Backpackers are sharing their stories of working in ‘slave-like’ conditions on Australian produce farms under a working holiday program that the government is hailing a success. 

Despite a 20% spike in uptake in the program last year, backpackers are using the hashtag ‘88daysaslave’ on Instagram to share stories and images of exploitation. 

The Australian Taxation Office will be visiting 400 inner-north Brisbane businesses following a number of tip-offs from the community about engaging in black economy activities.

Logan residents have been warned of a new drone service ‘Wing’ that is set to launch this week. 

The company was forced to delay its Queensland launch after the Civil Aviation Safety Authority grounded drones in the south-east as the state dealt with bushfires this month. 

The Trump administration has released the transcript of a phone call which reveals the US President asked the Ukrainian President to investigate former vice-president Joe Biden.

The multibillion-dollar Daxing International Airport has opened in Beijing in the lead up to China’s National Day on October 1st.

The NSW upper house passed a bill to decriminalise abortion overnight. 

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has attacked critics of his government’s climate change policies in his address to the UN overnight. 

Westside shoppers have collectively diverted more than nine tonnes of soft plastic last year from landfill through recycling at Coles supermarkets.

Customers of Coles Kenmore are the top recyclers in the state after diverting more than 2,500 kilograms of plastics bags, wrappings, and packets.

Coles chief property and export officer Thinus Keeve is proud of the community’s efforts. 

“Customers should be commended for remembering to bring their soft plastics back to the store,” Mr Keeve said.

A group of Brisbane tradies aged from 26 to 72 are baring almost all for a calendar to raise awareness of prostate cancer.

Group member Darren Patrick says the cause is personal for many of the men. 

 “Prostate cancer has affected a number of families both within our office and the tradies as well, so this is a cause close to our hearts,” Mr Patrick said. 

All proceeds from the calendar will go to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.