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Queensland Premier Reports 700 Requests for SES Assistance
The Premier of Queensland, David Crisafulli, addressed the public, revealing that the State Emergency Service (SES) has received approximately 700 calls for assistance. He emphasized the importance of residents in affected areas preparing an evacuation plan:
“The community’s response has been commendable, especially in the last 24 hours. I want to express gratitude to Queenslanders for their proactive efforts to check on vulnerable individuals, whether it be neighbors or colleagues, as these actions have made a significant impact,” Crisafulli stated.
He recommended that an ideal evacuation plan would be to seek refuge with friends or family, as these settings provide the most comfort and safety.
For those unable to do so, Crisafulli assured that councils are actively setting up refuge centers, with 26 locations already identified across the region.
He encouraged residents to visit local government disaster dashboard websites for additional updates and resources.
Updated at 06.23 CET
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Evacuation Order Issued for South Lismore Residents
Residents of South Lismore have been ordered to evacuate before 9 PM tonight due to impending flooding from Cyclone Alfred. This emergency warning covers various areas within the Lismore region, including properties along Kyogle Road and low-lying areas near Ostrom Street.
Authorities stressed, “Evacuate before [9 PM], as heavy rains could block escape routes.”
Remaining in the area poses significant risks, including potential entrapment without access to power or essential services, making rescue operations by the NSW SES extremely challenging.
The threat of rapid river rises and extensive flooding from Tropical Cyclone Alfred was highlighted in the warning.
Forecasts predict intense rainfall across Northern NSW from Thursday through the weekend, with flash flooding likely. Coastal regions may also face increased flood risks due to high tides and large waves.
An evacuation center has been established at Southern Cross University on Military Road, East Lismore.
Updated at 08.00 CET
Economic Justice Australia Raises Concerns Over Centrelink Debt Collection
In related news, Economic Justice Australia, the leading organization for community legal centers, has urged the government to eliminate debts calculated through a contentious method. They are also advocating for a six-year limit on debt recovery, following recommendations from the Robodebt Royal Commission, and increased funding for specialized social security legal aid.
CEO Kate Allingham stated:
“It’s astonishing that we find ourselves addressing this issue again. There are serious legal questions surrounding a Government practice that influences individuals’ social security rights, which is alarming by any standard. This situation follows a long history of problems, highlighted by the Robodebt scandal and numerous system failures that raise concerns over legality and transparency.”
Allingham emphasized that public trust in the government diminishes when flawed systems persist without oversight, adversely affecting many people reliant on social support. She insisted that adequate funding for social security legal services is essential to help individuals navigate these complex challenges.
Updated at 07.50 CET
Legal Battle Over Debt Recovery Methods Continues
The contentious income apportionment case is presently before the federal court. This legal dispute could have significant ramifications for countless jobseekers and the broader debt recovery framework of the welfare system.
This practice of income apportionment was utilized by Services Australia when clarity on discrepancies between payslips and reporting periods was needed, such as when details on hours worked were absent.
An earlier tribunal ruling highlighted a case where an individual’s debt was miscalculated in 2014 while they were on youth allowance.
Academic and welfare expert Chris Rudge discussed the case:
Chaplin’s position asserts that the alleged debt should be considered null until the secretary employs their substantial evidence-gathering powers to provide robust proof that a debt exists.
Chaplin questions whether the secretary is adhering closely enough to the specific guidelines governing when income is recognized, leading to potential miscalculations.
He also contends that the secretary possesses considerable evidence-gathering authority that was not utilized in this instance. In contrast, the secretary argues the social security system is structured to minimize costs, legally allowing them to make inferences about debt existence.
The Commonwealth maintains their processes were followed correctly and that the existing guidelines facilitate the secretary’s extensive debt recovery responsibilities without hindering their operations.
Updated at 07.36 CET
Photographer Captures Moment Amid Cyclone Alfred
Photographer Amber J Cowley showcased a stunning image of a surfer airborne above a massive wave, highlighting the impact of Cyclone Alfred at The Bluff in Alexandra Headland on the Sunshine Coast.
Updated at 07.18 CET
Victorian Anti-Vilification Legislation Stalled in Parliament
The Victorian government’s proposed anti-vilification laws will not be voted on in this parliamentary session due to ongoing negotiations needed to secure crossbench support. The proposed legislation aims to broaden existing protections against vilification to include disabilities, gender identity, sexuality, and more.
