Bernie Sanders is staying in the race

Senator Bernie Sanders is staying in the race for the Democratic presidential nomination despite former Vice President Joe Biden’s recent victories.

Sanders’ chances of winning the nomination were narrowed yesterday after decisive losses to Biden in Michigan, Missouri and Mississippi.

Pressure is mounting for Sanders to end his Presidential campaign and work to unify Democrats against the current President, Donald Trump.

New criteria for bushfire relief packages

Today, the New South Wales and Federal Governments are re-announced their package to support small businesses impacted by the recent bushfires. 

For local businesses in the area, the six to eight week summer trade can represent anywhere from 40 to 60% of annual revenue. 

To help mitigate the impact, Deputy Premier John Barilaro announced that the criteria for refinancing is changing. He noted the phrase "directly impacted businesses” will now stretch to include those not only directly impacted by the flames but also ash caused by the fires.

Wealthy Australians owe $770 million in tax

The Australian Tax Office stated wealthy Australians owe hundreds of millions of dollars annually in tax due to tax avoidance.

The ATO estimated that individuals and private entities who control a net wealth of over $50 million are deliberately engaging in “artificial and non-commercial arrangements” and avoiding tax payments, totalling $770 million combined.

The ATO is expected to expand its Tax Avoidance Taskforce, from July 1st, with a new program focusing on high-wealth private groups.

Queensland Government announces Coronavirus disaster funding

The Queensland Government announced businesses who have been affected by Coronavirus should have access to disaster relief funds. 

In an upcoming meeting with the Prime Minister, Queensland state leaders will appeal to the Federal Government to open up disaster relief funds to help local businesses affected by COVID-19.

This request was previously rejected by the federal government. For funding to be released, all states and territories must be in agreement on the matter.

Student with Coronavirus visited Brisbane venue over the weekend

Queensland Health has asked anyone who becomes unwell and attended Friday’s Riverside in Brisbane City from 6:00pm on Friday through to 11:00pm on Monday evening to call 13 HEALTH.

The request came amid concerns patrons may have come into contact with a 22-year-old University of Queensland student, recently returned from Italy, who tested positive for Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Harvey Weinstein Sentenced to 23 years in Prison

Former Hollywood producer, Harvey Weinstein has been sentenced to 23 years in prison on rape and sexual assault charges. 

He was convicted on one count of a criminal sexual act in the first-degree and one count of rape in the third-degree in February this year. 

More than one hundred women in total have accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct spanning back decades.

Weinstein has denied all allegations and claims the acts were consensual.

The World Health Organisation Officially declares Coronavirus a Pandemic

The announcement came amid figures showing Italy’s death rate for those carrying the disease has risen to more than 6 percent, higher than the global average of around 3.6 percent.  

The WHO director-general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the number of cases in China had increased 13-fold in the last two weeks and the number of countries affected has tripled. 

There are now 118,000 cases across 114 countries. 

If you or anyone you know has any concerns you can contact 13 HEALTH.

$2.4 billion COVID-19 Australian Health Package Announced

The Australian Federal Government announced a $2.4 billion COVID-19 health package which will include ‘pop-up’ testing clinics and bulk-billed tele-consultations.

The package will include the possibility of up to 100 pop-up clinics. Locations are soon to be announced. 

The aim is to divert people presenting symptoms away from hospital emergency departments and GP clinics, in order to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.

Second Day of High Court Decisions for Cardinal George Pell

Today the High Court sits again to decide on Cardinal George Pell’s appeal. He stands accused of molesting two choir boys in Melbourne while he was the archbishop in the 1990s.

Pell was convicted by a jury in 2018, a decision that was later upheld by the Victorian Court of Appeal. 

He is now appealing to the high court on the basis that the Victorian Court failed to take proper account of evidence that cast doubt on his guilt.