Politicians seeking more ethical advice

The number of Queensland politicians and bureaucrats seeking advice on ethical issues has risen to a record high.

Under the Ministerial Code of Conduct, ministers are expected to attend a meeting with the Integrity Commissioner at least once a year but this year numbers have increased four-fold.

Commissioner Nikola Stepanov called the increased demand a positive reflection of the current ethical climate.

Backlash over Abbott's new role

Scott Morrison is facing backlash from indigenous leaders after appointing Tony Abbott as special envoy for Indigenous Affairs.

Senator Patrick Dodson has criticised this appointment, calling Mr Abbott’s track record on indigenous issues “ignorant, hopeless and frankly offensive.’

Mr Abbott has faced similar criticism in the past for cutting over $500 million from Indigenous programs in the 2014 federal budget.

Victoria Police corruption

A retired fraud squad detective has accused Victoria’s armed robbery squad of stocking weapons to plant on suspects, and bullying him to keep quiet about the death of a convicted bank robber in 1988.

A sworn affidavit by Bill Nash obtained by the ABC alleges Graeme Jensen was fatally shot by police, who then presented false evidence at the inquest into his death after planting a gun on him.

Jensen’s family are calling for a Royal Commission into his death, further fuelling the investigation into Victoria Police by the State’s corruption watchdog.

United States and Mexico make historic trade deal

The United States and Mexico have made a historic trade deal after months of negotiation.

In light of this announcement, President Donald Trump says he wants to terminate the North American Free Trade Agreement with Canada and change the name of the agreement.

President Trump has threatened Canada with auto tariffs if they fail to reach an agreement.