Triple J Under Fire After "Ageist" Tweet
The national youth radio broadcaster known as Triple J has come under fire after a tweet that offended its audience on the basis of ‘Ageism’.
The tweet, aimed at the much-marginalised genre of older listeners, mocked listeners who have supposedly aged out of the youth radio fandom. The post was quick to receive backlash from those who felt the joke was tone-deaf, ageist and – for older listeners – insulting.
Most Extreme Abortion Law in US Takes Effect in Texas
A law in Texas banning abortions after six weeks of pregnancy has taken effect as the US Supreme Court did not act on an emergency request by pro-abortion rights groups to block the measure.
Abortion rights advocates said the law represents the most dramatic restrictions since the Supreme Court’s landmark Roe v Wade decision, which legalised abortion across the country in 1973.
The Texas law, which was signed in May after passing the state’s Republican-controlled legislature, would prohibit 85 percent of abortions previously conducted in the state.
Palaszczuk Demands Research on the Vaccine Vulnerability of Children
Queensland’s two most senior government leaders have questioned the staged national reopening plan, demanding research on the vulnerability of children and suggesting under-12s be included in calculations around easing restrictions.
During Question Time in Queensland Parliament on Wednesday, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk was repeatedly quizzed by the LNP Opposition on the staged national reopening plan.
Queenslander Awaits Paralympic Gold Opportunity
Queenslander Joel Coughlan and teammate Ma Lin have a chance to win Paralympic Gold in the Men's team table tennis.
After defeating Nigeria 2-0 in the men's teams semi-final on Wednesday, the stage is set for a gold medal showdown against powerhouse China this Friday.
Joel Coughlan who resides in Rockhampton will finally get his chance at glory in his debut campaign.
NSW Reaches Vaccine Milestone
In a major boost in the fight against coronavirus in New South Wales, the state is on track to hit a new vaccine milestone.
The state is on the verge of reaching 70% of single dose vaccines from today, the first in the country to do so.
And by October 21, 70% of people in NSW are expected to have had both doses of the vaccine.
Unaccompanied Children Among Australian Rescue Flights From Afghanistan
Unaccompanied children were among those who were evacuated from Afghanistan's capital on Australian rescue flights, the federal government has confirmed.
Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews said on Wednesday that less than 10 minors are currently in Australia, all who are believed to be aged over 10 years old.
She said, “We all witnessed the scenes in Afghanistan where people were passing their children through the gates”.
“There are some unaccompanied minors here in Australia at the moment who are being well cared for.”
Australia's Biggest Businesses Implore State Leaders To End Lockdowns Once Nation Reaches 80 Per Cent Vaccination Rate
An open letter signed by 80 of Australia's biggest businesses has called on state premiers to stick to the country's national reopening plan.
Doubt has arisen over the likelihood of lockdowns ending once the national vaccination rate reaches 80 per cent, despite all states and territories agreeing to a unified plan as part of the National Cabinet.
Under the Australian Constitution, the power to control state borders rests solely with state governments.
Waddananggu Ceremony Continues to Threaten Adani Progress
Wangan and Jagalingou Cultural Custodians have marked one week of continuous presence at ‘Waddananggu’ - their ongoing cultural ceremony at the edge of Adani’s Carmichael mine site.
Wangan and Jagalingou man Coedie McAvoy said, “We are holding this space, by practicing our culture. It’s exciting to be here on our own Country, protecting it from this destructive and manipulative company.”
IPCC Co-Author Warns Queensland of Climate Change
According to the co-author of IPCC’s next report on the impacts of climate change,
“South-east Queensland is at risk from more extreme weather events as a result of climate change, and they’re starting to compound.”
It is believed the state will be subject to stronger tropical storms, bringing heavier flooding and coastal erosion.
Bushfire seasons are starting earlier and lasting longer, and water conservation is increasingly a problem.
With regions such as Ipswich and Springfield, set to face rapid heatwaves and storms.
Mental Health Workers Overwhelmed by Increased Demand
Some specialist mental health workers are closing their books to new patients due to overwhelming demand for support during the pandemic.
There has been a shortage of psychiatrists in Australia for many years, but increased demand due to the pandemic has exacerbated the issue.
The president of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, Vinay Lakra, admitted the system was struggling to cope.