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"People are losing faith": Nat Barr takes aim at Albanese government

<p>Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has defended his record on economic management as the Labor party's primary vote continues to slip in the polls against Peter Dutton ahead of next year's election. </p> <p>This week's Newspoll shows that Labor's primary vote has slumped to 31 per cent, the lowest it has been since the 2022 election, while the Coalition remains steady at 38 per cent. </p> <p>On Thursday, <em>Sunrise</em> host Nat Barr told the Prime Minister that while on her way to the studio she had spoken to a Labor-voting taxi driver who said he was "losing faith" in Albanese's leadership, as things were "too expensive". </p> <p>“This is your biggest problem, people like this cabby are losing faith. How do you respond to that?” Barr asked Albanese. </p> <p>Albanese defended his choices by pointing out that ABS figures released on Wednesday showed annual inflation rates at 2.7 per cent in August, down from 3.5 per cent in July, and the lowest it has been since August 2021. </p> <p>“Cost-of-living pressures are real, but that’s why we have engaged with responsible economic management in order to bring inflation down whilst we have been delivering cost-of-living relief,” he said.</p> <p>“Yesterday’s figures show the headline inflation is down from 3.5 to 2.7 (per cent), it is a good outcome.</p> <p>“There’s more work to be done, but we’ve done that whilst we have delivered a tax cut for that cabby who would have got nothing under the previous scheme.”</p> <p>Albanese added that energy bill relief, cheaper childcare, and fee-free TAFE places were also making a difference to cost-of-living pressures. </p> <p>However, Barr hit back and said that the cost-of-living measures such as the energy rebate were “artificial” as the rebate would end. </p> <p>“The RBA has said, this does not mean that inflation is under control. The power rebate is going to end and that’s keeping it at one level at the moment, that’s why they look at underlying inflation — they take out volatile stuff,” Barr said.</p> <p>“So, what do you say about inflation still being at this level?” she asked. </p> <p>“What I say is if you exclude volatile, the figures released yesterday, which are known as month-by-month, but they’re year-to-year … that figure is down from 3.7 down to 3 (per cent). That’s a remarkable drop,” Albanese responded. </p> <p>“The Reserve Bank Australia’s target band is 2 to 3 (per cent). Every single one of the figures yesterday that were released, whether it was headline, excluding volatile, mean, all of them saw significant drops in inflation.</p> <p>“Inflation is half what we inherited and one-third of where it peaked …That is in part because of the back-to-back budget surpluses that we have delivered that in part is, yes, energy bill relief, but also what we’ve done in cheaper childcare, fee-free TAFE, the deliberate policy design to help people whilst putting that downward pressure on inflation,” he said.</p> <p><em>Image: Sunrise</em></p>

TV

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"You've restored my faith": Community shows up for lonely birthday boy

<p>One dad's desperate plea has "restored" his faith after his local community showed up for his son's third birthday party. </p> <p>Pre-schooler William Buck and his dad Steven sat patiently on a beach in Wellington, waiting for his friends to arrive and begin the celebrations for his third birthday party. </p> <p>As time passed, William and his dad grew more hopeless, and they worried about the fate of the celebrations. </p> <p>"He kept asking where everyone was, and we were like 'they’re coming soon'," Steven Buck told <em><a href="https://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/wellbeing/parenting/133203054/familys-plea-after-nobody-shows-at-3yearolds-birthday-brings-community-to-beach" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" data-i13n="cpos:2;pos:1" data-ylk="slk:Stuff;cpos:2;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0" data-rapid_p="9" data-v9y="1">Stuff</a></em>.</p> <p>Steven felt "guilty" that none of his son's mates had come to the party, especially given how excited his son had been for this birthday, as he had been talking about the celebration for weeks. </p> <p>In a last ditch effort to make William's day special, Steven turned to social media for help. </p> <p>Steven posted an image of the pair online and invited any locals wanting "some sun and sand" to join them.</p> <p>"William would love some friends to play with. He has Hot Wheels, sand toys, dinos, and we have some snacks and drinks. Any and all welcome," he wrote.</p> <p>Amazingly, locals responded in their thousands, wishing William a 'Happy Birthday' while many others joined the three-year-old and his parents.</p> <p>"Going there. See you soon," one local wrote, before arriving with her family.</p> <p>The partygoers arrived with bubbles and inflatables, parking themselves down on beach chairs ready to celebrate the sunny day with William.</p> <p>"Thank you so much everyone for the birthday wishes and support," Steven wrote online after the day. "Wellington you always restore my faith in humanity!"</p> <p><em>Image credits: Facebook</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Queen Camilla meets . . . Princess Margaret?!

<p>In a collision of regal proportions, the world witnessed an unforgettable convergence of the fictitious and the real, as the one and only Helena Bonham Carter, famous for her portrayal of the indomitable Princess Margaret in seasons three and four of <em>The Crown</em>, found herself in the splendid company of none other than the Queen Consort herself, Camilla, at Clarence House.</p> <p>The rendezvous occurred at a glitzy reception held to celebrate 30 years of the Forward Arts Foundation. The Foundation, on a mission to spread the love of poetry throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland, decided to throw this soiree just as London was gearing up for another artistic extravaganza: Frieze Week. Clearly, this was a battle for the city's cultural heart, and poetry had the honour of setting the stage.</p> <p>The highlight of the evening, however, was the majestic meeting of the minds between Bonham Carter and the Queen Consort. As they locked eyes, it was hard to tell who was more starstruck. The actress executed a curtsey so profound it nearly reached the Earth's core before engaging the Queen in delightful conversation.</p> <p>In a refreshing break from her usual attire, which would make even the most extravagant peacock jealous, Bonham Carter sported a dress adorned with bright florals and black feathers, accented by pink ribbons in her hair. Camilla, on the other hand, stole the sartorial spotlight in an arresting peacock feather print shirt dress that must've made any nearby birds quite envious.</p> <p>But Bonham Carter wasn't content with merely being a guest; she also graced the audience with her talents by reciting a poem. Her choice was William Stafford's "Yes," a poem that would have moved Shakespeare himself to stand up, clap and stomp his booted feet.</p> <p>William Sieghart, the founder of the Forward Arts Foundation, expressed his immense pride in the work of the foundation and thanked the Queen for her involvement, calling it "proof of the pudding" that they were indeed making progress.</p> <p>Among the distinguished guests at this intimate soirée were previous winners of the Forward Prizes for Poetry, including the Poet Laureate Simon Armitage, the actress Karen Bryson, and Bonham Carter’s former <em>The Crown</em> co-star, Natascha McElhone. </p> <p>Speaking of royalty, Netflix's juggernaut series, <em>The Crown</em>, has once again captured our attention. The recent announcement of the November and December release dates for the final season has ignited a whirlwind of excitement and speculation. The promotional artwork for this last hurrah features a moody and atmospheric image of the Queen, played by the talented Imelda Staunton, and a reimagining of the iconic photograph of Princess Diana poised on the diving board of a yacht in Portofino, just a week before her untimely departure from this world.</p> <p>While fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming season, it hasn't been without its controversies. Critics have <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/tv/major-twist-in-store-for-final-season-of-the-crown" target="_blank" rel="noopener">raised their eyebrows at reports</a> suggesting that the show will include depictions of Princess Diana's "ghost". </p> <p>Bonham Carter herself, who graciously passed her fictitious tiara to Leslie Manville for the final seasons, has spoken out about the show's duty to distinguish between fact and artistic license. During a chat on the show's official podcast back in 2020, she insisted that <em>The Crown</em> carries a "moral responsibility" to remind viewers that this is a work of fiction inspired by facts, not an educational documentary. It's a reminder to us all that even the fanciest of crowns can come with a little disclaimer.</p> <p>So, as the final season of <em>The Crown</em> approaches, we can only wonder what other regal surprises are in store for us. In the meantime, let's raise a glass to the poetic evening at Clarence House, where fact met fiction, and where, for a brief moment, we were all kings and queens of our own whimsical kingdom.</p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

