New federal population policy pushes migrants into smaller states
New visa conditions could require migrants to settle outside Sydney and Melbourne for five years, according to a soon-to-be released government population policy.
Population and Urban Infrastructure Minister Alan Tudge will confirm today that the conditions would apply to skilled migrants not tied to geographic areas by company sponsorship or family visa.
Mr Tudge believes too little infrastructure has been built in state capitals to cater for population growth, and that regional development will be key to settling migrants in smaller states.
Indian public schools called to act against sexual harassment
Indian Activists have called for the government to protect girls at state-run institutions after 34 girls were violently attacked for standing up to sexual harassers.
The girls, aged between 12 and 14, were attacked by a mob after they fought off sexual advances from a group of boys.
The Supaul district education officer said the girls were ‘shocked’ and ‘in trauma’ after the event.
If you’re in need of sexual assault support, 1800 respect is the national number for 24/7 assistance.
Former Egyptian military officer sentenced to death
A former Egyptian military officer has been arrested in Libya after allegedly planning deadly attacks in Egypt.
Hesham Ashmawi and nine other suspects were sentenced to death in absentia by an Egyptian military court in December.
Libyan security officials are currently undergoing an investigation following his capture.
Re:membering UMWELT Collective
I remember the crunch of the pine needles beneath my shoes. I remember the light in the middle of the floor, with two performers wrapped around it, like yin and yang, lying on opposite ends of each other. The audience settled, the room got quite and it all began.
Beauty and Power Morning Masterworks
Bruch Concerto No.1 in G minor for Violin and Orchestra, Op.26
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Prelude: Allegro moderato
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Adagio
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Finale: Allegro energico
Beethoven Symphony No.7 in A, Op.92
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Poco sostenuto – Vivace
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Allegretto
11AM Zedlines
This is your 11AM Zedlines with Harry and Aryana.
Image Source: Flickr, Terry Munson
Interpol President resigns
An update to the situation regarding the missing Interpol President. China announced an hour ago the Chinese head of Interpol, who vanished after returning to his homeland, is now under investigation for possible criminal activity. The world police organisation also states he has resigned.
The revelations came as Meng Hongwei's wife voiced concern for his life after receiving a final text message from his phone with a knife emoji.
Saudi woman first to chair bank
A woman has been appointed to run a Saudi Arabian bank in a first for women in the country.
Saudi businesswoman Lubna Al Olayan will chair a new bank being formed out of a merger between the Saudi British Bank (SABB) and Alawwal Bank.
The move comes amid a liberalisation of women's roles in a traditionally conservative society.
Ms Olayan has been described as a ‘trailblazer’ for women in the country, with the financier part of a female empowerment initiative known as Saudi Vision 2030.
Australia's major banks criticised
The chief executives of Australia's four major banks will be criticised by politicians about the "appalling behaviour" revealed at the banking royal commission.
The House of Representatives committee on economics will question the heads of Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, ANZ and NAB in Canberra on Thursday and Friday, with a third hearing day to be held next week.
Rural media sees resurgence
Following claims of job losses and closures at Fairfax-owned regional papers, many rural areas are seeing a resurgence in independent publishing and media coverage.
Independently owned newspapers are reportedly seen by many locals as a ‘rejection’ of Fairfax-based rural media.
Fairfax also have seen widespread job cuts at rural Victorian, South Australian and outer Sydney publications.