Squiz Today – Wednesday, 11 December

THREE MINUTE SQUIZ

“Trade your money for time, not your time for money - you're definitely going to run out of time first.”

Is what a mate of Steve Arnold’s told him, and he says it’s put everything he does into perspective. Steve speaks a special language - social media. He gets how the platforms work, but he's also got an intuition for connecting with people. That's made him one of the most sought after digital strategists in the country. Please welcome Steve to this week's Three Minute Squiz.

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WHITE ISLAND SHOCK TURNING TO ANGER

THE SQUIZ
With conditions on New Zealand’s White Island described as being “like Chernobyl” after Monday’s eruption, the rescuers’ actions are being praised. Looking at the 24 Australians involved, eight remain unaccounted for, and three are believed to be among the six people who are confirmed dead. Arrangements are being made for the 13 Australians in hospital to be transferred home. Meanwhile, attention is turning to how the tourists were allowed on the island in the first place.

WHAT ARE THE NUMBERS?
• In total, 47 people were on White Island when the volcano erupted on Monday afternoon. Along with the 24 Aussies, there were two Chinese, four Germans, one Malaysian, five New Zealanders, two Brits and nine Americans.

• Thirty-four people were rescued, and three of those have already been discharged from hospital. The rest are being treated for skin and lung burns at seven hospitals across New Zealand.

• Six people are confirmed dead. Eight people remain missing in the island, and there is little hope they are alive. Reports also say authorities don't believe all the injured victims who were rescued from the island will survive.

AND PEOPLE WANT ANSWERS?
Families of the victims are expressing anger that their loved ones were not warned of the risk of going to the volcano. PM Jacinda Ardern continues to say the focus needs to be on the response. "We know there will be bigger questions in relation to this event. These questions must be asked, and they must be answered," she said yesterday. New Zealand’s police force got a bit ahead of itself yesterday walking back a statement that a criminal investigation would be opened. Meanwhile, the owners of White Island said they were "shocked by what has occurred ... and our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragedy."

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SQUIZ THE REST

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DEMOCRATS LOOK TO WRAP UP IMPEACHMENT BY CHRISTMAS

The US House of Reps committee inquiries are over, and they have recommended going ahead with the impeachment of US President Donald Trump. Early this morning, Democrats have announced the two ‘articles of impeachment’ that they will put to a vote before Christmas. The first is that Trump abused the power of his office. And the second is he obstructed Congress in its investigation of his conduct regarding Ukraine. Impeachment is just the first step in the Democrats' quest to have Trump removed from office. If the vote gets through the Reps, proceedings then move to the Senate, which would hold a trial overseen by the Chief Justice of the United States. #squizshortcut

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UKRAINE AND RUSSIA NEGOTIATE CEASEFIRE

Talks between Russian President Vladamir Putin and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky have resulted in an agreement to implement a ceasefire in eastern Ukraine by the end of the year. Both nations have also agreed to release and exchange all "conflict-related detainees". And there is a commitment to “disengage” some military forces into next year. But there are a lot of issues to be resolved for the five-and-a-half-year conflict between Ukrainian forces and Russian-backed rebels to end. Reports say 13,000 people have died in the fighting.

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SYDNEY CHOKES ON SMOKE

As NSW continues to battle severe fire conditions, the smoke lingering over Sydney worsened considerably yesterday. Air quality in some areas exceeded as much as 12 times the ‘hazardous’ level. Between 11am and 1pm, more than 150 false fire alarms were triggered with offices across the city evacuated. The city’s iconic ferries halted operation because of low visibility on the harbour. It was even a tough day watching cricket… The Bureau of Meteorology predicts conditions won’t improve until the end of the week. If you’re into pictures where everything is obscured by a haze, a gallery is here.

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QUICK AUSSIE NEWS WRAP

GOBBO’S FEARS - From a secret international location, the barrister at the centre of the Lawyer X scandal Nicola Gobbo has told the ABC TV’s 7.30 she fears Victorian Police will kill her or leak information that could lead to her death. The dual gangland lawyer/police informant has fled overseas. VicPol wouldn’t comment given a Royal Commission into the scandal is ongoing.

NEW VOLUNTARY ASSISTED DYING LAWS - Western Australia has become the world’s 19th jurisdiction to legalise voluntary assisted dying. Modelled on Victoria’s laws which came into effect in June this year, the West’s laws are different in some important respects. For example, doctors are allowed to initiate a conversation about euthanasia with their patient. The laws come into effect in 2021.

SUVs KILLED THE AUSSIE CAR STAR - Stone the flamin’ crows - an iconic Holden Commodore’s reign is officially over. It was yesterday confirmed that Holden won’t make Commodores or Astras from the end at the end of next year. Instead, Holden will focus on its range of SUVs and utes. The news comes a week after Holden boss Dave Buttner resigned after posting the lowest sales figures since 1948.

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VALE MARIE FREDRIKSSON

Sad news for classic pop fans, the 61yo Roxette frontwoman died on Monday from cancer. She'd had a brain tumour for 17 years, and reports say she suffered from the effects of the treatment. The beloved Swedish singer will be remembered for her "amazing voice - both strong and sensitive," along with her “huge appetite for life” and “very big heart,” her managers said. Her musical partner Per Gessle said via Facebook; “Thanks for painting my black and white songs with the most beautiful colours. You were the most wonderful friend for over forty years.” Together, they became international stars in the 80s and 90s with hits like It Must Have Been Love, Listen To Your Heart, and The Look.

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LET IT SNOW

Need an ugly Christmas jumper? Sorry, but this one has been removed from sale…

SQUIZ THE DAY

12.30pm (AEDT) - Paul Fletcher, Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts, to address the National Press Club on 'Keeping Australians Safe Online – The Morrison Government’s World-Leading Online Safety Agenda'

ABS Data Releases - National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey, 2018-19; Births, 2018; Energy Account, 2017-18

International Mountain Day

Qatar hosts FIFA Club World Cup as test for 2022 World Cup

National Tango Day – Argentina