Lindy Morrison OAM announces retirement

Lindy Morrison OAM has announced her retirement from Support Act after more than 20 years at the organisation. 

Support Act is Australia's only charity delivering crisis relief and mental health and wellbeing services to artists, crew and music workers. 

Support Act Chairperson Sally Hawland said Lindy has always been a pioneer within the music industry, whether as drummer for the Go Betweens or one of the first musicians with a degree in Social Work. 

 

20 children die in school fire in Niger

At least 20 children have died after a fire at a school in Niger's capital, Niamey.

The fire began late Tuesday afternoon when the children were in lessons, many in straw-hut classrooms. Niger is the world's poorest nation. 

A father who lost his 6-year-old son in the fire says the nation’s government urgently needs to construct safe schools for children. 

 

Arbitrary arrests of LGBTQ+ people rise in Cameroon

Human rights watch campaigners say there has been an increase in people jailed for being a part of the LGBTQ+ community in Cameroon. 

The group alleges at least 24 people have been arbitrarily arrested and threatened by security forces since February. 

Same sex relationships are illegal in 31 African states, with those found guilty facing sentences of up to five years.
 

Inaction on climate change could isolate Australia from trading partners

A new Climate Council report warns Australia needs to reduce carbon emissions to net zero by 2035. 

The report warns failure to do so could see us become increasingly economically isolated from our trading partners and at greater risk of climate-related disasters.

The report says the US Biden presidency has led to a new era of climate cooperation, and other nations may start implementing import tariffs on Australian exports. 


 

Island residents ask to drive golf carts on public roads

Coochiemudlo Island residents are petitioning for the Queensland Parliament to legalise the use of golf cart type vehicles on public roads. 

Residents say there are no taxis, buses or transport options for people with disabilities on the island, and golf carts are an eco-friendly solution. 

Queensland Parliament has tabled the petition, which has been signed by 330 people - almost half the island’s population. 

Nurses act against Queensland Health for safer conditions

Queensland nurses and midwives are taking industrial action against Queensland Health. 

Queensland's Nurses and Midwives Union are concerned health care workers treating COVID-19 patients are at risk of contracting the virus because they are not being properly fit-tested for respiratory protection equipment. 

Union secretary Beth Mohle said Queensland Health’s response has been inadequate and vaccines are not the only preventative measure required.

New Gold Coast Council CEO resigns

The newly appointed chief executive of Gold Coast City Council has resigned for health reasons.

David Edwards had been in the job for three weeks after being appointed to the role despite findings of misconduct in his previous state government job.

Gold Coast City councillors will meet next week to decide whether to appoint another candidate or readvertise. 


 

Indigenous people face 20 times the imprisonment rate of the adult population

Legal advocates are calling for a national response to the disproportionate imprisonment of Indigenous people. 

30 years on from the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody, the imprisonment rate of Indigenous people is more than 20 times the imprisonment rate of the adult population.

Law Council of Australia President Jacoba Brasch says the solutions First Nations peoples have consistently provided must be implemented and prioritised.