From 1h agoKey events1h agoConsultancy firm issue worse than expected, Katy Gallagher says1h agoGovernment must break up consultancy giants now, former competition tsar says1h agoFears about chemical leaks after drones plunged into Yarra River2h agoUK joins Indo-Pacific trade bloc3h agoKaty Gallagher hails ‘historic’ appointment of Michele Bullock as RBA governor3h agoSearch on for boater off WA after friend treks to safety3h agoIndigenous voice supporters to submit yes case to AEC3h agoGood morningFilters BETAKey events (8)PwC (5)Melbourne (4)ABC RN (3)Alan Fels (3)Guardian Australia (3)4m ago20.44 EDT
We have more on the security breach at a Qantas terminal that briefly triggered delays and long queues at Melbourne Airport this morning.
Guardian Australia understand a bag containing a laptop went through security screenings unchecked, due to human error.
Airport security used CCTV to track down the passenger and rescreen their bag.
Screening was paused for around 30 minutes while this happened. The backlog cleared quickly and things were back to normal by 8.30am.
Qantas had a small number of short delays as a result.
15m ago20.33 EDTHenry Belot
Political donations from consultants are ‘unhealthy’ and should be banned, Alan Fels tells inquiry
Former ACCC chair Alan Fels has described political donations from big consultancy firms as “unhealthy”, given the businesses are simultaneously bidding for work from the government.
PwC has announced it will ban political donations to restore public trust after a scandal over the misuse of government information. PwC’s acting chief executive, Kristin Stubbins, said the ban would ensure “the highest standards of governance”.
So far, the other big four consultancies have not followed PwC’s lead and will continue to make political donations.
Here’s what Fels told the inquiry about the practice:
They look unhealthy. What I would favour is a significant restriction on them and possibly a ban for some time.
I think government legislators should come down hard on the industry, almost too hard at the beginning, rather than leaning on the soft side.
It’s better to start with some tough approaches like a break up [of the businesses], but also restrictions on donations, maybe for several years.
Donations seem to be linked with buying influence. I don’t think the donations reflect any kind of ideological commitment. They are an investment to get a return, and that makes us very worried about them.
Updated at 20.39 EDT23m ago20.25 EDT
Two arrested for allegedly using drone to traffick drugs into prison
Two people have been arrested for allegedly using a drone to traffick drugs into a Victorian prison, according to a Victoria Police media statement.
It’s alleged a milk carton was located in a corrections facility in Truganina, which contained a quantity of illicit drugs and nicotine patches.
The alleged incident is reported to have occurred in March this year. Detectives from the north-west…
2023-07-16 19:34:22
Original from www.theguardian.com
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