Pedestrian incidents prompt statewide road safety operation
A statewide road safety operation is being launched by the Road Policing Command after incidents at pedestrian crossings have left five people dead and four people injured in less than a month.
The most recent incident being the death of a Sunshine Coast six-year-old who died after being hit crossing a carpark on Sunday.
Road Policing Command superintendent David Johnson said the number of recent pedestrian deaths in such a short time frame is “very concerning”.
10am Zedlines
This has been Vivienne and Patrick with your 10am Zedlines.
Image source: The Australian
Thousands have gathered across the country to mourn the loss of comedian Eurydice Dixon, with candlelit vigils held in cities and regional communities.
The tragic circumstances of her death have provoked a national conversation about sexism, violence against women and the importance of women’s rights reform in modern Australia.
Saudi Coalition demands withdrawal of Houthi troops
The situation in Al Hudaydah worsens as the Saudi-led coalition demands an unconditional withdrawal of Houthi troops from the city.
Al Hudaydah is vital to the survival of over eight million Yemeni people, with up to eighty percent of food, water and fuel entering the nation through its port.
The United Nations’ attempt to negotiate a ceasefire have deteriorated following these demands.
Ferry with 80 passengers sinks in Indonesia
A ferry carrying around 80 passengers has sunk in Lake Toba in Indonesia, leaving one person confirmed dead and others missing.
Disaster Mitigation Agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho says an estimated eighteen of the passengers have been rescued.
However, Mr Nugroho says further search and rescue efforts have been hampered due to strong weather conditions.
Investigation reveals one in six Indigenous children do not have a birth certificate
An investigation by the Queensland ombudsman Phil Clarke ascertains every sixth Indigenous child born in Queensland doesn’t have a birth certificate.
15% to 18% of Indigenous births were not registered, as woman often travel alone to remote areas to give birth, but both parents are required to register a birth.
This can impact the full integration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in society, as they may not be able to enrol in school, obtain driver’s licences or vote.
Logan technology hub to receive over $20,000 in state funding
Logan has received funding for a new technology hub for innovators and entrepreneurs, in the hope of a 3D printing manufacturing boom.
YFS and Substation 33 at Kington will receive $20,000 in state funding to become a ‘hackerspace’ alongside nine other locations throughout Queensland.
The funding will provide fabrication machines and 3D printers to be installed, as well as workshops focused on advanced manufacturing skills.
Palaszczuk Government works to develop Queensland's agricultural industry
A delegation of Japanese food growers and buyers has touched down in Brisbane as the Palaszczuk Government continues to develop Queensland’s food export and agricultural industries.
Developing the state’s $20 billion agricultural industry is a top priority for the Palaszczuk Government
Grants from the Growing Queensland’s Food Exports program will assist Queensland companies to increase business capacity and grow export opportunities in the Asian market, including Japan and Singapore.
9am Zedlines
This has been Natalie and Nic with your 9am Zedlines.
Image source: Wikipedia
More than 26,000 Hudaida residents have fled fighting along the western coast of Yemen, as fighting with Houthi rebels continues.
The number is expected to increase dramatically, the battle launched six days ago with the region already experiencing a cholera epidemic.
Joint military exercise postponed for South Korea and United States
The United States and South Korea have agreed to put a halt on a joint military exercise scheduled for August.
Critics have hit out at the decision, warning it could erode of readiness of US troops and lower the effectiveness of the US-Korea military alliance.
No decision has been made on the future of further joint drills, with consultation between countries expected.
Senate votes in favour of 'tampon tax' abolition
The Senate has voted in favour of a bill to abolish the goods and services tax on sanitary products such as pads and tampons.
The bill is not expected to pass in the House of Representatives due to the bill not being favoured by the Coalition.
If the bill passes, the goods and services tax would be removed from sanitary products, which are not considered ‘necessities.’