Myanmar nationals granted temporary safe haven in Australia

More than 3000 Myanmar nationals on temporary visas will be able to extend their stay in Australia, while unrest continues in their home country. 

According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, more than 700 and 60 civilians have been killed by security forces since the beginning of the military coup.

Immigration Minister Alex Hawke says providing a safe haven is consistent with Australia’s international obligations. 

Qantas to keep aircraft maintenance in Brisbane

Qantas has announced it plans to keep its heavy aircraft maintenance based at the Brisbane Airport. 

Qantas says the agreement with the Queensland government will deliver a range of benefits in return for the commitment on jobs and investments, including payroll tax waivers, tourism marketing funding and training support.

It also announced its head office will remain in Sydney and Jetstar’s head office will remain in Melbourne.

 

State government rejects BCC proposal for heritage site

The state government has rejected Brisbane City Council’s proposal to buy the heritage listed Lamb House in Kangaroo Point. 

The Department of Environmental Science says the property was designed for private residence and there is no provision for the government to obtain heritage listed properties. 

The property sits on 3,000 square metres of land worth $6 million. 

 

Women's economic security is undermined by government, says report

A new report has shown women’s economic security is being undermined by government systems. 

A pre-Budget report from the Australian Council of Social Services said Australia’s current tax, income support and superannuation systems are entrenching gender inequality. 

ACOSS CEO Dr Cassandra Goldie said the government budget should create a fairer future for women and should show the gender equity impacts of its decisions.

 

 

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.