Australia, Indonesia to Hold Joint South China Sea Patrols

On Tuesday, Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said that Australia is contemplating on joint naval patrols with Indonesia in the disputed South China Sea.

Indonesia’s invitation for joint patrols at a bilateral meeting in Bali last week was in line with Australia’s policies of exerting its right of freedom of navigation, Bishop said.

Bishop told Australian Broadcasting Corp radio that patrolling the contested waters is in accordance with international law. It also shows the country’s support for peace and stability in the region.

Australia is a steadfast ally of the United States. It has earlier elicited criticism from China for conducting surveillance flights over disputed islands in the South China Sea. The country also supports U.S. freedom of navigation exercises there.

The South China Sea, where close to $5 trillion of sea-borne trade transits annually, is almost wholly claimed by China. Last month, China advised Australia to act and speak cautiously on the South China Sea.

The Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei and Taiwan also have claims on parts of the sea. The area is considered to have heavy deposits of oil and gas.

Indonesia and Australia already carry out joint sea patrols in the Timor Sea as part of the countries’ collaboration on battling illegal fishing and people smuggling.

Bishop said that Australia and Indonesia would advise other nations in the region of any scheduled exercise.

A part of Australia’s commitment

She said that the sea patrols are a regular part of what the Australian navy does. This is part of their commitment in the region. Such operations are in line with Australia’s right of freedom of navigation including in the South China Sea.

In July, following a case brought by the Philippines, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague said China’s assertions to the waterway were invalid. Beijing, which has erected several artificial islands with landing strips in the sea, has rejected the ruling.

The post Australia, Indonesia to Hold Joint South China Sea Patrols appeared first on Newsline.

4 Dead in Dreamworld Theme Park Ride ‘Malfunction’

Officials confirmed, 4 people were killed due to a ride malfunction at Dreamworld Theme Park in the Gold Coast Metropolitan Area, Queensland.

The tragic accident happened about 2:20 p.m Tuesday at Thunder River Rapids Ride. Dreamworlds’s Chief Executive, Craig Davidson said.

According to Dreamworlds website, the ride description says “white water rafting” adventure. This is a ride that travels up to 28 miles an hour. Following the traumatic accident, the management said that the ride will be closed until November for ‘annual maintenance’.

In a statement released by Gavin Fuller, a spokesman for the Queensland Ambulance Service, there had been, “some sort of malfunction causing two people to be ejected” from the ride. Further, the two other victims were “caught inside the ride,” and two of the victims were men, and the other two were women.

Meanwhile, Queensland Police Officer said that they were called to the crime scene following reports that “a number of people had been injured by a conveyor belt.”

Mr. Fuller said the victims ranged in age from 32 to their early 40s. He said members of the park’s staff gave them first aid before paramedics arrived.

While Tod Reid, a Queensland police inspector, said that an investigation was underway and that he could not yet comment on who the victims were or whether they were related.

On the other hand, Mr. Davidson said that the park had been closed. Moreover, the company was working with the authorities to “establish the facts around the incident.”

“We are deeply shocked and saddened by this, and our hearts and our thoughts go to the families involved and to their loved ones,” he added.

Dreamworld is about 35 miles south of Brisbane. It was described as the country’s most popular theme park.

‘Place for fun and happiness’

The Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said, he is “very saddened” by the “tragic accident.”

“Theme parks are a place for family fun and happiness, not tragedy,” Mr. Turnbull said. “This is a very, very, sad, tragic event. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who lost their lives.”

The post 4 Dead in Dreamworld Theme Park Ride ‘Malfunction’ appeared first on Newsline.

Great Barrier Reef Under Serious Pressure But Not Quite Dead

In the past days, reports on the death of the Great Barrier Reef surfaced in social media. But scientist said that the news “are greatly exaggerated despite mass bleaching” after the circulation of a published “obituary” about the reef ecosystem.

Rowan Jacobsen, food and travel writer for Outside magazine wrote “most catastrophic bleaching event in its history, from which it would never recover”. He was discussing the Great Barrier Reef situation. Various obituary newscasts followed the footsteps of the magazine to mourn the death of the Great Barrier Reef.

