The British government has officially appointed former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott as a trade advisor. The news of Mr. Abbott’s appointment sparked criticism from the British opposition Labour party due to Tony Abbott’s past of using sexist language, opposition to same-sex marriage, and skepticism of climate change. Another former Prime Minister Julia Gillard commented on the issue on Sky News referring to the famous Misogyny Speech she made in Parliament in 2012.

Up to 300 people have been arrested in Hong Kong following protests over the postponement of local elections. Democracy protesters were met by riot officers after they took to the streets to demonstrate against a new national security law imposed by China and the postponement of the legislative poll. The poll, which was postponed due to a surge in coronavirus cases, would’ve been Hong Kong’s first official vote since China imposed new security legislation in late June.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison is today set to announce that should promising trials prove successful, a free COVID-19 vaccine would be made available progressively through 2021. The vaccines, which are being developed by British and Queensland scientists will be available when ready after the federal government struck two deals at a cost of $1.7 billion. Mr Morrison says that while “there are no guarantees that these vaccines will prove successful, the agreement puts Australia at the top of the queue”.

13 Australian conservation groups have written to The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) warning of Australia’s weakened environmental laws. Last week, the Morrison government rushed through new laws that plan to hand over more environmental powers to the states and territories. The letter, signed by the 13 groups, argues that as a signatory to the World Heritage Convention, the Australian government has a responsibility to protect and conserve world heritage sites, such as the Great Barrier Reef and the Tasmanian wilderness.

Inner-Brisbane’s Cultural Centre Riverwalk will close for six months from today as the popular stretch undergoes repairs. The $1.8 million restoration of the walk, which runs from the Victoria to Kurilpa bridge, includes the replacement of supporting beams and decking. Pedestrians and cyclists have been asked to make detours in anticipation of the lengthy repair process.

A Queensland nurse who works at the Ipswich hospital has tested positive to COVID-19 over the weekend. 220 staff at the hospital have now gone into quarantine and contact tracing is underway. Ipswich hospital will remain open for emergencies, but other appointments have been delayed while staff quarantine.