised, although they were declared legally single in 2019.</p> <p>The 58-year-old also said he found joy "later in life" after years of "low-grade depression".</p> <p>“I was always moving with the currents, drifting in a way, and onto the next,” he told the publication. </p> <p>“I think I spent years with a low-grade depression, and it’s not until coming to terms with that, trying to embrace all sides of self – the beauty and the ugly – that I’ve been able to catch those moments of joy.”</p> <p>Pitt also revealed that his acting days are numbered, after a decades long career that saw him star in iconic films including <em>Ocean’s Eleven</em>, <em>Fight Club</em>, <em>Inglourious Basterds</em>, and more recently, <em>Once Upon A Time In Hollywood.</em></p> <p>“I consider myself on my last leg,” he said. “This last semester or trimester. What is this section gonna be? And how do I wanna design that?"</p> <div id="ad-block-4x4-1" data-type="unruly" data-ad-size="4x4" data-device-type="web" data-ad-tar="pos=1" data-ad-pos="1" data-google-query-id="CLnHvr6gwvgCFRh6jwodcoMJRQ"> <p>“I’m one of those creatures that speaks through art. I just want to always make. If I’m not making, I’m dying in some way.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> </div>

Relationships

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“He’d be dating Brad Pitt!” Deborra-Lee Furness addresses Hugh Jackman rumours

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">During a hilarious and at times touching and revealing podcast with Gus Worland recently, Hugh Jackman's wife Deborra-Lee Furness addressed the longheld rumours surrounding her husband’s sexuality – before opening up on how she and the children cope whenever Hugh has a sex scene in one of his films.</span></p> <p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When asked by Worland on his Not an Overnight Success podcast about the rumours that Hugh is “gay”, Furness simply mocked the idea as baseless and “so silly” – and that it’s just one of many rumours that have circulated about Jackman over the years. </span></p> <p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“I mean HELLO, guys,” said Furness, “if he was gay, he could be gay!</span></p> <p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">'He didn't have to hide in the closet anymore, and he'd be dating Brad Pitt, or whatever. Not that Brad's gay, but you know what I'm saying!'</span></p> <p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">She continued: 'It's so silly, and then people perpetuate silly things and it's boring.'</span></p> <p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Later on in the podcast, Worland then questioned Furness about how she and the kids handle it when Jackman is asked to get hot and heavy with an on-screen love interest – as well as how HE copes when she is required to do the same.</span></p> <p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“What's it like when you're doing a love scene in the movie, and Jacko's watching and vice-versa?' posed Worland.</span></p> <p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“It's so weird,” replied Furness. “I suppose because I've done it so many times before, it's not really romantic. You've got the light in your face, you've got to hit a mark and so it's not really sexy.”</span></p> <p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">But when it comes to watching Jackman perform in romantic scenes, it’s a little different. </span></p> <p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“When I'm sitting in the theatre watching – especially if I'm with the kids – I feel a little uncomfortable,” she said.</span></p> <p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“But also a lot of the times I'm very good friends with the actress he's making out with as we're making a film, we all get to know each other.</span></p> <p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Sometimes it’s weird seeing it, and I think the kids are like, "Ahh!" [Oscar] doesn't want to watch.</span></p> <p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“When you're in a relationship, that's just all fluff, you know? It's all fluff.”</span></p> <p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><em><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Image: Instagram</span></em></p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-548722b6-7fff-cafa-fdb5-8ab7c81c60b9"></span></p>

Relationships

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Triple tragedy after hero dad dies saving children

