Trump says there could be “very severe” consequences for Saudi Arabia

US President Donald Trump says there could be very severe consequences if it is found Saudi Arabia ordered the alleged killing of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Mr Trump has reportedly received a briefing on the matter by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, following an announcement that US Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin won’t be attending the Saudi capital for an economic summit.

Crocodile enters industrial estate in WA

A freshwater crocodile has walked several kilometers to end up in a Kitzroy Crossing industrial estate in far north Western Australia.

Senior Sergeant Danial Stachan says that the two-meter-long crocodile had been at the estate overnight before police were called.

The officers returned the reptile to its habitat by placing it in the back of a squad car, the incident comes amidst a predicted increase of crocodile movement as a result of the record wet season.

 

LNP face backlash on voting for abortion

Following a historic vote to decriminalise abortion yesterday, the party’s State Council will vote on whether to disendorse the three LNP members who voted ‘Yes’.

LNP President Gary Spence says he could not be more disappointed of the members, who include former LNP Opposition Leader Tim Nichols, former Tourism Minister Jann Stuckey, and Member for Chatsworth Steve Minnikin.

The vote passed the State Parliament 51 - 40, with Government MP Jo-Ann Miller voting against the government, and Member for Logan Linus Power abstaining.

 

4ZZZ Annual General Meeting 2018

If you're a current subscriber you are invited to 4ZZZ's Annual General Meeting on Thursday, November 15 at The Gardens Cafe, QUT Gardens Point. Arrivals welcome from 6.30pm for a 7pm start. Don't forget to make sure your subscription is up to date, as only current financial subscribers can attend. You can email reception@4zzz.org.au to check your subscription of give us a call on 3252 1555. For all information on board nominations, agenda items and proxy voting, head to 4zzz.org.au/governance

Post-Brexit transition period can be extended, but PM May isn’t interested

The European Union has indicated they are ready to extend the post-Brexit transition period if the UK requests it, however it doesn’t appear the Prime Minister is going to take the offer.

Prime Minister Theresa May has faced heavy criticism within the Conservative Party, including from outspoken former Mayor of London and leadership hopeful Boris Johnson.                       

US Justice Department investigating Pennsylvanian Catholic church

The US Justice Department is conducting an investigation into child sexual abuse in the Catholic church in Pennsylvania.

The state court has called for witness testimonies, following the state jury issuing a report that identified 301 “predator priests” who allegedly molested over 1,000 children over several decades.

If you require assistance and support, please don’t hesitate to call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or the National Counselling Hotline on 1800 737 732.

 

White Ribbon withdraws abortion support

White Ribbon Australia has withdrawn its support for safe and legal abortion, a day after the procedure was decriminalised in Queensland.

The domestic violence organisation withdrew previous statements stating their support for women’s control over their reproductive health, and their new chief executive says their goal is to reflect their stakeholders.

Following the organisation’s announcement, Australia’s largest termination provider, Marie Stopes Australia, withdrew from the White Ribbon Workplace Accreditation Program.

 

Negligent bosses to be charged over workplace deaths

A labor enquiry is pushing for new laws for industrial manslaughter which would target negligent corporations and see fines or even jail terms for employers.

Labor senator Gavin Marshall says a rise in precarious employment practices can be attributed to disregarding pursuit employee health and safety standards in the pursuit of profit at all costs.

Unions are continuing their push for national legislation following the death of 97 workplace deaths in Australia this year alone.

 

$27 million to open a new mental health facility, replacing Barrett Adolescent Centre

The State Government is committing $27 million to open a new mental health facility, replacing the Barrett Adolescent Centre.

The former Wacol-based facility closed down at the beginning of 2014, and the government has been criticised for not providing alternative services.

If you or anyone you know needs help contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit their website at www.lifeline.org.au.

QLD Government employees “overloaded” and “burnt out”

A QLD Government employee survey has found that 40 per cent of police officers feel “overloaded” and “burnt out,” with one quarter of officers reporting they don’t have the tools to carry-out their role effectively.

The same number felt they were not inspired to help the Queensland Police service achieve its objectives with a further one-third believing gender could be a barrier to success in their career in the force.