Tonga has banned school girls playing rugby
The government of rugby-mad nation, Tonga has banned women from playing the sport in public schools.
Claims the move is to "preserve the dignity of Tongan women and hold on to Tongan cultural values" has been poorly received, instead being described as a “blow to women’s rights”.
The president of the Tonga Women’s Rugby Association slammed the decision saying, "How can we teach our girls to be independent when we keep making choices for them?"
Google accused of harming Australian news media
Google’s vice president for News has defended the company against claims it is harming Australian news media.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is investigating the impact of Google, Apple News and social platforms on the competition in media and advertising.
The inquiry follows concerns raised by former senator, Nick Zen-o-phon, who believes the tech giants are damaging the viability of Australian media companies.
Train delays spark outrage following Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran fans are slamming Queensland Rail for train delays on the night of one of the biggest concerts this year.
Queensland Rail closed part of the network, replacing trains with buses, between Northgate and Petrie for “planned maintenance”.
Although notice was given, concert-goers questioned why the maintenance was planned to coincide with the event, taking to facebook to express their frustration.
BCC approves demolition in inner city
The Brisbane City Council has approved the demolition of 25-storey CBD tower.
The plans were proposed in August 2017 and detailed plans for an office tower with retail, gym, conference and childcare facilities on Albert Street.
The demolition will remove the Suncorp 10 metre digital clock, and will be the third-highest inner city high-rise demolition in Australia’s history and offer numerous challenges.
Ten year old on Naura receiving treatment in Australia for mental health
A ten year old refugee who has repeatedly attempted suicide on Nauru is moving to Australia to access acute psychological care.
The Australian home affairs department attempted to delay the boy’s hearing to receive treatment, but Justice Nye Perram rejected the notion saying a delay could not be justified, as there is a significant risk the boy would not be alive by the hearing, and it was not a risk he was prepared to take.
Adani coal mine may impact natural springs
Photograph credit: Tom Jefferson
An Adani groundwater plan could permanently destroy natural springs in Northern Queensland.
Two Federal Government studies report the coal mine and springs feed from different water resources, so the coal mine will not threaten the ecosystem or the nearby Springs.
However environmental engineering expert Matthew Currell says there is ‘major scientific uncertainty’ to the potential impact on the springs.
Justice for Justine Damond as police office turns himself in
The Minneapolis police officer who shot and killed Australian woman Justine Damond last July has turned himself in on charges of third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.
The officer shot Ms Damond minutes after she called 9-1-1 to report a possible sexual assault in the alley behind her home.
Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman says the officer recklessly fired his handgun from the passenger seat in disregard for human life.
Family reunites with their two dogs after bushfire evacuation causes doubt of their survival
A family who believed their two dogs had died in the Tathra bushfire have cried tears of joy after finding their pets had survived.
The dogs were left behind after the family evacuated their home just a street away from where the blaze took hold.
Kristy Lee Kelly says one of the dogs is her companion dog helping her deal with depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, but thankfully the dogs have returned to her safe and sound.
Human Skull discovered in Western Australia, treated as non-suspicious
A human skull has been discovered in the Kimberley Region in Western Australia.
A quad biker at La Grange Bay spotted the skull and reported it to police who enlisted local Karajarri man Frankie Shoveller to help collect it.
Officer in charge, Senior Sergeant Chris Fox, said the skull is not being investigated as a crime, as the skull is most likely from pre-colonial times.
Ice usage increases risk of children being place in out-of-home care
An ABC analysis has shown a correlation between the increase in ice usage and the number of children being removed from homes.
Ice usage sharply increased between 2010 and 2013 while the number of children in out-of-home care also dramatically increased by 33.5% according to the Australian Institute of Health.
The analysis also found that Indigenous children are up to 10 times more likely to be admitted to out-of-home care.