Square Tugs

The Square Tugs started as a side project in mid-2020 playing the iconic 'Group Sex' album by 80's hardcore punk pioneers Circle Jerks along with other Circle Jerks favourites and covers from The Ramones, Black Flag, Pennywise, Bad Religion and 7 seconds.

 

Education Minister calls for new Anti-Semitism Definition

Education Minister Alan Tudge is calling for the federal government to adopt the international definition of Anti-semitism amidst a rise of violence against Australian Jews in the community. 

At least forty nations across the globe have adopted the International Holocaust Rememberance Alliance’s definition, which classifies anti-semitism as ‘A certain perception of Jewish people, which may be expressed as hatred. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of anti-semitism are directed toward Jewish people, property, community institutions and religious facilities’.

New Defence Pact with U.S and U.K

Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States are set to announce a new defence pact today, including the sharing of highly advanced nuclear-powered submarine technologies. 

The tri-national pact will attempt to advance Australia’s current naval fleet in an effort to enforce security in the Indo-Pacific region.

While long-range strike capabilities are also being discussed, the nuclear technologies are exclusively for the submarine’s propulsion systems, and the pact will not include sharing of nuclear weapons.

 

Melbourne Restrictions Increasing

Melbourne has announced harsher restrictions in the CBD for this weekend to counteract anticipated lockdown protests.

The restrictions would stop all public transport including busses, trains, and trams to the city centre, effectively implementing a police barricade. 

Victorian Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton announced that State Police will be doing everything they can to prevent access to the city.

 

Brisbane Festival celebrating QLD optimism

The Brisbane festival is in the middle of its three week revival, relying on local artists to celebrate Queensland optimism. 

Whilst the pandemic intervened with the program, they have included many local artists in order to create a sense of positivity and celebration despite the circumstances. 

The festival is showcasing many young artists as well as 16 world premiere productions until the 25th of September.  

Energex appealing for caution

Energex are appealing to drivers to heed warnings and signs around roadside power line works.

After a couple of close calls, Energex crews are urging south east Queenslanders to take care. 

Executive General manager of operations Paul Jordon says with 178,000 kilometres of overhead power lines and 29,000 kilometres of underground cable, it's not unusual to come across these roadside works. 

Mr Jordan says thankfully most drivers are following warnings, but appeals for caution as it only takes one reckless driver to cause an accident.

 

First Nations people to be given funding to combat domestic violence

First Nations people have been given funding to combat domestic violence.

Eleven organisations are set to distribute over $100,000 in order to provide appropriate support across 8 communities in Queensland. 

This was prompted by the National Women’s Safety Summit held last week in order to formulate a plan to prevent violence against Indigenous women and children.

These grants are set to support families and young people whilst preventing the cycle of domestic violence.

Taxi driver awarded $1.5m in damages

A taxi driver has been awarded $1.5 million in damages after being exposed to a carbon monoxide leak. 

After 8 years Muhammad Salman Shahid’s court case with Capital City Taxis has come to an end. Mr Shahid suffered a heart attack, hypoxia and an acquired brain injury as a result of what the court has deemed as negligence. 

This was one day after another taxi driver died in the same vehicle. Maurice Blackburn senior associate Patricia McMullan says the money does not undo the harm, however it provides comfort of financial security to her client and his family. 

NSW teacher shortage

The New South Wales education department has announced a teacher shortage set to hit schools across the state.

With the vaccine mandate deadline approaching, the Teachers Federation is expecting the already low number of teachers to further reduce. 

The new south wales teachers federation president Angelo Gavrielatos says the unsustainable workload and non competitive salaries are contributing factors to the shortage.