<p dir="ltr">A hero father’s last moments before his devastating death have been captured in a heartwarming family photo.</p> <p dir="ltr">Brad Coleman posed for a beautiful photo with his wife Hulya and two kids Raiden, 13, and Aleyna, 11 at their favourite holiday spot in Jervis Bay on the south coast of NSW.</p> <p dir="ltr">The family were enjoying their first holiday in three years, when a tragic turn of events changed everything. </p> <p dir="ltr">As Raiden and Aleyna jumped into the water at Hyams beach, a dangerous rip took them in and forced their father to rush in to save them.</p> <p dir="ltr">The 40-year-old father did not think twice when he jumped into action to save his two children with the help of onlookers on bodyboards.</p> <p dir="ltr">As he tried to bring himself to safety, Brad struggled greatly and it is believed he suffered from a heart attack which saw him die in the water.</p> <p dir="ltr">His wife Hulya watched on in horror as his body slowly made its way to shore, with his head under water.</p> <p dir="ltr">She suffered a heart attack as well after approaching her husband’s body.</p> <p dir="ltr">Hulya, Raiden and Aleyna were all flown to the Prince of Wales Hospital where they were all treated.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It just kept pulling, the waves kept pulling and pulling at you,” Hulya told <a href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/brad-coleman-drowns-saving-kids-raiden-and-aleyna-at-hyams-beach/news-story/0b355735a60648a9ea42119b32e9ca27" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Daily Telegraph</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">“There was nothing I could do to save him. I’ve lost my best friend. I never thought I’d ever be a widow.</p> <p dir="ltr">“This is a nightmare that I keep thinking I’ll wake up from... then I realise it’s true.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I’ve lost my best friend, the love of my life and the most wonderful father to our children.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We are in this timeline and it’s not just a nightmare. Brad would have fought long, hard, and then long and hard again before taking a lungful of water, of that I have no doubt.</p> <p dir="ltr">“My beloved became our eternal hero, and my heart literally broke on that beach, but it could have been so much worse.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Further to that, Hulya’s father passed away in palliative care before she was able to say goodbye. </p> <p dir="ltr">Brad’s brother Scott organised a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-the-family-of-brad-coleman" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe</a> page to help support Hulya and her children.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Any donation you can make, small or large, to assist in the long-term support of Brad’s family will be gratefully and humbly received.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: GoFundMe</em></p>

Caring

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Brad Hazzard steps in after mum with newborn is turned away from vaccine hub

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A mum who was turned away from the vaccine hub at Qudos Bank Area </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/coronavirus/covid19-nsw-health-changes-mums-bubs-policy-for-vaccinations/news-story/bcc352ea153f9a64136a795c604a1b31" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">has received her jab</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> in her own home, as Health Minister Brad Hazzard steps in to overturn an archaic policy.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Eleanor Hillard was turned away from the mass vaccination facility for bringing her 7-week old daughter Maeve with her.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Mr Hazzard has since arranged for a doctor to visit Ms Hillard in her Como home and administer the vaccine.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">He also called Ms Hillard and left a “heartfelt” and “sincere” apology, following pressure from </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Daily Telegraph</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> on authorities to help mums get vaccinated.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The rule preventing parents bringing children with them was put in place to prevent liability if a parent has an adverse reaction to the vaccine, which would leave their child without a carer.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Though it is still preferred that parents attend the clinic alone, breastfeeding mums and parents with nowhere to leave their children will be given more flexibility.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 0px; height:0px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7844153/baby-cropped.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/518eefbcc0be439983406569a4ea8fa7" /></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Supplied</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ms Hillard said she also received a call from Westmead Hospital’s acting deputy general manager Amanda Greene.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“A representative from NSW Health contacted me and they said they will organise a home vaccination visit. I’m vaxxed now with Pfizer number one,” Ms Hillard said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“[Mr Hazzard] gave a very heartfelt and sincere apology and he just wanted to follow up and make sure that Health had reached out.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After sharing her story, Ms Hillard said she received a flood of stories from “the mum gang”, with dozens of women describing their own experiences of being turned away.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I am happy that this has alerted the right people about the importance of vaccinating mums,” she said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Everyone has individual circumstances and the government is in a really difficult position and has to come up with broad brush policies, but these policies often fall over because some groups get really excluded.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Sadly, so many people contacted me and said ‘this happened to me’. It’s clearly been an issue and it’s been two extremes. Some mums [found the hubs] were so accommodating and others were not.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ms Hillard said she was delighted when NSW Health confirmed that she would receive her second dose at home or that they would arrange an appointment at a local GP.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Mums are the hearts of these families and the engine, and if women can’t get vaccinated, whole families fall apart,” she said.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Supplied</span></em></p>

Caring

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“I never worked with him again”: Angelina Jolie on Harvey Weinstein

