Latest news with #3AW
West Australian
7 hours ago
- Politics
- West Australian
Australian reporter defiant after being hit by nonlethal munition during LA protests
An Australian reporter has vowed to 'keep on telling the stories that need to be told' after being struck by a nonlethal munition while covering violent demonstrations in the US. Nine's Lauren Tomasi was reporting from Los Angeles, where law enforcement and the US National Guard have been facing off with thousands protesting Donald Trump's mass deportations. Tomasi, microphone in hand, had just finished giving an update to camera when an officer standing behind her raised his firearm and fired a nonlethal round, striking her in the leg. 'Hey there. Thanks for all your messages – I'm a bit sore, but I'm okay,' Tomasi posted on social media. 'Important we keep on telling the stories that need to be told. Here's our report on what unfolded in Los Angeles.' Tomasi's comments echoed a statement from Nine, which confirmed both she and 'her camera operator are safe and will continue their essential work covering these event'. 'This incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers journalists can face while reporting from the frontlines of protests, underscoring the importance of their role in providing vital information,' the company said. Speaking after the incident, Tomasi described the situation in Los Angeles as 'pretty nasty' and 'volatile'. She said police were moving through the city's downtown area trying to clear out protesters, but there were 'just thousands of people, and as we were reporting on the situation, one of those officers fired at me'. 'We are both safe,' she told Melbourne talkback station 3AW, referring to her cameraman. Though she said she was 'going to have a bit of a nasty bruise'. 'It really did hurt,' Tomasi said. 'I'd say it's kind of the size of a golf ball – a hard-ish rubber. 'I've got a bit of a circle on my calf muscle. I'm lucky it was there.' She said it 'comes part and parcel with the job sometimes', but 'it does kind of give you an idea of the sense of just how much this is deteriorating and how the situation here is out of control'. Asked why she thought the officer shot at her, Tomasi said she did not know and put it down to the chaotic circumstances. 'I think they're just firing at anyone who is remotely in the way,' she said. 'We certainly were not trying to get in the way … we were standing off to the side.' Meanwhile, Anthony Albanese has been urged to 'seek an urgent explanation' and raise it with Donald Trump when they meet on the sidelines of the G7 in Canada later this week. 'US authorities shooting an Australian journalist is simply shocking,' Greens communications spokeswoman Sarah Hanson-Young said in a statement. 'It is completely unacceptable and must be called out. 'The Prime Minister must seek an urgent explanation from the US administration. 'As Albanese is preparing for his first meeting with President Trump, the first thing he must tell the President is to stop shooting at our journalists.' The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it was in touch 'with an Australian injured in protests, and stands ready to provide consular assistance if required'. 'Australia supports media freedom and the protection of journalists,' a DFAT spokesperson said. 'All journalists should be able to do their work safely.' DFAT has advised Australians to avoid areas where there are protests in the US. More to come
Daily Mail
29-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Disgusting moment Aussie politicians' joke about taxing YOU: 'Arrogant'
Victorian treasurer Jaclyn Symes has been slammed as 'arrogant' by a radio host after she asked a room of voters to share their 'favourite tax'. Symes posed the question at a post-budget Property Council of Australia breakfast at Sofitel Melbourne on Collins, in the city's CBD, on Tuesday. Speaking to a room of more than 200 of the state's property developers and investors, Symes asked: 'Let's have a show of hands, what is the worst tax?' The majority of the audience remained silent while others laughed nervously, prompting the treasurer to ask: 'What is your favourite tax?' After a pause, Property Council chief executive Mike Zorbas asked the crowd: 'Who's in favour of national tax reforms?' His question was met with several attendees raising their hands. Radio host Jacqui Felgate, who presents 3AW Drive, was horrified by the treasurer's seemingly poor attempt at a joke. 'I'm just staggered by this and the word I'm going to use today is arrogance,' she said. 'People in construction who are trying to keep their businesses going, first time buyers who can't buy a home. 'Small business owners, farmers, retirees, young, old workers in this state. 'The destruction that the level of tax in Victoria has done to people's lives.' Ms Felgate then read a list of the taxes Victorians are subject to, including Covid tax, land tax, fire services levy, work cover levy and payroll tax. 'And a generational level of debt,' she added. 'Let me tell you treasurer, no one is laughing. So whether it's a bad joke that just didn't land or pure arrogance, no one is laughing.' Aussies were also enraged by the treasurer's questions. 'THANK YOU Jacqui… Keep that excellent reporting you are doing for us the listeners… Love your segment,' one commented. Another wrote: 'I have so MUCH RESPECT for you for calling them out on their DISGUSTING and DISRESPECTFUL behaviour! Thank you!' 'Continued lack of understanding of what Victorians actually want or need. We are all being crushed by this government's continued spending on things we neither need or want; and the continued taxes being forced on us,' a third commented. 'Something has to give, hopefully Victorians realise what is happening and take action when it is time to vote.' Developer Max Shifman, who attended the breakfast, said Symes' question showed how 'tone deaf she is' when it came to the state's property industry. He told the Herald Sun the industry had been 'brought to its knees through sky high taxes and regulation'.
