QLD LNP MP’s face internal pressure over abortion laws
Queensland LNP MP’s are facing internal pressure to vote against a woman’s right to choose and have been warned they could risk preselection difficulties.
The opposition is yet to decide whether the LNP party will get a conscience vote on the abortion bill fronting in parliament in October.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk agrees Queensland’s abortion laws could struggle to pass without LNP backing.
Brisbane Festival Opening Party
The opening of Brisbane Festival perhaps provided enough good vibes to last the entire run of the festival. With up and comers Tia Gostelow and Ruby Fields opening up, and San Cisco and Ball Park Music headlining, the night was about as entertaining as a bill could provide.
11am Zedlines
Good Morning this is Tessa and Aleisha with your 11am Zedlines
RACQ criticises rising petrol prices
Motoring group RACQ has hit out at service stations for gouging customers as petrol prices continue to rise across the state.
With unleaded petrol rising to its highest figure since 2014 at $1.62 per litre, retailers are taking their customers for a ride with the recent price hike.
RACQ spokesperson Lucinda Ross believes that even with the fluctuation of global oil prices, service stations were taking a big slice of the higher prices.
Contract harvesters also affected by drought
Eastern Australia’s low projected grain harvest will harm contract harvesters who rely on the drought-affected crops for income.
Bruce Estens, a contractor who harvests up to 25, 000 hectares of grain from Queensland to Victoria each winter, says 6000 hectares could be an optimistic result this year.
"We're being ravaged, just like the farmers," he says, citing one crop he’s worked on for over 22 years, which was completely wiped out this year.
Wentworth frontrunner steps down
Wentworth frontrunner has backed out of the liberal preselection to make way for more potential female candidates.
Andrew Bragg said on social media that his withdrawal was necessary to help pave the way for women in parliament.
Bragg’s resignation comes after Julia Banks accused the Liberal party of bullying and intimidating female members.
Westpac customer privacy breach
A Westpac manager has allegedly handed over banking passwords of up to 80 customers to a mortgage broker, breaching customer privacy.
The ABC revealed the data breach is one of 32 big four data breaches disclosed to the Australian Information commissioner.
The allegations come as the banking industry continues to be scrutinised by the financial services royal commission, and as privacy in the age of social media continues to be debated.
School shooting outside Chicago
Three students have been shot at a school just outside Chicago in the United States, with at least one in critical condition.
The shooting happened just after the school day had finished at 4:30pm local time.
Police say they do not yet know how the shooting occurred, but are questioning two persons of interest.
Japan proposes to end commercial whaling ban
Japan is facing backlash after proposing to end the commercial whaling ban.
According to the proposal, there is no scientific justification for the ban as certain species of whale populations can be harvested sustainably.
This proposal has been met with opposition from various countries such as Brazil, the United States, and Australia, who agree the ban is necessary for conservation.
10am Zedlines
Good morning, this is Sam and Shirley with your 10am Zedlines