Tony Abbott has appeared in the spotlight again over controversial claims of sexism and misogyny in discussions leading up to the upcoming International Trade Forum elections. Further discussions on Mr Abbott’s approach to climate change, aged care, and the LGBTIQ community have left vital members of the trade board questioning his impending appointment. Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon stated, “in my view, he’s not the kind of person who should be a trade envoy or any kind of envoy for the United Kingdom.”

Australia’s largest international trading partner is lacking diplomatic faith from Australian youth. Reports reveal a lack of job opportunities linked to the decline in language course enrolments among university students. Theo Stapleton, an Australian living in China, urges residents to explore the different heritage throughout the world and says tensions between the two countries should not limit a love of language and culture.

Australia is now amid a recession. The current Australian economy is shifting during times of high unemployment rates and less public spending. According to the Bureau of Statistics, many businesses are expected to close down once the coronavirus financial support comes to a close. Many Australians will be further impacted by job losses, pay cuts, and difficulty finding a job for those entering the job market.

A 25-year-old Gold Coast equine veterinarian, Lukas Orda, is one of two Australians listed as missing after Typhoon Maysak’s rough seas capsized a boat off the coast of Japan in the East China Sea. Just 9 days earlier than their estimated arrival date in China, Orda was aboard the cattle export ship, Gulf Livestock 1, which was transporting more than 5,800 cattle and 43 crew when it issued a distress warning on Wednesday morning.

In local news, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says two new cases of coronavirus are now recorded in Queensland. The Premier says the active cases are contained and border restrictions are in place for the time being to keep the state safe. With 28 active cases, the government urges residents to adhere to state restrictions and exercise hygiene practices.

An outbreak of Polio in Sudan has been linked to an oral vaccine that uses a weakened form of the virus.

The oral vaccine has been discontinued in much of the world, however is still preferred in some areas due to its ease of delivery.

The outbreak comes one week after the World Health Organisation declared wild polio eradicated in Africa.

The UK government is set to begin trialling weekly Covid testing.

The trials will begin with repeat testing in hospitals and schools with officials hopeful to expand testing to the entire population.

Former UK health secretary Jeremy Hunt has called for regular testing to become the norm, as the country prepares for a possible second wave during winter.