Planète: Continuum

- I’ve heard Dion Tartaliogne -the eponymous Planète- described as one of Australian electronica’s best kept secrets. Well, that’s certainly a good way to talk about his latest blink-and-you-missed-it EP, Continuum. The whole concept is kind of self-effacing, when you think about it. A whole record that plays without a break, from end to end, no bangers to jump out at you, no singles to storm up the charts. Dion is almost modest to a fault, speaking of it: “I’ve had the idea of creating a continuous and seamless playback style EP for quite a while.

Demon Days: Magic Eye

- Freo four-piece Demon Days are boosting the upsurge of neo-soul going on right now. After a clutch of singles and, really, not very long after forming (early in 2017), the quartet are throwing their debut EP out there. Warmly moody downtempo grooves are their stock in trade, but also a jumping off point for divergences in their sound.

Government-controlled supermarkets raising prices in remote stores

Government-controlled supermarkets have been accused of scamming remote shoppers by inflating prices throughout rural stores.

A government spokesperson states that significant freight costs have to be borne to operate in remote queensland areas. Yet, Lockhart River Mayor Wayne Butcher says shoppers in remote communities are being ripped off.

The Government took over operation of most remote supermarkets in Queensland in 2016. Residents were told they could expect lower prices but have seen a rise in price for select items.

 

Six Queensland prison officers assaulted in the past four days

The past four days have seen 6 prison officers attacked by inmates in Queensland jails.

At one particular correctional centre, the attack comes after the population of the prison rises to over 50 inmates.

The union for this group claimed that the attacks were a result of overcrowding.  Corrective Services Minister Mark Ryan informed media that an ongoing review was taking place, which aims to ensure prison officers have up-to-date training and equipment.

 

Class Action Launched Against Essure Contraceptive Devices

Australian women are launching a class action over the Essure contraceptive device, due to the potential for nickel corrosion to cause an allergic reaction. One woman’s device broke during surgery she was undergoing for the removal of the device, leaving shards of nickel and plastic inside her abdomen.

While 3,000 to 5,000 women across Australia use these devices, about 17 percent of women are allergic to nickel.

NDIS Take Over of Community Mental Health Services

Essential mental health services will be changing with the transition to the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

Services in Victoria may soon be run by the NDIS, with several community stakeholders raising concerns where many currently receiving support may no longer receive eligibility.

It is argued that the transition will see a reduction in expertise and experience in the quality of workforce, as specialised community care will now disappear.

 

Tens of Thousands protest in Tel Aviv

Tens of Thousands gather in Tel Aviv to protest Israel’s ‘nation-state law’.

Passed last month, the law officially affirms Israel’s jewish character, but critics say the law turns non-jewish citizen into second-class israeli’s. This move would further marginalise the 1.8 million Palestinians and other minorities with Israeli citizenship.

The protest saw both Jewish and Palestinians participants advocating for equality under Israel Law

 

Blast in Syria kills 39

At least 39 people, including 12 children, have been killed in a blast in the north-western province of Idlib, Syria.

A building, said to contain illegal munitions, was brought down to rubble on Sunday. UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that there were still dozens of people missing.

Some reports suggest the number killed could be higher than 39.