Partner violence spurs changes to law
Queensland’s new Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act includes a revised definition of domestic violence and changes to police powers. The new law came into effect this month. Ipswich Women’s Centre Against Domestic Violence program co-ordinator Rebecca Shearman said the 1989 Act was an important milestone but the new legislation took protection a step further. “The Act focuses on partner behaviour rather than isolated incidents – which better reflects the nature... Read More
Asthma appeal focuses on men
Asthma Foundation Queensland this month launched a $50,000 appeal for “Men managing asthma”, a new community training program. The 2013 program will be in memory of Grant Fair, a 43-year-old Robina man who died from an asthma attack last year. His wife Mary Fair told Asthma Foundation Queensland (AFQ) that her husband was a “bloke” who did not take asthma seriously. “He missed doctor’s appointments, skipped taking his preventer medication, and believed the... Read More
Police called to evict councillor from meeting
Outspoken independent councillor Nicole Johnston was evicted by police from Brisbane City Council chamber this afternoon. Police were called when Cr Johnston refused to accept a suspension order and leave the chamber during a 10-minute adjournment of the meeting. Three police officers arrived after 20 minutes and one entered the chamber to escort Cr Johnston. Cr Johnston told the police officer that her suspension was illegal as council chairman Cr Margaret de Wit had refused... Read More
Angry Victorian teachers threaten more strikes
Rolling work stoppages across Victorian schools have been threatened, with the first to occur in Premier Ted Baillieu’s electorate of Hawthorn. As part of Wednesday’s teachers strike Australian Education Union (AEU) members voted not to hold another full-day strike this year but instead implement rolling work stoppages expected to be begin in Term 4. However it was confirmed if a resolution was not reached with the government then another full day strike would occur on February... Read More
Library gives support to citizen journalists
Opportunities for citizen journalists have been opened in a multi-media newsroom project at the State Library of Queensland. CitizenJ, an innovation of the library’s digital cultural centre The Edge, will let people try their hand at reporting and editing, with a view to adding to media diversity. Training includes journalism, video, film editing, audio production, web design and the interfacing of artistic crafts. The Edge’s executive manager Matt Fallon said members... Read More