Possible penalties for serious vilification offenses could result in incarceration for up to five years.
The Coalition has expressed opposition to the bill in its current form, leaving the government to negotiate with crossbenchers. While the Greens report positive discussions, they have yet to take a definitive stance.
Animal Justice Party MP Georgie Purcell remains optimistic, stating:
“I advocate for new anti-vilification laws, and it’s critical to push this legislation through. There are several communities currently without protection that would benefit from these new measures. My office has been consulting with stakeholders and community legal services, and with a few reasonable amendments from the government, we expect to see progress soon.”
Updated at 07.03 CET
Avalon Airport Incident Involving Firearm
In a concerning security incident at Avalon Airport, outside Melbourne, Victoria police reported that a man attempted to board a commercial flight with a firearm. Responding to the situation, authorities detained the individual at approximately 2:50 PM, and no injuries were reported during the incident.
Updated at 06.52 CET
Queensland Councils Prepare for Cleanup After Cyclone Alfred
Jake Ellwood of the Queensland Reconstruction Authority announced that 12 councils are prepared to begin cleanup efforts following the passage of Cyclone Alfred. He detailed the recovery process:
“The initial phase involves a thorough cleanup, which is essential for families to begin moving forward. Our teams, including the SES and the Queensland Fire Department, have successfully managed cleanups before, and we are mobilizing 12 councils from the Fraser Coast to the Gold Coast for this effort.”
Following cleanup, assessments will be conducted to evaluate the extent of damage to homes to ensure community support throughout recovery.
Emergency efforts will focus on restoring functionality to damaged infrastructure, allowing communities to resume normalcy before delving into more extensive reconstruction.
Our goal remains to emerge from these challenges stronger than we were before.
Updated at 06.49 CET
Queensland Firefighters Mobilized for Cyclone Response
The Queensland Fire Service, led by Commissioner Stephen Smith, has redeployed additional firefighters from various regions to support southeastern communities bracing for Cyclone Alfred. Twenty-three hubs with specialized rescue teams are established to ensure immediate response capabilities in the affected areas.
“We have numerous firefighting staff and volunteers ready to respond when safe conditions permit,” Smith confirmed.
Updated at 06.42 CET
Acting Police Commissioner Shane Chelepy has cautioned residents about preparing for anticipated storm surges, flash floods, and extensive riverine flooding as Cyclone Alfred approaches the coast. He reiterated the need for proactive measures:
“This significant rainfall will likely lead to swift flash flooding and prolonged river flooding. It is crucial for communities to comprehend their risks and prepare evacuation plans for not just the cyclone, but also for potential flooding over the next few days.”
Chelepy urged residents to elevate furniture in vulnerable areas, secure valuable documents in waterproof containers, and develop exit strategies for emergencies. He also strongly advised against driving through floodwaters:
“Such actions pose grave risks to yourself, your family, and emergency responders.”
Updated at 06.41 CET
Bureau of Meteorology Predicts Significant Rainfall
The Bureau of Meteorology has reported heavy rainfall already impacting the Gold Coast and extending to the Scenic Rim and Brisbane regions. Meteorologist Matthew Collopy indicated that expected daily rain totals between 300 to 400mm could accumulate to up to 800mm over the coming days:
“This rainfall will lead to rapid flash flooding and potential riverine flooding,” Collopy warned, highlighting flood watches for various rivers and creeks.
Updated at 06.31 CET
Large Waves Recorded Off Gold Coast
In further developments concerning Cyclone Alfred, Matthew Collopy warned about intense damaging winds affecting exposed coastal locations. The outer Moreton Bay region has already reported wind gusts exceeding 90km/h, reaching the threshold for damaging winds. Gusts could escalate to 150km/h as the cyclone approaches early Saturday:
“The risk for extreme winds will persist, intensifying through today and tomorrow,” Collopy noted.
Extreme wave heights have also been documented along the Queensland coast, including 12.3m waves, creating hazardous conditions in coastal areas. Additionally, a significant storm surge is anticipated as the cyclone approaches, potentially raising sea levels by 50cm to 1m above normal tidal levels.
At exposed locations, storm surges could reach heights of up to 1.5m.
Updated at 06.28 CET
Source
www.theguardian.com