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"No consideration": Tough new penalties introduced for "thoughtless" drivers

One Australian state is set to introduce a new law to enforce harsher penalties on "thoughtless" drivers who endanger the lives of children. South Australian independent Frank Pangallo has proposed legislation that would see prison terms of up to three years and fines of up to $5,000 for drivers found guilty of aggravated driving offences while children under 16 are present. “Like most people in the community, I am deeply alarmed at the number of thoughtless people who have no qualms about getting behind the wheel of a car and drive like a moron while there are kids in the car,” Mr Pangallo <a href="https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/independent-mlc-frank-pangallo-to-introduce-bill-would-impose-tougher-penalties-on-drivers-caught-speeding-drink-driving-with-children-in-the-car/news-story/343d31f4cb6c249a644ac2d45748daef" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" data-tgev="event119" data-tgev-container="bodylink" data-tgev-order="343d31f4cb6c249a644ac2d45748daef" data-tgev-label="news" data-tgev-metric="ev">told </a><a href="https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/independent-mlc-frank-pangallo-to-introduce-bill-would-impose-tougher-penalties-on-drivers-caught-speeding-drink-driving-with-children-in-the-car/news-story/343d31f4cb6c249a644ac2d45748daef" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" data-tgev="event119" data-tgev-container="bodylink" data-tgev-order="343d31f4cb6c249a644ac2d45748daef" data-tgev-label="news" data-tgev-metric="ev">the Advertiser</a>. “Not only are they putting their own lives at risk, but far more critically, the lives of innocent children in the vehicle." “I have spoken to a number of senior police who are astounded by the stupidity of these drivers who have absolutely no consideration for the dangers they are placing those children in.” Pangallo was prompted to urge the reforms after the state saw two horror crashes over the past weeks that have involved children. In one accident, an eight-year-old child was pulled from the wreckage of a vehicle and was lucky to survive, with the 40-year-old driver allegedly returning a positive breath test. “I would describe that driver as being an irresponsible moron,” Mr Pangallo said of the crash. “I hope they throw the book at that driver.” In another recent incident, a woman - who was pulled over for using her mobile phone while driving - allegedly blew six times the legal blood alcohol limit with two children under 16 years old in her car. South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas offered his support for tougher laws in a press conference, saying, “I think it is perfectly reasonable for the law to discriminate between offenders who have children in the car or not. I think that’s a reasonable principle.” Image credits: A Current Affair

Legal

Lawyer warns drivers over little-known road rule with $2200 penalty

While some say it's just "the Aussie way", one lawyer has warned against this common act that could cost you up to $2200. Speaking to 7NEWS Astor Legal principal lawyer Avinash Singh, said that there has been a spike in motorists caught flashing their high beams on the road, to alert other drivers of police. “I’ve received an increased number of inquiries from people who have been caught flashing their high beams, warning oncoming drivers of police,” he said. “Most of my clients have been caught doing this by a mobile speed camera or an RBT, which they don’t realise can catch them out on this offence.” Drivers caught in the act could get an on-the-spot fine of $112 and one demerit point, and a maximum penalty of $2200. According to the Australian Road Rules, it is considered an unlawful use of headlights on high-beam. “It is an offence to drive on a road with high-beam headlights on if there is another vehicle in front, travelling in the same direction within 200m; or if there is another oncoming vehicle within 200m,” Singh said. “Similarly, road rules state that a driver must not use any light fitted to their vehicle to dazzle, or in a way that is likely to dazzle, another road user.” “It is arguable that flashing your headlights to warn of police would fall into the definition of ‘hindering police’ in the execution of their duty “ Motorists on Reddit have described headlight flashing as representing “a camaraderie between motorists” and one even called it “the Aussie way”. But others have argued that the act could impact the safety of other drivers. “Traffic laws are meant to act as a deterrent for dangerous driving, flashing a fellow motorist has the same effect the ticket is meant to but with more immediate results. It should be widely encouraged,” one commenter wrote. “I feel it only changes the driver’s behaviour for a few seconds, but removes the deterrent of getting a fine. So it probably makes traffic, in general, more dangerous,” another said. Image: Shutterstock

Legal

Magpie murderer slapped with massive penalty

A Victorian man has copped a $2,349 penalty after inflicting “callous” acts on magpies. His sentence comes after an investigation by Victorian authorities who were tipped off that birds were being shot at a property in the state’s Sunraysia region. After inspecting the property in 2021, investigators discovered four dead magpies as well as two so severely injured they had to be euthanised. The 57-year-old was placed on a good behaviour bond after appearing at the Mildura Magistrates Court. He admitted to 10 offences of wounding and inflicting aggravated cruelty on the native birds. While Victoria does allow wildlife to be killed by property owners, they must apply for a permit before they start shooting. After the sentence was handed down, the state’s Conservation Regulator Glen Smith warned offenders would be prosecuted. “Magpies are an iconic native bird and they are protected in Victoria. There is no excuse for unlawfully killing or injuring them," he said. “The Conservation Regulator takes wildlife crime extremely seriously and this court result should act as a warning that we will pursue penalties for offenders.” These “callous” acts on the native birds come soon after another Australian man was found guilty of <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/man-who-killed-350-kookaburras-ordered-to-pay-fine" target="_blank" rel="noopener">shooting and killing</a> a staggering 350 kookaburras. Anyone with information about wildlife crime can report it anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Image credit: Shutterstock