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest living entity in the world, located on the east coast of Australia. The vastness of the reef’s ecosystem can be seen from outer space.

According to scientists, the Great Barrier Reef is not yet dead but is under severe stress, like any another coral ecosystem in the world.

Kim Cobb, a coral reef expert at Georgia Tech said, “This is a fatalistic, doomsday approach to climate change that isn’t going to engage anyone and misinforms the public. There will be reefs in 2050, including portions of the Great Barrier Reef, I’m pretty confident of that. I’m put off by pieces that say we are doomed.”

Cobb studied the corals in Christmas Island in the Pacific where he calculated that 85% of the corals died. He describes the coral ecosystem like a “graveyard”. But he was surprised to see the resilience of the Great Barrier Reef, although the bleaching event surrounds the ecosystem, there are still areas left untouched by the disease.

He also added that “there is a lot we can do to minimize climate change and we need to get going on that. To say reefs are finished and we can’t do anything about it isn’t the message we need going forward.”

He also added that “there is a lot we can do to minimize climate change and we need to get going on that. To say reefs are finished and we can’t do anything about it isn’t the message we need going forward.”

Climate change due to global warming affected the coral reefs in a massive bleaching effect. The event can be seen in corals worldwide but devastated the Great Barrier Reef the most. Nearly a quarter of the northern part of the reef had died due to the bleaching event.

The corals when exposed to prolonged high temperatures, release their symbiotic algae hence, giving them the “snow-white skeleton” appearance. Divers on the Great Barrier Reef describe the degraded corals with a rotting smell upon surfacing.

There is still hope

According to scientists, there is still hope, corals can still recover from the bleaching disease but others just die. Most of the coral reef suffered from the bleaching effect but not all have perished. The long-term warming and acidity of the oceans present a threat to the coral reef worldwide.

Reports surrounding the death of the Great Barrier Reef are thought to be harmful to the ecosystem. Due to this disinformation, people “are going to take it at face value that the Great Barrier Reef is dead’, said Russell Brainard, the head of the coral reef ecosystem Program at NOAA’s Pacific Island Fisheries Center.

Research shows that some corals affected by the bleaching effect are able to adapt to the new environment. However, the pace of the warning proved to be deadly to the corals.

Scientists are considering genetic engineering as a solution to repopulate the reefs. The Great Barrier Reef is home to thousands of marine species and attracts millions of tourists.

The post Great Barrier Reef Under Serious Pressure But Not Quite Dead appeared first on Newsline.

Tasmania Slaughter Facility Under Investigation for Animal Cruelty

Tasmania, AUSTRALIA – Due to the acquired graphic content, shows the unlawful and prolonged painful suffering of pigs, sheep, and cows at Derwent valley, north of Hobart. The footage came from an anonymous source and was filmed last month.

Meanwhile, Tasmania’s Department of Primary Industries is now conducting an investigation if the said slaughterhouse violates Animal Welfare Act.

But, the operator strongly denied the accusations and insisted that their operation is lawful.

On the other hand, Spokeswoman Emma Hurst accused the slaughter house of animal cruelty based on the footage. “This is grotesque cruelty that we’re seeing here…and it’s completely unacceptable,” she said. “The footage shows animals being beaten with pipes, kicked in the head …there’s clearly failed attempts to stun the animals.”

Operator complains about ‘trespassing’

Michael Munning, the owner of Gretna Quality Meats was happy to be interviewed and invited the ABC into their slaughterhouse. It was a small-scale business that employed just three people.

He admitted that they are using a rifle in their operation but strongly denied the act of cruelty, and said he trusted his workers.

He also expressed his frustration and anger about filming the footage without their permission. “Actually, it’s very frustrating that somebody’s really went to the trouble of breaking into the property and actually putting up cameras,” he said. “It’s a small country abattoir, small country town; it’s just something that doesn’t happen.”

Vet says rifle used not appropriate

Dr. Andrew Nicholson, former meatworks head and a vet of 43 years, said he had some concerns based on the footage.

In a statement, he said, “I’m not a firearms expert but obviously the rifle, as it was used, that vision, was not suitable because from what I saw there were at least two shots taken…neither were effective,”

“That should be carried out as a single shot — the animal should drop immediately.