Beauty & Style

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“I was wrong”: Dominic Perrottet admits Catholic faith played a role in gambling reform


<p>Dominic Perrottet has changed his tune. After reflecting on his decision to implement a new gambling policy, he admits his Catholic faith played a role.</p> <p>Last week ClubsNSW CEO Josh Landis made a comment claiming the premier’s “conservative Catholic gut” was linked to his decision to implement cashless poker machines across all venues in NSW. As a result, the ClubsNSW board decided to fire Landis.<br />Perrottet responded to the comment and claimed his views were “not informed by the fact that I’m Catholic.”</p> <p>Since then, Perrottet has changed his mind. He admitted that the decision was influenced by his Catholic faith. “Certainly my upbringing and my faith has had an impact,” the premier said.<br />“I don’t think that is something I should be ashamed of.”</p> <p>When asked why this policy is such a priority for him, he reflected on his time as NSW treasurer, “We were receiving revenue and profit from people’s misery.”</p> <p>Perrottet has been the state’s premier since October 2021, dealing with the state opening up after COVID and the Omnicron wave. “I haven't got everything right in the time I've been in politics, but you learn from it,” he said.</p> <p>“Politics is not easy. It's difficult and there will always be the external events and mistakes get made.”</p> <p>If Perrottet is re-elected this year, the gambling law overhaul will begin early next year with the roll-out of cashless poker machines.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Getty</em></p>

Legal

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Musician divides audiences over controversial Margaret Court slating

<p>Phoebe Bridgers has been both praised and condemned for her brutal slating of Margaret Court. </p> <p>The American musician was performing to a sold out crowd in Melbourne's Margaret Court Arena, when she took aim at the venue's namesake. </p> <p>The 28-year-old Los Angeles native condemned the 80-year-old tennis champion-turned-Christian pastor, who has in recent years become a vocal opponent of same-sex marriage and transgender rights. </p> <p>Turning to the crowd during the concert on Wednesday , Bridgers declared: “So, Margaret Court. F*** that stupid***, dumb*** b****. F*** that stupid c***. Change your name!”</p> <p>She then encouraged the riled-up crowd to chant “F*** Margaret Court!” before continuing, “I think hate is undervalued. I think it’s like a f***ing weird, white supremacist idea that hate is bad, or something?"</p> <p>“You know what I mean? It’s like hate is like what moves things throughout history. I hate that stupid b****!"</p> <p>“Hate is like how you protect yourself. What, are you never supposed to be angry, ever?”</p> <p>Phoebe's full rant was posted to Twitter and can be viewed <a href="https://twitter.com/ChrystalChristi/status/1623323236800036864" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. </p> <p>The expletive-ridden tirade quickly went viral online, with Bridgers' fans and Court's critics hailing the move as "iconic".</p> <p>“It was the most beautiful moment of my life” one concertgoer raved, while another social media user posted: “Now I’m a fan!” as others called for the venue to be renamed Phoebe Bridgers Arena.</p> <p>While the reaction to the musician's protest was mostly supportive, a small group of Margaret Court sympathisers online slammed her on-stage chants. </p> <p>One person wrote, "Any clue why she’s saying f*** Margaret Court: a world famous tennis player who’s home was actually broken into this week?….. very vile."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Music

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Margaret Court "praying" for the thieves that broke into her home

<p>Margaret Court has said that she is "praying" for the thieves who broke into her home and stole from her.</p> <p>The tennis legend watched on through her home security system as a group of intruders entered her home in Perth on Australia Day while Margaret and her husband were away on holiday. </p> <p>The police were called, while the thieves were stopped by neighbours including cricketing legend and ex-Australian coach Justin Langer.</p> <p>Margaret told <a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/margaret-court-alleged-home-robbery-theft-perth-crime/f290ce6c-2b74-412c-832b-92cb2d9ccdbf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">9News</a> of the incident, "It's never comfortable, it's not nice."</p> <p>"I saw them right away on the little screen at the front door, police got right onto it, they were awesome."</p> <p>The former world No. 1, who became a Christian Pastor when she retired from tennis, added that all the items, except her husband's passport, have since been returned.</p> <p>"All is good, all is fine, I pray for the young guys, I pray they come to know Christ," she said.</p> <p>The recovered items were found in nearby bushland and gardens, a Western Australian police spokesperson said.</p> <p>Western Australia Police have charged two men for the break-in, after they stole Court's OABE, AO and OC miniature medals.</p> <p>The 33-year-old and 34-year-old men are expected to face court next month over the robbery.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

News

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Court short over Serena's final flourish

