The mother of Charlise Mutten and the schoolgirl's alleged murderer drove to Sydney to buy drugs after the nine-year-old was fatally shot in the face and back, a court has been told.

Justin Laurens Stein, 33, has pleaded not guilty to murdering the girl on or around January 12, 2022, at Mount Wilson, in the Blue Mountains west of Sydney.

Charlise had spent the night of January 11 alone with Stein at a property in Mount Wilson, while her mother, Kallista Mutten, stayed at a caravan at the Riverview Ski Park about 90 minutes away, the NSW Supreme Court was told.

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Stein allegedly told Mutten that Charlise had been sick and that he left her with a woman who had come to do a valuation on the property, who was also a friend of his mother.

Phone-location data suggests Stein later picked Mutten up from the caravan and they drove together to Surry Hills, where they allegedly purchased methamphetamine.

They continued on to nearby Centennial Park, where Mutten told police the pair had sex.

Mutten asked in a message if the drug dealer could include "weapons", which the officer in charge of the investigation, Detective Sergeant Bradley Gardiner, said referred to either syringes or a pipe used to take the drug.

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While the pair were in Sydney, Mutten made a number of calls to the landline of the Mount Wilson property, the court heard.

There was no evidence that those phone calls were answered.

After the couple had sex in Centennial Park, Mutten searched "blood coming from penis after sex" and "blood coming out of penis after ejaculation".

She would accuse Stein of cheating on her and contracting the sexually transmitted disease gonorrhoea, also known as "the clap", the jury heard.

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Police allege Mutten forwarded intimate messages and images from Stein's phone and later messaged him saying, "you're a liar, cheat and now I've lost my daughter".

When the couple arrived back at the Mount Wilson property that evening, Mutten placed calls to Lithgow Hospital and Blue Mountains hospital having made online searches for children's emergency rooms in the area.

Mutten left the Mount Wilson property in the early hours of January 13 driving Stein's red Holden Colorado ute, prompting him to leave a string of voicemails threatening to hurt her if she did not return it.

"If you don't bring it back I'm going to hurt you as well as everyone else," he said in one of the messages.

"I've got me f—— guns and I'm going to kill you."

Stein called triple zero to report the car stolen, initially telling the operator it was taken by a female who he did not know.

"She would have broken into the house and taken the keys while I slept," he said.

The operator asked Stein if he was sure he did not know the identity of the person, to which he replied: "It could be my ex-partner, but I'm not sure."

The trial is estimated to run for six weeks.

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Footage of an extremely rare deep-sea squid has been captured by scientists from the University of Western Australia.

The team had been deploying cameras to the ocean floor in the Central Pacific region known as the Nova Canton, when a "deep-sea hooked squid" appeared to mistake the submersible craft for a snack.

The rare squid is renowned for having glowing "photophores" on the end of two of its arms, which can produce bright flashes to startle its prey.

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"The squid, which was about 75cm long, descended on our camera assuming it was prey, and tried to startle it with its huge bioluminescent headlights," the team's chief scientist Professor Heather Stewart said.

The director of the Minderoo-UWA Deep Sea Research Centre, Professor Alan Jamieson, said that seeing deep-sea squid in their natural habitat was notoriously difficult.

"Many records of this species are from strandings, accidental bycatch or from the stomach contents of whales," he said.

"The rarity of live observations of these amazing animals makes every encounter valuable in gathering information on geographic locations, depth, and behaviour, plus it is such a unique animal that we hardly ever get to see, so we had to share it."

The research mission is currently in the final weeks of a three-month expedition to the Central Pacific Ocean.

The business said it got there by doing exactly the same four things it has been doing since 1968.

Surging interest rates have not caused rental prices around the country to skyrocket to record highs, according to the Reserve Bank of Australia.

Thirteen increases have pushed the cash rate up from 0.1 to 4.35 per cent in the last two years, which has been cited as a factor in weekly rents growing at a rapid pace.

However, RBA assistant governor Sarah Hunter has said there is no evidence to suggest landlords are directly passing on the rate hikes to their tenants, and that any link between rising rates and rents is a case of correlation rather than causation.

READ MORE: Unemployment rate increases, dulling chance of rate hike

"At first glance, it does appear that there could be a positive relationship between interest rates and market rents – the two often move together," Hunter said in a speech in Hobart today.

"However, our preliminary analysis suggests that market conditions (captured via the vacancy rate) explain most of the movement in market rents, and there is little to no evidence of direct pass-through to rents from higher interest costs in the short term.

