Freedom of information documents have revealed Question Time files used by the Home Affairs Minister served as empty props, stirring questions on Mr Dutton’s behaviour in Parliament. 

The props - two folders with Tony Burke and Chris Bowen’s names on them - were claimed to be files on all ministerial interventions in visa cases made by the former Immigration Ministers. 

A statement released by the shadow treasurer, Mr Bowen reaffirmed his thoughts at the time - that the folders were full of pages from the phone book. 
 

The Federal Government is defending a push by Labor to refer Coalition MP Chris Crewther to the High Court under section 44. 

The Victorian MP for Dunkley is accused by the opposition to be ineligible due to his $25,000 investment in a biotechnology company which has received Commonwealth grants and funding. 

Following the Government’s loss of their parliamentary majority, if the referral of Mr Crewther is supported by the crossbench and he loses the court bid, a by-election would be triggered in his seat, with polls indicating Labor could win it. 
 

The most up-to-date global satellite images of the world’s coral reefs are now online, as part of joint project by the University of Queensland and Microsoft’s late co-founder, Paul G. Allen.

The images will contribute to the mapping and monitoring project, the Allen Coastal Atlas, to be completed in 2020. 

With high-resolution satellite imagery and advanced analytics allowing for the mapping and monitoring ofthe world’s coral reefs in unprecedented detail, researchers are calling the development a game changer in strengthening conservation efforts.

And in the US, at least 339 openly LGBTIQ+ candidates are running for the midterm election - a record number of people putting their hands up from the rainbow community. 

California has the highest number of LGBTIQ+ candidates at 57, however they’re closely followed by the traditionally conservative Texas, who has 37 candidates. 

Polls will open in just five days, and the Republican party’s narrow hold in some seats such as Vermont could see the first ever transgender governor of a US state in the Democratic candidate Christine Hallquist. 
 

A Japan Airlines pilot arrested before takeoff at Heathrow Airport has admitted to being over ten times the alcohol limit.

Police were alerted to the pilot’s state by a crew bus driver who could smell the alcohol on him when dropping him off at the plane.

It’s reported the pilot had 189 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood in his system.

NASA has sent two miniature satellites smaller than shoe boxes on a mission to Mars, in just a 10cm by 10cm box.

A spokesperson said in order to develop the new satellites, they first had to miniaturise technologies such as a navigation and propulsion system as well as cameras, a battery and solar panels.

Satellites will land on the red planet on November 27, and NASA plans to live-stream the landing.

The Prime Minister has ruled out raising Newstart payments, following news Labor plans to increase the support.

When asked about the unemployment benefit, Scott Morrison said he would raise the pension first, although the Government says it can not afford to increase either.  

Pensioners presently receive $834 a fortnight, compared to the $538 those on Newstart receive.  

Hatchling turtles are at risk of being trapped in their nests, following predictions of no rainfall across the east coast.

On Wednesday, the first turtle came ashore on Bundaberg's Mon Repos beach for the start of nesting season.

In a recent issue of the Australian Journal of Zoology, scientists warned that a lack of rain could mean the sand atop nests can harden, preventing hatchlings from digging their way out.

Queensland’s Container Refund Scheme has officially launched this week, with residents able to swap their plastic drink containers, aluminum cans and beer bottles for 10¢ each.

The long-awaited scheme was first announced by the Queensland government in July 2016.

There are currently 232 collection points across Queensland, with an additional 70 sites expected to open within the next year.