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.” 

 

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.”

 

Australia, the US and Japan are set to come together to fund an undersea internet cable project

The three nations said they would contribute funds in order to supply internet to Naura, Kiribati and the Federated States of Micronesia, however they did not specify how much. 

In a joint statement from Australia, the US and Japan, they announced the proposed cable will provide faster and more reliable internet to more than 100,000 people. 

This proposal comes as the US and its allies are concerned China may lay cables which they believe may compromise regional security.

 

Death toll in Kentucky continues to rise

The death toll is set to rise as rescue teams continue to search for potential tornado survivors in Kentucky.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshar says the death toll is likely to reach over 100, with at least 80 deaths confirmed.

US President Joe Biden has declared a major federal disaster in the state of Kentucky as he orders federal aid to the most affected areas.

 

Anti-Vaxxers Coalesce at "Pro-Choice" Events

“Pro-choice” events have been held over the QLD state as an anti-vax coalition gathers an audience of frustrated community members.

Concerns are growing at the motives for some members with possible extremist rhetoric at the events, with the first event in Brisbane’s South hosting self-described “Christian Conservative” Dave Pellowe and other events hosting Senator Pauline Hanson and former Premier Campbell Newman. 

Mr Pellowe’s Axiomatic Events has toured right wing Canadian figures such as Lauren Southern and Stefan Molyneux.