Paul Basham has served in the police since joining in 1985.
Tag Archives: oceania
Southern Police ask locals to help with investigation after man found injured by road
Police don’t know if the man sustained injuries where he was found.
Aussies staring down the barrel of $770 billion property catastrophe
Hundreds of billions of dollars will be wiped from the value of Australian properties in the coming decades due to the impact of climate change.
The federal government released the nation's first climate risk assessment this morning, which not only laid bare the risk millions of Australians will face due to worsening natural disasters, rising sea levels and increasing temperatures, but also the impact on the economy.
Under the worst-case, high-emissions scenario in which global temperatures rise by 3 per cent, the risk assessment found $571 billion in value would be wiped from the property market in the next five years alone.
READ MORE: Heatwave deaths to soar, 1.5 million Aussies at risk of flooding: climate report
That hit would increase to $611 billion by 2050, and $770 billion by the end of the century, the risk assessment found.
Australians have a huge proportion of their wealth tied up in property, with it accounting for about two-thirds of all household assets.
The combined worth of all the country's property is currently sitting at $11.5 trillion.
The risk assessment also painted a bleak picture for the affordability and availability of insurance for homeowners wanting to safeguard their holdings.
READ MORE: What do we know about Charlie Kirk's alleged killer?
"Climate change is expected to drive escalating economic costs across all communities," the report states.
"Sea level rise will intensify coastal flooding and erosion, exacerbate flood and tropical cyclone impacts, and increase the severity and frequency of extreme events.
"These changes will notably increase insurance costs, leading to more underinsured or uninsured properties."
Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen said the report showed the need for Australia to act against the danger posed by the warming planet.
"We are not working on reducing emissions for fun, the path to net zero is important, we are doing it because the impacts of our country are real," he said.
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"Importantly, the worst impacts are still avoidable.
"We are living climate change now; it's no longer a forecast, projection, or prediction, it is a lived reality… but it's not too late to avoid the worst of the impacts.
"As the report makes clear, the difference in terms of impact between 1.5 and 2 degrees, let alone three, is very real for Australia.
"So our efforts on mitigation must and will continue."
Following the report, the government is expected to hand down its emissions reduction target for 2035 later this week.
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Incredible photos of destructive tornadoes in southeastern Utah
Tornadoes destroyed several homes in southeastern Utah over the weekend, but authorities said there were no reports of people injured.
A storm produced two tornadoes in San Juan County in southeastern Utah over the span of an hour starting around 12:35 pm Saturday (4.30am Sunday AEST) according to meteorologist Kris Sanders with the National Weather Service’s office in Grand Junction, Colorado.
The paths of the tornadoes that touched down near Montezuma Creek likely covered less than 10 miles (16 kilometres), but the weather service hadn’t yet determined their exact tracks or wind speeds, Sanders said by telephone.
READ MORE: 'Note' left by Charlie Kirk shooting suspect under investigation
A survey may be conducted Monday, he said Sunday.
Three homes in the area were demolished in the storm, Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren said in a social media post.
The 27,000-square-mile (70,000-square-kilometre) reservation stretches into Arizona, New Mexico and Utah and is the largest of any Native American tribe.
No injuries were reported, but an unknown number of livestock and pets were reported missing, the Navajo Police Department said in a social media post.
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Images posted by the department showed the towering column of a tornado surrounded by dark clouds and also a flattened home surrounded by debris.
Tornadoes are pretty unusual in that part of Utah, Sanders said, noting that the weather service had only confirmed two there since 1950.
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Are beauty trends recession indicators? Possibly, but Aussies are still spending billions on them
They are the beauty trends that take popular clinic treatments and make them accessible – and cheap – for all.
But are beauty trends like short manicures, "bronde" hair, and press-on nails actually recession indicators?
TikTok and Instagram users are claiming the shift towards affordable, low-maintenance trends like short nails, press-ons, and darker hair are signs the economy is set for a dramatic downturn.
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But Australians spent $6 billion on cosmetics and toiletries in 2024-2025, according to an IBISWorld report, up almost 4 per cent from the previous year.