<p dir="ltr">Margaret Court has called out Serena Williams following her retirement after losing against Aussie Alja Tomljanovic.</p> <p dir="ltr">The US tennis champion’s career came to an end after she lost to Ajla Tomljanovic 7-5 6-7 (4-7) 6-1 in the third round of the US Open.</p> <p dir="ltr">This means Court will hold onto her grand slam record that Williams has tried besting for a long time.</p> <p dir="ltr">Despite the win for Court, she didn’t hold back when she called out the US player who she says should have spoken more about her opponent following her loss.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Serena, I’ve admired her as a player, but I don’t think she has ever admired me,” Court told The Telegraph UK.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I thought it was bad that Williams didn’t mention her opponent more when she spoke.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We were taught to be role models for the young, in how we behaved. We were taught to honour our opponent. You learned from your losses. We respected one another.”</p> <p dir="ltr">In her retirement speech, Williams mentioned Court and slammed those who said she doesn’t deserve to be the GOAT (greatest of all time) because of her loss.</p> <p dir="ltr">“There are people who say I’m not the GOAT because I didn’t pass Margaret Court’s record of 24 grand slam titles, which she achieved before the ‘open era’ that began in 1968,” Williams said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want that record. Obviously I do. But day to day, I’m really not thinking about her. If I’m in a grand slam final, then yes, I am thinking about that record. Maybe I thought about it too much, and that didn’t help.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The way I see it, I should have had 30-plus grand slams.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Court went on to single out tennis organisers who she claims completely ignored her at Wimbledon, and the lack of invitations for other big tennis events.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s very sad, because a lot of the press and television today, particularly in tennis, don’t want to mention my name,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s only when they have to, because I still hold so many records. In 2020, I was meant to be coming to Wimbledon for the 50th anniversary of my calendar grand slam.</p> <p dir="ltr">“But then Covid hit, so the honour never happened. The French Open didn’t invite me, the US Open didn’t invite me. Rod Laver had won the slam and I was going to be honoured in the same way, but no.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I didn’t lose any sleep over it. But the honour has not been there for what I did do. In my own nation, I have been given titles, but they would still rather not mention me.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

Retirement Life

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“You left us way too soon”: Tributes flow for Margaret Ulrich

<p dir="ltr">Margaret Ulrich, the New Zealand singer best known for her vocals on Daryl Braithwaite’s hit <em>The Horses</em>, has died aged 57 after battling breast cancer for two and a half years.</p> <p dir="ltr">The songstress passed away peacefully at her home in the NSW Southern Highlands on Monday, surrounded by her family.</p> <p dir="ltr">Tributes to Ulrich have since poured in from fans, artists, and TV stars from Australia and New Zealand.</p> <p dir="ltr">“RIP Margaret Ulrich. Such a beautiful singer. My heart goes out to George and her family. You left us way too soon,” Aussie icon Jimmy Barnes <a href="https://twitter.com/JimmyBarnes/status/1561866835938529280" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tweeted</a>.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-4b0a75c7-7fff-4e8b-ed41-f90639c16c44">“One of the most beautiful voices to come out of New Zealand has fallen silent,” Project co-host Angela Bishop <a href="https://twitter.com/AngelaBishop/status/1561678245351018496" target="_blank" rel="noopener">wrote</a>.</span></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">The beautiful Margaret Urlich... one of the most unique vibratos and NZ voices. Will never forget her rendition of "I Don't Know How to Love Him" in Jesus Christ Superstar. "Escaping" is still one of the most iconic jams Saddest news but a life full of incredible achievements❤️❤️ <a href="https://t.co/acimbvx9xn">https://t.co/acimbvx9xn</a></p> <p>— Indira Stewart (@Indiratweets) <a href="https://twitter.com/Indiratweets/status/1561781878566240256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">😢THAT Voice, THAT fashion style for a tom-boy like me. I got to do an Advert with other female artists for TVNZ.I was a 13 yr old nerdy kid. SHE was super gorgeous. 🕊Margaret Urlich an absolute icon from that beautiful melting pot of talent. Moe mai ra beautiful💔🎵 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Escaping?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Escaping</a> <a href="https://t.co/XW7O1FchxM">pic.twitter.com/XW7O1FchxM</a></p> <p>— TheBlackSheep.com (@74MasterBlaster) <a href="https://twitter.com/74MasterBlaster/status/1561782621176270850?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“The beautiful Margaret Ulrich… one of the most unique vibratos and NZ voices,” TVNZ journalist Indira Stewart <a href="https://twitter.com/Indiratweets/status/1561781878566240256" target="_blank" rel="noopener">shared</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Vale #margaretulrich Much love to George and the family … and immense respect for the beautiful and talented artist who blazed a trail. R.I.P. Margaret 💔,” Channel Nine’s Richard Wilkins <a href="https://twitter.com/RichardWilkins/status/1561671409231081472" target="_blank" rel="noopener">added</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Margaret Ulrich, trailblazer &amp; wonderful human. I was in awe of her as a kid. Aroha (love) to all hurting from this loss,” New Zealand singer-songwriter Hollie Smith <a href="https://twitter.com/holliejsmith/status/1561813545783701504" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">Ulrich began her career as the vocalist for the band Peking Man, before joining When The Cat’s Away, a Kiwi all-girl pop group.</p> <p dir="ltr">She later made history as the first solo female artist to take the number one spot in the official New Zealand Music Charts with her hit song <em>Escaping</em>, which came from her 1989 debut album <em>Safety in Numbers</em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">Her follow-up album, <em>Chameleon Dreams</em> (1992), spawned the hits <em>Boy in the Moon</em> and <em>Burnt Sienna</em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">But, Ulrich’s Aussie music fame came after she was a guest vocalist on Braithwaite’s 1991 hit, which spent 12 weeks in the Top 10 and 23 weeks in the Top 50 Australian charts and has since been recognised as a beloved national anthem.</p> <p dir="ltr">In 2016, Ulrich admitted she regrets not appearing in the music video, which was being filmed while she was recording an album in London.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I could have come back to do the video but I was doing my own thing by that stage,” she told News Corp.</p> <p dir="ltr">“A lot of people know it's my singing, but they don't put two and two together that it's not me in the video.</p> <p dir="ltr">“In retrospect, it was probably a little bit silly because the song was so huge. But at the time I was young and a bit stupid, I did what I thought was right. But it was absolutely no disrespect to Daryl.”</p> <p dir="ltr">That same year, Braithwaite claimed in an interview commemorating 25 years since<em> The Horses</em> was released that Ulrich pulled out of the video at the last minute.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-b7c42a1f-7fff-7264-118d-d2f9b1475375"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Twitter</em></p>

Caring

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Five spiritual tourism destinations and how to experience them

