Authorities consider whether to ban politicians, staff and visitors who are not vaccinated against COVID-19 from the Queensland Parliament

Authorities are considering whether to ban politicians, staff and visitors who are not vaccinated against COVID-19 from the Queensland Parliament when new rules come into effect next month. 

Brisbane CBD protests

More than 1000 people marched through the Brisbane CBD on Wednesday to William Street in protest against mandatory COVID-19 vaccines and rules. 

Protesters were met with a heavy police presence outside the Queensland government’s headquarters, including mounted officers, 4WDs and both uniformed and specially-equipped tactical police. 

The crowd held signs rejecting “medical apartheid” and “coercion.” 

First Nations lobby against senate to block proposed voter ID laws

With federal parliament returning next week, First Nations advocates are lobbying the senate to block controversial legislation that would require voters to show ID at the polling booth.

Under the proposed legislation, identification includes things like a drivers license, passport or medicare card. 

Groups including the Northern Land Council and Aboriginal Peak Organisations of the Northern Territory say the legislation would disproportionately affect First Nations voters living in remote communities. 

Schools in Delhi close indefinitely due to toxic smog

Schools in Delhi are closing indefinitely as the Indian capital grapples with a toxic smog. 

Diwali celebrations, along with seasonal crop burnings, have seen levels of the dangerous PM2.5 particles exceed the World Health Organisation’s safety guidelines.

PM2.5 is an air pollutant that is a concern for people's health when levels in the air are high.

On the air quality index, PM2.5 levels under one hundred are considered “acceptable,” however Delhi is experiencing levels just under 400 which is considered “severe.”

Maps of Bruce Highway development sent to residents most likely affected

Maps sent to north Brisbane residents have confirmed the development of an alternative highway west to the Bruce Highway. 

The Department of Transport and Main Roads has told residents most likely affected by the development that the future 55 kilometre highway would set a 90-metre wide corridor between Petrie and Beerburrum. 

The project also aims to boost the Caboolture West development however Moreton Bay Regional Council Mayor Peter Flannery has complained that this population growth planning is five years behind where it should be. 

Queensland police taskforce outlines issues with criminal code

A Queensland Police taskforce investigating how women are treated in the criminal justice system has found victims of sexual assault often have to wait days for forensic testing.

Senior Sergeant Simon Kinbacher outlined issues with the criminal code, saying that it fails to uphold the human rights of survivors, in a letter to the Women’s safety and Justice taskforce.

New criminal responsibility age raise criticised

State-attorney’s general decision to support the raise the age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 12 has been met with criticism from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and legal rights groups. 

Indigenous communities and organisations have commented that the move is disappointing and will not fix the problem, arguing the age of criminal responsibility should be aged to 14, in line with the UN standards. 

Police seize car related to William Tyrrell's foster-grandmother

Police believe they have made a breakthrough in the disappearance of William Tyrrell, indicating a car seized last week may have been used to transport his body from his foster-grandmother’s property in 2014.

The new information comes after Police have spent the last few days combing the property where Tyrrell was last seen, under the assumption he may have fallen from the balcony while playing, with steps then being taken to cover up his death.