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Angelina Jolie has shared more about her experience with convicted rapist Harvey Weinstein, revealing in a new interview that she turned down a role in Martin Scorsese’s 2004 film </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Aviator</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> to avoid working with him.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“If you get yourself out of the room, you think he attempted but didn’t, right?” Jolie told </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Guardian</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> while reflecting on filming the Weinstein-produced film </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Playing by Heart </span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">in 1998 when she was 21.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“The truth is that the attempt and the experience of the attempt is the assault.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Jolie has previously spoken about the incident with Weinstein as a “bad experience”, but now labels it as an assault.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“It was beyond a pass, it was something I had to escape. I stayed away and warned people about him,” she said in the interview.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I remember telling Johnny [Lee Miller], my first husband, who was great about it, to spread the word to other guys - don’t let girls go alone with him.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I was asked to do </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Aviator</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">, but I said no because he was involved. I never associated or worked with him again.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Though her first husband stood by her, her most recent partner, Brad Pitt, was initially less supportive.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Pitt starred in Quentin Tarantino’s 2009 film </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Inglourious Basterds</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">, which was distributed and co-financed by the Weinstein Company.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height:364.2578125px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7844005/gettyimages-89735716.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/62a14e4af83e4f809a3a1e0a97149d57" /></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Getty Images</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Jolie also alleged in the interview that Pitt approached Weinstein to produce his 2012 film </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Killing Them Softly</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> against her wishes.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Weinstein Company eventually distributed the film, which resulted in Jolie avoiding attending promotional events for it.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“We fought about it. Of course it hurt,” Jolie said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“It was hard for me when Brad [worked with him].”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Pitt later made headlines for a 2019 interview with </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">CNN</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">, where he disavowed Weinstein.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Fight Club</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> star also said he had confronted Weinstein in 1995, after his then-girlfriend Gwyneth Paltrow said the producer had sexually harassed her.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Pitt is currently producing </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">She Said</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">, a film on the </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">New York Times’</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> investigation of Weinstein.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Jolie and Pitt finalised their divorce in 2019, though a battle over custody of their six children continues.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Weinstein has responded to the allegations in a statement provided to </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">TMZ</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">, saying the claims were “brazenly untrue and clickbait publicity”.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“You’re Angelina Jolie, every female and male in the world, I’m sure, shows interest in you. Is the whole world assaulting you?” the statement read.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“It’s very clear to me that this is for more sales on Angie’s BOOK,” he added.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Getty Images</span></em></p>

Relationships

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Dr Kerry Chant and Brad Hazzard sued over mandatory jabs

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A lawsuit has been filed in the NSW Supreme Court in response to mandatory COVID-19 vaccine requirements for some NSW professions.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sydney solicitor Tony Nikolic - who previously represented the protestor accused with punching a horse at Sydney’s anti-lockdown march - has filed the suit against Health Minister Brad Hazzard and Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant, with the matter expected to be heard on Friday, August 3.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Law firm Ashley, Francina, Leonard and Associates argues that the public health orders requiring “a broad class of workers” to be vaccinated is illegal and unconstitutional.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The firm also argues that the additional powers granted to police to enforce public health orders during the most recent lockdown are illegal.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“We have received thousands of inquiries from front-line workers - police, paramedics, nurses, aged care [staff], doctors, firefighters - construction workers, teachers, airline staff, miners, truck drivers, university students, mums and dads and, importantly, employers,” a spokesperson said in a statement.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“It is our view that vaccine compulsion strips citizens of their basic human rights, including their right to work, their right to bodily integrity and their right to informed consent to medical treatment without coercion.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The suit seeks a declaration that the NSW public health orders are invalid, as well as a ban on any further orders made by Mr Hazzard and Dr Chant.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“No-one is above the law, including ministers and public health officers.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Mr Nikolic has advertised for plaintiffs to join the suit via the firm’s website and the social media platform Telegram, which has also been used to organise and incite anti-lockdown protests across Australia.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Nikolic posted to Telegram on Saturday, praising politicians such as Craig Kelly, Reverend Fred Nile, and Pauline Hanson for their opposition to lockdowns and mandatory vaccinations.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“You are born free, free to choose, freedom from arbitrary detention, freedom of bodily integrity - don’t give it away for free,” he said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Don’t be bullied.”</span></p> <p><strong>Is it illegal?</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">According to an </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2021/215/1/medico-legal-considerations-mandatory-covid-19-vaccination-high-risk-workers" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">article</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> published in </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Medical Journal of Australia</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> by Dr Dev Kevat and colleagues from several Melbourne health institutions, Australian employers could mandate vaccination of high-risk workers.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Such a direction may well be lawful and reasonable, excepting for those with relevant medical exemptions, for whom low risk roles must be sought if possible,” Kevat and his colleagues wrote.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">However, this would vary state to state, based on their legislation.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Getty Images</span></em></p>

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Angelina Jolie selling iconic French Chateau for $61 million

