Australian politics news and info
Snails have teeth. Not one or two, but about 40,000 teeth. For John Stanisic aka The Snail Whisperer, this snail fact is one of his all-time favourites. “Our native species in Australia have between 30,000 to 40,000 teeth,” Dr Stanisic said. “Snails have a ribbon of teeth called the radular and there are many rows in … Read more
Natasha Reynolds is heavily pregnant and terrified of going into labour before she makes it to her closest hospital — two hours’ drive away. Key points: The Chinchilla maternity ward has been on bypass since at least 2017, with women having to travel to Dalby or Toowoomba to give birth The town is not alone, with … Read more
Two young women who were premature triplets at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH) have returned to work as nurses, caring for a new generation of sick newborns. Rebecca Adam and Brenna Warren work at the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) alongside Gillian Lack, one of the people who nursed them as babies in … Read more
Whether it’s getting a manicure, going to a yoga class, a fishing trip, drinks with mates or a streaming subscription — sometimes the things that make us happy cost money. But for many Australians struggling with the cost of living, more and more expenses are becoming luxuries. So when is spending a little on ourselves … Read more
With inflation, house prices, rents and the cost of living rising RBA Governor Philip Lowe told senate estimates this week more Australians need more people in their dwellings. But for many this is already an uncomfortable reality as pressures have hit hard and those in the industry have confirmed it is already happening. At 39 … Read more
The first day of the Queensland Labor state conference was as rehearsed as the government probably hoped, with little infighting or division on display. In the sugar city of Mackay, where Labor has held the state seat for more than a century, MPs were keen to portray the government as a united front ahead of … Read more
A humble little dirt track nestled among the hills in Archerfield faces the end of an era this weekend. Key points: Archerfield Speedway will host its final race on Saturday The facility will be permanently closed and the property redeveloped by new land owners Its the only speedway in South-East Queensland It’s where champions from around … Read more
Queensland professor Dan Angus was being interviewed in a television story on ABC News when a South Australian GP noticed something suspicious looking on his cheek. Dr Graeme Siggs, who has a special interest in skin cancer and had never met Professor Angus, noticed he had a brown spot on his cheek and wrote to him to … Read more
How do we find ourselves here? With Noosa Council stashing a mountain of cash it doesn’t really need, while it keeps whacking ratepayers with a total general rate increase that’s above inflation. Let’s come back to that pile of cash in a moment, but first in the words of the advertising slogan – let’s compare … Read more
Australia’s largest barramundi farm has started trialling black jewfish in what is understood as a world first for aquaculture. Key points: Black jewfish are valued for their meat and their thick swim bladders Humpty Doo Barramundi farm is expecting to harvest its first black jewfish in two years Darwin hosted the World Aquaculture Conference this week Humpty Doo … Read more
Salt-crusted dirt crunches under his boots as Anzac Frank treks across the mud flats stretching out towards the blue waters of the Gulf of Carpentaria. The Indigenous ranger is headed towards a stream that’s become a source of deep anxiety for the traditional owners in the western Cape York community of Kowanyama. “It’s turned into a … Read more
We’ve all had an event in the months ahead that would benefit from us knowing the weather forecast well ahead of time. Unfortunately, due to the nature of the atmosphere, it’s impossible to predict the weather on a certain day months in advance. At least, not with any accuracy. But, with advanced modelling, climatologists can give … Read more
A Queensland court has been told of a grieving husband’s heartache, as the woman responsible for a crash that killed his wife is criticised for showing no remorse. Key points: A statement provided by Ms Frewin’s husband described the heartbreak of losing his soulmate The magistrate was “disgusted” by the lack of remorse shown by … Read more
A southern Queensland councillor who took several non-consensual photos of a woman while she was exercising at the gym has been reprimanded for misconduct. Key points: Councillor Brett Qualischefski admitted to taking several non-consensual photos at a gym in Gatton on 2021 He has been reprimanded for his conduct and ordered to undergo counselling Mayor Tanya Milligan … Read more
Queensland school principals are facing pressure from the education department to reduce the number of student suspensions, the teachers’ union says. Key points: A union rejects department reviews of student suspensions, arguing principals are best placed to make decisions The education department says there are no targets for suspensions in schools But the department says there is … Read more
Traditional owners have welcomed the release of a long-awaited consultation plan by the Queensland government that includes options for limiting new oil and gas development in the Lake Eyre Basin. Key points: The Queensland Government is seeking community feedback on options to protect the Lake Eyre Basin ahead of the 2024 state election The Regulatory Impact … Read more
Friday June 02, 2023 Advertisement Advertisement Unique mix: First Nations dancer weaves his own Dreamtime at Metro Arts Deep fakes and artificial media are coming for your business, researchers warn Man accused of Gold Coast one-punch death remains behind bars Teen smoking rates triple as vape crackdown looms RBA tipped to pause rate rises next … Read more
Friday June 02, 2023 Advertisement Advertisement Unique mix: First Nations dancer weaves his own Dreamtime at Metro Arts Deep fakes and artificial media are coming for your business, researchers warn Man accused of Gold Coast one-punch death remains behind bars Teen smoking rates triple as vape crackdown looms RBA tipped to pause rate rises next … Read more
NSW co-captain Isabelle Kelly remains in hospital after coughing up blood following an incident in Thursday night’s Women’s State of Origin match against Queensland. Key points: Kelly was hit in the throat as she attempted to tackle Julia Robinson She coughed up blood before being taken to hospital The Sky Blues confirmed Kelly had been cleared … Read more
A Hong Kong-based billionaire at the centre of legal action over a tropical island is now facing calls to make improvements to some of his other properties that have fallen into disrepair in Queensland’s far north. Key points: Billionaire Benny Wu bought the lease for Double Island situated off the Cairns coast in 2012 The Department … Read more