Labor takes victory in the WA State Election with the Liberal Party set for an unprecedented election wipeout.
Tag Archives: oceania
AFL fans considering cancelling memberships after COVID changes
For the past 10 years Michael Andrews has spent every Adelaide Crow's home game cheering alongside his brother.
But that may not be happening this AFL season.
Changes to seating arrangements to cater for reduced capacity at Adelaide Oval mean the gold members have been split 400 bays apart.
READ MORE: Residents of South Australian town say their homes are overrun by midge flies
"My brother's been moved back to the bleachers, the nosebleed section where you're right at the back of the stadium," Mr Andrews said.
"To be moved to some of the worst seats in the stadium, it's pretty rough."
The pair has tried contacting the club numerous times.
"Trying to get in touch with the club, it's almost impossible," Mr Andrews said.
"You can email, you can call and you're just not getting a response or an answer."
Now they're considering giving up their memberships entirely.
READ MORE: New Zealand marks two years since Christchurch mosque killings
Seventy-year-old Lyndall Johnson is also outraged her seat has been reallocated from the ground level to level five.
It is a climb the Crows fanatic says that she can't manage because she suffers from a heart condition and vertigo.
"I wouldn't feel comfortable doing it. In fact, I feel quite frightened," Ms Johnson said.
"I don't really think I'm getting value for my money if I can't sit in a seat which is suitable for me and my particular health problems.
READ MORE: Pictures of the week: Pope's rockstar Iraq visit pulls a unique crowd
"I may have to consider cancelling my subscription if I can't change my seat".
The Adelaide Football Club said it was dealing with a high number of inquiries and would work to address seating issues as a priority.
The club said 15 per cent of its members have been affected by the new COVID seating plan and staff would work around the clock to resolve concerns before round one.
The first game is against Geelong at Adelaide Oval in a week's time.
Daniel Andrews moved out of ICU
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has tweeted after being moved from the intensive care unit into a ward at the Alfred Hospital.
Mr Andrews said it was "good to get out of ICU and settled in new digs", sharing a photo – the first we've seen the Premier since his fall.
"Thanks for all your messages and well wishes. It really means a lot," he added.
Mr Andrews has a "very long journey" to recovery after a "nasty" fall at his home, but won't require surgery at this stage.
Mr Andrews has been in intensive care since fracturing his T7 vertebrae and breaking multiple ribs when he fell on wet stars at a holiday home on the Mornington Peninsula on Tuesday morning.
Earlier today, the Alfred Hospital's Intensive Care Unit director said the premier was in good spirits and would be moved to a ward in a stable condition.
READ MORE: Premier Daniel Andrews 'up and about' in good spirits after 'nasty fall'
"Mr Andrews is comfortable and doing well," Professor Steve McGloughlin said.
"There is no plan for surgery at this stage."
Mr Andrews said his road to recovery still has a way to go as he shared the hospital's statement on social media.
https://twitter.com/DanielAndrewsMP/status/1370582186991099912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
"The good news is no surgery for now – but the doctors tell me recovery and rehab is still going to be a very long journey," he said on Twitter.
"Our thanks to the entire team at (the Alfred Hospital) for their care and professionalism.
"Like all our health professionals, they are the best of Victoria."
The premier issued a statement revealing he had slipped as he was leaving for a media conference in Healesville to announce an inquiry into Indigenous reconciliation on Tuesday.
READ MORE: Unvaccinated Brisbane doctor feared to have UK strain of coronavirus
"A CT scan has revealed several broken ribs and vertebrae damage, and subsequent medical advice has recommended I remain in intensive care for the next few days," Mr Andrews said.
"Cath, the kids and I are extremely grateful to the Ambulance Victoria paramedics who showed such care and kindness to our family this morning, as we are to the clinicians who have taken care of me today.
"Our warm and sincere thanks go to the many family members, friends, colleagues and Victorians who have sent messages of love and support throughout the day."
NZ marks two years since Christchurch shooting
New Zealand on Saturday marked the second anniversary of one of its most traumatic days, when 51 worshippers were killed at two Christchurch mosques by a white supremacist gunman.
