Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape says he wants his nation to move away from an “air-donor” relationship with Australia. 

Mr Marape does not envisage this type of air donor, recipient relationship to last, and hopes within the next 10 years his country grows into economic self-reliance and independence. 

Mr Marape’s comments comes days after Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced another $250 million in grants and low interest loans to help PNG connect 70 per cent of the country's electricity by 2030. 

The Governor of Puerto Rico, Ricardo Roselló, has resigned after days of protests following the scandal of leaked messages between the governor and top officials.

In Mr. Roselló’s statement he made clear his resignation would become effective on the 2nd of August and he is to be replaced by Justice Secretary, Wanda Vásquez.

In order to appease the protests, Roselló said that he won’t seek re-election next year. 

A two-year-old girl held in the Melbourne Immigration Transit Accommodation Centre had four teeth surgically removed and another four treated on Thursday after they began to rot during her time in detention. 

A photo of Tharnicaa’s black and decaying teeth circulated in May as her mother claimed she was unable to eat solid food due to the pain. 

Family advocates believe a lack of access to fresh food and sunlight within the centre and a subsequent vitamin D deficiency to be the cause of Tharnicaa’s dental issues.    

A senate inquiry will be launched into Newstart and similar welfare programs following calls to raise the rate of unemployment support. 

The motion put forward by the Greens and Labor succeeded after the cross-bench backed the inquiry.  

The government is still resisting pressure to raise Newstart, which has not increased since 1994. 

Construction has started on the State governments $80 million dollar upgrade plan to help ease congestion at Mount Ommaney.

The plan will include upgrading the Summer Road Interchange with a bike underpass, additional u-turns, and four new lanes

Bicycle Queensland advocacy spokesman Andrew Demack “Riders from 8 to 80 will feel safer on the Centenary Cycleway, as the new underpass will cut out the signalised crossing at busy Dandenong Road.” Mr Demack said.

Brisbane’s Night Noodle Markets launched early this week, and will be open until the 4th of August. 

The markets, which feature a range of Asian cuisines, will be open daily. 

Entry is free and the markets will be entirely cashless, with all stalls accepting card payment.