Queensland has recorded 15 new COVD-19 cases today, 13 locally acquired related to the current growing cluster and two acquired overseas. 

Acting Premier Steven Miles has announced the lockdown will now be extended until Sunday 4pm. 

Ekka is also officially cancelled as Delta-variant COVID-19 cases continue to rise.

For more information on restrictions, updates and a list of exposure sites, visit the Queensland Health website.
 

A hard police crackdown is underway on those flouting stay-at-home orders in Queensland with a few infringement notices being issued for non-compliances. 

The concern over rallies in Brisbane today are also rising, with a strong presence of police throughout CBD Brisbane ahead of those expected anti-lockdown protests.

The Deputy Commissioner Shane Chepley says, “now is not the time.”

Economists are warning the 2032 Brisbane Olympics could badly affect the economy as the financial windfall from the event is over-blown while dragging money away from necessary community investments.

The Federal and Queensland governments have both cited research by accounting firm KPMG, commissioned by the state tourism department, which found the 2032 Games would deliver up to more than $17 billion in benefits to the nation.

Around three hundred members of the Australian force are set to deploy to Sydney’s eight high-risk local government areas starting today. 

These measures have been implemented to ensure the city’s COVID-19 hotspot suburbs are following the rules. 

The ADF members will be helping police on the streets with compliance checks, deliver food parcels and conduct welfare door knocks, making sure confirmed cases remain well and isolated at home.
 

Canberra Institute of Technology is running a new program for Indigenous youth to learn practical skills and life skills. 

For four days per week the students work and learn on-the-job skills in Worldview's e-waste recycling warehouse in Fyshwick. 

On Friday, they take classes at CIT in practical construction skills such as first aid, working at heights and scaffolding.

The twenty-week course has been funded by the Australian government's foundation skills program.

On Sunday, Canada officially marked the abolishment of slavery nearly 200 years ago in its first nationwide Emancipation Day.

Canadian parliamentarians unanimously voted in March to recognise Emancipation Day across the country on August 1st, the same date in 1834 that an act came into effect banning slavery in former British colonies, including Canada.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says, “Emancipation Day is a representation of social activism, justice, and our commitment to an equitable future.”