Qantas Requests Extension to Operate During Curfew
Qantas is requesting an extension to operate freight flights during curfew hours.
Tweed Shire Mayor Chris Cherry says these flights are disturbing residents living under flight paths and locals want it to stop.
These freight flights were approved to allow for the delivery of medical supplies during the pandemic.
Queensland Man Charged After Escaping Hotel Quarantine
A Queensland man has been charged after allegedly escaping hotel quarantine in Tasmania, after climbing down from a third story balcony overnight
The man flew into Launceston from Sydney on Wednesday without a valid travel permit, and was found after spending about 9 hours in the community
Public Health authorities have advised that the man has returned a negative COVID test
The incident is the second reported escape from the Peppers Seaport hotel since it became a hotel quarantine facility.
SA Deputy Premier Loses Vote of No Confidence
South Australian Deputy Premier Vickie Chapman has lost a vote of no confidence in the State’s House of Assembly in a result of 23 to 22.
This is the first time in South Australia that a Minister has lost the confidence of the lower house.
The vote came just hours after an inquiry into Ms Chapman recommended that she be found guilty of contempt of Parliament.
Maritime Conflict Between Philippines and China
The Philippine Government has condemned the actions of China, after Philippine Military supply vessels were blockaded and fired upon by water cannons by Chinese Coast Guard Ships.
This is the latest escalation of a long running territorial dispute over the body of water.
Philippine Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin warned that the vessels were covered by a mutual defense treaty with the United States, and that the resupply mission would continue as planned.
FRIDAY 19/11/2021 8AM ZEDLINES
Your Friday Zedlines with Grace
Image Credit: ABC News
Queensland Government Not Ruling Out Vaccine Mandates for Teachers
The Queensland government is not ruling out compulsory vaccinations for teachers and childcare workers.
Along with Tasmania, Queensland is the last state in Australia to implement compulsory vaccination mandates for those working in the education sector.
Queensland Education Minister Grace Grace says that though a mandate has not yet been implemented, the possibility has not been ruled out.
The Queensland teachers union say that they are “not opposed” to compulsory vaccination mandates.
Wivenhoe Dam Drops to 40% Capacity
South East Queensland regional dams have dropped to levels not seen since the millennium drought.
The Wivenhoe Dam has dropped below 40% capacity, a level not seen since the early 2000’s.
State water minister Glenn Butcher says that residents need to drop their average daily water usage by about 30 liters to prevent water restrictions being put in place by December.
Queensland Hotels to Refuse Unvaccinated Bookings
Major hotels in Queensland say they will refuse bookings from unvaccinated people after the new restrictions are implemented in December.
The Kingfisher Bay and Eurong Bay Resorts confirmed that they will not accept bookings from unvaccinated people.
The hotels say that under the new rules it will be too difficult to police the restrictions put upon unvaccinated people.
Craig Thompson Fights Fraud Charges
Former Federal Labor MP Craig Thompson is fighting charges for his involvement in an alleged multimillion dollar visa immigration fraud.
It is alleged by Police that Thompson was the common thread of the scheme between migration agencies and visa applicants.
Mr Thompson has been placed under strict bail conditions including a requirement that he surrender his passport and limit his movements to the Greater Sydney and Newcastle area.
Flooding and Landslides leave 18,000 displaced in British Columbia
Massive flooding and landslides in British Columbia have left one dead, with more missing, and over 18000 people displaced from their homes.
The Canadian Government has pledged its aid after the once in 500 year event, and concerns being raised over dwindling food supplies after the floods cut off access to the region's largest port in Vancouver
Search and recovery efforts are currently underway by rescuers but are being hampered by continued extreme weather conditions