Russia intends to increase its defence spending by 25 percent next year, according to a draft state budget released on Monday. Russia’s military spending in rubles has already more than tripled since President Vladimir Putin’s decision to invade Ukraine in 2022 and will reach 13.5 trillion rubles next year, a figure not seen since the…
Some Ipswich residents will be voting twice after Queensland Premier Steven Miles called for a state election on Saturday, October 26. A by-election for Ipswich Division 4 will also be held on the same day. The writ for the state election and dissolution of state parliament was issued by Governor Dr Jeannette Young (AC) today.…
The death toll from Hurricane Helene which struck the US South-East has reportedly surpassed 120 as of Monday (US time). The storm has become one of the deadliest hurricanes to make landfall on the US mainland in the modern era. Deaths were reported by officials in the Carolinas, Florida, Georgia and Tennessee. Falling trees was…
Picture: ANDREW KACIMAIWAI A QUICK decision to seek help has enabled a South Australian woman to recover $777,000 after she fell victim to an online scam last year. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) is highlighting the case to promote Cyber Security Awareness Month, which starts today (Tuesday). AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Darryl Parrish says this…
Picture: ANDREW KACIMAIWAI Thousands of surf lifesaving volunteers have returned to the NSW coastline for the start of the 2024-25 patrol season. Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib launched the season at Sydney’s Coogee Beach on Saturday (September 28). The patrol season will run to April 27, 2025, with more than 21,000 Surf Life Saving NSW…
Picture: QPS Polair Queensland now has the country’s largest aerial police fleet after the addition of three more POLAIR helicopters to their northern fleet. Qld Premier Steven Miles announced in a statement that Townsville will get two new permanently-based police helicopters while a third will serve Cairns on a temporary basis. Townsville-based Meridian Helicopters will…
The Queensland Reds scrum down against the Dunedin-based Highlanders at Suncorp Stadium this season. Picture: ANDREW KACIMAIWAI The draw for Super Rugby Pacific 2025 has been unveiled with a culture round, an ANZAC Day round and a new finals format. The finals format has had to be rejigged after the Melbourne Rebels were axed this…