News Update: Friday, 14 June 2024 BUMPER EDITION
Eureka Free Press: Your pro-freedom Australian news source.
Notice: Eureka Free Press will now be issued once a week (on Friday/Saturday) as a bumper edition so you’re across all of the relevant news of the past week.
Greens MP moves to stop Christian schools enforcing Christian standards
Sydney lawmaker Alex Greenwich has introduced a bill to prevent private schools from enforcing Christian standards amongst their staff, by banning the firing of teachers or expulsion of students who “come out” as gay.
Australian Catholic group criticises Pope Francis' Pontifical Academy for Life Book as 'misleading, unscientific'
https://dissenter.com/feed/6467e0a196cf264b15ddb379/item/666769284212bd867ae8cefa
The Australian Catholic Medical Association criticised a new book from Pope Francis' Pontifical Academy for Life as "misleading" and unscientific. They warned that the book, which addresses theological ethics of life, contains medical and theological errors and lacks a proper understanding of current science. The association detailed these criticisms in a research article, noting the book was published in 2021 as a synthesis of a seminar held by the Pontifical Academy for Life.
'Zombie' businesses rise in Australia; bankruptcies seen
https://www.sott.net/article/492068-Zombie-businesses-surge-30-across-the-globe-bankruptcies-loom
According to an Associated Press analysis, the number of 'zombie' businesses in Australia has surged, leading to a rise in bankruptcies. These companies, which haven't generated enough revenue to cover loan interest for the past three years, have increased by over a third in the past decade. The AP's findings are based on pre-tax, pre-interest earnings data of publicly traded companies from FactSet for 2013 and 2023.
Report: Pfizer, Merck antiviral meds 'did nothing' to hospitalised COVID-19 patients
Pfizer and Merck's antiviral medications were ineffective for hospitalised COVID-19 patients, according to a new study. The researchers found that neither Pfizer's Paxlovid nor Merck's Molnupiravir reduced 28-day mortality, hospital stay duration, or the risk of progression to invasive mechanical ventilation.
Green group warns Albo gov’t of ‘stabilising’ population to prevent ‘chaotic’ environmental, health crises
Australia's population is growing at an "eye-watering" rate of 13,148 people per week, with immigration accounting for over 80% of this increase. This rapid growth has prompted calls from the policy lobby group Sustainable Population Australia (SPA) for reforms to stabilise the population and prevent economic, environmental, and health crises. SPA's position statement, backed by figures, has already garnered 12,000 signatures.
Aussie human case of bird flu sent to WHO for 'further characterisation'
Australia's first human case of bird flu, H5N1, has been sent to the globalist World Health Organization (WHO) for further characterisation before formal identification. This case involves a two-and-a-half-year-old child who had travelled to India and tested positive for Avian Influenza A (H5N1).
Uber criticised for new 'Rider Emissions Savings' feature,
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13524197/Uber-Green-Australia-change.html
Uber has faced criticism for its new "Rider Emissions Savings" feature, which was introduced to promote greener choices among Australian riders. Critics argue that the feature, which estimates CO₂ emissions saved when using Uber's sustainable options like "Uber Green" and "Comfort Electric," is more about marketing than substantial environmental impact. Uber Green, priced the same as UberX, offers rides in electric or hybrid cars, while the more expensive Comfort Electric option provides rides in fully electric cars that have completed at least 100 trips and maintained a minimum rating of 4.85.
Albo gov’t energy policy slammed as a 'wrecking ball' through economy
Opposition leader Peter Dutton has slammed the Albanese government's energy policy, calling it a "wrecking ball" for Australia's economy. Dutton accused the government of focusing solely on renewable energy, resulting in significant 20-30 percent electricity bill increases for households and businesses. He said this policy is driving up the cost of living and contributing to inflation, affecting local butchers, farmers, and supermarkets.
ANZ boss claims 'economy has clearly slowed,' persistent inflation to delay rate cuts
ANZ's head of Australian economics, Adam Boyton, stated that the economy has "clearly slowed" and persistent inflation will delay interest rate cuts. Boyton said: "The economy has clearly slowed, particularly across private final demand. It's for this reason that we think a rate hike remains unlikely."
