An oil carrier which ran aground off Mauritius last month has split into two. The ship, which has already leaked more than one thousand tonnes of oil will be pulled out to sea to sink. Mauritius declared an environmental emergency following the spill last month, which threatened a protected marine park boasting mangrove forests and endangered species.

Tens of thousands of people have gathered to protest the re-election of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in the capital, Minsk. The 65-year-old President has been in power for 26 years and was re-elected for a sixth term with around 80% of the popular vote, according to official results. Many countries such as Germany, Sweden, and the United States have condemned the election’s outcome, calling it "undemocratic".

A nationwide survey has found that thirty-nine percent of international students did not have enough money to cover basic living expenses following the COVID-19 outbreak. The study, conducted by Unions New South Wales between March and May also found that a worrying 43 percent were forced to skip meals regularly. The Secretary for Unions New South Wales, Mark Morey, said that without support, international students are being driven into not only poverty but exploitation.

Services resumed this morning on the popular Bulimba to Teneriffe ferry service following a two-month absence. The vessels, which were pulled from service in July following the discovery of “severe” safety issues, were last week cleared for service by maritime experts. Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said council continues to work "around the clock" to get services back on the river.

The Palaszczuk government has withdrawn a bill aiming to prevent journalists from reporting on corruption allegations. Premier Palaszczuk faced criticism over the bill which came months after former Deputy Premier Jackie Trad was referred to the Crime and Corruption Commission. The Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance celebrated the news of the bill withdrawal but also called for the Queensland Government to better protect journalists, and implement laws similar to those in other Australian states.

Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt said he is optimistic that a COVID-19 vaccine will be available to Australians by next year. The Health Minister could not name the companies the Government is in negotiations with but said he feels “cautiously optimistic” about the prospect of a vaccine. Shadow Health Minister Chris Bowen has criticised the Government saying Australia has fallen behind other countries in securing a vaccine deal; days after reports Russia has developed the world's first COVID-19 vaccine.