Canada Green Party photoshops single cup photo

Canada’s Green Party admitted to photoshopping an image of Party leader Elizabeth May, replacing the disposable cup in her hands with a reusable cup and metal straw.

Ms May told reporters she was completely shocked by the manipulated picture and denied acquisitions that the image was to bolster her environmental credentials.

“And I’m sorry for the staff person that did it. I don’t want to call them stupid on television, but there was nothing there to hide. So why Photoshop it? I have no idea,” Ms May said. 

AEMC report investigates energy grid 

The new Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) report reveals how Australia’s energy grid should evolve to manage renewables.

The Federal Government’s energy adviser is calling for a grid of the future as the report reveals solar panels were so popular the grid has hit capacity.

AEMC chairman John Pierce says rooftop solar penetration has reached a point where a choice needs to be made between distribution networks investing billions in substations or to start delivering the grid of the future. 

Catholic church facing new sex abuse claims 

The Catholic Church in Victoria is facing at least 800 new legal actions for child sexual abuse following legislation allowing victims to sue the church.

Hundreds of survivors are preparing to lodge claims of abuse against the Archdiocese of Melbourne, as well as the diocese of Sale, Sandhurt and Ballarat, the Christian Brothers and Marists.

These new claims will threaten the financial stability of religious organisations across the state.

Review to investigate Paradise Dam flood danger 

An independent review will start next month to determine if there is a chance the Paradise Dam in southern Queensland will become unsafe if there is a major flood.

SunWater and the state government announced the dam’s capacity is being reduced to 42 per cent, and the spillway will be lowered by 5 meters. 

Locals have criticised the government for failing to consult with graziers and farmers about the issue. 

Bundaberg Mayor Jack Dempsey called the dam the largest failure of a piece of infrastructure in Queensland’s history. 

Protesters block Adani mine access

A group of 30 people disrupted work on Adani’s controversial Carmichael mine, blocking access from the Adani work camp in central Queensland this morning. 

The group included a number of young families, who said they are acting in support of the school-children led global climate strike last Friday.

Mother and activist Kate Coxall blames climate change on the moral failing of today’s older generations, who have known for years of the damage we are causing but failed to do anything about it.

UQ study finds dark-coloured giraffes less social

A study by the University of Queensland has found that dark coloured male giraffes are more solitary and less social than their lighter-coloured counterparts. 

The study’s lead author, Dr Madeleine Castles, said the colour may display the males’ physical conditions and is a sign of competitive ability to others.

"Colour could be linked to testosterone, to heat stress, diet, genetics or a combination of multiple factors," Dr Castles said. 

Boris Johnson hits back at Supreme Court decision

Boris Johnson says the Supreme Court was wrong to rule his suspension of parliament as unlawful. 

Mr Johnson said it is a time of ‘great national controversy’ and urged smaller parties to table a vote of no confidence in his government to trigger a general election.

“If any of the other smaller parties fancy a go, table the motion, we'll give you time for that vote,” Mr Johnson said. 

Tory MPs applauded Mr Johnson as he criticised Jeremy Corbyn over his refusal to back an election.

Barnaby Joyce spent $2600 on chartered flight

The Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority has revealed that Barnaby Joyce cost taxpayers $2600 in the lead up to the election by chartering a flight between Melbourne and Horsham to spend three hours at a regional show.

According to the IPEA Mr Joyce incurred $675 000 in expenses while he was a member of parliament, not including his salary and that of the two extra staff he was allocated. 

Horsham residents started a petition against Mr Joyce’s visit, claiming he was disrespecting the country and farmers following his affair scandal last year.