Alan MacSporran CCC head resigns
Queensland’s Crime and Corruption Commission boss Alan MacSporran has resigned after a parliamentary committee found he failed to ensure the watchdog “acted independently and impartially”.
This comes as criticisms of the CCC in the past weeks have led to a series of failed prosecutions, with the Parliamentary committee recommending a commission of inquiries into the CCC following failed prosecution of eight Logan city councillors.
Bioela family wins case against Immigration Minister
The Murugappan family from Biloela have won a Federal Circuit Court case against Immigration Minister Alex Hawke.
The court described Mr Hawke’s efforts to prevent the family from applying for bridging Visas as “procedurally unfair,” and they are now eligible to reapply for bridging visas.
The family’s lawyer Carina Ford says the next decision regarding what happens in this ongoing saga is up to the government, however she hopes this decision will apply some much needed pressure in order to resolve the issue once and for all.
Pressure on Iran to free LGBTIQ+ activist
Amnesty International has put pressure on Iran to free an Iranian LGBTIQ+ activist, currently being held three months after an appearance in a documentary on gay rights in Iraqi Kurdistan.
Zahra Sedighi-Hamadan was arrested last October by Iranian Revolutionary Guards, while seeking to flee a neighbouring Turkey.
Western Diplomats demand Taliban to improve human rights before aid talks in Norway
Western diplomats are demanding the Taliban acknowledge improvements to human rights amidst ongoing discussions in Norway.
The Taliban is currently demanding additional funding in humanitarian donations to Afghanistan, however the United States are requesting increased rights for women, such as opening schools for young girls, which the Taliban has allegedly agreed to comply with by March.
Bill Storey Smith: Workers Power
In order from least to most favourite:
#10 The Rockerfeller Frequency: Passengers
#9 Scientists: Negativity
#8 Suburbia Suburbia: Landfill
#7 Sycco: Sycco's First EP
#6 Whalehouse: Latte Art for Beginners
#5 Dicklord: Pre-Menstrual Attitude
#4 IDLES: Crawler
#3 Amyl and The Sniffers: Comfort to me
#2 Coalfalls: Pieces
#1 Plaster of Paris: Lost Familiar
Lizard: Art Cart
Ordered from least to most favourite:
#7 Andy Shauf: Wilds
#6 Aren't: Creatures of Habit
#5 Ashnikko: Demi Devil
#4 Dianas: Little Glimmer
#3 underscores: Fishmonger
#2 Mogwai: As The Love Continues
#1 Requin: Shark
Chandler Jay
Hailing from Brisbane is emerging piano pop artist, Chandler Jay. Already with four successful singles behind him, including his debut song ‘I’m Original’ (awarded highly commended in the schools section of the 2018 Queensland Music Awards), ‘My Own Personal Pain’, ‘Party In The House’ and most recent single ‘Meant To Be’, the young singer-songwriter continues to bring his stories to life through music.
11am Zedlines
Your 11am Zedlines with James.
Image: Japan Airlines plane taxiing at Narita Airport 2" by D Coetzee is licensed under CC0 1.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/cc0/1.0/?ref=openverse&atype=rich
No sun for you: Daylight saving refused for QLD
The Queensland State government refused to consider introducing daylight saving, instead prioritising their COVID response.
The State’s position was declared by Attorney General and Minister for Justice Shannon Fentiman.
The State’s announcement is in response to an 18,500 signed petition supported by the Lord Mayor of Brisbane Adrain Shrinner who believes an extra hour of sunlight would benefit the economy.
Government concedes on RATs: Free for concession holders
Rapid antigen tests became free for concession card holders from 24/01/2022.
Approximately 6 million Australians qualify for 10 free tests over a 3 month period, including pensioners, low income earners and veterans.
However experts, including Chris Freeman, president of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, fear supply shortages will prevent pharmacies from meeting demand.