News

The Northern Territory Parliament has been busy over the past two weeks, passing several controversial bills including the Territory Coordinator Bill and legislation repealing third-party merits reviews. The government also proposed the reinstatement of mandatory sentences for repeat breaches of domestic violence orders and scrapped the NT's renewable energy target.

A NSW government inquiry into the impact of the live sheep export ban has delivered just one recommendation, sparking criticism from farming groups who say it will not address their concerns. The inquiry heard conflicting views on the impact of the ban, with animal welfare groups and NSW Farmers holding opposing positions.

Health authorities in Australia are warning of a rise in measles cases due to declining vaccination rates, urging parents to get their children vaccinated to prevent outbreaks. The highly contagious disease can cause serious complications, and with community immunity falling below the recommended 95%, the risk of widespread outbreaks is increasing.

Blue Mountains residents are launching a class action against the NSW government for refusing to provide blood tests for PFAS contamination, despite evidence of elevated levels in residents and potential health risks. The residents believe the government is not doing enough to protect their health and are demanding free community-wide blood testing.

Chow Tai Fook, co-owner of Brisbane's Queen's Wharf casino, misled authorities about its ties to criminal syndicate boss Alvin Chau, raising concerns about its suitability to hold a casino license. The company's hidden connections to Chau through a Vietnam casino venture violate Queensland law prohibiting casino owners from associating with individuals of "ill repute.