☕️ NSW Police asked not to march at Mardi Gras

Good morning!

Taylor Swift’s Australian leg of the Eras Tour is officially over.

Back to normal programming.

I’ve got 10 seconds

Quote of the day

“The fact that we can feel climate change already, despite the ocean soaking up most of our heat-generated emissions, means Australia has finally run out of time. We get the next few years wrong, and Australia’s economy - and the rest of us - cook.”
Mining billionaire Andrew ‘Twiggy’ Forrest speaking at the National Press Club yesterday.

Stat of the day

31,000
The number of Ukrainian soldiers who have died since Russia invaded two years ago, according to a rare update from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. International estimates of Ukraine’s death toll are significantly higher.

Today in history

2010
A 8.8 magnitude earthquake hit Central Chile, causing a tsunami with waves of up to 29 metres.

I’ve got 30 seconds

Some headlines from this morning:

• The Greens have announced they will vote against the Federal Government’s Help to Buy scheme in the House of Representatives. The proposal is aimed at increasing home ownership among low-income earners, with the government contributing to the purchase of a home, in exchange for part ownership of the property. Greens leader Adam Bandt is calling for Labor to cap rents, build more public housing and overhaul tax discounts for property investors.

• Legal proceedings have begun to determine an appeal brought by former NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian over corruption allegations. The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) found that Berejiklian engaged in corruption during a relationship with former Wagga Wagga MP Daryl Maguire. Berejiklian’s lawyers have argued ICAC was acting outside its authority in handing down the ruling. Hearings continue today.

I’ve got 1 minute

NSW Police have been asked not to march at Sydney Mardi Gras

The organisers of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras have asked NSW Police not to march in the parade this weekend.

It comes as the LGBTQ+ community grieves the deaths of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies, who were allegedly murdered by Beau Lamarre-Condon, a NSW police officer and the former partner of Baird.

In a statement, the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Board said: “Our community needs space to grieve the loss of Jesse and Luke who, before this tragedy, would have been here celebrating with us at the festival…

“The board has taken the decision to request that the police do not march in the 2024 parade.”

NSW Police has responded: “While disappointed with this outcome, NSW police will continue to work closely with the LGBTIQA+ community and remain committed to working with organisers to provide a safe environment for all those participating in and supporting this Saturday’s parade.”

Police are still searching for the bodies of Baird and Davies. The accused has not told police any information about where the bodies are.

For the latest on this story, you can listen to today’s podcast.

I’ve got 2 minutes

A review of universities has called for an end to unpaid placements

Students who complete placements as part of their degree shouldn’t suffer financially, according to a recommendation from an independent review of universities.

It comes after the Federal Government asked the Universities Accords Panel, a dedicated body aimed at improving Australian higher education, for advice on ways to improve the sector.

The panel consulted students, education providers and organisations, and combed through hundreds of public submissions.

In its final report, the panel called for an end to “placement poverty” — the burden of unpaid, compulsory placements.

Placements

Students across a range of degrees like teaching and nursing must complete practical placements and professional training.

Placements are typically unpaid and can last several weeks.

For example, students enrolled in nursing degrees are required to complete 800 hours in a clinic or hospital. Midwives need 1,600 hours.

As placements are often full-time, many students don’t have time to earn money through work.

The term “placement poverty” describes the financial pressure placed on students during tertiary work experience.

More support

The Universities Accord said placements can end up being “burdensome” for students and warned many struggle to support themselves financially.

It called on the government to introduce financial support for these students by setting up funding for high-demand professions, like nursing and teaching, to tackle skills shortages.

In a policy discussion paper last year, the government said it was looking at ways to relieve the “financial hardship” faced by students doing unpaid placements.

Government response

Federal Education Minister Jason Clare said the nature of work placements in Australia has forced students to choose between dropping out or “sleeping in a car”.

Clare said governments must “work together” on the issue, which he said can “be the difference between whether students finish their degree or not”.

Shadow Education Minister Sarah Henderson said Clare had been “sitting on the report for two months”, and criticised the government for delivering “no plans or priorities for Australian universities”.

A message from our sponsor

Did you know that the super you choose could be a form of individual climate action?

You can learn what your super fund invests in by asking them or checking their website.

According to the RIIA, 83% of Aussies expect their super and investments to be handled responsibly and ethically. If you discover that your current fund doesn't reflect your values, it might be time to consider switching to one that does.

Future Super is committed to ethical investing, steering clear of companies involved in fracking, drilling, or coal mining. Instead, they invest in climate solutions, such as wind and solar farms, alongside social initiatives like healthcare and social housing.

Join over 46,000 members* who are choosing to move their super out of fossil fuel investments and into climate solutions. Joining takes just 5 minutes.

*Over 46,000 members as at Dec 2023. Any advice by Future Super Investment Services Pty Ltd is general advice under AFSL 482684 without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before investing, you should read the relevant PDS and TMD issued by Equity Trustees Superannuation Limited, and the FSG and consider if this product is right for you. See here for information on how we invest.

Last Friday, a NSW Police officer was charged with the murder of Sydney couple Jesse Baird and Luke Davies.

Although they have charged police officer Beau Lamarre-Condon, Baird’s former partner, police have said he is not cooperating with the search for the bodies.

In today’s podcast, we talk through what we know happened, how the community is responding, and all the things police are still trying to piece together about this alleged double murder.

Share The Daily Aus

If you want your friends to wake up with us too, refer them!

We’ll even sweeten the deal for you…

You currently have 0 referrals, only 1 away from receiving the First Chapter of No Silly Questions.

Enjoyed the newsletter?

If you want your friends to wake up with us too, forward this email to them.

Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Sign up here (it’s free!)

Give me some good news

The High Court of Bangladesh has outlawed the practice of elephant adoption.

The practice has allowed Asian elephants to be raised in captivity as part of travelling circuses.

Animal welfare advocates have welcomed the ruling.

TDA tidbit

Kim Kardashian is facing backlash online for trying to sell an Hermès Birkin Bag for almost $US70,000 (plus $US14.95 shipping). The bag shows obvious signs of wear and tear, such as browning on the handles and scratched metal hardware.

Kardashian Kloset is the family’s official site where they resell their luxury clothes, jewellery, and accessories. 

The family says it serves customers “the opportunity to own one of a kind items, while promoting sustainability.” It’s not entirely clear where the money goes – we couldn’t find any mention of a charity on the website.

The 43-year-old has a reported net worth of $US1.7 billion.

TDA asks