Australia has signed a joint statement with members of the Media Freedom Coalition expressing concern about the future of press freedom in Hong Kong. 

The statement, published by the United Kingdom and signed by 21 members of the coalition, says it has "strong concerns" about the closure of the Apple Daily newspaper which was closed after police arrested its chief editor and four senior executives for "suspected contravention" of the national security law

The LNP is demanding the Griffin Report, which investigates COVID-19 breaches, to be released before the Premier’s estimates hearing on the 16th of July.

The report will detail how the unvaccinated COVID ward receptionist contracted COVID-19 and spread it, which led to Queensland’s third lockdown this year.

Opposition Leader David Crisafulli argues the report needs to be released so that important questions about the state government’s COVID safety protocols can be asked to Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk before she leaves for the Tokyo Olympic Games.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.