Former AFL star Ben Cousins' return to the media has sparked controversy, with reports of his Mix94.5 breakfast co-host Kymba Cahill refusing to broadcast for two weeks following his appointment. Cahill reportedly felt Cousins' appointment sent the wrong message and conflicted with her personal brand championing women's voices. Despite internal station scrambling, Cousins remains part of the breakfast line-up in a reduced role.
Meanwhile, Scots College has engaged PR firm imageseven, led by Brad Entwistle, to manage communications surrounding gang rape charges against three of its students. The college issued a statement emphasizing that sexual violence is unacceptable and affirmed its support for headmaster Dr. Ian PM Lambert. The statement also addressed concerns about consent education, asserting compliance with curriculum requirements while highlighting the primary role of parents in the formation of their children. Entwistle, a specialist in private school communications, is guiding the school through the crisis.
In media circles, sacked weather presenter Amber Sherlock has settled her $400,000 unfair dismissal claim against Nine Network. Sherlock alleged her retrenchment was due to age, with her tasks allegedly handed to younger presenters. She claimed she was told her job was secure by Nine's head of news, who compared her to veteran anchor Peter Overton. Nine denied some claims and stated Sherlock had been counselled about her interactions with colleagues. Throughout the legal process, Sherlock had been active on social media, promoting her new career as a freelance writer, editor, MC, communications consultant, and podcast host.
ARN and TV vet Dr. Chris Brown are reportedly denying speculation that he will replace Kyle Sandilands on KIIS FM's breakfast show, despite Sandilands' own comments. Industry observers note that TV presenters often struggle in radio due to a reliance on scripts and a lack of personal disclosure, which are crucial for listener connection. Past attempts by stations to transition TV hosts to radio have largely failed.
Former Q&A host Tony Jones reflected on the show's axing, attributing its decline partly to COVID-19 restrictions that limited live audiences. Jones noted that the program, a ratings winner during his tenure, lost its identity and audience engagement after subsequent hosts and format changes, including the removal of live viewer feedback via X. He expressed hope that the ABC would develop a suitable replacement.
In legal proceedings, a complainant in the trial of Alan Jones testified that he confided details of alleged groping and unwanted kisses to 2GB mornings host Ray Hadley. The complainant stated he broke down sobbing during the conversation and made Hadley promise not to tell anyone. Former Wallabies captain Nick Farr-Jones was also observed in court, seated behind Jones, signaling a potential show of support from a former associate.
Political discourse saw opposition frontbencher Dan Tehan ejected from Question Time after repeatedly telling Energy Minister Chris Bowen to "cut the faecal matter" rather than answer a question about the Capacity Investment Scheme's cost to taxpayers. The incident occurred in front of watching Youth Parliament members, contrasting with a recent initiative Tehan and Speaker Milton Dick launched to encourage respectful speeches from young students.
The Greens have faced criticism for amendments to climate standards, with accusations that the party has sidelined experienced sustainability experts in favor of less experienced individuals. Senator Barbara Pocock's influence is cited, with critics claiming the changes guarantee "institutionalized ignorance."
Labor Senator aspirant Josh Bornstein is under review by the Victorian Legal Services Board regarding a complaint from a former Hillsong whistleblower, Natalie Moses. Moses alleges Bornstein acted without instructions in attempting to prevent Hillsong documents from being tabled in parliament. Bornstein denies wrongdoing and notes the complaint's initial dismissal. He has reportedly ended his legal career but remains a consultant for Maurice Blackburn.
Amy Remeikis, a commentator for The Australia Institute, has sold her Maroochydore investment unit, ending her role as a landlord. This action aligns her property portfolio with her public critiques of Labor's property tax overhaul, which she has championed. Records show she sold the unit last September, after previously lamenting tenants' burdens and landlords' rent-hiking powers while she herself was a landlord.
Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was observed holding meetings at the National Press Club in Canberra, fueling speculation about her post-politics career in consulting. She also met with Labor MPs, including Senator Charlotte Walker.
During a Senate vote, Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young remarked to Pauline Hanson that the Opposition Leader, Angus Taylor, appeared "weak" and "scared," a comment Hanson did not acknowledge.