Thanks to Podvertise Smart Podcast Ads,  get your brand involved today at podvertise.com.au - This is headlines by Auscast Wednesday March 17th 2021.

Vo by Andy Martin.

++++++

AUSTRALIA will distribute urgent vaccine supplies for frontline workers in Papua New Guinea - where there's been a major outbreak.

The federal government is also deploying medical teams to the Pacific nation.

And a website will launch today, where Australians can book in for their own covid vaccine.

Next in line are the over 70s, healthcare workers and people with chronic medical conditions.

++++++++

After a month in hospital, Prince Phillip has been discharged.

The 99 year-old Duke of Edinburgh was admitted for an infection...and ended up having minor surgery for a heart condition.

He's now returned to Windsor Castle with The Queen. The pair has thanked medical staff and followers for their well wishes.

++++++++++++

Details of a new clinical trial have been revealed...which will look at whether drugs such as magic mushrooms and MDMA can help people with mental illness. 

A 15-million-dollar government grant will be used to trial potential combination therapies.

++++++++

AND...The teen behind last year’s Twitter hack - targeting the biggest accounts in the world -will spend the next three years in jail after pleading guilty to the breach.

Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Bill Gates and Kanye West were just a handful of the targets.

++++++++++

IN ENTERTAINMENT thanks to Little Box Co, Gourmet food boxes for any occasion, see the menu now at littlebox.com.au

• US media reports Prince Harry has spoken with brother William and father Charles ...their first conversation since last week's Oprah interview.

The talks were apparently unproductive...though Harry is glad the conversation has started.

• Welcome news for parents - kids TV series Peppa Pig has been renewed until 2027.

 

And that's the latest Headlines from Auscast, if you want to see more news and the listen to the most loved podcasts in Australia, head to Auscastnetwork.com. More Headlines soon.

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thanks to Podvertise Smart Podcast Ads,  get your brand involved today at podvertise.com.au - This is headlines by Auscast Tuesday March 16th 2021.

Im Andy Martin.

+++++++

AUSTRALIA is pushing ahead with its Astra Zeneca vaccine rollout - and production of the vaccine at CSL in Melbourne.

This morning, Germany, France and Italy joined other countries in suspending their rollout...following reports of blood clots in some recipients.

The World health Organisation and other medical leaders have been urging people not to panic - insisting it is safe.

It's a Facebook begins to label all Vaccine related-posts...to help stamp-out any mis-information.

++++++++

Queenslanders are waiting for contact tracers to deliver the results of tests, linked to a doctor at the Prince Alfred.

Around 350 contacts have been tested.

There are concerns of possible community transmission.

++++++++++++

Two people have been rescued after going missing in the NSW Blue Mountains.

Police abseiled to the man and woman..after an emergency beacon was activated at around 2am.

++++++++

AND...The Treasurer's expected to give an update on the nation's economy today - it's understood he'll suggest the impact of the pandemic on the economy is almost over.

JOSH FRYDENBERG says states are thinking more carefully about closing borders and the impacts...especially with Job Keeper coming to an end.

Data shows workers in Melbourne are still most reliant on the subsidy.

++++++++++

IN ENTERTAINMENT thanks to Little Box Co, Gourmet food boxes for any occasion, see the menu now at littlebox.com.au

-  Netflix hit MANK is leading the pack of this year's OSCAR nominees.

The film's received 10 nominations, including Best Picture, Director and Actor.

Viola Davis has become the most nominated Black actress in Oscars history - she's received a Best Actress nod for her role in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.

And for the first time, 2 women are up for Best Director..Chloe Zhao for 'Nomadland' and Emerald Fennell for 'Promising Young Woman'.

And that's the latest Headlines from Auscast, if you want to see more news and the listen to the most loved podcasts in Australia, head to Auscastnetwork.com. More Headlines soon.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thanks to Podvertise Smart Podcast Ads,  get your brand involved today at podvertise.com.au - This is headlines by Auscast Monday March 15th, 2021.

VO by Andy Martin.

++++++++

Rallies will be held across the country today...calling for action against gender discrimination and abuse in the workplace.