<p>The pandemic has led some people to take a greater interest in <a href="https://www.pewforum.org/2021/01/27/more-americans-than-people-in-other-advanced-economies-say-covid-19-has-strengthened-religious-faith/">religion</a> and <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-55419894">spirituality</a>. One of the many definitions of the “spirit” is that it is our inner, <a href="https://www.dictionary.com/browse/spirit">nonphysical world</a>, including both our conscious and subconscious minds. Our spiritual self <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S105381001830521X">interprets sensory inputs from our outer world</a> and <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2018/10/hallucinations-hearing-voices-reality-debate/571819/">creates our experience of reality</a>. </p> <p>We usually associate spirituality with practices such as worship, meditation and yoga. But for many, travelling can be highly spiritual, as it involves being immersed in an experience different from our normal existence. It is also a <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14616688.2020.1725618">“liminal experience”</a> – we are suspended in an unknown setting which opens us to new possibilities.</p> <p><a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/11/4/177">Spiritual tourism</a>, including <a href="https://medium.com/tourism-geographic/three-ways-to-ensure-wellness-tourism-provides-a-post-pandemic-opportunity-for-the-travel-c997d7b842f7">wellness tourism</a>, was a rising global trend before the pandemic. The book and Hollywood film <a href="http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,2011931,00.html">Eat Pray Love</a>, for example, drew tourists to India and Bali in Indonesia, seeking spiritual solutions to the challenges of modern life.</p> <p>As the pandemic eases and the world gradually returns to international travel, we expect places known for their spiritual energy and significance will become popular destinations. Spiritual tourism is <a href="https://medium.com/new-earth-consciousness/explore-your-world-explore-your-mind-b955665b17f8?sk=ae0b2423a08c57279f8391d7baaa90a4">as much about inner, self-reflexive experiences</a> as outer destination experiences. Here are five places you can visit with great spiritual significance.</p> <h2>1. The Old City of Jerusalem, Israel</h2> <p>The <a href="https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/148">Old City of Jerusalem</a> is often listed among the top spiritual places in the world. It contains some of the holiest sites for the Abrahamic religions, including the Western Wall for Judaism, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for Christianity, and the Dome of the Rock for Islam. </p> <p>But even if you’re not a follower of these religions, the sounds, smells, narrow cobblestone footpaths, ancient architecture, and multicultural people, shops and foods open your mind. Some even succumb to <a href="https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/the-jerusalem-syndrome">Jerusalem syndrome</a>, perhaps remembering a spiritual connection to the city from a past life.</p> <p>But while we can go to the most religious places in the world, they will not be spiritual until we turn inward. For tourists, there are several non-intrusive ways to turn inwards while maintaining respect for the destination. These include setting aside time for contemplation, maintaining a sense of <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/epub/10.1080/14616688.2021.2021978?needAccess=true">mindfulness</a> and openness to new experiences, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-is-walking-meditation-175989">silent walking</a> and <a href="https://medium.com/new-earth-consciousness/meditation-explainer-the-what-why-how-of-meditating-6bf6e934a982?sk=888fb69504e401a14495fe8717b5bb87">other forms of quiet meditation</a> and prayer. </p> <h2>2. The Ghats of Varanasi, India</h2> <p>Varanasi is the oldest and holiest city in India. It was already over 1,400 years old when the Buddha gave his first sermon near here in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gautama_Buddha#cite_note-dating-12">around 400BC</a>. The city has more than 3,000 Hindu and over 1,300 Muslim holy sites, along with Buddhist, Jain, Sikh and Christian spiritual places.</p> <p>But Varanasi is most famous for <a href="https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/6526/">the “ghats” along the Ganges River</a>. Ghats are the over 80 sets of steps leading into the river from Hindu temples, shrines, and palaces. Bathing ghats are where devotees cleanse themselves of karma to be free of the cycle of incarnations. There are also cremation ghats. Spirituality permeates the narrow streets of temples, bazaars and artisans.</p> <h2>3. Luang Prabang, Laos</h2> <p><a href="https://d.docs.live.net/2f918da4f5876012/Desktop/A%20Trip%20to%20Laos%20for%20Spiritual%20Healing%20and%20Food%20Like%20No%20Other%20Place%20-%20Bloomberg">Luang Prabang</a> is the peaceful, laid-back, former capital of the historic kingdom of the same name. With <a href="https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/479/multiple=1&amp;unique_number=1954">33 Buddhist temples and shrines</a>, it embodies the Buddha’s teaching that our true essence is the silence within. </p> <p>The city is quiet, relaxing, and surrounded by the Mekong River with mountains and waterfalls nearby. Spirituality is everywhere, from exploring and contemplating temples and appreciating the daily rituals of monks and nuns, to taking long walks along the river and in the surrounding hills, and interacting with the people and culture. </p> <h2>4. The Hopi Mesas, Arizona, USA</h2> <p><a href="https://www.legendsofamerica.com/na-hopi/">The Hopi Native Americans</a> are among the most traditional cultures in the US today, with Old Oraibi village being the country’s oldest continuously occupied settlement. They are “settled agriculturalists”, living in villages atop mesas (flat-topped hills) and farming the lands below. <a href="https://hopitribeblog.weebly.com/religion--tradition.html">Their religion is secret</a>, but they announce <a href="https://www.kachinahouse.com/hopi-calendar">traditional social and spiritual dances</a> to the public about a week before they are held.</p> <p>Visitors are always welcome to watch the dances or wander the villages to see and buy from artisans. Photography or sketching are not allowed for spiritual reasons. The Hopi believe their religion maintains the spiritual stability of the entire planet. You get a sense of this as you step back into an infinite time of quiet solitude and meditate on the open vistas of the Hopi Mesas. Many are so taken that they become “<a href="https://leowbanks.com/journalism/bahana-humor-on-the-hopi-reservation/">wannabe Hopis</a>”, though outsiders are discouraged as permanent residents.</p> <h2>5. The Camino de Santiago, Spain</h2> <p><a href="https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/669">The Camino de Santiago</a> is an ancient pilgrimage route to the cathedral in Santiago, to worship the remains of St James, who brought Christianity to Spain. The journey can be long (several weeks) or short (several days) and can start in Spain, Portugal, or France. The most popular path is 780km long, starting from Saint Jean Pied de Port, France, to Santiago de Compostela, Spain.</p> <p>Although a religious tradition within Spain, the pilgrimage route attracts many spiritual tourists from elsewhere. As with most <a href="https://medium.com/tourism-geographic/why-you-might-want-to-consider-a-pilgrimage-for-your-next-holiday-or-day-trip-73911715222d">pilgrimage treks</a>, the journey is more important than the destination. </p> <p>For some it is meditative, bringing psychological <a href="https://brill.com/view/book/edcoll/9789004381223/BP000009.xml">wellbeing</a>. For others, it offers space to reflect on <a href="https://arrow.tudublin.ie/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1388&amp;context=ijrtp">personal challenges</a> (such as a relationship breakup or job loss). You can enjoy walking alone, but there is also a strong sense of community among like-minded pilgrims from around the world sharing hostel accommodations and meals.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/five-spiritual-tourism-destinations-and-how-to-experience-them-178372" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>. </em></p>

