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One Year of Repair, Reform and Action, and much more to do across Canterbury
 
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AFIC President, stated that AFIC strongly condemns any act of violence and terrorism and stands in solidarity with the Russian people
 
The community’s hopes and expectations of a Muslim public figure
 
Mr Keating has been a public critic of the AUKUS security pact,...”.
 
From Australia - News in Brief

PM seeks medical experts’ advice on travel plan for Australians

Eight people killed in mass shooting at US FedEx facility

Final preparations for UK’s Prince Phillip’s funeral put in place

US imposes new sanctions on Russia

Australian troops to drawdown in Afghanistan

PM: The ABC's reporting of navy dance performance was 'wrong, false" Labor welcomes Menulog's new employment model

Education review focused on the ‘best and brightest’ to teaching degrees

Number of Australians employed hits ‘historic’ high

Qantas to add 100 flights a week as international travel resumes

Labor calls for investigation into shipping container

States push for return of international students

NATO pledges support for Ukraine amid escalating conflict with Russia

Removing the official French town page due to name similarity




PM seeks medical experts’ advice on travel plan for Australians

16/04/2021

(See Translation in Arabic Section)

Canberra - M E Times Int'l: Prime Minister Scott Morrison is urgently asking medical experts to create a plan on how Aussies vaccinated for COVID-19 can travel overseas and skip hotel quarantine upon return.

The PM said the country’s main goal was vaccinating our most vulnerable citizens but said an international travel plan was “what I’d like to see happen next”.

“I’ve tasked the medical experts with ensuring we know when an Australian is vaccinated here with their two doses, they are able to travel overseas and return without having to go through hotel quarantine,” he said.

Australia slammed its borders shut in March 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Just two weeks ago, Australia entered into an agreement with New Zealand allowing travel between the two countries.

Mr Morrison hinted at a travel bubble agreement with more countries ahead of the trans-Tasman travel arrangement’s official start on April 19.

“I can see a future where we could be in a similar arrangement with Singapore,” he said.

“But we have to consider the virus is in very strong form in countries like Indonesia,  India and Papua New Guinea … so  we have to weigh all that up.”

 8 dead, several wounded following mass shooting at Indianapolis FedEx  facility: Police - ABC News

Eight people killed in mass shooting at US FedEx facility

Indianapolis: At least eight people have been killed after a gunman opened fire at a delivery company in Indianapolis.

Police were called to the FedEx facility at around 11pm Thursday local time following reports shots had been fired.

The building is located near Indianapolis International Airport.

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police have confirmed eight victims have died from apparent gunshot wounds. They were pronounced dead at the scene.

The gunman is also dead after taking his own life when police arrived on the scene.

 “We don’t feel there is an active threat to the community at this time,” Public Information Officer Genae Cook told reporters.

“We have multiple people with injuries consistent with gunshot wounds. We have others that have been transported to various hospitals throughout the area.”

According to unconfirmed reports from a police source, at least 20 people were treated for injuries in the shooting.

Around 60 people were evaluated for injuries, with 10 taken to hospital and at leats 20 treated for wounds, a police source reportedly told journalist Matthew Keys.

The Indianapolis FedEx facility employees more than 4500 people and is the company’s second largest hub in the world.

Employees inside the FedEx revealed they saw the gunman just metres away from where they were hiding, Jeremiah Miller telling WISH he heard multiple shots being fired.

Timothy Boillat, said he didn’t see anyone get shot but claimed he saw a “dead body” in the parking lot.

“(The shooting) started off in the parking lot then it went into the building and back into the parking lot,” he said.

“People were driving away but then he started shooting at the cars driving away.”

FedEx released a statement following the shooting, confirming the company was co-operating with authorities.

“We are aware of the tragic shooting at our FedEx Ground facility near the Indianapolis airport,” the statement read.

“Safety is our top priority, and our thoughts are with all those who are affected. We are working to gather more information and are co-operating with investigating authorities.”

Officials have closed the Interstate 70 in both directions near the scene due to “police activity”, with motorists told to use an alternate route.

This incident follows several mass shootings in recent weeks across the US.

 Prince Philip: Prince Harry returns to UK for funeral as royals attend  Sunday church service

Final preparations for UK’s Prince Phillip’s funeral put in place

London: Final preparations for Prince Philip's funeral service are under way as full details including the guest list, procession order and schedule for the day were revealed.

Prince Harry and Prince William will not walk shoulder to shoulder in the procession but will be separated by cousin Peter Phillips, Princess Anne’s son, as they walk behind their grandfather’s coffin.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s coffin will be carried to St George’s Chapel at Windsor by a Land Rover designed to his specifications and painted a shade of green favoured by the military.

The processing senior royals will wear morning coats or day dress with medals, avoiding awkward scenes with Prince Harry and Prince Andrew unable to wear military uniform.

It comes as the late Duke of Edinburgh had very clear ideas about how his funeral would be held, with it looking quite different to how people might expect under COVID-19 restrictions.