Among the protests...one at Parliament House in Canberra is expected to be the largest - in the wake of rape allegations levelled against the Attorney General.

The Prime Minister is expected to meet with a small group of the demonstrators.

It's as a new newspoll shows a 3 per cent drop in support for the Federal Government.

++++++++

Details of a new Federal vaccine road-map are out.

All over 50's will be vaccinated from June...with local manufacturing of the vaccine getting underway in Melbourne this week.

Despite the recent cases in NSW and Queensland - WA hit a milestone today, opening their borders to all of Australia.

++++++++++++

AND...It's understood the government is considering Fiji's proposal to open a travel bubble with Australia - similar to what we've had with New Zealand.

Fiji's economy has taken a big hit during the pandemic - it relies heavily on tourism.

++++++++

IN ENTERTAINMENT thanks to Little Box Co, Check out the new Gourmet Box Menu now at littlebox.com.au

- After being postponed due to COVID19, the GRAMMY's are on in LA this morning.

Beyonce's daughter BLUE IVY won the pre-show award for Best Music Video...she starred in her mum's video for Brown Skin Girl.

The 9 year old has become one of the youngest Grammy recipients in history.

-AND music royalty is attending. RINGO STARR will present an award and DOLLY PARTON has won her 10th Grammy.

And that's the latest Headlines from Auscast, if you want to see more news and the listen to the most loved podcasts in Australia, head to Auscastnetwork.com. More Headlines soon.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thanks to Podvertise Smart Podcast Ads,  get your brand involved today at podvertise.com.au - This is headlines by Auscast Sunday March 14th 2021.

VO by Andy Martin.

++++++++++

A Sydney Quarantine worker has tested positive to COVID-19 after receiving the vaccination.

The Quarantine worker was posted at the Sofitel Hotel in Wentworth and also to Mantra hotel in Haymarket.

NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the local authorities were notified asap and urgent contract tracing and genome sequencing is currently underway.

+++++++++++

In Western Australia, the Labour Party has won the state election with favourite Mark McGowan returning as Premier for a second term.

+++++++++++

If you’re looking at travelling to Singapore this year, we have some good news for you. Australia and Singapore are planning for a travel bubble and quarantine hub by July.

This would mean Australians would be allowed to travel overseas to Singapore for work or leisure, while international students could complete their quarantine there.

+++++++++++++

IN ENTERTAINMENT thanks to Little Box Co, Check out the new Gourmet Box Menu now at littlebox.com.au

It looks like Sacha Baron Cohen and Isla Fischer have turned their backs on Hollywood and are looking for a home in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.

They have been spotted taking a look at many luxurious homes during the week, including a $11 million Vaucluse mansion.

++++++++++++

And that's the latest Headlines from Auscast, if you want to see more news and the listen to the most loved podcasts in Australia, head to Auscastnetwork.com. More Headlines soon.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thanks to Podvertise Smart Podcast Ads,  get your brand involved today at podvertise.com.au - This is Headlines by Auscast Saturday March 13th 2021.

VO by Andy Martin.

++++++++++

Brisbane's largest hospital, Princess Alexandra Hospital has been placed into lockdown after a doctor tested positive for COVID-19 yesterday.

The hospital has administered 3,477 doses of coronavirus vaccines since the rollout began, however it is unclear whether the doctor is one of the recipients.

The hospital said it was "actively working to ensure the safety of staff and patients on campus while contact tracing is undertaken".

++++++++++++

The city of Minneapolis will pay out $34 million to George Floyds family settling a civil lawsuit over his death in police custody.

The Floyd family lawyer Ben Crump called it the largest pretrial settlement ever for a civil rights claim, and thanked city leaders for “showing you care about George Floyd.”

++++++++++

AstraZeneca says there is ‘no evidence of an increased risk’ of blood clotting from their vaccine as some European countries suspend the use of the vaccine.

Denmark, Norway and Iceland have now been joined by Bulgaria in delaying the rollout.

Yesterday, Thailands Prime Minister, Prayut Chan-o-cha, cancelled his plans to publicly receive the shot and delayed its rollout throughout the country.

