@ n2da
2025-03-05 20:12:53
## Queensland Premier Urges Immediate Preparations Ahead of Cyclone Alfred
### Summary:
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has urged residents to complete their preparations immediately as Tropical Cyclone Alfred approaches. The Category 2 cyclone is expected to bring heavy rainfall, destructive winds, and potential flooding to South-East Queensland and Northern New South Wales. Public transport services and elective surgeries have been canceled, and hundreds of schools will remain closed through the week. Residents are advised to stay indoors and ensure their safety during the cyclone's landfall.
Sources: [The Guardian - March 5, 2025](https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2025/mar/05/australia-news-live-tropical-cyclone-alfred-brisbane-gold-coast-floods-storm-election-anthony-albanese-peter-dutton-ntwnfb), [News.com.au - March 6, 2025](https://www.news.com.au/technology/environment/1000km-warning-zone-alfred-set-to-hit-millions/news-story/6faff4d5aeb7a2c962dd94d46655fcea)
## Evacuation Orders Issued as Cyclone Alfred Approaches
### Summary:
Authorities have issued evacuation orders for residents in Northern New South Wales, particularly in areas from Tweed to Yamba, as Cyclone Alfred intensifies. The cyclone is expected to bring gale-force winds, heavy rainfall up to 400 mm, and significant flooding. Schools and flights have been disrupted, with widespread closures and cancellations in the region. Coastal areas are experiencing high winds and massive waves, increasing the risk of flash floods. Emergency services are on high alert, preparing residents and reinforcing infrastructure to manage imminent threats.
Sources: [The Daily Telegraph - March 6, 2025](https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/regional/latest-on-tropical-cyclone-alfred-fears-for-northern-nsw-as-system-intensifies/news-story/b52b74b763dc895afa9fedcb33063925), [News.com.au - March 6, 2025](https://www.news.com.au/technology/environment/1000km-warning-zone-alfred-set-to-hit-millions/news-story/6faff4d5aeb7a2c962dd94d46655fcea)
## Liberal Senator Alex Antic's Rise Signals Shift to Conservatism in South Australia
### Summary:
Liberal Senator Alex Antic has ascended to the top position on South Australia's Senate ticket, marking a significant shift from the state's traditionally moderate Liberal stance to a more conservative direction. This change follows the resignation of veteran moderate Simon Birmingham and an influx of social conservatives and libertarians into the party. Antic, known for his controversial views, believes that conservative values are gaining traction as the world reaches "peak woke." He emphasizes the importance of adhering to traditional conservative principles to appeal to families concerned about social issues and younger individuals focused on economic matters. Despite past conflicts with party moderates, Antic is optimistic about the party's future under leaders like Peter Dutton, noting similar conservative movements globally.
Sources: [The Australian - March 5, 2025](https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/antiwoke-warrior-welcomes-libs-step-to-the-right/news-story/6ce80aadb64afecc0b1744141671a5c1)
## Government's $130k Weekly Legal Fees for Toll Reform Under Scrutiny
### Summary:
The Minns government's efforts to reform Sydney's toll network have cost taxpayers over $8 million, with legal advice alone amounting to $130,000 per week since February 5, 2025. Despite these expenditures, significant changes have yet to be implemented, leading to criticism over the prioritization of consultancy fees over actionable toll reforms.
Sources: [The Daily Telegraph - March 6, 2025](https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/taxpayers-slugged-130k-per-week-for-legal-advice-on-toll-reform/news-story/01d7ef103b0e6af03e92ee39de667326)
## Tech Giants Generate $27 Billion Annually from Australian Consumers
### Summary:
An analysis by the Parliamentary Budget Office reveals that the top 16 tech companies, including Google, Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon, collectively earn $26.7 billion annually from Australian consumers. The Greens propose a 3% tax on these companies' revenues exceeding $20 million, potentially generating $11.5 billion for the government to fund essential services like dental care in Medicare. However, this proposal faces challenges due to potential retaliatory measures from the U.S. government.
Sources: [The Guardian - 6 March 2025](https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/mar/06/google-microsoft-meta-and-amazon-among-tech-companies-making-27bn-from-australians)
## Melioidosis Outbreak in Queensland
### Summary:
Queensland is experiencing a significant outbreak of melioidosis, a serious disease caused by the bacteria *Burkholderia pseudomallei*, typically found in soil and freshwater. The bacteria can infect humans and animals through cuts, contaminated water, or inhalation. Symptoms include fever, headache, respiratory issues, and muscle pain. This year, there have been over 90 confirmed cases and 15 deaths in Queensland, higher than usual. The outbreak is believed to be linked to heavy rainfall and flooding, increasing the bacteria's prevalence. Preventative measures include wearing protective gear in wet areas and seeking early medical attention for symptoms like fever and breathing difficulties.
Sources: [The Advertiser - 3 March 2025](https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/lifestyle/what-is-melioidosis-the-deadly-disease-spreading-in-australia/news-story/05448740ef803a0ead29f8175670474b)
## Philippine Defense Chief Warns Against Chinese Restrictions in South China Sea
### Summary:
Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro warned that the Philippines and its allies would respond to any Chinese attempt to impose an air defense zone or restrict flights over the South China Sea. Teodoro highlighted China's growing aggression in the disputed waters, which has led to increased confrontations involving Chinese and Philippine forces, as well as incidents with U.S. and Australian military aircraft. Recent encounters have included close flybys and warning flares from Chinese aircraft. Teodoro emphasized that China's actions pose a major threat to both Philippine and global security due to the region's critical trade routes. He stated that defense officials are preparing contingency measures and could act alone or with international partners to counter potential Chinese aggression. Teodoro noted the possibility of a broader coalition forming to resist China's attempts to reshape international law and norms.
Sources: [Associated Press - 6 March 2025](https://apnews.com/article/4c63b28b674c63b1730a22dc9faa5f22)
## Amazon Joins Quantum Computing Race with 'Cat Qubit' Chip
### Summary:
Amazon has unveiled its new quantum computing chip, Ocelot, which utilizes "cat qubit" technology to significantly reduce quantum errors—a major hurdle in developing commercially viable quantum systems. This advancement positions Amazon alongside other tech giants like Google and Microsoft in the quest for functional quantum computers.
Sources: [SHRM - March 6, 2025](https://www.shrm.org/enterprise-solutions/insights/other-tomorrowist-trends-news-march-6-2025)
## New $1 Billion Fund Launched to Boost Australia's Circular Economy
### Summary:
Planet Ark and Boston Global have partnered to launch the BG Planet Ark Circular Future Fund, aiming to raise $1 billion by 2030 to invest in businesses promoting sustainability, reducing carbon emissions, and enhancing the circular economy. This initiative aligns with Australia's Circular Economy Framework, which seeks to double circularity by 2035 and add $26 billion annually to the GDP. Initial funding of $100 million has been secured, targeting sectors like regenerative farming and waste-to-energy solutions.
Sources: [The Australian - March 6, 2025](https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/renewable-energy-economy/planet-ark-and-boston-global-join-forces-on-1bn-investment-fund-targeting-waste-reduction/news-story/067a6b67d9a3e51e61d5155e472e2bb6)
## Australia's Foreign Minister Comments on Trump's Second Term
### Summary:
Foreign Minister Penny Wong has remarked that Donald Trump's second presidency is already more disruptive than his first. She noted that Australia's government is dealing with a very different American administration, reflecting concerns about potential shifts in international relations and policies affecting Australia's strategic interests.
Sources: [Reuters - March 5, 2025](https://www.reuters.com/world/trumps-second-term-already-more-disruptive-than-his-first-australias-foreign-2025-03-05/)