Legal

Firing squad demanded for teen in Bali

Prosecutors are calling for a 19-year-old woman to be executed by firing squad after she was arrested for allegedly smuggling drugs into Bali. The Brazilian teenager, Manuela Vitoria de Araujo Farias, has been in custody since her initial arrest in January 2023, after allegedly being sprung with 3kg of cocaine in her luggage. According to global press agency Newsflash, prosecutors demanded the maximum penalty. If she is convicted of trafficking drugs into Indonesia, she could face execution by firing squad or a lifetime prison sentence. Authorities allege she was involved with a drug gang, but according to her lawyer, Davi Lira da Silva, the teen sold lingerie and perfume for a living and was tricked by people she trusted. Mr da Silva claimed the 19-year-old was tricked into cooperating after the gang who hired her told her about temples in Bali where they pray for the ill. Her mother had recently suffered a stroke and her lawyers claimed she was going to seek Buddhist prayers for a cure. They also alleged that the gang had promised to pay for surf lessons for Ms Farias following her arrival to the country. Her arrest made international headlines after the case was confirmed to local media by Bali Police Chief Inspector Gen Putu Jayan Danu Putra in Denpasar on January 27, 2023. The Bali Sun reported that Ms Farias had arrived at Bali Airport around 3 am on January 1 on a Qatar Airways flight, travelling from Brazil to Bali via Qatar. “The drug smuggling attempt was thwarted by the Bali airport customs. We really appreciate what customs have done,” Chief Inspector Putra said at a press conference on January 27, according to the outlet. Ms Farias’ case has been adjourned with the sentences to be announced on a later date in April. Image credit: Twitter

Travel Trouble

Little-known road rule could cost you BIG money with fines up to $3200

Drivers could be fined up to $3200 for parking in spots designated for electric vehicles as part of the little-known penalties introduced in four states and territories. The fines apply to drivers with petrol or diesel vehicles who park in these designated spaces in an act known as “ICEing”. The ACT, Queensland and NSW introduced the heftiest fines with a maximum of 20 penalty units. Drivers in New South Wales who block public electric vehicle chargers can be fined up to $2200. The law added to the NSW Road Rule states that the “driver of a vehicle that is not an electric-powered vehicle must not stop in a parking area for electric-powered vehicles”. In the ACT it could cost drivers up to $3200 and in Queensland it could cost up to $2875. In Victoria the fine for misusing a space that’s designated for electric vehicles is two penalty units or $369. But the penalties also apply to electric drivers who use these parking spots without charging their vehicles. NSW Metropolitan Roads Minister Natalie Ward said that the government introduced these penalties to "support the transition to electric vehicles on our roads". "To make sure we keep the community moving forward, we want electric vehicle drivers to have access to charging stations when they are on offer," she said. According to the Electric Vehicle council, there are more than 83,000 electric vehicles in Australia with these vehicles contributing to 6.8 per cent of all new car sales in February. Image: Getty

Travel Trouble

Female artists earn less than men. Coming from a diverse cultural background incurs even more of a penalty – but there is good news, too

Artists all over the world, regardless of their gender, earn <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/handbook/handbook-of-the-economics-of-art-and-culture">considerably less</a> than professionals in occupations requiring similar levels of education and qualifications. But there’s an additional income penalty for artists who are female. In an analysis of gender differences in the incomes of professional artists in Australia that <a href="https://australiacouncil.gov.au/advocacy-and-research/the-gender-pay-gap-among-australian-artists/">we undertook in 2020</a>, we found the creative incomes of women were 30% less than those of men. This is true even after allowing for differences in such things as hours worked, education and training, time spent in childcare and so on. This income penalty on women artists was greater than the gender pay gap of 16% experienced in the overall Australian workforce at the time. <a href="https://theconversation.com/screen-australia-celebrates-its-work-in-gender-equality-but-things-are-far-from-equal-122266">Some sectors</a> of the arts have tried to redress this problem. However, women continue to suffer serious and unexplained gender-based discrimination in the artistic workplace. Cultural differences are <a href="https://www.nber.org/papers/w27725">also known</a> to influence pay gaps in many countries. In new research <a href="https://australiacouncil.gov.au/advocacy-and-research/culture-and-the-gender-pay-gap-for-australian-artists">out today</a>, we considered whether cultural factors might also affect the gender pay gap of artists in Australia. In addition, we analysed the gender pay gap for remote Indigenous artists for the first time. <h2>A larger gap for women from a non-English speaking background</h2> In our <a href="https://australiacouncil.gov.au/advocacy-and-research/making-art-work/">2016 survey of 826 professional artists</a> working in metropolitan, regional and rural Australia, we asked participants if they came from a non-English speaking background. Only a relatively small proportion of artists – 10% – came from a non-English-speaking background, compared to 18% for the Australian labour force as a whole. A non-English-speaking background appears to carry an income penalty only for women artists, not for men. We found the annual creative earnings of female artists from a non-English-speaking background are about 71% of the creative incomes of female artists whose first language is English. But there is little difference between the corresponding incomes of male artists. Within the group of artists from language backgrounds other than English, the annual creative earnings of female artists are about half (53%) those of their male counterparts. By contrast, the ratio of female to male creative earnings among English-speaking background artists is 73%. These results suggest that women artists from a non-English-speaking background suffer a triple earnings penalty – from being an artist (and hence as a group earning less than comparable professionals), from their gender, and from their cultural background. Despite this earnings disadvantage, 63% of artists who identified as having a first language other than English thought their background had a positive impact on their artistic practice. Only 16% thought it had a negative impact. When artists were asked whether being from a non-English speaking background was a restricting factor in their professional artistic development, 17% of women answered “yes”, compared to only 5% of men from a similar background. Nevertheless, like their male colleagues, these women artists continue to celebrate their cultural background in their art. They contribute to the increasingly multicultural content of the arts in Australia, holding up a mirror to trends in Australian society at large. <h2>No gender gap in remote Indigenous communities</h2> For First Nations artists working in remote communities, a different picture emerges. For this research, we used results for remote communities in three regions of northern Australia drawn from our <a href="https://apo.org.au/node/257301">National Survey of Remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Artists</a>. The gender gap is not replicated among remotely practising First Nations artists. There are some minor variations in this finding for subgroups in different regions, depending in part on differences in the mix of visual and performing artists in the population. But whatever other differentials may exist between female and male earnings, they do not appear to be attributable to the sorts of systemic gender-based discrimination that affects the residual gender gap for other Australian artists. A possible reason relates to fundamental differences between the cultural norms, values and inherited traditions that apply in remote and very remote First Nations communities. Gender roles in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities have been <a href="https://anthrosource.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1525/can.1992.7.2.02a00020">described</a> by researchers as distinctively different, rather than superior or inferior. The importance of both women and men as bearers of culture has been clearly articulated. The unique cultural content of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music, dance, visual art and literature is an essential feature of the work of these artists. These characteristics pass through to the marketplace, and there does not appear to be any obvious gender gap in the way the art from these remote communities is received. There is always differentiation between the art produced in different remote regions of Australia which varies depending on the complexities of different inherited cultural traditions. But there is no indication of any gender-based discrimination associated with these regional differences. Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/female-artists-earn-less-than-men-coming-from-a-diverse-cultural-background-incurs-even-more-of-a-penalty-but-there-is-good-news-too-195646" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>.

