One Nation leader Pauline Hanson’s threatened legal action against restricted borders is unlikely to succeed, a University of Wollongong Senior Lecturer claims. Ms Hanson threatened to take the Queensland government to the High Court to allege the state decision to close its borders was illegal under Section 92 of the Commonwealth Constitution, which states trade, commerce, and customs “shall be absolutely free” between Australian states. UOW Law researcher and senior lecturer Niamh Kinchin said exemptions to the law already exist and that would justify keeping borders closed. “The High Court has given examples of different purposes that might justify restriction…
Author: Liam Mallia
New South Wales will have social distancing restrictions loosened on Friday. Cafes and restaurants are allowed to open with limits on patron numbers. The relaxed restrictions NSW government rules also allow more people to attend outdoor gatherings, weddings, and funerals. NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said NSW chose to loosen restrictions because of the work of the State’s citizens. “Our community has demonstrated that by working together we can achieve positive results,” Ms Berejiklian said in a statement. “The changes will allow NSW to fire up the economy, while allowing more personal freedoms. “We will continue to closely monitor COVID-19 rates,…
The University of Wollongong’s (UOW) Live Art Week will move online for the first time starting Monday. The event, which includes live artwork and art activities, is traditionally run at UOW’s main campus but, due to COVID-19 restrictions, it will now run online. Unilife Entertainment and Events Coordinator Rachel Watson said the restrictions were more reason for people to participate. “Even if you don’t usually do creative pursuits, it’s an opportunity to get involved. Creativity and art is just so beneficial, especially for your mental health during a time like this,” Ms Watson said. “We just really want to get…
An Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) report has revealed young workers have been hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic isolation measures. Workers aged 20 and under experienced the biggest losses in employment (9.9%) and wage payments (12.7%), according to ABS data revealed between mid-March and 4 April. University of Wollongong Associate Professor Martin O’Brien said youth lay-offs are common when economies struggle. “Whenever we move through a down-turn in the economy, it’s those who are in the margins of the labour market that tend to be affected most. So, youth are usually the first to be laid off,” A/Prof. O’Brien…
Wollongong’s local churches have moved to live streaming this Easter in line with social distancing restrictions. The Catholic Diocese of Wollongong will move from pre-recorded meetings to live-broadcast mass and liturgies as part of ‘Holy Week Online’. Wollongong Diocese’s Creative Director Daniel Hopper has embraced the challenge, saying the social distancing restrictions are a chance for change. “It’s the greatest opportunity for us to stop as a Church. To think what are the basics? What are we supposed to be doing and how can we do it better,” Mr Hopper said. Local members of the Wollongong Hillsong Church will also…