Tag Archives: oceania

headline

Clive Palmer slammed over 'scaremongering' COVID flyers

Controversial businessman and former MP Clive Palmer have been slammed by medical authorities after being behind a wave of flyers accused of spreading COVID-19 misinformation across Australia.

The yellow flyers, labelled with the words "Urgent Communication", contain claims about the state of the country's pandemic situation as well claims about the multiple COVID-19 vaccines available to Australians.

The flyer's statement also implicates Australia's medical watchdog, claiming "The Therapeutic Goods Administration and the Government are spreading misleading information designed to create fear in the population".

READ MORE: State-by-state guide to border restrictions and lockdowns

The flyers, labelled with the words "Urgent Communication", contain claims about the state of the country's pandemic situation as well claims about the multiple COVID vaccines available to Australians. PSA President Chris Freeman said the information presented in the flyers could be "dangerous".

The stunt has been labelled "misinformation at best" by both the TGA and Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, with PSA President Chris Freeman saying the information presented could be "dangerous".

Statements made in the flyer also include "There is no pandemic in Australia".

"The more significant side effects are very very rare … and drug companies will still be held to account should things go wrong," PSA President Chris Freeman told 9News.

Residents have also accused Mr Palmer of "scaremongering" through the campaign, with some showing concern for how it might affect older Australian's decision making.

Clive Palmer.

"I just don't know what to believe and my concern is for people my age," Brisbane resident Gloria told 9News.

"There are some people that really are a bit nervous about it and when you read that it makes you more nervous … this is too serious to play around with."

Mr Palmer has "strongly defended" the campaign in a statement, saying "all of the advertisements quoted TGA reported facts.

"I believe it is … a reasonable assumption that if people are vaccinated and then they die … the vaccine may have been the cause of their deaths,'' Mr Palmer said.

headline

Stabbing death of iconic cafe owner deemed an act of terror

The Victorian coroner has found the 2018 stabbing attack that killed Melbourne cafe icon Sisto Malaspina was a terror attack.

On November 9, 2018, Hassan Khalif Shire Ali parked his ute on Bourke Street and set it alight.

Over the next 19 seconds, he stabbed three people, killing Mr Malaspina, before he was shot dead by police.

READ MORE: Daniel Andrews returns to work, hits back at 'vile stories'

Sisto Malaspina was stabbed to death in the Bourke Street attack.

Today the attack was ruled a premeditated act of terrorism.

State coroner John Cain found Shire Ali was motivated by his allegiance to Islamic State when he carried out the stabbing spree.

Shire Ali was a national security person of interest at the time and his criminal behaviour was escalating in the lead-up to the rampage.

The coroner was critical of Victoria Police's Security Intelligence Unit, finding that its "deficient" policies may have led to missed opportunities to prevent the attack.

Today, Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton said the force was reviewing procedures.

"We've had an independent review in regards to the way we share information, and we are confident that independent review has taken us forward," he said.

READ MORE: Victoria Police won't hesitate to issue $5k fine for border breaches as state records zero local cases

Sisto Malaspina ran a well-known Melbourne cafe called Pellegrini's Bar.

The coroner said while the actions of one man intended to intimidate and harm, the actions of others on Bourke Street that day demonstrated the opposite.

Mr Cain praised the bravery of bystanders like Rod Patterson.

The Tasmanian tourist was the first person stabbed when he tried to help Shire Ali after his ute caught fire.

Shire Ali then stabbed a security guard and Mr Malaspina – the much-loved owner of the iconic Pellegrini's Cafe who died at the scene.

The police use of lethal force was found to be justified in the circumstances.

READ MORE: Video captures ferocious fire destroying Victorian property

The coroner commended the officer's restraint in a volatile situation.

The officer who shot Shire Ali had only graduated from the academy five months earlier.

Among the key recommendations from the coroner is more collaboration between intelligence agencies and a renewed focus on deradicalisation programs.

The findings have been handed down on the eve of Mr Malaspina's birthday.

He would have turned 77 tomorrow.

headline

Man in wheelchair 'refused booking at Melbourne restaurant'

A Melbourne man says he was refused a restaurant booking because the war veteran's wheelchair was considered too big for the venue.

Joel Sardi shared his story on social media, saying he had "never been more offended or upset" by the Ginger Garlic staff member's response when he informed them he required a wheelchair.

"I went to book for five people at a restaurant in Eltham … when I called up they accepted the booking for five people but then I told them I was in a wheelchair, they said 'I'm sorry we can't accept your booking based on the fact you're in a wheelchair,'" he said.

READ MORE: Daniel Andrews returns to work, hits back at 'vile stories'

Mr Sardi said the staff member he spoke to told him "we need the money and your wheelchair will take up too much space".

The Afghanistan war veteran went to the restaurant and spoke to the boss, who reiterated they could not fit Mr Sardi in the venue – while he was in the restaurant itself.

"I looked around the restaurant and there were numerous tables I could have sat at on that night."

"It's 2021, it's Melbourne, we have human rights for this reason so people don't get discriminated against.

READ MORE: Victoria Police won't hesitate to issue $5k fine for border breaches as state records zero local cases

"I have never been more offended or upset based on the fact I was discriminated against because of my disability.

"A pretty low night for me."

The restaurant has been contacted for comment.