The very serious conflict in Israel and Gaza, has also spilled out into the streets of the West as an ideological battle for support, with many communities asking for fellow citizens to take sides as a show of solidarity. In my opinion, as Australians, our loyalty should always be to our country first. We should not betray the benefits of the peace we enjoy as Australians to forgo our values and national interest to side with views and ideas that are not welcomed in our country. Although it can be complex living in a diverse, multi cultural/faith nation during times of conflict, we already have a set of moral and ethical principles to guide us when navigating such challenges. Even though our country may at times fall short of its aspirations, there is no denying that many people who have sought refuge from war and atrocity find themselves living in countries like Australia. There is a reason for that, and it should be appreciated and respected at times like this. ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6g3Avmn5SXo

The Andrews Labor government has indicated that it will not have enough time to release the findings of two independent reviews into covid rules related to mandates and health orders prior to the election in November. Despite the independent reviews being made available to the government last week, Health Minister Mary-Ann Thomas claims the two sitting days left in Parliament will not be enough time for her department to consider advice on the contents of the reviews prior to release. The independent reviews were a part of a mechanism to provide transparency and accountability around rules and health orders placed on Victorian as the Labor government secured votes for the permanent pandemic legislation with the help of cross-benchers Fiona Patten, Samantha Ratnam, Andy Meddick and Rod Barton. There is currently a motion in the Upper House led by the opposition party which would allow the parliament extra sitting days in October if passed. This would allow for the four sitting days set aside in the legislation for the Health Minister to table the reviews for public release, without this it is not clear if any steps will be taken by the Andrews government to release any information to the public about the reviews prior to the election. Archive Link To Age Article: https://archive.ph/btX0Z ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FwoCbYd8UbI