Latest news with #Oceania
The Guardian
an hour ago
- Politics
- The Guardian
‘Gut punch': top shark expert quits Queensland advisory panel after LNP expands cull program
One of Australia's leading shark researchers has resigned from his position of almost eight years advising the Queensland shark control program, as members of that scientific working group say they were 'shocked' and sidelined by the state government's decision to expand the lethal control of sharks. Announcing an $88m shark management plan overhaul which would see shark nets and baited drum lines designed to kill target shark species rolled out at more beaches, and existing drum lines used more intensely, the primary industries minister, Tony Perrett, claimed this week that the Liberal National party's strategy was backed by research. 'I have said time and time again; the best science must inform our actions when it comes to Fisheries,' Perrett said on Sunday. But the expansion of the state's shark cull was slammed by conservation groups such as Australian Marine Conservation Society as an 'outdated' and 'unscientific' approach that 'does nothing to improve beach safety'. Sign up for Guardian Australia's breaking news email Amid the noisy backlash this week, marine science professor Colin Simpfendorfer quietly handed in his resignation from the scientific working group to Perrett. Simpfendorfer had been a member of the advisory body since its inception in 2017 and is regarded as one of the country's foremost shark experts, having served as the co-chair of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature Species Survival Commission's (IUCN SSC) shark specialist group. He declined to comment. Speaking on the condition of anonymity, however, several members of the working group said they advised against the expansion of lethal control and were not informed of the LNPs plans to do so until days before they were announced. 'Everyone was shocked and everyone was pretty upset that there wasn't consultation,' one working group member said. 'We were told there was something coming and it was postponed and postponed and postponed. We kind of had the feeling that it was going to be bad … but it was a gut punch.' AMCS shark scientist and campaigner Dr Leonardo Guida said Simpfendorfer was 'unequivocally' Australia's most renowned and respected shark scientist. 'I don't think anyone would dispute the fact that Colin is, not just Australia's best and most respected and well known shark scientist but, even globally, he is up there at the top,' he said. Guida said he would like to sincerely thank Simpfendorfer for his expertise and service in the 'undoubtedly very challenging role' of providing scientific advice to 'what is essentially a state sanctioned marine cull of sharks'. 'As to what his resignation says, only a matter of days after Queensland's announcement to extend the shark cull, my interpretation of that would be that the Queensland government has made a decision that is no longer in line with scientific advice and recommendation,' Guida said. 'That this is a clear departure from scientific advice itself'. Several sources said that in its nearly eight years the working group had been successful in getting 'more science into decision making' around shark management in Queensland and in moving from lethal to non-lethal shark control – but that Sunday's announcement marked a 'philosophical' shift from the top. Some attributed the shift to pressure from commercial and recreational anglers who report increasingly having fish taken from their lines by sharks. Many scientists agree this behaviour – known as shark depredation – is on the rise in many places around the world, though none spoken to for this article believe that a shark cull will have any impact on depredation rates, nor improve the safety of swimmers. Sign up to Breaking News Australia Get the most important news as it breaks after newsletter promotion Others said the decision was partly a reaction to a number of recent shark bites in Queensland, including that which killed 17-year-old surf life saver Charlize Zmuda while swimming at a Bribie Island beach in February, and that which killed youth pastor Luke Walford, who was spear fishing in the Keppel Bay Islands last December. Bribie Island has baited drum lines, while the Keppel islands do not. Shark scientist and Emmy award-winning underwater cinematographer Richard Fitzpatrick, who has been on the scientific working group since its inception, says media reporting around fatal shark incidents may also have contributed to the expansion of lethal shark control measures. 'Media hysteria in Australia is one of the biggest problems with the whole shark issue,' he said 'Imagine if it were reported at the same level we do with car fatalities'. Fitzpatrick said the expansion of lethal shark measures had 'definitely' made him consider his position on the working group, but said that, ultimately, working with the government had allowed scientists to pursue much-needed research into shark tracking and movement. Included in the government's shark control plan, he said, was a survey of shark populations which would be 'essential', would 'not be cheap' and 'must be done properly'. 'We haven't had a stock assessment done on the target species in Queensland properly ever,' he said. 'Getting that done is absolutely critical now'. 'At the end of the day our approach is to do the best research possible.' Whether that research informs decision making or not, however, is a minister's prerogative. The primary industries minister said he stood by his comments the shark control plan was backed by science in the wake of Simpfendorfer's resignation. 'The Crisafulli Government makes no apology for reaffirming the purpose of the Shark Control Management Plan 2025-2029 Plan to prioritise the safety of people above all else,' Perrett said. The minister said research showed and a recent KPMG report confirmed that 'traditional methods (nets and drum lines) are still the most effective way of protecting swimmers'. 'Until the new technology is scientifically proven as effective at protecting beach goers as traditional methods, we will continue to invest in what keeps Queenslanders and our beaches safe,' he said.
