Your noon Briefing: Abbott ‘no fair weather friend’

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Hello readers. Tony Abbott has defended standing by his friend George Pell, and how smart are you? Take our test.

Former prime minister Tony Abbott during Question Time in the House of Representatives at Parliament House in Canberra, Wednesday, February 20, 2019. (AAP Image/Mick Tsikas) NO ARCHIVING

No ‘fair weather friend’

Tony Abbott has defended his decision to reach out to George Pell after he was convicted, also expressing support for victims. Meantime, Cardinal Pell is being sued by a man who claims he was sexually abused at a Ballarat swimming pool in the 1970s.

“I’m not saying he’s the only one going through bad experiences. But he has been a friend of mine for a long time and at a times like this you’ve got to feel for people. You’ve got to feel for the victims who have been dreadfully betrayed by an institution they should have been able to trust.”

Tony Abbott

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27-02-19 - Chris Uhlmann and Steve Lewis who created Secret City, with season two premiering on Foxtel on Monday. Picture Kym Smith

Drama hits screens

The second season of Secret City, based on the books by veteran journalists Steve Lewis and Chris Uhlmann, premieres tonight.

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View from the top of the almost complete Infinity Apartments.Tower crane operator, David Hooper.

Approvals rise

Housing approvals rebounded slightly in January, the first lift in four months, according to official figures.

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Still from a NSW Liberal Party campaign

Gloves off

Labor is using Scott Morrison and the federal Liberals to attempt to damage Premier Gladys Berejiklian in negative campaign advertisements as the campaign for the March 23 NSW election begins in earnest.

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Young man is solving mathematical problem on blackboard and is confused.

How smart are you?

Being academically gifted doesn’t necessarily make you intelligent. In fact, it might make you stupider. Take this test and find out.