COVID restrictions may mean Prince Harry will not be able to hug his grandmother as she farewells her husband of over 70 years on Saturday.

Since he arrived in the UK solo last weekend for the first time in over a year, The Duke of Sussex has been isolating at Frogmore Cottage, where Princess Eugenie, husband Jack Brooksbank and their son August are living.

It is understood while he has spoken to his family on the phone, he will not physically reunite with the rest of the family until the morning of the service.

However, government regulations dictate that Harry can leave on day five if he returns a negative COVID test, potentially leaving only a "short window" to see his relatives and smooth things over quickly before Prince Philip's televised funeral commences.

The Queen will pause for one last moment alone with her late husband before his funeral takes place on Saturday.

Once inside the chapel, the Queen will sit on her own, and like all 30 guests invited to the service, will wear a face mask to comply with coronavirus restrictions.

 Biden Administration Issues New Sanctions on Russia Over Cyberattacks

US imposes new sanctions on Russia

The Whte House: United States President Joe Biden has announced a series of sanctions against Russia, expelling ten diplomats from Washington.

The new measures included restrictions on six Russian companies along with 32 individuals and entities.

The restrictions aim to hold Russia accountable for interfering in last year’s presidential election and hacking federal agencies.

President Biden says he will not hesitate to implement further action if the nation continues to undermine American democracy.

A spokesperson for the Kremlin has criticised the move saying Russia will respond.

 Last Australian troops to depart Afghanistan in September | Sky News  Australia

Australian troops to drawdown in Afghanistan

Canberra: The Government announces that Australia will finalise the drawdown of our contribution to the NATO-led Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan.  Over the past two years, we have been reducing our military presence in Afghanistan from a high of over 1,500 personnel to around 80 personnel currently.

In line with the United States and our other allies and partners, the last remaining Australian troops will depart Afghanistan by September 2021.

This decision is consistent with the Government’s policy, as set out in the 2020 Defence Strategic Update, to prioritise military resources on our region.

This decision represents a significant milestone in Australia’s military history.

Over the last 20 years, Australia has been a steadfast contributor to the fight against terrorism in Afghanistan. Australia has fought alongside Coalition and Afghan partners to degrade the capabilities of terrorist organisations, including al-Qaeda.

More than 39,000 Australian Defence Force personnel have deployed on Operations SLIPPER and HIGHROAD, helping to protect the safety and security of the Australian people at home and overseas.

While our military contribution will reduce, we will continue to support the stability and development of Afghanistan through our bilateral partnership, and in concert with other nations. Australia remains committed to helping Afghanistan preserve the gains of the last 20 years, particularly for women and girls.

 ABC apologises to Governor-General, but not dancers at centre of 'creepy'  editing storm

PM: The ABC's reporting of navy dance performance was 'wrong, false and misleading'

Canberra: Prime Minister Scott Morrison says it is “very disappointing” the ABC has mislead Australians by doctoring footage to indicate Governor-General David Hurley was present at a controversial dance performance at a naval ship launch.

 “I am disappointed that this event was so misreported, I think that this was disrespectful to the performers,” Mr Morrison told the media.

“To suggest the governor-general or others were in attendance there in that way was I think very dishonest and I think standards have failed.

“It is disappointing Australians were so misled on that issue.

 “It’s clear much of the reporting we’ve seen of that matter and that has been provided to Australians, in this case by the ABC, was wrong, was false and misleading.

“I think that’s very disappointing and I think the ABC should be reflecting on that.”

 Labor welcomes Menulog's new employment model | Sky News Australia

Labor welcomes Menulog's new employment model

Sydney: Shadow Industrial Relations Minister Tony Burke has welcomed Menulog’s decision to pay drivers a minimum wage.

The food delivery giant agreed to pay drivers the minimum wage and superannuation contributions as part of an Australian first pilot program.

 “We cannot go on with a situation of people being paid below minimum standards in Australia,” Mr Burke told Sky News.

“It just can’t continue. We’re not that sort of country.”

Education review focused on attracting the 'best and brightest' to teaching  degrees | The Chronicle 

Education review focused on attracting the ‘best and brightest’ to teaching degrees

Canberra: Education Minister Alan Tudge says a review into the nation’s teacher education system is looking to find ways to attract the “best and brightest” to teaching courses and ensure teachers are better prepared.

“We certainly do want to be attracting the best and brightest into teaching because ultimately it’s one of the most important professions in Australia,” he said.

 “Over the last 15 years to 20 years we’ve actually seen a decline in the proportion of the top graduates coming out of school going into school teaching. “We want to reverse that decline.

 We want to get the very best and brightest going into teaching so that then they can go into the classroom and have an incredible impact on our kids.”

Mr Tudge told media the effectiveness of teachers is “ultimately” the most “important determinant” on school outcomes and the government wants to see the country’s standards continue to improve.

 “I look at the data and teachers themselves say they’re not nearly as prepared as what the OECD average would suggest that they should be at," he said. “So we’ve got further work to on that front as well".