Reuters
2 hours ago
- General
- Reuters
New Zealand committee recommends suspension of Indigenous MPs
A New Zealand parliament committee on Wednesday (May 14) recommended three Indigenous lawmakers be temporarily suspended from parliament following the performance of a haka during the reading of a contentious bill last year.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Sydney Sweeney Breaks Her Silence on Split from Fiancé Jonathan Davino — and Confirms She's Single: 'I'm Loving It'
Sydney Sweeney is breaking her silence on her split from fiancé Jonathan Davino. In an interview with The Times published on Saturday, May 31, the actress, 27, confirmed that she and Davino broke up three years after they got engaged. When asked by the publication if she is planning a wedding, Sweeney responded with a simple, "No." When they further inquired if she is single, the star replied, "Yes." 'I'm learning a lot about myself, spending more time with my friends. And I'm loving it," Sweeney added to The Times. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. A source previously told PEOPLE that Sweeney and Davino's relationship had been "rocky for a long time" after questions about the status of it were raised earlier this year. The insider said that Sweeney has been focusing on work amid the end of her engagement. "She's exactly where she wants to be. Most people would feel overwhelmed by her working schedule this year, but not Syd. She's all about working right now and very excited about all her projects," they explained. "What did make her overwhelmed, though, was her relationship and her wedding. She didn't feel right about it," the source added. The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now! Sweeney currently has a new season of Euphoria in the works, and the Emmy-nominated star will lead a movie adaptation of The Housemaid bestseller, as well as portray real-life boxer Christy Martin and screen star Kim Novak, in upcoming projects. The insider also told PEOPLE that Sweeney is "in the middle of this magical career that she could only dream of a few years ago. This is what she wants to focus on right now." "She's not ready to settle down," the source continued, adding of Sweeney and Davino: "They only lasted for this long because it was hard for her to break it off. They didn't split because there is no love. They split because she just wants to focus on her career right now." Sweeney and Davino, a businessman from Chicago, have been spotted out in public together following their split. Of the outings, a source told PEOPLE, 'This wasn't just a relationship. This was two people living together and planning a future. They still have things to figure out." The former couple first sparked rumors that they were dating in 2018. Throughout the years, they kept details of their relationship private. 'Everyone is always so curious about who I'm with and what's that like, but I think it's important to have something for me,' she told Glamour UK in December 2023. Added the actress, 'I'm very open [otherwise]. I talk about so much and sometimes it gets me in trouble, but I do try to keep something for me.' is now available in the Apple App Store! Download it now for the most binge-worthy celeb content, exclusive video clips, astrology updates and more! Sweeney also elaborated on her decision to keep her love life private in a February 2022 cover story for Cosmpolitan. "I don't date people in the spotlight," she said. "I don't date actors or musicians or anyone in entertainment because I can just be normal Syd that way and it's easiest. I have a great support system." She continued, "I have people who will battle for me and allow me to be on the pedestal and shine without making me feel like, 'Oh no, I'm shining too bright and I need to step back.' " "I look for a best friend," Sweeney also said. "I need to be able to be with someone who I can literally hang out with 24/7 and never get sick of and we laugh every single day." Read the original article on People
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Sydney Sweeney addresses relationship status as she confirms that she has split from Jonathan Davino
