A New Zealand study has revealed a four day working week is better for businesses and workers.

The trial results found a four day working week meant participants boosted their productivity and 78% reported a better work-life balance and less stress.

The four day working week trial found workers can still complete their jobs satisfactorily with the added benefit of enhanced psychological wellbeing due to feeling more in control.

Rising global demand for cobalt needed for smartphone batteries has led to children in the Congo working in slave-like conditions.

Cobalt is primarily mined in the Democratic Republic of Congo in Africa, known for child exploitation and poorly enforced labour conditions.

Tens of thousands of children are being lured or forced into dangerous mine work in response to the cobalt boom.

Law experts in Australia are calling the conditions in the Congo ‘modern day slavery’ with Amnesty International campaigning for change.

Children in Queensland have a higher likelihood of being killed than in any other state or territory according to a report by Queensland’s Sentencing Advisory Council.

The report found 25% of Australia’s child homicide incidents occur in Queensland and of those cases 60% result in manslaughter charges.

Surveys reveal Queenslanders believe existing penalties for these crimes are inadequate.

The full report will be delivered to the Attorney-General on October 31st.

Many Queenslanders feel like they’re ‘missing out’ despite Australia’s record run of 27 years of uninterrupted economic growth.

A study from the Committee of Economic Development in Australia revealed higher levels of unemployment compared to national average, stagnant wage growth and the rising costs of living were likely factors.

Chief executive Melinda Cilento says 59 per cent of Queenslanders feel like they haven’t benefited from the consistent economic growth or are unsure of what they have gained.

An ABC survey of the elite ‘Group of Eight’ universities in Australia reveals a significant contrast in the universities’ perspectives on international student intake.

Australian National University revealed it will place a reduced cap on total intake, which will affect the recent growth driven by international students.

However, universities in New South Wales, Queensland and Adelaide have pledged to continue the same level of intake.

The collapse of a hydroelectric dam in Laos has caused massive flooding throughout villages in the Attapeu province.   

Currently there are two confirmed deaths but hundreds remain missing.

The Laos Government has labelled the disaster a state of emergency, as 6,600 people are left homeless and waters continue to spread.

Wildfires sweeping through the Greek city of Mati have killed at least 74 people.

Government officials says the blaze broke out late on Monday afternoon and were largely contained by Tuesday evening.

The inferno is the worst to hit Greece since dozens were killed in August 2007.

Hundreds of business leaders are in Brisbane to attend an industry briefing about the $944 million Brisbane Metro project.

The industry briefing will be held for the representatives of local and international companies, where the expression of interest to build the project will open.  

Acting Mayor, Adrian Schrinner, said the briefing would outline the Brisbane Metro’s key milestones and opportunities before the launch of the project.