Victorian politics is heating up as Liberal MPs Moira Deeming and Ann-Marie Hermans face preselection challenges ahead of the November state election. Meanwhile, a protest in Sydney has sparked controversy over police actions against a demonstrator, and ethical discussions around animal research are gaining traction in Australia.

Preselection Challenges in Victoria
Moira Deeming, a member of the Victorian Liberal upper house, is set to contend with Dinesh Gourisetty in the western metropolitan region for preselection. Gourisetty, who is well-known in Melbourne's Indian community, is entering the race as senior party members consider alternatives to current candidates. Ann-Marie Hermans is also facing a challenge, indicating potential shifts within the party as it gears up for the upcoming election.

Protest Arrest Raises Legal Questions
In Sydney, a 53-year-old woman was detained during a protest against US military intervention in Venezuela for wearing a jacket that read "globalise the intifada." The woman claims her arrest was unjust, asserting that police were unable to cite any specific laws prohibiting her slogan. The incident has raised questions about freedom of expression and the legal boundaries surrounding protest attire in Australia.

Warnings for NSW Ministers Regarding Lobbyist
New South Wales ministers have been cautioned against meeting alone with prominent lobbyist Eamonn Fitzpatrick following his firm being placed on a watchlist for breaching lobbying regulations. The NSW Electoral Commission flagged EJF Advisory due to violations of the Lobbyists Code of Conduct, prompting concerns about transparency and ethical conduct in government dealings.

Animal Research Code Under Review
Australia is reevaluating its research code regarding animal use, with significant ethical questions being posed. A major review is considering the classification of crustaceans as animals, the potential end of animal use in teaching, and restrictions on surgical practices in research settings. The review comes amid scrutiny of the estimated 845,000 animals used annually in Australian laboratories, sparking debate on animal sentience and the moral implications of research practices.

Wrap-up
The political landscape in Australia is currently marked by internal party challenges, legal controversies surrounding protests, and ethical debates on animal research. These issues reflect broader societal concerns about governance, freedom, and morality in scientific practices.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team