Warning: the following story makes reference to sexual assault. 

Restrictions on gatherings have been expanded to include another five regions in South-East Queensland as of today. Queensland Health announced over the weekend that Goondiwindi, South Burnett, Southern and Western Downs and Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire would join Toowoomba with restrictions on gatherings from 8 am today. The restrictions prohibit gatherings of more than ten people in venues without a COVID-safe plan.

Queensland Deputy Premier and Health Minister Steven Miles denied the State is responsible for the death of an unborn child in New South Wales. A Ballina woman was reportedly told she would have to quarantine in order to give birth in Brisbane, and subsequently flew to Sydney where one of her twins died in childbirth. Mr Miles has slammed attacks from the Liberal-National Party and interstate rivals as “disgusting”, saying politicians have used this tragic event to further their political arguments.

Tensions between Washington and Beijing have caused Chinese-owned video platform TikTok CEO - Kevin Mayer - to resign. Amidst a recent crackdown from the US government over claims that the social media phenomenon can spy on Americans, President Donald Trump signed an executive order on August 6 demanding Americans stop interacting with the company within 45 days. Mayer’s resignation came in response to Trump’s decision which flips his role into jeopardy and cuts the flourishing American business off.

In international news Thailand has announced plans to turn it’s prisons into tourist attractions as a method of economic recovery from the coronavirus outbreak. The South-East Asian nation will pilot the tourist scheme in 5 prisons and hopes an influx of tourists will prepare inmates for a normal view of society in preparation of their release. However, human rights advocates voice their concerns as to whether Thailand’s prison overcrowding is acceptable to present to the public if it is not addressing wider health concerns. 

In local news Ipswich councillor, Paul Tully, faces criticism for posting a sexist meme on his personal Facebook page. The meme has spiked public concern of Councillor Tully’s lack of respect for women and reinforcement of negative gender stereotypes. Councillor Tully has been contacted via Ipswich City Council for comment as it is clear stereotypical comments are unacceptable on behalf of political leaders. 

Adani and their rail network, Carmichael, have applied for a search order against activist Benjamin Pennings earlier this year. Having provided inadequate justification to proceed with the search, the court ruled Adani’s claims of intimidation and harassment rejected, leaving political activists the ‘Galilee Blockade’ left unintimidated. Pennings stated that he and his team will not be intimidated by “Adani’s attack dog strategy” and their ongoing attempts to persecute him. 

In national news… A New South Wales almond orchard farm sells for $98 million to a North American investment group. With 9 kilometres of water entitlements tied in the contract, it is confirmed this is what spiked the price. Investors and listing agents are unable to comment at present time in regards to the sale.

Content warning: the following article makes reference to mental health and suicide.
 
The Coroner’s Court of Victoria have released new statistics indicating that the current culture of promoting mental health awareness has prevented a spike in suicides throughout the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic.