The latest national news update from the National Indigenous Radio Service.
Indefinite ban over AFL banana row: Port
Port Adelaide have slapped an indefinite AFL ban on the woman who ignited a racism controversy by throwing a banana at Aboriginal star Eddie Betts during the Power’s game against the Crows at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night.
The Power completed an investigation into the incident after speaking with the club member yesterday and concluding it was racially motivated.
The supporter was seen waving her middle finger at Betts before throwing the banana in his direction. The club also relied on testimony from Port Adelaide fans in the vicinity, who said her action was accompanied by racist sledging through the match.
Betts had just kicked his fifth goal during his 250th AFL game, and did not notice the incident.
Although the woman’s membership was cancelled, the club said it would meet with the woman and offer her a chance to take part in the club’s Aboriginal cultural awareness programs, saying her act was completely at odds with its embrace of Aboriginal players and culture.
Port have more First Nations players on their team than any other AFL side, with seven Aboriginal players, led by Chad Wingard, who would be a part of the counselling process offered.
Perth man faces US extradition
A Perth man who allegedly encouraged his American online girlfriend to post images on the internet of her teen daughters being whipped and spanked is about to find out if his fight against extradition was successful.
Christopher Lobban was arrested and detained in Perth in July 2011 after Robin Pagoria, who he met through the website www.spankfinders.com, was sentenced for aggravated child abuse, lewd or lascivious battery and using a child in a sexual performance.
Pagoria, who had worked as a detention deputy within the prison system in Polk County, was handed 20 years behind bars after a plea bargain.
If extradited, Lobban could receive a life sentence with no possibility of parole in a Florida prison.
Lobban appealed the justice minister’s decision to allow the extradition and will learn his fate today when the judgment will be handed down in the Federal Court in Perth.
Thor to hammer Brisbane CBD traffic
Thor is set to give traffic in Brisbane’s CBD a mighty hammering this week, with significant road closures as part of the city becomes a movie set for the superhero film Thor: Ragnarok.
Chris Hemsworth plays the hammer-wielding Thor and is expected to arrive in Brisbane for filming today. The film also stars Cate Blanchett, Tom Hiddleston, Anthony Hopkins and Mark Ruffalo.
Parts of Mary Street, Albert Street and Margaret Street will be closed this week as filming temporarily relocates from the Gold Coast.
The Margaret Street off-ramp from the Pacific Motorway will also be closed today.
Four injured in violent Gold Coast attack
Four men are in hospital following a violent home invasion and burglary in the Gold Coast suburb of Pacific Pines.
Police say an unknown number of people forced entry to the home last night and assaulted the occupants, leaving them with injuries consistent with a bladed weapon.
Four men, aged in their 20s and 30s, were taken to Gold Coast University Hospital where they remain in serious but stable conditions.
Victoria examines electronic voting
Just weeks after the trouble-plagued first online census, Victoria will examine the effectiveness of electronic voting in two parliamentary inquiry public hearings.
The Electoral Matters Committee will hear from electoral commissions, technology specialists and community advocacy groups today and Wednesday.
The committee is examining forms of electronic voting already in use and what can be done to ensure integrity and security of such a system.
The Victorian Electoral Commission will give evidence on Wednesday.
In a written submission to the committee, the VEC recommended legislative amendments to allow a limited category of voters to be allowed access to remote voting.
