Wednesday's wonderings

06 Feb 2013

Governor-General Quentin Bryce visits Antarctica to commemorate Mawson’s expedition. In other news, the National Health and Medical Research Council has imposed strong new health guidelines on childcare centres. 

Bryce visits Antarctica

Quentin Bryce has become the first Governor-General of Australia to visit Antarctica as she takes part in centenary celebrations commemorating Sir Douglas Mawson’s expedition. Bryce spent nearly three hours on the continent before returning to Tasmania. Read more.

Thomson faces court

Independent MP Craig Thomson will appear in a Melbourne court today where he will be charged with 150 counts of fraud. Wanting to make the process as quick as he can, Thomson plans to contest the charges, claiming they are a distraction for Parliament. ABC has the full story.

Nurse slams conditions at Nauru

Marianne Evers, a nurse with more than 40 years of experience, has likened the Nauru detention centre to a concentration camp. Evers, who has trained as a counsellor, signed up for a six-week shift at Nauru, but quit after three and said she witnessed multiple suicide attempts during her short stint on the island. Yahoo Seven has more.

Strict new hygiene rules for childcare

Kids will not be allowed to blow out candles on a birthday cake and will need to bring in their own personal celebratory cupcake, under strict new hygiene guidelines. Daycare staff will also have to wash toys, doorknobs, floors and cushion covers. Doctors warn the guidelines go too far. Read more.

Australian linked to Bulgarian bombing

An Australian is suspected of involvement in a bus bombing in a Bulgarian resort town that killed six people and wounded more than 30 others. Bulgarian officials are expected to release a statement later today. Ninemsn has more.

British lawmakers approve gay marriage

British MPs have voted to pass draft legislation on gay marriage. The draft law proposes to legalise same-sex marriage in England and Wales in 2014, and was carried by 400 votes to 175 in the House of Commons. Yahoo Seven has the full story.

New Delhi gang-rape trial opens

Five men charged with the rape and murder of a young woman in New Delhi will face court today. The closed trial will begin with testimony from the victim’s friend who has been wheelchair-bound since the attack. Read more.