New Zealand Earthquake
A magnitude 6.1 earthquake has hit New Zealand, near the town New Plymouth, according to the United States Geological Survey.
The quake was recorded at 3:13pm local time yesterday afternoon at a depth of 227 kilometres on the North Island’s West Coast.
Thousands of people felt the quake, and the New Zealand Parliament in Wellington briefly suspended proceedings after the tremor, however, there were no immediate reports of casualties or damage.
Thai Cave rescuer wins WA award
Craig Challen, the retired Perth veterinarian who helped rescue the Thai boys from a flooded cave has been named the West Australian nominee for Australian of the year.
Mr Challen and his dive partner, Richard Harris, have already received the rare Star of Courage for their roles in the risky July rescue mission in Chiang Rai (Shi-ung Rye).
Mr Challen was announced as the recipient of the WA Australian of the Year award at the Government House in Perth yesterday.
Live export review revealed catastrophic regulations failure
An independent review reveals there has been a catastrophic failure to regulate the live animal export industry and calls for strengthened oversight.
The report found staff were too afraid to report their concerns about animal welfare within the industry.
Agriculture Minister David Littleproud, who led the review earlier this year following cases of thousands of sheep deaths aboard the Awassi Express, will appoint an Independent Inspector General of Live Exports.
Police and safety inspectors investigate monster truck event crash
Police and Workplace Health and Safety inspectors are investigating an out-of-control rally car which injured audience members at a monster truck show at Mount Gravatt Showgrounds.
Industrial Relations Minister Grace Grace told Brisbane Times she is shocked to learn of the incident involving the stunt vehicle over the weekend.
Ms Grace says her department will work with stakeholders and event organisers to explore ways to make similar events safe in the future.
CitySafe cameras capture 23 000 incidents last financial year
A network of 131 Brisbane City Council CitySafe cameras have captured 23 000 incidents last financial year.
The CCTV cameras, installed in the CBD and Fortitude Valley, captured 2 100 people identified as disorderly, 740 medical emergencies, 42 reports of vandalism, 31 robberies and 8 assaults.
Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent Cameron Harsley said the cameras allow police to respond quickly to major incidents and react early enough to stop some incidents occurring.
Review: Lawrence Mooney – An Evening with Malcolm Turnbull
Welcome to the world of Lawrence Mooney, whose spontaneous Malcolm Turnbull impersonation has spawned a semi-dramatic change in comic career direction.
9am Zedlines
Your 9am Zedlines with Taylah and Erin.
Image source: Wikimedia Commons
India’s Pollution Season
According to recent rankings in a report released by the United Nations Environment Program on Tuesday, India’s cities are some of the most polluted in the world, holding nine of the top ten spots.
The report outlined 25 measures that could easily reduce air pollution and one tactic included stopping the burning of agricultural waste like the countless farm fires sweeping across northern India right now.