Category Archives: headline

headline

Grand final given green light as Queensland records zero new cases

Queensland has recorded zero new local cases of COVID-19 in the last day as authorities give the NRL grand final the green light to proceed as planned.

In the past 24 hours almost 20,000 vaccines were administered across the state.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said Queensland was "not out of the woods yet" and urged families to get vaccinated as a group.

"Vaccination is the key. I have said that time and time again," Ms Palaszczuk said.

READ MORE: NSW registers sharp drop in numbers

READ MORE: Melbourne a day away from becoming world's most locked-down city as more than 1200 cases recorded

"Make it a family outing. If you are going out to South Bank, drop into the convention centre and get your vaccine. There are hubs right across Queensland and they are accepting walk-ins. There is no excuse to not get your vaccine."

Yesterday, two new local cases of the virus were recorded, again narrowly avoiding a lockdown.

Health Minister Yvette D'Ath said the two cases were the children of previous infections, and that it was unlikely they posed any significant threat to the community.

READ MORE: Singapore hits highest daily number of Covid-19 cases since the start of the pandemic

She said investigations into their activity in the community were, however, ongoing.

"They are young individuals in the household, so it is unlikely they have been to other exposure sites beyond what their parents have, but, of course, that investigation is occurring at the moment," Ms D'Ath said.

This morning, ARL Commission chairman Peter V'landys confirmed that the grand final will go ahead as originally planned at Suncorp Stadium on tonight.

headline

Violence toward Sydney retail staff skyrockets during pandemic

Abuse toward retail staff has skyrocketed in Sydney during the COVID-19 pandemic, new government data has revealed.

Verbal abuse, threats and violence has intensified by almost 80 per cent in some suburbs of Sydney during the last financial year, according to data collected by the McKell Institute from Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research.

The research suggests that the abuse has been the worst in areas in south-western Sydney such as Campbelltown, which were under the strictest lockdown laws in the country, adding immense pressure to communities.

READ MORE: NSW Planning Minister Rob Stokes puts his hand up to take over as Premier

Stalking, harassment and intimidation at retail and wholesale outlets rose by 24 per cent in Fairfield, 44 per cent in the CBD and up to 78 per cent in Campbelltown, according to the data.

Bernie Smith, NSW Secretary of the SDA, the union for retail, fast food and warehouse workers said the new figures were alarming.

"These increases are as alarming as they are predictable, especially as shops prepare to re-open and face a rapid influx of shoppers," Mr Smith said.

READ MORE: NSW continues downward trend in cases

Empty streets in Campbelltown as the region enters a stricter lockdown.

"As the retail sector prepares for a burst of pent-up activity heading into the festive season, these figures show that retail workers have genuine reason to fear that 'vaccine passports' and QR codes could prove a flashpoint for customer abuse as retail reopens.

"The SDA is now engaged in ongoing discussions with the government on the need for improved protections for shop workers, including specific provisions in Public Health Orders and in legislation for increased penalties for threatening, abusing, intimidating or assaulting retail employees."

Mr Smith said that is it not the responsibility of retail to workers to ensure that public health orders are complied with and warned that staff will face major challenges in weeks to come after the state opening up.

READ MORE: Singapore hits highest daily number of Covid-19 cases since the start of the pandemic

"It is not the responsibility of retail workers as restrictions are lifted to enforce shopper compliance with government regulations and requirements," he said.

"Enforcement is the responsibility of government which imposed them and employers.

"As the economy opens up and we head toward the Christmas shopping crush we need to respect and protect these essential retail workers.

"No one deserves a serve."