Tropical cyclones likely to increase East Australia

Climate change research has shown tropical cyclones are bringing new regions such as East Australia into the zone at risk.

Professor Stephen Turton has warned that if greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise we could see cyclones from Brisbane to Sydney, or Rome to London by the end of the century.

Professor Turton also believes the maximum intensity of cyclones is set to increase, as temperatures and humidity levels rise.

Suspended Logan mayor hospitalised

Suspended Logan Mayor, Luke Smith, is reportedly in hospital after being released on bail for obstructing a police charge.

Smith is currently facing perjury and corruption allegations following charges from the ACCC in May.

The obstruction charge case will return to court on August 21.

Evacuation as winds almost down crane in Melbourne

300 residents in Melbourne’s eastern suburb of Richmond have been evacuated, with a crane in the area at risk of collapsing due to strong winds overnight.

1,300 properties across Melbourne are still without power as more than 90km/h winds hit the city last night, including 110km/h winds in Port Phillip Bay.

Workers are currently stabilising and dismantling the affected crane.

Victorian former state wards cleared of care charges

Former wards of the state of Victoria will soon have their criminal records cleared of charges related to care and protection cases.

The Children's Court did not differentiate between the child protection and criminal matters it handled until the early 90s, and care and protection cases

Several former wards called for an apology from the state last year, saying the charges have caused them unnecessary trauma and shame.

Criminal cigarette smuggling ring in Jordan has alleged ties to government

The case of a criminal cigarette smuggling ring with alleged political ties is testing Jordan’s new government stance on corruption.

Prime minister Omar al-Razzaz announced the case’s referral to the state security court, reiterating his government’s determination to combat corruption and economic crimes.

Activists often accuse the government of prosecuting minor suspects, while ignoring corruption committed by powerful and politically connected figures.

Wildfires break out across Sweden

Dozens of wildfires have broken out in the forests of Sweden, after months of high temperatures and drought.

Prime minister Stefan Löfven says all resources are being mobilised to prevent a greater disaster and Sweden has asked for help from other nations.

Sweden is currently facing its worst drought in 74 years.

Changes to Child Protection Act aim for better protection

Changes to the Child Protection Act 1999 will give children on custody orders easier access to vaccinations, as well as improved safety planning.

The reforms are part of a multi-stage approach to ensure better safety for all Queensland children, with the next stage including better support for Indigenous children and young people in care to maintain family connections.

The aforementioned changes will come into effect later this week.

Ipswich City Council secretive development arm discovered

Queensland government auditors have discovered a secretive development arm of the Ipswich City Council, having used up to $83 million of ratepayer dollars for property development deals.

Reports also revealed the company donated $10,000 to a school attended by children of three company directors.

Most shockingly, ICP, one of the council-owned companies examined, was set up for a $150 million facelift to the Ipswich city centre which has yet to come to fruition.

Changes to app agreement hope to rectify MyHealthRecords

The Australian Digital Health Agency released an amended agreement to the app companies with access to My Health Record information.

The new agreement will mean company contracts can be terminated on grounds of damaging My Health Record’s reputation.

Telstra, HealthEngine, Tyde and Healthi already have access to My Health Record information such as Medicare records, test results, scans and prescriptions, for their app users to view on mobile phones.