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Mystery ‘gem’ spider discovered in Perth bushland
A mystery variant of a "gem"-like spider has been found in Perth, where no member of the species has been seen for 30 years.
The teyl trapdoor spider was found in bushland at the University of Western Australia field station in Shenton Park, by researchers from Edith Cowan University and UWA.
"First described by the late Professor Barbara York Main, the genus name Teyl is derived from Noongar languages as a sign of respect, and roughly translates into meaning 'shiny stone'," ECU vice-challencer research fellow Dr Leanda Mason said.
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Mason said the species in the genus were known for its small size, glossy sheen, and bright colouring – often orange or yellow.
Teyl spiders construct open-holed burrows, with very little silk lining rather than having a lid like many other trapdoor spiders.
Mason said this makes the burrows very difficult to distinguish, even by an expert.
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"What makes this discovery even more extraordinary is that it appears to be an undescribed species, not yet formally named or studied," Mason said.
"This little arachnid is more than a scientific curiosity – it is a jewel of biodiversity.
"These long-lived spiders with ancient Gondwanan lineages, still persist in one of the few remaining patches of native habitat decimated by clearing and rapid land-use change."
The researchers captured a single pregnant female spider for observation, with the mother and the spiderlings to be released back into the wild later at the same site.
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Aussies to get more details on new tax on drivers within weeks
Australians will have a clearer idea of what kind of tax they'll have to pay for driving on our roads in a mere matter of weeks following the federal government's productivity roundtable.
After three days of talks in Canberra, Treasurer Jim Chalmers said he was optimistic about the level of consensus and the appetite for reform, but any hopes of major, concrete policy emerging directly from the summit were dashed.
Instead, there was a list of 10 topics of consensus and eight priority areas where the government will seek to move quickly on reform, with Chalmers saying "a lot of the hard work begins now".
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One of those areas is a road user charge, which Chalmers said "there was a lot of conceptual support for".
While a final model hasn't been settled on, state and territory treasurers will be presented with a list of potential options on September 5.
"Right around the table, people had a view that this is an idea whose time has come and so we will do that work," Chalmers said.
"It does, I think, encourage us down that path. But as you know, this is something we've been working on for a little while as well.
"We've got some good views, some good input. We'll work with the states and territories to try and work out the best model on the best timing."
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The charge, which has been previously flagged by Chalmers, is essentially a tax levied on some or all drivers.
It's needed by the federal budget to make up for declining fuel excise revenue due to Australians increasingly shifting to hybrid and electric vehicles.
While many of the proposals flagged by economists and think tanks prior to the roundtable focused on tax reform, no consensus on the issue was reached during this week's meeting.
Instead, Chalmers said the government would continue talks with the experts invited to the summit about taxation.
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When asked about former Treasury secretary Ken Henry's characterisation of the tax system as "intergenerational bastardry" that treats younger Australians unfairly, the treasurer acknowledged work needed to be done.
"Our tax system is imperfect and one of its most troubling imperfections is best seen through an inter-generational lens," Chalmers said.
"Almost everybody around the table had a similar view, which is we take our responsibilities to the coming generations seriously.
"We recognise that we, as people of influence, with this opportunity have responsibilities in lots of ways, but especially inter-generational responsibilities and we take them very seriously."
Government's 'reform directions' from productivity roundtable
- Progress towards a single national market
- Simplify trade and reform tariffs
- Better regulation
- Speed up approvals in national priority areas
- Build more homes more quickly
- Make artificial intelligence a national priority
- Attract capital and deploy investment
- Build a skilled and adaptable workforce
- A better tax system
- Modernise government services
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Second man charged over Melbourne synagogue arson attack
A counter-terrorism investigation team has charged a second man over an alleged arson attack at the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne.
The building in Ripponlea was firebombed and gutted in the early hours of December 6, in an incident that rocked the Jewish community.
Detectives stormed a home in Meadow Heights last week and seized several items, including electronic devices, for forensic examination.
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Today, a 20-year-old man from Meadow Heights was charged with criminal damage by fire, conduct endangering life and theft of a motor vehicle.
He is facing a maximum of 15 years in prison.
The man has been remanded in custody.
Australian Federal Police Counter Terrorism and Special Investigations Commander Nick Read said the team would not let crimes go unpunished.
"We warned that further arrests would follow, and today we have taken yet another step towards justice," he said.
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The counter-terrorism team alleged the 20-year-old is one of three people who broke into the synagogue and deliberately set the fire.
He is the second of three alleged offenders accused of setting fire to the building.
A 21-year-old man from Werribee was charged on July 30.
A 20-year-old man from Melton South was charged with allegedly stealing a communal crime car, which was used to drive to the synagogue.
Police believe the car, a blue Volkswagen Golf sedan, was also used in another arson attack at the LUX Nightclub on November 21.
A 20-year-old man from Pakenham has been charged in relation to the nightclub fire.
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Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Counter Terrorism Tess Walsh said investigations are continuing and remain a priority.
"Victoria Police has seen first-hand the impact of a crime like this, how it has impacted both the Jewish community and the broader community," she said.
"There is no place for this type of offending in our state, and we will be relentless in pursuing those who are prepared to engage in these acts of violence."
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Bay of Plenty’s Napoleon Eketone sentenced for indecently assaulting teen exchange student
The girl came to NZ ‘full of hope and fun-filled excitement’. She left devastated.
Local elections 2025: Wellington City Council candidate suggests moving voting to November
Local elections follow a fixed schedule as laid out in the Local Electoral Act 2001.
Former league player denied pub entry in Australia over tā moko
His tā moko includes symbols like the hawk and shark for his ancestry.
Auckland Anniversary floods inquest: What officials discussed hours before state of emergency
The timing of the declaration is a hot topic in the 2023 Auckland flooding inquest.
Coconut yoghurt recalled for ‘undeclared allergen’
A range of yoghurt pouches available at Woolworths, Coles and IGA have been recalled over undeclared traces of milk.
Cocobella Banana Coconut Yoghurt, Mango Coconut Yoghurt and Strawberry Coconut Yoghurt 110g pouches bought with expiry dates of September 12 or 13 have traces of the "undeclared allergen".
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) warns any customers with a milk allergy or intolerance may experience a reaction if consumed.
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The recalled yoghurt pouches have been available to buy at Woolworths stores in NSW, ACT, South Australia, Queensland, Northern Territory and online.
All three have also been available at independent IGA stores in Queensland and Victoria.
The Mango Coconut pouch has been sold at Coles stores in NSW and Victoria.
"Consumers who have a milk allergy or intolerance should not consume this product," FSANZ said.
"Consumers should return the products to the place of purchase for a full refund.
"Any consumers concerned about their health should seek medical advice."
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Rotorua death: 4 in court charged with assault and possessing baseball bats and knives
Charging documents allege they assaulted the man yesterday – investigations continue.