Uncontrolled space debris heading to earth

Space debris possibly weighing several tonnes is currently on an uncontrolled re-entry phase with earth with parts expected to crash on earth over the next week.

The debris is part of the Long March 5B rocket that recently successfully launched China's first module for its proposed space station.

The uncontrolled entry means that scientists can not predict where pieces will land or if they will burn up on entry.

 

BCC ethics committee meet

During a Brisbane city council meeting of the local government’s ethics committee the council labour opposition raised concerns about the censorship of elected representatives’ views.

The meeting was held to discuss Greens Councillor Jonathan Sri’s comments about a NSW police officer’s alleged assault of a 16-year-old Aboriginal boy last year.

Yesterday the NSW police officer was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and common assault.

 

Cashless welfare cards new job program

The federal government's cashless debit card program is set to roll out a job ready program at Bundaberg and Hervey Bay in Queensland.

The controversial program holds 80 percent of a person's welfare payments to only be spent on food from participating supermarkets.

Monash University researcher Luke Greenacre says that the trial research has only shown minor outcomes.

 

Kakadu Traditional Owners close area

Traditional owners of the Kakadu National park have decided to close down access to the very popular Gunlom area.

The Gunlom Land Trust chairperson Mick Markham told authorities that the closure is “a result of Parks breach of our lease agreement and lack of respect for our sacred sites"

Mr Markham has apologised to tourists but most other areas in the park will remain open.

 

India travel ban row rages.

Assistant Multicultural Affairs Minister Jason Wood has declared that most Australians support the federal government's controversial India travel ban.

Mr Wood told the ABC that “we have to put every measure in place to protect Australians"

The Travel ban has left an estimated 9,000 Australians stranded in India during the worsening outbreak.

 

4 y/o boy attacked by dingo

A four year old boy has been bitten by a dingo on Fraser island in the third attack this year and the second attack in 2 weeks.

Two boys were approached by the dingo on orchid beach, the boys ran towards their home and the dingo bit one of the boys on the thigh.

He suffered two small red marks and a graze to his thigh and did not require medical assistance.

 

Sir David Attenborough cheers on Sunny coast couple

Sir David Attenborough is supporting two sunshine coast environmentalists that have self funded a children's book that includes a postcard to be sent to the Prime Minister.

The couple received a handwritten letter from Sir David Attenborough cheering them on in their efforts.

The postcards are designed to give a voice to people who are not old enough to vote.

 

Flu vaccinations down

Queensland healthcare professionals are reporting that flu vaccinations are significantly lower this year.

Mount Isa Pharmacy First owner and pharmacist Leigh Houldsworth says that she is seeing a 30 to 40 percent decline in influenza vaccines being delivered this year.

Gold Coast doctors are warning flu cases could increase this year, partly due to increased domestic and trans-Tasman movement.

 

Inquest hears from guards

A warning to listeners, the next story contains distressing details of deaths in custody and the names of a deceased Aborignal person.

The coronial inquest has heard from a prison guard in charge of 20 year old man, Bailey Mackander, who died in custody in November 2019 .

The Inquest heard that when Mr Mackander called for help with chest pains and difficulty breathing, the guard replied saying “there's nothing wrong with you, other than your attitude"

The inquest is expected to run for a full week before resuming in July.

 

Extend visas for Myanmar nationals

The federal government has extended the visas for Myanmar nationals living in Australia.

There are more than  3,300 Myanmar citizens in Australia that have been worried about returning home during the military coup.

Immigration Minister Alex Hawke said his department would be writing to the visa-holders with advice on how to "lawfully remain" in Australia.