Search continues for missing cruise passenger
A reduced search operation is ongoing for a passenger who went overboard from a cruise ship and remains missing in waters off the south east Queensland coast.
The man, aged in his 70s, was last seen aboard the Carnival Splendor on Friday night. At approximately 10:30pm, he was reported overboard in waters north-east of Cape Moreton.
Carnival Cruise Line issued a statement indicating the man "apparently climbed over the safety railing and jumped overboard."
"The male guest was travelling with family, who alerted the ship’s crew of a possible missing person, and a review of the CCTV footage confirmed the guest’s action," the spokesperson said.
"All appropriate authorities have been alerted and Carnival will assist authorities in their investigation upon the ship’s return to Sydney on Sunday.
"Carnival’s Care Team is supporting the guest’s family and our thoughts and prayers are with them and their loved one."
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) announced it had suspended its search operations following an intensive air and sea search on Saturday afternoon involving multiple assets.
The AMSA deployed its Cairns and Melbourne-based Challenger jets, five rescue helicopters, and six surface vessels to the area.
Queensland Police confirmed their search and rescue efforts for the missing man continued on Sunday morning.
Support services are available for those in need: Lifeline can be contacted on 13 11 14, Beyond Blue offers assistance, and in emergencies, Triple Zero (000) should be dialed.
Australia should ‘inject ourselves’ into Hormuz dispute: Littleproud
David Littleproud, former Nationals leader, urged the federal government to actively engage in the escalating dispute over the Strait of Hormuz to prevent a global recession.
Speaking to Channel 9 on Sunday, Littleproud stated that such involvement would help mitigate the severe economic and geopolitical consequences arising from the potential closure of this critical waterway.
"President Trump and Iran are playing a high stakes game of chicken... it is important as a good global citizen we do our bit," Littleproud said.
"We need to inject ourselves into this dispute and make sure there is the safe navigation of those tankers through the strait of Hormuz and there is no tariff of $2m per boat."
He suggested that Australia’s intervention could introduce "calm" and "common sense" to the situation surrounding the strait, which previously handled about 20% of global oil supply before the conflict.
Littleproud warned that if the strait remains closed, a global recession could ensue due to significant oil price increases.
"The reality is until the strait is open we are going to continue to see pressure on prices so it is important we do our bit."
Meanwhile, in Victoria, the extension of free public transport is being promoted as a measure to alleviate cost of living pressures. However, some analyses, including one by Benita Kolovos, suggest it may also serve as an early election policy ahead of the November poll, with the Labor government aiming to reposition itself after 12 years in power.
Supanova continues in Melbourne after pedestrian killed, another seriously injured
The Supanova comics and gaming convention in Melbourne proceeded on Sunday morning following a fatal incident outside the event on Saturday night.
A vehicle struck pedestrians outside the Melbourne Showgrounds, resulting in one death and another person sustaining serious injuries. The driver is currently under police guard in hospital.
Supanova organisers released a statement late Saturday evening:
"We here at Supanova Comic Con & Gaming are deeply saddened and distressed by the incident that occurred outside the Melbourne Showgrounds this evening.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected by the unspeakable tragedy that has happened on our doorstep.
As the matter is still under police investigation and took place outside the Showgrounds precinct, we do not have any further details at present.
As such, we will not enter into any speculation regarding this appalling situation until all the facts come to light.
Supanova will continue to support all Supa-Fans that come through our doors tomorrow morning, and we will be holding a minute’s silence in sympathy and solidarity of the affected families and friends at 10am before opening our doors to our event."
Free public transport extended in Victoria
The Victorian government announced on Sunday that free public transport will be extended by one month until the end of May, with half-price fares to follow until the end of the year. This initiative is part of the Allan government’s commitment to fare relief.
The state government plans to allocate $400 million in the upcoming budget to support the extension of fare relief across trams, buses, and trains.
Victoria initially introduced free public transport temporarily to reduce fuel consumption and help commuters manage costs.
The government estimates that half-price fares will save the average commuter more than $850 over seven months, while also capping fuel demand and reducing traffic delays.
Public transport will remain permanently free for individuals under 18 and special pass holders. Myki pass users will be reimbursed during the half-price fare period.
Murder charge laid after woman’s body found at home
A 25-year-old man has been charged with murder following the discovery of a woman’s body at a residence in Windale, south-west of Newcastle.
Emergency services responded to reports of a welfare concern shortly after 8pm on Saturday.
Police from the Lake Macquarie Police District arrived at the scene and found the body of a woman believed to be in her 40s. Despite paramedics’ efforts, she could not be revived.
The woman has not yet been formally identified. Investigations are ongoing, and a crime scene has been established.
The man was arrested at the scene and taken to Belmont police station, where he was charged with murder related to domestic violence. He was refused bail and is scheduled to appear in court on Sunday.
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