Check-In App Troubles
If you’ve had trouble with your COVID check in app this morning, you’re not alone. The Queensland government’s contact tracing app has faced interruptions this morning, making it impossible to check in anywhere.
Users were greeted with a large “thumbs down” graphic as opposed to the regular tick of approval, followed by a message reading “The QR code entered did not return a registered business location. Please try again.”
As of 10:30am, the app seems to be working as normally.
Brisbane City Council Falsely Fines Disability Permit Holders
Brisbane City Council is investigating its parking infringement technology after incorrectly issuing dozens of fines to disability permit holders.
The mobile technology that allows Council staff to drive down a street and take photos of parked vehicles cannot see disability permits positioned on the left hand side of the windscreen.
City Council is working on improving the infringement service to avoid unfairly targeting those with a disability.
Morrison Addresses Violent Protestors
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has condemned the actions of Victorian protesters following confrontations with police at the Shrine of Remembrance on Wednesday.
The protests began in response to the state’s closure of the construction industry.
Morrison labelled the protester’s behaviour as “disgusting” and “dishonourable,” with the Shrine’s Chief Executive Dean Lee describing it as a “troubling day for the Veteran community.
Over 200 arrests were made following yesterday’s demonstration, as crowds continue to grow.
VIC and QLD COVID Update
Victoria has recorded 766 new COVID-19 infections and four new deaths overnight, reaching the state’s highest single-day tally ever recorded.
Hume, one Melbourne’s least vaccinated LGA’s is considered the epicentre of this current surge.
Queensland has recorded 1 local case in home quarantine linked to the Sunnybank cluster, and 1 overseas case in hotel quarantine.
US Border Officers Under Fire
The Biden Administration has come under intense scrutiny for its treatment of migrants on the Mexican border.
After 360 people were expelled from the United States in the last three days, some attempted to cross the Rio Grande with food and supplies before being met with guards on horseback using their reins to prevent migrants from crossing.
President Biden has argued the laws that allowed the expulsion of Haitian immigrants are necessary for COVID protections
THURSDAY 23/09/2021 10AM ZEDLINES
With Dan and Bell
Image Credit: ABC News
Gastro Outbreak at Sunny Coast Scout Camp
25 children from Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast have been hospitalised with Gastroenteritis following a recent outbreak at cub scout camp.
The children aged between 8 and 11 were attending the week-long Cuboree at the Rocky Creek Scout Camp on the Sunshine Coast when they fell ill.
Scouts Queensland general manager Dougal Mayor has praised the assistance of Queensland health and local staff in containing the outbreak, saying that the welfare of the children was their priority.
The remaining scouts have continued camping activities as normal.
Cane Toad Lure in Production for Summer
The University of Queensland has partnered with non-for-profit Watergum to develop a lure that attracts and traps Cane Toad tadpoles.
Researchers at UQ’s Institute of Molecular Bioscience discovered a certain pheromone found in adult Cane Toads can attract tadpoles to shallow waters and into the trap.
Watergum states the lures will be commercially available before the peak of Summer.
QUT Students Demand Reduced Fees
A cohort of international students enrolled at the Queensland University of Technology who have been forced to study online are demanding a reduction of fees.
Students are pleading that on-campus fees should be discounted given the pandemic has forced home study.
Internationals also believe they are not experiencing the diversity and cultural exposure the university promised each student.
Tesla's Big Battery Under Fire
Tesla is being sued by the Australian Energy Regulator after its South Australian mega battery allegedly fails to assist the power grid in times of catastrophe.
After a Queensland coal plant failure in 2019, the 150-megawatt battery failed to provide short notice energy supply, leading to a power outage across South Australia.
The state was using Tesla batteries after CEO Elon Musk promised to provide them for free if not installed in 100 days.