++++++++++ 

A 26 year old Adelaide student has been jailed over an international "sextortion" case after threatening an ex-girlfriend and distributing explicit videos and images of her. 

It's the first ‘revenge porn’ case prosecuted under Commonwealth laws in South Australia.

++++++++

IN ENTERTAINMENT thanks to Little Box Co, Check out the new Gourmet Box Menu now at littlebox.com.au

• The Fairy Tale romance between Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez is no longer with the engagement being called off. The relationship has been plagued with cheating rumours. Sources claim JLO called off the wedding..
• TAYLOR SWIFT is ready for a huge 2021, After announcing in 2019 she was going re-record and re-release every song from her first 6 albums and the releasing Love Story last month, she has now sharing a bit of the re-make of one of the songs from her fifth album 1989 ‘Wildest Dreams’.
  The song will be featured in the upcoming movie ‘Spirit Untamed’ from Dreamworks.

And that's the latest Headlines from Auscast, if you want to see more news and the listen to the most loved podcasts in Australia, head to Auscastnetwork.com. More Headlines soon.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thanks to Podvertise Smart Podcast Ads, see how you can your brand involved at podvertise.com.au - This is headlines by Auscast Friday March 12th 2021.

VO by Andy Martin.

Defence Minister Linda Reynolds has taken back the comment referring to alleged rape victim Brittany Higgins as a ‘lying cow’.

She has also agreed to pay damages.

In a statement, Senator Reynolds said she never intended for the comment to be made public and acknowledges the hurt it may have caused.

The apology is part or a defamation settlement, with costs to be paid in full to a charity that supports victims of sexual assault

++++++++

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has admitted Australia's early COVID-19 vaccine supplies from overseas were "a lot less than we had anticipated" as he defended  delays to the national rollout.

Australia had originally expected to receive 3.8 million AstraZeneca doses from the European Union, but had so far received just 700,000.

++++++++

Some European countries have suspended the use of Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19

Vaccination after reports of blood clotting. 

Denmark, Iceland and Norway have suspended the use while the European Unions Medicines regulator investigates. 

Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton insists the vaccine is safe for use in Australia.

++++++++

More than 200 kilograms of Cocaine has been seized by NSW Police. 

The drugs were hidden inside boxes onboard a fishing boat sailing off the NSW coast. Australian Federal Police and Australian Boarder Force made the find after a tip-off..

More than $500,000 on cash was also seized.

A man has been arrested for his alleged involvement and police will continue their investigation.

++++++++

IN ENTERTAINMENT thanks to Little Box Co, Check out the new Gourmet Box Menu now at littlebox.com.au

Prince William has defended the royal family after the Prince Harry and Meghan Markle interview with Oprah Winfrey. 

The Prince insists the royal family is not racist. He also mentioned he has not spoke to Harry since the interview aired on TV around the world. 

++++++++

Lara Worthington has made a rare public appearance last night, at the Melbourne Fashion Festival.

The 33-year-old, mum to three children with husband Sam Worthington, wowed in a show-stopping Dion Lee dress worth $1990 walking the red carpet solo as a special guest of David Jones.

And that's the latest Headlines from Auscast, if you want to see more news and the listen to the most loved podcasts in Australia, head to Auscastnetwork.com. More Headlines soon.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is headlines by Auscast Thursday March 11th 2021.

Vo by Andy Martin.

AUSTRALIA's tourism and aviation industries are set to receive a 1.2 BILLION DOLLAR FEDERAL BOOST.

The rescue package will be announced today and will offer HALF PRICE FLIGHTS to the country's regional centres - including CAIRNS, ALICE SPRINGS and BROOME.

They'll go on sale next week...and run every week until the end of JULY.

++++++++

Victorian Premier DANIEL ANDREWS remain in hospital, where he's recovering after fracturing his T7 vertebrae and breaking his ribs in a fall on TUESDAY.

Doctors have now RULED OUT immediate surgery...but will continue testing before making a final decision - most likely over the weekend.

++++++++

The DUCHESS OF SUSSEX has now filed a FORMAL COMPLAINT against the ITV network and PIERS MORGAN...after his controversial comments QUESTIONING her mental health claims.