Travel Tips

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Waleed Aly defends Scott Morrison’s church speech

<p dir="ltr">Waleed Aly has defended former prime minister Scott Morrison’s speech which he says has been misinterpreted. </p> <p dir="ltr">Morrison delivered a sermon to Margaret Court’s Victory Life Centre church in Perth where he urged people to put their faith in God and not the government. </p> <p dir="ltr">"We trust in Him. We don't trust in governments. We don't trust in the United Nations, thank goodness,” he said. </p> <p dir="ltr">"We don't trust in all these things, fine as they may be and as important as the role that they play. Believe me, I've worked in it and they are important."</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>The Project </em>co-host however said that the speech was misinterpreted and that what Morrison meant is to trust God and not “earthly institutions”. </p> <p dir="ltr">“The criticism here is that he’s saying ‘don’t trust the government’. I think that’s a bad faith reading of what he’s saying. That’s a misinterpretation,” he said on Thursday’s episode.</p> <p dir="ltr">“All he’s saying is ‘we don’t trust earthly institutions the way that we trust God’.</p> <p dir="ltr">“If you’re a Christian, and not just a Christian by the way, I reckon just about any mainstream perspective from any mainstream faith would say the same thing.</p> <p dir="ltr">“That’s a completely uncontroversial thing to say. What’s controversial is the way that it’s been taken out of that context, the context of a sermon, and placed in the context of a news cycle and then turned into a comment about the government like he’s whipping up some kind of anti-government movement.</p> <p dir="ltr">“That’s just not what he’s doing”.</p> <p dir="ltr">The controversial speech also caught the attention of current Prime Minister Anthony Albanese who called out Morrison saying he was surprised that he was in a position of leading the country. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I just thought, wow. This guy was the prime minister of Australia and had the great honour of leading the government. I found it quite astonishing,” he told ABC radio.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It provides some explanation perhaps of why, in my view, he clearly didn’t lead a government that was worthy of the Australian people – he said he doesn’t believe in government.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Instagram/The Project</em></p>

TV

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Aussie grandma deported for helping son cover up fiance's murder

<p>Margaret Archer, the South Australian grandmother who was jailed for covering up the murder of her son’s fiancé, has finally been handed over to border force and will be deported.</p> <p>For the family of Jody Meyers, it is a moment to celebrate. Meyers' brother-in-law, Michael Bates, said the family is "happy" Archer is being sent to the United Kingdom.</p> <p>"We just don't want her around us," he said. "We don't want her in the community. We don't to have to be looking over our shoulder.</p> <p>We don't want to have to see that face."</p> <p>As police searched for Meyers in 2015, Archer was helping her son Neil to concoct a lie, claiming that Meyers had decided to leave her fiancé and their toddler and vanish from their Mannum home.</p> <p>Margaret sent a text message from Meyers' phone to support the story, however Neil Archer had strangled his partner to death and his mum helped him hide her body.</p> <p>The then 55-year-old used Meyers' own bank card to buy bags of cement, which were used to bury the victim's remains beneath the back shed of Archer's Mannum property.</p> <p>"You can support your child in many ways, but supporting someone to cover up a murder of the mother of your grandson is a whole new level," Bates said.</p> <p>Neil Archer was sentenced to at least 22 years in jail for the murder of Jody Meyers. His mother faced a six-and-a-half-year sentence, which she served in full. While Archer is free to continue living her life in the UK, Bates said their family is left grappling with her actions.</p> <p>The SA Corrections Department has confirmed Margaret Archer was released into the custody of border force, but did not specify when she will leave the country.</p> <p><em>Images: Nine Network / ABC</em></p>

Legal

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"I took a leap of faith": Sam Armytage opens up on life after Sunrise

<p dir="ltr">Samantha Armytage has spoken candidly about her life after <em>Sunrise</em>, and how meeting the love of her life prompted her to make some “massive changes” in her life.</p> <p dir="ltr">Armytage spoke during the launch of Dan Murphy’s new lines of rosé wine in Sydney - including Brad Pitt’s wine, Miraval Côtes de Provence.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I enjoyed the lunch immensely, the French Rosé wines we tasted were truly exceptional,” Armytage said of the event, which included a lunch and tasting of the new wines.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The only thing missing was Brad Pitt!”</p> <p dir="ltr">In her post-lunch speech, Armytage mused on the upcoming one-year anniversary of her leaving the popular breakfast show.</p> <p dir="ltr">“In a few weeks time it would have been 12 months since I made a huge move towards renewal and a massive new beginning of my own,” she <a href="https://www.nowtolove.com.au/celebrity/celeb-news/samantha-armytage-media-career-husband-71208" target="_blank" rel="noopener">began</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">“My mother used to say to us Armytage kids, ‘edit your life frequently and ruthlessly. It’s your masterpiece after all’. And so finally, I did.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-a312b375-7fff-18f0-e633-c80763506525"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">“During my ongoing career, I’ve been placed into a huge, wonderful for the most part, highly-scrutinised, high-adrenaline, high-pressure job.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/02/sam-armytage-wine.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Samantha Armytage shared how she came to dramatically change her life at the launch of Dan Murphy’s new ros</em>é<em> wines. Image: Supplied</em></p> <p dir="ltr">Armytage said she began to “rethink everything” after seeing a “few sign posts” that made her realise her success was just one part of her story.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I was in my 40s. I was independent, financially and emotionally. I’d made it to the top of my tree in my industry. I have nothing to prove to anyone. And it was one chapter, it was not the whole story,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">Now 45, Armytage said her mother’s passing in 2020, intense media scrutiny, and her home being vandalised made her realise she had “had enough”, and meeting her now-husband Richard Lavender helped her find her new path in life.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I met a divine and decent man, sweeter than the sweetest rose,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I found the love of my life at 42. How lucky am I? And I realised you do not find the happy life, you make it.”</p> <p dir="ltr">So she made “massive changes” to her life which led to her leaving Sydney for the NSW Southern Highlands.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-7e9a6244-7fff-59c8-9aee-3460a4d75e01"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">“I took a huge leap of faith, a scary and risky move and I’m sure many more ambitious types thought I was mad. It was the best thing I’ve ever done. It gave me time, that most precious commodity,” she continued.</p> <p dir="ltr"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/02/sam-armytage-wine1.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Supplied</em></p> <p dir="ltr">“The universe moved me towards a more honest, joyful and calm place. I found healing, proper rest, a chance to honour feelings and gave my body and mind a break.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I unfollowed negative people on social media accounts, I stopped watching negative TV. I realised I didn’t have to dominate an industry to be successful or to be number one at anything.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Armytage also reflected on the new opportunities she’s had since leaving <em>Sunrise </em>and shared how she couldn’t be happier writing for <em>Stellar Magazine</em> and working on her popular podcast, <em>Something To Talk About With Samantha Armytage</em>.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-efcbec40-7fff-7240-b96d-df0a7d9d08c0"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Supplied</em></p>

