Saudi Arabia appoints princess as an ambassador to Washington
In a historic first, Saudi Arabia has appointed a female as its new US Ambassador.
Princess Reema bint Bandar bin Sultan was raised in the US and is a graduate of George Washington University and former member of the Saudi Sports Authority where she championed women’s participation in athletics.
Princess Reema bint Bandar bin Sultan was assigned the role on Saturday and will follow in the ambassadorial footsteps of her father, Prince Bander Bin Sultan, who was the ambassador to the US from 1983 to 2005.
Tensions on Venezuelan boarder flare with Brazil
Protests at the Venezuelan border for humanitarian aid lead to violence and injuries of citizens.
After Maduro’s blockades limited medical convoys from entering the country to indigenous populations and citizens.
Musicians, politicians and activists in support of Juan Guido protested at the border, leading the military to fire and injured 16 individuals, among them an indigenous woman and two in serious condition.
Euthenasia laws challenge Victorian doctors
Doctors and clinicians face a range of legal and ethical challenges when Victoria becomes the first state to legalise voluntary euthanasia.
Doctors claim this will only complicate the process, as they must ensure Victoria’s complicated laws surrounding euthanasia won’t prevent eligible candidates from accessing it.
The law is expected to come into place by June 2019.
Scott Morrsion announces billion dollar climate change policy to reduce emissions
PM Scott Morrison has announced a $2 Billion pre-election climate change policy to reduce Australia’s emissions.
Morrison believes the fund for the climate solutions will include funding for farmers, businesses and local governments which can reduce carbon emissions, and can reach its climate change targets by 2030.
Liberals have flagged the need to climate change ahead of the election, which will be held in May.
Long-term residents forced out of apartments for asylum seekers
Long-term residents of a Pinkenba apartment building have been given eviction notices to make way for asylum seekers.
Evicted resident Sheena Manikiwai says people with handcuffs were seen walking into the building.
Australian Border Force said unlawful non-citizens were being accommodated in the community where possible, but only where they are deemed not to pose a threat.
Italian fashion designer robs older people for thousands of dollars
A man claiming to be an Italian fashion designer is robbing older people on Brisbane’s north side for thousands of dollars.
The supposed designer uses a ‘sob story’ about needing to fly home but has lost his credit card to scam people into helping him.
Reports indicate that at least $6,000 has been stolen and the police say there may be more victims.
Review: Me and Robin Hood at Brisbane Powerhouse
Me & Robin Hood performed at the Brisbane Powerhouse on February 15-16 and was hands down a show worth watching for audiences of all types. All in all a compelling and moving piece of theatre is the story of Shon Dale Jones and his view of money and ultimately what it has made us as people.
Stress and Anxiety in Australian Law Students
There is concern for the mental wellbeing of students studying law. The relationship between law students and levels of stress is seldom researched, but in 2010 a study conducted at the University of Sydney revealed over 35% of Australian law students experience high levels of ‘psychological distress’ — compared with just 13% of the general population within the same age range. Other reports indicate that after the first semester of study, law students experience stress, anxiety and depression at rates significantly higher than those studying medicine, nursing and engineering.
McKisko: Southerly
- More than five years have passed since Helen Franzmann released her last McKisko record Eximo; it’s been the object of cultish adoration all that time, for those who know. Five years lets a lot of water pass under the bridge, which is an apt turn of phrase, given the aquatic themes of McKisko’s latest LP, Southerly, but more than that there’s a slow and subtle yet fundamental change, in the heart of this record.
Julia Jacklin: Crushing
- When you blow the world away with your debut album, it can be hard to top the expectations pushed on you and often your second record falls flat. However, Australian indie-folk artist Julia Jacklin has surpassed that stigma with her follow up record, Crushing. It’s a ten track album stacked to the brim with soul-crushing ballads about life, love and loneliness.