Number of Australians employed hits 'historic' high | Sky News Australia 

Number of Australians employed hits ‘historic’ high

Sydney: Australia’s unemployment figures for the month of March have fallen from 5.8 per cent to 5.6 per cent with the majority of new positions listed as part-time.

 Business Editor Ross Greenwood said “the number of people employed in Australia is greater than it’s been at any time in our history, great than even before the coronavirus”.

Mr Greenwood said the nation will not see the economic impact caused by the end of JobKeeper until next month’s figures are released.

An extra 71,000 jobs were created resulting in 27,000 people leaving the ranks of the unemployed.

International travel still up in the air as vaccine delays threaten  timetable | The New Daily 

Qantas to add 100 flights a week as international travel resumes

Sydney: Qantas CEO Alan Joyce has announced the airline will add about 100 flights a week from Monday as they prepare to relaunch international travel via a trans-Tasman travel bubble with New Zealand.

“New Zealand is a big market for us, New Zealand is the largest international market in and out of Australia,” he said at the opening of Qantas’ “flagship” lounge.

“What we are doing is going back in in style and in force into the Kiwi market.”

The two-way travel bubble is set to launch on April 19.

 Message from Julia Finn MP – MEFF

Labor calls for investigation into shipping container

Sydney: NSW Labor is calling on SafeWork NSW to urgently investigate onsite working conditions at the Suntop Solar Farm near Wellington, NSW, after the Electrical Trades Union released images of a shipping container that appears to have been left dangling from a crane above a crowded workers’ lunchroom.

Shadow Minister for Consumer Protection Julia Finn said: “We are also calling on SafeWork NSW to reinstate SafeWork inspectors in regional areas. The time to drive to inspect work sites in regional locations can be too long so and sometimes the distances mean it can be too late when they arrive.”

Ms Finn said employers have a duty of care to workers and SafeWork NSW must investigate workplace incidents and enforce NSW work health and safety laws.

“Workers have a right to expect that they will be safe at work,” Ms Finn said.

“When videos and photos show dangerous working conditions SafeWork NSW must act.”

 Visa privatisation plan scrapped, with new approach to tackle 'emerging  global threats' | The Mandarin

States push for return of international students

Canberra: Education Minister Alan Tudge has flagged he is yet to receive any concrete proposals to return international students to Australian universities as it is up to the states and territories to present individual plans.

Victoria’s submission to the PMO a few weeks ago, however, was rejected for reasons unknown at this stage.

Under the proposal, an economic cohort – including international students – of 120 people would have been allowed to fly into the state on top of Victoria’s weekly cap of 1,000 arrivals per week.

Speaking on the plan today, acting premier James Merlino said “they want it separate to the cap and we’ve made it clear our cap is 1,000 and we can do a further 120 for economic cohorts”.

Another proposal in the early stages of planning would see Victoria allow international students into the state to quarantine in facilities similar to those used to quarantine Australian Open players and staff in January.

 NATO pledges support for Ukraine amid escalating conflict with Russia

NATO pledges support for Ukraine amid escalating conflict with Russia

NATO has promised to provide material support for Ukraine in response to Russia’s military build-up along its border. Ukraine is carrying out what it describes as antiterrorism drills close to areas Russia annexed in 2014.

US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken visited NATO in Brussels and said all allies wanted to see Russia “take steps to deescalate the tensions it is creating”.

Fighting has increased in recent weeks in eastern Ukraine where government forces have battled Russian-backed separatists in a seven year conflict and NATO says the number of Russian troops near the border is its highest since 2014.

 US President Joe Biden offered to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in a third country but Russia responded any meeting would be dependent on how America behaves.

 Facebook Accidentally Removes Page for French Town Called Bitche -  Winnaijablog

Removing the official French town page due to name similarity

Facebook has been criticized for temporarily removing the official page of the small town of Bitche in northeastern France.

And she got confused on a Facebook page, where she confused the town's name with an English-language profanity that was pronounced the same way.

The mayor of the town of 5,000 people said her Facebook page was removed on March 19 for violating the site's rules.

Facebook said they returned the page on Tuesday after they realised the bug.

The mayor of the town, Benoit Kaveh, said in a statement: "On March 19, Facebook informed us that our page (Beach Town) was no longer available on the Internet, on the grounds that it (violated the conditions for applying to Facebook pages)."

The mayor added, "It seems that the name of our town has suffered a bad interpretation."

After the original page was removed, the municipality was forced to create a new page called "Mary 57230", referring to the town's postal code.

The town’s mayor criticized Facebook’s method of monitoring content.

He said, "What happened to the town of Beach shows the inefficiency and limited control tools, compared to the human vision."

The mayor said that the head of the Facebook branch in France called him on Tuesday to inform him that the town page had returned, and to apologize for what happened.

Kave invited him and Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg to visit Peach and "explore the beautiful, fortified town".

A Facebook spokesman said in a press statement Tuesday: "The page was removed by mistake and then quickly returned this morning when we noticed the problem."




 














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