Vaccine Passport to Allow Travel Freedoms

International vaccine passports will be available tomorrow for those who are fully vaccinated and are wanting to go overseas or return home. 

The passport is a part of the Federal Government's new technology that proves COVID-19 vaccine status around the world and is a major milestone in the nation's recovery plan. The new certificate is compatible with COVID-19 travel apps and can be accessed via smart phones.

In a joint statement, the federal government said “the vaccine passport will enable fully vaccinated Australians to travel overseas.”

 

Seven West Media sues 7/11

The Seven West Media company has filed documents with the Federal Court directed at popular convenience franchise 7-11. 

The documents request 7-Eleven removes a series of trademarks registered in Australia over concerns they could confuse and deceive the public.

Seven West Media argues that use of the trademarks by 7-Eleven puts a legal and practical disadvantage to its well-established local reputation.

 

Broken Promises as Hazara Families Evicted

Despite promises to honour minority rights, Afghanistan's ethnic Hazaras community are being evicted from their land by Taliban and Islamic State militants.  

Since the Taliban took power on August 15, hundreds of Hazara families have been ordered out of their homes and off their farmlands.

After most houses burned down or were blown up with explosives, resulting in many now living in tents or sheltering under trees.

 

QUT Study Finds Link that May Help Migraine Sufferers

There are hopes for new treatments as researchers discover key markers in blood associated with migraines. 

Professor Dale Nyholt from the Queensland University of Technology Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health is hoping the findings will result in better therapies after discovering three overlapping markers in blood readings of migraine sufferers. 

Migraines affect three times as many women as men, with Professor Nyholt saying “Despite migraines being very prevalent and having a large cost to society, it's really underfunded”.

 

Bunnings Vaccinations Hailed a Success

The Bunnings vaccination weekend was a success following the race to get more Queenslander vaccinated ahead of the NSW border opening. 

After vaccination sites opened at Bunnings along with pop-up jab sites Chief Health Officer Jeanette Young says “We’re in the home stretch”.

Dr Young says for the borders to reopen, every Queenslander aged 12 and over should get vaccinated. Deputy Premier Steven Miles confirmed the border reopening should take place once the target of 70-80 percent double dosed is reached.

 

Queensland Toughens Border Restrictions for Tasmanians

Queensland has imposed tough border restrictions for Tasmanians entering the state. 

The new border rules which came into effect yesterday demands travellers from southern Tasmania to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival. 

The border measures have been introduced after Tasmania entered a snap three-day lockdown, caused by an infected NSW man who entered the state.

 

Pushes for Action on Climate Change as Mental Health Worsens

Increasing evidence has linked climate change to worsening mental health and experts are pushing for change.

Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly says the impact of climate change on mental health is real and the effects have been seen recently with bushfires and increased cyclone activity. 

Dr Cybele Dey, a child and adolescent psychiatrist says "the federal government must act as young people will be affected by more extreme weather events than past generations leading to worsening mental health".

 

NSW Labor Leader Jodi McKay Resigns

Former New South Wales Labor leader Jodi McKay yesterday announced she will resign from state parliament, months after she stepped down from her role as NSW Labor leader.

The announcement is expected to prompt a by-election for her seat of Strathfield ending her 15 year career in NSW politics.

 

Sudanese Protestors Call for Army Coup

Thousands of protesters are gathered outside the presidential palace in Sudan demanding the military to seize power.  

After an unsuccessful coup from pro Bashir groups in September, growing tensions have led to demands from civilian-military coalition Forces of Freedom and Change. 

The demands are part of a power grab from armed forces with civilian Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok affirming his position as “complete alignment to the civilian democratic transition”.