Hundreds of anti-government protesters demonstrated in Bangkok on Sunday, defying a ban on protests against the Thai government and monarchy. Protesters have demanded the removal of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-Ocha. They have also become critical of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, despite laws in place that can mean 15-year jail terms for those who insult the monarchy.

The Labour Party of New Zealand has claimed a parliamentary majority in its federal election - the first time a party is able to govern in its own right since electoral reforms in 1996. Re-elected Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is expected to meet with members of her party in deciding whether to keep governing with the Greens party. New Zealanders will also find out the results of a referendum to legalise cannabis and euthanasia in two weeks.

After one year of hearings at The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disabilities, lack of privacy, protection and remuneration are stopping people from sharing their stories. It has been found most people giving evidence to the commission are experts and carers, and not people living with disabilities. Witnesses are currently able to request confidentiality for the duration of the inquiry, but this does not extend to after the commission hands down its report in April 2022.

The Labor party has claimed victory in the ACT state election, expected to form a minority government with the Greens party. The Labor party has won 10 seats, with two still undecided. This is the ACT Labor party’s sixth consecutive term, having governed the territory for the past 19 years.

Queensland’s COVID-19 restrictions have eased over the weekend, announced by Deputy Premier Steven Miles late Friday afternoon. People can now gather in groups of 40 in homes, can dance at school formals and weddings, and aged care residents are permitted to go on excursions. The Deputy Premier said they would wait until the end of the month before making any decisions on easing border restrictions.

Early voting has open across the state this morning, in anticipation of the upcoming state election on October 31. The Queensland Electoral Commission predicts around 2 million Queenslanders will cast their votes early due to coronavirus safety fears. From today until October 30, there will be 200 early polling booths open across the state.

A 12-year-old Canadian boy Nathan Hrushkin discovered fossils which scientists say belonged to the hadrosaur, also known as the ‘duck-billed dinosaur’. 

Nathan has been commended for his handling of the discovery which led to a conservation team uncovering 30-50 more bones in the same canyon.