Sydney and Victoria are bracing for severe weather conditions this weekend, with heavy rainfall expected to hit Sydney after a record downpour in Victoria led to flash flood warnings. In public safety news, a man was shot dead by police in New South Wales during a welfare check, marking the third police-related fatality this year. Meanwhile, political tensions are rising as Labor criticizes opposition leader Sussan Ley's stance on new hate speech laws, and Victoria faces catastrophic bushfires with several individuals unaccounted for.

Severe Weather Threat in Sydney and Victoria
Authorities are warning that Sydney is poised for its "soggiest weekend of summer" as forecasts predict up to 20mm of rain on both Saturday and Sunday. This comes after a severe storm in Victoria resulted in 180mm of rainfall in just six hours, particularly affecting the coastal regions of Lorne and Wye River. The intense downpour washed vehicles into the sea along the Great Ocean Road and prompted officials to issue flash flood warnings for holidaymakers. The situation has raised concerns about public safety as residents prepare for potential flooding.

Police Shooting in Gunnedah
In a separate incident, police in Gunnedah, New South Wales, shot and killed a man armed with a bow and arrow during a welfare check. Officers responded to a call regarding concerns for the man's wellbeing at approximately 1:40 PM on Friday. This incident marks the third fatal encounter involving police in New South Wales this year, raising questions about police engagement protocols during welfare checks.

Political Tensions Over Hate Speech Laws
Political tensions are escalating as Labor ministers, including Penny Wong and Jim Chalmers, criticize Coalition leader Sussan Ley for her refusal to support new hate speech legislation. The proposed laws aim to combat antisemitism and other forms of hate speech, particularly in light of recent events following a terror attack in Bondi. Labor's efforts to pass the bill face significant hurdles, and Wong has labeled Ley's leadership as "unsalvageable," suggesting that her position may lead to significant political repercussions for the Coalition.

Bushfires in Victoria
Victoria is grappling with a series of catastrophic bushfires, with 40 fires reported across the state, 30 of which remain active amid a continuing heatwave. Authorities are currently searching for three individuals who are unaccounted for after being advised by Country Fire Authority officials to shelter in place, as it was too late for them to evacuate. The situation has resulted in extensive property damage, and officials stress the importance of having an evacuation plan and maintaining communication with loved ones during emergencies.

Wrap-up
As severe weather conditions threaten Sydney and the aftermath of storms impact Victoria, public safety incidents and political disputes continue to shape the Australian landscape. The combination of flooding, police encounters, and legislative challenges reflects a complex interplay of environmental and societal issues facing the nation.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team