MARCH 12 8AM ZEDLINES
Your 8am Zedlines with Vi & Jay
image: Flickr /VolunteerMatch.org
Workers in Bangladesh now able to sue UK companies in landmark ruling
The England and Wales court of appeal passed a landmark ruling yesterday that strengthens overseas third party workers’ protections against international corporations.
The case involves London-based shipping company Maran, which sends its old vessels to be demolished in South Asia.
The practice exploits South Asian countries’ weak regulations while distancing the shipping company from liability, at least until now.
EU Parliament declares Europe a LGBTIQ freedom zone
The European Parliament has declared the European Union an LGBTIQ freedom zone in retaliation against Polish politicians labelling themselves as ‘LGBT ideology free zones’.
The resolution states that LGBTIQ people in Europe have the right to enjoy the freedom to publicly show their sexual orientation without discrimination.
Four hundred and ninety two members of the European Parliament supported the resolution, one hundred and forty one voted against, and forty six abstained.
NSW eases travel restrictions with New Zealand
In national news, New South Wales health has announced that new rules will apply for people arriving from New Zealand starting today.
People who have visited Auckland in the past fourteen days will not have to stay in hotel quarantine if they are tested for COVID-19 after arriving in New South Wales.
They are still required to self-isolate until a negative result is achieved.
New South Wales health says they will follow up arrivals whose test results are not recorded to inform them of their obligations.
Sunshine Coast to investigate sites for natural burials
In local news, the Sunshine Coast Council has announced plans to investigate sites for natural burials within existing cemeteries.
A natural burial occurs when an individual is buried without using chemicals to embalm the body.
It also typically involves the use of a biodegradable coffin.
Native trees are used in place of headstones and the body’s location is recorded using GPS.
Councillor Winston Johnson says the council’s process includes liaising with local funeral directors to ensure the natural burial offerings meet both community and cultural needs.
Woodford Folk Festival 2021 in doubts
Woodford Folk festival will announce in July whether they will be cancelling for a second year in a row.
The bush-time event meant to be held in January of this year was also cancelled due to the three day lockdown in Brisbane with organisers having to refund 740 tickets.
Woodfordia Incorporated is currently funding their remaining staff through COVID-19 arts grants from both the Queensland and Federal Governments.
Organizers are concerned the ending of job-keeper at the end of the month will see further job cuts.
Ehsan Gelsi: Ephemera
<p><span><span>- Despite his great ability to channel the sounds of electronic pop, my impression is that Ehsan Gelsi doesn’t really come from that world. He’s described as ‘a performer, educator and specialist’ and to add some context to that I think you could also call him a gearhead and salesman for the cutting edge in sythesiser tech; one blessed with a deep knowledge of its history, everything that has led up to this point.
Mindy Meng Wang 王萌 and Tim Shiel: Nervous Energy 一 触即发
<p><span><span><em>- Nervous Energy</em> is the latest release by non-profit label <strong>Music In Exile</strong>. A collaboration between accomplished Guzheng performing artist <strong>Mindy Meng Wang</strong>, who’s main interest is to free the Guzheng, revolutionising its use as an ancient twenty-one-string instrument and <strong>Tim Shiel</strong>, the equally accomplished musician and mediator who wants to free the artist from a prosaic industry and monopolised technologies.
March 11 11am Zedlines
Your 11am Zedlines with Daniela & Tina
Image: Flickr / USAID.
US returns archaeological pieces to Mexico
The United States has returned 280 archaeological pieces to Mexico, amid efforts to recover the country’s cultural heritage.
The archaeological assets, which include pre-Hispanic pieces, were stolen from various sites in Mexico, and have been both seized and surrendered by museums.
Calls for repatriation of art or cultural heritage have increased in recent years, as Western museums acknowledge the ethical case of returning often looted objects to their countries of origin.