Squiz Today – Thursday, 12 October

SQUIZ SAYINGS

“Tennis shoes are the dopest thing you can wear with a dress, or whatever you want… so if you’re gonna have a dope shoe that both guys and girls can wear - I mean hot, matching shoes - that’s dope.”

Model Bella Hadid says joggers with a dress are great. And it’s also cool if you and your mate wear the same pair. Or maybe she means your shoes should be a matching pair. Look, we don’t really know what she means, but unfortunately it seems ‘dope' is a thing…

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HOLLYWOOD’S HURRICANE HARVEY

THE SQUIZ
After more allegations from Hollywood actresses of harassment, accusations from three women of rape, a covert tape recording, and stories of past cover-ups, his wife yesterday announced she’s leaving him and some powerful people publicly denounced him. All in all, it was a bad day for disgraced Hollywood power-producer Harvey Weinstein. Which is to say nothing of how tough it’s been for the women involved.

SO, WHERE ARE WE AT?
- The New York Times sensationally reported yesterday that Gwyneth Paltrow and Angelina Jolie were both targets of Weinstein’s unwanted attention in the early years of their careers. “I was a kid, I was signed up, I was petrified,” said Paltrow. Jolie said; “I had a bad experience with Harvey Weinstein in my youth, and as a result, chose never to work with him again and warned others when they did.”

- Other actresses to come forward yesterday include Rosanna Arquette, Mira Sorvino and Heather Graham.

- The New Yorker magazine published accusations by three women of rape. It also published a tape recording of one encounter.

- A journo alleged a 2004 New York Times report about Weinstein’s behaviour was spiked when pressure was brought to bear, including calls made by Russell Crowe and Matt Damon in support of the movie mogul. Damon has denied it.

- Weinstein’s wife Georgina Chapman told People magazine she is leaving him. “My heart breaks for all the women who have suffered tremendous pain because of these unforgivable actions,” she said.

WHAT’S THE REACTION BEEN?
Weinstein’s spokeswoman said; “Any allegations of non-consensual sex are unequivocally denied by Mr Weinstein. Mr Weinstein has further confirmed that there were never any acts of retaliation against any women for refusing his advances.” Reports say he’s checked into a residential rehab facility for treatment. Plenty of people are now putting their condemnation on the record. And given Weinstein was a prominent donor to the Democrats, all eyes have been on the former First Families for their reactions. Hillary Clinton went first. Then the Obamas (their daughter Malia interned at Weinstein’s company before going to uni just a few weeks ago). Who knows what other horrors will come to light…

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SQUIZ THE REST

STONE THE FLAMIN' GALAHS WE'VE BEEN HACKED
You know the rule – don’t say anything in a public forum (even if it’s Chatham House Rules) you wouldn’t want to see splashed all over the news. And so it is for the Australian Signals Directorate this morning with reports outlining details of sensitive warplane and navy ship plans being hacked after a staffer spoke at a conference yesterday. Apparently, a Defence sub-contractor didn’t have great cyber-security and a hacker they have named ‘Alf' (after the Home and Away character) had "Alf's Mystery Happy Fun Time" stealing data. The government yesterday said the stolen info was commercially sensitive, but not classified, and it might have been another country.

BRACKET CREEP TO STING MORE THAN A MILLION AUSSIES
As salaries increase to keep up with inflation, there’s a danger workers will be pushed into a higher tax bracket, leaving their bottom line worse off. Numbers released by the Parliamentary Budget Office show it is ‘middle Australia’ who might be hit hardest. Someone earning $46,000 this financial year would have their average tax rate increase from 14.9% to 18.2% over the next five years = $2,000 extra in tax. Ouch. Changes to the tax thresholds would fix it and the government has already adjusted the $80,000 threshold to $87,000, but critics say there’s more work to do. Which means more money the government has to find to pay for it.

UNIONS LOSE SUNDAY RATES CASE
Labor and the unions were disappointed yesterday after the Fair Work Commission’s decision to cut Sunday and public holiday penalty rates for about 700,000 hospitality and retail workers was upheld in court. Small business welcomed the decision, saying it levels the field with big retailers. That’s because the major supermarkets and big fast food chains have already negotiated agreements with staff that often don’t include the higher loadings small business have had to pay. The FWC’s decision in February reduced retail workers’ Sunday rates from 250% to 150%, hospitality workers’ from 175% to 150%, and fast food workers’ from 150% to 125%.

CASH FOR TURNING THE LIGHTS OFF
A new initiative was announced yesterday where you could be paid to cut your power usage during extreme weather or if there's an outage. It will be trialled in Victoria, SA and NSW and you have to have your power supplied by a nominated retailer and register your interest. It could be worth $25 each time you switch off during these times. Maybe our inability to sort out energy policy in our resources-rich country will be the making of us. Just think of how we could bring the nation together with alternate street number blackouts (think water restrictions during a drought).

HOUSEKEEPING! QUICK STORY UPDATES
Human remains have been found near Victoria’s Anglesea, about 10km from where missing Melbourne woman Elisa Curry went missing several days ago. Police say it’s too early to say if it is her, and a pathologist is investigating.

The toll from northern California’s devastating fires has increased to 17 dead, more than 180 missing and 140,000 acres burned. Firefighters are still battling several out-of-control blazes.

The Socceroos will play Honduras in the next stage of World Cup qualifying matches after the US was bundled out. Experts say our match there in November will be tough and hostile. Meanwhile, coach Ange Postecoglou says he will quit before the World Cup next year.

And while we have you… One national side that's got it sorted is the Diamonds. They took out netball's Constellation Cup against New Zealand with a series win last night. The final game in the series will be played on Saturday. Nice one.

SYDNEY WOMAN PICKS UP SHARK LIKE IT’S TOTALLY NORMAL…
If you haven’t watched the footage of Cronulla real estate agent Melissa Hatheier picking up a one-metre Port Jackson shark from an ocean pool and throw it back into the sea, you’re missing out. “It was just like picking up a toddler,” she said. Aussie Aussie Aussie… 

SQUIZ THE DAY

12.30pm (AEDT) - Brian Owler, Chair of the Victorian Government’s Ministerial Advisory Panel on Voluntary Assisted Dying, addresses the National Press Club on 'Victoria’s Voluntary Assisted Dying Legislation' - Canberra

World Sight Day

World Arthritis Day 

Centenary of the First Battle of Passchendaele - Belgium