More than $3 billion of that was spent on makeup and skincare products.
Aussies are also expected to spend more than $12 billion on hairdressing and beauty services in 2025-2026.
"While some people might be looking for cheaper beauty alternatives to save money, the 'recession indicator' claim creates a misleading sense that people are scrimping in this particular area," senior lecturer in Cultural Studies at University of Melbourne Hannah McCann told 9news.com.au.
"Beauty as an industry is remarkably resilient to times of economic crisis."
Sydney nail artist Brittany Bedford is banking on that.
She owns and operates BB Claws, a boutique nail salon in Sydney's south, and has clients booking months in advance as she heads into the busiest season of the year.
While some have taken to spacing out their appointments or picking cheaper nail designs to save money lately, few have been willing to give up their gel manicures altogether despite the rising costs.
"We have noticed a quieter period during the winter months," Britt told 9news.com.au.
"But once the social season picks up, we see more clients seeking out their regular beauty services again."
And that trend is likely to continue, even if the economy gets worse.
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McCann pointed to the "lipstick index", a popular (but unproven) theory that sales for "affordable luxury" items like lipstick spike when consumers think a recession is imminent.
"You give up a holiday before you give up lipstick," she said.
Behavioural and applied economist and senior lecturer at RMIT Meg Elkins told 9news.com.au that improving one's appearance might be a go-to when strained finances are putting a dent in the mental health of millions.
"When we feel bad, we want to look good," Elkins said.
"And if you're having to cut back on so many other elements in your life, tiny bits of luxury actually elevate the way you feel about yourself."
McCann agreed, adding that these purchases can help Aussies feel more in control of their bodies and identities "when the world feels like it is out of control".
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Bedford said her clients have been understanding of recent price increases at BB Claws as overheads increase for small businesses like hers.
"A lot of our clients are in their 20s and 30s, so can relate on how hard it is to get ahead these days."
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These STIs have doubled in infections in Australia – with deadly results
Cases of syphilis and gonorrhoea have doubled in Australia in the past decade, according to the latest data.
The information, released by the Kirby Institute of the University of NSW, revealed that in 2024, there 5866 diagnoses of syphilis around the country, and 44,210 of gonorrhoea.
Congenital syphilis, a condition that sees a pregnant mother pass the disease on to their infant, has also more than doubled since 2015, causing 34 infant deaths through the decade.
READ MORE: 'Note' left by Charlie Kirk shooting suspect under investigation
And chlamydia remains the most prevalent STI, with 101,742 diagnoses last year, though the rate remains steady.
HIV diagnoses, on the other hand, have fallen by 27 per cent in the past year, though mostly in Australia-born residents.
Other numbers showed there were significant gaps in sexual health in Australia.
READ MORE: Accused Kirk shooter's relationship with trans partner examined
One recent analysis from the Australian Survey of Health and Relationships found only 16 per cent of Australians aged 16 to 49 had ever been tested for an STI, and only 50 per cent had ever discussed sexual health with their doctors.
"These data, on a backdrop of rising STIs, are concerning," Kirby Institute epidemiologist Dr Skye McGregor said.
"Chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis are easily treated and cured with antibiotics. Early testing, diagnosis and treatment prevents serious outcomes.
"HIV, while not curable, is highly treatable, and diagnosis and starting effective treatment early prevents poor health outcomes and interrupts onward transmission.
"These data are a reminder that regular sexual health testing, including syphilis and HIV, is crucial."
READ MORE: Accused Kirk shooter's relationship with trans partner examined
STI rates remain higher in Indigenous Australians, with chlamydia diagnosed at more than twice the rate, gonorrhoea almost four times higher, and syphilis more than five times higher, than in non-Indigenous people.
"These gaps are even starker in regional and remote areas," Robert Monaghan, a Bundjalung-Gumaynggir man and manager of the Yandamanjang First Nations Health Research Program at the Kirby Institute, said.
"What's needed now is real investment in culturally safe, community-driven health promotion, testing and treatment.
"Declaring syphilis a Communicable Disease Incident of National Significance is an important step.
