Federal Government announces $211 million investment into domestic diesel storage facilities

The Federal Government has announced a $211 million investment into domestic diesel storage facilities in an attempt to protect Australia’s fuel security. The uncertainty of the international fuel landscape highlights Australia’s vulnerability, something recent supply chain disruptions, and the pandemic have reinforced. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the changes will “ensure Australian families and businesses can access the fuel they need, when they need it, for the lowest possible price.”

Chief Health Officer targeted by death threats

Queensland's Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young has been placed under police protection after receiving death threats. The Australian Medical Association’s Queensland President Dr Chris Perry revealed that Dr Young has police officers who follow her everywhere after she received threats over border policies and funeral exemptions. Dr Perry said criticism towards Dr Young has been toxic. 

 

Queensland records zero COVID-19 cases

Queensland has recorded no new cases of COVID-19 for the second day in a row. There are currently 30 active cases in the state, most located in Ipswich and Brisbane’s south-western suburbs. Chief Health Officer Jeanette Young announced additional testing clinics will be set up in these areas and urges residents to get tested if symptoms show.

Los Angeles mayor calls for action after west coast bushfires

Officials on the United States' western coast have accused President Donald Trump of being "in denial" about climate change after record-breaking fires killed 31 people. Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti called for "real action" saying the country needs to reduce carbon emissions and manage their water. According to IQAir, the top five most air-polluted cities in the world on Saturday were on the west coast of the United States.

COVID-19 infections rise in Europe

European countries are scrambling to prevent a second wave of COVID-19, as infection numbers reach an all-time high. On Saturday, France recorded 10,000 new cases and Spain recorded over 12,000: the highest daily increase for both countries since testing began. Other countries such as the UK and the Netherlands have seen a steady increase in cases after months of low numbers of infections. 

 

Cancer Australia urges people to get screened

Data from Cancer Australia shows that in March and April there was a 30-50% drop in cancer tests and operations due to the coronavirus outbreak. Skin cancer treatments and imaging for breast and colon cancer fell due to lockdown measures. Cancer Australia CEO Professor Dorothy Keefe said this was due to people putting off seeing a doctor out of fear of catching COVID or burdening the health system, and urges people with any cancer-like symptoms to see their doctor. 

Daniel Andrews slams "Freedom Walk" protests

More than 70 people have been arrested in Melbourne over the weekend following anti-lockdown protests. This has been the second weekend of self-proclaimed “Freedom Walk” demonstrations, which protests against Melbourne’s prolonged stage-4 Coronavirus restrictions. Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews labeled the protest “selfish, stupid and dangerous” and warned Melburnians who breach the Chief Health Officers’ stay-at-home order can face a $1600 fine and possible criminal charges.

Inmates to vote in state election

For the first time in Queensland's history, correctional center inmates will be given the right to vote in the upcoming state election. Legislative changes came about in January, relaxing the state's tough laws that barred inmates voting in local and state elections. Prisoners serving sentences of less than three years will be able to vote, which brings Queensland’s laws in line with the rest of the country.

Deputy Premier defends Palaszczuk

Queensland’s Deputy Premier Steven Miles has accused national LNP politicians of leading a 'planned and orchestrated’ attack against Premier Annastacia Palazczuk over the state’s border restrictions. Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton, and Finance Minister Mathias Cormann all publicly condemned the Premier labeling her 'nasty' and 'cold-blooded'. This comes as members of the Australian Medical Association have spoken out in support of Queensland’s Chief Health Officer Jeanette Young after she was the target of online harassment for the state’s COVID response.