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.

The Indonesian earthquake-tsunami death toll has reached 1,400 this morning and is expected to rise further, now 7 days after the disaster struck.

Entire towns have been destroyed, and authorities say thousands are injured and possibly hundreds of thousands more are displaced from their homes.

If you would like to assist in the rescue effort, you can donate on the Australian Red Cross website, which is conducting search and recovery missions, providing medical services and distributing water and sanitation supplies.

A former ASIC investigator is calling for the 'big four’ insurance companies to join the big banks in facing the Banking Royal Commission. 

The forensic investigator who spent 20 years at the watchdog says PwC, Deloitte, EY and KPMG are likely to have been pressured into approving reports for fear of compromising financial relationships.

Despite damning evidence, a recent interim report from the Royal Commission made no recommendations to the Federal Government, sparking Opposition calls for the Commission to be extended.

Delays in the release of the Federal Government's review into religious freedom are sparking outrage from critics, including former High Court Justice Michael Kirby.

Mr Kirby says secularism in Australian education is at threat, and as the Government have not yet released the Ruddock Report, the basis for giving private religious schools more money, and developing policy, should be considered questionable.

Brisbane based coffee van known as ‘Second Shot’ is giving homeless youth a second chance at life.

Ms Naz Wapau came to Brisbane from Rockhampton with her partner when she was 18 with no money and says she was at breaking point when she was approached by the social enterprise this year.

Operated by young homeless and disadvantaged people, profits from the two vans offers counselling and support for employees to get back on their feet.