"As such, the observation that market rents and interest rates move together appears to be a case of correlation, rather than interest rate rises causing rents to increase."

READ MORE: Why the budget's predicting lower inflation but same old interest rates

The main driver of surging rents, Hunter said, was Australia's high demand for housing combined with the lowest level of per-capita building approvals since the Global Financial Crisis.

"The impact of the imbalance between new supply and new demand for dwellings can be seen in both the rental market and the established housing market," she said.

"In most capital cities, rents are growing at a relatively rapid pace.

"And in the established housing market prices have risen significantly in recent years – demand versus supply fundamentals appear to be alive and kicking."

In the rental market, our assessment is that the level of demand relative to the stock of properties available is the key driver for market rents… rents in many of the capital cities began to rise in 2021, before the first rise in the cash rate."

With building costs high and the commercial returns from construction projects relatively low, the RBA isn't expecting the gulf between supply and demand to be bridged anytime soon – concerning but unsurprising news for renters and prospective homebuyers struggling under the weight of increased housing prices.

EXPLAINED: One million households to benefit from rental boost

"It will not be a quick fix," Hunter said.

"Demand pressure, and so upward pressure on rents and prices, will remain until new supply comes online.

"We expect this response to take some time to materialise, given the current level of new dwelling approvals and the information from liaison that many projects are still not viable.

"In the meantime, we expect residential construction activity to remain relatively subdued."

The mystery is over: Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway disclosed a major stake in the insurance company Chubb, finally revealing the investment he has kept under wraps since last year.

Berkshire revealed it acquired nearly 26 million shares of Chubb in yesterday's Securities and Exchange Commission filing of the company's first-quarter investments.

That translates to a value of approximately $6.7 billion ($AUD10 billion).

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Buffett's company had shielded the position from public knowledge as it was building the stake, requesting "confidential treatment" from the SEC in previous filings.

Chubb, an insurance business that operates in 54 countries, made headlines in March after the company underwrote former president Donald Trump's nearly $US137.3 million appeal bond in E. Jean Carroll's defamation lawsuit.

Buffett, Berkshire's CEO famous for his investing prowess, has amassed a sizable following of investors who mimic his portfolio moves.

Berkshire Hathaway's stake in Chubb is no exception. Chubb's stock jumped by more than eight per cent in after-hours trading yesterday.

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Buffett's bet on Chubb is familiar territory: insurance companies Geico, National Indemnity and General Re are all subsidiaries of Berkshire Hathaway.

The investment in Chubb underscores Berkshire Hathaway's investment strategy over the past several months.

It has seemingly doubled down on financial companies like Ally Financial, American Express and Bank of America while trimming its investments in consumer products.

In February, Berkshire disclosed that it sold off 10 million shares of Apple in the first three months of the year, though Apple remains Berkshire's largest investment.

Berkshire also sold 80 million shares of printer company HP in the fourth quarter of 2023, reducing its holdings by 78 per cent.

Around the country, these are the ten most popular used cars that were bought and sold last month.

A former AFL star has been jailed for more than five years after a downward spiral into drug addiction led him to become involved in an interstate trafficking scheme.

Sam Fisher, 41, learnt his fate at the County Court in Melbourne today after pleading guilty to six drug offences.

The charges include trafficking a commercial quantity of methamphetamine, cocaine and 1,4-Butanediol, and three counts of drug possession.

READ MORE: Tenant issues plea to landlord Anthony Albanese after eviction notice

Fisher was arrested by police in May 2022 for trafficking 996g of methamphetamine and 82g of cocaine from Melbourne to Western Australia.

He had picked up a rangehood from Harvey Norman in Moorabbin and then delivered it to a Melbourne patisserie owned by his co-accused Julien Morvan's father, with the drugs inside.

Police intercepted the package on April 20, and found two hidden parcels containing the drugs inside the rangehood.

Fisher spent 48 days in prison after he was arrested and was then bailed to a rehabilitation centre where he spent 105 days.

Judge Gerard Mullaly found there were "powerful reasons" to hand Fisher a sentence below the standard due to the lesser role he played in the plot, his significant reform and deep remorse.

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He said Fisher's drug use had spiralled out of control after the former St Kilda star retired from professional football in 2016 and struggled to find consistent employment.

"You acknowledge now you were fiercely addicted and consuming multiple drugs in an uncontrollable fashion," Judge Mullaly said.

"You began to move in circles with others involving drugs.

"Your chaotic lifestyle came to an abrupt end when you were arrested."

The judge handed him a maximum prison term of five years and four months.

He must spend at least three years behind bars before he will be eligible for parole.