“Under the circumstances demonstrated in the vision … that’s not adequate.

“There was a lot of trouble restraining the animal effectively for the rifle to be used,”

Lastly, he said “In an abattoir situation there should be facilities that are adequate to move the animals from place to place, to be able to hold the animals in the facility and move them around with not having to use prods or steel bars,”

About the prolonged death and suffering of the animals on the said slaughter house, Dr. Nicholson said in one of the scenes from the footage that he saw some signs of breathing. However, he emphasized that it is hard to identify and not sure if the current procedures they are doing were effective.

“If you’re not used to that type of thing it can be quite distressing,” he said.

“The only comment I’d make on that is you couldn’t make an effective judgment without being present at the time of stunning … and neurologically examining that animal.

“The best-intentioned people can find it difficult if the facilities are not adequate and you can have the best facilities in the world, but if you haven’t got skilled staff available on the day, problems can occur,” he said.

Operator maintains animals were already dead

Mr. Munnings strongly insisted that the animals were already dead.

“A lot of the footage shows the nerve reaction from the animal and sometimes it can last up to two minutes, the nerves,” he said. “But the animals are already dead.”

The meatworks said it would be reporting the break-ins to the police.

It is not clear how long the department’s investigation will take.

The post Tasmania Slaughter Facility Under Investigation for Animal Cruelty appeared first on Newsline.

Australia: 2 Teenagers arrested after alleged IS Terror Attack

According to a police statement released on Thursday, officers arrested two 16-year-old boys in Sydney due to suspicious acts of terror. The authorities also charged the teenagers as being part of the Islamic State terrorist group. Two knives were found during the incident.

The officers did not disclose the identity of the two teenagers due to their age.

The teenagers declined the bail charges and will stand before the Parramatta Children’s Court in Sydney later the same day.

Catherine Burn, the acting New South Wales Police Commissioner said, “The fact we are putting two teenagers before the court on such serious charges reflects the ongoing threat we face. Fortunately, the excellent cooperation between State and Federal agencies has prevented a very disturbing crime,”

It is the latest terrorism-related incident in Australia.

Increased incidents of terrorist activity

In September, police arrested a 22-year-old for committing a terrorist act and attempted murder. The suspect stabbed a man walking through a nature reserve “a number of times.”

Earlier this year, New South Wales police arrested a 16-year-old boy in Sydney. Authorities suspect him of plotting a terror attack on an Anzac Day ceremony.

In 2014, self-styled cleric Haron Monis held several people hostage at a Sydney coffee shop, ultimately killing two of them.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott described Monis as “a deeply disturbed individual (with) a long history of crime, a long history of mental instability and infatuation with extremism,” adding that he “sought to cloak his actions with the symbolism of the (ISIS) death cult.”

The post Australia: 2 Teenagers arrested after alleged IS Terror Attack appeared first on Newsline.

Australia, Singapore Say China Should Not Worry About Defense Treaty

In an effort to allay China’s concerns on increased military cooperation between Singapore and Australia, the prime ministers of the two countries said on Thursday that their defense pact is not an attempt to contain China. The two countries agreed on a deal that would dramatically expand northern Australian training facilities.

Singaporean and Australian officials signed a treaty in which Singapore will spend up to 2.25 billion Australian dollars to double the capacity of its facilities in military training areas in Queensland state.

Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said that China was the largest trading partner of both Australia and Singapore. He doesn’t think that the Chinese would see the two countries as a bloc against them.

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said he agreed with Lee and his opinion that the US military presence in the region had strengthened its prosperity and stability for the past 40 years.

The prime ministers of both countries also wished the US Congress would decide to join the 12-country Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal. Both presidential candidates Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton have come out against the accord however.

The Singapore military will triple their yearly admission to the Australian training grounds to 18 weeks. Hence, rrom 6,600, the Singapore troop numbers will increase to 14,000.

The Chinese Embassy in Australia did not immediately respond to a request for comment. China has been unfavorable of a similar agreement between Australia and the United States. The two countries plan on developing the northern Australian city of Darwin into a developing training center for US Marines.

