Analysts and big energy users say loopholes in a proposed federal gas reservation scheme could let Santos escape its obligations. Under the plan, exporters would set aside up to 20 per cent of their production for the domestic market each year. Union leader Paul Farrow warned the draft laws could allow paper supplies and wide ministerial discretion. Santos has been accused of driving up east coast prices by buying large volumes of local gas to export. Industry lobby Australian Energy Producers argued the policy goes too far and could reduce supply.
Severe thunderstorms and heavy rain are forecast to sweep across most Australian states this weekend, adding to flooding in Queensland. The Bureau of Meteorology has issued warnings for South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Tasmania. Senior meteorologist David Crock said storms are expected across central and eastern Queensland on Saturday. Earlier this week, flash flooding in south-east Queensland prompted hundreds of SES callouts and the closure of several schools. Caboolture and the Sunshine Coast hinterlands recorded seven-day rainfall totals of 300 to 400 millimetres.
Proposed federal laws would require liquefied natural gas exporters to supply gas to domestic customers. The Domestic Gas Reservation Scheme has been introduced to parliament but not yet finalised. Debate centres on whether the scheme would place a disproportionate burden on Santos, particularly through its Gladstone LNG project, or give it unfair benefits through exemptions for existing contracts. Critics question whether contract extensions should be protected. Santos chief executive Kevin Gallagher has called for clear, transparent rules rather than broad ministerial discretion.
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A team led by a police museum curator and an archaeologist dug in the yard of the Mount Larcom police station, in central Queensland, to look for documents a constable allegedly buried rather than destroy. The constable, Edward Robb, had reportedly been ordered to destroy papers older than 10 years. The search relied on an old story and a missing tin roof marker, and the team found no documents. Its members said the papers may still be there and that a further search would need ground-penetrating radar or machine excavation.
Queensland paramedics say they are spending entire 12-hour shifts with patients stuck outside overcrowded emergency departments. Latest figures show 42 per cent of ambulance patients at the state's top 26 public hospitals waited more than 30 minutes to be transferred in August. QEII Hospital recorded the highest rate in Queensland at 64.8 per cent. A 51-year-old man was found dead about two hours after calling Triple Zero, and an investigation is underway. Health Minister Tim Nicholls said the government remained hopeful of meeting its target of under 30 per cent by 2028.
Police have charged two 18-year-old men from Toolooa and South Gladstone over a stolen vehicle and several unlawful entries in the Gladstone area. It is alleged that between 4.30pm on 5 October and 8.40am on 6 October, the men entered vehicles at addresses in New Auckland and Telina and stole cash, keys, wallets, bank cards and AirPods. It is further alleged they stole a white Toyota C-HR from Connolly Court, Telina, which police later located in Toolooa. The Toolooa man has been remanded in custody.
Australian man Robert Pether has been released from Iraq after nearly half a decade, following complex diplomatic negotiations. His family says he is exhausted but slightly happier, and expects to be reunited with them in Ireland today. Pether was imprisoned in Iraq in 2021 and released last year, but was effectively banned from travelling. The Australian government raised his case with Iraqi authorities more than 200 times. Foreign Minister Penny Wong welcomed Iraq's decision to allow him to leave the country.
Critics warn that a draft federal scheme designed to protect local gas buyers could let the Gladstone LNG plant largely or totally avoid its obligations. The draft would require gas exporters to set aside up to 20 per cent of production for the domestic market. Paul Farrow of the Australian Workers Union said the draft contains significant loopholes that favour the Santos-operated project. Santos has been contacted for comment, as has federal Resources Minister Madeleine King. China has also raised concerns about fairness in the changes.
Biloela Hospital in central Queensland has welcomed its first midwifery students in 13 years. The town's birthing unit reopened last month after a four-year closure, requiring expectant mothers to travel over 120 kilometres for care. Emma Rideout, a registered nurse from Biloela, is among the three students training locally, expressing her excitement about advancing her career without leaving the town. Central Queensland Health chief executive Lisa Blackler emphasised the importance of attracting and retaining midwives to sustain the service.
