8 new locally acquired cases and 2 overseas acquired cases of COVID-19 have been detected in Queensland overnight. The premier has confirmed that 6 are close contacts of confirmed cases and 2 cases are still under investigation. Health officials believe that the cases originated from two distinct clusters one of which is related to a doctor who worked at the Princess Alexandra hospital and another which is related to a nurse who worked at the Princess Alexandra hospital.

The Greater Brisbane lockdown has caused businesses to push for Good Friday trading to be permitted as they fear consequences of having to close. Queensland residents are cancelling holiday plans while visitors who planned to come to Queensland are cancelling too. Tourism and Transport Chief Executive Margy Osmond says Queensland businesses are teetering on the edge of the precipice.

Police are investigating allegations that federal Liberal MP Andrew Laming secretly photographed a girl from behind as she was bending over. Mr Laming’s accuser allegedly attended Cleveland police station on Monday having documented the 2019 incident. Laming was forced to rule out running in next year’s federal election 2 days ago following numerous allegations he trolled and harassed women in his electorate online.

Melbourne against Horse-Drawn Carriages activists will gather outside the City of Melbourne council meeting today at 5pm. Calling on Lord Mayor Sally Capp and Councillors to take immediate action against horse-drawn carriages. A horse dropped dead on the street earlier this month while being used to pull a carriage. Horse-Drawn carriages were banned from street-trading by the City of Melbourne in July 2017 and have been operating illegally ever since. Campaign Director of Melbourne Against Horse-Drawn Carriages Kristin Leigh says Sally Capp has failed the horses.

United Nations High Commissioner for human rights Michelle Bachelet is holding serious negotiations with China to gain unfettered access to the Xinjiang region to verify reports that Muslim Uyghurs are being held in forced labour camps. China said that it would welcome a visit by Ms. Bachelet but stated that the visit should not be used as a form of ‘political manipulation’ to pressure China. The Chinese government continues to deny mistreatment and asserts that all ethnic groups in Xinjiang and the Tibetan regions enjoy wide ranging freedoms.

Islamic State claims it has seized the Mozambican town of Palma after a days-long battle with government forces. The town is home to 75,000 people, as well as a multi-billion dollar gas project being built by French corporation Total. Mozambique’s northern region of Cabo Delgado, in which Palma is located, has been battling Islamist insurgency for several years, displacing over 600, 000 people.

The first Moreton Bay Red Ride is set to happen on May first. Motorcyclists will ride from Caboolture to Redcliffe, through Samford and Woodford to take a stand against domestic and family violence. The event will also raise money for three children’s charities. Act for Kids, Save the Children Australia and Variety - the Children’s Charity. Moreton Bay Regional Councillor Tony Latter proposed the idea that is now being driven by Caboolture Rotary Club with local businesses, politicians and individuals supporting.