Investigations into Pell before accusations made
The committal hearing of Cardinal George Pell has been told Victoria Police were investigating Mr Pell before ever receiving a complaint about him.
Mr Pell’s defence barrister Robert Richter QC said that Victoria Police’s Operation Tethering was initially an “operation looking for a crime because no crime had been reported.”
Mr Pell’s hearing is expected to end today, when Magistrate Belinda Wallington retires for an expected several weeks to consider whether there's enough evidence to commit Cardinal Pell to stand trial.
Treasurer Scott Morrison defends tax reform process
Treasurer Scott Morrison insists the government is rolling out an improved tax system, as key crossbench Senators Derryn Hinch and Tim Storer made broad tax reform a condition for their support for corporate tax cuts.
This week the government shelved laws to reduce corporate tax rates by 25 percent for all businesses over the next decade.
Mr Morrison said the government has made substantial progress in tax reform, and this enterprise tax plan is another part of a broad set of initiatives to grow Australia’s economy.
South Bank Parklands Extension Revealed
Plans to extend South Bank Parklands were submitted on Monday to Brisbane City Council, after flood-damage from the 2011 floods destroyed some popular riverside restaurants in the area.
The plan, instead of repairing these damaged blocks, is focused on delivering more green space for the prime inner-city land, with the already 4666 square metres of parkland being upgraded.
Criminal councillors should step down
Crime and Corruption Commission chairman Alan MacSporran believes if a serving councillor is charged with a criminal offence the local government minister should be able to stand them down while an investigation occurs.
This comes a day after Logan mayor Luke Smith refused to stand down following charges of official corruption and perjury in the wake of the CCC’s Operation Belcarra investigation last year into property developer donations.
Vancouver Sleep Clinic: Therapy Phase 01
- Therapy Phase 01 is the comeback EP from Brisbane’s Vancouver Sleep Clinic, aka. Tim Bettinson, following his 2017 debut album Revival. As it’s title suggests, Therapy Phase 01 represents a new time of healing for the young producer after a tumultuous few years navigating the perils of an ever-competitive music industry.
Roza Terenzi: Mwah EP
- Roza Terenzi is about to put out a new EP titled Mwah through Amsterdam-based label Kalahari Oyster Cult. Terenzi, real name Katie Campbell, released her debut The Right Zone on Perth’s excellent Good Company Records in late 2017. After making music as Catlips in her hometown of Perth, Campbell relocated to Melbourne and has been busy as a producer and DJ ever since. Mwah is yet another stride in her step.
Toxic choccies making pups crook
The RSPCA is warning people about the dangers of dogs and chocolate easter bunnies.
RSPCA Queensland’s Senior Veterinarian, Dr Anne Chester, says just 50g of chocolate can be toxic and kill a dog.
Dr Anne also stresses that she wants everyone to enjoy the Easter Break but take extra care of your dogs.
Boat loads of trouble for Logan Mayor
Logan Mayor, Luke Smith, is still refusing to answer questions regarding him receiving a luxury boat from a campaign donor.
Smith was asked repeatedly to give either a yes or no answer during an ABC radio interview but said the allegations were not accurate.
He is due to face court next month on corruption charges.
Coral spray to protect our reefs
A liquid spray that could protect coral along the Great Barrier Reef is being trialled by a team of researchers.
The spray is biodegradable, 50 000 times thinner than a human hair and sits on the surfae of water above corals to protect against the sun’s UV and light.
Trials that have already begun report that the spray reduces the amount of light reaching the coral by 20% which improves coral health.
Sky high upgrades
Qantas is aiming to have flights directly from Australia to London and New York by 2022, but it could look very different to what you fly now.
It’s called “Project Sunrise” and the ambitious plan will introduce a “super long-haul” aircraft into service that can allow passengers to stretch and walk around in an exercise area.
The airline also hinted at Jetstar flights starting to fly to European holiday destinations.