"Sustainable change depends on culturally safe, community-led action."
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Men are also overrepresented in STI numbers, accounting for eight out of 10 syphilis diagnoses, and seven out of 10 gonorrhoea diagnoses.
But syphilis infections are increasing faster for women, quadrupling across the decade.
"It's important that everyone who is sexually active discusses sexual health with their partners, practices safe sex, has regular STI testing, and talks to their health care provider about their sexual health," McGregor said.
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What do we know about Charlie Kirk’s alleged killer?
Investigations are continuing after the murder of American political commentator Charlie Kirk last week and the arrest of a suspect.
The 31-year-old was shot in the neck and killed on a college campus in Utah on Thursday, sparking tributes from many politicians and figures, including Kirk's friend, President Donald Trump.
It has also caused debate about the spate of violent attacks on American politicians in recent times.
READ MORE: 'Note' left by Charlie Kirk shooting suspect under investigation
A suspect has been arrested, with 22-year-old Tyler Robinson in custody and being interviewed by authorities.
Here is what we know about Charlie Kirk's alleged shooter.
What happened to Charlie Kirk?
Kirk was on a speaking tour at Utah Valley College in Utah last Thursday when a gunshot was heard.
Kirk, who was sitting underneath a tent and speaking to a gathered crowd, was shot in the neck by a single bullet at around 12.23pm local time.
He was rushed to hospital and had emergency surgery, but he could not be saved.
The shooter was seen climbing the roof of a nearby building before the shooting, and climbing down and retreating into the woods in the immediate aftermath.
His death was announced by Trump, who called Kirk a "martyr for truth and freedom".
READ MORE: Accused Kirk shooter's relationship with trans partner examined
Who shot Charlie Kirk?
Two people were quickly arrested after the shooting, though it later emerged one of the arrests was an "obstruction of justice" charge and not connected to the shooting.
Hours after the shooting, FBI director Kish Patel announced a suspect was in custody, which was corroborated by Utah Governor Spencer Cox; however, just two hours later, the suspect had been released.
Over the weekend, inquiries narrowed to one suspect, and Robinson was arrested on September 12 at his home.
The 22-year-old is from St George, Utah, and is in the third year of an electrical apprenticeship at Dixie Technical College.
Robinson did not have a criminal record prior to his arrest.
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How was Tyler Robinson caught?
Robinson was first identified as a suspect by his own father, who recognised his son from photos and videos released by law enforcement.
Robinson's father reportedly confronted the 22-year-old and urged him to turn himself in, but Robinson refused.
Despite this, Robinson reportedly confided in a youth pastor who was connected to law enforcement, and there were several clues connecting Robinson to the shooting.
He was seen wearing a distinct outfit before and after the shooting, which was the same clothing he was later arrested in.
Robinson also left messages on Discord, a social media service, saying he had to "pick up a rifle" and leave it in a bush.
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What were Tyler Robinson's motives for allegedly shooting Charlie Kirk?
Reports indicate Robinson had become more politically active in the lead-up to the shooting.
He was deeply critical of Kirk and his views, with bullet casings of a rifle found by police allegedly inscribed with messages including "Hey fascist! Catch!" and other messages related to online game culture.
Robinson had also made comments critical of Kirk at a recent family dinner, investigators were told.
It is also believed Robinson may have been in a romantic relationship with his roommate, who is transitioning from male to female.
Kirk was public in his views on transgender people, praising Trump for revoking an order allowing transgender people to openly serve in the military.
Cox said the roommate had "no idea" about the shooting before it occurred.
What are Tyler Robinson's beliefs?
Tyler Robinson is a registered voter but isn't affiliated to any political party, and there is no evidence to suggest he had voted in his local county.
According to reports, the rest of the Robinson family were Republican voters and his mother had expressed support for Trump.
His family are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, which is popular in Utah.
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Heatwave deaths to soar, 1.5 million Aussies at risk of flooding
Around 1.5 million Australians will be at risk of sea level rise by 2050, according to a dire inaugural climate risk assessment.