NZ Herald
25-05-2025
- NZ Herald
Melbourne shopping centre locked down after reports of group with machete
A major shopping centre in Melbourne's northeast has reportedly been plunged into lockdown after reports of a group wielding a machete. The Northland Shopping Centre was reportedly in lockdown on Sunday afternoon following a fight including a number of youths, callers told 3AW. Patrons told the Victorian radio station that they were locked inside individual stores. 'Tell people not to go there at the present time until its given the all-clear,' Bill, whose daughter was at the centre, told 3AW. Victoria police are expected to provide further details shortly.
Time of India
25-05-2025
- Time of India
Chaos at Melbourne's Northland shopping centre amid machete brawl
A routine Sunday afternoon(May 25) turned into a scene of panic at Northland Shopping Centre in Preston, Melbourne, as a violent altercation involving machetes led to a full lockdown of the complex. Victoria Police responded swiftly to reports of "numerous people fighting" at the shopping centre on Murray Road. Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene where individuals wielded large knives, prompting shoppers to seek refuge inside stores as police and emergency services arrived en masse. 'The shopping centre has been locked down while the incident is ongoing. When we have further information and have confirmed specifics, we will update all media. We do not have anything further at this stage.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like OMEA Award for Indian Manufacturers ansoim Learn More Undo Unverified videos circulating on social media depict a man brandishing a machete, lunging at two others who appeared to be fleeing. Other footage shows police officers restraining a man on the ground, while bystanders watch in shock. One shopper, identified as Bill, recounted the harrowing experience on 3AW radio, stating, "My daughter was inside. She called me, terrified. I told her to stay hidden until it was safe." He urged others to avoid the area until authorities declared it secure. Live Events The incident has reignited concerns about safety at Northland Shopping Centre, which has a history of violent episodes. In recent years, the centre has been the site of several assaults and disturbances, leading to increased security measures It remains unclear how many individuals were injured during the melee. Victoria Police have not released detailed information but confirmed that the situation is under investigation. They have assured the public that updates will be provided as more facts are confirmed. Northland Shopping Centre, opened in 1966, is one of Melbourne's largest retail complexes, housing over 330 stores and serving as a central hub for the northern suburbs.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Yahoo
Major shopping centre in lockdown
A major shopping centre in Melbourne's northeast has reportedly been plunged into lockdown after reports of a group wielding a machete. The Northland Shopping Centre was reportedly lockdown on Sunday afternoon following a fight including a number of youths, callers told 3AW. Patrons told the Victorian radio station that they were locked inside individual stores. 'Tell people not to go there at the present time until its given the all-clear,' Bill, whose daughter was at the centre, told 3AW. Victoria Police are expected to provide further details shortly. Officer earlier confirmed to the Heral Sun repors of 'numerous people fighting' on Sunday afternoon. A police spokesperson told the Melbourne paper that the were 'responding to reports of numerous people fighting at a shopping centre on Murray Rd in Preston this afternoon'. 'The shopping centre has been locked down while the incident is ongoing,' she said. 'When we have further information and have confirmed specifics, we will update all media. We do not have anything further at this stage.' Patrons took to social media to share to report the lockdown, with unverified images and video circulating purporting to be from inside the shopping centre. 'The shopping centre has been locked down while the incident is ongoing,' she said. 'When we have further information and have confirmed specifics, we will update all media. We do not have anything further at this stage.' Patrons took to social media to share to report the lockdown, with unverified images and video circulating purporting to be from inside the shopping centre. More to come.
