The Australian Workers Union (AWU) is throwing its support behind the use of nuclear energy in Australia to boost jobs growth and meet clean energy targets.

The decision puts the union at odds with the rest of the labour movement in the country, as they urge the government to lift the current moratorium on nuclear energy.

AWU national secretary Daniel Walton will front a public roundtable on nuclear energy chaired by Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce in Sydney.

Queensland miners, sewer operators and farmers will no longer be able to dump as much run-off into waterways under a new law.

The legislation will set limits on the amount of sediment, fertiliser and pesticide allowed to drain into coastal water catchments that eventually flows into the Great Barrier Reef.

No further changes to the regulation will occur for another five years after a handful of government MPs negotiated a small win for the industry.

South-East Queensland’s bat population is in crisis as the species faces mass starvation.

Bat rescuer, Ashley Fraser said in an average week, the volunteering service would receive 14 phone calls reporting injured bats. 

“We’re having an unprecedentedly busy rescue at the moment,” said Ms Fraser. 

“In the last two weeks, we’ve probably rescued close to over 100 flying foxes. All of these have been emaciated, underweight and just pretty much starving.” 

More photos of Justin Trudeau in blackface have emerged, with the Canadian Prime Minister calling his past behaviour "absolutely unacceptable."

“I didn’t see that from the layers of privilege that I have. And for that I am deeply sorry, and I apologise,” he said.

“I have always acknowledged I came from a place of privilege, but I now need to acknowledge that comes with a massive blind spot.”

China’s new mega airport is ready to open. 

The existing Beijing Capital International Airport is hitting full capacity, making it nearly impossible for airlines to add flights at desirable times. 

Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) will see its first commercial flight take off today according to Chinese state media. 

Daxing is the first airport designed by legendary architect Zaha Hadid, who died in 2016 before she was able to see the project to fruition. 

A New Zealand penguin who traveled approximately 2500km and landed on a Victorian beach has been released back into the wild. 

The penguin was discovered at Kennett River along the Great Ocean Road underweight and struggling in July. 

Melbourne Zoo veterinarian, Michael Lynch said it is not clear why the penguin undertook the long journey, but it is not unheard of. 

A new public holiday is set to be rolled out in Queensland, with State Parliament pushing ahead with a plan to make Christmas Eve an official public holiday.

This is great news for Christmas-time workers in the retail sector and bar staff working extra hours around the holiday period, as they can look forward to pocketing a few extra dollars if they pick up a shift on the day before Christmas.

But the new plan, set to be passed through Queensland’s State Parliament today, comes with a catch.

Queenslanders who leave their dog in the car — even just for a minute — could face jail time and a fine under proposed new laws.

The state government wants people to be charged with animal cruelty in cases where they are breaching their duty of care, even in cases where no heat stress was suffered. An amendment to the existing duty of care will mention how handling an animal includes confining or transporting it in a car.

Breaching that duty of care would carry a maximum fine of $40,035 and a year behind bars.