Key Takeaways:
- Independent MP Sophie Scamps opposes the visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog, citing concerns of igniting further division in Australia
- Pro-Palestine groups have also opposed Herzog’s visit, calling for the government to rescind the invitation
- Extreme heat in South Australia has led to a significant increase in heat-related hospital presentations, with 99 cases reported between January 1-27
- A bushfire in Victoria’s Otways is burning out of control, with residents of Gellibrand advised not to return
- Wholesale electricity prices in the east coast power grid have fallen sharply due to a record influx of renewable energy
- A Chinese team will visit Australia to help search for a man who burnt a baby in a Brisbane park
Introduction to the Israeli President’s Visit
The impending visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog to Australia has sparked controversy, with Independent MP Sophie Scamps voicing her opposition to the visit. Scamps claims that Herzog’s visit "risks igniting further division at the very time when Australian leaders should be working to rebuild social cohesion and bring our nation together." Herzog is scheduled to visit Australia in early February, at the invitation of the federal Labor government, to meet with the Jewish community and survivors of the Bondi terror attack. However, pro-Palestine groups, including the Labor Friends of Palestine lobby group, have opposed his visit and called on the government to rescind the invitation, citing Israel’s military operation in Gaza which has left tens of thousands of civilians dead.
Concerns over Social Cohesion
Scamps’ concerns over social cohesion are echoed by many, particularly in the wake of the Bondi terror attack. The attack, which left 15 people dead at a Hanukah festival last month, has highlighted the need for unity and understanding in the Australian community. However, Herzog’s visit has the potential to exacerbate existing tensions, particularly given his comments on the genocide case against Israel in the international court of justice, which he has described as a "form of blood libel." The United Nations commission’s conclusion in September 2025 that Israel had committed genocide in Gaza has also sparked controversy, with Herzog, Netanyahu, and then defense minister Yoav Gallant accused of inciting the commission of genocide.
Extreme Heat in South Australia
In other news, extreme heat in South Australia has led to a significant increase in heat-related hospital presentations. Data from SA Health shows that there were 99 heat-related hospital presentations between January 1-27, compared to 32 at the same time in 2025. Doctors say that this vastly underestimates the impact of extreme heat and climate on health, with heat-related presentations not necessarily accounting for all heat-related events. The heatwave has been particularly severe in northern South Australia, with Marree experiencing six days in a row above 46C and Ceduna climbing above 49C this week.
Bushfire in Victoria’s Otways
A bushfire in Victoria’s Otways is burning out of control, with residents of Gellibrand advised not to return. The fire has been downgraded from emergency level to a "watch and act" warning after an improvement in conditions, but the situation remains volatile. The fire has burned out of control for several days, with temperatures forecast to reach the low to mid-40s in the state’s north. The heatwave has eased in other parts of the state, but the fire danger rating remains high, with a total fire ban in place for the northern slopes region covering Gunnedah, Gwydir, Inverell, Liverpool Plains, and Tamworth.
Renewable Energy and Electricity Prices
In a positive development, wholesale electricity prices in the east coast power grid have fallen sharply due to a record influx of renewable energy. Solar and wind provided more than half of total energy in the national electricity market for the first time, pushing wholesale prices 44% lower than the same period in 2024. The amount of energy from batteries nearly tripled, while coal-fired power generation fell 4.6% and gas power was down 27%. This landmark moment for the power grid reflects years of sustained investment in renewable energy and demonstrates the potential for reduced reliance on higher-cost coal and gas generation.
Chinese Investigators to Search for Man who Burnt Baby
Finally, a Chinese team will visit Australia to help search for a man who burnt a baby in a Brisbane park. The stranger allegedly dumped a Thermos of coffee on nine-month-old boy Luka at a Brisbane park on 27 August 2024, before fleeing to China. Luka suffered horrific burns to his chest, neck, and face and endured eight surgeries, including grafts and laser treatments. The Chinese ambassador to Australia announced that investigators will travel to Queensland to work with police to investigate the 33-year-old accused attacker. There is no extradition treaty between Australia and China, but the Chinese government has expressed its commitment to addressing the concern and taking necessary actions.