He's refused to apologise to MEGHAN - standing by his criticism of her interview with PRINCE HARRY.

++++++++

The federal Education Minister has flagged plans to review TEACHER EDUCATION.

The government hopes to boost our school test results over the next decade...off the back of poor NAPLAN results.

That's despite INCREASED FUNDING.

++++++++++++

AND...the truck driver who hit and killed four police officers on MELBOURNE's Eastern Freeway returns to court today.

He's pleaded guilty to four counts of culpable driving causing death.

The Porsche driver pulled over during the incident, RICHARD PUSEY, pleaded guilty to three charges.

++++++++

IN ENTERTAINMENT thanks to Little Box Co, Check out the new Gourmet Box Menu now at littlebox.com.au

- Disney Plus has surpassed its own expectations - hitting more than 100 MILLION global paid subscribers in just 16 months.

The company had been aiming for 90 MILLION over 4 years.

-AND Gwyneth Paltrow will launch a healthy home meal delivery service through her company GOOP.

She's made the announcement after revealing her 6 kilo weight loss post-lockdown.

And that's the latest Headlines from Auscast, if you want to see more news and the listen to the most loved podcasts in Australia, head to Auscastnetwork.com. More Headlines soon.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is headlines by Auscast Wednesday March 10th 2021.

VO by Andy Martin.

++++++++

The Queen has finally broken her silence on the Prince Harry and Meghan Markle interview with Oprah Winfrey. 

"The whole family is saddened to learn the full extent of how challenging the last few years have been for Harry and Meghan,

"The issues raised, particularly that of race, are concerning.

"While some recollections may vary, they are taken very seriously and will be addressed by the family privately.

"Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved family members."

++++++++

The Porsche Driver that has been accused of filming and taunting a dying police officer on Melbourne’s Eastern Freeway has pleaded guilty to three charges.

Richard Pusey, 42, has admitted to outraging public decency, reckless conduct endangering serious injury and drug possession. 

His lawyer said his client would now be seeking "significant credit" because he had admitted his guilt.

"Without his efforts to resolve this matter, it had the potential to drag on for years."

++++++++

Health Minister Greg Hunt has been suffering a ’suspected infection’.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison says hew will be ‘back on his feet’ by next week.

"He is being kept overnight for observation and is being administered antibiotics and fluid," the statement said.

The minister is expected to make a full recovery.

Mr Hunt's office said his condition is "not considered to be related to the (COVID-19) vaccine".

Mr Hunt received the AstraZeneca coronavirus jab on Monday alongside former prime minister Julia Gillard.

++++++++

Commonwealth Bank experts say that around 110,000 Australians could lose their jobs when the Jobkeeper wage subsidy ends at the end of this month.

The experts say workers in the coronavirus-hit industries like tourism, accommodation, transport, arts and recreation are most at risk of jobloss.

++++++++++++

IN ENTERTAINMENT thanks to Little Box Co, Check out the new Gourmet Box Menu now at littlebox.com.au

Piers Morgan has quit Good Morning Brian after making a slew of controversial comments about Meghan Markle  during Good Morning Britain following the airing of the Prince Harry & Meghan Markle controversial Interview.

UK broadcaster ITV announced the news in a short statement, saying: "Following discussions with ITV, Piers Morgan has decided now is the time to leave Good Morning Britain.

++++++++

Zac Hanson and his wife, Kate, have welcomed their fifth child!

The announcement was made on instagram, along with the cutest pic ever. 

Zac revealed the name of his newborn son -- Quincy Joseph Thoreau Hanson.

And that's the latest Headlines from Auscast, if you want to see more news and the listen to the most loved podcasts in Australia, head to Auscastnetwork.com. More Headlines soon.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is headlines by Auscast Thursday March 4th 2021.

Im Andy Martin.

CHRISTIAN PORTER's colleagues appear to be rallying behind him, after the Attorney general DENIED RAPE ALLEGATIONS.

The lawyer for the woman who made the claims, before taking her own life, says there needs to be an independent investigation.

