Tasmanian Liberals win second term

The Tasmanian Liberals have secured a second term of majority government under leader Will Hodgman, with opposition parties up in arms over claims seats were “bought”.

Mr Hodgman is the second Liberal in Tasmania’s history to win consecutive elections with a majority.

The Liberal victory however was not graciously accepted by oppositions parties, with Labor and Greens leaders claiming they were significantly outspent during the campaign.

Caltex investigated for non-compliance with workplace laws

The Fair Work Ombudsman’s latest Compliance Activity Report has shown 76% of the Caltex service network is non-compliant with workplace laws.

Investigations into the network commenced in late 2016 across Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide found employees were being underpaid or not paid at all, cash payments were being made ‘off the books’ and employees were being threatened to have their Visas cancelled for any workers who complained.

Protests shut down Brisbane streets

On Saturday morning, Brisbane streets were shut down by approximately 100 protesters who say they are fed up with being ignored by the Brisbane City Council over their concerns about inner-city developments.

The group, which consisted largely of locals, gathered at the intersection of Vulture Street and Montague Road in West End, resulting in the closure of surrounding streets.

Ghouta partially captured by pro-government Syrian forces

Syrian government forces captured a number of villages and towns bordering the rebel-held area of Ghouta.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said fighting intensified in the area over the weekend, and rebels responded by attacking nearby Damascus.

UN aid officials said they have not been given permission from Syrian officials for 40 trucks carrying supplies to reach the area, despite optimism earlier in the week the convoy would be granted entry.

Papua New Guinea earthquake aftershocks

Isolated areas of Papua New Guinea experienced major aftershocks following a large earthquake which killed at least 31 people in the area.

Three aftershocks measuring higher than magnitude five hit the Southern Highlands area early on Monday.

Aid organisations said nearly 150,000 are in urgent need of emergency supplies as damage to roads hindered the delivery of aid to remote areas.

Tim & The Boys: Growing

- Growing is the first full-length record from Tim & The Boys, a Sydney bred three-piece consisting of eponymous ringleader cum drum programmer and synth player Tim Collier, and the boys Dan Grosz and Will Harley on bass and guitar respectively.

Darren Sylvester: Touch A Tombstone

- Melbourne’s Darren Sylvester is poised to release his third album <em>Touch A Tombstone</em>. In addition to his musical output, Sylvester is an interesting visual artist, adept at photography, sculpture, video and performance. This comes together in <em>Touch A Tombstone</em>, where the visuals match the finesse of the music.