Art

North Korean man sentenced to death for distributing Squid Game

A man in North Korea has been handed the death penalty after smuggling in copies of the hit Netflix show Squid Game and illegally distributing them. Sources in the North Hamgyong province told Radio Free Asia that the man brought in the copies on USB drives from China and sold them to high school students. The operation was foiled when authorities caught seven students watching the hit South Korean drama. The perpetrator has been sentenced to death by firing squad, as North Korea tightens its laws on letting capitalist media into the country. One student that purchased the show has been sentenced to life in prison, while six others who watched Squid Game have been sentenced to five years hard labour. The students were punished under North Korea’s new Elimination of Reactionary Thought and Culture law, which keeps a firm grip on outside media. Penalties were extended to the school too, with reports teachers, the principal and other administrative staff were dismissed. The nine-part fictional Netflix drama sees 456 bankrupt contestants compete for a multi-million dollar cash prize. The contestants take part in a series of children's games to win the money, and those who lose the games end up paying with their lives. After being released in September, Squid Game has quickly become the most popular show in Netflix's history. Image credits: Netflix

Travel Trouble

Scott Cam reveals what he really thinks of cheating penalty

The latest cheating scandal has rocked The Block, and for the first time ever - Scott Cam has handed down a major punishment for the cheating contestants. Scott Cam punished Tanya and Vito and Josh and Luke who had a photo of the production schedule in their possession, by deducting two points from last week’s scores from judges. "We deducted those points, I mean I thought that punishment wasn't harsh enough," Cam told 9Entertainment. "But we couldn't make it so those people had no chance of winning The Block, because that would make the whole thing void, if it was just between three teams." <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843632/scott-cam-tanya-fitzy-wippa-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/2bb51176059444159afaeb70aeea13d4" /> The TV host said he wanted to make the game even again. "If we gave them a too-harsh punishment, that would hamstring them too much, so we needed to start again and make the game fair, so we could actually have a series and have a show," he explained. While talking to contestants, he told them he was asked if he would give a penalty to the two teams for cheating. "I thought long and hard about this and I've come to a decision. I will be deducting two points from each of your scores tonight, effectively ruling you out of this week's room," he said. "This will also give the others a head start on the Domain leader board to choose the auction order at the end of the series." Josh and Luke were prepared for whatever punishment was handed to them, but neither the brothers, nor Tanya and Vito were on track to win half basement week. "I think that the auction order is really important, so deducting those points, it made it almost impossible for them to win the Domain Super Power," Scott explained. "I think that was pretty fair, that's going to hamstring them at the end of the series." Not everyone agreed that the points were fair. "Yeah look, I think the penalty for stealing the photo and cheating is appropriate," Mitch said. However, Ronnie said: "I think it's flat-out bulls---, two points is not enough. All their points should have been stripped and all money should have been given back." Kirsty and Jesse were the only team looking at the end game with the penalty. "Two points doesn't sound like a lot," Kirsty said. "But when it comes to the end of this competition and you've got the Domain Leaderboard, you know, when you look at last year's results and how close most couples come within each other. “I think those two points, they're gonna be all the difference." Kirsty and Jesse ended up taking the win.

