Queensland

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese married Jodie Haydon on Saturday in an intimate ceremony at The Lodge, making him the first Australian Prime Minister to wed while in office. The low-key event surprised many in Canberra as staff prepared the grounds for what became the first wedding ever held at the official residence. Albanese and Haydon met five years ago at a Melbourne dinner and have lived together at The Lodge for most of that time, often accompanied by their dog, Toto. Their engagement was announced in February 2024 with a selfie taken inside the residence. Albanese joins a small group of world leaders who married while serving, including Boris Johnson in 2021 and U.S. President Woodrow Wilson in 1915. The Lodge, built nearly a century ago, has hosted countless dignitaries but never a wedding, until now. For Albanese and Haydon, it was a natural choice, being the place where their life together has unfolded.

Residents in NSW and Queensland face another round of winds, thunderstorms and intense heatwaves this weekend following destructive storms that damaged buildings and caused power outages for thousands earlier this week. The Bureau of Meteorology cautions that severe thunderstorms are still to come, with extreme weather expected. Brisbane, Bundaberg, Gladstone, Gympie, Ipswich, Mackay and nearby areas will experience heatwave conditions over the weekend before temperatures ease next week. A cold front is expected to sweep through the elevated parts of NSW on Saturday bringing wet weather and strong damaging winds.

The Queensland Crime and Corruption Commission revealed that the ex-Townsville mayor, Troy Thompson was not a member of the Special Air Service Regiment contrary to his assertions. His military service was limited to two and a half years in the army reserves. Medical documents indicate no evidence of cancer or epilepsy despite multiple allegations. Thompson disclosed confidential council data 32 times to a consultant. The inquiry did not lead to prosecutions but suggested changes, to electoral legislation. Thompson wore only his father’s medals on Anzac Day 2024, casting initial doubt over his service. He was suspended on full pay in November 2024 after 18 months of council turmoil. 

Dr Farzin Rezaei has been named South West Hospital and Health Services permanent psychiatrist located in Roma. With two decades of experience from Iran he will cover an area surpassing Victoria reaching St George, Cunnamulla and Charleville. The mental health director highlights a growing crisis noting an increase in emergency presentations in distress. Mary O’Brien, founder of Are You Bogged Mate supports the appointment. Emphasizes ongoing stigma challenges for men. Previously patients faced week waits to consult visiting psychiatrists. Dr Rezaei chose rural work because he values connection and seeing direct impact. 

Operation Topaz investigation examined 50 farms and labor hire companies in Gatton, Queensland in November last year. Seven employers were found to owe $25 million to the tax office due to unpaid taxes and superannuation. Five employers underpaid 67 farm workers by almost $24,000 in wages. Nine businesses violated workplace laws. Officers inspected farms that produce broccoli, onions, pumpkins, and shallots. The Department of Home Affairs checked the immigration status of 423 people. Most businesses were doing well and following the rules, but a few bad employers were taking advantage of vulnerable migrant workers. The investigation is still ongoing as government agencies continue to cooperate in catching businesses that break tax, employment, and immigration laws.

Queensland’s south east may face another round of bad storms after yesterday’s huge storm. Heavy rain, hail and strong winds coming from Gold Coast to Wide Bay. Hot weather will last to the weekend with temperatures 10 degrees above normal on the coast. Inland spots in the mid to high 30s, over 40 degrees further west. Big storms may also hit most of NSW from Sydney to Northern Rivers. Tropical Cyclone Fina came onto Kimberleys coast as category 3 with winds to 165 kilometres per hour seen.