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 another AFL racism controversy by throwing a banana at Aboriginal star Eddie Betts during the Adelaide Crows clash against the Power 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. Although the woman’s membership was cancelled, the club said it would offer her a chance to take part in the club’s Aboriginal cultural awareness programs. Port Power has more Aboriginal players than any other AFL team, with seven on the roster.
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 will find out today if his fight against extradition was successful, with a decision expected to be handed down in the Federal Court.
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, 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.
Thor to hammer Brisbane CBD traffic
Brisbane’s traffic is expected to grind to a halt this this week, with significant road closures as part of the CBD becomes a movie set for the superhero film Thor.
Chris Hemsworth plays the hammer-wielding Thor and is expected to arrive in Brisbane for filming today. The film also stars Cate Blanchett, 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 wounded in Gold Coast stabbing
Four men are in hospital with serious stab wounds after a gang burst into their Gold Coast home and attacked them.
Police are yet to find those responsible for last night’s violent home invasion and burglary in the Gold Coast suburb of Pacific Pines.
The four victims, aged in their 20s and 30s, all suffered wounds from a bladed weapon. All were taken to the Gold Coast University Hospital where their conditions are listed as serious but stable.
Police are investigating whether the attack was drug-related.
Auburn council back in the spotlight
An inquiry investigating corruption claims against the former Auburn council in Sydney is set to resume today after a five-and-a-half-week break.
The public inquiry is probing some of the council’s planning and development decisions and whether they were made to benefit councillors and their family members.
All nine councillors were sacked in February and the Auburn local government area folded into Parramatta Council and the newly formed Cumberland Council.
Issues under scrutiny include the rezoning of residential areas where councillors owned property, the former mayor’s expensive gift to a planning official and the partial closure of a street for the wedding of one of the councillors.
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.
