Papua New Guinea in a COVID crisis
The Chief Executive of the Port Moresby General Hospital in Papua New Guinea, Dr. Paki Malumi, said the COVID-19 situation in Papua New Guinea was staggering and frightening.
1791 cases have been recorded in Papua New Guinea since the start of February. Roughly 10% of the hospital's workforce has contracted the virus, but it's likely this is the result of rampant community transmission rather than transmission from patients. A four-week national isolation strategy will begin on Monday and will see schools close and travel restricted.
Scott Morrison refuses to enact substantive reform empowering First Nations people
Prime Minister Scott Morrison says there is not enough public support among Australians for constitutional recognition of First Nations people.
In 2017 the Uluru Statement From The Heart called for a constitutionally-enshrined Indigenous advisory body. However, Scott Morrison says his government is focused on pursuing a voice to parliament and on closing the gap.
New training facility on Ashmore TAFE campus
A new building was opened yesterday at the Ashmore TAFE campus. The $10.5 million training centre will deliver building and construction courses.
This investment comes as part of the Palaszczuk Government’s $150 million program to revitalise TAFE campuses across Queensland.
Highschool students encouraged to improve the community
Southern Cross University in partnership with Young Change Agents has rolled out a program that challenges high school students to develop social enterprise solutions to problems in their local area.
The Gold Coast Changemaker Challenge consists of a one-day design-thinking workshop where teams will come up with innovative ways to improve their social and physical environment.
The Vice President of Engagement at Southern Cross, Mr. Ben Roche, said the university believes in the importance of young people contributing to broader social issues in their communities.
Gold Coast City Council continues with cableway despite locals' objections
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate has announced he will continue with a proposal to create a cableway in the hinterland despite a petition opposing the development.
14,000 signatures were gathered on the petition. Residents argue the money could be better spent without impacting residents and the environment.
The petition will be forwarded to Environment Minister and local MP, Meaghan Scanlon.
Mayor Tate says the cableway is vital for supporting the struggling tourism industry.
19 March 10AM Zedlines
Your 10am Zedlines with Jay and Vi.
Image: Andrew Xu, Flickr
Vaccines to recommence in Europe
French Prime Minister Jean Castex said France will resume vaccinations following a report by the European Medicines Agency confirmed it was safe.
Several European countries, including France, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands, suspended vaccinations following four deaths of patients who developed blood clots after being vaccinated.
The European Medicines Agency reviewed five million people and concluded no link can definitively be found between the blood clots and the vaccine.
Australian Race Discrimination Commissioner proposes plan for national anti-racism framework
Australia’s Race Discrimination Commissioner Chin Tan proposed a new national anti-racism framework on Wednesday.
The federal government’s funding for anti-racism initiatives ended in 2015. The Australian Human Rights Commission has covered the issue since.
The Commissioner says events such as the pandemic, the indigenous Black Lives Matter movement, and the Christchurch shooting, have highlighted currents of racism that otherwise run unchecked in our communities.
Coles Group launches sustainability strategy
Coles has today announced the launch of its new sustainability initiative, called ‘Together to Zero’.
The strategy involves delivering net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The entire Coles Group aims to be powered by 100% renewable energy by the end of the 2025 financial year.
It also aims to reduce scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by more than 75% by the end of the 2030 financial year.
Coles will also purchase wind farms in Ballarat, Victoria, and phase out the sale of single use plastic cutlery and straws from July this year.
Child deaths continue to reduce
Content warning: this Zedline includes mentions of suicide.
Principal Commissioner Cheryl Vardon from the Queensland Family and Child Commission said there has been a welcome reduction in child deaths over time according to data released in a new report.
Child deaths fell by an average of 3% per year from 2004-2019, and transport-related deaths have fallen by an average of 8% per year. However the report also found an increase in rates of suicide for children between 15 and 17 years old.