Updated March 21, 2018 14:57:12
![]() A man has gone missing at sea on board a live cattle export ship en route to Townsville in north Queensland, triggering an investigation into possible foul play. The man, believed to be from the Philippines, went missing from the MV Galloway Express on March 13, but the family were not told for several days afterwards. The ship is owned by Dutch company Vroon and was chartered by Harmony Agriculture, which sends cattle overseas under the name Phoenix Exports. International Transport Workers Federation (ITWF) spokesman Dean Summers said the organisation immediately began investigations into the incident once informed by the family. Mr Summers contacted the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) to confirm the incident had occurred. "We had talked to the Australian authorities we didn't get any information other than to confirm that there had been a man lost over the side," Mr Summers said. "There is conflicting information there are suspicious circumstances we understand and the company refused, according to the family, to update or to talk to the family about their missing loved one." Union frustrated by delay Mr Summers said the delegation from the ITWF was frustrated by the length of time taken before they were allowed to board the ship in Townsville. He said the ITWF had called on Australian Federal Police to intervene in the case, saying Queensland police might not have correct jurisdiction to investigate on the Singaporean-flagged carrier. "There's a language problem, there's a cultural problem we're convinced [the Queensland Police Service] don't know the situation on board the ship," he said. AMSA confirms man overboard report An AMSA spokesperson said in a statement it was aware of the report of a man overboard. ![]() "AMSA was advised by the ship's master on March 14, 2018 that this occurred en route to Australia on March 13, 2018," the spokesperson said. "At the time, the ship was outside Australian waters [in the Flores Sea, north of Timor]. "A search was carried out by local authorities but was later suspended after no signs of the missing person were found." The spokesperson said the ship arrived in the Port of Townsville on March 20, where AMSA understood Queensland police and Australian Border Force (ABF) officers attended the ship upon its arrival. "ABF conducted routine 'first port boarding' procedures and assisted QPS with a vessel search," the spokesperson said. "AMSA will attend the ship today to conduct an unrelated livestock pre-loading inspection and check on the crew's welfare." The ABC has also contacted police and Vroon for comment. Topics:maritime,accidents,unions,law-crime-and-justice,missing-person,disasters-and-accidents,townsville-4810,brisbane-4000,qld,australia First posted March 21, 2018 13:29:33 http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-03-21/foul-play-concerns-as-ships-engineer-goes-missing-townsville-qld/9570322
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Updated March 21, 2018 00:05:03
![]() Australia's largest Islamic school's future hangs in the balance after a full bench of the Federal Court dismissed an appeal against its $19 million federal education funding cut. Malek Fahd Islamic school in Sydney's west had its funding cut two years ago by Federal Education Minister Simon Birmingham over poor governance issues and because it was operating for profit. The school of 2,500 kindergarten to Year 12 students, which has its largest campus in Greenacre, had been able to keep going due to interim appeals in lower courts, internal reforms including a change of board and an overhaul of its relationship with its landlord, the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils. The Federal Court on Tuesday upheld an earlier judgement by the NSW Administrative Appeals Tribunal. In applying to appeal the matter, the school argued "things had changed under its new management" and the school was no longer operated for profit, the judgement said. "The [Education] Minister accepted that some things had changed as a result of the change in [Malek Fahd's] management, but maintained that the school continued to be operated for profit," the judgement said. 