Sydney Sweeney has confirmed that she and Jonathan Davino have split up. The 27-year-old actress got engaged to film producer Jonathan, 41, in March 2022 after almost four years of dating but she stopped wearing her ring earlier this year, and has now confirmed that it is all off. Asked if she was still planning a wedding, she told The Times: "No." The 'Anyone But You' star was then asked if she is single and confirmed that she is, but she is learning to embrace her natural self and taking the chance to socailise with her friends. She said: "Yes. I'm learning a lot about myself, spending more time with my friends. And I'm loving it." Sydney is also aware that she needs some time off amid her busy schedule, which currently sees her filming starring roles in upcoming movies such as 'Echo Valley' and 'The Housemaid', and her friends are concerned that she is going to suffer from "burnout" at some point. She said: "I hear it more from my family than myself. 'Sydney, you're going to burn out. Sydney, you need to slow down. Sydney, you need to take a break." The confirmation of Sydney's breakup comes shortly after it had been claimed by insiders that she had become "overwhelmed" by the thought of planning a wedding and instead chose to focus on her hectic schedule instead. A source told People: "She's exactly where she wants to be. Most people would feel overwhelmed by her working schedule this year, but not Syd. She's all about working right now and very excited about all her projects. "What did make her overwhelmed, though, was her relationship and her wedding. She didn't feel right about it." "She's in the middle of this magical career that she could only dream of a few years ago. This is what she wants to focus on right now. "She's not ready to settle down. They only lasted for this long because it was hard for her to break it off. They didn't split because there is no love. They split because she just wants to focus on her career right now."
News.com.au
6 hours ago
- Business
- News.com.au
Stock Tips: WTC could be a wise choice this week
It's no easy gig analysing share prices and company performance but somebody's got to do it. Every week two experts from our Share Tips columnist pool give us their recommendations. Andrew Eddy – Morgans Financial BUY WiseTech Global (ASX:WTC) Wisetech is acquiring E2open, expanding its market reach and capabilities, driving revenue and EBITDA growth, and offering a compelling opportunity to further extend the company's growth runway. Aurizon Holdings (ASX:AZJ) Earnings from the Network and Coal segments will continue to deliver higher cash returns to shareholders and investment into Bulk and Containerised Freight will provide longer term growth. HOLD Lovisa Holdings (ASX:LOV) Lovisa's recent milestone of opening its 1,000th store globally signifies its strong growth and global presence. It continues to have ambitious expansion plans. Regis Resources (ASX:RRL) Regis is well positioned to maintain significant share price torque to the price of gold, aided by a robust production profile and underappreciated organic growth at Duketon. SELL Telstra (ASX:TLS) Although having some defensive qualities, Telstra continues to trade above its long-term average multiple, which is hard to justify considering its minimal long-term growth and competition risk. Adriatic Metals (ASX:ADT) Adriatic's share price has bounced recently on takeover talk. While high-grade metal assets with compelling economics are rare, everything has a price. Dylan Evans – Catapult Wealth BUY Goodman Group (ASX:GMG) Goodman Group's portfolio of quality industrial properties and data centres should be well supported by long-term demand trends in online retail and data hosting. Steadfast (ASX:SDF) As the largest general insurance broker in Australia, Steadfast offer exposure to growth in insurance premiums, but without the underwriting risk of the insurers. HOLD Auckland International Airport (ASX:AIA) As New Zealand's primary overseas travel gateway, Auckland Airport is a key piece of infrastructure. Overseas travel still lags pre-covid levels, but is showing signs of recovery. Woolworths (ASX:WOW) Woolworths has been losing market share to its competitors over the last few years and is now going through another restructure to regain this lost share. We expect regaining this momentum will take several years. SELL A2 Milk (ASX:A2M) The Chinese infant formula market is a key part of A2 milk's product sales. Despite reporting growth in its 1H25 results, this market faces long-term challenges, including declining birth rates. BWP Trust (BWP) A solid property trust on most metrics, with modest debt, high occupancy, and a decent 5.2% yield. Concern is always with the potential influence and reliance on Wesfarmers, who have an ownership stake and contribute 85% of the rental income via Bunnings.