Food & Wine

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More calls to rename Margaret Court Arena

<p dir="ltr">Columnist Peter FitzSimons is once again <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10461501/Peter-FitzSimons-Rename-Margaret-Court-arena-tennis-legends-anti-gay-rights-stance.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">leading calls</a> to rename Melbourne’s Margaret Court Arena in response to the tennis star’s stance on gay marriage.</p><p dir="ltr">In 2017, Margaret Court shared her “disappointment” in Qantas in a letter she penned to the airline over its support of the federal government’s plebiscite to legalise gay marriage. She also revealed she would no longer fly with the company as a result.</p><p dir="ltr">“I am disappointed that Qantas has become an active promoter for same sex marriage,” she said in the letter published in the West Australian newspaper.</p><p dir="ltr">“I believe in marriage as a union between a man and a woman as stated in the Bible. Your statement leaves me no option but to use other airlines where possible for my extensive travelling.”</p><p><span id="docs-internal-guid-1f2a3abb-7fff-bc46-ce66-c5cb3c32e5b6"></span></p><p dir="ltr">Fitzsimons, who has previously called on officials to change the stadium’s name, posted a poll to Twitter on Sunday night asking his followers whether they thought the name should be changed, with one option including naming the venue after First Nations icon Evonne Goolagong Cawley.</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Margaret Court Arena should be</p>— Peter FitzSimons (@Peter_Fitz) <a href="https://twitter.com/Peter_Fitz/status/1487380481641353216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2022</a></blockquote><p dir="ltr">After receiving 5382 votes, the results showed that 80 percent of voters thought Goolagong Cawley should receive the honour of having the stadium named after her, just over 14 percent thought the name should be unchanged, and about 5 percent said it should be named after someone else.</p><p dir="ltr">Fitzsimons has previously spoken glowingly about Goolagong Cawley, describing the seventh-time grand slam winner as one of the “more generous” people he knows.</p><p dir="ltr">“Personally, I know of no finer person, no more generous and inclusive than Evonne Gollagong Cawley,” he said.</p><p dir="ltr">“I run into her about once a year in airports around Australia and she is always on her way to do something to help someone.</p><p dir="ltr">“How ‘bout the Evonne Goolagong Arena, as a name that tennis can be proud to put up in lights?”</p><p dir="ltr">The Melbourne Park arena was named after Court in 2003 “as a tribute to Australia’s most successful tennis player”, according to the venue’s <a href="https://margaretcourtarena.com.au/about/our-history/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">website</a>.</p><p dir="ltr">In a <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/sport/tennis/margaret-courts-antigay-rights-stance-deserves-a-boycott-of-its-own-20170525-gwda2w.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2017 column</a> for <em>The Sydney Morning Herald</em>, Fitzsimons said Tennis Australia should be doing more to separate themselves from the controversial player and that it was time that tennis ended its association with Court.</p><p dir="ltr">“Tennis is an inclusive game, and ever more inclusive in the 21st century,” he wrote at the time.</p><p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-dad08968-7fff-2b48-c01e-71da83e3fff5"></span></p><p dir="ltr">“Does Melbourne Park really want to have an arena named after someone who stands so firmly against such inclusiveness, who is becoming a byword for bigot?”</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Wiradjuri legend Evonne Goolagong Cawley …<br /><br />Handing the Australian Open trophy to Ngarigo champion Ash Barty …<br /><br />On Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung land.<br /><br />How. Awesome.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ausopen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ausopen</a> (Pic: <a href="https://twitter.com/wwos?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wwos</a>) <a href="https://t.co/o4XmtQ11tW">pic.twitter.com/o4XmtQ11tW</a></p>— Dan Conifer (@DanConifer) <a href="https://twitter.com/DanConifer/status/1487374968434298880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2022</a></blockquote><p dir="ltr">Meanwhile, others have taken to social media to petition the arena be renamed after Ash Barty following her stunning Australian Open win over the weekend.</p><p dir="ltr">“She’s much more deserving of the honour. I mean, a dog turd bag is more deserving but anyway… bloody change it already,” one person wrote.</p><p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-f78e74b2-7fff-af76-b33e-98a6f40cb4e2"></span></p><p dir="ltr">“Ash Barty arena has a nicer ring than Margaret Court, don’t you think,” another said.</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Wiradjuri legend Evonne Goolagong Cawley …<br /><br />Handing the Australian Open trophy to Ngarigo champion Ash Barty …<br /><br />On Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung land.<br /><br />How. Awesome.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ausopen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ausopen</a> (Pic: <a href="https://twitter.com/wwos?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wwos</a>) <a href="https://t.co/o4XmtQ11tW">pic.twitter.com/o4XmtQ11tW</a></p>— Dan Conifer (@DanConifer) <a href="https://twitter.com/DanConifer/status/1487374968434298880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2022</a></blockquote><p dir="ltr">Others were quick to discourage the change, saying it was too early in her career for her to receive that kind of honour.</p><p dir="ltr">“I love Barty but I don’t think it should be named after someone who is still active in the sport,” one person posted on Reddit.</p><p dir="ltr">“Wait until she retires. I would love for them to rename it after Evonne Goolagong Cawley though!”</p><p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-993bec17-7fff-cc92-04e1-13406b1c7184"></span></p><p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Don Arnold (Getty Images) / Morgan Hancock (Getty Images)</em></p>

Domestic Travel

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Handsome young royal set to mark historic milestone