'All schools must comply': Minister In a written statement issued on Tuesday, Mr Birmingham said all schools must comply with the Education Act. ![]() "All school authorities must meet the requirements of the Education Act and ensure that our taxpayer dollars and any private investment by parents is being spent to benefit Australian students," he said. The school's board chair John Bennett said he was extremely disappointed in the decision. "It was a split decision by the full bench of the Federal Court. We now need to look at the decision and look at our options," he said. "We will look at appealing the High Court. "If that appeal fails we will not be able to afford to stay open," Dr Bennett said. School to stay open for now The school would continue operating during any appeal process, the chair explained. "We are telling the parents and students that we are doing all we can this is not the same school as two years ago," Mr Bennett said. "I am fully supportive of the money provided by the Government being spent properly. "But looking briefly at today's orders, we believe things have changed since last May's federal court hearing." Dr Bennett said he would also look at appealing directly to the Education Minister. Senator Birmingham said he had written to NSW Education Minister Rob Stokes to "work together to support the school's students, families and staff". Topics:primary-schools,secondary-schools,schools,education,education-industry,greenacre-2190,sydney-2000 First posted March 20, 2018 13:40:56 http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-03-20/malek-fahd-islamic-school-appeal-dismissed/9566418 Updated March 20, 2018 15:58:07
![]() Severe rainfall and potential flooding may hit the Central Coast, Newcastle, Lower Hunter and Manning Rivers from tomorrow morning, according to the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM). The BOM issued a statement saying the coastal trough was expected to bring rainfall until the end of the week and would be on flood watch. BOM also monitoring Sydney and Blue Mountains Sydney, the Blue Mountains and Great Lakes are on the edge "of the worst conditions" and will be monitored, according to state manager Ann Farrell. Ms Farrell said wet conditions were expected in areas to the east of the Great Dividing Range and the rainfall could become severe in areas between Taree and Wollongong. "[There] will be some very heavy bursts of rain and while the specific areas of greatest impact are still uncertain, we expect to see this occurring from early morning on Wednesday, with more to come tomorrow night," Ms Farrell said. ![]() "This could be enough to cause road and riverine flooding, and to create dangerous conditions around stormwater drains, along with slippery roads. "Our primary areas of concern for tomorrow are the Central Coast, Newcastle and Port Stephens areas." 'Clean gutters and downpipes' NSW SES Commissioner Mark Smethurst urged residents in affected locations to prepare for severe weather. "A few simple preparations such as cleaning gutters and downpipes and checking your roof is in good repair can make a big difference in reducing potential damage to your property and reducing calls to our volunteers," Commissioner Smethurst said. "Once severe weather starts, delay non-essential travel, bring pets indoors, park your car under cover, and most importantly, do not drive in floodwater." Topics:weather,nsw,newcastle-2300 First posted March 20, 2018 15:02:53 http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-03-20/bom-issues-flood-warning-for-nsw-coastal-regions/9567266 SA Premier Steven Marshall tight-lipped on Elon Musk battery storage plan after election win3/19/2018 Updated March 19, 2018 23:55:01
![]() The fate of South Australia's deal with Elon Musk's Tesla to supply free household batteries to 50,000 homeowners remains uncertain, following the electoral defeat of SA Labor. Former premier Jay Weatherill announced the policy in February with much fanfare, declaring it would create the world's "largest virtual power plant". Under the plan, more than 1,000 housing trust homes were to receive the scheme over the following year, with another 49,000 properties to get solar panels and Tesla batteries over the next four years. ![]() But it is unclear how much of the project which was announced about a fortnight before the government entered caretaker mode was formally entered into. At the time of the announcement, on February 4, Mr Weatherill said a deal had just been signed in the United States. When asked a day later whether he would honour Labor's plan, the then Liberal leader, now Premier, Steven Marshall said "we're not against these type of proposals". "My understanding is that Labor have signed up their plan, so there's going to be 1,000 of these new systems installed in housing trust homes between now and July next year," Mr Marshall said on February 5. "We don't have any plans to stop what they have signed up to but we certainly don't have any plans whatsoever to change one single component of our energy solution." The Tesla plan shares similarities with a Liberal policy to create a $100 million household fund to provide means-tested grants allowing battery storage units in 40,000 homes. But there are differences between the schemes, including the number of properties earmarked to benefit, and the fact that half the recipients under Labor would be housing trust tenants. ![]() Labor would have funded the rollout of the Tesla plan