Key events
Prime minister pays tribute to Richard Scolyer
The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, paid tribute to Prof Richard Scolyer this morning, saying Australia has lost “our brightest lights and one of our biggest hearts”.
Albanese said in a statement:
Every day, this remarkable man – the cancer specialist who became his own subject – took us into his confidence, and he lifted us all in the process.
Richard’s journey was difficult and confronting. “My uncertain path”, as he termed it with characteristic understatement.
Yet it was one he travelled with courage, determination, and a grace that never ceased to be remarkable. The way he shared it with us was an act of profound generosity. He showed us what it means to hope, and to keep searching for solutions. He showed us how to stand firm against fear and stay true to yourself.
Now Richard’s journey is done, yet his legacy will always be with us.
Vale Richard Scolyer
Prof Richard Scolyer, the world-renowned cancer researcher and former Australian of the year, has died at the age of 59.
Scolyer’s family shared a statement the eminent pathologist and melanoma expert penned before his final stages of illness.
“My final message to all Australians is to say thank you for your outpouring of love and support for me and my family,” Scolyer said in the statement.
“Those of you I met during my travels as joint 2024 Australian of the Year, my amazing online community which spans many countries, and of course my hometown Tasmanians – you’ve laughed with me, cried with me, and provided encouragement and support to keep going just when I needed it most,” he said.
One Nation support surpasses Labor in Newspoll
Support for Anthony Albanese has slumped while One Nation has edged ahead of Labor as the country’s most popular political party in a Newspoll published by The Australian.
The survey showed a four-point rise in One Nation’s primary vote to 31% while Labor dipped one point to 30% and the Coalition gave up two points to 18%.
The Newspoll also registered a one-point decline for the Greens to 11% while backing for those in the “others” category – minor parties and independents – remained unchanged on 10 per cent.
The survey sampled 1,240 voters online, has a 3.2-point margin of error and was conducted between Monday and Thursday last week.
It echoes the results of a Redbridge Group/Accent Research poll published a week ago that had One Nation on 31%, Labor on 28% and the Coalition on 20%.
– AAP
Welcome
Good morning and welcome to Monday’s coverage of the day’s news.
Scientist and former Australian of the year Richard Scolyer has died after a lengthy public battle with brain cancer. He was 59.
Today is the King’s Birthday public holiday in the ACT, New South Wales, Northern Territory, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria, with top honours to mark the day awarded to Natasha Stott Despoja, Will Hodgman and Terence Tao.
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