Oliver Chapman



Bruce Morcombe urges kids to trust their instincts

A positive outlook is absolutely essential for young kids, according to child protection advocate and grieving father Bruce Morcombe. Mr Morcombe was speaking to pupils in Mackay yesterday. He and his wife Denise spoke of the need for kids not to feel weighed down by such events as the tragic abduction and murder of their […]


Protesters clash at Southbank Max Brenner store

Protesters clashed outside chocolate cafe Max Brenner yesterday, when those in support of a boycott on the Israeli-owned business were verbally attacked by counter-protesters. About 40 members of the groups Justice for Palestine, Socialist Alliance and the global Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions on Israel movement, marched on the Southbank store in dismal weather conditions. Indignant […]


Origin fans don’t come any marooner than Steve

Walking up the driveway, any lingering doubts about whether I’d arrived at the right address are immediately dispelled by the visually arresting maroon that smothers the front window of Stephen Swarts’ residence. I step through the doorway where I’m greeted by Swart, who’s donned his (what I imagine to be) characteristic Queensland jersey and beanie. […]


Council accused of inflating flood money request

Brisbane City Council has been accused of artificially inflating its funding request to the Federal Government. Council opposition leader Shayne Sutton slammed the Liberal National majority at today’s meeting, accusing them of waste of taxpayers’ money while siphoning funds from federal and state governments. “You’re artificially inflating the gap in order to hide your mishandling […]


Street poll: Should we ban the burqa?

France has passed laws to ban the wearing of the burqa in public places. The ban has attracted criticism from many people, including human rights groups, but some say there should be similar laws in Australia. We asked people in Brisbane’s Queen Street Mall what they thought.


Deputy Premier attacks Newman’s treatment of dissenters

Campbell Newman’s management of Brisbane City Council showed how he would treat dissenters if elected to power in Queensland, Deputy Premier Paul Lucas said in Parliament today. “In recent times we have seen an LNP member in the Brisbane City Council chamber removed 11 times,” he said. [In fact the councillor suspended, Nicole Johnston, is […]


Newman takes his last bow as mayor

Lord Mayor Campbell Newman has said his goodbyes, giving an extended farewell speech at today’s Brisbane City Council meeting. Cr Newman, who is quitting in a bid to enter Queensland Parliament as leader of the Liberal National Party, reviewed his seven years as mayor and gave thanks to councillors, public servants and council workers. “I […]


Street poll: Should we do more to raise awareness of depression?

With rates of depression increasing in developed countries, support groups and government programs have emerged to give help and raise awareness. But is enough being done, with more than 2000 Australians taking their own lives every year? Newsbytes visited Brisbane’s Queen Street Mall to ask people their views.


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