The acting Queensland Transport Minister, Steven Miles, has announced the government's decision to change the law concerning power-assisted bicycles.

Illegal high-powered bicycles are commonly leased or sold to unassuming tourists in the Gold Coast and present a safety concern for pedestrians on the footpath.

Mr Miles said bicycles on the footpath must have pedals as their main source of power and new laws make it clear the motor cannot operate without the rider pedalling at speeds greater than 6km/h.

International students are being exploited by landlords in Sydney’s tight housing market a new report found.

The students are falling victim to financial exploitation by landlords who are overcharging bonds, refusing to maintain legal paperwork and suddenly increasing rent.

A University of New South Wales Human Rights Clinic report found a lack of student housing and a tight market allows landlords to exploit a lack of knowledge of legal rights. 

The Australian Federal Police has revealed it accessed the metadata of journalists 58 times in the 2017 to 2018 financial year.

Agencies like the AFP require a warrant to access journalist metadata, however the journalist is never informed.

The parliamentary joint committee on intelligence and security is now examining the impact of the use of national security laws such as the mandatory data retention legislation on freedom of the press.

LGBTIQ+ advocates are alarmed by reports the federal government is planning to use new religious discrimination laws to stop employers from sacking workers for expressing religious views.

Equity Australia’s Legal Advocacy Director Lee Carnie said that would stop businesses from providing a safe, healthy and inclusive work-place for all. 

Carrie has called for the Attorney-General to release the bill for broader consultation as these new laws could target single mums, divorcees, women and LGBTQI+ people.

A raid on US billionaire Jeffrey Epstein’s New York mansion allegedly uncovered hundreds of nude photographs of underage girls amidst charges of sex trafficking.

The 66-year-old hedge fund manager, whose friends have included President Donald Trump and former President Bill Clinton, was arrested on Saturday and may face up to 45 years in prison if found guilty.

Mr Epstein has been remanded in custody until a bail hearing on Thursday, where prosecutors are expected to argue the witness might try to flee or intimidate witnesses.

A new report by Amnesty International of Philippino president Rodrigo Durterte’s drug war details the systematic killing of the poor and calls for a UN investigation into crimes against humanity.

It has been three-years since Duterte pledged to wipe out drug abuse by giving police forces unprecedented powers and near total impunity to kill any suspected drug addicts or dealers.

The report details nightly incidents of police shooting defenceless suspects with no accountability.

Experts have warned the planned ban on townhouse developments in Brisbane’s low density suburbs, which aim to protect the city’s character, could have unintended repercussions. 

The Brisbane City Council has been pushing for permission from the state government, and last month got the go ahead to introduce an amendment to the City Plan to stop new townhouse developments.

However experts caution that a townhouse ban could result in heightened property prices, making it more difficult for people to find affordable housing.

Katarina Carroll has been sworn in as Queensland’s police commissioner making her the first woman to hold the top job. 

Ms Carroll began her policing career 26 years ago before taking the role of Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner in December of 2014. 

She states she wants to work closely with her frontline, looking at their health, well being and in particular their mental health, and she also warned that bad behaviour from officers will not be tolerated.