11am Zedlines
Image Source: Pixabay/Ranys
New Queensland laws will give prisoners voting rights
The Queensland Government has introduced new laws into Parliament that will allow prisoners serving sentences of less than three years to vote in elections and referendums.
The Palaszczuk Government argued the bill will bring Queensland in line with a 2007 High Court decision, with Queensland Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath saying Queensland is the only state not allowing prisoners to vote.
Dogs attack and kill sheep at Brisbane school
Two dogs have attacked and killed 14 sheep kept by Rochedale State High School for their award-winning agricultural program, leaving school students and staff distressed.
A Department of Education spokeswoman said the school is now seeking replacement stock to allow the program to continue.
AMP announces new chief financial officer
AMP announced its new Chief Financial Officer ahead of the financial services company’s Annual General Meeting in Sydney.
John Patrick Moorhead will replace Gordon Lefevre after he retires on June 1, following 5 years with the company, including what it described as a “challenging” 18 months.
AMP chief executive Francesco De Ferrari said Mr Moorhead’s international experience in leading finance will be valuable to the company.
Adelaide proposal to trial “uber buses” criticised by unions
An Uber-style bus proposal for Adelaide has been criticised by union officials.
The service involves passengers requesting a bus through an app and being picked up and taken to their location along an undesignated route, but the Transport Workers Union said the service will be unpredictable due to multiple pickups increasing travel time.
The South Australian government invited proposals to trial the “demand responsive” service in areas with lower bus use as a part of an overhaul of the public transport network.
Putin passes controversial ‘sovereign Internet’ law
Russia passed the 'sovereign Internet' law on Wednesday, which is likely to come into effect in November this year.
President Vladimir Putin signed the bill on Wednesday which will allow Russian authorities to isolate the country's internet.
Russian lawmakers insist the new law is essential to ensure the security of Russia's online networks despite facing criticisms from rights group.
Indian emergency personnel on standby for cyclone
Indian emergency personnel have been deployed and placed on standby for a huge cyclone heading towards India’s east coast.
Tropical Cyclone Fani, located in the Bay of Bengal and carrying wind speeds of 205 kilometres per hour, is expected to make landfall at Odisha on Friday.
Authorities have also ordered the evacuation of thousands of people from coastal districts likely to be affected, with the neighbouring states of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu also being placed on high alert.
10AM Zedlines
Image source: Flickr/denisbin
UN warns Venezuelan government not to use violence against protesters
UN's Secretary General has warned Venezuela's authorities not to use deadly force against demonstrators following the opposition leader Juan (WAN) Guaido’s calls for protests against President Nicolas Maduro.
Antonio Guterres spoke to Venezuela's Foreign Minister Jorge (YOR-GAY) Arreaza late Tuesday and UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said UN officials have had contacts with aides to Guaido.
UK Parliament becomes first in the world to declare climate emergency
The UK has become the first parliament in the world to declare a climate emergency.
British parliament voted for the declaration on Wednesday and hopes that it will encourage other governments around the world to follow in its footsteps.
Britain’s opposition labour party leader Jeremy Corbyn said he hopes the vote will increase pressure on the government to take action on climate change.