Queensland's former chief scientist is possibly facing jail time for defrauding the government of about $75,000.

Suzanne Miller pleaded guilty in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Thursday to committing fraud during her time employed by the Queensland Museum between February 2014 and July 2017.

She was first charged in 2017, by the Crime and Corruption Commission with fraud valued about $45,000 relating to a false claim for private health insurance.

Plastic straws, cutlery and plates may become a thing of the past in Queensland due to a planned ban of single use plastics by the Palaszczuk government.

The government is currently committed to speaking with businesses, industries and sectors that will be most affected by the ban such as the disability and aged care sectors. 

The Palaszczuk government is aiming to introduce these laws at the end of the year to come into effect in 2021. 

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has been put into self-isolation today after his wife Sophie Trudeau fell ill with flu-like symptoms. 

The announcement comes amid wider concern in Canada as schools close across the province of Ontario and the suspension of the National Hockey League. 

Mr Trudeau is not reporting any symptoms, and will continue to work from home until the results of his wife’s test are known.

A US Judge has ordered the release of former US Intelligence Analyst Chelsea Manning from prison. 

Manning who was convicted of espionage in 2013 after leaking classified military files to wikileaks, has been held in prison in Virginia since May on contempt of court. 

Manning was set to appear before court on Friday however it has been ruled that she is no longer required to testify on the investigation into Wikileaks. 

Premier Daniel Andrews has announced the Australian Formula One Grand Prix will go ahead in Melbourne, without spectators.

Earlier reports suggested the event would be cancelled after McLaren racing withdrew from the race following the positive coronavirus diagnosis of a team member. 

Fans queued at Albert Park from the early hours of this morning for the 8:45am opening of the event have been told to leave the venue. 

The Retail and Fast Food Workers Union allege Woolworths knowingly and deliberately mislead the Fair Work Commission by hiding the fact its staff would be significantly underpaid under submitted pay deals in 2012.

Retail and Fast Food Workers Union secretary Josh Cullinan claims that Woolworths swapped out rosters used to track the hours worked and pay rates awarded as compared to documents from 2009 in an attempt to manipulate the Fair Work Commission into “legalising” their wage theft.

Acciona Australia is facing $9 million in fines over six workplace safety charges after more than 18 truck rollovers on different sections of the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing in 2017 and 2018.

The charges will be heard in Toowoomba Magistrates Court on March 20.

Brisbane City Council has taken aim at the dangers of school and pedestrian safety, with Labor promising $500,000 to upgrade a Enoggera school crossing and the LNP proposing a 12 million dollar cash splash on pedestrian safety across Brisbane.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has announced the money will be used for upgrades and the introduction of more than 100 speed awareness monitors and to connect sections of pathway used by schools around Brisbane.