Federal Anti-Corruption Commission Might Become a Reality
A federal anti-corruption commission now appears to be a live option, with legislation to establish a body that would investigate corruption likely to be introduced into Parliament before Christmas.
The election of independent Kerryn Phelps in the Wentworth by-election has boosted the numbers of crossbenchers in the House of Representatives who have put the establishment of a federal integrity commission at the top of their wish list.
Free speech at universities to face probe
Education Minister, Dan Tehan, has announced an immediate review into limitations on freedom of speech at universities, leaving many Australian universities questioning what has prompted this review.
The review, lead by High Court chief of justice, Robert French, will consider existing material on free speech, such as codes of conduct, enterprise agreements, policy statements and strategic plans.
Universities Australia chair, Margaret Gardner says the review is unnecessary and has been driven by media reporting.
Brisbane City Council joins agencies exploiting metadata laws
Brisbane City Council joined the ranks of public agencies requesting consumers’ metadata from telecoms companies, prompting calls of ‘Big Brother’ from the council’s Labor opposition.
According to the telecoms industry, the request includes details of numbers called by phone users, their location, the length of calls, email addresses and other information they are obliged to keep for two years under 2015 national security laws.
Brisbane City Council is the only Queensland council requesting this information.
Mining companies forced to pay towards rehabilitating abandoned mines in QLD
Under new legislation passed in State Parliament, Queensland resource companies will be required to financially contribute to rehabilitate abandoned mines in Queensland.
Deputy Premier, Jackie Trad described the new laws as ground-breaking, saying the reforms ensure mine rehabilitation will happen in Queensland.
The legislation will not be retrospective, a decision welcomed by the Head of Queensland Resources Council Ian Macfarlane.
Signs of an Alien Super Earth Planet Near Barnard’s Star
Image source: Miriam Espacio
United Nations lifts sanctions on Eritrea after nine years
The United Nations (UN) has lifted its sanctions on Eritrea in Africa, nine years after they were imposed by the international organisation.
In 2009, the UN imposed a nationwide arms embargo, travel ban and asset freeze on certain people and entities after accusing Eritrea of supporting armed groups in Somalia. Eritrea denied the accusations.
The decision to lift the sanctions were made during a meeting of the UN Security Council and follow a rapprochement between Eritrea and neighbouring Ethiopia in recent months.
Brexit: Theresa May said British Cabinet agrees to draft agreement
British Prime Minister, Theresa May, has won the backing of her senior ministers for a draft European Union Brexit deal, said the draft agreement is in the UK's national interest.
Ms May said the choice is between a deal taking back control for the UK, or for one of more division and uncertainty.
The Prime Minister also faces growing opposition from pro-European Union politicians who said the public should get a new vote on whether to leave or stay.
Health Minister has postponed opt-out for electronic health record system
The deadline to opt out of the My Health Record system has been extended to January 31, 2019, meaning millions of Australians will no longer be automatically signed to the scheme by the end of the year.
The decision came after changes were proposed to the scheme to include tougher penalties for people who misuse the system.
The opt-out period was due to end on Thursday night.
Queensland Premier launches 12-month inquiry into delivery of aged care, end of life and palliative care
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has launched a 12-month parliamentary inquiry into the delivery of aged care, end of life and palliative care in Queensland.
This has come after campaigns on voluntary euthanasia urging the Labour government to introduce legislation on this term.
The Health, Communities, Disability Services and Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Committee will run the inquiry and is due to report by November 30, 2019.
Police sack officer who destroyed evidence, gave false statements
A Queensland police officer has been dismissed after claims of misconduct involving untruthfulness, destroying evidence, making false statements and failing to treat others with respect and dignity.
The officer was a 56-year-old senior constable from the northern region.
In a commitment to transparency and accountability, Queensland Police said they have undertaken to inform the public when an officer has been dismissed for misconduct.