An independent mental health advocate has asked the Western Australian Government to consider banning involuntary patients from Kalgoorie Hospital’s mental health ward in a report that labelled it the worst in the state.

The report by the Mental Health Advocacy Service (MHAS) followed two incidents last year, one where a young person escaped the mental health ward and died by suicide.

Justice Minister Shane Rattenbury has admitted to previously taking MDMA, following calls for pill testing at music festivals in New South Wales.

Mr Rattenbury played a key role in establishing the first pill testing trial in Australia at Groovin' The Moo in Canberra last year.

In a joint letter with Ms Faehrmann, Mr Rattenbury called on Premier Gladys Berejiklian to consider a trial in the state, after suspected overdoses at Australian music festivals resulted in the deaths of six young people this summer.

With an increase of assaults and suspicious behaviour in the Brisbane region, women are encouraged to be cautious when walking alone.

This follows the attack of a 16-year-old girl in Chermside West yesterday.  

The attacker was described as Caucasian, aged in his late 20s to early 30s, and about 185cm tall with a proportionate build.

Police are appealing for anyone who noticed a man acting suspiciously or out of place in Chermside West on Wednesday to come forward.

Ancient myths of the bull shark population in the Brisbane River, colloquially known as the ‘Brown Snake’, have been brought to light recently, when a local riverwalk regular inquired about whether it is safe for dogs to swim in the river.

During the warmer months, rumours of fishermen catching metre-long bull sharks have travelled around the city.  

Queensland Museum ichthyologist Jeff Johnson says bull sharks are a common resident of the Brisbane River, with researchers estimating approximately 1,000-3,000 bull sharks live in the river.

As the weather heats up, Samford Village residents are being warned to stay cautious of wasps in their surroundings when leaving their home.

A man, aged in his 50's, was taken to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital yesterday afternoon after he had been stung multiple times and was in critical condition. The attack occurred on Samford Village’s Main Street.

Scientists say that stinging insect populations thrive in warmer weather, increasing the chances of being stung.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has announced he will break diplomatic relations with the United States, after the Trump administration recognised Opposition Leader Juan Guaido as the Venezuelan’s interim president.

Socialist leader Mr Maduro said he would give US diplomatic personnel 72 hours to leave Venezuela, which is experiencing hyperinflationary economic collapse.

Cambridge University’s Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute has developed and tested an application designed to improve attention and concentration. The app, ‘Decoder’, presents as a game that activates the frontal-parietal network in the brain of players.

A study found that the app’s use for 8 hours over a month resulted in neurological improvements comparable to the achievements of stimulants like Ritalin (methylphenidate).

A young woman has organised an alternative to Australia Day in Darwin, simply calling it ‘January 26th’.

This Saturday, a panel of indigenous speakers - including a state government member - will take part in a talk on the country’s national day at Darwin’s Civic Park.