1China number plates deemed discriminatory by NSW Road Transport Department

 

Source:  Reddit

China's President Xi Jinping warning to the West

 

'Chinese people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are one family.  No one can sever our blood ties, and no one can stop the historical trend of the reunification of the motherland,' Xi said in a speech broadcast on state media.

Tragic Christmas drowning in Melbourne

 

Four year old Ivy Bella Roze died on December 17. She broke through the fence separating her family’s rental from their next door neighbour and was found by her mother Rhiannon Egan-Lee floating unresponsive in their pool. 

She died in Royal Children’s hospital in Melbourne 11 days later.

New rules to help problem gamblers

 

From 1 January, NSW ATMs and cash withdrawal facilities will no longer be allowed within 5m of hotel or club gaming areas.  They also won't be allowed to be visible from gaming rooms or any entry areas.

Additionally, signage for gaming areas must not be visible from ATMs or entryways.

Gaming machines, or poker machines, are the most common form of gambling.  They can be hard to walk away from.

Fast-track Aussie citizenship by joining ADF

 

From 1 January, residents from Canada, the UK and the US will be able to fast-track their Australian citizenship if they join the Australian Defence Force (ADF). 

Applicants should have lived in Australia for at least 12 months.

Successful applicants would be able to apply for citizenship after 90 days of service.

What's the latest possible Federal Election date?

 

The constitution requires elections to be held no later than 68 days after the House of Representatives terms expire.  With those terms ending on 25 July 2025, the election must be held by 27 September.

However, since half of the Senate's terms end on 30 June 2025, an election must take place before then.

Maysaa Sabrine, appointed Governor of Central Bank of Syria

 

Syria’s new administration announced on Monday the appointment of Maysaa Sabrine as the governor of the Central Bank of Syria, making her the first woman to hold this position in the bank’s history.

Prior to her new role, Sabrin held several prominent positions within the Central Bank, including First Deputy Governor.