By Hope NewsroomFriday 30 Jul 2021NewsReading Time: 2 minutes
Today’s headlines from the Hope News team. You can listen to hourly bulletin updates at hopenews.com.au.
A police blitz is underway to enforce a range of tougher COVID lockdown rules as restrictions are tightened in the west and south-west once again.
Officers will soon be assisted by 300 members of the army after the ADF accepted a request from NSW Police for assistance.
The troops will be door knocking homes in Sydney’s west and south-west to ensure people are staying at home and not mixing with extended families.
…
National Cabinet will today examine modelling that could chart a path out of lockdowns amid the pandemic.
The Doherty Institute has provided the Federal Government with data that shows what level of vaccination could allow Australia to safely reopen.
…
In the US, President Joe Biden is calling for state and local governments to provide a payment of $US100 for every newly vaccinated person to boost COVID-19 inoculation rates.
The US state treasury department said the Biden administration will also expand tax incentives for employers so workers can claim paid time off to get vaccinated.
…
A former youth worker has been charged with historical sexual abuse offences dating back to the 1990s.
The 71-year-old is accused of abusing two teenage boys in the Hunter between 1990 and 2004.
…
A new rating system is being rolled out for home builders in New South Wales.
Developers and their projects would be rated from one to five, in a bid to stop people being caught out by dodgy developers.
…
The tobacco industry is predicting the rising use of e-cigarettes could see an end to traditional smoking in Australia within 15 years.
The health minister has dismissed the claims, saying he takes advice on tobacco policy from health experts.
…
The Olympic track and field events get underway today, while Australia will have another chance of winning gold at the pool when Emma McKeon and Cate Campbell race in the 100m freestyle.