Welcome to the 9News.com.au live blog for Wednesday, November 9, 2022. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has backed Medibank's stance not to pay a ransom. The company says it expects more customer data to be released on the dark web. A motel worker, police and medics tried to save the life of a toddler mauled to death by two dogs, NSW Police say. Defence Minister Richard Marles has launched a review after reports China was attempting to recruit Australian pilots to train troops. The US Midterm elections are underway. And an Aussie recycling firm has paused the scheme after it was revealed it was storing the soft plastics in a warehouse.
– US MIDTERMS: Live updates here
– PM backs Medibank handling of hack
– Defence minister launches review over China 'luring' Aussie troops
– 'Super-human effort' made to save life of toddler killed by dogs
We'll wrap it up for today there.
Thanks for reading the 9News.com.au live blog for Wednesday, November 9, 2022.
Here's what happened.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has backed Medibank's stance to not pay a ransom over the hacking of customer details.
The company says it expects more data to be released on the dark web.
A motel worker, police and medics tried to save the life of a toddler mauled to death by two dogs, NSW Police say, with criminal charges expected.
Defence Minister Richard Marles has launched a review after reports China was attempting to recruit Australian pilots to train troops.
The polls have closed in the US Midterm elections, with the outcome too soon to predict, but the Republican wave some predicted hasn't happened.
And an Australian recycling firm which had drop-off points in Coles and Woolworths stores has paused the scheme after it was revealed it was storing the soft plastics in a warehouse rather than recycling them.
We'll return tomorrow.
Until then, visit 9News.com.au and nine.com.au for the latest breaking news.
Victorians are being warned of a potentially deadly thunderstorm asthma event.
The Department of Health issued a thunderstorm asthma alert for the Wimmera region, in the state's west, tomorrow, with storms forecast to strike.
"The combination of forecast extreme grass pollen levels and a certain type of thunderstorm with strong winds means there is a chance a large number of people may develop asthma symptoms over a short period of time," the department said.
The Mallee, South West, Central and North Central regions have a moderate risk forecast tomorrow, while the Northern Country, North East, West and South Gippsland and East Gippsland regions have a low-risk forecast.
People with asthma or hay fever should carry medication and stay inside before and during storms.
Melbourne had the world's largest epidemic thunderstorm asthma event on 21 November 2016, with thousands of people developing breathing difficulties and ten deaths.
Former Test cricketer Michael Slater has been labelled a "domestic abuser" by a magistrate who found his violent offending against an ex-partner couldn't be dismissed on mental health grounds.
The 52-year-old, who played 74 matches in the baggy green, was convicted on Wednesday of common assault, breaching a restraining order and two other offences against a woman between April and September.
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Do you recycle soft plastics?
It's be harder for many people as a nationwide scheme was put on pause due to a surge in demand.
One Sydney mum said the temporary halting of REDCycle's scheme has really upset her.
"This was my one way of minimising plastic in landfill," she said.
"So to hear it's not doing what it should be doing, is devastating."
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Today's news that purported hackers have started releasing the personal details of Medibank customers online is sure to have ratcheted up the tension felt by customers of the healthcare insurer.
This week, Medibank confirmed 9.7 million customers, including ahm and international customers, had their data accessed.
A psychologist has advised what to do if you're worried.
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Speaking in question time, Cyber Security Minister Clare O'Neil has once again heavily criticised the cybercriminals behind the Medibank hack, after Australians' private data was leaked online early today.
"I cannot articulate the disgust I have for the scumbags who are at the heart of this criminal act," O'Neil said.
She also outlined the federal government's response to the incident.
"The Australian government has been preparing for the eventuality that is taking place now for a number of weeks," she said.
"We have been doing this through the national coordination mechanism … it includes placing protective security around government data, it includes state police working with affected individuals, it includes the organisation of mental health support and counselling, and it includes putting in place management plans around people who have some very specific vulnerabilities."
O'Neil also warned social media companies to not allow the private information to be shared on their platforms.
"I know I do not need to point out the importance of social media companies not allowing this information to be published and not allowing it to be shared on your platforms," she said
"And to traditional media companies, to not rubbish the private information of Australians. If you do so, you will be aiding and abetting the scumbags who are at the heart of these criminal acts."
Like Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, O'Neil revealed she is also a Medibank customer.
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