Looking across the nation, Queensland researchers have developed a new DNA test in order to help identify the thousands of Australian soldiers whose remains still lie unidentified in battlefields across the Pacific since World War II.

It has been more than 70 years since tens of thousands of Australian soldiers fought the Japanese in the Asia-Pacific and 5000 of those soldiers still don’t have a grave and remains are continually being found on Pacific battlefields, particularly in Papua New Guinea.

China has celebrated its Navy’s 70th anniversary with a parade off the coast of Qingdao.

Its fleet, including a 304 metre long aircraft carrier, was joined by ships from other nations to contribute to the parade, including our very own HMAS Melbourne.

"China's naval build-up and modernisation is unprecedented in both its ambition and speed,” says Adam Ni, a researcher with Macquarie University, who adds “by some estimates, China already has the biggest navy in the world by quantity.”

Russian president Vladimir Putin is expected to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un for the first time in the next 48 hours in Russia behind closed doors.

This meeting comes not too long after the second summit occurred between US President Donald Trump and Mr Kim in Hanoi which ultimately led to no resolution on nuclear disarmament.

It is believed that North Korea is turning to its historical ally, Russia, for support as it has not been able to secure what it wants from the US - relief from crushing international sanctions.

In order to help fund extensive upgrades to the North Sydney Olympic Pool the federal Coalition has promised $10 million worth of funds if the Morrison government is re-elected.

$28 million has been put aside by the North Sydney Council which is dedicated to improving the harbourside pool’s aging infrastructure, however, they have said a further $30 million is required to complete the project.

Brisbane City Council and a not-for-profit charity café have come to a confidential agreement for unpaid rent following The Uniting Hands Foundation’s eviction from a historic council-owned building in Teneriffe.

The Nepalese charity failed to pay more than $17,000 in rent for their space at the Engine Room Café resulting in the council’s swift action in evicting them.

A Queensland health official is travelling to the ACT to examine the territory’s pill testing trial with the potential to introduce tougher penalties after two deaths from a suspected overdose at a music festival on Easter Monday.

After a 24-year-old man and 22-year-old woman died at the Rabbits Eat Lettuce festival south of Toowoomba, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has said she will consider the outcomes of the ACT pill testing trial while Health Committee chairman Aaron Harper travels to the location to investigate.

A Darwin soldier is paving the way for Australian Defence Force women to serve on the front line.

Captain Angela Stokes is one of four women in Australia to pass the physical examination including trekking over 15 kilometres while weighed down with gear and lifting extremely heavy equipment.

Women could not serve in the front line infantry or special forces until 2013, when the restriction was overturned by the Defence Force in a huge shift in equality.