In a significant leadership transition, former Greens leader Adam Bandt has been appointed as the CEO of the Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF), one of the nation’s most prominent environmental organizations. Meanwhile, a tagged great white shark’s presence has led to the closure of several Sydney beaches, adding a layer of tension to the coastal city.
Adam Bandt’s New Role at ACF
Adam Bandt, who unexpectedly lost his seat in Melbourne during the May elections, will assume his new role at the ACF in January. His appointment follows the resignation of long-time CEO Kelly O’Shanassy. The ACF board, led by chair Ros Harvey, selected Bandt after a comprehensive search process that evaluated over 300 candidates.
Harvey expressed confidence in Bandt’s capabilities, stating that “hard times require bold leadership” and that Bandt possesses the “vision, bravery, and experience required” for the role. Bandt himself described the opportunity as a “true privilege” at a critical time for environmental advocacy, emphasizing the urgency of addressing climate collapse and biodiversity crises.
Shark Alert Causes Beach Closures in Sydney
In a separate development, a tagged great white shark was detected off Manly Beach in Sydney, prompting the closure of several beaches in the area. The alert follows a tragic incident where a surfer, Mercury Psillakis, was fatally attacked by a shark at Long Reef. The New South Wales SharkSmart program issued an alert after the shark was detected at North Steyne, having last been recorded near Coffs Harbour in June.
The Northern Beaches Council responded by closing Manly and Freshwater beaches, citing the proximity of the tagged shark. Dee Why and Long Reef beaches, equipped with shark netting and drumlines, remain closed following the attack.
Real Estate Market Trends Amidst Rising Auction Activity
As spring unfolds, Australia’s real estate market is witnessing a steady increase in auction activity. Over 2,000 properties were auctioned across major cities in the first week of September, marking the third consecutive week of high volumes. According to property analytics firm Cotality, more than 2,400 homes are scheduled for auction this week, with about 2,600 expected next week.
The surge in auctions has affected the preliminary clearance rate, which has held at or above 75% for four weeks, reflecting a competitive market. However, the rate has dipped slightly from 76.3% at the end of August, suggesting that the increasing volume of homes may be tempering buyer urgency. Sydney, in particular, recorded a preliminary clearance rate of over 80% two weeks ago, dropping to 78% last week.
Woolworths and Coles Face Financial Challenges
In the corporate sector, supermarket giants Woolworths and Coles are grappling with significant financial liabilities due to underpayment issues. Both companies face a combined potential bill exceeding $1 billion after a federal court ruling found they had underpaid thousands of workers. Woolworths announced it could owe an additional $250 million to $470 million, while Coles estimates its liability at $150 million to $250 million.
Despite these challenges, Woolworths’ market value rose following the announcement, indicating investor confidence in the company’s long-term profitability. Coles, meanwhile, experienced a slight dip in market value but recovered some ground later in the day.
Political and Social Developments
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has taken a firm stance against the CFMEU, a construction union criticized for its alleged aggressive tactics. Crisafulli stated that the union’s model is incompatible with modern trade unionism, suggesting it should be abolished. His comments follow a critical report released in July.
In international affairs, Shadow Energy Minister Dan Tehan is touring the US to explore nuclear energy infrastructure, signaling the Coalition’s interest in nuclear policy as part of its energy strategy. Tehan’s trip is self-funded for international flights, with domestic costs covered by Charles Keifel, a former Clean Energy Regulator board member.
Meanwhile, the legal battle between The Wiggles and their former CEO, Luke O’Neill, continues, with the children’s entertainment group contesting allegations of unlawful dismissal. The case is set for mediation later this year, with a potential hearing scheduled for April.
As these diverse stories unfold, they reflect the dynamic interplay between environmental leadership, market trends, and political discourse in Australia, each with significant implications for the nation’s future.
