The Christian Brothers has deliberately retained nine convicted child abusers—one currently incarcerated—as members of its religious order, asserting a 'Gospel imperative' to 'care for all Brothers' and 'the needy'. Court documents further reveal that the head of Christian Brothers Oceania met with Holy See representatives six months before declaring insolvency and inability to meet abuse claims, seeking financial support but receiving none.
Moratorium Throws Trials Into Chaos
On Thursday, the Christian Brothers secured a moratorium on all current and future civil claims by child abuse survivors, throwing dozens of pending trials into chaos and halting hundreds more cases. This legal move effectively freezes litigation, leaving survivors in limbo.
NSW Reports First H5 Bird Flu Case
In other news, New South Wales recorded its first suspected case of deadly H5 bird flu as the virus reaches Australia's east coast. Health authorities are monitoring the situation closely.
Political and Legal Developments
Moira Deeming won a temporary reprieve as the Victorian Liberal party postponed a decision on her future. Meanwhile, Anthony Albanese's favourite bands urged the PM to prevent AI companies from stealing their work. A judge found Sky News Australia published 'misleading' statements in the Cairo Takeaway fiasco. Tributes poured in for a Melbourne boy allegedly left to die from stab wounds, as a teen was charged with murder. Former AFL player Nicky Winmar was found guilty of assaulting a woman in northern Victoria.
World Cup Roundup
At the World Cup, Portugal defeated Croatia 2-1, and Switzerland advanced to the last 16 with a 2-0 win over Algeria. The Socceroos face Egypt at 4am AEST on Saturday, followed by Argentina vs Cape Verde at 8am AEST. Uncertainty surrounds whether Egypt star Mo Salah will start or come off the bench. Victory has eluded the Socceroos in previous knockout stages. Former Republic of Ireland players Jason McAteer and John Aldridge recalled the infamous 1994 World Cup match in Orlando played in 43°C heat.
Exhibition and Entertainment
Gerwyn Davies' exhibition 'Sunburn 2025' pays homage to the Tweed region of NSW and borderlands, featuring vibrant textile and photographic works. Guardian deputy music editor Laura Snapes commented on speculation about Taylor Swift taking a break: 'Talk is of newlywed Taylor Swift taking a break from music. Did I take a nap and wake up in the 1950s?'
Political Podcast
Michelle Grattan and Melissa Clarke discussed the political year so far on the Australian Politics podcast, covering Labor's passed changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax discount, Liberal leadership changes, and One Nation's poll surge.
Personal Story: Four-Leaf Clovers
Walter Jenkins Jr, on the 28th anniversary of his father's death, found a four-leaf clover and took it as a sign of peace. He has now collected at least one four-leaf clover for 1,091 consecutive days.