Australian Human Rights Commission seeks public input on impact of COVID measures
The Australian Human Rights Commission seeks public submissions to gather personal stories on how national, state, and community responses to the COVID-19 pandemic affected individuals. The project aims to understand the impact of these measures on daily life, including health, family, and employment. The Commission's investigation will explore the broad effects of pandemic policies on Australians' everyday experiences.
Politics, financial interests trigger top journal to retract study showing COVID vaccines may cause cancer
Politics and financial interests have prompted a top journal to retract a study linking COVID-19 vaccines to cancer risks. Emails showed that a scientist with connections to pharma and the Wuhan Institute of Virology oversaw the retraction of the 2021 peer-reviewed study. Australian journalist Rebekah Barnett's investigation suggests that the study, which found the spike protein from SARS-CoV-2 and mRNA vaccines could impair DNA repair mechanisms and potentially lead to cancer, was retracted by Viruses journal in 2022 despite objections from its lead author.
Australia must install 22,000 solar panels daily, one wind tower nightly to meet Labor's 43% emissions reduction goal
Australia is reportedly facing the task of installing 22,000 solar panels daily and one wind tower nightly to achieve Labor's ambitious goal of reducing emissions by 43% from 2005 levels by 2030. The plan hinges on achieving 82% renewable electricity, a significant jump from the current 32%. To support this, Australia would need to lay 10,000 kilometres of high-voltage power lines and secure approximately $1.5 trillion in funding.
Study claims blood cancer most severe adverse effect of COVID vaccine
A new study claims that blood cancer is the most severe adverse effect of the COVID-19 vaccine. The study examined deaths occurring shortly after vaccination, attempting to determine causality and comorbidities. This investigation is reportedly the first to provide detailed insights into the fatality rate and risk factors for severe adverse events following COVID-19 vaccination, with particular concern over cases of vaccine-induced neoplasms such as acute myeloid leukemia.
'Made in China' EV influx to reduce costs in Australian market despite national interest concerns
Despite concerns regarding national interest, a surge of 'Made in China' electric vehicles (EVs) is expected to significantly lower costs in the Australian market. Industry experts suggest that this influx could make EVs more affordable for the general public. With hundreds of thousands of EVs entering Australia from China annually, the country has emerged as the third-largest supplier of vehicles in the Australian market.
WW3 WATCH: Ex-Attorney General claims Australia' globally responsible' for Indo-Pacific peace as world heads to 'pre-war era'
Former Attorney-General George Brandis asserted that Australia holds a "global responsibility" for maintaining peace in the Indo-Pacific as the world approaches a "pre-war era." Brandis highlighted the lack of debate and awareness regarding potential conflict in the region and Australia's global duties. Speaking in Brisbane on June 12, he noted the limited public engagement in discussions on national security, foreign policy, and strategic policy.
Albo gov't fails to deliver promise as Australia accepts 10,000 immigrants weekly
The Albanese government has failed to deliver on its promise to halve new immigrant arrivals, as Australia currently accepts over 10,000 immigrants weekly. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, more than 1,500 newcomers arrive daily, equivalent to 60
migrants every hour. With over 500,000 immigrants expected in 2024, the country faces an escalating housing and cost-of-living crisis.
Experts believe 'hastily approved' IHR amendments give WHO chief power to declare public health emergency
Experts believe the "hastily approved" amendments to the International Health Regulations have given the WHO chief the power to declare public health emergencies. While the WHO failed to pass the pandemic treaty, the World Health Assembly adopted a package of amendments to enhance global preparedness, surveillance, and responses to health crises, including pandemics. Experts believe the WHO chief can now "declare public health emergencies and pandemics as he/she may choose to define them."
Criticisms grow over awarding Daniel Andrews' Companion of the Order of Australia'
Jacqui Lambie and others have criticised the move to award Daniel Andrews the Companion of the Order of Australia following his controversial management of the COVID-19 crisis. The former Victorian premier, known for his stringent pandemic measures that made Melbourne one of the world's most locked-down cities, received Australia's highest honour. This comes despite his government's mishandling of the pandemic's early stages, including a flawed hotel quarantine program that contributed to high infection rates and extensive stay-at-home orders.
