Wednesday wonderings

26 Jun 2013

The controversial Australian Vaccination Network has been ordered to disband and cease its scare tactics. In international news, Nelson Mandela’s family gathers in a secret meeting as the former president’s condition worsens.

Oakeshott to quit politics

Federal independent MP, Rob Oakeshott, will quit politics, claiming the past three years have been the toughest of his life.  Oakeshott has served as the member for the NSW seat, Lyne, since 2008. Read more.

AVN to disband

The Australian Vaccination Network has been ordered to disband after the Senate passed a motion calling on the AVN to cease its campaign against vaccines. The AVN has been told to stop its harmful and unscientific scare tactics. ABC News has the details.  

Hinch charged with contempt

Broadcaster Derryn Hinch has been charged with contempt of court after using social media and his official website to speculate about the Jill Meagher case. Hinch breached suppression orders regarding convicted rapist and killer Adrian Bayley. Read more.

Aussies in Phuket shooting avoid jail

John Edward Cohen and Adam Lewis Shea, both from Tasmania, have received suspended jail sentences for their role in a shooting incident in Thailand. Two German tourists were wounded in Phuket after the two Australians pursued a Danish man over a debt. News.com.au has more.

Moors murderer speaks out

Ian Brady has spoken publicly at length for the first time since the Moors murders between 1962 and 1965. Brady has revealed that he faked mental illness in order to be transferred to a hospital from his prison cell. He is now trying to convince a tribunal that he is sane. ABC News has the full story.

Mandela’s family prepares to say goodbye

Nelson Mandela’s family has gathered for a secret meeting in his home village Qunu in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, preparing to say farewell to the anti-apartheid hero and former president. Mandela has spent 18 days in hospital, plagued with a lung infection. Read more.