Tuesday, 18 June - I make no promises

June 18, 2024

An Aussie story with Woolworths Group

Good morning, it’s Tuesday, 18 June. In your Squiz Today…

  • A mixed reception for China’s Premier

  • Netanyahu dissolves his war cabinet

  • And the UK’s best belt-busting export…

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Squiz the Weather

Squiz Sayings

"Kevin is the epitome of a gentle giant.”

Said Tracy Wolfe, owner of the newly crowned world’s tallest dog who stands 0.97m from foot to withers (which horsey-type people will tell you is at the base of the neck), so about the height of a 3yo. Kevin is a Great Dane and he has a great big phobia - he hates vacuum cleaners. Us too, Kevin…

Protests and promises

The Squiz

Day 3 of Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s tour of Oz saw him receive another mixed reception in Canberra yesterday. It began with people protesting against China’s alleged human rights violations outside Parliament House, some of whom clashed with pro-China supporters. And it concluded with allegations that Chinese officials blocked the view of Cheng Lei - the Aussie journalist imprisoned by China for 3 years - at a press conference. But away from the public commotion, there were also plenty of political discussions happening behind closed doors.

Tell me more…

After Li signed the official visitor’s book, the pair got down to business. As for what agreements were made… They include education/research, climate change, trade, 15-day visa-free travel for Aussies going to China, and “stepping up communication and dialogue” on Pacific development. Albanese also raised Aussie writer Yang Hengjun, who's facing a suspended death sentence in China, and he "reiterated" Australia's opposition to capital punishment. The pair also confirmed they spoke about the need for better “military-to-military communication” to avoid the repeat of recent incidents. Coalition leader Peter Dutton also met privately with Li, saying "to be good friends, you need to have an honest relationship" where both can raise "concerns". 

Sounds like a lot of business…

Yep, but not all - Albanese also hosted a state lunch for 300 people in the Great Hall where he, Li and the guests enjoyed Aussie beef, regional produce and Canberra wines. It opened with a bit of a faux pas, with Albanese referring to Li as Li Keqiang - his predecessor. But that was quickly glossed over as the Royal Military College Band played the national anthems and the Canberra String Quartet provided the entertainment. And the visit's not over… Albanese and Li are off to Perth tomorrow, where our critical minerals industry will be a hot topic. Our government wants to become a dominant player in the industry as part of its Future Made in Australia package and experts say there could be some new deals involving Chinese investment on the cards. Watch this space…

Meet the Baronio family

Let us tell you the story of the Baronio family… They’re apple and strawberry farmers from Queensland and have been partners of Woolworths since 1988. John Baronio says it’s a relationship built on good, honest communication. It’s a great Aussie story, and here’s a link to learn more about them.

Squiz the Rest

Israeli infighting continues

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has dissolved his war cabinet, and decisions about Israel's military operation in Gaza will now be made by a smaller group of ministers, reports say. The move comes just over a week after the resignation of centrist opposition leader Benny Gantz over Netanyahu’s lack of a post-war plan. It also comes a day after insiders say the Israeli PM criticised a decision by the Israeli Defence Forces - that he hadn’t signed off on - to pause fighting along a major road for 11 hours daily to allow aid to pass through. An unnamed official said that when Netanyahu heard about the order, he “made it clear that this was unacceptable”. Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir wasn’t happy either, saying the “fool” who made the decision should lose their job. So if you’re wondering whether a broader ceasefire is on the way, the IDF says no - its offensive in Rafah continues.

Lehrmann pushes for no trial

Lawyers for former Liberal staffer Bruce Lehrmann say they’ll make a “no case to answer” application in response to charges laid against him over 2 counts of alleged rape. The 29yo attended the Toowoomba Magistrates Court yesterday for a committal hearing, with the complainant - an unnamed woman - being cross-examined by Lehrmann’s legal team. She carried out her testimony remotely via video link - which is standard practice for sexual assault cases - and it was a closed court, meaning journalists weren’t allowed in. Lehrmann’s accused of sexually assaulting her in Toowoomba twice on 10 October 2021, but he denies that. Magistrate Marc Howden will consider written submissions from both sides before the case is back in court on 4 July to decide if it will go to trial.

