Queensland animal activists call for CCTV

Animal activists have called for CCTV cameras to be installed in slaughterhouses in response to laws cracking down on farm trespassing.

Animal Justice Party Queensland convenor Ric Allport said the laws would block whistleblowers and investigators who have exposed scandals in the live export and greyhound racing industries previously.

New legislation would ramp up fines and prison penalties for those who protest on farms or disrupt train services.

Black hole in Australian antibiotics

Disease experts say there is a “black hole” in Australian antibiotics after finding four infections or fungi resistant to current treatments.

Microbiologist Deborah Williamson propose using real-time monitoring systems to track the growth and movement of certain disease strains to combat further spread.

Peter Collignon, an infectious diseases physician at the Australian National University, has echoed calls for better monitoring in waterways and agriculture.

RSPCA releases images of animal cruelty

The RSPCA is releasing images and reports of the worst animal cruelty cases in South Australia in a bid to highlight the extent of neglect in the state.

RSPCA chief inspector Andrea Lewis said difficulty in tracking down owners means only a fraction of cruelty cases are prosecuted, the worst involving severe emaciation.

The RSPCA says nearly 600 animals were abandoned across the state in the last year, a few cases more than the previous year.

Indians feeling Kashmir after militant attacks

Thousands of Indian tourists, pilgrims and workers are fleeing Kashmir after the Indian government raise the alarm over organised militant attacks.

Indian officials say they killed over five militants who tried to attack Indian troops and have found a mine with Pakistani markings.

A Pakistani defence spokesperson has rejected India’s accusations as “mere propaganda” and “blatant lies”.

New procedure to postpone menopause

A London scientist says breakthroughs in research will allow doctors to postpone menopause and allow women as old as 70 to have children.

Reproductive medicine expert Simon Fishel said menopause can trigger serious health problems for women and prevent them from building their careers.

Mr Fishel said his company ProFaM has already performed the $10,000 procedure on nine British women aged between 22 and 36.

Good Grub Club helping for those without a home

The Good Grub Club food van has hit the streets of Brisbane, Logan and Redlands to make a difference for more than 5,800 people without a home in the region. 

Anglicare's Youth Homelessness Service manager Rees Maddren said the project is focused on identifying and helping homeless young people by giving them work.

The Good Grub Club is funded through the Queensland Government's Dignity First Fund issued to help prevent and reduce homelessness. 

Stanthorpe weeks away from running out of water

Ongoing drought is pushing Stanthorpe families to the wire, with the town just weeks away from running out of water.

Laundromat owner Chris Reedy said families can hardly afford to wash their clothes, and he’s been helping out with some free loads where he can.

Motel owner Michael Jensen said he fears for the community, especially farmers and the elderly, if water has to be trucked in and cause water costs to skyrocket.

Australia considering whether to join the US to guard against Iranian oil shipments

Australia is considering whether to join the United State’s efforts to guard against Iranian interference of oil shipments in the Persian Gulf.

Defence Minister Linda Reynolds said the United States made a serious and complex request, which is being considered according to Australia’s sovereign interests.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has placed confidence in an international coalition to protect key shipping routes, following Iran’s seizure of British tanker in July.

New rail line in Perth's northern suburbs

The Western Australian government has unveiled plans for a new rail line in Perth’s northern suburbs after a decade-long wait and promises from both major parties.

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said the network will be a game-changer and halve public transport travel time in the region.

With construction set to conclude by 2022, the Opposition’s Libby Mettam said the projected costs and time frame are unrealistic.