Google has been fined $2.38 billion (1.49 billion euros) by the European Commission, in what is its third large EU antitrust penalty in the span of two years.

The commission said the fine was about 1.29 per cent of Google's turnover, which was a total of $190.8 billion in 2018.

The case focussed on the company's illegal practices in search ad brokering from 2006 to 2016, which meant advertisers and website owners not using the AdSense platform had less options and faced possible higher prices that were passed on to consumers.

The European Union has said Brexit may be extended on the condition that UK Prime Minister Theresa May’s plan gets approved by British parliament.

President of the European Council, Donald Tusk, said a short extension may be possible, but it is conditional on a positive note.

The EU said that the extension would either be only until May 23rd or significantly longer, to allow for EU voting between the 23rd and 26th of May.

Jobseekers no longer have to apply for 20 positions a month in order to receive unemployment benefits.

Employment Minister Kelly O’Dwyer announced the change Wednesday as a part of the Jobactive system overhaul.

Ms O’Dwyer said there is a new focus on online job searching and that support will still be available for job seekers if they require advice, technical support or guidance.

The new metro service in Brisbane, which is to commence in 2023, could be run by electric vehicles.

Deputy mayor, Adrian Schrinner, said the service could be run by 60 electric vehicles, and the choice of vehicle will be decided by mid-2019.

Councillor Schrinner said three companies have been shortlisted so far, each one offering different power trains.

The project is also set to improve bus travel, with sights set to expand the busway to Springwood.

The Brisbane City Police Station on Mary Street has been named the largest operational centre in the state, acting as a home for officers following its replacement of the station on Charlotte Street.

The $13.5 million facility will be the centre of operations for about 300 officers who will patrol the Brisbane CBD and inner-city suburbs, including Spring Hill, Milton, Paddington, Red Hill and Kelvin Grove.

The Yarra River's environmental health is deteriorating as a result of litter, pollution, invasive pests and urban development.

A report by Victoria's Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability said nearly 180 tonnes of rubbish have been collected from the river system over a four-year period.