Local stories, community first — Brisbane and beyond.
Thousands more people are being refused blue cards in Queensland, with 6,403 people denied working with children checks in the last financial year. The state's Department of Justice says the increase is a sign of a strong system, but academics warn it doesn't necessarily mean safer kids.
Fitness influencer and reality TV personality Sam Wood has been denied bail on domestic violence charges after allegedly assaulting and choking his wife in Noosa on Saturday night. The court heard that Mr Wood's wife thought she was going to die and was in fear of her safety during the alleged incident.
A woman has been charged with attempted murder of two children after allegedly exposing them to a noxious substance at a home in Mitchelton. The two boys, aged 12 and 15, were not injured and are "safe and well", police said.
Proposed laws in Queensland would grant police the power to issue on-the-spot protection directives that would last for three years, but advocates have raised concerns that this shift away from the court system could prioritize police efficiency over victim-survivor safety. The changes have sparked debate among advocates, with some opposing police protection directions altogether.
A recent High Court ruling has raised concerns in the Queensland mining sector over its potential implications on future projects and investments. The ruling requires planning authorities to consider overseas emissions when approving projects, sparking mixed reactions from industry leaders and government officials.
Business owners in north Queensland are bracing for the economic impact of the looming Great Barrier Reef gillnet ban, with some commercial fishers fearing they will have to leave the industry and seafood shops facing closure. The ban, set to come into effect by June 30, 2027, has caused uproar in the commercial fishing industry.
Queensland's 77 mayors have called on the federal government to abandon proposed changes to disaster recovery funding, warning that it would leave local communities to foot the bill. The changes would reduce the federal government's contribution from 64 per cent to a 50-50 split with states.
A concerning incident at a British air base used by US bombers has heightened tensions and raised questions about the safety of US allies in the region. The incident has sparked a chain reaction, with the US moving its bomber fleet out of the UK and analysts warning of a potential shift in the global power balance.
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