News

Australian COVID vaccine ad sparks backlash

Published

5 years ago

July 12, 2021

Australia has released new television commercials aimed at promoting the COVID-19 vaccine – but it hasn’t been welcomed by citizens

Australia’s Health Minister says a confronting coronavirus ad depicting a woman on the verge of death is deliberately hard to watch.

The 30-second clip of a woman who looks to be in her 20s or 30s gasping for air on a hospital bed, was filmed last year, but the federal government held off running it as no outbreak was deemed serious enough to warrant it.

The government has been forced to defend the ad reminiscent of the “Grim Reaper” HIV ads in the 1980s, after it prompted a backlash over claims it was too confronting.

“The Delta variant is proving to be very difficult to contain

A more temperate series of ads, depicting arms on ordinary Australians with the moniker “Arm Yourself”, began last week, but Health Minister Greg Hunt said the escalating situation in Sydney called for a more explicit response.

Younger Aussies still not eligible to get the jab

The age of the woman in the ad has sparked controversy, with most younger Australians still ineligible to receive their vaccine.

Currently over 10 people hospitalised in Sydney are under 35.

News

Coalition cracks deepen as Nationals break ranks over Labor reforms

Nationals senators defy party lines, voting against Labor’s reforms as Coalition faces internal rifts and leadership concerns.

Published

15 hours ago

January 21, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Nationals senators defy party lines, voting against Labor’s reforms as Coalition faces internal rifts and leadership concerns.

A rift has emerged in the Coalition after three Nationals senators crossed the floor to vote against Labor’s post-Bondi hate group reforms, defying party lines and raising questions about their future in the shadow cabinet.

Their proposed amendment calling for greater scrutiny was rejected, and Labor’s legislation passed the Senate 38 votes to 22, cementing the reforms into law despite opposition pushback.

Coalition leadership will meet Wednesday to assess the political fallout, though some MPs consider the issue minor in terms of potential resignations. The incident highlights growing tensions within the party as internal discipline comes under pressure.

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News

Trump escalates Greenland rhetoric as Davos leaders push back on sovereignty

Trump claims U.S. alone can ensure Arctic peace, sparking backlash as Greenland’s sovereignty faces geopolitical tensions at Davos.

Published

15 hours ago

January 21, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Trump claims U.S. alone can ensure Arctic peace, sparking backlash as Greenland’s sovereignty faces geopolitical tensions at Davos.

President Trump has intensified his remarks over Greenland, claiming the U.S. is the only nation capable of ensuring peace in the Arctic, sparking sharp pushback from European leaders. His rhetoric, including hints at potential tariffs, comes as international attention turns to the strategic territory.

The debate has dominated discussions at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where Trump confirmed plans to meet regarding Greenland following a positive conversation with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Meanwhile, Greenland’s leadership has warned that the territory must be ready for potential military scenarios.

Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney also weighed in from Davos, drawing a firm line on sovereignty, declaring Greenland’s independence non-negotiable. The unfolding standoff highlights rising geopolitical tensions in the Arctic, with global powers increasingly staking their claims.

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News

OpenAI prepares first consumer device amid revenue boom

OpenAI plans to launch a screenless smart speaker by late 2026, shifting focus to hardware amid significant revenue growth.

Published

2 days ago

January 20, 2026

Harvey Vargas

OpenAI plans to launch a screenless smart speaker by late 2026, shifting focus to hardware amid significant revenue growth.

OpenAI is gearing up to launch its first-ever consumer hardware device in late 2026. The product is expected to be a screenless smart speaker, signalling the tech giant’s move beyond software and into the world of physical devices.

The device comes after OpenAI acquired a promising hardware startup to accelerate development.

The company is also pushing a strategy to strengthen domestic manufacturing, working closely with U.S. manufacturers to secure efficient production of essential components.

Despite the progress, technical hurdles remain, especially around the device’s listening capabilities, which could delay the rollout.

This development comes on the heels of OpenAI reporting an annualised revenue of over $20 billion in 2025, representing a staggering 233% increase from the previous year. The combination of massive revenue growth and expansion into hardware marks a new era for the AI pioneer.

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