UN Warns of Growing Population's Effect on Climate Change

The United Nations has warned efforts to minimise the impact of climate change will be ineffective while attempting to feed a growing population.

As the global population is predicted to increase, how land is managed by governments, industry and farmers will be a core part of limiting or accelerating the effects of climate change. 

Family From Maldives Face Deportation

A family from the Maldives, who have been living in Australia for six years, are facing deportation and are concerned that their three-year-old disabled son won’t survive if his visa application is rejected.

The family, who moved in 2013 to Western Australia, received a notification from the Department of Home Affairs that all of their visas had been approved except their three-year-old son who requires round-the-clock medical care.

NSW Passes Bill to Decriminalise Abortion

Members of New South Wales’ lower house voted to decriminalise abortion late last night, following several amendments and three days of debate. 

The bill, which was introduced by independent MP, Alex Greenwich, was passed 59 to 31

Health Minister, Brad Hazzard, who was one of 15 co-sponsors of the bill, said this is the opportunity to write a wrong that was enacted into law.

UQ Signs Deal with Ramsay Centre

The University of Queensland will become the second institution to offer a Western civilisation program from next year after signing a $50 million deal with the Ramsay Centre.

The extended major will teach subjects ranging from The Classical World and European  Enlightenments to American Epic and Situating Australia.

Peter Hoj, University of Queensland vice-chancellor says the investment came at a time when opportunities to fund the humanities were diminishing.

Fire Outbreak in Gold Coast Bushland

Several fire crews rushed to Bonogin, Gold Coast, after a grass fire broke out in bushland on Thursday. 

It is understood the blaze is burning near Aylesham Drive and Ferny Ridge Court.

A Queensland Fire and Emergency Service spokesperson says the fire is posing no threat to any properties at this stage.

Indian transgender couple have tied the knot in the state's first "rainbow wedding"

An Indian transgender couple have tied the knot in what is believed to be the state's first "rainbow wedding".

They have waged a lengthy battle to protect their rights and end discrimination with India's Supreme Court  recognising them as a third gender in 2014. 

The bride, Tista Das said they feel awesome to be able to celebrate their bond of love, liberty and the solidarity of their souls.

Security forces in the central Asian republic of Kyrgyzstan have stormed the home of former President Almazbek Atambayev

Security forces in the central Asian republic of Kyrgyzstan have stormed the home of former President Almazbek Atambayev in an attempt to detain him.

 

Mr Atmbayev house was filled with his supporters, driving the special forces back, in a clash resulting in one officer dying from a gun wound.

 

Mr Atambayev has been accused of corruption, which he denies. Parliament stripped him of immunity in June.

Controversial mural painted over in Bondi Beach

Street artist, Luke Cornish,  found out his controversial Bondi Beach mural challenging Australia's asylum seeker detention system saying "Not Welcome to Bondi" has been painted over.

 

“It wasn’t the best way to find out,” he told SBS News, a day after Bondi's local government voted in favour of the temporary mural staying.

 

Mr Cornish, explained he wasn’t dismayed by the situation and would still continue to paint murals that caused conversations.

Australian Privacy Commissioner is cautioning Facebook to learn from its mistakes

The Australian Privacy Commissioner is cautioning Facebook to learn from its mistakes and explain exactly how it will protect people's financial information when it launches its own cryptocurrency.

Facebook said its new cryptocurrency company, Libra, will allow money to be sent the same way as a text message.