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

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

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

In an age when brands can reach millions of people almost instantly, visibility is no longer a guarantee of influence. What matters is whether audiences believe what an organisation says, trust what it stands for and remain confident in it when things go wrong. That was the central argument made by Jo-ann Robertson, President Europe and Transatlantic Growth Leader at BPI Group, during her session on The Influence Imperative: Brand Leadership in an Uncertain World at PRAXIS India. “Reach didn’t die, it just became cheap,” Robertson said, challenging the communications industry's reliance on metrics such as impressions, awareness and engagement as indicators of influence. Her argument was that brands have become exceptionally good at measuring how many people see their messages, without necessarily understanding whether those messages change perceptions or build lasting relationships. “No brand actually has a right to exist,” Robertson told the aud