Decline in insect population
A global decline in insect population has made its way to Australia, with entomologists reporting lower than average numbers of wild insects.
Researchers around the world have openly acknowledged the insect population decrease, but are currently still at a loss as to what is causing the decline.
Opinions on the matter vary, with some entomologists citing insecticides, urbanisation, or climate change as the main factor.
Government plans to privatise visa application system
Government plans to privatise the visa application system could provide those able to pay more with premium services, costing up to 3000 jobs and put people’s private information at risk.
Home affairs minister Peter Dutton said the proposal is to modernise Australia’s visa system to cater for the growing number of applicants, with the department seeking a private-sector partner to design a “user-pays” application and approval system which has limited human involvement.
Queensland takes lead with RSPCA's 'Clear the Shelter' campaign
RSPCA’s three day ‘Clear the Shelter’ campaign lead to just under 1100 animals being adopted over the weekend.
During the adoption drive, which ran from the 23rd to the 25th February, animal adoption cost only $29.
RSCPA spokesperson Michael Beatty expressed his thanks to the volunteers and media that supported the campaign, and said the result “is beyond our wildest expectations and 300 more than any other state”.
Palaszczuk gifts Edison tube to the Smithsonian
Annastacia Palaszczuk will be visiting the Smithsonian Institute in the United States as part of the trade mission, offering an Edison tube for the museum dug up from the Queen’s Wharf project in Brisbane.
The tubes were an early form of conducting electricity, and the technology came to Brisbane in the late 1880’s after its introduction in London and New York.
Several other international museums have expressed interest in obtaining the tubes.
Totally Mild: Her
- At ten tracks long, Totally Mild’s sophomore release Her offers more in thirty-four minutes than lesser bands endeavour to produce in careers spanning decades. Her chronicles the intersection of taking a wrecking ball to your life for self-destruction’s sake, or settling for the structure and security of the traditional family framework. Questioning the value in the white picket fence versus the hyper-blaze of artistic chaos, of identity, of independence, of being female and being queer.
Augie March: Bootikins
- One of Australia’s most critically acclaimed bands, Augie March have returned with their 6th LP, Bootikins. Best known for their 2006 breakthrough single, One Crowded Hour (arguably one of the greatest songs of all time), Augie March have continued their stellar career, earning a cult-following as well as the adulation of critics and their peers. On their latest offering, Augie March have made an eccentrically beautiful album like only they know how.
8am Zedlines
Your 8am Zedlines bulletin.
Saleh Muslim arrested in Prague
Syrian-Kurdish leader, Saleh Muslim has been arrested in Prague on a warrant issued by Turkey.
He has been indicted over a bombing that targeted a convoy of buses at a military base in Ankara, killing 37 people.
Turkey views Saleh Muslim as a terrorist and offered 1 million dollars for his arrest.
One person killed during a protest in Congo
Protests in the Democratic Republic of Congo turned deadly when security forces used live ammunition on protesters, killing one person.
The protests held in Kinshasa were organised by the Catholic Clergy against President Joseph Kabila who remains in power despite his term ending in 2017.
Staff at St Joseph’s Hospital confirmed to the BBC that one person had been fatally wounded and several injured after the security forces’ attempt to disperse the crowd.
Michael McCormack wins vote to become Deputy Prime Minister
The National Party have met this morning in Canberra to vote on a new leader who will become the new Deputy Prime Minister.
Minister for Veteran Affairs Michael McCormack won the vote defeating George Christensen who also stood for the leadership role.
Mr McCormack was first elected as a member of parliament for Riverina and has held ministerial roles since his appointment.