Same deal with the U.S.

The United States and Australia reached a cost-sharing deal last week to pay for at least AU$2 billion in infrastructure. This amount would build-up the training center to have the capacity for up to 2,500 Marines.

Since the first delegation of 200 Marines visited in 2012, the number of Marines alternating through Darwin has increased. The recent rotation of 1,100 Marines left Darwin on Thursday after six months.

The post Australia, Singapore Say China Should Not Worry About Defense Treaty appeared first on Newsline.

Clown Scare Spreads to Australia: Police Will Not Tolerate Pranks

Victoria, Australia – Creepy clown antics in the US has reached Australian shores. Authorities gave a stern warning after the initial sightings. On the Victoria Police Facebook page, they said that they are aware of the pranks of individuals scaring people wearing a clown costume.

Victoria Police statement read. “The clown purge appears to be a copycat of incidents being seen in the USA recently.  Any intimidating and threatening as well as anti-social behaviours will not be tolerated and will be investigated by Police.”

Campbelltown, Sydney also reported sightings in the area

In a Facebook post, Clown Nation Perth gave a threat that the Clowns are coming to the area.

The post said: “You will start seeing clown sightings soon. We have been preparing for a while now”

Australians showed their intolerance for such antics by setting up Facebook pages that focuses on “clown hunting”.

Where the it all Started

The creepy clown trend started in the US. Greenville, South Carolina recorded the first sighting of the creepy clown. Reports also indicate that these clowns were trying to lure children into the woods.

The antics soon spread to other states which include Alabama, Georgia, Pennsylvania and Oregon. Police forces from involved states have been on the lookout for these creepy clowns. Central Point Police in Oregon urged those people doing these pranks to “quit clowning around”.

#ClownLivesMatter

Meanwhile, professional clowns have organized a “#ClownLivesMatter” in the wake of the creepy clown scare sweeping the US. The group said that those pranksters in clown costumes were taking a “good, clean, wholesome art form and distorting it”.

A #ClownLivesMatter protest is set to take place in Tucson, Arizona next week. The professional clowns would march to remind everyone that the real clown spreads happiness and not fear. “This is a peaceful way to show clowns are not psycho killers. We want the public to feel safe and not be afraid. So come out, bring the family, meet a clown and get a hug!”

 

 

The post Clown Scare Spreads to Australia: Police Will Not Tolerate Pranks appeared first on Newsline.

Unluckiest’ Aussie Bitten by Venomous Spider on Penis Again

A 21-year-old Australian builder has tagged himself as the “unluckiest man in Australia” after being bitten by a Redback spider on his penis for the second time after five months.

Jordan, who withheld his last name, said that the spider bit him “pretty much on the same spot”. It was his first time to use a portable toilet again after his last incident with the Redback spider.

Jordan said, “This one is a bit sorer, it seems like it got a better shot at it this time”. He further added that. “I was like ‘I can’t believe it’s happened again. I looked down and I’ve seen a few little legs come from around the rim.”

He stated, “I’m the most unlucky guy in the country at the moment.”

After the first incident, he said that it made him wary of using portable toilets to do his thing. “After the first time it happened I didn’t really want to use one again,” he said.

Jordan’s workmates took him to Blacktown Hospital. Though since this is the second time that this happened, many of his workmates were able to see the lighter side of the incident.

He recalled that his workmates were worried the first time the incident happened. However, he said, “This time they were making jokes before I was getting in the car.”

Jordan’s humiliating ordeal is not yet over since the nurses at the hospital “started giggling” after he reported his injury. He said, “They remembered me from the last time it happened,” he further said. “Everyone was laughing, calling me the unluckiest man in Australia.”

The Hospital declined to give further details due to the patient confidentiality rule.

Redback Spider

The Redback spider is an endemic species of Australia and can be found across the continent. The red stripe in it’s upper abdomen is its distinguishing mark. Hence the name Redback. The spiders venom can cause intense pain, swelling and nausea and if not treated, can lead to death.

 

The post Unluckiest’ Aussie Bitten by Venomous Spider on Penis Again appeared first on Newsline.