Fisher could be heard crying as he was led out of the courtroom by custody officers.

With household spending and the cost of living at the centre of the federal budget, 9news.com.au and Joel Gibson are helping bust the budgets of Aussie families.

No matter how tight your budget might be, more often than not, there is some wiggle room for savings.

Finance author Joel Gibson is an expert at finding the hidden savings in a family's weekly bills.

That's exactly what he did for this family of four.

READ MORE: Brisbane single mum's $200 bill shock in cost-of-living crisis

Erin*, 35, lives with her husband and two young daughters in Sydney's south and the couple work hard to give their children everything they need – and it comes at a huge cost.

The family's average weekly spending amounts to $2521.

Of course, a huge chunk of this is their mortgage repayments.

Erin and her husband also pay a lot to have their kids at daycare, which allows them both to work full-time to keep up with these payments.

After taking a look at Erin's bills, Gibson found that loyalty could really work on her side.

He recommended shopping around for other insurance policies, energy plans and telco plans, as years of sticking with the same company could mean plenty of savings elsewhere.

If that doesn't work, he also says Erin can threaten to switch to other brands in a bid to get better deals, particularly when it comes to her mortgage.

READ MORE: The $1150 weekly cost that hurts this Aussie couple's bank account

We had Gibson take a look at the family's weekly bills and he provided some helpful tips for slashing some of their costs.

• Mortgage: $5777 per month, $1375.50 per week
• Rates: $2100 per annum, $40.40 per week
• Electricity: $450 a quarter -$37.5 per week
• Water: $450 a quarter, $35 per week
• Home insurance: $1875 per annum, $36 per week
• Contents insurance: $666 per annum, $12.80 per week
• Car insurance: $1829 per annum, $35.20 per week
• Health insurance: $318 per month, $75.70 per week
• Groceries: $300
• Internet: $80 per month, $20 per week
• Phone: $58 per month, $12.40 per week
• Subscriptions: $70 per month, $16.60 per week
• Car rego: $520 per annum, $10 per week
• Daycare: $680 a fortnight, $340 per week
• Petrol: $50
• Gym: $87
• Swimming lessons: $25
• Tolls: $50 per month, $11.90 per week

All up, Erin's weekly bills amount to $2521 per week.

Car and home insurance: Save thousands – potentially

"Insurance is a big bill – when you add up their home, contents and car cover it's over $4350 a year," Gibson said.

"It's also going up faster than any other bill right now: the ABS says the average increase in the past year was 16 per cent. If that happens this year they'll be paying over $5000.

"The good news is, they've been with NRMA for 18 years on car insurance and five years on home insurance."

He said loyalty could work in their favour, as the longer you're with a company, the more likely it is you could nab a better deal.

"That's because of 'price walking', where insurers hike up the premiums of loyal customers year after year," Gibson revealed.

"For example, I recently helped someone who had been a NRMA customer for over 20 years to save 54 per cent on her car insurance.

"So I'd get quotes from brands such as Budget Direct, Youi and Suncorp.

"Call them, tell them you're looking at switching three policies, email them the renewal slips and ask what's the best deal they can do."

Energy: Save over $500 per year

While the Australian government handed down a $300 energy rebate for every household in this year's federal budget, Gibson said there are still major savings to be had.

"There's a box on the front page of their power bill that says 'based on your past usage, our Flexi Plan (Home) may cost you up to $391 less per year than your current plan'," Gibson notes.

"This 'better offer message' is now mandated in most states – retailers have to tell you if you're on their cheapest plan.

"The problem is: it looks like they switched away from that cheaper plan back in February – and the one they're now on is costing them more!"

Joel recommends asking their provider whether it's better to go back to the old plan.

But they can save even more if they're prepared to move, he said.

A search on the solar plan comparison site Wattever shows that a few retailers currently have cheaper solar plans for them to the tune of over $500 a year.

If you are interested in taking part in our ongoing budget series please contact reporter April Glover at EASY MONEY, and a money-saving expert on TikTok, TODAY, 2GB, and ABC Radio.

The information provided on this website is general in nature only and does not constitute personal financial advice. The information has been prepared without taking into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on any information on this website you should consider the appropriateness of the information having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs.

*Not her real name

A tenant living in one of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's investment properties has been given an eviction notice but is pleading for him to reconsider.

Small-business owner Jim Flanagan has lived in his three-bedroom townhouse in Dulwich Hill in Sydney over the past four years.

Flanagan told Today he was forced to go public after receiving a termination letter.

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"If you're a renter and you're a small business owner currently, receiving a notice to vacate is a bit of a catastrophe, to put it mildly," he said.

