$380 million to go into the state’s economy
The Queensland Government has indicated that $380 million will go into the state’s economy over the next 6 months through government-approved major events.
As Queensland’s tourism industry remains a key part in rebuilding the state’s economy, the Premier says it is important that local and interstate Australians feel welcome to visit the state.
Whilst the ongoing outbreak in New South Wales has halted some visitors, the Government is hopeful that upcoming events will still attract holidayers to come to Queensland.
Calls to raise awareness of the stigma Diabetes sufferers face
A report by Diabetes Australia has found that thousands of Queenslanders face stigma and shame because of their diabetes.
Diabetes Queensland CEO Sturt Eastwood is asking people to be more aware of the pressure placed on these individuals, and offer understanding and support.
Melbourne announces Australia's first purpose-built LGBTQI+ centre
Melbourne has announced Australia's first purpose-built LGBTQI+ centre. Victoria governments says this will allow community members to connect and celebrate who they are, learn about their history and appreciate art and performances.
A range of trusted LGBTIQ+ organisations will also be based at the centre, including health services, media outlets, Transgender Victoria, and the Melbourne Queer Film Festival.
Criticism over new Government COVID-19 vaccination advertisement
The Australian government’s new COVID vaccination advertisement campaign is receiving criticism from its viewers.
The federal government will air an ad on Sunday night, showing a woman on a ventilator in the hospital gasping for air, given that in some cases of coronavirus it can harm the lungs.
Chief health officer Paul Kelly says the ads need to be scary as a large number of Sydneysiders seem to not be taking COVID the outbreak seriously.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed wins the country's delayed elections
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed won the country's delayed elections.The board said Mr Ahmed’s Prosperity Party won 410 out of 436 seats, giving him another five-year term in office.
A new government is expected to be formed in October. However, there are concerns about the election's integrity.
A fifth of the country failed to take part in voting, owing to insecurity and logistical problems, while the opposition parties are complaining that a government crackdown against their officials disrupted their plans to prepare.
Monday 12/7/21 9am Zedlines
Your 9am Zedlines with Shreya, Imogen and Sitara.
Image credit: Queensland Government.
Concerns over 'Check in Qld' app
Katter’s Australian Party Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto warns the mandatory ‘Check in Qld’ app is a form of ‘Big Brother’ style mass community surveillance.
Mr Dametto has argued the police should be prohibited from accessing the data, especially if the Queensland Government wants to maintain community confidence.
More Holiday Dollars vouchers to be released in effort to boost Queensland tourism
Queensland is set to boost the tourism sector recovery as 38,000 Holiday Dollars vouchers are expected to be released.
Furthermore, the Sunshine State has $380 million worth of major events planned for the second half of 2021, including a cycling festival, an outback golf tournament, and the TV WEEK Logie Awards.
Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe says the closure of Australia's international border during the pandemic had blown a $6 billion hole in the state's visitor economy.
Cheap parking at Logan Hospital's new car park
Logan Hospital reveals its parking costs of the new multi-storey car park for the first time.
With 15 minutes free the first hour, people parking here will be charged just three dollars for the first hour, making Logan hospital one of the cheapest parking spots on the southside.
The parking fees compared to Princess Alexandra hospital, which is $21 for more than two hours and less than seven, are half the price at Logan Hospital with $13 being the night or day fee for 24 hours.
Disability community's trust in the federal government "destroyed"
National Disability Insurance Scheme Minister Linda Reynolds announced on Friday the government had agreed not to make any legislative changes to the scheme, committing to consult on any future amendments.
The disability community says trust in the federal government has been "destroyed" by scrapping controversial plans for independent assessments for participants of the NDIS.