Five maskless men give insane response to police questioning

<div class="post-body-container"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in"> Five men who had tested positive for COVID-19 in country NSW but then allegedly breached their self isolation orders after they’d been escorted back to south-west Sydney, have been fined $5000 each. The five men were sitting at a footpath table on Monday morning when police went up to them, asking they why they were not wearing masks. The officers spoke to the men, who revealed they had tested positive to COVID-19 in rural NSW and had been ordered to self-isolate for 14 days after being escorted back to Sydney on August 23. Following the police inquiries, all five men – aged 23, 25, 26, 31 and 32 – were issued $5000 Penalty Infringement Notices for not complying with the public health orders. Escorted back to their premises for self-isolation. The men were escorted back to their premises to continue their mandatory isolation. This comes after Premier Gladys Berejiklian has warned that October will be the “worst time” for the state’s intensive care units and health system. NSW reported another record number of new COVID cases on Monday, with four deaths, 1,290 local infections, and western Sydney remaining the main area of transmission. “We anticipate that the worst month, the worst time for our intensive care units will be in October," said Berejiklian. "The number of cases we have in intensive care will depend on our vaccination rate and also on the number of cases, and we all have a hand in determining what that looks like. “Vaccination is the key in terms of our freedom and reducing the spread of the virus,” she added.. Image: Getty Images </div> </div> </div>

Legal

New penalties for animal abusers

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post-body-container"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in"> NSW has become the first state in Australia to automatically ban anyone convicted of serious animal abuse to ever own or work with animals ever again. The government bill introduced tougher penalties for animal cruelty and bestiality after two years of intense work by Animal Justice Part MP Emma Hurst. "We have witnessed some chilling cases over the past two years where animal abusers have been allowed to continue to breed animals, work alongside animals and even buy animals after their convictions," she said in a statement. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CP7sKWNJQR7/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CP7sKWNJQR7/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Emma Hurst (@emma.hurst)</a> </div> </blockquote> "There have been far too many cases where the punishments simply do not match the crimes. "Animal cruelty is hard to think and talk about- but it is happening." The NSW legislation is unique in which the ban is for a lifetime and automatically imposed upon conviction and Hurst hopes other states will follow suit. </div> </div> </div> </div>

Legal

Pete Evans hit with huge fine

Controversial celebrity chef Pete Evans has been hit with an $80,000 fine for unlawful advertising. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) issued the former My Kitchen Rules judge, six fines that totalled $79,920 as well as a directions notice to company Peter Evans Chef Pty Ltd. to ensure the non-compliant advertising was removed. The fines were issued for advertising therapeutics goods that were not included in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) at the time. This includes a 'BioCharger' device, hyperbaric oxygen therapy chambers and two oral medicines. TGA Act says medical devices and medicines must be entered in the ARTG before they can legally be advertised in Australia. “It is a requirement of the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code (No 2) 2018 that products are endorsed by health professionals, health practitioners or medical researchers,” the TGA said in a statement. Evan's company was issued two infringement notices in August 2020 over breaches of the Act relating to the 'BioCharger' device. Evans’ began sharing controversial social media posts throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, claiming it was a hoax.

News

Furious dad slams childcare's "pathetic" penalty after son left in hot bus

A Perth childcare centre has been penalised for inadequate supervision after a four-year-old boy was found locked inside a mini-bus. Mulberry Tree Childcare Centre in Mt Hawthorn has been hit with a $15,000 fine after the incident in October last year. Tom Shipp was picked up from his nearby kindergarten, but when he arrived at the Loftus Recreation Centre, the little boy was left on the bus. The worker did not do a headcount or check the bus was empty before locking the door. The child was left alone on the bus for 11 minutes on a 31C day, with the vehicle parked in direct sunlight. When Tom was found, he was crying and unsettled. Staff went to look for him after his father arrived at the centre asking where he was. Mulberry Tree Childcare has since implemented new bus run procedures with more checks and balances. But Tom's father Anthony Shipp is not satisfied with the $15,000 fine, telling The West Australian his son could have died. “Purely by chance, I went to the centre at 3.30pm. We normally pick him up at 5pm,” he said. “I think it’s just a minor slap on the wrist for an organisation as big as Mulberry Tree - it’s nothing to a company that size. “It’s pathetic.” Shipp said the fine was not a big enough deterrent and he was shocked at how many incidents such as this have occurred at other daycare centres around the country. “Personally, I no longer trust any centre to transport kids in buses. “Clearly these fines have very little impact on this happening again and again.” The WA Regulatory Authority released a statement saying it was important for service providers to review their transportation policies, risk assessments and practices. “Being approved to operate an education and care service in WA carries significant responsibilities and obligations to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children,” <a rel="noopener" href="https://dlgc.communities.wa.gov.au/LegislationCompliance/Lists/Enforcement%20Actions%20ECRU/DispForm.aspx?ID=242&Source=https%3A%2F%2Fdlgc%2Ecommunities%2Ewa%2Egov%2Eau%2FLegislationCompliance%2FPages%2FECRU%2DEnforcement%2DActions%2Easpx&ContentTypeId=0x01001680BDFDBEEA1C4ABE0B192F984CBB9E" target="_blank">the department said</a> in a statement. “It is important that service providers review their transportation policies, procedures, risk assessments and practices to ensure they are adequate, and that staff - including casual and relief staff- are frequently trained in following these policies and procedures. “The transportation practices put in place must be robust to protect against human error and to ensure thorough vehicle checks are undertaken every time.”

