Tag Archives: oceania

Trump considering a pardon for Ghislaine Maxwell

2025-10-07 FreeNews

US President Donald Trump said he would "take a look" at a pardon for convicted sex trafficker and his long-time friend Ghislaine Maxwell.

The president was asked today whether he would consider a pardon after Maxwell's appeal to the Supreme Court was rejected today.

The rejection means Maxwell's only hope for freedom would be a pardon from the president.

Donald Trump said he would consider a pardon for friend Ghislaine Maxwell. Ghislaine Maxwell and Donald Trump at a party in 1997.

Trump appeared to be unaware that Maxwell's appeal bid was knocked back when in the Oval Office.

"You know, I haven't heard the name in so long. I can say this, that I'd have to take a look at it. I would have to take a look," he said.

"I'll take a look at it. I will speak to the DOJ (Department of Justice).

"I wouldn't consider it or not consider, I don't know anything about it."

He then brought up Sean "Diddy" Combs, another acquaintance convicted of sex crimes.

"I have a lot of people have asked me for pardons. I call him Puff Daddy, (he) has asked me for a pardon," Trump said.

Maxwell is serving a 20-year prison term after being found guilty of sex trafficking a teenage girl.

Earlier this year, she was moved from a low-security federal prison in Florida to a minimum-security prison camp in Texas after she was interviewed in July by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche.

Donald Trump with his now-wife Melania, and friend Ghislaine Maxwell in 2000.

Maxwell and Trump were long-time friends, along with her partner Jeffrey Epstein.

Presidents have the legal authority to pardon or grant clemency to anyone in a federal prison.

Meanwhile, Republicans in the House of Representatives have refused to swear in a newly elected Democratic congresswoman.

Typically, new representatives are sworn in the day after winning their election.

But a fortnight after winning a special election in Arizona's 7th congressional district in a landslide, Adelita Grijalva has not been sworn in.

Democrats in the House are tying the delay to a crucial vote on the release of the Epstein files.

If 218 signatures from representatives are filed on a discharge petition, the House will have to vote on requiring the Trump administration to release all files related to Epstein.

There are currently 217 signatures on the petition, and Grijalva would be the 218th.

Adelita Grijalva won her election with nearly 70 per cent of the vote but hasn't been sworn in nearly two weeks later.

Since Grijalva's election, the Republican Speaker Mike Johnson has cancelled all votes in the House.

"This is all about a continuation of the Epstein cover-up," top Democrat Jim McGovern said.

"They're not bringing us back primarily because they're afraid of the discharge petition, you know, and getting the clock started to move a vote on the Epstein files."

Grijalva said the delay was "suspicious".

"You know, I really am not a conspiracy theorist–type of person in general," she told MSNBC.

"I try to come up with, like, 'What is the most plausible reason why this would be happening?'

"And respectfully, I can come up with nothing else."

Johnson said he will swear in Grijalva when Congress returns to a regular session.

After making that promise, he declared this week a "district work period", sending members of Congress home.

Donald Trump with billionaire sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in 2000, with their respective partners Melania Knauss (now Trump) and Ghislaine Maxwell at the president's Mar-a-Lago club in Florida.

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New footage highlights growing problem for posties

2025-10-07 FreeNews

Posties around Australia are being injured by unsafe drivers at least five times a week.

Australia Post has released footage of some of the terrifying accidents after it was revealed more than 280 posties have been injured in the past financial year.

Injuries have ranged from broken limbs and concussions to lacerations and serious trauma.

Posties around Australia are being injured by cars at least five times a week.

The injuries have required posties to undergo hospital treatment, take time off work and manage ongoing psychological trauma.

Australia Post general manager of safety Russell Munro said the figures were concerning.

"Every day our team members are out in communities delivering for Australians, but increasingly, they're also being put at risk by unsafe driver behaviour," Munro said.

Posties around Australia are being injured by cars at least five times a week.More than 280 posties have been injured in the past financial year, according to Australia Post data.
Injuries have ranged from broken limbs and concussions to lacerations and serious trauma.

"We are taking comprehensive measures, such as reducing our motorcycle fleet, expanding the deployment of electric delivery vehicles, and implementing upgraded telematics systems, including video and data monitoring across thousands of vehicles.

"Our data shows that the severity of injury to a postie when involved in a motor accident is reduced when operating an electric delivery vehicles.

"In some instances, our team have walked away from the accident with only minor injuries."

Posties around Australia are being injured by cars at least five times a week. More than 280 posties have been injured in the past financial year, according to Australia Post data.

Posties have been involved in accidents when drivers have failed to give way, not left enough space to stop safety and cut corners.