<p>Arthur Chatto, 21, is about to become the first ever Royal to join the Marines – and of course he shared his exciting news with the Queen first, gaining her approval and making her proud.</p> <p>The young royal is the son of Lady Sarah Chatto and Daniel Chatto, while his grandmother (Princess Margaret) is the Queen’s younger sister, making Arthur 29th in line for the throne.</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843640/arthur-chatto-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/ff51e3734579446488d99da9f7c07892" /></p> <p><em>Image credit: Getty</em></p> <p>Chatto’s excitement for this new chapter of his life has seen him off into the wilds around Balmoral Castle on multiple camping trips and hiking long distances all throughout the Scottish Highlands while visiting his Royal Family. All of this done in preparation for commando training.</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843641/arthur-chatto.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/4667573b0f4649099822dd7e14504b51" /></p> <p><em>Image credit: Instagram @artchatto</em></p> <p>After having gained serious popularity on social media it is obvious Arthur is super self-confident and takes a lot of pride in both his appearance on and offline. With the support of Prince Edward, he is no doubt going to achieve great things. </p> <p><em>Images: Getty Images / Instagram</em></p> <p> </p>

Beauty & Style

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Weird Margaret Court twist at Wimbledon

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post-body-container"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in"> <p>Twitter users were up in arms as they thought they spotted Margaret Court at the Wimbledon final, where Ash Barty ended up winning.</p> <p>Many were questioning why she was allowed to attend the match while Barty's parents and family were watching the match on TV in Australia.</p> <p>However, Court wasn't at Wimbledon, and the Twitter user to point it out claimed it was a joke.</p> <p>The user who originally posted the clip suggested King and Navratilova were saying: "How the hell did Margaret Court get here?"</p> <p>Unfortunately, others believed that the caption meant Court had attended the match.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">How the hell did Margaret Court get here?<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WIMBLEDON?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WIMBLEDON</a> <a href="https://t.co/D8dOmzVyQy">pic.twitter.com/D8dOmzVyQy</a></p> — Pup Fiction (@jjjove) <a href="https://twitter.com/jjjove/status/1413858588049633293?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2021</a></blockquote> <p>The joke didn't land and resulted in a range of people being angry that Court was allowed to attend the match, despite her being home in Australia.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">The hilarious part about Ash Barty &amp; her brilliant Wimbledon win - the left were hysterical about Margaret Court sitting next to Martina. Um, no, that was Billie Jean King. They don’t even know what the person they hate looks like 🤦🏼‍♀️</p> — Catherine (@catherine___c) <a href="https://twitter.com/catherine___c/status/1413999372828700675?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2021</a></blockquote> <p>However, others pointed out the confusion.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Margaret Court was not in London. It's lies like this that cause harm. The pic is of Martina &amp; Billie Jean King. <a href="https://t.co/zpu1cO4yal">https://t.co/zpu1cO4yal</a></p> — 💧Maggie Mae 🇦🇺🇦🇺Maggie300 #OzParler @Maggie30 (@MillyMolly300) <a href="https://twitter.com/MillyMolly300/status/1414017529509412864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 11, 2021</a></blockquote> </div> </div> </div> </div>

International Travel

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The real reason Margaret Court received Australia's highest honour

<p>Margaret Court reportedly received Australia's highest civilian honour because it was believed she deserved the same recognition as the country's greatest ever male tennis player.</p> <p>Rod Laver was awarded the Companion of the Order of Australia in 2016 and the media reported the same honour will be bestowed upon Court, who has previously caused controversy for spouting her views on homosexuality.</p> <p>Members of the Council for the Order of Australia told The Age and Sydney Morning Herald that despite expecting backlash, Court's achievements in tennis warranted her to receive the same recognition as Laver, and her controversial views shouldn't exclude her from that.</p> <p>Court holds the all-time record for most grand slam singles titles with 24 while Laver won 11 majors, including all four in a calendar year twice - the only player to achieve such a feat.</p> <p>Criticism ensued after it was announced Court would be receiving the honour, with the former athlete hitting back saying it "was a long time coming".</p> <p>“I wasn’t one who looked for it, I didn’t know I was getting it, I was very honoured when I was told I was,” she told 3AW’s Neil Mitchell, speaking after receiving her honour on Australia Day.</p> <p>“No (I won’t give it back), because I loved representing my nation. When I got my AO it was for my community outreach area, where we put out 75 tonnes of food a week.</p> <p>“This was for my tennis and I think it was a long time coming and I’m very honoured ... We did nothing but play for our nation.”</p> <p>Court also defended her views, saying she has been misrepresented in the media.</p> <p>“I was used as a high profile person to get some opinions and views across — but I have nothing against homosexual people or transgender people,” she said.</p> <p>“I’ve always said what the bible says. And I don’t hate anybody. I love people. And I love gay people and I love transgender people.”</p> <p>Court has become a divisive figure for her outspoken views on homosexuality, conversion therapy, same-sex marriage and transgender people.</p>

News

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Margaret Court responds to Australia Day honour backlash

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in"> <p>Tennis legend Margaret Court has been slammed by politicians after the decision was made to honour Court on Australia despite her well-known views on the LGBTQIA community.</p> <p>Court will receive the AC - Companion in the General Decision from the Governor-General David Hurley and the Council for the Order of Australia.</p> <p>The decision that she's being honoured on Australia Day has angered many, including Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews.</p> <p>“I do not support that. You know my views on a whole range of issues. I’m being honest with you, I do not support that,” he told reporters.</p> <p>“I don’t believe that she has views that accord with the vast majority of people across our nation that see people particularly from the LGBTIQ community as equal and deserving of dignity, respect and safety.</p> <p>“I don’t believe she shares those views and I don’t believe she should be honoured because of that.”</p> <p>The AC is awarded to individuals for “eminent achievement and merit of the highest degree in service to Australia or to humanity at large”.</p> <p>Due to the backlash, Court has claimed she is being "bullied" for her views.</p> <p>“All I know is over the last few years, I’ve never had anybody out in community come to me and say ‘we don’t like you’, or ‘we don’t like your beliefs’. I’ve had thousands come to me and tap me on the shoulder and say ‘thank you, we really appreciate you,’” Court told The West Australian.</p> <p>“Over the years, I’ve taken a lot, and I think I’ve been bullied in one way, and I think, you know, it’s time to stop,” Court said.</p> <p>“Always remember I’m a minister of the gospel and have been for the last 30 years, I always say what the Bible says.</p> <p>“I love people, people come in from all backgrounds, I’m there to help, I’m not there to put people down in that way but I’ll always say what the Bible says.”</p> <p>Court also makes headlines every summer due to increasing pressure to rename the Margaret Court Arena in Melbourne, but Daniels is tired of talking about it.</p> <p>“I’m quite sick of talking about that person every summer,” he said, refusing to address Court by name.</p> <p>“We finish up having this discussion in one form or another every single summer. I would prefer not to be giving oxygen to some of those views</p> <p>“Do we really have to do this every single summer? But apparently we do.”</p> </div> </div> </div>