Poll pain for the Tories

Several UK polls have painted a grim picture for PM Rishi Sunak less than 3 weeks out from the 4 July election - and a much rosier one for Labour leader Keir Starmer… You can dive into the numbers here, but none of the 3 polls have Sunak's Conservative Party nabbing more than 24% of the vote - compared to the Labour Party securing at least 40%. If you're not a numbers kinda person, Chris Hopkins from market research firm Savanta explains, "Our research suggests that this election could be nothing short of electoral extinction for the Conservative Party". Ouch… And although polls haven't always accurately predicted election results, polling expert John Curtice says support for the Tories is at its lowest point in UK polling history. Others reckon Sunak is running out of time to change voters’ minds… 

News consumers reach for the off button

We have a deep connection to the news. Through good and bad times, we’re there for it. However, an international survey of 94,943 people across 47 countries has found the uptick in “depressing” global events is causing more people to actively avoid it. The Reuters Institute’s 2024 Digital News Report shows 39% - particularly women/young people - sometimes or often avoid the news, up from 29% in 2017. Lead author Nic Newman put it down to people feeling “powerless” over “particularly difficult” news in recent years… "You've had the pandemic [and] wars, so it's a fairly natural reaction for people to turn away,” he said. As for us, the University of Canberra’s Digital News Report: Australia 2024 shows we’re more concerned about AI and its potential impact on journalism/misinformation/disinformation than the rest of the world. What a discerning bunch…

If you have friends or family who are turning off from the news, send ‘em to us…

A brekky fit for a Brit

Let’s be honest, the UK isn’t often touted for its cuisine, but as the days grow shorter and colder we can’t help but agree with some top Aussie foodies that a full English breakfast is one of its best exports. Also known as a “fry-up”, it's a protein hit of eggs, bacon, baked beans, tomatoes, mushrooms, pork sausages and some kind of toast - all of which should be fried, naturally. If you're feeling fancy, black/white pudding, hash browns and brown sauce are a good addition. It’s not exactly healthy eating, but as a treat, you can’t go wrong. And if you don’t expect it to look pretty, you won’t be disappointed as the “flavours and fattiness come together in a way that will cause angels to chorus and belts to explode”. Bring on the stretchy pants…

Apropos of Nothing

Ukraine’s football team manager Serhiy Rebrov says the Euro 2024 championship currently underway in Germany is “really about the spirit of our country.” The team’s campaign is accompanied by a stark reminder of Russia’s invasion, with part of Kharkiv’s destroyed stadium to be put on display in Munich.

If you haven’t had the chance to visit MONA in Hobart and listen to Once Upon A Time in Shaolin, Wu-Tang Clan’s rare single-copy album, this review has your back… It's been described as "good" music and "truly great" art. Take from that what you will…

Attention musical theatre/fashion lovers: The Tony Awards were held in New York on Sunday, and the blue carpet (nope, not a typo) served up plenty of looks to peruse. Our fave is Angelina Jolie’s teal velvet gown - which looks a bit Lady Liberty-esque if you ask us…

Squiz the Day

9.30am (AEST) - The case of former police officer Beau Lamarre-Condon, charged with the murders of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies, is back in court - Sydney

10.30am (AEST) - Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler to launch new biotech company Ternarx, dedicated to finding treatments for hard to treat cancers - Melbourne

11.30am (AEST) - The Aussie gymnastics team for the Paris Olympics to be named - Melbourne  

2.30pm (AEST) - RBA interest rate decision, followed by a press conference

6.00pm (AEST) - AFL Hall of Fame induction dinner - Melbourne

Chinese Premier Li Qiang will attend the Australia-China CEO roundtable - Perth

The NSW budget for 2024/25 to be handed down by Treasurer Daniel Mookhey

International Day for Countering Hate Speech 

International Sushi Day

International Picnic Day

Sir Paul McCartney’s birthday (1942)

Anniversary of:

  • the Battle of Waterloo, which saw Napoleon defeated by Britain (1815)

  • Amelia Earhart becoming the first woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean (1928)

  • the UN Commission on Human Rights adopting the International Declaration of Human Rights (1948)

  • Sally Ride becoming the first US woman in space (1983)