Main events
Health minister says surge in ebikes a ‘true emergency’
Minister of health Mark Butler says a series of dangerous ebike rides is a “true emergency” after a group of riders surged across the Sydney Harbor Bridge during peak-hour traffic.
NSW police are investigating after about 40 people traveled along the main deck of the bridge, where cycling is prohibited, before turning around and riding into the Sydney CBD. No arrests or charges have been filed by the police.
Butler spoke to Channel 7’s Sunrise this morning, saying:
This is a real emergency. …This should be the subject of vigorous action by all governments. This is one of the problems that arose during the Covid era and has recently exploded.
People talk to me about it all the time, it drives them completely crazy.
He said having different laws in different states surrounding ebikes was a “real threat”, saying it was time to be “conscious” about these things.
The Albanian is scheduled to sign the ‘watershed’ security treaty with Indonesia during a visit to Jakarta
Anthony Albanese flew to Jakarta where he will meet with the president of Indonesia, Prabowo Subiantoto sign a “watershed” security agreement, AAP reports.
Details of the Australia-Indonesia Treaty on Common Security, announced in November, remain largely under wraps. Penny Wong joined the Albanian and will meet his Indonesian counterpart, Sugionoduring the visit.
Albanese’s trip will be his fifth as prime minister, and second since his re-election in 2025, choosing to make Indonesia the first country he visits after remaining in office.
“This agreement is a proud moment in the shared history of Australia and Indonesia,” the prime minister told parliament before he left on Thursday.
This will ensure that we work together to shape a better future, secure our shared place in the world, so that we can ensure the best outcomes for those we serve here at home.
Australian Strategic Policy Institute senior analyst Gatra Priyandita said the agreement could be seen as a positive step in the context of broader bilateral relations.
Good morning
Good morning, and happy Friday. Nick Visser here to bring you the news of the day.
Australia will soon sign a “watershed” security pact with Indonesia, with the prime minister, Anthony Albanese, in Jakarta to meet his Indonesian counterpart, Prabowo Subianto. Indonesia has long supported a foreign policy of non-alignment to avoid being embroiled in conflicts.
Reserve Bank governor, Michelle Bullock, and her deputy will report to Parliament House today for their regular harassment from MPs. Bullock will face new questions about the federal government’s role in inflation. The cash rate currently sits at 3.85% after a .25 basis point increase.
A man has been charged after allegedly displaying Nazi symbols in the Hunter region of NSW. Police officials said they have started an investigation last month after reports the symbols were allegedly displayed on a council-issued rubbish bin in the area.
We will bring you updates throughout the day. Stay with us.