Tourism Queensland is facing criticism after two of its executives spent more than twenty-seven thousand dollars to attend the American Burning Man festival. 

The Burning Man festival sees 70,000 people travel to a Nevadan desert for a nine day celebration of community and arts. 

Tourism Queensland has defended the trip, claiming the executives were researching in the hopes of launching a similar festival in outback Queensland. 
 

Queensland Rail chairman Phillip Strachan, and two other board members, resigned yesterday, following an announcement that QR executives would be refused bonuses as the organisation has not recovered from service failures.

The $3.6 million worth of bonuses, which were originally signed off by the QR Board last week, have been blocked by Deputy Premier Jackie Trad, who told executives many  issues with the Queensland Rail service have not been fully corrected. 

Former lawyer Chin-Leong Tan has been appointed Australia’s next Race Discrimination Commissioner, after the position being vacant for two months.

Before his new role, Mr Tan served seven years as the commissioner of the Victorian Multicultural Commission, and over 20 years as a lawyer.

The former commissioner Tim Soutphommasane says Mr Tan will be an independent voice for racial equality, and an effective guardian of the Racial Discrimination Act.

Cristiano Ronaldo is facing sponsorship withdrawal worth $US 1 billion amidst the reopening of a rape allegation investigation.

Las Vegas police have reopened the investigation into the 2009 case that saw Ronaldo settle with a $375,000 payout and a non-disclosure agreement for the alleged victim.

Sponsor, Nike, who had a contract with the Italian soccer player since 2003, and EA Sports, have both issued statements expressing deep concern with the allegations.

New Zealand is the first country to impose penalties for travellers who refuse to disclose phone passwords during forced searches.

A New Zealand Customs spokesperson, Terry Brown, says the government believes the new fine is an appropriate remedy aimed at balancing individuals’ privacy and national security.

The move, which has received criticism from civil liberties advocates, will allow customs officers to prosecute offenders with fines of up to 5000 New Zealand dollars.

Prince Harry is scheduled to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge with the Prime Minister Scott Morrison during the royals upcoming visit to Australia.

Duchess of Sussex Meghan will not join the pair on the climb, the only event the royals will separate for on their first tour to Australia as a married couple.

Harry’s visit will coincide with the Sydney Invictus Games, a sporting competition for war veterans founded by the Prince.   

The Brisbane Times has revealed the Assistant Treasurer Stuart Roberts has been charging taxpayers $2000 a month for internet at his Gold Coast home.

The Federal Member for Fadden, who has a degree in IT, is charging taxpayers for data at a rate 20 times higher than the average politician.

Mr Roberts says the figure was a result of exceeding his data limit of 50GB a month by 250GB.

Overnight storms through Queensland’s south won’t be enough to break drought conditions.

St George received 25 millimetres of rain, while Roma enjoyed 13 after months of dry conditions.

Although locals are celebrating the welcome change, the rain will do little more than top up tanks, as the Bureau of Meteorology says the rain is likely to clear over the weekend.

With a confirmation vote expected this Saturday, US Senators are sparring over an FBI report into sexual misconduct claims against Supreme Court Nominee Brett Kavanaugh.

The FBI’s findings are reportedly being circulated for all 100 senators to read, and while Democrats say it was incomplete, Republicans say it was inconclusive and does not support allegations against Kavanaugh.