Queensland senator joins far right extremists in Melbourne

Queensland senator Fraser Anning flew to Melbourne on taxpayer dollars this weekend, using the money to attend a far right rally to protest African migrants.

Senator Anning, who called on a ‘final solution’ during his maiden speech to parliament, says African migrants present challenges for his home state and insists he was not walking alongside the group of neo-nazi’s saluting at the crowd.

Deputy Labor leader Tanya Plibersek says the senator’s actions were disgusting and demonstrate his intention to divide, rather than unite, the country.

'Man traps' set for Brisbane riders

Aussie motorbike rider Ben Bird is lucky to be alive after crashing into a potentially deadly wire trap while riding through a forest in Queensland.

Bird was riding his motorbike in the Amamoor State Forest, near Gympie, on Tuesday afternoon when he was unexpectedly struck around the neck by a thin piece of wire between two trees at a height most riders’ necks would be.

Saudi minister denies the need for international investigation in Khashoggi murder

Saudi minister of state for foreign affairs Adel al-Jubeir told the US TV programme Face the Nation on Sunday they do not need a UN or international investigation into the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, as its "competent legal system" can handle the matter.

Al-Jubeir says the slaying of the journalist inside the Saudi consulate in Turkey was "a massive tragedy" and denied it was sanctioned by Saudi Arabia's leadership.

Eleven suspects have been indicted and referred to trial in Saudi Arabia with five facing the death penalty.

Thousands protest government talks with Catalan separatists

Tens of thousands of far right protesters are rallying in Madrid today to call on Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to stand down amidst government talks with Catalan separatists.

Protesters say the government is betraying Spain by discussing the Catalonian referendum for independence, despite its public comments condemning the failed bid.

12 separatists leaders face a landmark trial this week, standing accused of provoking Spain’s worst political crisis since it returned to democracy.

Anti-Semitic graffiti appears in Sydney

The appearance of a series of swastikas on a mural and a shop in Sydney's east is being investigated by police.

Officers were called to Queen Elizabeth Drive on Bondi Beach early on Sunday following reports of malicious damage.

Wentworth MP Kerryn Phelps and Liberal candidate for the federal seat Dave Sharma condemn the act, and both state via twitter anti-semitism, racism, and hatred in all its forms has no place in the community.

National survey shows growing support for reconciliation movement

The national reconciliation movement is gaining momentum with the majority of Australians in favour of formally acknowledging the harsh realities of Australia’s shared history with its indigenous population.

Chief executive officer of Reconciliation Australia Karen Mundine says the bi-annual reconciliation barometer survey shows activists are effectively creating a national sense of pride for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Brisbane Lord Mayor chooses French company for Brisbane infrastructure plan

Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk has faced questions from Labor councillors over the choice of a French sports consultancy by the Council of Mayors for South-East Queensland to compile a $62 billion infrastructure plan.

The People Mass Movement study was released in January by SEQ Mayors, of which Cr Quirk is the chairman, and detailed a 20-year infrastructure plan to prevent gridlock and link south-east Queensland into a comprehensive network of rail and road, and to prepare for a future Olympics bid.

Nepalese charity evicted from Brisbane City Council site

Brisbane City Council has evicted a small Nepalese charity from its heritage-listed building after it failed to meet rental payments.

The United Hands Foundation Australia won the bet for the space in 2016 after Brisbane lord mayor Graham Quirk announced the engine room should be allocated to a charity run organisation.

Mr Quirk declined calls for him to personally cover the cost of the unpaid rent, and council says the charity failed the community by neglecting to take advantage of payment plans, business coaching and mentoring services.

Earth's ecosystems threatened by declining insect populations

Earth’s ecosystems could collapse within the century, according to a global scientific review that shows insects populations are under threat of extinction.

The total number of insects is declining 2.5 per cent per year and a third of insects are currently endangered after significant population collapses across Germany and Puerto Rico.

Researchers say insects are essential for the proper functioning of all ecosystems and their decline is further confirmation a sixth major extinction event is impacting life on Earth.