Zimbabwe considering culling up to 50,000 elephants

Zimbabwe is considering culling half of its elephant population, citing habitat destruction and dangerous human-elephant interactions. 

Zimbabwe Hunters and Guides Association Chair Rob Lurie says entire herds must be killed to prevent post-traumatic stress for surviving animals.

Environment Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu says the country will review scientific evidence and environmental acts before determining a decision.

 

Howard Springs considered by Federal Government for quarantine

The Federal Government is considering using the Howard Springs quarantine site for Australians returning from India once the travel ban ends. 

The Howard Springs facility, outside of Darwin, has been used to quarantine people returning to the Northern Territory from overseas. 

There are 9,000 Australians stranded in India that want to return home, with 900 of those considered vulnerable.

 

Millions poured into regional dialysis

The Government has announced they will spend 2.7 million dollars on renal dialysis facilities in Queensland's central west following a regional cabinet meeting in Longreach. 

The facilities are a part of the 33 dialysis machines promised by the labor government last year. 

Yvette D’Ath said the facilities would be made available in the second half of 2022.

 

Over 30,000 people relocated to QLD following pandemic

43,000 Australians moved from cities to rural towns in the last year, with over 30,000 of those moving to Queensland. 

Australian Bureau of Statistics spokesperson Andrew Howe said this is the highest net gain for Queensland in 12 years. 

Western Australia, South Australia, ACT and Tasmania also saw modest net gains.

 

Public servants urged not to access citizens' private data

Queensland’s corruption watchdog is urging public servants not to access citizens' private data illegally.

Crime and Corruption Commission chair Alan MacSporran said doing so could have detrimental consequences for victims of crimes, including domestic violence.

Mr MacSporran said public servants who access private data do so for curiosity, to gain a benefit or because of stress and warns offenders will be dealt with within the watchdog's internal disciplinary system.

 

Colombian protests against tax laws leave 19 dead

At least 19 people have died and 87 are missing following widespread and week-long protests in Colombia. 

Protests against changes to Colombia’s tax system and President Ivan Duque have allegedly been met with excessive force, with some police officers shooting at demonstrators. 

 

Mr Duque's government withdrew the tax plan on Sunday and his finance minister resigned the following day, but large demonstrations and roadblocks have continued. 

Scottish National Party expected to win Scotland election today

Nicola Sturgeon could be elected as First Minister for another 5 years as Scotland heads to the polls in a Parliamentary election today. 

Ms Sturgeon’s pro-independence Scottish National Party is expected to win the majority in the 129-seat parliament. 

Ms Sturgeon promises to hold a second referendum on Scottish independence in 2023, if the SNP wins.

Federal Court to hear challenge against Australia's ban on outbound travel today

The Federal Government's outbound travel ban will be challenged in federal court by LibertyWorks - a conservative non-profit group. 

The group launched legal action against Australia’s travel ban in December last year, arguing it is a breach of fundamental human rights. 

LibertyWorks representatives said inbound passengers could remain while outbound travelers could be made aware that leaving Australia does not guarantee a return.

City Hall to introduce family friendly meeting hours

Brisbane City Council introduces ‘family-friendly’ hours and video conferencing for its council and committee meetings. 

Councilors campaigned for the changes last year to better support participation and flexibility, particularly for those who need to care for children.

Cr Adrian Schrinner said the move supports councillors who have children to participate in the democratic process.

“It is really important that we support parents in our team with that flexibility,” he said.