"(Our) options are so limited on the property market."

Albanese said in a statement to 9news.com.au that he was selling his property following "changes in my personal life".

Flanagan had reportedly been paying $680 a week for the three-bedroom property, a figure that had not been raised since it was lowered during COVID-19.

While he understands and respects that Albanese is within his rights to sell his property, he said many renters were struggling amid the cost-of-living crisis.

"It's the most challenging time I've certainly ever faced as a small business owner. Options are just so limited out," he said.

"As a renter, we're looking for something a little bit more considered in terms of a discussion. But he's well within his rights to do this, but the impact is so stressful.

"I have nothing against property owners whatsoever… we are just looking to survive and keep our noses just above water.

"That's very difficult in my industry, in hospitality, so we need to try to survive and keep on going."

READ MORE: Slovakia's prime minister in 'life-threatening condition' after being shot

Flanagan said the prime minister had been a generous landlord but said he was surprised to receive the notice.

"This doesn't seem consistent with the messaging and the budget this week," he said.

The 45-year-old described the rental market in Sydney as "horrific". 

READ MORE: The budget says inflation is coming down but interest rates won't follow. This is why

"The small business I operate is about a minute's walk from here. I don't have, access to a vehicle currently, so I absolutely need to try and make sure that I'm as close as (I) possibly can be," he said.

"I had a look at the market and my options are extraordinarily limited, that is what it is.

"Again, my options are extremely finite."

Slovakia's populist Prime Minister Robert Fico is in a 'life-threatening condition' after being wounded in a shooting, according to his Facebook profile.

The message posted to his account just before 4pm on Wednesday (just before midnight AEST) said that Fico "has been shot multiple times and is currently in life-threatening condition".

"At this moment he is transported by helicopter to Banská Bystrica [a city in central Slovakia], because it would take too long to get to Bratislava due to the necessity of an acute procedure," the message said.

READ MORE: Jury hears schoolgirl's crying mum reported her missing after two days

"The next few hours will decide."

Reports on TA3, a Slovakian TV station, said that Fico, 59, was hit in the stomach after four shots were fired outside the House of Culture in the town of Handlova, some 150 kilometres northeast of the capital, where the leader was meeting with supporters.

A suspect has been detained, it said.

Slovakia's interior minister says an initial investigation shows there was "a clear political motivation" behind the assassination attempt,

Matus Sutaj Estok spoke to reporters on Wednesday evening at the hospital where Prime Minister Fico was being treated.

"There's no doubt about it," Defense Minister Robert Kalinak added.

Kalinak said doctors were fighting for Fico's life after he was shot multiple times following a political event.

The shooting in Slovakia comes three weeks ahead of crucial European Parliament elections, in which populist and hard-right parties in the 27-nation bloc appear poised to make gains.

Deputy speaker of parliament Lubos Blaha confirmed the incident during a session of Slovakia's Parliament and adjourned it until further notice, the Slovak TASR news agency said.

Slovakia's major opposition parties, Progressive Slovakia and Freedom and Solidarity, cancelled a planned protest against a controversial government plan to overhaul public broadcasting that they say would give the government full control of public radio and television.

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"We absolutely and strongly condemn violence and today's shooting of Premier Robert Fico," said Progressive Slovakia leader Michal Simecka.

"At the same time we call on all politicians to refrain from any expressions and steps which could contribute to further increasing the tension."

President Zuzana Caputova condemned "a brutal and ruthless" attack on the premier.

"I'm shocked," Caputova said.

"I wish Robert Fico a lot of strength in this critical moment and a quick recovery from this attack."

Fico, a third-time premier, and his leftist Smer, or Direction, party, won Slovakia's September 30 parliamentary elections, staging a political comeback after campaigning on a pro-Russian and anti-American message.

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Critics worried Slovakia under Fico would abandon the country's pro-Western course and follow the direction of Hungary under populist Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.

Thousands have repeatedly rallied in the capital and across Slovakia to protest Fico's policies.

Condemnations of political violence quickly came from leaders across Europe, although no motive for the attack was immediately apparent.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemned what she described as a "vile attack".

"Such acts of violence have no place in our society and undermine democracy, our most precious common good," von der Leyen said in a post on X.

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala called the incident "shocking".

"I wish the premier to get well soon. We cannot tolerate violence, there's no place for it in society," she said.

The Czech Republic and Slovakia formed Czechoslovakia until 1992.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk wrote on the social media network X: "Shocking news from Slovakia. Robert, my thoughts are with you in this very difficult moment."

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