Your noon Briefing
Welcome to your noon digest of what’s been making news and what to watch for.
Hello readers. Here is your noon round-up of today’s top stories so far and a long read for lunchtime.
‘Cut imports’
A Chinese state media outlet known for its exaggerated threats has said Beijing should cut imports from “arrogant” Australia in order to make trade concessions to the United States.
The US and China are in the middle of complex trade talks after US President Donald Trump demanded the country cut its trade deficit.
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Archbishop to stand aside
Adelaide Archbishop Philip Wilson, who is the most senior Catholic official in the world convicted of concealing child sexual abuse, has this morning bowed to intense public pressure and announced his intention to stand aside from Friday.
“It is appropriate that, in the light of some of his Honour’s findings, I stand aside from my duties as Archbishop.”
Philip Wilson
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Diplomats hacked
The Pakistani military is alleged to have been involved in the hacking of phones of Australian diplomats potentially stealing sensitive metadata, texts and photos and tracking their movements. The hacking is thought to have occurred after users either downloaded special apps to their phones or interacted with those whose phones were compromised.
“Our research shows that Stealth Mango is being actively managed by Pakistani based actors that are likely military.’’
Lookout
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Gallagher replacement named
Former ACT government adviser David Smith is confirmed as Katy Gallagher’s replacement in the Senate. Keep up with all the latest from parliament in our live blog, PoliticsNow.
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Bellamy tapped up
Brisbane coach Wayne Bennett says he’s open to coaching another club if he’s replaced by Craig Bellamy at the end of next season.
“The way I feel now I feel great physically and mentally. I am not going be to defined by my age. If the club doesn’t see that as relevant, I will coach somewhere else.”
Wayne Bennett
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The long read: Mystery death on high seas
From his jail cell in Florida, Australian Lewis Bennett recently scrawled a note to a friend in England about his missing wife, Isabella Hellman. The future for the 41-year-old Australian also may be difficult to appreciate as he contemplates the possibility of life behind bars for the alleged murder of his wife on the high seas during their Caribbean honeymoon
“(She) was such a positive person and always encouraged me to focus on the ‘now’ and to enjoy each and every moment. I try to take her advice but here and now for me at this moment is difficult to appreciate.”
Lewis Bennett
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Comment of the day
“We complain in vain against the bias of the ABC. Let’s start a petition with a million signatures against the ABC.”
David, in response to ‘It’s too late to reform the ABC’.