<p><span>Angelina Jolie is selling her estate in Provence, France, after several legal issues.</span></p> <p><span>The actress filed for divorce from fellow actor Brad Pitt over five years ago, yet the couple remain linked due to the glorious French Chateau that was once a blessing, but now a plague for them.</span></p> <p><span>The pair purchased the estate back in 2008, for a reported €45 million (AUD $72 million).</span></p> <p><span>The incredible property includes several residential and non-residential structures, from a rundown, adorable chapel to a high-functioning farm.</span></p> <p><span>What gave the chateau a firm reputation, other than its high-profile owners, was its glorious pink wine which won them Wine Spectator’s award for best rosé in the world, back in 2013.</span></p> <p><span>Jolie claims since the couple split back in 2016, Pitt has prevented her from selling the estate.</span></p> <p><span>In June, the mother-of-four even went so far as to file a petition to ask the judge to lift the order that prevents a transfer of assets so she could finally be rid of the property.</span></p> <p><span>Considering the couple purchased the estate prior to their nuptials in 2014, Jolie’s lawyers say the glorious French chateau should solely be considered hers.</span></p> <p><span>“After all these years of trying to extricate herself from being business partners with her ex-husband on acceptable financial terms, Ms. Jolie is extremely desirous of closing the pending agreement for the sale of Nouvel, LLC, and requests that the Court issue an order lifting the ATROs and specifying that they shall not apply to Ms. Jolie’s sale of Nouvel, LLC,” the actress’ legal team stated in a document that was obtained by <em>Us Weekly.</em></span></p> <p><span>The rumour mill has claimed the actress has plans to sell it to a willing buyer for an estimate of USD $61 million.</span></p>

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Christmas in July party at nursing becomes superspreader event

<div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in">A party held at the Wyoming Nursing Home in Summer Hill in NSW so far has 18 residents and two staff members testing positive for COVID-19, leading to it being branded a "Delta superspreader event". <p>The Nursing Home stated on Monday that by Tuesday, just over half of the nursing home’s residents (including people who haven’t necessarily tested positive) will be in hospital as a precautionary measure.</p> <p>NSW Minister for Health, Brad Hazzard said at the daily COVID press conference yesterday: “I understand that the actual numbers are believed to have occurred at a superspreading event that occurred in the aged care facility.”</p> <p>“Sometimes it is not a good idea to have a Christmas in July right in the middle of a pandemic but I do understand that it is an effort to try and provide entertainment and support to residents and those things have to be decided by the aged care facilities.”</p> <p>Since Hazzard spoke, the nursing home has hit back, saying the event was just a regular mealtime which had been made to look a bit festive with some Christmas decorations.</p> <p>In a statement, the Wyoming Nursing Home said: “To clarify, a normal lunch was held for our residents but with Christmas decorations and some carols played to them on our speaker.”</p> <p>Another worrying point is the fact not everyone at the facility has been vaccinated. Hazzard noted at the press conference that 10 of the facility’s 61 residents denied the jab in the past for various reasons, including medical ones.</p> <p>To make it more concerning, around 75% of the nursing home’s staff members had been vaccinated and so health authorities are now offering vaccinations to those workers who reportedly denied it the first time around.</p> <p>The nurse who first tested positive for COVID-19 last week had had her first dose of a vaccine and she was asymptomatic at the time.</p> <p><em>Image: Getty imag</em><em>es</em></p> </div>

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NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard isolating after COVID exposure

<p>NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard has confirmed that he is in isolation after coming into contact with a person who has tested positive for coronavirus.</p> <p>“When I woke up this morning about 5.30 there was a text message from NSW Health advising me that there is a possible positive case who works at Parliament House in Sydney and that I should therefore self-isolate until further notice,” he told Sunrise on Thursday.</p> <p>“They’re obviously doing some investigations, so I could be a close contact, I’m hoping I’m not, but we’ll see how the day transpires,” he added.</p> <p>On Thursday morning, Minister for Agriculture and Western New South Wales, Adam Marshall confirmed to radio station 2GB that he is COVID positive but asymptomatic, and has "no doubt" it was from his visit to Christos pizza.</p> <p>Marshall is one of four Nationals MPs who are currently in isolation after dining at the restaurant in inner Sydney.</p> <p>The restaurant is a venue of concern according to NSW Health.</p> <p>Only 16 MPs will be allowed in NSW Parliament on Thursday. The rest have been told not to come.</p> <p>Hazzard has revealed the Premier was not affected.</p> <p>“I would think that the Premier wouldn’t be a close contact, she’d be more likely to either not be a contact at all or be a casual contact,” he said.</p> <p>“I can’t comment specifically on her because the message that I have received is about me, but if she had received such a message I think I’d have known about it by now.”</p> <p>“So we’ve still got a Premier, we may not have a Health Minister who is at full capacity right now, but we still have a Premier,” he declared.</p> <p>The news comes as Sydney deals with a growing outbreak.</p>