Australia's first National Climate Risk Assessment (NCRA), released today, has detailed some of the biggest natural threats facing the nation as the global average temperature ramps up.
The report found even just 1.5 degrees of warming would raise sea levels by 0.14 metres.
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"By 2050, the number of coastal communities located in high and very-high risk areas will increase from 8 per cent to 18 per cent due to sea level rise," the report states.
"If current populations remained as they are today, this would represent an increase to 1.5 million people at risk."
The assessment also noted that 34 per cent of coastal communities could be at risk by 2090 – a total of three million Australians.
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The report looked at three key warming scenarios in Australia: 1.5 degrees, 2 degrees and three degrees of warming.
It found the planet is heading towards 2.9 degrees of warming by 2030.
Warming of this level would result in heatwave deaths skyrocketing by 444 per cent in Sydney and 423 per cent in Darwin.
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The rising temperatures will then increase the risk of communicable diseases from mosquitos and ticks.
"Public health risks will become more pronounced, with a significant potential for loss of life and strain on health systems," the report noted.
Among the natural disasters and environmental crises we could face as temperatures rise are more frequent category 4 and 5 cyclones, large hail on the east coast and an increased risk of bushfires in forested areas.
Dangerous fire weather days are projected to become more frequent in southern and eastern areas too.
The assessment also noted 63 "nationally significant" climate risks.
These include threats to Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, risks to infrastructure, mental health impacts and loss of animal species.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said the report made it clear that vulnerable Australians in rural communities will bear the brunt of climate change.
"Whether it be cropping, cattle sheep, fisheries… the report makes clear that Australia's regional areas will be big losers from climate change," Bowen said.
"We are living [through] climate change now, it's no longer a forecast, projection, or prediction.
"It is a lived reality. It is too late to avoid any impact now. But it's not too late to avoid the worst of the impacts."
The financial impact of climate change in Australia is predicted to be astronomical.
Losses in property value could soar to $611 billion by 2050 and may reach $770 billion by 2090.
Disaster costs for each state and territory for flood, bushfire, storm surge and tropical cyclones for a moderate emissions scenario (+1.5 degrees ) could reach an annual cost of $40.3 billion by 2050 too.
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Accused cop killer Dezi Freeman probably still alive, says crime expert
Accused gunman Dezi Freeman is probably still alive as the police manhunt for him enters day 21, a criminologist and forensic expert says.
Xanthe Mallet was speaking with Today this morning after Victoria Police said the search for Freeman in the state's high country had been the biggest tactical operation in Australian policing history.
"My sense … would be that he's possibly still on the run. He may have people assisting him," she said.
READ MORE: Police craw through tiny cave in manhunt for accused cop killer
Freeman allegedly shot dead police officers Neal Thompson, 59, and Vadim De Waart-Hottart, 34, and injured a third last month, sparking a huge manhunt.
Last Friday, specialist tactical police from across Australia and a contingent of New Zealand officers launched an extensive search in rugged terrain around the town of the Porepunkah, where Freeman had been living.
But police conceded they are no closer to finding Freeman as he remains at large for a third week.
Mallett says Freeman could be dead or bunkered down, but he could also have travelled some distance from Porepunkah, forcing police to widen the search zone.
Police have characterised the accused gunman as a skilled outdoorsman who has extensive knowledge of the local area.
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Mallett says she thinks police have been overwhelmed by more than 1000 calls from the public reporting possible leads, but they hold the key to finding Freeman.
"They need those calls. They need the public's help because that I think is going to be one of the key ways we're going to find him.
"Somebody will come across him at some point."
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Man dies after truck, car crash, burst into flame in Queensland
A man has died after a truck and car collided on Queensland's Darling Downs.
Emergency services were called to the New England Highway near The Summit after reports a Mack truck and a Mitsubishi Pajero had crashed.
Both vehicles were knocked off the road and caught fire.
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The driver and sole occupant of the Mitsubishi, a 60-year-old Collingwood Park man, died at the scene.
The driver and sole occupant of the truck, a 65-year-old man from New South Wales, sustained minor injuries.
An investigation into the crash is ongoing.
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