Severe storms in Queensland have left nearly 100,000 households without power, while political leaders are addressing pressing issues including domestic violence among youth and the need for reform in the gas market and mental health care.

Storm Damage in Queensland
On Monday, Queensland experienced a powerful storm that generated winds of up to 110 km/h and hail measuring 12 cm in diameter. The storm resulted in significant damage, with the Queensland State Emergency Service (SES) responding to approximately 2,200 calls, predominantly concerning structural issues such as damaged roofs and windows. The storm's intensity was illustrated by the more than 880,000 lightning strikes recorded during the event, which has raised concerns about the region's preparedness for extreme weather.

Domestic Violence Among Youth
In a related development, Tanya Plibersek, the Minister for Education and Women, announced a substantial funding boost for the 1800 Respect helpline in response to rising rates of domestic violence among individuals under 18. Plibersek highlighted that while some forms of intimate partner violence are declining, there has been a notable increase in violence within young relationships. The government aims to adapt its strategies to address the evolving nature of this societal issue.

Calls for Gas Market Reform
Labor MP Ed Husic has called for significant reforms in the gas market, criticizing the current situation where Australian gas is sold at inflated prices to overseas buyers. In a passionate address in parliament, Husic stated, "Our gas, our prices: that should be the bedrock, the cornerstone of our thinking." He argued that the country must prioritize domestic needs over profits for foreign companies, emphasizing that mere adjustments to the existing framework will not resolve the underlying issues of the gas market.

Mental Health Care Reform
The coronial inquest into the Bondi Junction mass stabbing incident has underscored the urgent need for reform in mental health care. Senior counsel assisting the coroner emphasized that significant investment is required to ensure public safety. The inquest followed a tragic event on April 13, 2024, when Joel Cauchi killed six people and injured ten others before being shot by police. The findings from the inquest could lead to pivotal changes in how mental health services are delivered in Australia.

Wrap-up
As Queensland recovers from the storm's devastation, the government is urged to tackle pressing social issues, including rising domestic violence rates among youth and the need for comprehensive reforms in the gas and mental health sectors. These challenges highlight the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and economic factors affecting Australian communities.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team