Aussies can now camp for free in Victoria and although the initiative was initially introduced to help campers enjoy a holiday amid cost-of-living pressures, critics of the scheme fear a major oversight will prevent many people from taking part. Until June next year, Aussies from any jurisdiction can camp in Victoria for free with booking … Read more
Hundreds of infectious virus samples have gone missing, sparking an investigation into another state-run laboratory bungle. In a “major breach” of biosecurity control, a Queensland lab has lost 323 samples including almost 100 of the potentially deadly Hendra virus. However, the state government on Monday said there was no risk to the community. Samples of … Read more
An Instagram influencer has admitted using her job at a government health agency to help a drug dealer obtain mobile phones through identity theft. Jaylie Tori Bonow, 28 in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Monday pleaded guilty to one count of obtaining identification information to facilitate an offence and one count of using a restricted computer … Read more
The photo of a car parked on a driveway in one major Aussie city highlights a little-known parking offence that drivers can be fined hundreds of dollars for. Over the weekend, a black car stood idle on a driveway in Sydney and a passerby called the driver out for being “arrogant” as the vehicle had … Read more
A man was elbowed and punched during a late-night scuffle with Melbourne Storm star Shawn Blore and his brother, a court has been told. The alleged target of the assault Naaman Mikhael, 31, who was also accused of affray over the incident, had the charge dismissed on mental health grounds on Monday after a magistrate … Read more
A US woman who flew to Australia with a gold-plated pistol in her luggage has been sentenced to a year in jail, despite claiming she brought it with her for protection. Liliana Goodson pleaded guilty to charges of illegally importing an unauthorised firearm and illegally importing ammunition. On Monday, the 30-year-old was sentenced in Sydney’s … Read more
Australians are forking out hundreds of dollars more for their health insurance as companies exploit a loophole allowing them to hike costs for some customers. Private health insurers are only allowed to raise their premiums once a year, and each increase must be approved by the federal health minister. But a report from the Commonwealth … Read more
An Aussie driving with their windows down learned the hard way that the common practice may be ill-advised after an “unlucky” encounter on the road landed them in hospital. The Queenslander was driving on the Gold Coast when they claimed a fruit bat inadvertently flew through their window and bit the person on the finger, … Read more
The funeral for Holly Bowles, who died after suspected methanol poisoning during a trip to Laos, will be held today at Beaumaris Secondary College, where friends and family pay their respects and say their final goodbyes. Ms Bowles died in a Bangkok hospital on November 21 after consuming a drink allegedly laced with methanol during … Read more
Liliana Goodson tried to smuggle a 24-karat gold-plated pistol into Australia in her luggage. Picture: NewsWire / Nikki Short An American traveller has been jailed for smuggling a 24-karat gold-plated gun worth $2000 into Australia in her hand luggage. Liliana Goodson, 29, faced Sydney Downing Centre Court on Monday after pleading guilty to two charges … Read more