Single mothers placed on a compulsory welfare program for disadvantaged parents allege they were pressured into allowing private job service providers to collect their sensitive information.

The program is compulsory for those who want to receive parenting payments and are considered “disadvantaged”, but some case workers have told participants that they would have their payments cut if they refused to sign the form and effectively hand over their private and sensitive information.

Weevils from Paraguay may hold the secret to eliminating the destructive aquatic plant Cabomba, according to a new CSIRO study being conducted in Brisbane.

Cabomba is listed as a nationally significant weed which forms an underwater carpet, preventing the growth of other aquatic plants and limiting light for marine life.

The scientists behind the biocontrol experiment say they’re exercising extreme caution to ensure the weevils do not affect any other Australian flora or fauna.

A Southern Queensland local council has called for more funding to upgrade water infrastructure as Roma residents are asked to cut out non-essential water use due to a depleted supply.

The town's water reserves are diminished due to high, heat-related consumption and multiple equipment breakdowns, according to Maranoa Regional Council.

Council utilities spokesman David Schefe says while $10 million per year was spent on upgrading water infrastructure, the "exasperated" council needed more state and federal funding.

Undercover footage that appears to show extremely sick cows being smuggled into a Polish slaughterhouse is raising alarms about standards in one of the EU’s largest meat exporters.

Covert footage in a slaughterhouse in the central Polish region of Mazovia appears to show cows so sick that they are unable to stand up being dragged out of trucks, and sold on with little or no veterinary inspection.

United States government agencies are beginning to come back online after the country’s longest government shutdown ended over the weekend.

Acting White House chief of staff says the 800,000 furloughed employees will receive back pay by the end of the week, relieving the financial strain of thousands of missed debt payments, damaged credit ratings and doubts about future job security.

Athlete turned barrister Zali Steggall is off to a flying start in her bid to seize the Warringah electorate seat from Tony Abbott.

The former alpine skiing Olympian launched her campaign yesterday morning as an independent, and is not shy to the challenge in taking on the former Prime Minister, who has held the seat of Warringah for 25 years.

Flash flooding is affecting far-north Queensland residents as the Daintree river records its highest flood level since 1901.

Flood waters reach heights of 12.4 meters and villages and ferries have been cut off.

Queensland police are urging residents to exercise caution as the rain is expected to continue across the next week and poses a serious threat of injury or death.

South-East Queensland’s mayors have announced plans of 47 road and rail projects across the region completed to prevent total gridlock by 2041 at a total cost of $63 billion.

The plan was announced on Thursday morning with the release of a SEQ People Mass Movement Study, investigating the impact population growth was likely to have on transport issues.

E-cigarette liquid containing nicotine can be lethal to children, according to a new Queensland study published in the Medical Journal of Australia.

Author and manager of the Queensland Poisons Informations Centre in Brisbane Carol Wylie says the number of child poisonings and deaths from e-liquids rise every year.

The paper reports children become exposed through uncapped vials, drinking separated liquid containers, inhalation or eating exposed cartridges.

Venezuelan opposition minister and self proclaimed rightful interim president Juan Guaido says he plans to force acting president Nicolas Maduro from power and re-establish peace and prosperity within the country.

Mr Guaido says international support, opposition unity and strong local support give Venezuela a unique opportunity to leave the chaos and economic devastation behind.

Britain, France, Germany and Spain say they will recognise Mr Guaido as president unless a new election is called within the next 8 days.