with a $2 million grant and a $30 million loan from the Renewable Technology Fund. Unlike Labor, the Liberals have not publicly nominated a private partner, such as Tesla, to help implement their scheme. On Monday, Mr Marshall and deputy Vickie Chapman would not be drawn on how much of Labor's policy would be adopted. When asked by ABC RN Breakfast's Fran Kelly about the plan to equip housing trust properties with Tesla batteries, Mr Marshall today replied: "That's not part of our agenda. Our agenda is 40,000 homes." But when queried about the Tesla plan after being sworn-in as premier, he added: "We don't know where that is [at] but any contracts the [previous] government's entered into we'll be honouring them, there's no doubt about that. "Any other items that they flagged during the election, we're happy to look at it but we've got our own energy policy agenda and we'll be rolling that out as a priority." ![]() Ms Chapman was non-committal when asked about the Tesla deal on ABC Radio Adelaide. "There's been no cabinet decisions made and no announcements by the leader or any executive decision on those sorts of policies," she said. "We've set a fairly comprehensive plan in relation to energy." That plan involves a new interconnector with New South Wales and a rejection of Labor's Renewable Energy Target of 75 per cent. Topics:state-parliament,states-and-territories,elections,government-and-politics,solar-energy,environment,adelaide-5000,sa First posted March 19, 2018 21:00:29 http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-03-19/sa-liberals-tight-lipped-on-musk-solar-battery-storage-plan/9564784 This service may include material from Agence France-Presse (AFP), APTN, Reuters, AAP, CNN and the BBC World Service which is copyright and cannot be reproduced.
AEDT = Australian Eastern Daylight Savings Time which is 11 hours ahead of UTC (Greenwich Mean Time) http://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2018-03-19/john-underwood-riveren-station/9564068 Updated March 19, 2018 00:37:36
She has been targeted by angry protesters, and human rights lawyers have accused her of crimes against humanity. Pressure has been building on Myanmar's State Counsellor, Aung San Suu Kyi, over the plight of Rohingya Muslims in the north of her country. Now Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has revealed Ms Suu Kyi addressed the controversy head-on during private talks with other South-East Asian leaders at the special Australia-ASEAN summit in Sydney. Hundreds of thousands of Rohingyas are stranded in shocking conditions in Bangladesh after fleeing violence and destruction of their homes in Myanmar's Rakhine state. Malaysia's Prime Minister Najib Razak intervened in the debate during the summit, indirectly criticising Myanmar's treatment of the Muslim minority. Mr Razak said the "suffering" of Rohingya Muslims posed a threat to regional security because they could be more easily recruited by Islamist extremists. Mr Turnbull was pressed about the controversy at a press conference at the conclusion of the summit. "Aung San Suu Kyi addressed the matter comprehensively at some considerable length herself," Mr Turnbull said. "She seeks support from ASEAN and other nations to provide help from a humanitarian and capacity-building point of view." "So our goal is to support a peaceful and speedy resolution of the humanitarian problems, the humanitarian disaster truthfully that has resulted from the conflict." ASEAN is often accused of failing to tackle human rights and the summit's final statement the Sydney Declaration made no specific mention of the crisis. The current chair of the summit, Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, said ASEAN did not have the authority or the capacity to directly intervene in Myanmar's internal affairs. But both Mr Lee and Mr Turnbull acknowledged the scale of the humanitarian crisis. "We're also concerned as human beings, if there's a humanitarian situation that has developed and people's welfare and lives and safety are at stake," Mr Lee said. "And we do our best to help the governments to re-establish stability and tranquillity in the situation." The elephant in the room ![]() ASEAN leaders also trod lightly on an issue which is always fraught for the summit China's militarisation of the South China Sea. Beijing is not part of ASEAN, but several South-East Asian nations have competing claims with China in the sea. The Sydney declaration does not directly criticise Beijing's land reclamation, nor mention China by name. But it echoes some of Australia's concerns about escalating tensions in the region. "We emphasise the importance of non-militarisation and the need to enhance mutual trust and confidence, exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities and avoid actions that may complicate the situation," it