Legal

April Fools pranks amid COVID crisis could face hefty penalties

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text "> America is in serious trouble as coronavirus continues to ravage the country. The death toll for the country has skyrocketed past China’s official count with 3,500 deaths and counting. US President Donald Trump has urged people to continue to follow social-distancing measures through April to prevent the virus from spreading. "Every one of us has a role to play in winning this war. Every citizen, family and business can make the difference in stopping the virus," the president said, according to <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/death-toll-york-state-passes-1000-live-updates-200329234257896.html" target="_blank">Al Jazeera</a>. "This is our shared patriotic duty. Challenging times are ahead for the next 30 days and this is a very vital 30 days," Trump told reporters at the White House. The US currently has over 159,000 confirmed infections, which is more than any country in the world. Around the world, Italy has reported that the infection rate appears to have levelled off and new cases could start to decline, as 11,591 people have died from the virus already. The total number of infections has surged past 100,000 with a shocking 4,050 new cases reported. Spain is also on lockdown after surpassing China in the number of cases and quickly approaching Italy when it comes to the number of deaths. A record number of 849 people died on Tuesday, which brings the death toll to 8,189 while 85,000 people haves tested positive for the virus. "We say to our community not to keep looking at the figures and what's going on," said Australian expat Mandy Keillor to the <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-04-01/spains-coronavirus-reality-is-grim-how-did-it-start-there/12103590" target="_blank">ABC</a>. "But you can't help it, because you have to be aware of what's happening." Spain have introduced tough new lockdown rules in the country as all non-essential workers are banned from travelling to work. People are only allowed to go outside to get food, visit a chemist or walk a pet as well as carry documentation explaining the outing. Worldwide, the total number of infections since the beginning of the outbreak have reached more than 775,000. Roughly, 160,000 people have recovered globally while nearly 37,000 have died. Worldwide from Thailand to India, countries have told people not to make April Fools’ Day pranks related to coronavirus, with some countries threatening jail time for spreading misinformation. Tech giant Google, which is famous for its annual spoofs, has cancelled the tradition because of the pandemic which has killed about 40,000 people worldwide. Thailand said on Tuesday that April Fools’ Day jokes about the virus could be punished under a law carrying a sentence of up to five years in prison. “It’s against the law to fake having COVID-19 this April Fools’ Day,” the government said on Twitter. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> People around the world are suffering from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Covid19?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Covid19</a> outbreak, and that's reason enough why people should be more considerate and not use this as a prank or a joke. <a href="https://t.co/DvF5A1WOv6">pic.twitter.com/DvF5A1WOv6</a> — PR Thai Government (@prdthailand) <a href="https://twitter.com/prdthailand/status/1244917499361034240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 31, 2020</a></blockquote> Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen took to Facebook to tell people not to prank about the virus. <div id="fb-root"></div> <div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/tsaiingwen/photos/a.390960786064/10156580820386065/?type=3&theater" data-width="auto"> <blockquote class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"> 大家都說4/1是愚人節，我想提前介紹 #愚人節好運貓貓，歡迎一起分享喔！　　更重要的是，愚人節這天，忍不住的人可以發揮幽默，但切記... Posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tsaiingwen/">蔡英文 Tsai Ing-wen</a> on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tsaiingwen/photos/a.390960786064/10156580820386065/?type=3">Tuesday, March 31, 2020</a></blockquote> </div> She introduced her followers to Good Luck Cat, but quickly explained that article 63 of the prevention of infectious diseases act, saying that spreading rumours or false information about epidemics could result in up to three years in jail and/or a fine of up to NT$3 million ($A162,800). </div> </div> </div>