Drivers have also put posties at risk by overtaking on the wrong side of the road, driving distracted while using a mobile phone and not looking on footpaths when using scooters and bikes.

"Our priority is to deliver for all Australians whilst ensuring the safety of our team members, so they return home to their families safely each day," Munro said.

"However, road safety is a shared responsibility, and we urge all drivers to keep an eye out for our posties."

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Aussie wins big at global porridge awards with inventive toastie

2025-10-07 FreeNews

An Australian food stylist has taken out a major prize with a rather unique offering at the 2025 World Porridge Making Championship in Scotland.

Caroline Velik, who also has lengthy experience in restaurants and as a food writer, took out the award for "best speciality dish" at the renowned international championship, for her porridge toasted sandwich.

The jaffle was made from a yoghurt flatbread and filled with Velik's mother's recipe for rum bananas, with Bundaberg banana toffee rum liqueur, bananas, oatmeal, and waffle seeds, tossed in Davidson plum sugar.

The speciality dish title was open to any offering that included oatmeal, but the main porridge-making competition is much more traditional.

Contestants are limited to three ingredients – water, oatmeal, and salt.

This year's championship, the 32nd, was celebrated by organisers as the most international ever.

Velik was the sole Australian representative this year, but she was joined by contestants from 14 countries as far away as Estonia and Pakistan, as well as a hefty crop of home-grown heroes.

But the winner of the covered Golden Spurtle was Sven Seljom, a care technology consultant from Norway.

His porridge was made with Norwegian black oats, an ancient grain that all but disappeared in the 1800s, Norwegian sea salt, and water he brought to Scotland from Norway.

"It's a great honour. I'm lost for words," Seljom said.

"It has been such great fun to be here – the welcome in the village, the hall arrangements, it's just been tremendous."

Velik also took out silver in the traditional porridge competition, taking to Instagram to say she "can't believe" her success.

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Two-storey Melbourne home gutted by fire, neighbouring properties damaged

2025-10-07 FreeNews

One house has been destroyed and two others damaged by fire in Melbourne's north overnight.

Emergency services were called to Vida Street in Aberfeldie just after 3am after the fire broke out.

When firefighters arrived, a two-storey house was fully alight with neighbouring houses also under threat.

Aberfeldie house fire Melbourne Victoria

Up to 60 firefighters were involved in the effort to protect neighbouring houses, with one sustaining serious damage.

"This was an extremely intense fire," a firefighter who responded told Today.

"It was well established at the time, they had to work unbelievably hard to protect neighbours' properties."

Aberfeldie house fire Melbourne Victoria

Fire Rescue Victoria said a third house sustained superficial damage but the occupants should be able to return shortly.

Overall, the blaze took more than an hour to bring under control, with the fire deemed contained about 5am.

Emergency services are still on the property this morning, with a crime scene declared and roadblocks in place in the surrounding streets in the suburb.

Investigations have commenced into the cause of the fire, and there have been no reports of any injuries.

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Half of Aussies think it’s OK to commit this ‘risky’ WFH breach

2025-10-07 FreeNews

Exclusive: Australian employees may be more lax about work from home (WFH) expectations in summer, according to a nine.com.au reader poll.

More than half of the 515* respondents think it's OK to clock off early to hit the beach during the warmer months.

One in four also said it's fine to take longer breaks to enjoy good weather while WFH in summer.

Woman using laptop and smartphone to work study in vacation cady at beach background. Business, financial, trade stock maket and social network concept.

Nearly 40 per cent want companies to introduce more relaxed WFH rules in summer, like allowing staff to work half days on Fridays.

One third said employees should be allowed to work more days from home during summer.

The same amount said it's fine for Aussie employees to work from the beach or another outdoor location when WFH.

"As long as the work is being done why does it matter where it is done?" one respondent said.

Some respondents noted that these privileges should only be extended to workers who have proven they're reliable and get all their work done on time and to a high standard.

But Associate Professor of workplace and business law at the University of Technology, Sydney Giuseppe Carabetta said these habits raise practical and legal concerns.

"For employees working under traditional arrangements, it's risky to assume such freedom without prior approval," he told 9news.com.au.

"If the location compromises productivity or confidentiality, it could breach a company policy or even your employment contract."

He added that though flexible work arrangements are increasingly common, "employees generally can't unilaterally change their schedule".

So clocking off early or taking a longer break in summer isn't wise.

"For employees with set hours, clocking off early without approval could be considered time theft or a behavioural breach," Carabetta said.

"For your typical salaried or award-regulated employees, longer breaks without approval could be seen as a breach of workplace expectations."

Voters want laws protecting right to work from home

But he wouldn't be surprised to see more Australian workplaces experimenting with or embracing "seasonal flexibility" in the future.

