Adelaide archbishop resigns amid child-sex scandal

Adelaide Archbishop Phillip Wilson resignation has been accepted by Pope Francis.

Archbishop Phillip Wilson has been the most senior Catholic in the world to be convicted of concealing child sex abuse.

In May, the archbishop was found guilty of hiding abuse of children at the hands of paedophile priest Jim Fletcher in the 1970’s.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and numerous other political leaders were amongst those suggesting his resignation, in which he has officially chosen to step down from the role.

FYR Macedonia name-change referendum

Macedonian officials decided they will hold a referendum on a proposed name change for the former Yugoslav republic on September 30th.

A yes vote would end the naming-dispute between Macedonia and Greece, and would allow Macedonia to join NATO and apply for European Union membership.

The referendum is supported by the socialist government and Prime Minister Zoran Zaev, and opposed by the nationalist opposition.

 

Iranian rial drops to new record low

Iran’s currency, the rial, has plunged to another record low in the face of US-imposed sanctions on the nation’s economy.

The Iranian rial was worth 42,000 rial against $1 USD in April and since has significantly dropped to a rate of 111,500 rial against $1 USD on Sunday.

The rial has lost about half of its value since April because of a weak economy, financial difficulties at local banks and heavy demand for dollars among Iranians who fear the effects of sanctions.

Brew bringing back grass roots art and entertainment for Ekka

Brew Café and Wine bar are collaborating with Back Bone and local artists to hold a Variety Cabaret in the heart of the city on Monday 13th August 2018 from midday at 1 Lower Burnett Lane 4000, Brisbane QLD. 

Since the implementation of Queensland lockout laws in the last year there has been a decline in the venues that once provided Brisbane with fresh entertainment. Brew is breaking the mould and showing Brisbane something more than the DJ deck and ID scanning rinse and repeat and strives to celebrate the community organisations and artists trying new things.

11 am Zedlines

This has been Lawrence and Renee with your 11 am Zedlines. 

(Image Credits: Airman 1st Class Aubrey Robinson, 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs) 

Trial for specialist child carers to start

A two-year intensive support trial of specialist foster carers for children with complex and challenging behaviours will start to place its first child in September.

 

The $2.7 million trial is based on a successful overseas model to help children aged under 12 to overcome significant trauma and go on to a bright future.

 

Minister for child safety Di Farmer says this new program aims to provide stable, supportive family environments for children and young people with very complex needs.

Ancient-tree given second chance

An ancient Queensland giant red gum tree estimated to be between 250 and 1,500 years old has been given a second chance at life after local artists salvaged it from a wood chip pile.

 

Artist Anne Harris was at the local dump after the 50 meters tall and 1.8-metre wide tree was taken there after it fell onto the main road and was offered the opportunity to take it away.

 

NSW task force to probe into prison cultural issue

Former NSW Police assistant commissioner Mark Murdoch will be leading a task force investigating the cultural issue in prisons after allegations of guards sleeping with inmates surfaced.

 

NSW Corrections Minister David Elliott has become aware of appalling revelations in prisons across the state in the past 10 days after a female guard was suspended over an alleged relationship with a convicted cop-killer.

 

Australian government urged to reject Cambodian election

The Australian government has been urged to reject election results in Cambodia which have been called a sham.

 

The election which saw incumbent Prime Minister Hun Sen elected through silencing opposition and press, has been slammed by democracy advocates.

 

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop told Four Corners the Australian government would use meetings to advocate human rights and democracy.

Mugabe speaks out on eve of Zimbabwe election

More than 5 million people are registered to vote in the first election without former leader Robert Mugabe on the ballot, who was forced out of office through military intervention.

 

Although it has not stopped the former President speaking out saying he will not vote for his successor Emmerson Mnangagwa who tormented him and will find a candidate from the list of 23 people running for President.

 

Mnangagwa and MDC alliance candidate Nelson Chamisa is seen as the top two contenders.