says. Singapore's Prime Minister said at the summit's final press conference that the dispute over the South China would not be resolved any time soon. "It's an issue for the rest of the ASEAN countries too because this is a security and stability question," Mr Lee said. ASEAN nations are continuing to negotiate a code of conduct for the South China Sea with Beijing, but it is not yet clear if it will be legally binding in any way. More broadly, Australian officials are hailing the Australia ASEAN summit as a big diplomatic success. They believe the investment of time, money and effort in the summit has created a reservoir of goodwill for Australia, strengthening bonds with countries on our doorstep. The Sydney declaration says Australia is "a vital partner to enhance the region's security and prosperity". That is not language Australia's neighbours have used about the country before. Topics:government-and-politics,international-aid-and-trade,international-financial-institutions,politics-and-government,unrest-conflict-and-war,human-rights,world-politics,federal-government,australia,burma,sydney-2000,asia First posted March 18, 2018 19:30:39 http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-03-18/aung-san-suu-kyi-asks-asean-for-help-with-rohingya-crisis/9561058 Updated March 18, 2018 15:46:40
![]() Victims of a massive bushfire in western Victoria have told of the blaze's ferocity and "phenomenal" speed. Approximately 40,000 hectares have been damaged by out-of-control bush and grass fires in the state's west, which authorities believe were started by lightning strikes. Up to a dozen homes have been either damaged or destroyed by the fires. Phil Beasley, from Terang, came home from dinner last night to find his house and a shed destroyed. "We went out for tea about 7:30pm. We got a call out to go to the CFA [telling us the fire] was coming past our place," he said. "We didn't come initially, we thought the wind was blowing away from our place so we'd be OK. "By the time we did arrive, there were flames over the trees and in the house." Mr Beasley said he got within 400 metres of the house before he was forced to turn around. "We lost a house and a shed. But luckily enough we had two utes parked [in another shed] and the shed hasn't burned," he said. "It's not great. It doesn't make you feel good, but we've got to push on. And the family's safe that's the most important thing." ![]() Fiona Hull, who lost her shed at Terang, said the fire arrived suddenly and without warning. "We were sitting there. I was having a drink. I sent a friend to go up the street for me and he came back and said there was a fire over there," Ms Hull said. "By the time we looked outside, it was glowing red." Her son, Brett Hull, said the flames more than seven metres high were coming across the ground. "Once we saw it, we all bolted. It's just phenomenal how quick it comes," he said. Ms Hull, who has lived at the property for 20 years, said the family's livestock survived the fire, but others nearby had lost stock, land and machinery. "We're all safe. So, really, that can all be replaced," she said. ![]() "Many have lost their stock and lost homes. I'm lucky I can't whinge." Hundreds of beef and dairy cattle are feared lost in the blaze, including those owned by Ms Hull's neighbours. "It's sad, it's devastating. The farmers aren't able to put [the cows] out of their misery because they have to wait for the [authorities] to get the OK," she said. "These cows are just standing there. They're stiff. They can't move, they can't do anything. "Why can't a farmer put a cow out of its misery? It's wrong." ![]() First posted March 18, 2018 15:34:49 http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-03-18/terang-victoria-bushfire-victims-tell-of-losing-property/9560740 Updated March 17, 2018 19:50:38
![]() A man has been found dead after he was allegedly assaulted in a fight with a group of men at a Gold Coast hotel. Sam Leschke, 21, was found dead at his parents' home on Soma Street, Mudgeeraba. External Link:Twitter QPS Mudgeeraba suspicious death Police said the man had been drinking at the local Wallaby Hotel on Friday night and was involved in a fight with around seven other men about 10:30pm. The man went back into the hotel with friends, before returning home later and continuing to drink. His body was discovered by a family member around 9:30am on Saturday. The house as well as a children's park have been cordoned off by police. Detective Inspector Marc Hogan said forensics will be examining both scenes as well CCTV footage. "We've got a crime scene set up at that address, the park next to the hotel is a crime scene as well," he said. Mr Hogan wouldn't say if the man died as a result of the alleged assault. "That'll become clearer in the days ahead," he said. "The victim does have some obvious injuries consistent with an assault. "But as to how significant they are we obviously don't know that." Anyone with information is urged to contact police. ![]() First posted March 17, 2018 18:25:21 http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-03-17/mudgeeraba-suspicious-death--police-investigate/9559318 Posted March 17, 2018 13:07:06