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Angelina Jolie claims domestic abuse against Brad Pitt with “proof”

<p><span>Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's divorce proceedings are still underway, and now new court documents submitted by the actress have claimed there were multiple incidents of alleged domestic abuse.</span><br /><br /><span>Jolie reportedly filed court documents March 12 – ones that will allegedly unveil allegations of domestic abuse from both the Maleficent star and the couple's children: Maddox, 19, Pax, 17, Zahara, 16, Shiloh, 14, twins Knox and Vivienne, 12.</span><br /><br /><span>“This is just another case of Angelina changing the narrative when it suits her,” one source told Entertainment Tonight on Wednesday, March 17.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7840357/angelina-jolie-brad-pitt-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/631d7b882e0e49739f30689890d47309" /><br /><br /><span>“Aside from the one accusation that she made in 2016 that was investigated and dismissed, there have never been any other records, police reports, or even accusations until it suited her case.”</span><br /><br /><span>The source added, “No one else knows what she might say now, but that background is important.”</span><br /><br /><span>Another insider told Us Weekly that the documents were nothing more than a rouse to "hurt" the actor.</span><br /><br /><span>“Over the past four and a half years there have been a number of claims made by Angelina that have been reviewed and not substantiated,” the insider said.</span><br /><br /><span>“The children have been used by Angelina to hurt Brad before and this is more of that behaviour. This leaking of documents by her fourth or fifth set of lawyers has been done to hurt Brad.”</span><br /><br /><span>In 2016, Brad was accused of child abuse following an incident that allegedly took place between him and his eldest son, Maddox, on a private plane.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7840358/angelina-jolie-brad-pitt-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/67353409b84245df9b68ce9bd35d9bb2" /><br /><br /><span>The allegations were quickly dropped soon after, but a source told People at the time thag Pitt was “drunk” when he began arguing with his then-wife, Jolie.</span><br /><br /><span>Maddox reportedly stepped in to defuse the situation, but “there was a parent-child argument which was not handled in the right way and escalated more than it should have.”</span><br /><br /><span>Jolie and Pitt started dating after meeting on the set of Mr. and Mrs. Smith in 2004.</span><br /><br /><span>They separated in 2016 after two years of marriage, and were declared legally single in 2019.</span><br /><br /><span>In an interview with Vogue India in June 2020, the actress opened up about the pair's split.</span><br /><br /><span>“I separated for the well-being of my family," she revealed.</span><br /><br /><span>“It was the right decision. I continue to focus on their healing. Some have taken advantage of my silence, and the children see lies about themselves in the media, but I remind them that they know their own truth and their own minds.”</span><br /><br /><span>Jolie also admitted in February 2021 to British Vogue that the divorce had “been pretty hard.”</span><br /><br /><span>“I’ve been focusing on healing our family. It’s slowly coming back, like the ice melting and the blood returning to my body.”</span><br /><br /><span>Pitt is yet to respond to the recent court documents.</span></p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

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Australians could face life in prison for coughing on doctors and nurses

<p>Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt has slammed reports of people abusing healthcare workers, warning those who deliberately cough on doctors or nurses could face life in prison.</p> <p>Speaking at a Wednesday press conference, Hunt said there had been “troubling” reports of assaults and threats against healthcare workers.</p> <p>“Whether it’s verbally or by coughing on them, by threatening to transmit the virus ... These cases are completely unacceptable and we will be cracking down on them across the jurisdictions,” Hunt said.</p> <p>The minister said the deliberate transmission of the coronavirus “is an offence under the general criminal laws that apply in every state and territory”, carrying penalties up to life imprisonment.</p> <p>State and territory criminal laws also made it an offence to “cause someone else to fear” they had been given the virus, “for example by coughing on them”.</p> <p>Two people in the ACT had been charged with “precisely this type of behaviour”, he said.</p> <p>Hunt thanked healthcare workers for being “on the frontline saving lives and protecting lives”.</p> <p>Reports of doctors and nurses being spat on, harassed and assaulted in public places have emerged across Australia in recent weeks.</p> <p>Some hospitals have also told staff not to wear their uniforms to avoid unwanted attention during their travel to and from work.</p> <p>NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the “appalling” acts must end.</p> <p>“I think every right-minded member of our community would be that our doctors and nurses are being targets for these people who don’t seem to get it,” he told reporters on Sunday.</p> <p>“And I want all of us as a community to make it clear to that small minority that your behaviour is completely unacceptable. Completely.</p> <p>“It’s not Australia, it’s not the way that Aussies behave.”</p>

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