The rally held on Sunday was the government’s attempt to conjure up public support for conflict against the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and other allied groups who have floated a possible march on the capital. 

Many people from the TPLF have been arrested in what local police have labelled a “clean-up operation”.

This comes five days after the government declared a state of emergency.

The Queensland Government is working with businesses to develop rules around operating during inevitable Covid outbreaks when the border opens.

Acting Chief Health Officer Peter Aitken says the national cabinet was considering changing the definition of ‘close contact’ in light of higher vaccination rates. 

Schools and workplaces won’t necessarily be locked down when outbreaks begin, however decisions will depend on the number of vaccinated people.

Mr Crisafulli has called for a thorough review of the hospital in the wake of criticism surrounding the mistreatment of patients and overwhelmed emergency services. 

An independent review of the hospital is currently underway, of the management and delivery of obstetrics and gynaecology services after a number of complaints were made. 

Mr Crisafulli says, “I want a review on behalf of every Queenslander and every resident here in Mackay that is thorough and genuine.”

The UK’s top government advisor on climate change has labelled Australia’s contribution to global climate talks a “great disappointment”.

Lord Deben, chair of the UK’s Climate Change Committee, accused Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison of failing to understand the urgency of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. 

Lord Deben said, “When Scott Morrison tried to explain what he was going to do between now and 2030, it was just a whole series of words.”

The USNS Harvey Milk was launched in a ceremony over the weekend and is one of six vessels to be named after US civil rights leaders. 

Harvey Milk was forced to resign from the service in the 1950s because of his sexuality. 

Some have expressed some opposition saying Lt. Milk would disapprove of lending his name to a navy ship, on account of his well known opposition to the Vietnam War.

Roadheaders have cut through what will be Boggo Road Station two months ahead of the initial schedule. They’ve ensured excavated rock will be used to build brick houses in the south east as well as other transport projects such as Pacific Motorway upgrades.  

Cross River Rail Delivery Authority CEO Graeme Newton says they are using every effort to use sustainable methods with 80% being reused or stockpiled. 

Mr Newton says, “a lot of the spoil generated across our mega projects is beneficially reused at other Cross River Rail worksites.”

Almost 90% of the nation have received their first dose of the vaccine having hit the 80% target over the weekend. 

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the state will most likely reach the 80% target by today. 

As a result Premier Palaszczuk has announced Queenslanders will not be required to wear a mask from the time the target is reached and if you’ve had at least one dose of the vaccine. 

Ms Palaszczuk says, “This is another small step back towards life as normal”.

Chansey Paech has been named the first openly gay Indigenous speaker of an Australian Parliament. 

He is joined by Ngaree Ah Kit as the Northern Territory’s deputy speaker. This is the first time two Aboriginal people have held the top spots in an Australian Parliament. 

Mr Paech said it was an honour to be elected and he hopes to inspire young Aboriginal kids in remote communities across the Northern Territory.