The Australian Government has introduced a bill that will improve market access for medicinal cannabis and hemp industries.

The Export Control Amendment (Certificate of Narcotics Exports) Bill 2020 will legitimize the export of narcotic goods.

Minister for Agriculture, David Littleproud said “The Australian Government is committed to assisting our agricultural producers and exporters to create and maintain new international export opportunities, while providing assurance to our trading partners through certification.’

Queensland theme parks are set to reopen with additional COVID-19 safety precautions to ensure the protection of guests and staff.

Sea World is preparing to open next Friday and Movie World and Wet ‘n’ Wild are hoping to open on July 15.

Over $1.2 million in construction projects will upgrade regional TAFE facilities across the state. 

These upgrades are part of the state’s post COVID-19 plans to ensure the Queensland workforce has access to world class training facilities.

The campuses to be upgraded are located in Bohle, Burdekin, Bowen and Cannonvale. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the “recovery plan for Queensland is all about creating jobs and investing in future proofing infrastructure so we have the skills for more jobs in more industries.”

British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson has announced the two-meter social distancing rule will be reviewed amid falling cases of COVID-19 in the UK. 

The review will allegedly take evidence from both scientists and economists. 
    
The country’s two-meter distancing rule is further than the World Health Organisation’s recommendation of at least one meter. 
 

A prominent Philippines journalist, Maria Ressa, has been found guilty of cyber libel charges, and could potentially be sentenced to up to six years in prison.

The charges are one of many against Ressa who has been vocal in scrutinising the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.

The verdict has been seen as a setback for democratic rights and press freedom in the Philippines with Ressa vowing to continue fighting.
 

Victorian Local Government Minister, Adem Somyurek has been sacked by Victorian Premier, Daniel Andrews, following allegations of branch stacking and a recording of him using offensive language in reference to a colleague. 

Mr Andrews says Somyuerk’s conduct and comments are “completely deplorable”.

Branch stacking is a term used to describe the recruitment of members for local political party branches who are instructed how to vote on key internal party decisions. 
 

A second Black Lives Matter protester has tested positive for COVID-19 in Victoria and is among 12 new confirmed cases in the state.

Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton says the second Black Lives Matter protester to test positive for the virus is unrelated to the first who was diagnosed last week. 

Sutton says it is unlikely the protester caught the virus at the demonstration.
 

The Queensland Government is reportedly considering the possibility of creating a “travel bubble” with New South Wales.

Amid concerns around the level of community transmission in Victoria, the government has begun considerations on how the state can open up to New South Wales while maintaining restrictions for Victorian travellers.