That could look like summer hours of increased WFH allowances in the warmer months to boost morale and retention.

Such approaches would likely only be introduced in sectors where productivity isn't tied to physical presence.

But not everyone is on board.

A significant number of Aussies said that taking liberties with WFH policies in summer is tantamount to "stealing company time".

Of the 515 users surveyed, 35 per cent were against workers clocking off early in summer and almost 60 per cent said taking longer breaks was never OK.

More than 45 per cent also said WFH rules shouldn't change with the weather.

And 54 per cent said it's never OK for Aussie employees to work from the beach or another outdoor location while WFH.

An additional 57 per cent said it would be inappropriate for workers to take work video calls or attend virtual meetings while working outdoors.

"Work means at work, not at the beach or some other location simply because of the day of the week or the season of the year," one said.

A number of respondents said working from public locations like a beach or park could raise privacy concerns, depending on the work being done.

Carabetta agreed.

"Confidentiality is a cornerstone of professional conduct, and outdoor locations—whether it's a beach, café, or park – can pose risks," he said.

"If you're dealing with confidential material, it's best to stick to secure, private locations."

Shot of business man having a video call on a laptop in his home office.

It's always better to ask for permission than forgiveness when it comes to WFH arrangements, even at relaxed workplaces.

"Acting without approval could lead to disciplinary action or erode trust," Carabetta said.

"That said, many employers are open to flexibility – especially if approached transparently and respectfully and both parties are on the same page."

*The nine.com.au poll, which runs once a fortnight, canvases the views of the nine audience on 9Nation, which is an online community of our readers and viewers.

Have you got a story? Contact reporter Maddison Leach at Google Play.

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‘Flatter him’: The plan PM should follow in meeting with Trump

2025-10-07 FreeNews

If those who rule us are not lying awake at night thinking about this, they should be: what do you do about a problem called Trump?

With an unpredictable, abrasive, threatening and manipulative president of the United States, world leaders need masterclasses in Donald management or their countries may suffer.

So, as our PM packs the plane to head to his first real meeting with Mr Trump, he needs a plan.

https://omny.fm/shows/neil-mitchell-asks-why/why-albanese-must-kowtow-to-donald-trump/embed?style=cover

Here's one strategy from a respected American commentator who has been analysing Trump for years.

First, flatter him.

Second, bow the head and treat him like the royalty he admires.

Third, recognise that traditional ties no longer exist.

And fourth, he's a salesman, always remember that.

James Kirchick, a commentator whose work appears in the New York Times and Wall Street Journal, says although Trump admires strength, he responds best to a strategy of admiration and subservience.

He says the fact Anthony Albanese is a left-wing prime minister will not help.

"Flatter him. Do something special for him. The Brits gave him this huge state dinner and the King was there. He loves royalty. He loves being treated like that.

"I wish we had a president who understood that regardless of which leader is in power our allies are our allies for reasons that go beyond that.

"Even though you have a left-wing prime minister it should not inhibit a positive relationship with the United States but unfortunately it does."

Anthony Albanese clearly gives some thought to managing these leaders.

He turned up at 10 Downing Street with a four-pack of Albo Ale as a gift.

Let's hope Kevin Rudd and the diplomatic team don't let that happen at the White House.

Trump doesn't drink.

He lost his brother to alcohol addiction and won't go near it.

Regardless of the gift, it's a crucial meeting with so much uncertainty about relations between the two countries: tariffs, the submarine deal, the defence alliance, and Chinese expansion all need to be discussed.

They are due to meet on October 20.

It has taken too long to organise, which shows where Australia sits on the US agenda.

But the game has changed in many ways for a nation we still see as our defender.

Kirchick spoke on my podcast, Neil Mitchell Asks Why.

"Democratic allies need to understand that simply being a liberal democracy, which used to mean you were an ally because you had the same values, doesn't mean anything anymore.

"The Trump administration doesn't care about those airy fairy romantic things like democracy and liberal values and historical ties.

"The don't care about that. They care about, 'Let's make a deal. What's good for us?'"

EXPLAINED: What to know about Gaza peace plan

James Kirchick is a journalist, author and commentator.

Before he's branded as a left-wing part of the "fake news" conspiracy, it must be said Kirchick is seen in the US as a conservative commentator, although he admits voting Democrat recently.

He loathes Nazis and what they stand for but says they have the right to march in the streets.

He is critical of immigration levels.

And he says the people must be armed in case they need to protect themselves from a "tyrannical and authoritarian" government.

But back to Trump management.

