Israeli Prime Minister facing charges in Jerusalem
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pleaded not guilty to corruption charges in Jerusalem this morning.The embattled Prime Minister is facing a number of charges including accepting bribes and breach of public trust. The case resumes just weeks out from Israel’s newest round of parliamentary elections, which follow the failure of Netanyahu’s unity government with rival Benny Gantz.
Myanmar military leader makes his first national address
Thousands of people are taking to the streets to protest against the coup that overthrew Aung San Suu Kyi's civilian government. As protests grow louder and more organised Myanmar’s military leader, made his first national address. In the address Senior General Min Aung Hlaing says his junta will hold a new election and hand power to the winner.
Workers forced to use their superannuation due to COVID-19
An Australian council of trade unions report found workers withdrew over 36 billion dollars from their super in response to COVID-19 last year. Around 3.5 million workers relied on their superannuation savings during the pandemic, with many sectors including aviation, childcare and university workers excluded from JobKeeper support. Over 700,000 workers were forced to empty their superannuation accounts, with 80 per cent being below the age of 35.
Gold Coast beaches reopen after recent drowning deaths
Gold Coast beaches are back open this week following a spate of recent drowning deaths. Lifeguards closed beaches from Burley to the Gold Coast Seaway over the weekend due to dangerous conditions that have now claimed three lives in two weeks. The red and yellow flags might be up, but lifeguards are still urging beach-goers to exercise caution as the strong and unpredictable currents persist.
Brisbane LNP Councillor James Mackay under fire for his advertising
Brisbane LNP Councillor James Mackay has come under fire for putting stickers with his name and council logo on footpaths near a Taringa school. Opposition Leader Jared Cassidy says the LNP was hijacking the footpaths with advertising. Following this statement, Councillor Mackay was seen removing his name from the stickers on the footpaths.
Detained refugee is refused medical attention
A refugee is being held at Brisbane Immigration Transit Accommodation and being refused medical attention and appropriate accommodation. Amin Afravi has endured many traumas and permanent injuries over the last 8 years as a refugee detained by the Australian Government. Despite his pleas Amin hasn’t had a shower in 3 months and requires urgent medical treatment.
8am 9th February ZEDLINES
Your 8am Zedlines with Abbey and Tom
Image credit: ABC News / Phoebe Hosier
Luxembourg's financial laws questioned after money laundering investigation
An investigation has found nearly half of Luxembourg’s registered corporations are shell companies used for tax avoidance and a range of financial crimes.
The fifty five thousand companies have a combined value of over ten trillion dollars, yet have no offices or paid employees.
The investigation implicates criminal organisations such as Italy’s Ndrangheta mafia, and throws into question the effectiveness of Luxembourg’s new financial fair play laws.
Critical crash in north Queensland
Three people have been injured and one left dead after a car crash yesterday afternoon in North Queensland.
The driver from Mareeba was airlifted to hospital where she remains in serious condition, while a male passenger in his twenties died at the scene.
Two other male passengers were transported to hospital with minor injuries.
Domestic university course demand surges for 2021
Demand for domestic courses has nearly doubled across Australian universities due to a lack of international students.
Central Queensland University’s HELP fee loans have jumped from an estimated 10.5 million to 20.5 million for this year.
Factors for this surge in demand are mostly to COVID restrictions, with students returning home due to the recession and international students not allowed in the country.