Several hundred people gathered at the Christchurch Arena for the remembrance service, which was also livestreamed. A similar service planned for last year was cancelled at short notice due to the sudden spread of the coronavirus.
Kiran Munir, whose husband Haroon Mahmood was killed in the attacks, told the crowd she had lost the love of her life and her soulmate.
She said her husband was a loving father of their two children. He'd just finished a doctoral degree and was looking forward to his graduation ceremony when she last saw his smiling face.
"Little did I know that the next time I would see him the body and soul would not be together," she said.
"Little did I know that the darkest day in New Zealand's history had dawned. That day my heart broke into a thousand pieces, just like the hearts of the 50 other families."
Temel Atacocugu, who survived being shot nine times during the attack on the Al Noor mosque, said the slaughter was caused by racism and ignorance.
"They were attacks on all of humanity," he said.
He said the survivors would never be able to erase the pain in their hearts and would never be the same.
"However, the future is in our hands," he said. "We will go on and we will be positive together."
In the March 15, 2019, attacks, Australian Brenton Tarrant killed 44 people at the Al Noor mosque during Friday prayers before driving to the Linwood mosque, where he killed seven more.
Last year Tarrant, 30, pleaded guilty to 51 counts of murder, 40 counts of attempted murder and one count of terrorism, He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
After the attacks, New Zealand quickly passed new laws banning the deadliest types of semiautomatic weapons.
During the service, the names of each of the 51 people who were killed were read out. The efforts of first responders, including police and medics, were also acknowledged.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern told the crowd that when preparing her speech, she had been at a loss for what to say because words would never change what happened.
"But while words cannot perform miracles, they do have the power to heal," she said.
The Muslim community had experienced hatred and racism even before the attacks, she said, and words should be used for change.
"There will be an unquestionable legacy from March 15," Ardern said.
"Much of it will be heartbreaking. But it is never too early or too late for the legacy to be a more inclusive nation."
Lotto riches: Lucky Kiwi wakes up $8.2 million richer
One lucky Lotto player has woken up $8.2 million richer this morning.The big win in Saturday’s draw comes via a Lotto Powerball ticket bought at Paper Plus in Matamata.The winner’s prize includes $8m from Powerball, and a further…
States and territories respond to Queensland COVID-19 case
States have warned residents who have travelled to high-risk locations in Brisbane to self-isolate as Queensland health authorities probe whether an infected doctor has the UK strain of coronavirus.
A Queensland doctor infected while treating coronavirus patients at a Brisbane hospital had not yet been vaccinated and is feared to have the UK strain.
Her diagnosis sparked the lockdown of Princess Alexandra Hospital last night as health authorities try to contain the potential spread of the virus.
New South Wales, ACT, Victoria and Tasmanian health authorities have responded in-kind, asking for travellers to self-isolate but stopping short of closing borders as contact tracing and testing continues.
READ MORE: AstraZeneca says 'no evidence' of blood clot risk from vaccine
The health departments are asking anyone arriving into NSW from Queensland after March 11 to check the Queensland Health website for public health instructions.
Several venues of concern in Brisbane have been identified.
Anyone who has attended one of the following venues listed on the website during the relevant times is asked to immediately self-isolate until Thursday, March 25.
- Morning After Café, corner Vulture and Cambridge St, West End on Thursday, March 11 between 2pm and 3.15pm 14:00 – 15:15
- Corporate Box Gym, East Brisbane, 368A Logan Road, Greenslopes on Thursday, March 11 2021 17:45 – 19:00
- Stones Corner Hotel, 346 Logan Road Stones Corner Thursday 11 March 2021 18:30 – 19:45
Queensland Health said further information is being obtained on the Corporate Box Gym and Stones Corner Hotel venues and the risk assessment may be updated.
https://twitter.com/VicGovDH/status/1370606267308384257
The McDonalds drive through at 235 Old Cleveland Road, Coorparoo is considered a low risk venue.
Anyone who was there on Thursday, March 11 from 03:10am to 03:20am is asked to monitor for symptoms.