Kirchick says:

He is hugely inconsistent. After there was political violence, he said the country must come together, then soon after called for the destruction of the left.
He primarily believes in himself.
He has a deep need for approval.
He is contradictory – he admires strength but seeks subservience.
He wants to be remembered for "making America strong" and respected.

And China, which is expanding in the Pacific, lustfully eyeing Taiwan and both duchessing and spying on Australia.

Will the US step in if needed?

KIRCHICK: "Well, he responds to strength in the way that, if you saw the Israeli attack on the Iranian nuclear sites, which was successful in its initial stage, and then he decided, all right, I want to be a part of this. I want to be able to claim credit for it.

"So if you're ever in some kind of spat with the Chinese in the Pacific, you better damn make sure you're doing well.

"If you're not doing well, then he's not going to come in and save you. I mean, he's just not.

MITCHELL: Really? That's frightening to Australia. It is frightening.

KIRCHICK: Look, I was maybe being a little facetious. I would hope in a situation like that, that Donald Trump has people around him, who would be telling him, 'Mr President, it's very important for the United States that we support our allies in this situation. It's good for us. It'll make us look strong. It'll make us respected. And it'll send a message to the Chinese. Don't f— with us.'"

So are the tantrums and absurdly extreme statements tactical or genuine? What do we believe?

"He's a salesman and he always has been. If you look at where his money came from, it's from selling things.

"Like many salesmen, he makes big, grand promises. That's just part of his nature, that's part of his personality.

"And I do think to some extent in his negotiating strategy and he's very open about this, he puts it on the table and his opening offer will be something outrageous, you know, just something totally outrageous."

Finally, although it makes the left shudder, does he really want the Nobel Peace Prize?

"I think he absolutely wants it. He's been saying for a long time that he deserves the Nobel Peace Prize.

"And by the way, I would say he deserves it a lot more than Barack Obama did.

"Barack Obama got it eight months into his presidency.

"He didn't do anything."

Neil Mitchell Asks Why is a Nine podcast posted each Tuesday at 6am.

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Dashcam footage captures truck taking out cars, power lines after brake failure

2025-10-07 FreeNews

Dashcam vision has captured the heart-stopping moment an out-of-control truck careered through an Adelaide roundabout, sending concrete rubble flying from its load as it took out power lines and parked cars.

9News spoke exclusively to the truck driver who said he did everything in his power to stop the collision after his brakes failed.

The truck went through the roundabout in Hazelwood Park yesterday evening, causing extensive damage to vehicles and infrastructure, but remarkably no one was injured.

The incident occurred at approximately 6pm on Greenhill Road, known for heavy traffic during peak hours.

Truck driver James Watson said a brake failure was the cause of the incident.

"I'm trying everything in my power. I'm trying to pull the handbrake, I'm trying to shift gears in the truck, I'm smashing on the brakes with my foot. And I just realised that there was f—ing literally nothing I could do," said Watson.

He said he tried to avoid a group of parked cars.

"I didn't want to go through 'em, I just hooked the truck to the left and tried to come back in," he said.

Local barber Musa Sharifi narrowly avoided serious injury.

"The second I got in the car, that truck right here lost control and all the rocks smashed onto the car. Now it's f—ed," said Sharifi, whose car was totalled in the incident.

Sharifi added, "If I was standing outside for another 10 seconds, I would've been dead."

Watson was unharmed, but left in shock.

"I'm trying to process it, you know what I mean? It's a bit hard to look back and watch it," he said.

Local business owner Karen Stewart said she could not believe that no one was injured.

Watson went on to buy a lottery ticket after his scare.

This article was produced with the assistance of 9ExPress.

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Family heartbroken after father-of-three killed in Sydney boat crash

2025-10-06 FreeNews

A father-of-three is being remembered as a larger than life character after he died when his boat smashed into a moored yacht in Sydney.

Emergency services rushed to the Parramatta River at Hunters Hill last night when a 900-horsepower vessel crashed into the yacht.

CCTV captured the moment of impact, with the force pushing the yacht forward.

A father-of-three is being remembered as a larger than life character after he died when his boat smashed into a moored yacht in Sydney.

Shane Florio, 46, and his female passenger, 25, were injured and swam to shore.

Paramedics rushed the pair to the Royal North Shore Hospital.

Florio died from his critical injuries and the woman was later released.

Tonight, Florio's heartbroken family told 9News he lived his life to the fullest, adding that he ran a successful demolition business and loved his children.

NSW Police acting Inspector Ryan Spong said the situation was "devastating" for his family.

"These things, when they happen, they have devastating impacts for families, devastating impacts for first responders who have to go deliver these messages to these families, and sometimes, life-long injuries for people," he said.

vMan dies after boat crashes into moored yacht on city river