Brisbane Pro-Palestine March Faces Legal Standoff with Police
A planned pro-Palestine demonstration in Brisbane has reached an impasse after failed mediation between organisers and the Queensland Police Service. Justice for Palestine Magan-djin, the organisers of the rally, intend to proceed with their march across the Story Bridge this Sunday, August 24, despite police objections on safety grounds. Remah Naji, a spokesperson for the group, stated their willingness to negotiate in good faith but expressed disappointment over the lack of resolution. Police have been urged to take legal action if they wish to stop the march, which is anticipated to draw around 7,000 participants. The protest follows a similar march in Sydney earlier this month that attracted over 100,000 demonstrators.
Google Fined $55 Million in Anti-Competitive Case
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has initiated Federal Court action against tech giant Google for engaging in anti-competitive practices. Between 2019 and 2021, Google entered deals with Telstra and Optus to prioritize Google Search on Android devices, effectively excluding other search engines. Google has admitted liability and agreed to a $55 million penalty. “Conduct that limits competition is harmful for consumers,” said ACCC chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb. Google has promised to revise its agreements, providing Android device manufacturers with greater flexibility to preload alternative browsers and search apps.
Calls for Urgent Housing Policy Reform
Independent Senator David Pocock has called on the government to reassess housing policies amid Australia’s ongoing housing crisis. Speaking on ABC News Breakfast, Pocock criticized the government for avoiding hard discussions on critical issues like negative gearing and capital gains tax adjustments. Citing polling data showing strong public support for such reforms, Pocock urged for immediate consideration of policies to cap negative gearing to one property and reduce the capital gains tax discount. “Productivity and planning for our nation’s future demand tackling the housing affordability issue head-on,” Pocock emphasized.
Record-Breaking Real Estate in Sunnybank Hills
A Sunnybank Hills estate in Brisbane has set a record-breaking sale price of $3.0735 million for a block under 1,000 square meters. The rapid 10-minute auction drew 20 registered bidders, with the six-bedroom, five-bathroom property selling nearly $100,000 above reserve price. The strong interest demonstrated the resilience of Brisbane’s property market despite rising cost-of-living pressures.
Ekka Brisbane Sees Best Attendance in 15 Years
This year’s Brisbane Ekka event attracted over 425,000 attendees, marking the highest visitor numbers since 2008. RNA Chief Executive Brendan Christou highlighted efforts to keep the event budget-friendly despite economic challenges. The successful turnout exceeded the organisers’ target of 400,000 attendees. Premier David Crisafulli announced plans for redevelopment of the RNA Showgrounds arena following the 2025 event, reassuring Queenslanders that future Ekkas will remain unaffected.
International Leaders Convene to Support Ukraine
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese participated in a virtual Coalition of the Willing meeting aimed at supporting Ukraine amidst its ongoing conflict with Russia. French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer co-chaired the summit, emphasizing the readiness to deploy peacekeeping forces once the fighting ceases. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated his stance against ceding territory, urging world leaders to maintain pressure on Russia through sanctions and support measures. The ongoing discussions highlight the global commitment to address the war’s aftermath and aid Ukraine’s recovery.