Anyone who has entered NSW from Greater Brisbane since Thursday, March 11 and who has not attended any of the venues listed above must still be alert for symptoms.
If symptoms occur, residents should get tested immediately and isolate until you receive a negative result.
In addition, anyone who has been in Greater Brisbane since Thursday, March 11 should avoid non-essential visits to hospitals and residential aged care facilities until further notice.
Infected doctor
Despite being three weeks into the vaccination program, the Princess Alexandra Hospital doctor had not been given her first dose of the coronavirus vaccine.
The doctor assessed two positive cases on Wednesday night, both of whom were being treated for the UK strain of COVID-19.
The doctor developed symptoms on Thursday and tested positive to the virus yesterday.
It is not yet known whether the doctor has contracted the UK strain however Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said it was likely results would confirm that to be the case.
Queensland Health Minister Yvette D'Ath said the doctor was considered a top priority for vaccinations, along with 37,000 others.
She said that group of 37,000 included front line health workers, hotel quarantine staff, paramedics, border control staff and cleaners.
"All of these 37,000 people are equally important to each other," Ms D'Ath said.
"Every one of them need the vaccine as soon as we can possibly give it to them."
Half of the priority group at the Princess Alexandra Hospital have already received the jab, but not the infected doctor.
The hospital is currently working to contact any patients who may have been in contact with the doctor during her infectious period as well as any transfers that may have occurred through the state's ambulance system.
https://twitter.com/AnnastaciaMP/status/1370533539599458307
Ms Palaszczuk said the next 72 hours would be "critical" in determining whether further community transmission had occurred.
The Queensland Premier has said the doctor has spent "very limited" time in the community, urging the community to remain calm.
"I don't want everyone to be alarmed at present," she said.
Three new cases of overseas acquired coronavirus have been diagnosed overnight.
New hospital restrictions
All non-essential visits to patients at the Princess Alexandra Hospital have been banned, elective surgeries postponed and a mask mandate for anyone attending the hospital.
Queensland Health said the emergency department would remain open but urged potential patients to choose another hospital or GP if possible.
"Staff will wear masks at all times," a Queensland Health statement said.
READ MORE: Victoria's suspended hotel quarantine costing more than $1m a day
"Patients will be required to wear masks at all times unless it is not clinically appropriate.
"Non-urgent outpatient bookings and elective surgery will be postponed."
Hospital staff are also looking to stand up a second testing clinic in case of a surge in testing numbers.
"There may be some long lines so be prepared for that if you're coming forward any getting tested," Ms D'Ath said.
Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms is urged to get tested immediately and isolate until receiving a negative result.
Vaccination push
Queensland will begin a rapid increase in the state's vaccination rollout with over 18,000 people having received the jab so far.
The state is halfway through the first cohort of 37,000 frontline health workers in line to receive the vaccine.
The state will now begin the second stage of the vaccine rollout plan which includes a cohort of one million Queenslanders.
READ MORE: NSW 'disappointed' by billion-dollar tourism support package
Injured Pukekohe man dies, two shot in South and West Auckland
A second person has died after a woman was found dead in South Auckland this week.The man died in hospital overnight Friday.The body of Toakase Finau, 29, was found when police arrived at a McNally Rd, Pukekohe, property to do…
EPA ordered to pay oil and gas company BW Offshore $110,000
By Robin Martin of RNZ In a scathing Environment Court decision, the Environmental Protection Authority has been ordered to pay $110,000 to an oil and gas company it prevented from disconnecting a floating production station from…
New Zealand remembers Christchurch terror attack at national service
Monday marks the second anniversary of the Christchurch terror attack – one of the darkest days in New Zealand’s history where 51 people were murdered as they gathered to pray. Today a national remembrance service was held to mark…
ESR scientists to test vaping products for nicotine levels, alcohol and illegal drugs
New Zealand scientists are for the first time testing the 150 vaping products on the market, to check for nicotine levels and ethanol, and after illicit drugs were found in some liquids overseas.The study by ESR, the Institute of…