![]() Beachgoers at Bondi today shared the sunshine and sand with a different kind of tourist about 40 cattle, brought to the city to raise awareness about the challenges around organ transplants in regional areas. The cattle drive was to raise money and awareness for organ and tissue donation, with each cow sponsored by a community group from around the country. Each rider has a personal story of organ donation. People in need of a transplant often have a long wait time and for many, it does not come soon enough. There are 1,400 people on the national waiting list for organ transplants; around a third live outside the city. The issue is particularly pressing in regional and remote areas of Australia, where distance from medical facilities adds to an already complicated problem. ![]() Indigenous Health Minister Ken Wyatt said there were many hurdles to overcome for those needing a transplant in a regional community. Steve Ernst from Scone had a heart transplant 10 years ago and said being part of the event was a way to give back. "I was given basically weeks to live towards the end and was lucky enough to receive the heart at the right time," he said. "It wasn't straightforward. You had to come down to town four times. "Well, I made a number of visits [to hospital] to be kept alive, to accept the heart, but four false starts where I was called down for transplant and it wasn't going to match correctly and sent back home. "It was quite traumatic for me, but I never lost hope." Funds raised from the Herd of Hope event will go towards establishing initiatives that will support recipients and donor families in rural and regional Australia. Topics:community-and-society,charities-and-community-organisations,community-organisations,health,bondi-beach-2026 http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-03-17/bondi-beach-overrun-with-cows-for-charity-event/9558744 Updated March 16, 2018 20:22:37
![]() Victorians are being warned to prepare for a hot and windy weekend with a severe fire danger risk for large parts of the state. A total fire ban will be in force for the Mallee, Wimmera, Northern Country, South West, North Central and Central regions, including Melbourne and Geelong. Temperatures on Saturday are expected to reach the low to mid-30s with blustery conditions. Wind gusts are forecast to reach between 90 to 110 kilometres per hour on Sunday. Authorities are asking people to be mindful of the heightened fire risk. Risks posed by wind change State response controller Gavin Freeman described Saturday as a "significant day" and urged Victorians to be vigilant. External Link:Tweet BoM He said any fires that break out would be difficult to contain in the expected strong northerly winds. "The dry conditions across Victoria are really compounding the danger. We haven't had any rain for quite a while so anything that catches alight will burn quite rapidly," he said. "We want people to realise this is a significant day. We want people to have their bushfire plans ready. "As we move into Sunday as the wind swings to the south-west, that change can complicate fires that are already alight and make them grow quite rapidly." He said extra Country Fire Authority (CFA) crews would be on standby. Some relief by Sunday afternoon The weather bureau says forecast thunderstorms also have the potential to start fires, with lightning strikes expected in the state's west. External Link:CFA Tweet People are being urged to be cautious in the high winds. Authorities say Victorians should secure lose items and avoid moving around underneath trees. Senior meteorologist Beren Bradshaw said northerly winds across the Melbourne area would start to increase on Saturday evening, with the strongest gusts due between 9:00am and 11:00am on Sunday. "Over the weekend we will see those maximum temperatures increase into the low to mid-30s," she said. The temperature will be about 10C above the average for this times of year. "We are expecting fire danger ratings to reach the severe category and people need to monitor the CFA [Country Fire Authority] webpage." Ms Bradshaw said a vigorous cold front with isolated rain would move across the state from the west on Sunday bringing some relief. Topics:weather,emergency-planning,vic,geelong-3220,melbourne-3000 First posted March 16, 2018 16:55:56 http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-03-16/severe-fire-weather-warning-damaging-winds-forecast-for-victoria/9556392 |
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