News

The law, defences and penalties for making a false accusation in NSW

<a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7846859/British-student-faces-jail-Cyprus-urges-Boris-Johnson-intervene.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ico=taboola_feed">It has been reported</a> that a 19-year old British student is facing up to 12 months in prison after being convicted of ‘public mischief’ for falsely claiming that 12 Israeli men gang-raped her in Ayia Napa, a resort town on the southeast coast of Cyprus. A Cypriot judge found that the woman had manufactured the claims due to her ‘embarrassment’ after being filmed by several of the men having consensual sexual intercourse with them. ‘The defendant gave police a false rape claim, while having full knowledge that this was a lie’, the judge remarked, adding ‘[t]here was no rape, or violence’. He described the woman’s accusations as ‘grave’ and refused a defence request to adjourn her sentencing proceedings. But the woman’s supporters have questioned the verdict and called upon the British Prime Minister Boris Johnson to intervene. She has been on bail since the end of August 2019 after spending a month behind bars. Her sentencing is scheduled to take place on 7 January 2020. The crime of making a false accusation in NSW <a href="http://www8.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/legis/nsw/consol_act/ca190082/s314.html">Section 314 of the Crimes Act 1900</a> (NSW) (‘the Act’) makes it an offence punishable by up to seven years in prison to make a false accusation. To establish the offence, the prosecution must prove beyond reasonable doubt that the defendant: <ol> <li>Made an accusation against another person,</li> <li>By doing so, intended the other person to be subjected to an investigation,</li> <li>Knew accusation was false, and</li> <li>Knew the accused person was innocent.</li> </ol> The offence encompasses situations where a person makes a <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/blog/false-sexual-assault-allegations-ruin-lives/">false complaint to police</a>, knowing the person they are accusing is innocent of the accusation. The crime of public mischief Alternatively, <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/criminal/legislation/crimes-act/public-mischief/">section 547B of the Act</a> prescribes a maximum penalty of 12 months in prison for the offence of public mischief. To establish the offence, the prosecution must prove beyond reasonable doubt that the defendant: <ol> <li>Knowingly made a false representation that an act had been done, or would been done, or that an event had occurred,</li> <li>The representation was made to a police officer, and</li> <li>The representation called for an investigation by the police officer.</li> </ol> The offence covers situations where: <ul> <li>The representation was made to a person other than a police officer,</li> <li>The nature of the representation reasonably required the person to communicate it to a police officer, and</li> <li>The person did communicate it to a police officer</li> </ul> The charge may be preferred to one of ‘false accusation’ in situations where the prosecution is unable to prove that the accuser intended another person to be prosecuted, or knew the other person was innocent. The crime of perjury If the accuser testified in court or swore a statement under an oath or affirmation, they may be prosecuted for the offence of perjury under <a href="http://www8.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/legis/nsw/consol_act/ca190082/s327.html">section 327</a> of the Act, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment. To establish the offence, the prosecution must prove beyond reasonable doubt that he or she: <ol> <li>Made a false statement under oath or affirmation,</li> <li>It was made in, or in connection with, judicial proceedings,</li> <li>It concerned a matter which was material to those proceedings, and</li> <li>The defendant knew the statement was false or did not believe it was true at the time it was made.</li> </ol> The maximum <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/blog/what-is-the-offence-of-perjury-in-new-south-wales/">penalty for perjury</a> increases to 14 years where the complainant intended to procure the conviction or acquittal for a ‘serious indictable offence’ – which is one that carries a maximum penalty of at least five years in prison. The crime of perverting the course of justice And section 319 of the Act prescribes a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison for <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/criminal/legislation/crimes-act/perverting-course-of-justice/">perverting the course of justice</a>. To establish that offence, the prosecution must prove beyond reasonable doubt that the defendant: <ol> <li>Engaged in an act or made an omission, and</li> <li>By doing so, intended to pervert the course of justice.</li> </ol> The definition of ‘<a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/blog/what-is-perverting-the-course-of-justice/">perverting the course of justice</a>’ is ‘obstructing, preventing, perverting or defeating the course of justice or the administration of law’. Examples of perverting the course of justice may include: <ul> <li>Attempting to bribe a police or judicial officer to avoid being prosecuted or punished,</li> <li>Falsely swearing or declaring that another person was responsible for an offence,</li> <li>Using a victim’s phone or email in an attempt to create a defence to a crime,</li> <li>Encouraging or bribing another person to plead guilty to an crime they did not commit, or</li> </ul> provide a false alibi, or give false testimony in court. Defences A number of <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/criminal/defences/">defences may apply to the above charges</a>, including: <ul> <li>Duress,</li> <li>Necessity, and</li> <li>Self-defence.</li> </ul> Alternatively, it may be possible to have the charged <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/services/mental-health-applications/">dismissed on mental health grounds</a> under <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/blog/drafting-section-32-applications-a-guide-for-criminal-lawyers/">section 32 of the Mental Health (Forensic Provisions) Act 1990</a>. Written by Ugur Nedim. Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/blog/the-law-defences-and-penalties-for-making-a-false-accusation-in-nsw/">Sydney Criminal Lawyers</a>.

Travel Tips

Kevin the Kookaburra's killer receives maximum penalty

The man who tore the head off a kookaburra at a Perth pub has been fined the maximum penalty of $2,500. WA Police and RSPCA WA began an investigation following accounts from patrons at the Parkerville Tavern, who said they witnessed Daniel Welfare rip the head off Kevin the kookaburra after the bird took food from his plate. The $2,500 fine is the maximum penalty for the offence of “unlawful take of fauna”. According to the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Welfare was the first person to be fined the maximum amount for the offence since new laws came into force on January 1. “Even though kookaburras are not native to Western Australia, they are classified as fauna under the Act, which means people must not take or disturb them without lawful authority,” a spokesperson said. The kookaburra had been well-known to pub staff and regulars prior to the attack, with a notice featuring a photo of Kevin on display at the tavern. “Meet one of the locals (he’s still out there). He has a love for the Parky Steak Sandwich and fish. He is loathed to buy his own and whenever possible, will sneak up and steal yours,” the sign warns. “Please be mindful of your precious steak sandwich and meals in the garden and in the meantime, we shall continue our negotiations with this chap in the hope that he learns some table manners.” A customer told <a href="https://www.perthnow.com.au/news/wildlife/kookaburras-head-ripped-off-in-barbaric-attack-at-parkerville-tavern-ng-b881364437z">PerthNow</a> that Welfare “grabbed” Kevin after the bird flew down onto his plate. “I went ‘Oh my god, he’s got him’ and then he sort of just hesitated for a moment, like seconds, and then put his hands under the table and just ripped his head off,” the customer said. “The thing that got me is he just threw the bird on the floor, he just ditched it.” Investigations with the RSPCA and the Department of Primary Industries and Development are still ongoing.

Domestic Travel

NAB faces heavy penalties after admitting money-laundering breach

National Australia Bank (NAB) faces the prospect of further remediation and a massive fine after revealing it might have made multiple breaches of counter-terrorism and anti-money laundering laws. The bank said in its annual report on Friday that it might have been involved in a breach or alleged breaches of laws governing bribery, corruption and financial crime. NAB said it has self-reported “a number” of issues to financial intelligence agency AUSTRAC. The bank also said that it provided documents and information to the financial intelligence watchdog. NAB is unsure how deeply the issue had run as well as how significant any AUSTRAC penalty would be. “The potential outcome and total costs associated with the investigation and remediation process remain uncertain,” the bank said in its annual report, according to <a href="https://thenewdaily.com.au/money/finance-news/2019/11/15/nab-penalty-money-laundering/">The New Daily</a>. “Given the large volume of transactions that the group processes, the undetected failure of internal AML/CTF controls, or the ineffective implementation or remediation of compliance issues, could result in a significant number of breaches … and significant monetary penalties.”

