Abuse Concern Over Tighter COVID-19 Restrictions
Queensland businesses that allow unvaccinated staff and customers will face tighter COVID-19 restrictions imposed under a plan being developed by the state government.
This comes as the Queensland government is in the process of developing another restrictions roadmap with businesses, ahead of the state opening its borders to the declared hotspots of NSW, ACT and VIC on December 17.
This plan has sparked concern among politicians and business groups who fear asking hospitality staff to police patrons vaccination status could lead to a spike in abuse.
Myanmar's Government Plans to Free Prisoners
Myanmar’s military government plans to free hundreds of political prisoners from the notorious Insein prison.
This release has been described by some activists as a ploy by the ruling military to try to rebuild its international repudiation after the Association of Southeast Asain Nations took the unorthodox step of not inviting Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing to their summit later this month.
It is believed more than 5,600 people arrested over their roles in anti-coup protest will be freed on humanitarian grounds.
TUESDAY 19/10/21 11am ZEDLINES
Image Credit: Cairns Post
Queensland’s days as a “zero COVID” state are said to be numbered
From the 19th of November, some travellers from interstate hotspots will be granted access – this is when the state is predicted to reach 70% of people fully vaccinated.
From this date, travellers will be allowed to enter the state if they show proof of being fully vaccinated, test negative to COVID 72 hours before arrival and home quarantine for 14 days.
This will become more flexible from December 17 when domestic travellers will not need to quarantine at all.
A 2.2 metre long crocodile has been removed from a Cairns boat ramp
The Department of Environment and Science labelled the crocodile as a “problem animal” after it was seen lingering in the area.
Authorities believe the animal was hanging around discarded fish frames and bait. They are urging locals to properly dispose of fish scraps and unwanted bait.
Under the Queensland Crocodile Management plan, any crocodile over two metres in length is targeted for removal.
Domestic violence support payments available from today
Support payments are being made available from today for those fleeing domestic violence situations. The “Escaping Violence Payment Scheme” comes as Australia has seen an increase in DV incidents during lockdowns across the country.
The $5000 support package will include $1500 in cash with the rest available as payments for necessities like bond, food, and school fees. Minister for Women’s Safety Anne Ruston says the program will not be means tested. She says, “We want to make sure it's available to every woman.”
Dominic Perrottet now an LGBTQIA+ ally
Newly appointed new south wales premier Dominic Perrottet has said he will ensure the LGBTQIA+ community is supported and free from discrimination.
Previously, Perrottet has been open about opposing gay marriage and the use of gender-neutral pronouns.
The statement carries significance as NSW parliament is scheduled to take up One Nation’s anti-trans and religious freedom bills.
Thunberg says COP26 unlikely to lead to big change
Greta Thunberg says the annual Conference of the Parties is unlikely to lead to “Big change.”
The Swedish activist said climate talks in Glasgow, billed as the last chance to avoid catastrophic global warming, would not be too effective.
She says, "As it is now, this COP will not lead to any big changes, we're going to have to continue pushing.”
The COP26 meeting will take place in Scotland from the 31st of October to the 12th of November. It will be the biggest climate conference since talks in Paris 2015.
TUESDAY 19/10/21 10am ZEDLINES
Image Credit: Centre for Stories
QLD school now offering aviation studies
A school in the Moreton Bay region is offering aviation studies as an Australian first.
Caboolture’s “St Columban’s College” offers aviation education with an aero club based on campus, offering students the opportunity to learn from aviation specialists.
Principal Michael Connolly said “When we talk about upskilling the next generation and bringing real industry experience to students – it doesn’t get much more real than this,”