Australian News

In short:

Tens of thousands of workers have attended rallies in Sydney and Melbourne to protest the forced administration of the construction division of the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU).

A senior Victorian union figure has threatened an additional 72 hours of strikes.

What's next?

The federal government is planning a meeting next month between unions, government and businesses, in a bid to reset in the wake of the CFMEU scandal.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/19870126

The Australian Government has announced changes to the way video games are classified in Australia. Starting from September 22nd, 2024, two new rules will apply to games that include “in-game purchases with an element of chance,” such as loot boxes [now M], and games that feature “simulated gambling,” like casino games [now R18+].

A photographer who provides images for pro-Palestinian groups has lost part of his ear and perforated an eardrum after being shot by police with a rubber bullet during a violent protest against a Melbourne military expo.

The 33-year-old photographer, who provides images for Free Palestine Melbourne and Free Palestine Coalition Naarm, was wounded at about 10am on Wednesday and says he is waiting to find out whether he will suffer permanent hearing loss.

Original URL: https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/protest-photographer-loses-part-of-ear-after-being-shot-by-rubber-bullet-at-rally-20240913-p5kaex.html

In short:

There have been clashes between police and a large group of protesters outside the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre where a major defence and weapons expo is being held.

Hundreds of officers have been called in for what Victoria Police say is their biggest operation since the S11 protests outside the World Economic Forum in Melbourne 24 years ago.

What's next?

Police and protesters are expected to remain on scene in large numbers throughout the conference.

Live updates here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-09-11/live-blog-land-forces-protest-melbourne-israel-gaza/104333922

Capsicum spray, rubber bullets and tear gas have been used on parts of the crowd.

• In short: A leaked email from the National Farmers Federation is directing its members to stay silent on a story linking the common farm chemical paraquat to Parkinson's disease.

• But the leader of the Victorian state branch has ignored the directive, saying she believes a debate needs to be had about the safe use of the chemical and the health of farmers.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.ml/post/20026321

In short:

The Communications, Electrical and Plumbing Union (CEPU) has voted to split from union peak body the ACTU over its support for forcing the CFMEU into administration.

The decision to split has been criticised by leaders of other blue collar unions the AMWU and the Mining and Energy Union.

What's next?

The CEPU says it wants to establish a blue-collar rival to the ACTU.

In short:

Three of the four protesters who pleaded guilty to trespassing on Commonwealth property as part of a pro-Gaza protest at Parliament House in June have escaped criminal convictions.

The fourth was given a 12-month good-behaviour bond after the group scaled the roof of the building and unfurled protest signs.

A full review of Parliament House security was ordered after the actions of the protesters, who the Prime Minister said at the time should "feel the full force of the law".

In short:

Former CFMEU leaders have launched a legal challenge to laws forcing the union into administration.

The federal government says a High Court challenge was expected and it will defend the matter.

What's next?

The former union leaders have launched a crowdfunding effort to support the challenge.

In short:

Anthony Albanese has backed down on a decision not to add a question on sexuality to the next census.

The federal government intended to omit a new question out of fear it could create "divisive" debate.

What's next?

The next census will be held in 2026.

former Queensland secretary Michael Ravbar – who’s been dismissed together with almost all other officials – said he would launch a challenge against the legislation passed last week to put the union into administration.

• In short: The CLP will form government in the Northern Territory, ABC Chief Election Analyst Antony Green predicts.
• Double-digit swings towards the CLP are being seen across the Northern Territory.
• What's next: The CLP are on track to win at least 14 seats, according to the ABC's predictions.

(CLP = Country Liberal Party)