Democracy under attack: MP Helen Haines critically injured in car strike Independent MP Helen Haines is in a critical condition after being deliberately struck by a vehicle outside her Wangaratta electorate office, triggering a counter-terrorism response and a national security investigation. The incident has jolted Canberra and sharpened concerns about escalating political violence and the safety of elected representatives, with rivals publicly rallying behind Haines. Covered by: Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, The Australian, Courier Mail, Daily Telegraph, Herald Sun, The Advertiser, The West Australian. Minns moves to override planning rules to expand Hunter coal mine NSW Premier Chris Minns is preparing standalone legislation to enable MACH Energy’s Mount Pleasant coal mine expansion after a High Court ruling, arguing it is necessary to protect jobs and investment. Critics say it sets a major precedent for bypassing planning laws and environmental scrutiny, reigniting the

Daily Mail Plus’ Wealth and Workplace Reporter Madeline Damo says she’s more productive handling PR pitches over the phone than by email.  She made the observation in response to an audience question on last Thursday’s Influencing Insider, where she also outlined how PRs can best help her create stories.  “Understanding what I write, and because I do write paywalled content, the stories that I’m looking for are stories that people will subscribe to that can’t be found anywhere else,” she told Influencing.  She added that press releases were great, but said that “looking for a new angle to go beyond that press release and find a new way that this story can be told with new details that can’t be found anywhere else” was also helpful.  To stand out in her inbox, a new angle or fresh details are key, Damo said, while a less polished press release can also attract her attention.  “The more organic it feels – that always stands out, whether it's for better

Andrew Colley has left his full-time reporting role at iTnews, as part of a NextMedia restructuring, but is expected to continue writing for the publication in a freelance capacity. “I have finished my permanent role with NextMedia due to a broader restructure under way at the company,” Colley told Influencing. “I am returning to the successful freelance writing and consulting business I ran prior to joining NextMedia. I will remain connected with the iTnews and NextMedia team and expect to work with them on suitable freelance projects going forward.” NextMedia CEO Arek Widawski confirmed that Colley’s departure was a result of a “broader restructure underway at NextMedia”. “Andrew has made a strong contribution to iTnews, and we’re very grateful for everything he has brought to the team.” Colley’s departure leaves the editorial load for iTnews on the shoulders of editor Ry Crozier and New Zealand-based contributo

When Influencing spoke to Bruno Bouchet ahead of the August launch of Kyle Sandilands Live (KSL), Sandilands’ manager said that while the new show would be ad-free, that did not necessarily mean brand-free. The subscription show, he said, was “definitely open to the right partnerships or the right giveaways or segments that would make sense.” Two months in, PRs now know what that looks like. A new segment sends members of the KSL team to PR and influencer events, screenings and red carpets, with the highlights reported back on air the following morning. “It’s more organic client integration, if you will,” says executive producer Jaimee Blazquez. “It’s all meant to look organic. We don’t want it to look commercial.” The first outing set the tone. The team went to a launch party for a new condom brand, had the company send in its strongest as well as thinnest products so they could “find out for ourselves”, sp

Coverage of the Bondi massacre accounted for 14 of the Walkley Award finalists, which were dominated by the ABC and Nine. The ABC landed 22 nominations, The Age and Sydney Morning Herald picked up 20, while Nine also picked up four nominations for the AFR. Guardian Australia and SBS had five each. Representing independent media, The Daily Aus picked up a nomination for its coverage of the AFL’s first openly bisexual player, while The Jewish Independent was recognised for the work of Isabelle Oderberg, a finalist in the commentary, analysis and opinion category. The Bondi entries span 12 categories, from cartooning and photography to investigative journalism. Highlights include the ABC’s ‘Bondi: What ASIO knew’ in Scoop of the Year and David Rowe’s AFR cartoon ‘Bondi’. The Sydney Morning Herald’s Edwina Pickles was named a finalist twice for her Bondi photography, and also won the Nikon Photo of the Year. Combined with the AFR, Nine&

Even the news cycle deserves a little festive break! On account of Ayudha Puja, a public holiday, the Influencing editorial team is taking a day off today, October 18. We'll be back tomorrow with fresh stories, industry updates and everything that matters in the world of media and communications. Until then, enjoy the festivities. The headlines can wait a day! Happy Ayudha Puja from Team Influencing!

RBA alarm as war-driven oil spike threatens inflation and rates A sharp rise in oil and commodity prices linked to the war against Iran is emerging as the Reserve Bank’s “worst fear”, risking a fresh inflation pulse just as unemployment pressures build. The stakes are national: higher fuel costs can quickly flow through to prices and wages, raising the chance of further interest-rate rises and a tougher economic landing. Covered by: Sydney Morning Herald. Retrospective tax shock hits private equity and venture capital A surprise budget change lifting the tax rate on carried interest—applied retrospectively—has wiped out a key incentive for private equity and venture capital executives. Beyond the sector, the move is likely to chill risk capital and startup funding at a time when Australia is trying to lift productivity and innovation investment. Covered by: Australian Financial Review. Snowy 2.0 cost blowout: review flags price tag could near $40bn A