Security experts raise questions if foreign recruits' willing to die for Australia'
https://asiatimes.com/2024/06/will-foreign-recruits-be-willing-to-die-for-australia/
Security experts have questioned whether foreign recruits will be "willing to die for Australia." Starting in July, New Zealand nationals can join the Australian Defense Force, with Americans, Canadians, and Brits becoming eligible in January 2025. While this raises political and ethical issues, security experts believe some concerns may be misplaced, as foreign recruits need only live in Australia for one year before applying, prompting questions about their social bonds to the country.
Suspended Victoria Councilor refuses to apologise for gender ideology tweets
Suspended Victoria Councillor Melissa Ferguson has refused to apologise for tweets alleging the harms of gender ideology to women and children. Her suspension has sparked a heated debate over free speech in Latrobe Valley, with some controversial tweets being retweets of others' remarks. Rachael Wong, CEO of Women's Forum Australia, criticised the suspension on X, calling it harassment and an abuse of power against Ferguson.
WHO scales up bird flu scaremongering in Australia; claims new strain caused human death
https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/bird-flu/2024/06/05/id/1167601/
The World Health Organization (WHO) scaled up its scaremongering over the rise of bird flu cases as it reported that Australia's first human case of avian influenza likely originated from India. In its report, WHO said it had alerted Australian health authorities about a suspected avian influenza A (H5N1) virus case in Melbourne and has also confirmed that a 59-year-old resident of Mexico had died from the virus.
Dutton to ditch 2030 climate goals if elected but still wants net zero by 2050
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13509935/Peter-Dutton-Paris-Agreement-climate-nuclear.html
If elected, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton pledged to abandon Australia's 2030 climate target, which would involve withdrawing from the Paris Agreement aiming to cut greenhouse emissions by 43 percent by 2030. However, Dutton still commits to achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
Aussie leader claims Albanese chose 'friendship' with Ardern over security of Australians
Nationals Leader David Littleproud claims Prime Minister Anthony Albanese prioritised his friendship with New Zealand's Jacinda Ardern over Australia's security. Littleproud argues that Immigration Minister Andrew Giles should not bear all the blame for the harm caused by Direction 99, condemning Albanese for signing the directive to maintain friendly relations. This criticism follows Giles' announcement that the controversial directive, which allowed several criminals to remain in Australia, will be revoked on June 21 and replaced with new guidance.
New report shows Australia recording massive drop in Mass attendance
Australia has seen a significant decline in Catholic Mass attendance, according to a new report. The Australian Catholic Mass Attendance Report 2021 revealed that the number of Massgoers fell from 623,400 to 417,350, a decrease of about a third, between 2016 and 2021. The proportion of Catholics attending weekly Mass dropped from 11.8% to 8.2% during the same period.
Economists raise concerns over potential economic downturn as GPD makes fifth consecutive fall
Economists warn of a potential economic downturn as GDP falls for the fifth consecutive quarter. According to the latest national account figures, Australia's GDP grew by just 0.1% in the March 2024 quarter, down from 0.3% in the previous three months and 0.2% in September 2023. GDP per capita also declined by 0.3% during the period.
Opposition demands extended online age verification, Digital ID to combat anonymity
The Australian federal opposition is pushing for extended online age verification and a Digital ID to combat anonymity, challenging online freedom of expression. Digital and civil rights advocates have long supported the right to remain anonymous online as essential for privacy and security. The opposition Liberals have introduced a parliamentary motion urging the government to implement a mechanism to block anonymous accounts, expanding current trials requiring social media companies to collect 100 points of ID from users.
Services Australia reportedly paid $300,000 annually for Bill Shorten's speech writer
Services Australia has paid $300,000 annually to Minister for Government Services and Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme Bill Shorten's speech writer. The Senate confirmed spending $620,000 over two years for the speechwriter following the publication of the tender on the government's AusTender website. Senator Linda Reynolds and Liberal Maria Kovacic criticised the expenditure, noting that senators earn about $230,000 a year, less than the speech writer hired by Shorten.
