Tamil family UPDATE
An update on the Tamil family from Biloela.
Immigration Minister Alex Hawke approved the family to reunite in Perth temporarily, but their long term future remains unclear.
Mr Hawke said he used his powers under the Migration Act to allow the Murugappan family to reside in a community detention placement in Perth while four-year old Tharnicaa receives medical treatment.
Victoria Covid cases UPDATE
Victoria recorded 0 local Covid cases and 3 new overseas cases that are in hotel quarantine.
As of yesterday, 15,067 tests were received and nearly 10,000 doses were administered.
Authorities are quarantining residents in a Melbourne townhouse complex to contain a potential outbreak, which is suspected to have an infected transmission take place on site.
Novavax a potential vaccine option for Australia
US based Novavax said its COVID-19 vaccine is more than 93% effective against the predominant transmissible varients.
The clinical trial studied nearly 30,000 volunteers in the U.S and Mexico, with the biotech company claiming side effects are minimal.
The protein-based vaccine is placed on fast track by the U.S government for late 2021 and could be a third vaccine option for Australia if approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration.
9am Tuesday 15/06/21 Zedlines
Your 9am Zedlines with Sarah, Toni, Lina and Alayna
Image credti: ABC news
Fears wastewater will further harm turtle species
A gas giant’s proposed plan to release coal seam gas wastewater during flooding events is sparking fears for two endangered turtle species that breathe through their bums.
A Santos Spokesperson said there would only be a limited release of water during flooding events, which would be monitored and would not harm the turtles or environment.
This contradicts the company’s own findings in their initial referral documents.
Noosa Shire Council housing crisis
The Noosa Shire Council proposed a solution to its housing crisis, which allow ‘secondary dwellings’ to be built on existing properties.
The pilot scheme aimed to resolve the issue of granny flats being rented out to tenants, who are not members of the same ‘household’ being illegal.
The proposal is to be approved by the State Government for implementation.
In recent times, the Noosa area experienced population loss due to housing cost affordability.
QLD state budget UPDATE
Continuing our coverage of the state budget today, Queensland's debt levels were set to reach 130 billion by 2023-24 due to increased borrowings and a failure to raise revenue as a result of the pandemic.
State treasurer Cameron Dick pointed out that Queensland's total debt will still be lower than New South Wales and Victoria by 2023-24.
We will continue with our budget coverage in the next bulletin.
Concerns on children's mental health post-Covid
New research showed parents are unsure about where to go to address their children’s mental health in a post-Covid world.
Tom Osbourne from Chology said in a survey of one thousand participants, parents said they were waiting for 6 to 18 months to see a professional.
90% of respondents worried about the impacts of Covid on their childrens’ wellbeing.
Osbourne said telehealth is an option to avoid these waits and, “is why telehealth services are an amazing option for parents to get that fast and effective professional support to help their kids”.
GP's to administer vaccination for elderly and those with disabilities
Health Minister Greg Hunt announced a big change to the COVID-19 vaccine rollout.
Australia’s GP’s able to administer doses for people with disabilities and the eldery at their homes and residential facilities.
Mr Hunt said it is about expanding the vaccination program, bringing it to people and to ensure there are continuous vaccination programs in our aged care facilities as those programs continue to go forward.”
China denounced G7 statement
China denounced a joint statement by the Group of Seven leaders scolding Beijing over a range of issues, from human rights to Taiwan.
The G7 demanded a full and thorough investigation of the origins of the virus in China.
China’s embassy in London said looking at the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic should not be politicised