Labor is expected to put forward legislation to increase paid leave for domestic violence survivors from five to 10 days. 

Opposition leader Anthony Albanese has called domestic violence an epidemic and said Australia must confront the awful truth of its existence.

The increased leave is an attempt to make it easier for survivors to leave abusive relationships by giving them time off work to attend court hearings, appointments with counselling, medical or legal specialists or find alternative housing or accommodation.

Queensland Education Minister Grace Grace confirmed 90 per cent of Queensland state schools are air conditioned.

The State Government announced in February their $477 million program to install air conditioners across Queensland.

Despite this, the ABC reported that newly installed units are unable to be used because school electricity units cannot cope.

Grace said some schools will require external upgrades to their electricity networks to complete the process.

A study published in the Medical Journal of Australia on Monday found young Australians who took their own lives were usually disadvantaged males disengaged from work, study and mental health services.

Orygen researchers analysed coroner’s reports of 3,365 people aged 10 to 24 between 2006 to 2015 and found the rates of suicide has not significantly dropped. 

Despite ramped-up investment in prevention efforts, there are now fears the coronavirus pandemic could worsen the situation. 

American biotechnology company Moderna is seeking emergency approval for its COVID-19 vaccine after reporting it is almost 100 percent effective in preventing severe cases. 

The company claims full results from a late-stage study show it was 94.1 percent effective against the disease, with no serious safety concerns.

Moderna says the vaccine is effective across all age groups and genders, and aims to prevent severe, life threatening cases of the disease.

The Bureau of Meteorology says Northern Territory has experienced its hottest November in 100 years.

According to BOM, most places in central Australia saw their average temperatures grow by 3 degrees.

Rainfall was also below average throughout the territory due to a lack of cloud coverage.

Queensland’s budget will be released today after being delayed due to COVID-19. 

This will be Queensland Treasurer Cameron Dick’s first state budget, and he’s saying there will be no surprises. 

He has not yet made a commitment about emergency tax relief for business as the state moves into a recovery period.

Guatemalans returned to the city streets this week to protest against President Alejandro Giammattei’s government. 

The protests started on November 21, after Congress approved a $12.8bn funding cut for human rights agencies, healthcare, education, and the judiciary.

More than 2,000 protestors gathered in Guatemala City’s central plaza this Saturday - frustrated with the government’s budget decisions, their mixed response to the COVID-19 pandemic and recent hurricanes that hit Guatemalan communities.

Female-led Australian film, Babyteeth, won 9 awards at this year’s AACTA awards.

The film, which stars Eliza Scanlen, tells the story of a teenager with cancer who falls in love for the first time.

Directed by Shannon Murphy, produced by Jan Chapman and Alex White, the film was nominated in 12 out of 13 possible film categories this year.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says Queensland’s border will remain closed to Adelaide for another week.

She said the decision was made following the advice of Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young, so free travel would be possible by Christmas time. 

Queensland has classed 20 local government areas in Adelaide as official hotspots

Border restrictions for other states like Victoria and New South Wales will be removed from December 1.