Australian Senate launches landmark excess death probe
https://dissenter.com/feed/6467e0a196cf264b15ddb379/item/66645f054212bd867a97f59a
The Australian Senate has initiated a probe into excess deaths since the mass vaccination program. The inquiry will identify the causes of the highest excess mortality since World War II. This marks the first time a Parliament has formally examined this issue. The inquiry, led by United Australia Party Senator Ralph Babet, follows multiple previous attempts and will be conducted by the Senate's Community Affairs References Committee.
WW3 WATCH: Australia hesistant to 'over-commit' resources to a collective Indo-Pacific Treaty Organization
https://asiatimes.com/2024/06/dont-expect-an-indo-pacific-nato-anytime-soon/
Australia is cautious about over-committing resources to a collective Indo-Pacific Treaty Organization while expanding cooperation with the US, according to security analyst Connor Fiddler. Although Australia aims to deter North Korean aggression, its commitment to defending South Korea from an invasion remains uncertain. Fiddler added that Canberra's involvement in AUKUS and other regional security initiatives shows its willingness to deter threats, but AUKUS is notably not a warfighting agreement.
WW3 WATCH: Aussie ambassador claims war over Taiwan would change the world
https://dissenter.com/feed/5e1e0a7dc46f1d5487be1806/item/6662a1094212bd867a692674
Australia's Ambassador to the U.S., Kevin Rudd, warned that a war over Taiwan would have global consequences comparable to World War II, radically altering the world. Rudd said Chinese President Xi Jinping might pursue unification with Taiwan within the next decade. He emphasised the importance of recognising China's increasing military signals and exercises, noting that China's actions will depend on its assessment of US deterrence.
Scientists now recognise COVID vaccines, containment measures increased excess mortality
Scientists have published a new peer-reviewed study indicating that COVID-19 vaccines and government containment policies have increased excess mortality in Western countries. The study, which analysed excess all-cause deaths in 47 Western nations from 2020 to 2022, reported 3,098,456 excess deaths during this period. The researchers noted that the highest number of excess deaths occurred in 2021, a year marked by both containment measures and the rollout of experimental vaccines.
ACT legalises euthanasia; Aussie judge says 'it's still suicide'
https://www.theepochtimes.com/world/act-to-legalise-voluntary-assisted-dying-in-2025-post-5663774
The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) bared that its legislative assembly has passed the Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) Act of 2023, which will take effect in November 2025. This law establishes a framework allowing Canberrans to make end-of-life choices. However, a Federal Court of Australia judge earlier ruled that euthanasia is equivalent to suicide under natural law.
Albo gov't accuses Greens of 'inflaming social divisions'
The Albanese government accused the Greens of exacerbating social divisions amid tensions over the country's response to the Israel-Hamas conflict. Greens leader Adam Bandt, meanwhile, accused the government of being "complicit in genocide," prompting Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to criticise the party for allegedly encouraging pro-Palestinian protesters to target MPs' offices. The political dispute escalated further when Bandt threatened defamation action against Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus over comments he made regarding the Greens' involvement in the protests.
Aussie student protesters to be expelled over pro-Palestinian encampments
Several students at the Australian National University (ANU) face expulsion due to their behaviour at pro-Palestinian encampments. The university management reported instances of "not acceptable" conduct among students and stated that appropriate action had been taken.
Australian EV sales drop by 44%
Australia, still trailing far behind the rest of the developed world in EV sales, has seen a significant 44% decline in sales. Energy and Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen has earlier walked away from Labor's target to have 89% of new car sales electric by 2030, casting doubt on the Albanese government's green agenda.
Poll shows Coalition support at 3-year high; Dutton closes gap on Albanese
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13511747/Anthony-Albanese-newspoll-Peter-Dutton.html
Support for the Coalition has reached its highest level in nearly three years, while Peter Dutton is gaining ground on Anthony Albanese as the preferred leader, according to a recent Newspoll conducted by The Australian. The Coalition's primary vote has risen two points to 39%, contrasting with a drop in Labor support to 33%.
Australian Strategic Policy Institute believes defence spending inadequate to cope with war
The Australian Strategic Policy Institute warned that a $50 billion budget increase would not sufficiently protect the country in the event of hostilities in the Indo-Pacific. The institute's latest report calls for more immediate funding to ensure rapid enhancements in the Australian Defence Force's capabilities. This urgency stems from concerns that the region could quickly destabilise.