The SA CORONER says the report received this week is INCOMPLETE...and SA POLICE will continue to investigate the woman's death...and the findings will determine whether an inquiry will be held.

The ATTORNEY GENERAL is refusing to stand down from his role...he's taking mental health leave.

++++++++

...meanwhile Defence Minister Linda Reynolds has stopped short of  denying claims she called a former staff member a "LYING COW"

Brittany Higgins alleges she was raped by a colleague in Senator Reynolds office.

In a statement, the DEFENCE MINISTER denies questioning Higgins' account of what happened...but says she DID comment on news reports she "felt had been misrepresented"

++++++++

CYCLONE NIRAN appears to be moving further out to sea...after lingering off QUEENSLAND's FAR NORTH COAST this week.

The category 3 system is around 345 kays northeast of CAIRNS...and is expected to weaken later today.

The Weather Bureau has cancelled the cyclone warning which was in place.

++++++++

There has been another failed launch for SPACE X this morning.

The SPACESHIP 10 launch was aborted as the engines fired up in SOUTH TEXAS.

A decision is being made on whether to make another launch attempt today.

++++++++++++

The MCG is being tossed around as a possible venue for the funeral of Aussie music icon MICHAEL GUDINSKI, following his passing this week.

++++++++

IN ENTERTAINMENT thanks to Little Box Co, Check out the new Gourmet Box Menu now at littlebox.com.au

Things have gotten even more messy ahead of the airing of the MEGHAN MARKLE-PRINCE HARRY interview with OPRAH...which ITV has secured the rights to

BUCKINGHAM PALACE has launched an investigation into claims MEGHAN bullied her former staff at Kensington Palace...in a statement, saying that behaviour won't be tolerated.

The DUCHESS OF SUSSEX says she's "saddened" by the claims.

And that's the latest Headlines from Auscast, if you want to see more news and the listen to the most loved podcasts in Australia, head to Auscastnetwork.com. More Headlines soon.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is headlines by Auscast Wednesday March 3rd 2021.

Im Andy Martin.

The FEDERAL MINISTER accused of RAPE is expected to go public TODAY and declare his innocence.

Its after NSW Police closed their investigation - citing a LACK OF admissible evidence.

The woman at the centre of the allegations took her life last year - her lawyer is urging the accused to STAND DOWN from his role in CABINET.

++++++++

A new report into SOUTH AUSTRALIA's Parliament has also uncovered claims of sexual harassment and discriminations based on age, race and gender.

The South Australian Government will respond to the findings today.

++++++++

The wife of the late Aussie music industry legend, MICHAEL GUDINSKI, has accepted the offer of a state funeral in VICTORIA.

The decisions was finalised this morning..a date is yet to be set.

++++++++

CYCLONE NIRAN has strengthen...as strong winds continue to lash QUEENSLAND'S FAR NORTH COAST.

Its now a CATEGORY 2...but is expected to be listed as CATEGORY 3 later today.

At the moment - a cyclone warning is in place for residents between Innisfail and Cape Melville.

Farms around Innisfail and Cairns have been hit hard - with BANANA PLANTATIONS DESTROYED.

Some plantations have been spared - so at this stage, we're not expected to see banana price increase at the shops.

++++++++

The NINE NETWORK has named MIKE SNEESBY as its new CEO - he's been running STAN.

The move follows Hugh Marks's departure.

++++++++

IN ENTERTAINMENT thanks to Little Box Co, Check out the new Gourmet Box Menu now at littlebox.com.au

• PARIS HILTON's planning a BACHELORETTE PARTY with a difference...
  She wants a joint-bash with her husband-to-be..saying she can't imagine going AN HOUR without seeing CARTER REUM.
• ANOTHER adaptation of The Time Traveler’s Wife is in the works...
  It'll be a drama series starring Game of Thrones alumni ROSE LESLIE...who recently welcomed a baby boy with her hubby and fellow Game of Thrones star KIT HARRINGTON.

And that's the latest Headlines from Auscast, if you want to see more news and the listen to the most loved podcasts in Australia, head to Auscastnetwork.com. More Headlines soon.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.