Money & Banking

“Complete joke”: Wallabies World Cup “disgraceful” move

Wallabies star Samu Kerevi has said he would consider a switch to the NRL after being penalised for a controversial tactic - a move that contributed to Australia’s 29-25 loss on Sunday. The sportsman was whistled for a penalty after his fend-off of Welsh fly half Rhys Patchell appeared to slip up to the opponents throat. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B28Z4N2j9Fe/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B28Z4N2j9Fe/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by SAMUELÁ VATUNIVEIVUKE (@samukerevi_)</a> on Sep 27, 2019 at 10:52pm PDT </div> </blockquote> Captain Michael Hooper became clearly frustrated after the third penalty was awarded against the Wallabies in the first half. The match referee Romain Poite’s explanation for the penalty was given following an extensive number of replays. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7831302/wallabies-rugby-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/1bdac0888bce471bb3e872d1a060431f" /> Samu Kerevi was penalised for leading with the arm against Wales' Rhys Patchell. They deemed Kerevi had dangerously raised his forearm into Patchell's chest/neck area. However, he believes he has done nothing wrong and slow motion replays had worked against him. "I've been playing with that for my whole career. It's the first time I've heard that I can't lead with my arms and bump," he said. "The worrying thing is if he's falling and I keep moving forward, which I would normally do, I could touch his head." "What do we do in that split second? ... I might as well just stop." While Patchell missed the resulting penalty kick, Wales scored a dubious try on a missed offside call just seconds before half time. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B2_ftE0DnPP/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B2_ftE0DnPP/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Wallabies (@wallabies)</a> on Sep 29, 2019 at 3:40am PDT </div> </blockquote> Wales led 23-8 at the break and Fox Sports commentator Phil Kearns shared his opinion on the officiating clear. “The whole refereeing display has been disgraceful,” Kearns said. “Just embarrassing.” Hoover couldn’t hold back his own fury after the penalty was called by Poite and TMO. “Can we not run into the tackle anymore?” he asked. “That is terrible tackle technique, he’s (Kerevi) just done a very good carry. “We can’t carry if that’s going to be the ruling.” Wallabies fans took to social media to share their own opinions with one deeming Poite’s call as a “horrible decision”. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Horrible decision!! How can Kerevi control where the opposition tackles. Penalty for poor tackle technique. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvWAL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvWAL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/rugbyworldcup2019?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#rugbyworldcup2019</a> — Dean Mumm (@DeanMumm) <a href="https://twitter.com/DeanMumm/status/1178226634941288449?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2019</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Rugby now officially a complete joke. What a farce. Runners now have to protect tacklers doing stupid things.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvWAL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvWAL</a> — Mark Riley (@Riley7News) <a href="https://twitter.com/Riley7News/status/1178226984939245568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2019</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> What's going on with rugby? You can't run into player and fend them off now? It's a contact sport. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvWAL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvWAL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RWC2019?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RWC2019</a> — Arvind Hickman (@ArvindHickman) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindHickman/status/1178226899287511040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2019</a></blockquote>

News

“We’re losing our penguins”: Stricter penalties demanded after a spate of dog attacks

Calls have been renewed to increase the penalties for the owners of dogs which injured other animals in Tasmania after a spate of attacks on little penguins. Last Thursday, an attack in Wynyard saw 42 little penguins being mauled to death, sparking community outrage and an investigation by the Parks and Wildlife Service. According to the <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-09-04/penguins-numbers-in-tasmania-dip-after-dog-attack-spate/11473906?pfmredir=sm">ABC</a>, this is the seventh attack on little penguin colonies in the past year, with the death toll reaching more than 170. “It just seems that we barely forget about one dog attack and then there’s another one that happens almost straight away,” said Birdlife Tasmania convenor Eric Woehler. “The Tasmanian community clearly has had enough … [Yet] we don’t see any real response in terms of changes on the ground.” Wynyard Mayor Robby Walsh said he was devastated by the deaths, and that he could not do much aside from pushing for increased surveillance. “We need physical patrols from rangers and community groups,” Walsh said. “Whilst we want to help, we can’t interfere. It falls within the jurisdiction of the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment. “It’s a serious thing and I think the Parks and Wildlife need to work in some sort of assistance.” Walsh also ruled out the possibility of installing dog-proof fences. “Once they get a taste of them, they’ll be back... even an elephant fence wouldn’t stop them,” he said. “We can’t fence off the coast. The responsibility lies with the owners.” Penguin Rehab and Release president Kathy Grieveson said more solutions, such as clearer exclusionary zones and fines, should be considered to help protect penguin sanctuaries from dogs. “Every time we go down to the colony there are dog tracks all through them,” Grieveson told <a href="https://www.theadvocate.com.au/story/6357956/pet-owner-crackdown-on-the-cards-following-penguin-attack/">The Advocate</a>. “If it means fining owners then... that seems to be the only thing that people take notice of – if it hits the back pocket.” Under the current Dog Control Act, the owner of a dog which attacks a person or an animal to cause minor injuries can be fined up to $650. Serious injuries may attract a fine of up to $2,600. Woehler said the penalty should be harsher. “Let’s make it about $1,000 as a starting point. We’re talking about $40,000 for what we’ve just seen on the last weekend,” he said. “We’re losing our penguins in Tasmania.” In June, the Tasmanian Government said it would review and strengthen the laws, with more rangers being deployed to the danger areas.

