Sydney train drivers go on strike
Sydney train commuters have been warned to expect a morning of chaos as rail workers go on strike.
A limited number of trains will be in service as train drivers will not be operating overseas made trains as they campaign for a pay rise.
The Rail, Tram and Bus Union NSW secretary Alex Claassens says “We are trying everything we can to continue to run the service, rather than having a total stoppage.”
The strike is expected to last 24 hours with staff asking for a 3.5% increase in pay.
A New Zealand man has had over 10 Covid vaccinations in one day
The New Zealand Health Authorities are investigating claims the man visited multiple vaccine clinics and was paid to get the vaccine on behalf of other people.
Covid-19 vaccinations and immunisation spokesperson Astrid Koorneef says “To assume another person’s identity and receive a medical treatment is dangerous… this could affect how their health is managed in the future.”
TUESDAY 14/12/21 9am ZEDLINES
Image credit: ABC news
Council to change racist name of local creek
Longreach regional council is moving to change the currently racist name of a local creek.
The creek will be renamed to Watyakan Creek which pays tribute to those who historically camped near it.
Local Kerry Thompson says “these names have been offensive and derogatory to all Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander people.”
Darumbal Elder Aunty Sally Vea Vea says there are still dozens of places throughout Australia with names that needed changing. She says “They’re just memorials to a racist past.”
Toowoomba Councillor against vaccine mandate
Toowoomba Councillor Nancy Sommerfield set to bring forward an anti-vaccine mandate motion today.
Ms Sommerfield, who has been active in the community criticising the mandate, said she had been disturbed by the proposed rules, stating it is “not the Australian way”.
Hundreds of protesters are set to gather outside city hall today as the council debates the motion.
The Australia Council to invest in diverse creative projects
The Australia Council is investing eight and a half million dollars in 173 diverse creative projects.
These projects range across the likes of First Nations arts, visual arts, theatre, dance and literature.
Alice Nash the Australia Council Executive Director for Arts Investment says “We’re pleased to be able to support more works by First Nations artists, as well as writer’s festivals and projects [which] aim to engage audiences with disabilities and from culturally diverse backgrounds.”
A woman fired for speaking against sexual assault
A woman has been fired from major ecommerce firm Alibaba after making sexual assault allegations against a former colleague.
According to a statement from the company, the staff member was dismissed after she “spread falsehoods that damage the company’s reputation”.
The employee said, “I have not made any mistakes, and certainly will not accept this result.”
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Image credit: The Guardian
Some retailers are raising concerns as the vaccine mandate will take effect on Friday
From the 17th unvaccinated Queenslanders will not be permitted into venues like theatres, pubs, clubs, restaurants and cafes.
National Retailers association CEO Dominique Lamb said they had already seen a rise in anti-social behaviour, with one franchisee having been pushed down a set of escalators, for asking a customer for proof of vaccination.
Police Commissioner Katrina Carroll said if venues are having trouble with unvaccinated people demanding entry, they should call the police.
Queensland rail looking to renewable energy alternatives
Hydrogen powered freight trains could be on the way as Queensland pursues more renewable energy options.
Minister for State Development Steven Miles says a feasibility study will determine “the potential deployment of… hydrogen power technology on the Moura Rail corridor and also the Mount Isa Rail corridor.”
Minister for Energy Renewables and Hydrogen Mick de Brenni says “The Palaszczuk Government welcomes today's announcement.”