Squiz Today – Thursday, 22 June

SQUIZ SAYINGS

"Britain to be hotter than MEXICO as UK swelters in temperatures as high as 31C."

31C!! Holy moly! How will they cope? The Daily Mirror yesterday headlined news of a heatwave to summerphobic Brits. And it's going to be in the 30's again next week. #sweatybrits #crymeariver

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GONSKI 2.0 GETS GO-AHEAD

THE SQUIZ
In a significant win for the Turnbull government, the so-called Gonski 2.0 schools funding package is set to get through the Federal Parliament today. Nick Xenophon’s party, One Nation, Lucy Gichuhi, Derryn Hinch and Jacqui Lambie make up the ten votes the Coalition need to get it over the line. But their support isn’t given out of the goodness of their hearts – the deal had to be sweetened with additional funding and conditions.

REMIND ME… BUT DON’T BORE ME…
Gonski 2.0 is a new funding arrangement for schools – the key points are:

• The federal government will increase its contribution by $23.5 billion over six years (the initial proposal was $18.6 billion over ten years).

• The feds have promised to contribute 80% of the funding to non-government schools and 20% for public schools.

• Funding will be allocated to schools after a ‘real needs’ assessment.

• Catholic schools will receive $50 million for the transition because they argue the funding assessment formula isn’t great for them.

It's not what everyone wanted – Labor, for example, wanted the government to commit to the almost $40 billion they had promised to fund their original Gonski package. But Nick Xenophon is pretty happy; “We do not want the perfect to be the enemy of the good and this is a very good package for Australian children,” he said.

SO REFORM IS POSSIBLE?
The government will certainly be pleased with itself. A contentious policy is almost through a difficult Senate which shows it is possible to negotiate with them on big changes. But like a coquettish lover, the Senate crossbench is tricky, and nothing can be taken for granted. Ever.

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SQUIZ THE REST

SUICIDE BOMBER KILLED IN BRUSSELS
Belgian soldiers shot and killed a would-be suicide bomber at Brussels Central Station yesterday. Reports say the attacker’s name was Oussama Zariouh, a 37yo Moroccan. Witnesses say he yelled “Allahu Akbar” (God is greatest) and detonated a device in his wheelie suitcase, causing a small explosion. He was then “neutralised” by soldiers. Europe is on high alert after the string of recent terror attacks in the UK and France. 

ASX HAS A WEARY WEDNESDAY
The Australian Stock Exchange had its worst day of the year with $27 billion wiped off its value yesterday – sheesh! Why? The oil price is dropping + chatter about the banks, recent hits to retailers (‘Amazon is coming!’) and slowing growth in property prices. Citi’s Karen Jorrritsma told the Australian Financial Review; “It's just across-the-board weariness. I don't think there's anything more sinister than that behind it.” So the stock market is weary? Tell us about it!

UBER CEO RESIGNS  
Seems Project Travis 2.0 hasn’t gone too well… Uber’s co-founder and CEO Travis Kalanick has resigned after pressure from large investors. "I love Uber more than anything in the world and at this difficult moment in my personal life I have accepted the investors' request to step aside so that Uber can go back to building rather than be distracted with another fight," he said. It follows recent senior executive departures and internal strife. Kalanick remains on the board.

SKYTRAX RATES QATAR BEST AIRLINE OF 2017
It's the fourth time Qatar Airlines has been voted the world's best airline, and for those of you who can't face economy (you lucky buggers), it was also awarded best business class and best first class lounge. Virgin Australia was 12th and Qantas - our favourite for international trips because, you know, Aussie Aussie Aussie - came in 15th. They did better in the premium economy stakes – Qantas was #1, Virgin Australia #7. A full list of the awards here.

REBEL ASKS FOR $7MIL IN DAMAGES
After her famous win last week against Bauer Media (publisher of Woman’s Day) for defamatory articles that suggested she had a casual relationship with the truth, Rebel Wilson's lawyers yesterday said the actress is seeking more than $7 million in damages. Which is funny, because when she left court the other day, she said it wasn’t about the money. Hmmm. Her lawyers say it's a conservative figure and argue she lost two major movie roles as a direct result of the articles. The judge said it would take some weeks to rule. The news capped off a bad day for Bauer – their CEO Nick Chan resigned after only 14 months in the job. Bauer said something like; “nothing to see here, move along quietly please.”

DANIEL DAY-LEWIS QUITS ACTING
One of the best we’ve ever seen has called it a day. His spokeswoman said; “Daniel Day-Lewis will no longer be working as an actor. This is a private decision and neither he nor his representatives will make any further comment on this subject.” Day-Lewis is a three-time Oscar winner (My Left Foot, 1989; There Will Be Blood, 2007; Lincoln, 2012). In fact, he’s the most Oscar’d (is that a verb?) best actor ever. He is/was a method actor who went to great lengths to live and breathe his characters, which would have been exhausting (let alone really annoying to live with). There is one film yet to be released that he stars in – Phantom Thread will be out at Christmas.

MAROONS MAKE A MATCH OF IT WITH LAST MINUTE WIN
The State of Origin (which we're led to believe is a football game) ratcheted up another notch last night when the Queensland side (aka The Maroons) came from behind to snatch an 18-16 victory over the NSW side (commonly referred to as The Blues). Star Maroons player Jonathan Thurston appeared to play a majority of the 80-minute match with a shoulder injury: which to us, seems kind of silly, but to sports writers everywhere will doubtless be hailed as an act of heroism. Anyhoo... one thing was for sure - ticket sellers for the decider and the Channel 9 ad sales department were the winners on the night. With the series now drawn at one a piece, brace for game three on 12 July.

SQUIZ THE DAY

ABS Data Release - Detailed Labour Force Stats, May

Federal Parliament due to rise for winter recess 

Friday 1.00am (AEST) - Australia v Cameroon in soccer's Confederation Cup, Russia