Family & Pets

The major changes Aussies need to know about starting July 1

The end of the financial year is fast approaching and many of us cannot wait. However, there are a number of changes coming once July 1 hits for Australians to be aware of. If there is anything you should be doing before Monday comes around, it’s sorting out your finances. Here’s an extensive list to help: Income tax relief on standby To stimulate spending and boost the economy, the coalition is under pressure to give a tax break to lower and middle-income earners of up to $1080 for single earners, or for dual income families up to $2160 as of July 1 (after lodging their tax return). When the tax cuts pass, around 1500 Queensland businesses will be granted a tax relief with the state government – raising the payroll threshold from $1.1 million to $1.3 million. The tax cuts are a part of a three-stage $158 billion plan and the final stage is expected to be contested by the opposition when parliament comes back on July 2. The Australian Tax Office has confirmed, however, that they will provide cuts if the laws are passed after June 30. Penalty and minimum wage increase The minimum wage will increase by 3 per cent to $740.80 per week ($19.49 an hour) starting on or after July 1. What work expenses you should look out for <ul> <li>Claims for work-related clothing, dry cleaning and laundry expenses will be flagged by the ATO and they will check taxpayers who take advantage of the exemption from keeping receipts for people who spend less than $150 per financial year on laundry expenses.</li> <li>Overtime meal claims.</li> <li>Union fees and subscriptions.</li> <li>The ATO will be keeping an eye out for mobile phone and internet costs where people who claim the whole (or a large amount) of the bill for their personal mobile as work-related.</li> <li>The ATO is concerned taxpayers are automatically claiming the 5000km motor vehicle journey claim regardless of the actual amount spent travelling</li> <li>Unless you are actually running a business from home, deductions made for home office use, including “occupational” costs like rent, rates and mortgage interest, are not allowed and will be looked out for.</li> <li>Taxpayers who incorrectly claim deductions under the rule they are allowed to incur work-related expenses of $300 or less in total without receipts will also be on the radar. The ATO is concerned some taxpayers are claiming this deduction without actually incurring any expenses.</li> </ul> Look out for dodgy property deductions The ATO has announced it will be looking out for excessive interest expense claims, including when property owners attempt to claim borrowing costs on the family home as their rental property. Those who also incorrectly allocate rental income and expenses between owners will also be paid close attention to. An example of this includes when a jointly owned property is claimed by the owner with the higher taxable income rather than jointly. Holiday homes that are not actually listed for rent are also on the ATO’s radar. It is noted rental property owners should ONLY claim for the periods the property is actually for rent or is actually available for rent. A close eye will also be kept on incorrect claims for newly purchased rental homes. The costs to repair defects and damages exist purely at the time of purchase. The costs of renovation cannot be claimed immediately and are deductible over a number of years not instantly. Inactive accounts could go straight to the Tax Office Those with superannuation accounts face the risk of their finances being transferred to the Australian Taxation Office if no contributions have been made for 16 months, or if they have a balance of less than $6,000. If the ATO does get hold of your super finances, they will attempt to combine the super into the account you are currently using (if you have one). If they are unable to find one, the ATO will hold it until it can be claimed. Your insurance claims (including past) could be lost From life insurance to disability and protection cover – dormant accounts that could be beneficial to an individual may be lost. Some may not be aware they have a default life insurance included in their superannuation fund and from the first day of the new financial year – super accounts that have been inactive for 16 months will have their default life cover insurance turned off. This could not just impact life insurance, it may impact disability cover or income protection cover. Exit fees to be banned Superannuation fund exit fees will be banned from July 1 – so if you are thinking about switching your funds to a new super, it will save you quite a bit of money. Exit fees come to about $52 million each year and can now thankfully be changed and sorted around without the worry of exit fees. If individuals have a small amount in their super (less than $6000), fees will be capped at 3 per cent to try to prevent the cost from eroded.

Money & Banking

Christchurch shooter pleads not guilty to 51 charges of murder

Christchurch mosque terror attacker Brenton Tarrant has denied being the attacker and has entered a not guilty plea during a short appearance at the High Court in Christchurch, New Zealand, this morning. As he announced his plea via his lawyer, gasps were heard in the courtroom according to <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/world/pacific/nz-mosque-shooting-accused-to-face-court/news-story/3b53935379a34f4e5e84ab49ed01c316" target="_blank">news.com.au</a>. Tarrant has pled not guilty to 51 charges of murder, 40 charges of attempted murder and one terrorism offence over the Christchurch shootings. This is a total of 92 charges in total. The terror charge laid against him last month will be the first prosecution of its kind in New Zealand and some legal experts say that it could lead to a complex trial, according to <a rel="noopener" href="https://au.news.yahoo.com/christchurch-massacre-accused-brenton-tarrant-pleads-not-guilty-222352860.html" target="_blank">Yahoo! News</a>. Tarrant wore a grey sweatshirt and strained to hear discussions via the audio-visual link from Paremoremo Prison in Auckland. That prison is currently New Zealand’s only maximum-security prison. Prison staff have confirmed that Tarrant has no access to television, radio, newspapers or visitors. The courtroom was filled with survivors and family members of the 51 killed during the March 15 attack at two Christchurch mosques. Two further courts and 200 seats were set aside for the public, who watched the court proceedings via audio-visual link as the main courtroom was full. Police maintained a heavy presence throughout the building. All of the victims kept their eyes glued to the gunman throughout the hearing. Tarrant’s case will return to court on August 16. Amid concerns his trial can be used to further incite hatred and expose far-right extremist views, New Zealand’s major media organisations have agreed to self-imposed restrictions on reporting. Justice Cameron Mander has also declined all media requests to film or photograph proceedings in court, in the interest of preserving the integrity of the trial process and ensure a fair trial for Tarrant.

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