News

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Dan Andrews outraged at Margaret Court’s impending honour

<p>Furious backlash has ensued after it was reported that controversial tennis legend Margaret Court will be receiving the country's highest honour on Australia Day.</p> <p>Claims emerged on social media on Friday morning that Ms Court will be appointed the Companion in the General Division of the Order of Australia (AC) for her sporting success.</p> <p>A Melbourne broadcaster leaked the news on Twitter.</p> <p>The names of those receiving the honour are not meant to be released until 10 pm on Monday.</p> <p>Court has become a controversial figure as of late due to her outspoken views on homosexuality and conversion therapy.</p> <p>Tennis Australia has faced repeated pressure to distance themselves from her, as well as a campaign to rename Margaret Court Arena at Melbourne Park.</p> <p>Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said he "quite sick" of discussing Ms Court after being asked about the backlash to her ward during a press conference on Friday.</p> <p>“I’m quite sick of talking about that person every summer,” he said.</p> <p>“I do not support that but I don’t give out those gongs, that’s not a matter for me, that’s for others.’</p> <p>Andrews stated Court's views were "disgraceful and hurtful", adding they "cost lives".</p> <p>“Calling out bigotry is always important. This bigoted quackery costs lives.”</p> <p>The premier then took to Twitter to reiterate his comments, saying Ms Court's sporting achievements don't give her the right to spew hatred.</p> <p>“I don’t want to give this person’s disgraceful, bigoted views any oxygen,” he said.</p> <p>“But when others insist on rewarding them with this country’s highest honour – I think it’s worth saying again: Grand Slam wins don’t give you some right to spew hatred and create division. Nothing does.”</p> <p>Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese also hit out at the award, claiming Ms Court has “already been honoured for her tennis prowess”.</p> <p>“She’s already an Officer of the order of Australia,” he wrote</p> <p>“I think it’s clear for everyone to see that making her a Companion of the Order of Australia has nothing to do with tennis.”</p> <p>Prime Minister Scott Morrison refused to comment on the situation when asked about the backlash during a press conference on Friday.</p> <p>“I can’t comment on an award that’s done through an independent process that hasn’t been announced or I have no official knowledge of,” he said.</p> <p>“This is a completely independent set of processes. It is an announcement that will be announced on that day. It is a system that recognises the full spectrum of individuals across this country.”</p>

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Mum who took on road tolls in court loses “faith in the justice system”

<p>Heidi Jackel says she has lost “faith in the justice system” after being hit with a massive bill for unpaid road tolls that could force her to sell her home.</p> <p>The mother of two has taken on the might of toll road giant Transurban and lost.</p> <p>"I've always believed there is some justice in the justice system," she says.</p> <p>Ms Jackel maintains she honestly thought she paid $14,500 in administration fees that were sprung on her after she did not pay tolls.</p> <p>"I would not wish this on my worst enemy," she said back in August to<span> </span><em>A Current Affair</em>.</p> <p>"No one should have to go through this... no one."</p> <p>Ms Jackel had been hit with a $22,000 bill for unpaid tolls which includes over $14,700 in administration fees.</p> <p>Ms Jackel was unaware her etag had stopped working but accepted that it had and paid the $7000 in unpaid tolls.</p> <p>But she thought the $10 and $20 administration fees were exorbitant, so she took it to court.</p> <p>"It was so hard," Ms Jackel said.</p> <p>"I'm really sorry."</p> <p>Westlink M7 told Ms Jackel the administration fees were charged by Roads and Maritime Services, which she disputed.</p> <p>"They (Westlink M7) know as well as I do that... that charge is, is… it's a rort… it's ripping people off," she said.</p> <p>Unfortunately, a court has backed the road toll company and ordered Ms Jackel to pay the admin fees.   </p> <p>"It's very disappointing," she admitted outside of court.</p> <p>"Because it means that anyone can charge an admin fee and not prove that that's the actual, real admin cost.</p> <p>“The rich people and the big companies, they just get away with doing whatever they like.</p> <p>Ms Jackel has revealed she is scared for what her future holds.</p> <p>"I don't know... will I lose my house? I don't know, I have no idea," she said.</p> <p>"I don't have $15,000. I don't even have $5000... all I have is the house."</p> <p>She says she has found “the silver lining in this dark, dark cloud,” which is that she will not have to pay Westlink M7's legal costs.</p> <p> </p>

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“Very, very wrong”: Margaret Court hits back at McEnroe and Navratilova

<p>Tennis legend Margaret Court has slammed tennis stars John McEnroe and Martina Navratilova for their protest, saying that their actions were “very, very wrong”.</p> <p>Court has developed into a controversial figure due to her views on homosexuality and transgender athletes, which lead to McEnroe and Navratilova protesting for a name change of the Margaret Court Arena.</p> <p>McEnroe and Navratilova held a homemade sign which read “Evonne Goolagong Arena” as the Australian Open was celebrating Court’s achievements in the world of tennis.</p> <p>Court spoke to<span> </span><em><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/margaret-court-australian-open-interview-controversy-fundamentalist-views/53475172-0613-4f50-80cd-edb436911284" target="_blank">Nine News</a></em><span> </span>about the incident, saying that she “felt sorry” for McEnroe.</p> <p>“I always got on quite well with John McEnroe. I always thought we got on and I’ve always respected him,” Court said.</p> <p>“I feel sorry for him that he can’t separate one part of life to another.”</p> <p>She also labelled their actions as “very, very wrong” as Court feels that they should not have protested the way that the pair did on Australian soil.</p> <p>“I’d never go to another nation, whatever I thought of a person, I would never say, ‘Hey, you should take their name off a building’,” Court said.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">“She is a great Australian and a great tennis player… but Margaret Court still doesn’t acknowledge the damage she’s done with her opinions about homosexuals and same-sex marriage.” <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/9Today?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#9Today</a> <a href="https://t.co/DEPt87kXpk">pic.twitter.com/DEPt87kXpk</a></p> — The Today Show (@TheTodayShow) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheTodayShow/status/1224785361597014019?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2020</a></blockquote> <p>“I would never do that … I think that was very, very wrong.”</p> <p>Court has also slammed Tennis Australia for the treatment of her, labelling it “very sad”.</p> <p>"I think they said they were going to honour me but not celebrate me," the 77-year-old told 9News' Georgie Gardner.</p> <p>"Because of my stance and my views on gay marriage and all of those areas, and I've got nothing against people.</p> <p>"From the tennis side they've pointed the finger at me and tried to discriminate in everything that I've done and I think that's very sad."</p>

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