Week ending 17th July

Just incase you’ve been living under a rock, Julia Gillard and Tony Abbott have been battling against each other harder than ever these past few weeks. Gillard’s push to introduce the Carbon Tax into Australians homes has been keeping Tony Abbott on his toes as he visits Australia’s most important mining and industrial sites to campaign against the Tax. This week Gillard was in Brisbane where her announcement was interrupted by environmental protest groups accusing her of being a poor leader. Despite negative feedback and protests towards the policy, Julia Gillard is not budging when it comes to the Carbon Tax scheme and ensures that it is necessary if the nation wants to see a change in the environment. 

The Queensland Reds paraded through the city streets on Monday afternoon after taking home their first ever Super Rugby title last Saturday night. The 2011 Champions received the keys to the city from Lord Mayor Graham Quirk with Anna Bligh in support. Crowds of over two thousand fans lined Brisbane’s CBD to show their support and celebrate the Reds historic win. 

Last months introduction of ‘hoodie free zones’ in Wynnum and other areas of Brisbane has attracted strong criticism, forcing a major rethink. Police said the area would become a "hoodie-free zone" to help stop armed robberies, warning the clothing item had become the "standard uniform" for armed robbers and was helping undesirables to conceal their identity. Now, police officers and the Wynnum and District Chamber of Commerce are planning to change the name from "hoodie-free zone" to something else, responding to a backlash from some sectors of the community.

A footballer is fighting for his life after a freak accident during a rugby union match at Ashgrove yesterday. Halley Appleby had a promising football career, but last night lay in the intensive care unit at the Royal Brisbane Hospital with suspected spinal injuries. The 21-year-old University of Queensland hooker reportedly suffered a heart attack after a tackle in the A-grade clash against home side GPS. Friends and family are by his side while they wait for news in the next few crucial days and are using his Facebook page to send messages of hope and support.