Eastern Australia’s low projected grain harvest will harm contract harvesters who rely on the drought-affected crops for income.

Bruce Estens, a contractor who harvests up to 25, 000 hectares of grain from Queensland to Victoria each winter, says 6000 hectares could be an optimistic result this year.

"We're being ravaged, just like the farmers," he says, citing one crop he’s worked on for over 22 years, which was completely wiped out this year.

Wentworth frontrunner has backed out of the liberal preselection to make way for more potential female candidates.

Andrew Bragg said on social media that his withdrawal was necessary to help pave the way for women in parliament.

Bragg’s resignation comes after Julia Banks accused the Liberal party of bullying and intimidating female members.

A Westpac manager has allegedly handed over banking passwords of up to 80 customers to a mortgage broker, breaching customer privacy.

The ABC revealed the data breach is one of 32 big four data breaches disclosed to the Australian Information commissioner.

The allegations come as the banking industry continues to be scrutinised by the financial services royal commission, and as privacy in the age of social media continues to be debated.

Three students have been shot at a school just outside Chicago in the United States, with at least one in critical condition.

The shooting happened just after the school day had finished at 4:30pm local time.

Police say they do not yet know how the shooting occurred, but are questioning two persons of interest.

Japan is facing backlash after proposing to end the commercial whaling ban.

According to the proposal, there is no scientific justification for the ban as certain species of whale populations can be harvested sustainably.

This proposal has been met with opposition from various countries such as Brazil, the United States, and Australia, who agree the ban is necessary for conservation.

A Queensland primary school principal has received an outpouring of social media support for charging parents who drop their kids off early to school.

Burrowes State School principal, Kristine Lemon, advised parents in an email last week that any drop offs before 8:30am would be charged $2.60 per child, including breakfast.

Some commenters said the change was “unfair” to working parents, but others said the fee was cheaper than alternative childcare, and teachers shouldn’t be treated like babysitters.

Thousands of emergency services personnel will be door-knocking across the State this weekend, aiming to connect Queenslanders with people who don’t usually call until the worst happens.

During Operation Knock Knock, residents will be able to ask professionals about their local risks, how to prepare for disaster, and who to contact within the neighbourhood in case of an emergency.

Fire and Emergency Services Minister Craig Crawford said the initiative will provide an opportunity to ‘check in’ with the community before disaster strikes.

Agriculture Minister David Littleproud has introduced legislation to heavily penalise substandard live exports.

In response to widespread live export deaths this year, Littleproud has called upon Labor to pass this bill without amendments.

If passed, company directors and individuals could face up to 10 years in prison, accompanied with fines ranging between $420,000 dollars for individuals and $4.2 million dollars for companies.

Australia’s oldest swimming pool could soon be closed due to the effects of climate change.

Sydney’s Dawn Fraser Baths could face closure if the government doesn’t fund an estimated $6.7 million worth of repairs on the pavilion caused by rising sea levels.

Greens councillor Rochelle Porteous said the job is beyond the capacity of local councils, with the state government needing to step up to save the heritage site.