Ex-journalist elected Australia's new Deputy PM
Canberra: Michael McCormack, a former regional newspaper editor, was elected as Australia's new Deputy Prime Minister on Monday.
He replaces Barnaby Joyce as leader of the Nationals, the governing coalition's junior partner.
Joyce stepped down on Friday following questions over his relationship with media adviser Vikki Campion, and an allegation of sexual harassment by another woman. He called the latter's complaint "spurious and defamatory".
As leader of the Nationals, McCormack automatically becomes deputy to Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull - who heads the Liberal Party.
McCormack said Joyce had been an "outstanding leader".
"His service to our party and to our nation will never be diminished. His legacy will endure," he told the media.
McCormack had attracted criticism over a controversial editorial he wrote 25 years ago as editor of the Daily Advertiser, a small newspaper based in the town of Wagga Wagga, in which he described homosexuality as "sordid".
"Unfortunately gays are here and, if the disease their unnatural acts helped spread doesn't wipe out humanity, they're here to stay," he wrote in 1993.
McCormack has since apologised for the piece and said his views have changed.
Although long opposed to same-sex marriage, he voted in line with the majority of his constituents to support its legalisation in Australia last year.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
AR Rahman sends notice to 'slanderers' over speculations surrounding separation with Saira Banu
Chennai, Nov 23: Music composer AR Rahman on Saturday issued a warning to individuals speculating about his separation from his wife, Saira Banu.
Taking to social media on Saturday, the 57-year-old musician shared a three-page legal notice addressing those spreading defamatory and "objectionable" content targeting him and his family.
"Notice to all slanderers from ARR's Legal Team," Rahman wrote on X.
It comes days after Rahman and Saira Banu announced that they are ending their marriage of 29 years.
The notice provides a 24-hour window for the removal of such content, stating that failure to comply could result in legal consequences under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
"My client informs the hatemongers and sharers of abusive contents to remove the objectionable content within the next one hour and a maximum time duration of 24 hours," read the notice.
Rahman’s legal team said the actions of these individuals not only tarnish his reputation but also cause distress to his family.
Rahman and Banu tied the knot in 1995 and share three children-- daughters Khatija, Raheema, and son Ameen.
Notice to all slanderers from ARR's Legal Team. pic.twitter.com/Nq3Eq6Su2x
— A.R.Rahman (@arrahman) November 23, 2024
